lirvothethird

  According to the map Ezreal brought, we need to complete the triangle by walking north across the Great Sai desert to return to the port city of Nashramae. Or we could just go east following the river until we arrive at the jungle, before walking the rest of the way to Piltover on the nd bridge.

  "You think we can hop on one of those big things again to cross the Great Sai?"

  I mimed a rge circle with my hands.

  "We got lucky. Besides, how much money and time do we need to spend to get the route? By then, we'll already be back home! Anyways I already remade the raft.

  There's definitely some good stuff in the jungle... If I get some, I'm sure the Explorer Guild will nominate me as rookie of the year."

  Hmm... Wonder if we worried anyone back in Piltover... Nah, no one would be worried right? Everyone we know knows how we are and how capable we are. I ignored the muttering conveniently.

  But I would like a souvenir. Something to remember this journey in the desert. Maybe some gold sand would be nice...

  What if we nab some bricks from the Sun disc?

  "You sure?"

  My thoughts had leaked out a bit.

  "Well... Might as well right? We can take some time to trade for some food and I'll test out if it was you or me who got us discovered."

  "Securi isn't gonna be used at home anyways so might as well. Gimme some of yours."

  A swift pat on the back and he headed off, beelining towards a caravan with some girls. He was either going to get the best deal possible, or spend all of it for a measly amount. Whatever.

  Shaking my head, I go deep under the sand before heading back to the capital. It kept getting rger, as caravans stayed, in a unique building style of having the carriage and animals covered under a shelter as basic ancient style stuff are provided, like a pit toilet, a few bricks for cooking, and a copper pump for water.

  No soldier came near me, proving my assumption correct. The gauntlet of his was definitely the cause. I eventually had to start crawling through the sand as a mess of pipes blocked my way. My destination was clear, a huge chunk of sandstone radiating warmth soon within reach.

  Touching it may alert Him... The leader? Or the owner of the pce...

  It's a wonder I've gotten so far so I shouldn't push my luck. One handful and I scram.

  They wouldn't notice a thing. Probably just a wild animal you say.

  Just imagining it in a posh Piltie accent made me snicker. Shouldn't ugh, can't ugh...

  Heh hemmph cough hack! Hwack cough cough cough

  Choked on my spit. How do I choke on spit but when dirt or sand enters I don't feel a thing? Back to business.

  I moved my hand forwards to touch the stone. It was warm now, but will it stay warm? I scooped a chunk out before leav- and another one, and another. I filled it in with sand before covering it with a touch of stone as I left. The perfect heist. Maybe if I come visit again if it's good.

  First to return. He was st seen flirting with a girl. That means more time to test out this new stuff.

  Now that it was out in open, I could see it for its colors. A grainy golden and dull stone sat in my hand. Furrows were present from where I scooped it out, and the warmth I felt back then was still present.

  Will it lose the heat if I drop it in water? And will it get the heat back if I pce it in a fire?

  I pinched a small amount, rolling it in my hands to form a stick before sticking it in the water, with the tip poking out the water. If it stays warm for a long time it could be useful for mountains or the Freljord cold.

  As I waited for the stick to cool, I started purifying the rest.

  "Good stuff?"

  "First go take care of your followers."

  "Why bother..."

  He grumbled before a rustle was heard behind me as he got up, firing blue arcane shots and shooing away the rats that had followed him.

  I pulled out the stick of 'sunstone'1made up name not canonical, just bringing a connection of Sun disc gradually imbues things with power from the water. The part in the water had cooled down a little.

  "I'm back (once again), got enough for both of us."

  He shook a rge sack of food before dragging the raft onto the water. Carrying the stones on board, I sat down with a thunk. We pushed off the shore as he started to dual wield the poles.

  The I fiddled around a little more before asking.

  "Any ideas on where to use these? They stay warm for longer but I don't know how hard it is. I'm thinking of padding my shirt with it."

  "The pces that get cold are the extremities. Think toes, fingers, nose, ears, and groin. Just make a boxer and some socks."

  "Ughhh. I don't wear socks. But yeah, I'll make some boxers and add some to my shoes."

  "Socks. Socks would be great."

  "Only one pair for you, but I don't know how'd you wear them... Maybe some insoles after mixing with some sand to make it softer? Hmm... If only if there was some bendable stone just ying around here."

  "I think my uncle has some in his collection."

  Gradually more and more greenery spread outwards as the air got more humid and more bugs. Vines bloomed with white and blue flowers as bushes of red flowers parasitized trees above.

  The river got more turbulent, with twists and turns. Small isnds sat in the river, forcing us to steer properly as Ezreal guided us using the sun. Days stretched on with only the passing ndscape changing.

  No new ruins, or jungle altars to be found. Even if there were, it was probably raided already with how close it is to Piltover.

  At long st, the Bridge of Progress and the Hexgates were within sight. We had traveled an entire continent in just a few months.