The Villain's explosive return.

As we entered the temple, the oppressive weight of its ancient walls seemed to close in around me. The air was thick with magic, the kind that wasn't just present in the structure but also in the very heartbeat of the forest. I could feel it pulsing, a quiet hum that resonated through the stones, as if the place itself was alive.

Treyni led the way, her steps light and purposeful. Kaela followed closely behind, her arms still crossed, her eyes never leaving me. She was on edge, and I couldn't blame her. I was a stranger, someone who claimed to know about a future disaster, yet offered no real proof beyond cryptic warnings. The fact that they hadn't outright rejected me yet was a small victory, but I knew that wouldn't last long.

We reached the heart of the temple, a large, open chamber with towering columns carved from the same ancient stone. In the center was a pool of water that seemed to glow with an ethereal light, and hovering above it was a shimmering orb. The orb pulsed softly, matching the hum of the temple, and I could feel its power even from a distance.

"This is where we communicate with the Spirit Elders," Treyni said quietly, her voice reverberating through the cavernous space. "They guide us, protect us. They are the reason our people have survived as long as we have."

I nodded, taking in the sight of the chamber. The orb was mesmerizing, its soft light casting strange shadows across the walls, but I could feel something else. Something dark. A foreboding presence lingered in the air, a whisper of something ancient and powerful that stirred beneath the surface of the temple's magic.

Kaela, ever vigilant, spoke up. "Alright, weve brought you here. Now, tell us exactly what you know about Baki, and how you plan to stop him."

Treyni's gaze softened slightly, as if she was finally beginning to trust me—at least, enough to hear me out. But the tension was still there, thick in the air, and I knew my next words could either seal my fate or give me the chance to prove myself.

I took a breath and stepped closer to the orb. "The monster Baki... he's not just some mindless beast. He's been summoned for a purpose, and that purpose will lead him to destroy the temple shrine of the elves. I don't know when exactly, but I saw enough to know that if nothing changes, the destruction will come."

Kaela scoffed. "And why should we believe you? Just because you say you've seen it?"

I met her gaze evenly. "Because I've seen the signs. Baki is more than just a monster. He's a weapon—controlled by the Demon King, yes, but his appearance here isn't a coincidence. It's part of something bigger, something tied to the very fabric of the story I'm caught in."

Treyni's eyes narrowed, clearly intrigued. "You're saying this is part of a larger plan? Something the Demon King orchestrated?"

I nodded. "Yes. And if the Spirit Humans are going to survive, we need to act before it's too late. I can't control Baki, but I can help you prepare. I can help you evade the attack, maybe even change the course of events."

There was a long pause as Treyni and Kaela exchanged a look, and I could see the wheels turning in their minds. This was it—the moment where they either believed me or sent me away as a liar. The weight of the decision pressed down on us all.

Finally, Treyni spoke, her voice soft but firm. "If what you say is true... then we have no choice but to trust you, at least for now."

Kaela clenched her jaw, clearly not happy with the decision, but she didn't protest. "Fine," she muttered, "but one wrong move, and you'll regret it."

Treyni turned back to the orb, her expression serious. "We need to consult the Spirit Elders. They will know more about Baki's arrival and how to stop him."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'm ready."

As Treyni walked away to inform the elders, I was left standing in the center of the temple, Kaela's sharp gaze still fixed on me. Her posture was stiff, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, a silent challenge hanging in the air. The room felt cold despite the glowing orb in the center, as if the weight of history and secrets was bearing down on me.

"You'd better not be wasting our time," Kaela muttered, her voice low and guarded.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak just yet. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of my words from earlier. They had chosen to believe me, but just barely. I had no illusions about how quickly that could change if I didn't prove myself. My mind raced as I thought about my next move.

The Spirit Humans weren't just powerful—they were ancient, steeped in magic that I could only begin to understand. They had lived for centuries, their knowledge of magic and the world far beyond anything I had encountered. But despite their power, I knew they were not invincible. The coming destruction—Baki—would test their limits, and if I didn't act quickly, even their magic might not be enough to protect them.

Kaela gave me a sharp look before turning on her heel, gesturing for me to follow. "The guest room's this way. Don't think for a second that just because you're here, you're safe. Prove yourself, or you'll find out how the Spirit Humans deal with threats."

I followed her through a narrow corridor, the walls lined with intricate carvings and symbols that seemed to pulse with an energy of their own. The village, as she had called it, was small but well-kept, with an air of quiet power surrounding it.

There was no sign of the usual hustle and bustle one might expect in a human settlement. Here, it was as though everything was in perfect balance, the people as calm and composed as the land they inhabited.