"Because the power I set upon it had already weakened to the extreme. In less than three days, the power covering it would completely dissipate."
"It was only natural that he would take this opportunity to try sacrificing himself to the Elf Tree."
Shen Yi spoke casually, but Xilos's gaze abruptly flickered.
However, Shen Yi was not finished.
"Besides, my power defended against external forces. In other words, I would not care whether anyone inside had designs on your so-called Elf Tree, nor would I take any precautions."
"I'm talking about you."
"Even now, do you still not know why Kolun made such a choice?"
Shen Yi glanced at the bewildered Xilos, the disappointment in his eyes barely concealed.
"..."
In silence, Xilos rapidly reviewed everything she knew. She could not understand what she had done wrong to prompt Shen Yi to say such things, much less why Kolun's sacrifice was inextricably connected to her.
"It's simple."
"Because you're too weak."
Shen Yi stated it flatly, then removed the gray time field around Kolun. The moment Kolun reappeared, he saw a confused and hesitant face. Before he could say anything or assess his surroundings, Shen Yi left behind those words and departed with Natalie.
Mountain City, the former site of the Shelter.
After Shen Yi left that day, the entire Mountain City Shelter entered a state of dissolution. Not only had its population dwindled to less than a fraction of what it once was, even the maids who had originally only handled Shen Yi's daily needs had begun maintaining the Shelter on their own.
This was still Mountain City's Shelter, but it was completely different from before.
After all, if Shen Yi's residence had not been here, there would not even have been this many people left behind to look