The bustling supermarket sprawled before Erend, its lively energy carrying a distinct charm that felt far removed from the serene elegance of the Elven world.


    Vendors advertise their wares and children ran between the stalls, theirughter echoed cheerfully.


    Erend walked beside his family, blending seamlessly into the crowd. Unlike the Elven kingdom, this was a ce of vivid imperfections but this was his home.


    Arty tugged at his sleeve, pointing toward a stand piled high with vibrant vegetables. "Erend, look at those! We should get some for the barbecue!"


    He chuckled, nodding as they made their way over. His sister''s enthusiasm was infectious and her excitement over something as simple as picking out produce brought a wee levity to his thoughts.


    Yes, Erend and his family now are nning on doing barbecue party but just for the three of us. It was of course, Arty''s idea. And Erend thought that it was a great idea.


    "Which ones?" he asked, watching her inspect the vegetables with the seriousness of a seasoned chef.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "All of them!" she dered with a grin, grabbing a handful of plump tomatoes.


    Their mother joined them a momenttere with her calm and purposeful presence.


    "Not all of them, Arty! We don''t eat that much. Just enough for today." She handed Erend a basket, giving him a knowing smile. "Carry this."


    Erend smiled and taking the basket and adding more to it as Arty continued to pick and choose while pouting after being scolded.


    He felt warmth in his heart watching his family safe and happy. It was a stark contrast to the chaos he so often faced, and it reminded him of why he fought so hard in the first ce.


    The lingering anxiety from Saeldir''s message hadn''t entirely faded, but his Archmage friend''s words echoed in his mind:


    "The enemy is just human, Erend. They might be wielding advanced Magic, but they are not beings with otherwordly powerful strength like the Great Cmity. I and ar are more than capable of handling them if he strike decisively and with surprise, while I''m here stay for handling themunication. For now, focus on this time with your family. I know that it is as much a source of strength as your Dragonborn power."


    His lips curled into a small smile as he carried the basket, trailing behind his mother and sister. Saeldir''s words had eased his mind and now he allowed himself to embrace this rare moment of peace.


    At another stall, they purchased fresh cuts of meat, the butcher giving Erend a friendly nod as he wrapped up their order.


    "You''ve got quite the haul there," the man remarked, ncing at the growing pile of goods in Erend''s arms.


    "Barbecue tonight," Erend replied with a grin.


    "Good for you. Family time''s important," the butcher said, handing over thest of the packages.


    And he is right.


    They continued through the supermarket, stopping here and there to pick up spices, bread, and a few treats that Arty insisted on trying. By the time they returned home their arms were full with supplie and their spirits were high.


    Erend set about preparing the barbecue, taking charge of arranging the meat and vegetables while his mother seasoned everything with a mix of herbs and spices. Arty flitted around, taste-testing and offering her unsolicited but enthusiastic advice.


    As the fire crackled to life in their backyard, casting warm light across their faces, the scent of roasting meat filled the cool evening air.


    They sat together around a simple table, sharingughter and stories as the sky above shifted from deep orange to star-speckled indigo.


    For this moment, Erend let himself forget about the looming battles and the enemies that maybe awaiting him in another world. Instead, he focused on the present. The sound of his mother''sugh, the brightness in Arty''s eyes, the warmth of the fire, and the delicious meat.


    This was his anchor, his reason to keep fighting.


    Moments like these were worth every challenge he would face. He will not be corrupted, he promised himself. He''d rather died than be corrupted by the power.


    For now, the world beyond could wait. Tonight, he was simply Erend — a son, a brother, and a man enjoying the love of his family.


    ---


    Back in the war-torn invaded world, ar stood at the heart of themand center with the leader of every divisions. Maps and holographic projections flickered on a long table.


    "We need a clear strategy to deal with the invaders," ar began. "Our strength lies in understanding them before they can overwhelm us. Commander, I want every scrap of information your divisions have gathered. Let''s start piecing this puzzle together."


    Varok nodded, gesturing to his team leaders. "Alright. Let''s start report our findings."


    Varok spoke first.


    "The invaders'' tactics rely heavily on advanced technology fused with Magic power unfamiliar to us. Their infantry is organized and each squad supported by at least one enhanced soldier capable of deploying energy shields. During thest engagement, we identified their weak points. Their power sources are embedded in their lower back, heavily armored but not imprable. Its just so hard to pierce."


    He leaned forward, his silver eyes narrowing. "They prioritize their shield-bearers in the field. Eliminate those and the rest be significantly more vulnerable."


    Lira stepped forward next. "We''ve been mapping their patrol routes and base locations. Their movement patterns suggest a reliance on pre-determined paths, likely programmed into their soldiers.


    "It''s efficient, but predictable. We''ve already begun setting traps in key choke points to disrupt their supply lines. Additionally, their aerial drones operate on a low-frequency signal. With Nerin''s help, we''ve started intercepting and deciphering theirmunications. Though, even when we know all of this, their strength are still overwhelming."


    She paused, her gaze hardening. "There''s something else. They''ve been testing our defenses probably looking for the way to our homnd. They''re nning somethingrger."


    Brogar''s deep voice rumbled through the room next. "We''ve had direct shes with their front-line units. Their technology and Magic gives them the edge in brute strength but theyck flexibility in closebat. Their soldiers are well-coordinated but slow to adapt once their formation breaks. My vanguard has managed to push them back in skirmishes, but casualties are rising. We need better weapons to counter their armor."


    He gestured toward Renna, who gave a curt nod and she continue to give her exnations.


    ---