"C–CC Yeill?!"
The tall moon-elf woman stiffened, immediately releasing Kael as if burned.
"Ugh… What's wrong with her…?"
Kael rubbed his arm where she had yanked him.
"Human! Ya alright?" Nibsken ran to him in a panic.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine! Thanks to… that man."
Kael pointed toward the speaker and all his friends finally turned to see them.
Their eyes widened in shock.
Standing before them was a group of Realm Protectors, each from a different night race.
At the front stood an Undead, his skeleton shining with a faint blue aura. He wore silver-striped, bluish-green crystal armor, a sword on one side and a shield on the other.
Beside him hovered an orange Spirit, encased in hard, translucent blue armor, an Enchanted blueish bow, strapped to his waist.
Next was the furious female moon elf, Ar'vel that is now silent, wearing black obsidian armor streaked with gold, heavy chains with razor edges wrapped around her like a warning.
To the left towered a giant humanoid moth, the largest of them all, big black eyes glimmering. His scale-like dark green armor covered his massive frame, and a huge war hammer hung at his hip.
And at the center stood the one who spoke—
a Vampire.
His armor was a deep maroon metal, streaked with strange vein-like red patterns. His skin was pale, his eyes a noble crimson, and two sharp fangs peeked from his lips.
A unique rod hung across his back, and on his shoulder draped a sash, clear fabric striped with red, green, and blue, signifying his rank.
When he spoke, his voice was smooth, refined, and calm
the voice of someone ancient, dignified, and utterly in control.
Liraen's voice trembled as he whispered:
"Kael…
These are Realm Protectors…"
Kael blinked in surprise.
"Realm Protectors…? Seriously?"
Realizing what he had just bumped into, he quickly straightened himself and bowed awkwardly.
"Sorry, I didn't know! My bad!" Kael smiled nervously.
"No problem, child," the vampire replied. His voice was gentle but carried a regal weight. "Tell me… why are you out here at night?"
"Uh—we're just… ugh…" Kael fumbled for words, scratching the back of his head. "What's your name again—?"
"His name is CC Yeill, dwarf! Don't ya be rude!"
Ar'vel suddenly snapped, stepping forward like she was ready to bite.
Kael's eyebrow twitched.
"I wasn't talking to you, moon elf—"
"Oh? What, ya want me to sla—"
"Sigh… Ar'vel," Yeill murmured, calm and almost bored. "Must you interrupt every time I speak?"
Ar'vel froze instantly.
"Y–yes, CC Yeill. I'm… sorry."
Her sharp ears drooped downward in embarrassment.
Yeill didn't scold her further. He simply gave her a small nod, composed and gentle, before returning his attention to Kael and the group his crimson eyes observing them with steady, ancient patience.
"Sorry about that, child…"
The vampire stepped forward with quiet grace.
"My name is Yeill Vladz Elli. As you can see, we are Realm Protectors… though we mostly operate on the night shift."
"Nice to meet you, Realm Protector Yeill!"
Kael reached out immediately as Yeill extended his hand.
Their hands met.
Kael's first thought hit instantly:
Whoa… his hand is so cold. His skin is pale… but this guy… is strong. Stronger than the rest of them…
Little did he know—
Yeill was having his own thoughts.
As they shook hands, Yeill's calm expression barely shifted.
He sensed no Might energy in Kael's body.
No flow.
No aura.
Nothing.
No Might energy at all…? Who is this child? Even if someone hides their Might influence, I can still sense the flow beneath it. But him… there is truly nothing. Impossible…
Yeill released Kael's hand. Kael let go as well.
"You already know my name," Yeill said softly. "It would be improper if I did not know yours, child."
"O–Oh! Yes, sorry, Realm Protector Yeill."
Kael smiled. "My name is Kael!"
Yeill nodded once, eyes shifting to the others.
"I assume these are all your friends, Kael?"
His voice remained calm, composed, and almost noble in tone.
"Yes, Realm Protector Yeill!"
Kael answered firmly.
Yeill nodded in acknowledgment.
Before the silence settled too long, Liraen stepped forward.
"Excuse me, Realm Protector Yeill… but that shoulder sash…"
Liraen's voice trembled slightly.
