The cold air whipped around, rustling the tree branches and causing the thick grass to sway.
Instead of answering directly, Seig let out an audible sigh and asked his own, "If we were given the chance to go back to the moment when we first learned about the conspiracies against us, would you still choose to follow me?"
Evadne fell momentarily silent, her brow furrowing as she wondered about the significance of her captain's question. Nevertheless, she nodded firmly, "Yes, I would. As the lieutenant of the 2nd unit of the Vanguard team in the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, I'll continue to stand by your side no matter what challenges or enemies we face."
Seig's lips curled into a faint smile as he acknowledged, "Thank you for your loyalty. However, moving forward, we'll be operating under new leadership. As a result, you won't answer me anymore, and you won't have the option to follow me in every decision I make."
"Captain–" Evadne's eyes widened in surprise at his words, ready to retort. Still, Seig swiftly interrupted, "Regardless of what they say, this place might as well be a sanctuary and the safest location in the world. I don't trust myself to avoid making a stupid decision that would end with me being thrown out of here. So, if that time comes, I want you to stop me from my foolishness or act swiftly to prevent further harm. Do I make myself clear?"
Evadne bit her lip and nodded, "Understood, Captain."
Seig's smile grew even brighter as he turned to the Four-eared Elves' gods' chosen, who exchanged brief glances with them at a cautious distance.
Suddenly, lightning struck the earth nearby before dissipating, revealing Orion and Isadora.
Seig, Evadne, and the Four-eared elves vanished from their positions and reappeared before them. They all bowed respectfully to Orion and his assistant Isadora, a gesture they had learned during their time with Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth.
Orion motioned for them to straighten up. "Stronghold Leader Seth and Zogar have assured me of your loyalty and competence. Although I doubt other factors influencing you, I believe them. Today, I'm here to inform you that during our reconnection with the outside world, you'll be tasked with being our guides."
Orion observed the stunned expressions that immediately appeared on their faces.
Flintor quickly regained his composure and said, "This would be an honour, Village Chief. We'll do our best to fulfil our roles as guides to the outside world."
The others nodded in agreement with his words.
"Alright. You might wonder why I asked you to hold the meeting here, right?" Orion's gaze swept across all of them.
They nodded curiously. All of their tests had been within Orion's Cities, so they were curious about why they had suddenly been brought out on the last day.
"As you already know, the warriors are free to explore outside of Orion's Cities as they desire, as long as they help map out each land to create a detailed map of our entire territory. Additionally, they are to observe and assist the Four-eared Elves as they reconstruct Orion's Cities. However, since you will join us below in the outside world as our guides, I will allow you to explore outside Orion's Cities without any restrictions. As long as you follow the rules that Stronghold Leader Seth and Zogar have drilled into you, you can do as you wish until the next two weeks, when we expect the Vylkr Veil phenomenon to disperse," Orion said, observing their swift nods in response.
Though he didn't mind being a little harsh and strict with them, Orion knew they were individuals who had never experienced a world like his. They had been fighting at the forefront for their lives and others, and he realized that to motivate them to do their best, he needed to allow them to experience the soothing serenity of the vegetation and greenery.
This would help them understand that if they were guided correctly, they always had something to return to.
With the territory's current strength, they were far more powerful than before and could even survive against the Vylkr vines on earth without the help of the Primordial barrier. However, that didn't mean they were invincible before the gods, who could easily crush them like flies.
Therefore, instead of charging in blindly and recklessly, Orion approached the situation cautiously.
"Thank you, Village Chief. You have no idea how much this means to me... Sniff," Seig said, his tone filled with gratitude as he bowed. Tears filled his eyes, streaming down to the earth below.
Meanwhile, Evadne and the others bowed even lower, their bodies trembling slightly as they struggled to respond to Orion's words.
'You truly are a good person, Mr. Orion,' Isadora thought, her eyes becoming a little teary as she gazed at Orion.
After spending so much time together each day, saying she wasn't interested in a man like Orion would be a lie. Of course, he had his faults that she disliked, but the things that made her like him were far more significant.
However, she still found it challenging to inform him about her discussion with her father regarding the Four-eared Elves' new living settlement.
"Okay, we'll be leaving. I'll see you all in 15 days," Orion said, taking Isadora's hand and activating his gift. With a flash of lightning, they disappeared from their spot.
Orion stood atop the towering wooden walls of the Second Border City, gazing skyward as his eyes pierced through the Primordial barrier toward the direction of the dissipating whirlwind of Vylkr energy.
Beside him stood Stronghold Leader Zogar, Stronghold Leader Seth, and Fifi.
"The Vylkr Veil phenomenon is dissipating as expected," Stronghold Leader Seth remarked, his eyes narrowed at the dense whirlwind of Vylkr energy.
Witnessing the formation of the Vylkr artefact was a first-time experience, and he was curious about its appearance.
"Yes, as we expected. However, we can't be certain if other Vylkr spawns are still hidden. So, only Stronghold Leader Zogar and I will retrieve the artefact while you and Warrior Fifi stay behind," Orion responded.