Kled's Return

The visitor was an elderly man, accompanied by two teenagers. ♝🐜 👌🎈

If I remember correctly, this old man is the housekeeper here, I think his name is Wells.

As they walked, they grew curious, and one of the boys asked the old man, "Grandpa Wells, were these flowerbeds like this when we left?"

"I'm puzzled too. It looks like it was just trimmed, but the messy state doesn't seem like it was specially tidied up. Let's go, it doesn't matter who's been here, we need to clean it up quickly."

Now that they're back, there's no need for me to hide anymore. I was about to go out and greet them when I suddenly remembered that the color on my body hadn't returned to normal yet.

Going out like this would inevitably scare them, so I had no choice but to find a secluded place to continue hiding.

These are special times, and people need Camille's permission to go out. Generally, no one goes out unless it's something important.

What are those three doing out here?

When the group came inside, I noticed they were all carrying leather bags and picking up toys scattered on the floor.

So that's why they came here. People are too busy with production to make toys for their children, so they have to come and collect these old ones.

Children's growth is important at any time. If we neglect to love them because of disasters, they will grow up to be indifferent to the world.

The group worked tirelessly until dark before leaving, collecting three large bags of toys – quite a feat! If it weren't for my health, I would have gladly helped them take them home.

For three days straight, I hid in the house until the fourth day when the changes in my body were finally no longer noticeable!

I tried moving my hands and feet and gathering my strength, but found that nothing had changed. The Living Outerwear seemed to have completely disappeared. I just didn't know if it would still be effective when I went outside.

I hope LeBlanc isn't playing a prank. It would be too embarrassing if I got caught by a monster after I went out!

I went to Rappor's stronghold wearing a tattered cloth and told him that I had accidentally torn my clothes while practicing the Wind Riding Technique.

He certainly didn't doubt me. He found a soldier of similar build to me and got a set of clothes, so at least I wasn't practically naked anymore.

Walking back from Rappor's stronghold, as I passed Silvan and Jikerd's camp, I heard a great commotion inside, as if they were celebrating something.

When I went inside, I found Kled there!

Kled has been missing since the end of the Vastaya War. Although everyone believed in his strength, no one was confident that he could survive against an opponent like the Vastaya.

Silvan and Jikerd were very sad at the time, but now they are overjoyed to see Kled return, which explains the lively celebration.

Kled was surprised to see me. "You're really well-informed, Yasuo. I just landed and you're here."

"Maybe this is what they call telepathy, haha... Why did it take you so long to come back? Has your injury healed?"

"Actually, it wasn't long. I was injured by the Vastaya, Skaarl took me directly to the Yordle world. I rested for less than four days. It should have been two or three months for you guys, right?"

"Uh... okay, it really hasn't been that long."

Kled didn't tell me the details of the battlefield, but I knew pretty much everything. In any case, it's good that he's safe and sound.

I didn't rush back; I stayed here to celebrate with them for a while, mainly to explain the current situation to Kled.

He possessed the will to fight, but the disgusting appearance of the Void Creatures did not ignite any passion for battle.

As for the defensive position, since Silvan and his team are relatively weak, let's send him back to the main force!

Another day of drinking and merriment passed, and when I returned to the base, five days had already gone by since I set off.

Sivir remained there, seemingly bored, since there was no one else around, only a flock of giant sheep.

"You're finally back! I thought you'd disappeared again!"

"No, I saw LeBlanc, but something unexpected happened along the way, so I was late getting back."

"You saw her? What's the deal with the Black Rose?"

"She and Ryze are in cahoots; they're both using the Void to create so-called purification, but they can move freely outside because of the Living Outerwear..."

I told Sivir about my experiences over the past few days, and she was very surprised to learn that I had put on Living Outerwear:

"You really trust her that much? What if she wants to turn you into a monster?"

"No, LeBlanc, like Shetaka, wants me to stay away from the war, I don't know why."

"Perhaps it's because you're a big variable. Think about it carefully, how many things have you changed since you came into this world?"

"Haha, there are too many to count. I participated in the entire War of the Allied Powers, the War of the Vastaya, and the War of the Shadow Isles, including the current War of the Void. However, even though they know I am a variable, they still haven't eliminated me, which means they are also expecting some changes."

So you've decided to go out and see the world?

"Yes, I'll sneak to the other side in a bit and see if the monster attacks me. If not, I'll continue forward."

"But what if something unexpected happens after you go deeper into the interior?"

"If I focus on escaping, I should be fine. I can't be afraid of this or that, otherwise we'll always be in a passive defensive situation."

"Alright, be careful then. I'll continue to defend here. But honestly, it's incredibly boring!"

"Then you can go to the eastern outpost and call Huo Su over. She doesn't know you're back yet, and she'll be very happy to see you!"

"That's the only way..."

We chatted about the topic of Huo Su for a while longer, until I quietly left the front line in the afternoon.

Since retreating to the Heart of the Land, I've ventured out no more than ten times, and never gone far. I hope this time I can evade the monsters' notice.

As dusk fell, I climbed a big tree and waited nervously for the monsters to arrive. Soon they surged in, carrying with them a frenzied aura!

I've encountered them hundreds of times, and every time I see them, I get goosebumps, especially when I'm alone and up close.

The ones at the front are all fast-moving monsters; they didn't notice me, which means I've successfully concealed my presence!

After a while, the giant monsters caught up, along with quite a few flying insect-like or bird-like monsters. A few of them paused briefly as they passed by me, but quickly continued on their way.

Alright, so many monsters have passed by, which means I can definitely sneak in!

I just don't know if they have thoughts. Now that the main force is advancing, will I be suspected if I retreat alone?

With that in mind, I decided to wait a while, and then retreat together after Sivir and the giant sheep have driven them back!