Carried in Alpha's arms, Hayato soared through the night sky of another world.
The wind whipped against his cheeks as the scenery below rapidly changed.
The palace's glittering towers shrank into the distance, soon giving way to the dark expanse of a sprawling forest.
"Hold on tight!"
Alpha's voice rang in his ears. Feeling the warmth of her body, Hayato instinctively tightened his grip on her shoulders. Though slender, her frame radiated strength.
Suddenly, she began a steep descent. Trees rushed toward them. The moment Hayato braced for impact—eyes squeezed shut—Alpha landed gracefully, gently setting him down on the ground.
"Are you alright?"
She pulled back her black hood as she spoke, her golden hair swaying in the wind under the moonlight.
"Y-yeah… I'm fine. But… where are we?"
"A safe place. For now, at least."
Alpha scanned their surroundings before answering.
They stood before what appeared to be an ancient structure. Its stone walls were partially crumbled, as if long abandoned.
"Let's go inside."
Alpha stepped forward, pushing open the rusted door.
The interior was dark, the air thick with dust.
She lit a candle in her hand, its faint glow barely illuminating the room.
"We should be safe here for a while."
Leaning against the wall, Alpha exhaled softly.
Her blue eyes reflected the candlelight, shimmering with the same mystical beauty Hayato remembered from the dreams.
"You… You're really the elf from my dreams?"
Hesitantly, he voiced the question. Alpha's expression flickered with surprise.
"Dreams?"
"Yeah. When I was little, I dreamed of playing with a golden-haired elf."
Alpha fell silent, her gaze locked onto him. Her blue eyes wavered.
"…To be honest, I was just as confused. I never expected you to appear in this world as one of their summoned weapons."
"I… I still don't understand any of this. Monsters, magic—none of it makes sense."
Alpha's lips pressed into a thin line.
"I believe they're referring to us."
"…What?"
Hayato couldn't hide his shock.
"Alpha…?"
"This world… is nothing like yours."
Her voice was quiet as she stared into the candle's flame.
"This kingdom preaches 'Human Supremacy.' They label all non-humans—elves like me, dwarves, or anyone with traits different from theirs—as 'monsters' or 'forces of darkness.'"
"That's…"
"To them, pointed ears, unusual hair colors, or even different ways of using magic are enough to justify persecution. They've invaded our lands, one after another, slaughtering and enslaving my people."
Her voice carried a mix of anger and sorrow.
"And now… they've begun summoning people from other worlds under the guise of 'heroes.' People like you."
"Why would they—?"
"It's simple. They want obedient soldiers. People from other worlds have no knowledge or power here, making them easy to brainwash. They'll mold you into weapons to fight for their so-called 'justice.'"
Alpha's piercing gaze held his.
"They called it the 'Demon's Power,' but that's nothing more than their prejudice. The truth is, they still don't understand your abilities. That's why they labeled you as dangerous."
"Then… what should I do?"
"You need to learn about your power. Once you do, you'll see what path you should take from here."
Alpha stood up and pulled out a worn-out book from her pocket.
"I think this will help you find the answers."
She opened the book and placed it in front of Hayato. Though the text should have been unreadable, the meaning flowed into his mind as if by magic.
"Fascinating… It seems to resonate with otherworldly magic."
The moment Alpha murmured those words, the pages of the book began flipping on their own, as though guided by an unseen force.
"This is… an explanation of Engraving Magic."
Alpha read aloud with a serious expression.
"Engraving Magic… A spell that grants special abilities by carving specific patterns into another's flesh. Those marked are bound to the will of the one who engraved them. However…"
Alpha hesitated for a brief moment.
"However, the engraving can only be applied to others. It cannot be used on oneself."
"Then… the 'Demon's Power' I used…"
"Yes. You can engrave others. And by doing so, you can make them obey you like servants."
Alpha placed her hands on Hayato's shoulders.
"That's exactly why the kingdom fears you. If your power becomes widely known, they'll try to eliminate you. Because you have the potential to overthrow their rule."
"But… I never wanted…"
"It's alright. For now, they still don't fully understand the extent of your abilities."
Alpha's eyes gazed at him gently.
"Engraving Magic… is an extremely important magic for us."
She closed the book and looked up at Hayato.
"With this magic, our chances of winning the war increase dramatically. We can strengthen our allies."
"But… why me?"
"Simple. Because none of us elves can use this magic."
Alpha turned her gaze toward the window.
"Right now, humans are invading many races, labeling them as 'monsters.' We elves are no exception. But we won't lose."
With a determined expression, Alpha nodded.
"Most elves are a proud race. Each tribe acts independently—rather than helping one another, they sometimes even fight amongst themselves."
"Then that means…"
"Exactly. Even if we win this war, infighting between the tribes will likely follow. And that would only give the humans another opportunity to strike."
Alpha took Hayato's hand.
"That's why we need you. A stranger from another world, yet one who wields the power of Engraving Magic. If you become our king, the elves could unite as one… and finally defeat the humans."
"But… me? A king?"
"I know it's frightening. But right now, there's no other path. If we do nothing, countless lives will be lost."
Her blue eyes locked onto his with unwavering intensity.
"I won't force you. But please consider this—you have the power to change this world."
"That's… too much responsibility…"
"No one starts out perfect. Not even me. But some things must be done, regardless."
Alpha stood and walked to the window.
Moonlight bathed her golden hair, casting an ethereal glow across the room.
"We don't have time. The humans continue their conquest, subjugating one race after another."
She turned back to him.
"Will you come with me? Or…?"
As she waited for his answer, Hayato wrestled with his emotions until finally, he spoke.
"I'll always be by your side."
Alpha's voice was soft but resolute.
"Being king doesn't matter right now. More than anything… I just want to protect you. That's all."
She stepped closer, her gaze piercing.
"Not as a queen, not as a concubine… just as an elf who believes in you. If this world threatens you, I'll be your shield."
"Alpha…"
"You're scared, aren't you? Torn from your world, suddenly told you must be king…"
A gentle smile touched her lips.
"But you're not alone. I'm here. And…"
For a moment, she hesitated—then continued.
"I've seen you in my dreams. Since I was a child. I believe it was fate."
"Really?"
"Yes. So…"
She closed the distance, her fingertips brushing his cheek.
"You don't have to answer now. But… at least come with me."
Hayato fell silent, staring out at the starlit sky—a reminder that this was truly another world.
"…Alright."
Alpha's face brightened at his words.
"I'll fight with you. But about becoming king… I need more time to decide."
She nodded happily.
"That's enough. First, we survive. The rest can come later."
Then, slowly, she leaned in. Her sapphire eyes shimmered, her lips drawing near. Hayato didn't resist, accepting the warmth that met his own.
Their kiss was brief—yet in that moment, time itself seemed to pause.
"I've… waited so long."
Alpha's whisper was barely audible.
"For this day to come."
As her words etched themselves into his heart, Hayato felt it—the beginning of a new life.