Chapter 322: Sparks of Conflict

**Thelma Zane’s POV:** The mission had progressed with unnerving smoothness, a rare occurrence that made me uneasy. I hoped fervently that nothing would disrupt our progress, but fate had other plans. The first sign of trouble came when the scouts reported spotting elves nearby. My heart sank at the news. When they confirmed that the elves were heading directly for us, I immediately issued orders to abandon our original route. We needed to exit the forest through the shortest path possible. The team quickly stashed their combat gear and assumed the guise of a civilian scientific research group. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but we had no choice. The situation demanded discretion, for a diplomatic incident with the elves would be a spectacle no one desired, especially in the absence of any substantial results regarding the wanderers. Despite our precautions, the worst came to pass. A commanding voice rang out from the distance. “Halt! I am Captain Kaya of the third patrol unit. I