Zenia trudged through the village, his feet heavy with the weight of his impending military service. He had always known this day would come, but he had never expected it to arrive so soon. As he walked, he couldn't help but think of Elliot, the old man who had served in the Eldorian military, the strongest among the five kingdoms. Zenia sought his advice, hoping to glean some wisdom from his experiences.

As he approached Elliot's house, a figure emerged from the shadows. Robert, the leader of the "stupid gang" as Zenia called them, sneered at him. "I see you got drafted. What has become of the kingdom of Santot, recruiting weirdos that are powerless?"

Zenia's eyes narrowed, his anger simmering just below the surface. "I also wonder why the kingdom of Santot would draft a coconut head like you, who has no brain."

The air was charged with tension as the two glared at each other, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. Robert's face twisted in a snarl, and he took off with his werewolf speed, racing towards Elliot's house.

But Robert's triumph was short-lived. He ran into a massive tree, the impact hitting him hard on the face. "Ohh, that was really painful," he groaned, clutching his face.

Zenia walked past Robert, who was writhing in pain. "Well, what do you expect from a fool?" he said, shaking his head.

Robert cried out, "Stop there, bastard, and help me!" But Zenia ignored him, leaving him to suffer.

As Zenia continued on his way, Robert's voice echoed behind him. "You weirdo, I will repay you for this. Mark my words!"

Zenia didn't flinch, his focus fixed on seeking Elliot's guidance. He arrived at Elliot's house, finding him in the garden, tending to his herbs.

"Ah, Zenia, I see you're preparing for your military service," Elliot said, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and understanding.

Zenia nodded. "Yes, I was hoping to get your advice. You served in the Eldorian military, after all."

Elliot's expression turned serious. "Come, let us talk." He led Zenia to a small clearing, where they sat down on a bench.

"What do you want to know, Zenia?" Elliot asked, his eyes piercing.

Zenia hesitated, unsure where to begin. "I just want to know how to survive. I've heard the military is brutal."

Elliot nodded. "It is. But with the right mindset, you can make it through. Just remember to always keep your wits about you, and never back down from a challenge."

Zenia nodded, taking in Elliot's words. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to make it through.

As Zenia and Elliot finished their discussion, Robert stormed into the clearing, his eyes blazing with anger. "You demon!" he cried out, charging at Zenia like a fearsome beast.

Zenia ran away immediately, hiding behind a huge stone. Robert tried to use his werewolf speed to catch him, but Zenia seemed to always avoid his grip, as though he had already studied his movements.

"Come here, come here zenia", Robert said .

"I will not come!" Zenia taunted. "How can I let you knock out my precious teeth, you barbarian?"

Robert snarled, "Oh, you know I would do way worse to you!"

The two ran around in circles, their antics looking like a game to any passerby. Elliot watched with a mix of amusement and concern. "How I wish they could just be friends," he thought. "They would make an unstoppable duo."

After 30 minutes of chasing each other, they finally tired out. Elliot offered them food, but Robert rushed to eat, making Zenia lose his appetite.

"You pig!" Zenia exclaimed.

Robert looked up, his mouth full of food. "What did you say?"

Zenia pointed at the food. "How can you eat like that? I'm sure your spit is all over the other food."

Robert felt embarrassed, but Zenia's disgust only made him defensive. "If you don't want to eat, don't eat!"

Elliot intervened, laughing. "I wonder how you would survive in the military with this behavior, Zenia. You need to be tolerant towards others."

Zenia protested, " I'd rather not be tolerant than have someone spit on my food."

" Well you are right there", Elliot said laughing.

Elliot turned to Robert. "Yes, Robert, the way you charge at everything with haste will lead to your demise, but it could also lead to your survival if you manage it well."

Robert looked surprised, but then nodded. "Thank you for your advice."

Zenia was shocked to see Robert's gentle side. As they finished eating, Elliot stood up. "It's night already, guys. Head home."

As the night fell, Robert and Zenia walked together, their footsteps echoing in the silence. They had set their enmity aside, and for the first time, they talked like normal people.

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"I'm so anxious about tomorrow," Zenia said, his voice laced with concern. "I don't know what to expect in the military."

Robert nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. I've been feeling the same way. I've heard the training is brutal."

Zenia sighed. "I just hope I can make it through. I don't want to disappoint my mother."

Robert's expression softened. "I'm sure you'll be fine. You're stronger than you think."

As they approached a junction, Robert suddenly stopped and turned to Zenia. "Wait a minute, you're my foe! I can't believe I forgot that for a second."

Zenia laughed. "Oh, Robert, you're so childish. Can't you put aside your anger for one night?"

Robert's face twisted in anger. "No, I can't! You're always mocking me, and I won't stand for it!"

Zenia chuckled. "You're so easy to provoke, Robert. I'm not even trying."

Robert's anger boiled over, and he stormed off into the night, leaving Zenia alone.

Zenia shook his head, laughing. "Babyish behavior," he muttered to himself.

As he continued walking, he couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, he and Robert could put aside their differences and become friends. But for now, it seemed like a distant dream.

The night air was cool and calm, and Zenia felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on.