"Are you… a Commander Candidate?"
All of Kael's friends snapped their eyes toward him.
"A Commander Candidate?!"
Nibsken and Grak'Mar shouted in unison.
Reyvik and Nylum stayed quiet, but even they felt the tension thicken.
Yeill raised a brow, amused.
"Oh? You noticed?"
A small smile touched his lips.
"Impressive knowledge you have there, elf. Your name?"
"M–My name is Liraen Lithair. I'm a Wind Elf."
"Wind elf, hm?"
Yeill offered his hand, graceful and composed.
"You must be training hard to refine that affinity."
He shook Liraen's hand and paused.
"…Hmm. I am… quite familiar with this Might energy."
Yeill released him and studied him with calm curiosity.
"Tell me, Liraen, how do you know about this sash? And… is Kael also a wind elf like you?"
"Oh, I learned it from Commander Aeronis," Liraen answered honestly.
"And Kael isn't an elf. He's a human. I thought CC Yeill had never met one before."
The moment the name Aeronis left Liraen's mouth—
All five Realm Protectors froze.
Even the giant moth stopped moving.
The moon elf Ar'vel stiffened.
The spirit flickered.
The undead's bluish flames wavered.
A single face flashed in all their minds—
the High Elf Commander himself.
Yeill's calm voice returned, but with a new edge beneath it.
"…Commander Aeronis, you said?"
He looked directly at Liraen, needing confirmation.
"Yes… Commander Aeronis Ivan Ashvale Commander of the Eastern Cardinal," Liraen said, speaking the High Elf Commander's full name the only people he truly trusted knew it.
So they know Commander Aeronis… and this Kael is a human…
Yeill finally connected the dots in his mind.
"What a faithful encounter! You're all students of Commander Aeronis, right?"
Yeill asked the group, calm yet commanding.
"Yes, but… only him," Liraen pointed at Kael.
"Oh! So you're the last human that all Realm Protectors around Kalidorra are talking about," Yeill said, clearing his throat.
"Wait… they're talking about me?" Kael blinked, surprised.
"Yes," Yeill continued, a faint smile in his noble tone.
"Funny at first they said you have no Might. But realizing that… to walk this path without it? That is quite brave of you, Kael."
"Heheh…" Kael grinned, a little proud.
"But remember, Kael…" Yeill's voice grew serious.
"Taking this path is no joke. You understand that, right?"
"Yes, CC!" Kael replied firmly.
Yeill nodded. Then he tapped Kael's shoulder and looked at the rest of the group.
"Where are you all heading so late at night?" His tone was calm, steady, and observant.
"We want to go to the NoctaMarket, CC!" Nibsken answered cheerfully.
"Ha! Once again, fate brings us together." Yeill's eyes glinted with amusement.
"We were actually heading there as well. If you don't mind, let's walk together."
The group exchanged glances and nodded.
"Alright, CC. We're on it," Grak'Mar said gruffly.
"Good. Let's go." Yeill led the way, walking calmly in front. Kael followed closely, torchlight in hand.
As they walk, the female moon elf curiosity break the silent
"What's that, human?" the female moon elf asked, curiosity in her voice.
"Y… frrr… frrrr… That's… so interesting…"
The giant moth hummed and shifted closer, clearly attracted to the light.
"Oh! This?" Kael smiled. "It's called a torchlight. I can use it to see because we can't see in the dark."
"You don't seem bothered by it, human, doesn't using light draining so much energy?" Ar'vel asked again, tilting her head.
Sighing, Kael replied, slightly annoyed, "This thing doesn't drain Might energy even if I use it all night. It's basic energy management."
"What did you say?! You tiny human, I could break ya—"
"Don't listen to her, Kael," Yeill interjected calmly. "It's normal for female Moon Elves to be a bit emotional during the 15 moons."
"Alright, CC Yeill!" Kael said, trying to hide a grin.
"So… the NoctaMarket, is it still far?" Kael asked, scanning the dark path ahead.
"Nope… ah! There it is!" Yeill's voice carried a quiet excitement.
All eyes widened as the NoctaMarket finally revealed itself in the moonlight, glowing with countless colored lights, fireflies, and the bustle of nocturnal life.
End of Chapter.