Isadora's eyes briefly lingered on Orion's figure as he disappeared from view. She had wanted to plead with him and see if there was a way he could return their Devourer's bracelets, but she couldn't find the right words. 'I'll find a way later,' Isadora thought to herself.
"Come on, everyone, let's head back home so we can inform Father and the others about this new information immediately," Isadora said, turning around and resuming her steps towards their residence, with the two children following closely behind.
Leona and Lyndon nodded solemnly, their expressions serious, as they trailed after her.
In less than an hour, Orion arrived at the Third Border City and swiftly approached one of the Leftward Stronghold Branches. These branches resembled hotels with expansive training grounds where warriors could train, rest, eat, or reside temporarily or permanently.
Upon entering, Orion headed straight for the receptionist's desk. The woman behind the counter recognized him immediately and greeted him with respect. She promptly excused herself and disappeared into the storage room as though she could already guess the reason for his presence. After a few minutes, she returned, clutching a bulky sack.
"Here it is, Warrior Orion," the receptionist said, handing the sack over to him.
Orion accepted the sack with a nod. "Thank you," he replied before exiting the building. He opened the sack and reached inside, retrieving a dissected one-star Vylkr vine.
Due to the Orion's cities and the protection of the Aegis of the Arctic Deity in place, warriors now had the freedom to rest, train, or fight the Vylkr vines that had gathered near the protection barrier. They could also harvest the Vylkr vines to sell at the Stronghold branches, which would be transported deeper into the city or back to the Village, aiding those unable to leave their posts or harvest due to various tasks or limitations.
This opportunity allowed warriors to acquire more wealth, but for Orion, such concerns were unnecessary; the revenue generated by the Orion's Cities would cover any expenses, regardless of how many Vylkr vines he chose to take.
Orion placed the one-star Vylkr vine in his mouth before leaping into the air, heading straight towards the Headquarters Healers' Association Third Border City Branch to check on Tala's and Gorg's condition. He had wanted to do so yesterday but didn't have the opportunity due to the events that had transpired.
Once he landed, Orion swiftly returned to the rooms where Tala and Gorg were recuperating. He knocked briefly on Gorg's door before entering. To his surprise, he found Gorg standing at the far end of the room, energetically training with his cutlass.
As Orion stepped inside, Gorg lunged towards him with his weapon.
Orion reacted instantly, sidestepped, and jumped sideways into the air, using the back of his feet to kick the cutlass out of Gorg's hand. The weapon soared across the room and embedded itself into the wooden wall.
"Ouch!" Gorg grimaced, cradling his wrist and gently massaging it.
Orion raised an eyebrow. "Seems like you're already feeling better."
Gorg turned to face him and nodded. "I actually felt better yesterday. But they decided to keep us for another day to ensure there were no remaining issues from our unique situation that rendered us unconscious," he explained.
Orion nodded thoughtfully. Since Seraphina and Greta were overseeing their treatment yesterday, it made sense for them to conduct thorough examinations to rule out any potential dangers from the four-star Vylkr vines before releasing them.
"I think that's reasonable. After all, considering what happened to all of you, it's important to carry out a proper examination to ensure you're alright," Orion replied.
Gorg nodded. "Of course, I know. However, my sister, parents, and even Salvia were anxious, thinking something terrible had happened to me for me to remain at the healthcare for two more days. Nonetheless, Healer Greta managed to give them an explanation that calmed them down since we aren't supposed to discuss what brought us here," he explained, sighing wearily.
Orion handed a few one-star Vylkr vines to Gorg, who accepted them with gratitude. "Thank you," Gorg said before biting down on the one-star Vylkr vine and allowing the Vylkr energy to accumulate within his body.
"As your best friend, though, I don't like taking advantage of our friendship since hunting Vylkr vines nowadays is dangerous. I would appreciate it if you could put a word for me at the Stronghold so that I could freely gather Vylkr vines from the Strongholds and consume them to advance as quickly as possible," Gorg requested with a hopeful expression.
Orion nodded understandingly. "Is that all?" he asked.
Since Gorg had proven himself as a true friend by assisting in creating attire for his family's roleplay events and everyday wear for his wives, Orion saw no reason to deny his request, especially considering that Gorg might be asking for this due to the danger he had encountered with the others.
"Well… I would like to gather enough to share between Grim and Tala. Also, I wouldn't mind if you could arrange a house for me and Salvia in the First Border City. It's much closer to the Village, so we can visit whenever we wish and easily go to the Second Border City whenever we want," Gorg responded.
"You don't have to worry about Grim and Tala; I've already considered granting them the same privilege. As for the house," Orion replied, feigning a moment of contemplation before nodding in agreement.
"I'll ensure you have one of the finest homes in the First Border City for you, Salvia, and your future children," he added with seriousness.
As Orion finished his sentence, Gorg immediately lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Orion.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Gorg said gratefully.
"Alright, I need to go see Tala and check on her now," Orion said, breaking the hug with Gorg.
"Wait a moment; before you go, let me show you something," Gorg interjected hurriedly, stretching out his hand with the remaining one-star Vylkr vine in his grasp.