After a while, Zenia arrived home, his mother waiting up for him. "How was your day, son?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Zenia smiled. "It was fine, Mother. I talked to Elliot, and he gave me some good advice."

His mother nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. Get some rest, tomorrow is a big day."

Zenia nodded and headed to bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. But for now, he just closed his eyes and let the darkness take over.

The sun had barely risen over the horizon when the boys of the village gathered, lined up, and ready to depart for military service. Zenia stood among them, his heart racing with anticipation and a hint of fear. As he scanned the crowd, his eyes met Robert's, who stood with his fellow gang members. Zenia smiled, trying to extend an olive branch, but Robert frowned and turned away.

The captain, a stern-looking man with a thick beard, walked down the line, inspecting the recruits. When he stopped in front of Zenia, he raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with your eyes, boy? You're not a werewolf, are you?"

Zenia's heart skipped a beat. He had always been self-conscious about his eyes, which seemed to gleam with an otherworldly intensity. Before he could respond, a soldier stepped forward. "Excuse me, Captain. We have information on this recruit. He was born with this condition."

The captain's gaze lingered on Zenia for a moment before nodding and moving on. The soldier who had spoken up gave Zenia a subtle nod, as if to say, "You're safe."

With a final check, the captain gave the order to march. The recruits fell into step, their feet pounding the earth in unison as they left the village behind. The villagers, who had gathered to bid them farewell, waved and cheered, knowing that their boys would return as men.

The journey was long and arduous, taking five days to reach the Santot military barracks. The recruits trudged through forests, crossed rivers, and climbed hills, their bodies growing stronger with each step. Zenia found himself walking alongside Robert, who still seemed determined to ignore him.

As they walked, Zenia tried to make conversation, asking Robert about his family and his hopes for the future. Robert responded gruffly, but Zenia could see a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.

On the fourth night, they set up camp in a clearing, and Zenia approached Robert as he sat by the fire. "Hey, Robert, can I ask you something?" he said, trying to sound friendly.

Robert looked up warily. "What is it?"

"Why do you hate me so much?" Zenia asked, his voice genuine.

Robert snorted. "I don't hate you. I just don't trust you."

Zenia nodded. "I understand. But maybe we can start over, try to be friends?"

Robert raised an eyebrow. "Why would I want to be friends with you?"

Zenia smiled. "Because we're in this together, now. We're both recruits, and we'll be relying on each other to survive."

Robert looked away, but Zenia could see the faintest glimmer of consideration in his eyes.

The next morning, they arrived at the Santot military barracks, a sprawling complex of buildings and training grounds. The recruits were greeted by the sound of drums and the sight of seasoned soldiers, who eyed them with a mix of curiosity and disdain.

Zenia felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that his new life was about to begin. He glanced at Robert, who stood beside him, and wondered if they would ever find common ground.

As Zenia and Robert walked into the barracks, they were immediately struck by the diversity of the other recruits. Vampires from different clans, dragon riders, and even a few mythical creatures they had only heard of in stories. But one group caught their attention, and not in a good way - the royal tribrids of Santot.

These tribrids, with their mixed human, vampire, and werewolf heritage, looked down on Zenia and Robert like peasants. Their silk clothes and haughty expressions made Robert feel like he was dressed in rags. "Look at them," Robert muttered to kael one of his friends. "They think they're better than us just because of their bloodline."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "We'll show them what we're made of."

The commander, a grizzled old soldier, stepped forward. "Attention, recruits! Unit assignments will begin shortly. Please note that you will be grouped by race."

The vampires from different clans were placed together, as were the werewolves and dragon riders. But when the commander called out for Zenia, he hesitated. "Captain, what's the story behind this boy's eyes? I've never seen anything like it."

The captain explained, "He was born that way, sir. We have documentation."

The commander nodded. "Very well. You will be assigned to... Unit 7."

Zenia's heart sank as he saw the other members of his unit - a group of weaklings and misfits.

Robert, on the other hand, was assigned to Unit 3, which was mostly comprised of tribrids, including the royal ones who had irritated them earlier.

As they parted ways, Robert whispered to Zenia, "let see who gets stronger"

Zenia grinned. "Let see boy."

The barracks were a labyrinth of ancient stone corridors and dimly lit chambers, the air thick with the scent of sweat and metal. Zenia's unit was housed in a cramped, dingy room, while Robert's unit enjoyed a spacious, well-lit quarters.

As they settled in, Zenia couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. How would he prove himself among these weaklings?

The elf village of El'goroth was alive with activity, the soft glow of luminescent mushrooms illuminating the bustling streets. Children laughed and danced, their delicate feet bare as they chased each other through the crowds. The air was filled with the sweet scent of baking bread and the sound of merchants calling out their wares.

But in an instant, the peaceful scene was shattered. A wave of fiery arrows poured down on the village, burning and killing everything in their path. The elves, caught off guard, ran wildly, desperate to escape the inferno.

A young elf, grabbed her child and sprinted through the chaos, her heart racing with fear. She stumbled, her foot catching on a burning beam, and fell hard to the ground. As she struggled to get up, she saw a group of trolls charging towards her, their eyes glowing with an unnatural hunger.