Yome's eyes were fixed on the shadowy figure at the edge of the courtyard. Heart pounding, he clutched his broken sword tightly, preparing for another fight. The figure moved with fluid grace, stepping into the dim light of the fire.

"Who's there?" Yome called out again, but the figure remained silent, its presence imposing and mysterious.

Fear mingled with determination as Yome charged at the shadow with all his might. "I won't go down without a fight!" he shouted, swinging his sword wildly. The figure dodged effortlessly, countering with precise strikes. Their blades clashed, creating sparks that illuminated their fierce battle.

Hours seemed to pass as they fought. Yome's muscles screamed in protest, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His mana was nearly depleted, the Predict skill having given him only slight advantages in predicting the figure's movements. Despite his best efforts, the figure's skill and agility were overwhelming.

Finally, with a swift strike, the shadowy figure disarmed Yome, sending his broken sword flying. Exhausted and defeated, Yome fell to the ground, gasping for breath. The figure stood over him, sword pointed directly at his face.

"Finish it," Yome panted, closing his eyes and bracing for the end.

Instead of a killing blow, he heard a soft rustle. Opening his eyes, Yome saw the figure removing a mask. He blinked in astonishment as a beautiful elf woman with crystal blue eyes, pointy ears, and long blonde hair appeared before him. She looked like a goddess, her presence both intimidating and captivating.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp and clear. "And what are you doing in this abandoned city?"

Yome struggled to sit up, wincing in pain. "My name is Yome. I'm… I'm human."

The elf woman's eyes widened in shock. "Human? But humanity was wiped out long ago. How did you get here?"

"I don't know," Yome admitted, his voice trembling. "I was working on a construction site, fell, and then… I woke up here. I don't even know what this place is."

The elf woman's expression softened slightly. "I am Elara, a warrior of the Elven Tribes. We thought humans were extinct, along with many of our own kind, wiped out by the Demon King."

"Demon King?" Yome echoed, feeling a chill run down his spine.

Elara nodded. "Yes. He's a mysterious and powerful being. No one knows who he is or where he came from, but he unleashed chaos upon this world, filling it with deadly monsters and destroying entire civilizations. Only a few elf tribes and hybrids remain."

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Yome felt a surge of despair. "So, I'm alone in a world filled with monsters?"

Elara's gaze softened further. "Not entirely alone. But we must hurry. It will be Blood Moon in a couple of hours. The monsters will become three times stronger and more aggressive. You won't survive here without protection."

She sheathed her sword and extended a hand to Yome. "Come with me. We need to leave this city and find a safer place."

Grateful and exhausted, Yome took her hand, allowing her to help him up. As they gathered their belongings, Yome glanced at Elara's Grimoire. It was a second-level Grimoire, fire element, radiating a powerful aura.

Name: Elara

Level: 15

Health: 650/750

Mana: 900/1200

Status: Rank 2 (Apprentice Adventurer)

Skills:

- Flame Burst: Unleashes a powerful burst of fire. Mana Cost: 40

- Fire Shield: Creates a defensive barrier of flames. Mana Cost: 60

- Inferno Strike: A devastating fiery attack. Mana Cost: 100

- Heat Wave: Emits a wave of intense heat, damaging all enemies in range. Mana Cost: 80

- Phoenix Flame: Heals wounds with mystical fire. Mana Cost: 50

Unique Skill:

- Dragon's Wrath: Temporarily enhances all fire-based attacks with dragon's power. Mana Cost: 200

Inventory:

- Enchanted Sword

- Second-Level Grimoire (Fire Element)

- Healing Potions

- Mana Potions

- Food Supplies

- Camping Gear

Elara glanced at Yome's broken sword and sighed. "We'll need to find you a proper weapon. This won't do."

Yome nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease. "Thank you for helping me. I don't know what I would've done without you."

Elara smiled faintly. "We elves have a saying: 'In darkness, find the light.' Perhaps you are the light we need."

They packed their bags quickly, preparing to leave the city before the Blood Moon rose. As they moved through the crumbling streets, Yome couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming uncertainty. He had found an ally in this strange new world, and together. They are stepping out of the abandoned city, the Blood Moon rising ominously in the sky, and the distant howls of monsters echoing through the night. Their journey had just begun, and the road ahead was fraught with danger and discovery...