Krad stumbled to his feet, wiping the remaining drool from his chin. His brain still felt like mush from the sheer power of Vice's beauty, but he forced himself to stay somewhat composed.
"Uh… Miss Vice. What brings you here?" Ask Drugo.
Vice's eyes sparkled, her mouth twisting into a wise smirk. "I felt something was off." She folded her arms elegantly. "And, naturally, I had to step in before you two turned half the town into a disaster zone."
"I wouldn't have gone that far." Drugo said.
"Oh, really? Because that whole tree-tentacle stunt earlier practically screamed 'urban demolition,'" Krad retorted.
"Enough." Vice's voice was like a chime, instantly silencing them both. "Hanan," she said, her tone suddenly stern. "There's something far more pressing to address."
Hanan visibly tensed, her silver hair catching the light. "Miss Vice…?"
"Why didn't you fight back against your sister, Bruwa?" Vice's gaze pierced through Hanan.
Krad blinked, the words taking a moment to register. "Wait, wait, wait. Sister? Bruwa is your sister?"
Hanan's hands clenched at her sides, her lips trembling as if the words burned her.
"Yes," she whispered. "Bruwa is my younger sister."
Krad's jaw dropped. The same Bruwa who had mocked Hanan, who had humiliated her without mercy, was her sister? The revelation twisted in his gut.
"But why?" Krad's voice was laced with disbelief. "Why would she do that to you?"
Vice stepped forward, "Because Bruwa has chosen the path of power. Liyab's influence has consumed her."
Krad clenched his fists. "But Hanan," his voice softened. "Why didn't you fight back? You're strong. You could've stopped her."
Hanan flinched, the pain evident in her eyes. "Because she's still my sister."
Silence settled between them.
"She wasn't like this before," Hanan whispered. "We grew up together at the castle. She used to laugh, sing, and dream about exploring the world. But when the Goblin Lord Damos destroyed our kingdom... everything changed."
Before anyone could respond, a loud, unmistakable sound echoed through the tense silence.
Grrrrrrroooowl.
"...Seriously?" Vice raised a perfectly arched brow.
Krad's stomach let out another loud growl, even more obnoxious this time. He hunched over, clutching his belly like it might rebel against him at any moment.
"Ugh... I think I'm dying," He groaned dramatically. "Handsome, we need to head back to your restaurant!"
Drugo immediately scowled, crossing his massive arms. "No."
"No?" Krad blinked, genuinely offended. "But I'm starving! And your food is literally the best thing I've ever tasted. Don't be cruel, Tree Man, I mean handsome!"
Drugo's jaw twitched. "That's exactly why I'm saying no. You ate half my stock last night. If I let you back in, I might as well shut down for the week!"
Krad gasped, clutching his chest as if physically wounded. "You can't deny a starving elf his rights! It's inhumane!"
Drugo glared at him. "You're not even human anymore."
"Demi-human, then!" Krad shot back, puffing his chest.
Vice snorted, barely containing her amusement. "Honestly, Drugo, just throw him a twig or something. Maybe he'll start photosynthesizing."
"Har, har," Krad deadpanned. "I don't see anyone else offering food around here. You're my only hope!"
Drugo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll cook you one meal. One. After that, you're on your own."
"Deal!" Krad's face lit up like a child promised candy. "I'll even help with the dishes! Probably."
Drugo gave him a pointed look, clearly doubting that last part. But with a grumble, he motioned for them to follow.
Even as the tension eased, Hanan's words lingered in Krad's mind.
Bruwa was her sister. And that meant the Rage wouldn't just be a fight for pride or survival.
It was personal.
"Three days," He mumbled to himself. "I'll be ready."
But first, food.
The scent of roasting meat and sizzling herbs filled the air as they stepped inside Drugo's restaurant. His mouth watered just from the lingering smell of last night's feast.
"Sit," Drugo grumbled, gesturing toward a table. "And don't even think about raiding the pantry while I cook."
"I would never," he said, but the innocent smile he flashed did little to ease Drugo's suspicion.
Hanan quietly took a seat beside him, her silver hair draping over her shoulder like silk. Vice settled across from them, studying Krad with an unreadable expression.
Krad shifted under her gaze. "I-is there a problem?"
Vice's lips twitched upward. "No, I was merely wondering how someone with the Moon Eater's mark could still complain about something as trivial as hunger."
"Hey, just because I've got some fancy mark doesn't mean I'm not a growing new elf who needs sustenance." Krad huffed.
Drugo grunted from the kitchen. "You mean the 'smug face' you swore to wipe off in three days?"
Krad stiffened. "That... might've been a heat-of-the-moment thing."
"Typical," Vice mused. "Confidence without a plan."
"I have a plan," Krad protested. "It's just... in the brainstorming phase."
Vice chuckled softly, but before she could respond, Drugo emerged from the kitchen, carrying a massive wooden tray piled high with food. A whole roasted boar, glistening with honey glaze, sat at the center, surrounded by golden-brown bread rolls, crispy herb potatoes, and fresh berry tarts.
Krad's eyes practically sparkled.
"Oh, Great Eldertree, bless this feast."
Drugo gave him a flat stare. "Don't drag the Eldertree into your gluttony."
Krad was already halfway through a bread roll. "Mmph, shuh goohd," he mumbled, crumbs flying.
Hanan shook her head with a soft chuckle, while Vice simply sipped on a cup of fragrant tea. The tension from earlier seemed like a distant memory as the warmth of the meal filled the air. Even Drugo, though he grumbled every now and then, seemed to relax.
"So," Hanan began, swirling her tea thoughtfully. "What exactly is your plan, Master Krad? The Rage isn't something you can stumble through on luck alone."
Krad paused mid-bite. He knew she was right. Liyab and his gang weren't just strong. They were ruthless. And while he wasn't one to back down from a fight, he had to face the facts.
"I'm gonna train." he said firmly.
Drugo raised a brow. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that? You barely understand your abilities. You're still adjusting to your new body. You're an elf now, remember?"
Krad scowled. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder, Tree Man."
"And then there's the mark," Vice added. "The Moon Eater's power is unpredictable. If you don't learn to control it, it could consume you."