The portal's swirling pink energy dissolved around them, and Krad's boots hit solid ground. Birds sang somewhere overhead, and leaves rustled in a breeze that smelled like flowers and rain. Way better than the blood-and-goblin-guts smell from before.
"You know," Hanan said, her voice going all soft and weird, "your aura... it reminds me of someone from the past."
Krad stopped mid-step, whipping around to face her. "What do you mean?"
Her white hair caught the breeze, making her look all mystical and stuff. "There was once a human who bore the mark of the Moon Eater, the mighty Bakunawa."
"The what now?" Krad blinked, then his eyes went wide. "Wait, that weird power surge I felt back there---"
THWACK!
Thick roots exploded from the ground, wrapping around his arms and legs like angry snakes. Before he could even process what was happening, they yanked him straight up into the air.
"What the---?!" Krad thrashed against the vines, his legs kicking at nothing. "Hey! Let me go!"
A tall Elf stepped out from the trees, and okay, Krad had to admit this guy looked cool. Long green hair that looked like it belonged in a shampoo commercial, muscles that said 'I could snap you like a twig,' and eyes that were currently glaring at him like he'd kicked a puppy.
"Who dares trespass in this sacred land?" The guy's voice was all deep and threatening. "Hanan, step back! This human reeks of trouble."
"Trouble?!" Krad struggled harder, the roots squeezing tighter. "I didn't even do anything! Put me down, you overgrown shrub!"
The Elf's eyebrows shot up, and the roots tightened even more, making Krad grunt.
"Drugo!" Hanan's voice cracked like a whip. She stepped between them, her silver hair practically glowing. "He's not an enemy." She paused, her cheeks going pink. "He... he saved me from the Goblins."
Drugo's tough-guy expression cracked. "He saved you?" He looked at Krad, who was now dangling upside-down, his face turning red from all the blood rushing to his head.
"Yeah!" Krad managed to shout. "And this is the thanks I get?!"
"Yes," Hanan said firmly. "He fought bravely, even when he didn't have to. Release him. Now."
Drugo stared at Krad for another long moment, then sighed like someone had just told him he had to do homework. With a casual wave of his hand, the roots vanished.
Krad dropped like a rock.
"Ow!" He hit the ground hard, immediately grabbing his butt and glaring up at Drugo. "You couldn't have put me down gently? Real classy, tree man!"
Drugo crossed his arms, looking completely unbothered. "You should be thankful I didn't turn you into fertilizer."
"Oh yeah? Well maybe next time I'm bringing an axe!"
"I'd like to see you try."
"Enough!" Hanan stepped between them again, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Both of you, stop it!"
Krad grumbled but got to his feet, brushing dirt off his clothes. His stomach chose that exact moment to let out a growl so loud it echoed through the trees.
"So..." He gave Hanan his best hopeful grin. "About that feast you promised?"
Hanan's annoyed expression melted into a smile. "Yes, I remember. A promise is a promise."
"Yes!" Krad pumped his fist. "Finally! All that portal-jumping and getting strangled by plants really works up an appetite!"
Drugo rolled his eyes. "You humans are always thinking with your stomachs."
Hanan turned to Drugo with a little smirk. "Speaking of stomachs, why don't you take Master Krad to your restaurant? You still run the finest eatery in the village, don't you?"
Drugo looked like someone had just asked him to eat a bug. "You want me to host him?"
"That's right." Hanan ignored the way both guys were staring at her. "Make sure he's well-fed. A proper feast, as promised."
Krad clapped his hands together, grinning at Drugo. "Alright, tree man! Show me what you've got!"
Hanan laughed, shaking her head. "I'll catch up with you both later. I have other matters to attend to." She pointed at them seriously. "Try not to kill each other, please."
As Hanan walked away, Krad practically bounced after Drugo down the forest path. The trees gradually gave way to the coolest village he'd ever seen. Houses and shops were carved right into massive tree trunks, with hanging lanterns everywhere and bridges connecting different levels. It looked like something out of a dream.
"Whoa..." Krad's eyes were huge. "This place is amazing!"
Drugo didn't respond, just led him to a huge building that smelled so good Krad's mouth started watering immediately.
"Welcome to my restaurant," Drugo said flatly, pushing open the wooden doors.
The inside was even better than the outside. Tables carved from tree roots, glowing orbs floating everywhere like magic fireflies, and fancy-looking Elves eating elegant meals at every table.
And the moment Krad walked in, everything stopped.
Forks froze halfway to mouths. Conversations died mid-sentence. Every single Elf turned to stare at the scruffy human standing in the doorway.
"Uh... hi?" Krad waved awkwardly. "Don't mind me, just here to demolish your menu!"
Drugo looked like he was seriously regretting every life choice that had led to this moment. He clapped his hands sharply, and a bunch of servers appeared from the kitchen, all looking confused.
"This human," Drugo said through gritted teeth, "has been promised a feast. Give him everything he wants."
The servers exchanged worried glances.
"Everything, Boss?" one of them asked nervously.
Drugo sighed so heavily it could've blown out candles. "Yes. Everything. If he asks for it, serve it."
Krad's eyes lit up like someone had just told him it was his birthday. He slid into the nearest chair so fast he almost knocked it over.
"Okay! Let's start with your finest roasted meats. All of them!" He counted on his fingers. "Then some of that bread I smell—you know, the one that smells like a cloud dipped in butter. Oh! And soup! Lots of soup! Surprise me with the flavors!" He paused, thinking hard. "And don't forget dessert! Pies, cakes, whatever you've got!"
The server's eyes got wider with every word. "Anything... else?"
"Oh yeah!" Krad snapped his fingers. "Drinks! Bring me something sparkling, something sweet, and something with a little kick! And keep it coming!"
The server scribbled frantically on a piece of parchment, looking more and more panicked.
The other Elves in the restaurant started whispering.
"Is he really going to eat all that?"
"Humans have such uncultured appetites..."
Krad leaned back in his chair, completely unbothered, rubbing his hands together like a villain. "You guys don't know what you're missing! A real feast isn't about those tiny little portions, it's about eating until you can't move!"
Drugo stood nearby with his arms crossed. "If you pass out from overeating, I'm not carrying you."
"Don't worry about me, leafy locks!" Krad grinned. "Worry about whether your kitchen can keep up!"
Minutes later, the servers started bringing out the food. And kept bringing it. And kept bringing it.
Platters of roasted pheasant, spiced venison, herb-crusted fish. Baskets of steaming bread that smelled like heaven. Bowls of soup that practically glowed. The table disappeared under a mountain of food.
The Elves watched in absolute horror as Krad dove in, eating like he'd never seen food before in his life. Which, considering he'd been in this world for less than a day, wasn't entirely wrong.
"He's like a wild animal," one Elf gasped.
"Is this what humans call a feast?" another asked, looking faint.
Drugo pinched the bridge of his nose again. "I regret everything."
Krad paused just long enough to raise a goblet of sparkly juice and flash Drugo a huge grin.
"This is amazing! Keep it coming!"
Drugo muttered something under his breath that sounded a lot like "Hanan owes me so big for this."