However, they hadn't managed to gather any information on the Prismaflow twins either because they were more secluded, unlike the other clans, and normally kept to themselves. Added to the fact that they were one of the Major Clans, it wasn't surprising that they couldn't find anything worthwhile.
"My name is Conrad Prismaflow, the eldest heir of the Prismaflow Clan. If you win, unlike the eldest heir of the Luminaris Clan, I can only grant you three wishes. However, if I win, I only hope to restore the honour that my fellow Clan Heirs have lost in front of everyone here today by defeating you," Conrad introduced himself.
"My name is Arylen Prismaflow, the youngest heir of the Prismaflow Clan, and I promise the exact same thing as my brother," Aeryn said, introducing himself as he nodded in agreement with his twin brother's words. They both observed Orion, waiting for his response.
Orion raised his brows in surprise, sensing that Merida and the twins were stronger than two of the clan heirs he had already faced. Realizing they were prepared to challenge him, possibly pushing him to unleash more of his strength, he turned around to face the King and Queen.
"Before I proceed, I want everyone, including the royal highness, to bear witness to their promises so that there's no backing out of fulfilling them."
Listening to Orion's words and realizing he was addressing them specifically, King Brylon felt conflicted. At first, he knew the Major Clans might renege on their promises, but with Orion being a foreigner from outside the mountain, he had planned to leverage his power and influence to ensure they fulfilled some of their commitments.
This was essential to elevate their status in Orion's eyes, especially after witnessing his extraordinary abilities in the recent battle. They had initially considered coercing information out of him, but it had become clear that this approach wouldn't have worked.
They were fortunate they hadn't attempted it, given the unknown strength of those from Orion's village who might come seeking him.
King Brylon took a deep breath, fully aware of one vital truth: the Prismerian Kingdom was in no position to engage in a war with anyone at this juncture. In fact, he harboured deep concerns that their internal conflicts might destabilize the kingdom, eventually leading to its collapse after centuries of existence. This was precisely why he had invited Orion to the banquet just two days after the young man's arrival in their kingdom.
But now, as he was uncertain about the best course of action, King Brylon turned to his wife upon hearing her voice.
"After the banquet ends, dispatch messengers to every major clan whose clan heir has made a promise and gauge their responses. If they refuse to uphold their commitments, appropriate consequences shall befall them, including revoking eligibility for their clan heirs to ascend the throne."
"Should the Prismerian heirs make promises or vows they cannot honour, they and their entire clans must bear the consequences," Queen Selene said, her voice infused with commanding authority and unwavering seriousness. "The Prismerian Kingdom has no use for rulers who break their word or for spoiled individuals who fail to recognize that their words hold the key to our escape from this forsaken mountain."
King Brylon acquiesced to his wife's words with a nod. Although he had wanted to say something, the gravity of her demeanour, which she reserved for moments when her intentions were unwavering, led him to turn back to face Orion, who had been patiently awaiting his response.
"Ahem! Very well, I, King Brylon, along with the entire Prismerian royal family, stand as witnesses today as the major clan heirs make their promises and vows. Should they fail to fulfil their commitments, they will face appropriate consequences and potentially lose their eligibility to ascend the throne. The Prismerian Kingdom has no place for successors who cannot uphold their word. Consider this my solemn pledge to you," he declared.
As soon as King Brylon finished responding to Orion, the ears of everyone present, from the Major Clans to the smaller minor clans and the city families, perked up in astonishment, shock, and disbelief.
Even some of the Major Clan members frowned as they finally comprehended the stakes of this battle.
It had become apparent that this was an opportunity to thin the ranks of heirs vying for the throne.
And based on King Brylon's earlier words, they were all certain that it was a significant one.
"So I'll have to give it my all," Merida Luminous said, clicking her tongue in annoyance. She swiftly drew her sword from her waist and activated the Luminous Clan's initial stage specialties.
Calming down her breath, she activated her elemental ability, channelling it into her left hand, causing a scorching crimson wave of flames to envelop her blade.
She couldn't forget that Orion possessed an elemental lightning ability, possibly even stronger than her sister's. Planning to go all out from the start, she also activated one of her clan's intermediate specialties.
Elemental Amplification!
This was an advanced variation of 'Radiant Fusion,' allowing them to magnify their elemental abilities by infusing them with radiant energy.
Within seconds, her sword began to pulse and radiate brightly, brilliant strings of light interweaving with her flames and thoroughly enveloping her blade.
Observing that the eldest heir of the Luminaris clan was prepared, the Prismaflow twins readied themselves as Orion turned to confront them.
Seeing that they were all prepared to go all out against him, and remembering that he had been relying solely on the remnant Vylkr energy coursing around his body, Orion, for the first time, contemplated tapping into the Vylkr container within his heart.
However, he swiftly restrained himself from doing so. He still hadn't fully grasped the extent of his own strength, and deciding to utilize his Vylkr containers might prove to be excessive. This could result in a similarly unpleasant situation to what had transpired between him and Maya.
Instead, he immediately activated his gift.
"CRACKLLEE!!" "CRACCKLLE!"