As they stood inside the portal, Bulan could hear the songs of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
"You know," Hanan's voice softened, her eyes filled with a strange, knowing warmth, "your aura... it resembles of someone in the past."
Bulan froze mid-step, looking at her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Hanan nodded, a gentle breeze stirring her silvery hair. "There was a human who bore the mark of the wolf—strong enough to challenge even the Gods themselves. He has the ability that allowed him to transform his very essence, just as you did back there."
Bulan clenched his fists before exiting the portal, recalling the strange surge of strength he had felt, "That strength... it didn't feel like it was mi—"
His words were abruptly cut off as thick, powerful roots shot up from the ground, wrapping around his arms and legs like living chains. His eyes widened in shock as the roots hoisted him off the ground, leaving him dangling helplessly.
"What the—?!" he shouted, struggling against the unyielding vines. "Hey! Let me go!"
From the shadows of the trees, a tall, striking Elf emerged, his presence radiating both strength and elegance. His long, flowing green hair shimmered like cascading leaves, falling over his broad shoulders and framing a chiseled face that seemed carved from stone. His emerald eyes, sharp and intense, locked onto Bulan with an almost predatory focus.
He stopped a few paces away, folding his toned arms across his chest, "Who dares trespass in this sacred land?" His voice low and commanding. "Hanan, step back! This human reeks of trouble."
"Trouble?!" Bulan snapped, still wriggling like a trapped fish. "I didn't even do anything! Put me down, you overgrown shrub!"
The Elf brows furrowed as the roots tightened around Bulan, squeezing just enough to make him grunt.
"Drugo!" Hanan's sharp voice rang out, her silvery hair glinting as she stepped between the two. "He's not an enemy. In fact..." She hesitated, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. "He saved me from the Goblins."
Drugo froze, his fierce expression melting into confusion. "He... saved you?" His gaze flicked to Bulan, who was dangling upside-down now, his face turning red—not from embarrassment, but from all the blood rushing to his head.
"Yes," Hanan said firmly, "He fought bravely, even when he didn't have to. Release him. Now."
Drugo tilted his head, studying Bulan for a moment longer before sighing. With a wave of his hand, the roots released their grip, and Bulan fell unceremoniously to the ground with a loud thud.
"Ow!" Bulan groaned, rubbing his backside as he glared up at Drugo. "You couldn't have put me down gently, huh? Real classy, tree man."
Drugo crossed his arms, unimpressed. "You should be thankful I didn't turn you into fertilizer."
"Enough, both of you!" Hanan interjected.
Bulan grumbled under his breath, standing and dusting himself off. "Fine, but next time I'm bringing an axe."
Drugo raised a brow. "I'd like to see you try."
Hanan let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alright, that's enough from both of you."
Bulan perked up at her words, his stomach letting out an embarrassingly loud growl. He clutched his abdomen and looked at Hanan with a sheepish grin. "So... about that feast you promised?"
Hanan chuckled softly, her expression softening. "Yes, I remember. A promise is a promise. And as a thank you for saving me, you'll get your feast."
Bulan practically drooled at the thought. "Finally! I've been starving since the portal trip. All that world-jumping and root-choking really works up an appetite."
Drugo rolled his eyes, folding his arms. "You humans are always thinking with your stomachs."
Hanan turned to Drugo with a small smirk. "Speaking of stomachs, Drugo, why don't you take Bulan to your restaurant? I trust you still run the finest eatery in the village."
Drugo blinked, momentarily taken aback. "You... want me to host him?" His emerald eyes narrowed as he glanced at Bulan, who was now grinning from ear to ear.
"That's right," Hanan said, ignoring the tension. "Make sure he's well-fed. A proper feast, as I promised."
Bulan clapped his hands together, looking at Drugo with a mock-serious expression. "Alright, tree man, show me what you've got."
Hanan laughed quietly, shaking her head. "I'll catch up with you both later. There are matters I need to attend to. Try not to kill each other, please."
As Hanan walked away, Bulan eagerly followed Drugo down the winding forest path toward the center of the village. The lush greenery gave way to a quaint, vibrant settlement nestled within towering trees, their trunks carved into homes and shops. Drugo led him to a large building with hanging lanterns and an enticing aroma wafting through the air.
"Welcome to my restaurant," Drugo said flatly, pushing open the wooden doors. The interior was cozy yet grand, with tables carved from ancient tree roots and glowing orbs providing soft, magical light.
The moment they stepped inside, the restaurant fell silent. Elegant elves, dressed in flowing robes, paused mid-conversation, their delicate forks and goblets hovering in the air. All eyes turned to Bulan, the scruffy human who stood in the doorway with an eager grin and an empty stomach.
"Uh... hi?" Bulan waved awkwardly. "Don't mind me, just here to demolish your menu."
Drugo pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly regretting every decision that had led to this moment. He clapped his hands sharply, summoning his staff—a group of equally graceful elves who appeared from the kitchen, their expressions confused at the sight of the human guest.
"This human," Drugo said, his tone clipped, "has been promised a feast. Give him everything he wants."
The staff exchanged hesitant glances before nodding. One of them, a slender elf with braided silver hair, approached timidly. "Everything, my lord?"
Drugo sighed heavily. "Yes, everything. If he asks for it, serve it."
Bulan's eyes sparkled like a child in a candy store. He clapped his hands together and slid into the nearest chair. "Alright, let's start with your finest roasted meats. All of them. Then, some of that bread I smelled earlier—you know, the one that smells like a cloud dipped in butter. Oh, and soup! Lots of soup. Surprise me with the flavors. And don't forget dessert! Pies, cakes, whatever you've got!"
The server blinked. "Anything... else?"
Bulan tapped his chin in thought. "Oh, yeah! Drinks! Bring me something sparkling, something sweet, and something with a little kick. And keep it coming!"
The server scribbled furiously on a parchment, looking increasingly alarmed.
The elven patrons around them began murmuring among themselves, their disbelief palpable.
"Is he really going to eat all that?" one whispered.
"Humans have such... uncultured appetites," another muttered.
Bulan, completely unfazed, leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hands together. "You elves don't know what you're missing. A real feast isn't about dainty little portions—it's about eating until you can't move!"
Drugo, standing nearby with his arms crossed, arched a skeptical eyebrow. "If you pass out from overeating, I'm not carrying you out of here."
"Don't worry about me, leafy locks," Bulan shot back with a grin. "Worry about whether your kitchen can keep up!"
Moments later, the servers began bringing out dish after dish. Platters of roasted pheasant, spiced venison, and herb-crusted fish were placed before Bulan, followed by baskets of steaming bread, bowls of fragrant soup, and a dazzling array of side dishes. The table quickly became a mountain of food.
The elves in the restaurant watched in stunned silence as Bulan dove in, eating with unbridled enthusiasm. His speed and efficiency were nothing short of awe-inspiring—and mildly horrifying.
"He's like a wild animal," one elf gasped.
"Is this what humans call... a feast?" another asked, horrified.
Drugo, standing off to the side, pinched the bridge of his nose for the second time that day. "I regret everything."
Meanwhile, Bulan paused just long enough to raise a goblet of sparkling elderflower juice and grin at Drugo. "Keep it coming!"
Drugo sighed deeply, muttering under his breath, "Hanan owes me big for this."