A sudden commotion erupted in Nenya Village.0

"Heh, I'd drop any foolish ideas if I were you. The moment I sense anything suspicious, this old man's head goes flying," Caron said with a smirk.0

In the small village square, every resident had stepped out of their homes, drawn by the chaos unfolding before them. Trembling, they watched as a lone human held one of their own hostage.0

"Elder!" one of them yelled.0

"You wretched human! Release him at once!" shouted another.0

The elves who were capable of fighting, including the village guards, ground their teeth and glared at Caron. The village elder—the very foundation of their community—was now at the mercy of a human.0

"From this moment on, all of you will follow my orders. Understood?" Caron announced, his grin sharpening. "Now, everyone, listen carefully. Those who were originally from this village, stand to the left of the platform. Those who sought refuge here, stand to the right. Quickly."0

The demand made no sense. The villagers murmured among themselves, exchanging uneasy glances.0

That was when Caron pressed the tip of his blade against the elder's throat, and a thin line of crimson trickled down the old elf's neck. Gasping, the villagers hesitated no longer and began moving, their fear palpable.0

"Good. You're all surprisingly obedient. I didn't expect you to be this desperate to save such garbage," Caron mused. He chuckled, giving the elder a rough punch on the back. "Hey,...0