Chapter 67: Awakening!
Two days had passed since the confidential conclave of the Elven nobles concluded, yet the results had not reached the ears of the public. Still, like wind rippling through treetops, change stirred across Celebi Forest City. Whispers danced in the wind, passing silently between officials, traders, and tribal envoys. Neighboring lands, allied tribes, and old confidants of the Elves sensed movement though they remained unsure of the details. Despite the unease, after brief hesitation, most chose to follow along, wary but curious.
Within the sacred halls of the Nature Healing Pavilion, deep in one of the chambers, a young human floated in rejuvenating liquid. Elton's body was suspended, still and serene, slowly mending from its trauma. Outside the healing chamber, pressed close to the glass, was Shayleaf. Her face was pale and weary, dark circles beneath her eyes showing the cost of her constant vigil.
"You should seriously get some rest," Ramiro muttered, concern thick in his voice. "Elton wouldn't want to see you like this."
Shayleaf barely turned her head, replying softly, "I'm fine."
Zoro opened his eyes from meditation. His voice cut through the air like a blade. "I really respect your loyalty, Shayleaf, But don't selfishly destroy your own vitality. You're not helping him like this. You're only indulging in your guilt. Train, Get stronger, and Break through your limits. Because that guy will wake up and when he does, will you be ready to stand beside him again?"
The words hit like thunder. Shayleaf trembled.
"H-Hey, Zoro!" Ramiro flailed, his voice rising in panic. "That's too harsh, man!"
The door creaked open.
"Little Shay, he's right." A firm, familiar voice echoed into the room. "It's time you stop drowning in misery. You don't want Elton to see you like this, do you?"
All three turned.
Shirleaf entered, her eyes brimming with emotion. Behind her was a figure full of noble elegance, and glowing with a refined, tranquil power. The woman's beauty was undeniable, her aura faintly trembling at the peak of Gold Tier 3. Shayleaf's lip quivered.
"Mama… I-I know…"
Shearleaf smiled and swept her daughter into a comforting hug, gently patting her head. Shayleaf sniffled, her tears finally flowing again. As they embraced, Shearleaf's gaze slid to Elton. Her eyes shimmered subtly as a near-invisible magic pulsed toward him, brushing his body with gentle intention.
Breaking the embrace, Shearleaf approached the boys.
"Thank you, truly," she said with a graceful bow. "For protecting and standing beside my daughter. She's a handful, but your kindness means the world."
Ramiro's face turned crimson. "N-No need to bow! We're comrades! Really! Please, raise your head, madame!"
Zoro smirked. "It's been a pleasure."
Ramiro glared. "Oi, Zoro! Say something proper, you beast! Haaah!"
Shearleaf chuckled, introducing herself. "I am Shearleaf, mother to Shayleaf and Shirleaf. The pleasure is mine."
"Pleasure," Zoro replied with a nod.
Ramiro performed an exaggerated bow. "The pleasure's all mine! And ignore this guy—I think he was raised by wolves."
Zoro grunted. "Coming from the guy who treats life like a tavern brawl."
Laughter echoed through the room. Even Shayleaf smiled.
Just outside, a man stood in silence. Royal elven robes adorned his lean, strong frame, a modest crown nestled in his golden locks. He sighed.
"Humans are so strange… Or maybe it's just these ones." He shook his head. "Still, I get it now. Aeloria wasn't exaggerating. That boy… my daughter's truly become smitten by him and whether its that primal urge due to his power or not well… Heh. But he's an impressive one. No doubt. But no, no I must remain objective. I've yet to speak with him myself. Hmph. Character's what matters… But my daughter does a great judgement of character after all and tends to be kind yet wary of strangers. Just like her old man. Hmph. But—"
He was interrupted.
"What in the world are you mumbling about now?" A graceful female voice questioned behind him.
He stiffened, turning to see a beautiful woman in royal robes, the Fanged Elf Queen. Coughing awkwardly, he straightened up.
"Ah! Nothing. Just checking on things. Making sure there are no disturbances, of course. Now, now, let's move along, Your Highness. Best not to interrupt their rest."
He briskly walked away. The Elf Queen watched him go, then turned her eyes toward the healing chamber, her expression unreadable.
Zoro, Ramiro, Shearleaf, and Shirleaf continued their casual bantering as Shayleaf watched silently from the corner. Her tired smile was faint, eyes drifting again and again to the Healing Pod where Elton floated in the liquid solution of Nature essence.
Then, the faintest of motions stirred the liquid.
A twitch.
Inside Elton's body, four of his special meridians began to rotate. Bits of power radiated through them, sparking with rising intensity. Like grinding gears catching momentum, the meridians spun faster with each passing moment. Deep within him, the sleeping energy began to roar awake.
