Azarok nodded in response, feeling a lump in his throat.
Stronghold Leader Zogar reciprocated with a nod, shifting his focus to Orion. "I'm quite curious about the Runaway Cities, but since they'll be here in a few hours, I'm willing to wait and join you in meeting with them," he stated.
Orion acknowledged the importance of having Stronghold Leader Zogar present in case of any issues.
Thirty minutes later, Stronghold Leader Zogar, Fifi, and Seraphina emerged from the immense crater.
Seraphina approached Orion with a container holding Vylkr alloy. "You were right. These Vylkr alloys are crucial for making the Devourer's bracelet and Gearweavers. With this material, we can forge more Vylkr Fusion Armlets," she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
"Since that's the case, let's wait for the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City and the Sleeping Fox Runaway City to arrive before we commence mining," Orion responded with a smile, understanding the significance of the Vylkr alloy mine's discovery for their territory's progress.
Seraphina nodded in understanding, her gaze shifting between Azarok and his unit as she gathered more information about the Runaway Cities.
Using her Crystalforge clan abilities, Seraphina created a shaded area for Orion and the others to relax while awaiting the cities' arrival.
Meanwhile, Seig, Evadne, Leif, and the others, now allowed to demonstrate their usefulness, were tasked with clearing away encroaching Vylkr vines.
A fascinating behemoth-like contraption shaped like a tortoise emerged from the horizon, gradually approaching them. Within moments, another imposing behemoth of equal size, this time resembling a fox, appeared behind it.
Orion, Seraphina, Stronghold Leader Seth, and Zogar stood up from their seats, taking note of their arrival.
Azarok and his unit also peered into the distance, their expressions solemn as they contemplated the decision made by the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City before their approach.
Would they clash head-on against their mysterious group, each unleashing their full force for a chance to acquire the precious Vylkr alloy mine, or would they seek forgiveness and submit their Runaway Cities to them?
They could do nothing but wait and watch to see what would unfold.
The Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City soon arrived, and its massive form began to move around in circles.
The thunderous footsteps echoed through the air as multiple figures descended from the creature's legs to its underbelly. Each person was dressed uniquely, some in plated armour, others in leather, and a few in a mix. Some wore clothing that exuded a magical aura to those who could sense it.
Despite their variety, they all shared one commonality: They wore large metallic bracelets on their wrists and wielded oversized weapons with surprising finesse, as though these weapons were mere extensions of themselves.
They were all gods' chosens from the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City.
As the numbers continued to swell, with each descending figure adding to the spectacle, there were now about 7,000 gods' chosens surrounding the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City as it made its circular movements. They were organized into teams, further divided into units, and then regrouped into smaller clusters spread across the area.
Observing this vast assembly, Orion couldn't help but recall Seig's earlier explanation about the criteria for a Runaway City to be classified as a grade 1 Runaway City, requiring a minimum of 200 gods' chosens.
Initially, he had envisioned only a few hundred members at most. But, after Seig, Evadne, Leif, and the others and Azarok provided detailed explanations, he realized they likely numbered in the thousands. However, seeing and confirming the actual sight firsthand was a different experience altogether.
Orion remained unfazed, neither frightened nor tense, as he assessed the situation. Despite the impressive numbers of the gods' chosens, their energy readings appeared surprisingly weak to him.
"Energy level - 500 BEM."
"Energy level - 1,060 BEM."
"Energy level - 1,100 BEM."
"Energy level - 1,111 BEM."
"Energy level - 1,020 BEM."
The BEM readings ranged from 250+ to 1,440+, with only a few reaching the higher end.
Knowing that Fifi, Stronghold Leader Seth, and Zogar had also obtained readings, Orion saw no need for further explanation.
Seraphina was unsure about the enemies' strength without testing their abilities. However, observing Orion and the others' relaxed demeanour, she realized that despite their formidable numbers, the gods' chosens were not as powerful as they initially seemed.
Soon, the Sleeping Fox Runaway City also arrived, walking in circles like the previous Runaway City. Some of them took flight to survey the surroundings before landing. They all had pigmented violet curved horns, wings, and violet skin, while others, akin to Evadne, had dark blue curved horns and blue skin, though they lacked wings.
Among them were winged bird-like humanoids, their avian features, including beaks and talons, making Orion think of the tengus back on Earth. Lastly, there was a race with humanoid traits but adorned with fox-like ears and two to four tails extending outwards from their back.
Surprisingly, their numbers were no less than 6,400 gods' chosens, a figure lower than that of the Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway City.
Azarok and his unit watched the unfolding scene with tense bodies, anticipating the events about to transpire.
Meanwhile, Seig, Evadne, Leif, and the other gods' chosens, along with the ten three-star warriors, remained on high alert, ready for any impending danger.
Although they trusted in Orion's and the Key Leader's strength, it was normal for them to feel tense and cautious in front of such an immense number of gods' chosens.
As the numbers began to converge, some of the gods' chosens on each side started eradicating the Vylkr vines in the region. In contrast, others cleared a secure path toward Orion, Stronghold Leader Seth, Zogar, Seraphina, Fifi, and the others.
On one side - the Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway City - eight individuals approached, surrounded by a group of gods' chosens. On the other side - the Sleeping Fox Runaway City - another group of eight individuals encircled by gods' chosens.
Orion and the others surmised that these were the leaders of each Runaway City. Soon, they each arrived before them.