The Life Stone, the Strange Actions of the Elves

When Tylen appeared in Thorne's perception carrying an unconscious Shelley, Thorne was genuinely shocked.

He never imagined seeing Shelley again in such a state—gravely injured and delivered by Tylen.

"Lord Lake God, this woman was found unconscious outside the canyon where the Sinking Sand Army is stationed. My clansman recognized her from when she fought the beast tide with you, so I brought her here," Tylen reported.

"Well done. Return now—she'll stay by the shore," Thorne replied.

"Yes, my lord."

Tylen ordered a blanket of beast fur laid out, placing Shelley upon it.

Thorne sensed her condition—better than last time, just exhaustion and overexertion. A few days' rest should suffice.

He paid little heed, refocusing on the underground world, planning to question her once awake.

On the third day, Shelley fully roused. She'd stirred earlier but, unsure what to do, feigned sleep. Three days was long enough—any more risked Thorne's impatience, and the elves were likely closing in.

"You're awake?" Thorne asked playfully.

Shelley felt awkward. Twice now, she'd met Thorne injured. Last time, she'd insisted on leaving, yet here she was again.

"Sorry, my lord, for troubling you once more."

"What happened this time?"

Shelley hesitated, then explained.

After leaving, she'd headed west toward human cities. In one, she heard of the elves' treasure—the Life Stone.

Rumored to grant a dying person renewed vitality, it was akin to a second life—one of the elves' most vital treasures. Somehow, its existence had leaked, buzzing through human cities.

"My master, injured saving me years ago, has been preserved by a secret technique, clinging to a thread of life," Shelley said wistfully.

"So you went to steal the Life Stone from the elves?" Thorne asked, surprised. Was she that strong now?

"Yes, I planned to, knowing my strength wasn't enough. I had to try. But I didn't steal it—someone gave it to me," Shelley said, puzzled.

"Gave it to you? What do you mean?"

"I lurked outside the Elven Forest, sneaking in one night. After much hardship, I reached the Elf King's palace to steal the gem. Suddenly, a mysterious figure captured me effortlessly. When I awoke, I was outside the forest, a green gem in my arms."

"The Life Stone? An elven traitor? Why give it to you?" Thorne pressed.

Shelley shook her head. "I'm clueless. When I saw it, elves started chasing me. I had no choice but to flee toward you."

Thorne pondered, stumped. The elves' scheme eluded him.

Logically, such a treasure shouldn't be continent-wide news, stolen by an insider, then handed to a stranger like Shelley.

Her Transcendent Tier Level 9 strength, though impressive, shouldn't have let her reach the palace undetected and escape.

A thick scent of conspiracy wafted—targeting whom? A self-orchestrated elven ruse, or someone framing them?

"Hm? What's he doing here?" Thorne sensed a fast-approaching figure—Blake, who'd once recruited him.

"A Legendary Tier elf is coming. Don't resist—I'll hide you," Thorne said, stowing Shelley in his system space.

Soon, Blake reached the lakeshore, calling out, "Brother Thorne, are you there? Blake has a matter to discuss—please come out."

Thorne formed a water figure, strolling ashore with a smile. "Brother Blake, long time no see! What brings you here?"

Blake, irked by Thorne's refusal to show his true form, noted the water figure's enhanced vitality, mentally raising his estimate of Thorne's power.

"Brother Thorne, I've come with a favor to ask," Blake said.

"Oh? For you, I'd help however I can. What could trouble a Legendary Tier elf enough to seek aid?" Thorne feigned ignorance, suspecting the Life Stone.

"It's a long story—an embarrassment for my clan. Keep it quiet, Brother Thorne. Recently, while my king and experts were away, someone slipped into the palace and stole a treasure. My king returned furious, ordering a full hunt. The thief's cunning—slipping away repeatedly—led her to this desert."

"Outrageous! Stealing from the elves? Rest assured, Brother Blake, if I spot her, I'll alert you immediately," Thorne said indignantly, slapping Blake's shoulder heartily.

Blake's shoulder sank under the blow, inwardly cursing Thorne's strength while feigning gratitude. "With your word, I'm at ease. Any lead, and my clan will reward you handsomely. I won't disturb you further—I'll go."

"Brother Blake, you rarely visit! Let's chat freely—why rush off?" Thorne called.

Blake, already aloft, waved back. "Thanks for the kindness, Brother Thorne! I must inform others. Next time, we'll talk properly!"

Watching Blake fade into the distance, Thorne smirked.

"Interesting—making a grand show of hunting a thief in the desert."