BOOM!
A small but forceful explosion rocked within Elton's body. Power surged from his muscles to his bones, and even his blood seemed to vibrate with energy. Then, with a pulse of brilliant essence, a fifth special meridian burst open, unlocking a new flow of cultivation potential.
Elton's inner voice let out a grunt-like laugh.
"Alright, it's time to wake up! That Elf girl and those friends of yours have been waiting all this time, but I decided it was best we unlocked the final special meridian instead! We also have to thank that Elf woman for aiding you moments ago to speed up this process. Wake up!!!"
The shock from the breakthrough and that thunderous inner voice shattered Elton's sleep. He groggily began to stir.
Shayleaf, whose gaze had been glued to the pod, shot to her feet.
"Brother Elton moved!!! He moved!!"
The outburst stunned the others. Zoro, Ramiro, Shearleaf, and Shirleaf immediately rushed to the pod. Shayleaf's voice had cracked with emotion.
Shirleaf bolted out the door to fetch a doctor. Shearleaf activated her Transmission Talisman and reported, "There is finally movement from him."
Shearleaf, though composed, couldn't help the swell of joy she felt at seeing her daughter finally smiling again.
Minutes later, several doctors entered. One donned a body barrier suit and carefully stepped into the pod chamber, scanning Elton's vitals and watching for any signs of abnormalities. Soon after, Joe-Pine, Luno-Oak, Dino-Oak, and others who had bonded with Elton entered the pavilion, gathering in awe.
Outside concealing themselves were several Fanged Elves from various factions observing from afar. Their motives were unclear, but they prepared to report anything of note.
Elton's movements became more fluid as he regained more control of his body. And then—
His eyes opened.
His gaze, calm and aware, took in the unfamiliar chamber. He stretched his limbs fully inside the healing liquid, a deep groan escaping him as muscles cracked and blood rushed through his body.
"So, human boy—Elton, was it?" the doctor in the suit asked. "How are you feeling right now?"
Elton gave a bright, calm smile. "I feel excellent..! As a matter of fact, I feel far better than I ever did."
The doctor laughed. "In this Nature Healing Pavilion, there's no way you don't feel like a brand-new man! Hahaha! Well, since you're stable, it's about time you head out. Everyone's waiting for you."
Suddenly, realization hit Elton.
His last memory was inside of the Flying Magical Vehicle with Shayleaf and Seraphiel. He looked around quickly, slightly panicked.
The pod hissed open as the healing liquid drained. Elton stepped forward, only to be immediately tackled.
"Waaaahhh Brother Elton!!! I'm so glad you're alive!! I thought you were going to die! Waaahhhhh!!!"
Shayleaf clung to him, crying freely. Elton, stunned by the emotional reception and seeing so many familiar faces, tried his best to comfort her while laughing nervously.
Ramiro laughed heartily. "Hahahaha! What took you so long to get up? Slept any longer and I would've surpassed you!"
Zoro gave a rare, warm smile. "Heh. So you finally decided to wake up. Do you know how troublesome it was to babysit these two?"
"Oi, Zoro! You picking a fight?! Let's take this outside! Hehe!" Ramiro shot back.
Joe-Pine exaggerated a bow. "Ah, such a grand event! Our hero of the Humans, Elton, returns!"
The room filled with joyous banter and celebration.
Elton smiled wide, warmth glowing in his chest. He mumbled softly, "Thank you guys… Really, thank you."
Through it all, Shearleaf never took her eyes off him. Her initially warm gaze was that of a seasoned hunter stalking for any weaknesses in their prey. Even as she smiled, her mind analyzed every detail. She didn't just completely trust everything that Aeloria reported. There were certain things within his cultivation that just couldn't be seen through. Even a peak Gold Tier 5 like Aeloria with her unique ability couldn't decipher him.
Shearleaf's eyes shifted briefly to Zoro. Aeloria had been so focused on Elton, she barely gave the dark swordsman a thorough glance. But Shearleaf's instincts screamed. Her own unique ability showed something ominous within Zoro. Something dark and sinister deep within But… it was somehow being suppressed somewhat under the influence of Elton.
And then the realization struck.
Aeloria was right.
With these two young men on their side, the Fanged Elf Clan could ascend beyond their limits in the future.!
Shearleaf approached slowly, patting Shayleaf's head as she faced Elton.
"Hello, Elton. My name is Shearleaf, the mother of this little girl here as well as Shirleaf. Thank you for taking such good care of my daughters. And I wish for us to get along as…"
She paused for a slight moment, her eyes locking with his, with a gaze full of strong sincerity and trust.
"…One big family from now on."