The Elf Who Works at Starbucks (eBook, ePUB)

Alderon, a high elf disguised as a barista in Seattle, leads a monotonous life, yearning for adventure beyond the Starbucks apron. His parents, former adventurers, run a bookstore filled with forgotten lore, a stark contrast to Alderon‘s mundane reality. He feels disconnected from his elven heritage, dismissing magic as mere fairy tales. Secretly, he dreams of experiencing real magic and finding a place where he truly belongs, escaping the feeling that he‘s wasting his potential. His world is about to change when a mysterious book appears, promising an escape from his routine life. A strange customer leaves behind an ancient book written in an unfamiliar elven dialect. The book pulsates with a faint, warm energy, drawing Alderon‘s attention. Inside, he discovers a hidden portal to Atheria, a world on the brink of destruction. A desperate plea from a dying mage, Nimue, projects from the book, begging for his help. Alderon learns that he is the only one who can activate the portal and save Atheria from impending doom. He feels a sense of responsibility he can‘t ignore. Driven by a sudden impulse, Alderon recites the incantation within the book, transforming his Starbucks into a swirling vortex of colors and energy. He steps through, leaving behind his old life and entering Atheria. His Starbucks apron magically transforms into a set of leather armor, signifying his transformation from barista to warrior. He knows there is no turning back, his destiny lies in this new world. He embraces the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges await him in Atheria. Alderon arrives in Atheria, a land of stunning beauty and perilous dangers, finding himself in the Sylvan village of Silverstream. He learns that Atheria is fractured, with remnants of advanced magical technology scattered throughout. The Sylvans, elves similar to Alderon, are locked in a losing war against the Grolak, monstrous creatures born from corrupted magic. He is greeted with a mix of suspicion and hope, as his arrival was foretold in an ancient prophecy. He realizes the weight of expectation placed upon him. Alderon struggles to control his dormant elven magic, causing mishaps and endangering himself and others. He is aided by Faelan, a skilled Sylvan mage who becomes his mentor, teaching him the ways of Atherian magic. He also battles Grolak raiding parties, using his modern knowledge of tactics and strategy. He forms a close bond with Lyra, a fierce Sylvan warrior who becomes his protector and friend. He begins to adapt to his new life, learning to survive and fight. Alderon is offered a chance to become the High King of the Sylvans, a position of immense power and respect. Accepting this offer would guarantee the safety of Silverstream and grant him the recognition he always craved. However, it would also require him to abandon his quest to understand the source of the corrupted magic. He must choose between personal gain and the greater good of Atheria. The decision weighs heavily on his conscience. During a major battle against the Grolak, Silverstream is destroyed, and many Sylvans are killed, including Faelan and Lyra. Alderon is captured and witnesses the Grolak using a powerful artifact to amplify the corrupted magic. He feels responsible for the destruction and believes he has failed Atheria. Imprisoned in a dark fortress, stripped of his magic and hope, Alderon plummets into despair. He must find the strength to rise again and fight back. Fueled by grief and a renewed sense of purpose, Alderon escapes his prison with the help of a small group of surviving Sylvans. He confronts the Grolak leader, Vorlag, at the source of the corrupted magic a shattered ancient city.