At the entrance of the garden, four guards held the two wooden sticks connected to the King's bed, supporting it upright. Selene, Crystalia, Iris, and four Crystalforge elite warriors stood nearby.
Meanwhile, Madam Seraphina remained in the Prismerian Healers' sanctuary, diligently checking on Flintor and Elysia's health and ensuring their well-being.
"Mom, do you think he will succeed?" Crystalia asked, her eyes filled with anxiety as she looked at Selene.
Selene sighed, meeting her daughter's gaze, unsure of what to say. Even if the god couldn't immediately rid them of the artefact on them, she acknowledged that Orion had already done more than enough. As long as they were granted an audience with a god who wasn't actively seeking their death, Selene didn't mind if they found a solution or not.
Just having the opportunity to seek aid from a god was an honour she would gladly be satisfied with.
"Don't worry, Princess. Since Mr. Orion confidently claimed he could do it, I'm sure he'll succeed. He's a man of his word," Iris reassured with unwavering confidence.
She held absolute faith in Orion's abilities, eagerly awaiting his return.
Selene chose to withhold her words, nodding in agreement with Iris.
"Yes, I'm sure he will succeed. He said it himself, didn't he? Besides, it's not wise to doubt your partner's capabilities so soon," she responded, offering words of encouragement.
Upon hearing her mother's and Iris's reassurances, Crystalia lowered her head in shame, realizing she was the only one harbouring doubts about Orion's capabilities. As his partner, it felt disloyal to entertain thoughts of failure instead of success.
She sighed inwardly, berating herself for such doubtful thinking.
"Also, I believe that even if he doesn't succeed, the fact that he helped us speak to a god is already enough," Selene quickly added, wanting her daughter to understand the difficulty of Orion's task.
Crystalia nodded in response.
However, something caught her eye just as she was about to speak. Turning around, she immediately saw Orion.
"Orion!" Crystalia shouted at the top of her lungs before racing forward and embracing him.
Orion caught her, wrapping his arms around her.
"Are you okay? How did it go?" Crystalia asked, looking at Orion with hope in her eyes.
Orion smiled in response, nodding. "He accepted," he said, brushing his hand through Crystalia's hair. Her eyes widened in joy as she tightened her embrace, tears of joy welling up.
Orion walked back toward the rest of the group, releasing her and addressing them.
"Good news, he said he will meet you guys," Orion said with a beaming smile directed at King Brylon and Queen Selene.
King Brylon's eyes widened in surprise, but then he closed them, reopening with a peaceful expression.
Meanwhile, Selene's eyes immediately widened in astonishment, then narrowed down. She slowly closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Slowly, she leaned back in Orion's direction.
"Mo…" Crystalia began to say but sealed her lips upon seeing her mother's emotional reaction.
With an overwhelming surge of happiness in her heart, Selene parted her lips and said, "Mr. Orion, thank you for everything you've done for us."
Orion witnessed this and shook his head, responding, "If I'm being truthful, I did this because you are Crystalia's parents. It would be a shame if she gets to make it out of this mountain with only one of you or without you both, so the two of you should try your best to live a little longer, okay?" Orion said with a smile, sighing deeply within his heart.
Listening to Orion's words, not only did Selene's body tremble as several more tears dropped from her cheeks, but even King Brylon felt his eyes become moist and the side of his cheeks slightly wet.
"If this is what it feels like to gain redemption finally, then I'll try my best to live longer," King Brylon said, staring at Orion with a warm smile.
"Alright," Orion responded, "Let's go before he changes his mind."
They all nodded in unison before following closely behind Orion. They finally arrived at the entrance of the passageway.
"We'll go first," Orion said, taking the lead as he walked forward, signalling for Crystalia to follow.
The rest followed suit, entering the passageway one by one.
As they emerged from the passageway one by one, they were met with the awe-inspiring sight of a pair of large, golden, slitted eyes staring down at them, scrutinizing each individual.
For those unfamiliar with this space, an involuntary tension crept through their bodies as a gentle wave of divine pressure brushed against their skin. It became clear to them that they stood in the presence of a god.
Meanwhile, those who had been here before, such as Crystalia and the Crystalforge elite warriors, immediately knelt, pressing their foreheads against the rocky ground.
"WE GREET THE AEGIS OF THE ARCTIC DEITY!"
They erupted in greetings at the top of their lungs with vigour.
The Aegis of the Arctic Deity hummed appreciatively, seemingly acknowledging their vigour and spirited attitude.
"Hmmm… Are they the ones?" The Aegis of the Arctic Deity asked, his gaze fixed on King Brylon lying on the bed and Queen Selene standing beside him.
They both immediately felt a stiffness settle over their bodies, sensing the intense scrutiny of the large pair of golden eyes fixed upon them.
"Yes," Orion responded, signalling for them to step forward.
They walked forward and stood before Aegis of the Arcitc Deity. Selene stood with her head raised, absorbing the glimpse of the god before her, while King Brylon, still lying on his bed, gazed wide-eyed, savouring the breathtaking sight.
"Humph! Close your eyes," the Aegis of the Arctic Deity commanded with a snort.
Instantly, they all snapped their eyes shut as a wave of divine pressure crashed upon them. Suddenly, they felt as though they had been submerged in water, their bodies gradually becoming lighter, forcing them to hold their breath.
Meanwhile, Orion and the others observed with bated breath as the King and queen were enveloped within a vast mass of water, interwoven with several strands of golden threads.