"I'll inform the current leader of the Prismerions to prepare to see you when you awaken," Orion responded with a nod.
After receiving Orion's confirmation, Ilse climbed back into bed and quickly drifted into slumber.
While she slept, Orion retrieved his mask from his waist and wore it. The mask immediately wrapped around his face, and he focused on Ilse.
Witnessing the same unreadable energy levels he had seen before, Orion sighed and removed the mask. Ilse's energy level was far beyond the capability of the Energy Mask Spectrometer to calculate, indicating her body might possess equally frightening power. As for why the Crimson Greatsword had been able to slice through her and only leave a nick on the sundial, even he didn't have a proper explanation.
Considering the existence of gods on Earth, Orion knew it was a miracle that the planet remained intact, as any one of them could destroy it several times over. The Vylkr energy might well be a blessing in disguise.
"Are you going to inform her that some Prismerions are serving under you as your Divine Apostle?" Orion asked, shifting his attention towards Aerialia.
"You should know that I never asked for this in the beginning. Naka might have never expected this, intending only to give the Prismerions hope of survival. However, with Ilse's resurrection, there is no need for them to serve me any longer. Hopefully, when she next awakens, we can figure out a way to resolve the mark," Aerialia responded.
Although she knew removing the mark wouldn't be easy since it had persisted despite her death, she believed that with two goddesses working together, they could undo what Naka had done. Fortunately, Ilse had no idea who Naka was, so their romantic relationship was a thing of the past.
Orion nodded in understanding. It would be even better if Ilse wanted to form her own Divine Apostles, as they could help her recover quickly.
Orion gave orders to Morphic Puppet to protect Ilse and attend to all of her needs. He didn't want her to be injured again by coming into contact with Vylkr energy.
After that, he stored the rock and the diamond-like stick. Emerging from the house, he met Greta and told her to halt her studies before heading home to rest and digest all the new information he had just learned.
"Village Chief!" a voice suddenly called out to Orion as he landed within his manor, causing him to sigh tiredly.
Orion looked up to see a warrior flying toward him.
The warrior landed before him, briefly glancing at the Crimson Greatsword floating beside Orion before immediately bowing in greeting. "Chief, we just received information from the Sleeping Fox Runaway City and the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City. Another Grade One Runaway City, called the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City, is heading in their direction and possibly searching for the Divine Artefact, and heading towards the Vylkr alloy mine," he announced, relaying all the information he had received to Orion.
"Have you relayed this news to the Stronghold Leaders?" Orion asked, raising his brow. He hadn't expected another Grade One Runaway City to come rushing toward their direction. The idea that three Grade One Runaway Cities were sent to retrieve the Divine Artefacts from Patriarch Rylan suggested that Lakul and Eleanora weren't fully aware of the capabilities of a Grade Two Runaway City.
"Yes, but they are waiting for your orders before taking action," replied the warrior. Orion nodded thoughtfully. "Send a message back to the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City and The Sleeping Fox Runaway City to capture and subdue the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City. Also, have Stronghold Leader Seth monitor their progress. If anything unexpected occurs, he is authorised to intervene," he instructed, his expression pondering.
He also contemplated seeing how they could enhance the gods' chosen Devourer's bracelet and Gearweaver since the Healers' association could not reproduce a diluted Vylkr energy. While they could not utilise the raw Vylkr energy, they would have to wait until the Healers Association finished assessing every eligible warrior who had reached their full potential, including those with two inner star potentials or fewer.
Although Paradise granted protection to the two Grade One Runaway Cities, they still needed to establish themselves in the world with their help. Therefore, they needed to understand the extent of their abilities.
"Understood," the warrior responded, rising and leaping into the sky, quickly disappearing from view.
"Are you planning to return to your manor to rest?" Aerialia asked.
"No, I'm going to oversee things. As the leader, I can't be absent during this crucial phase," Orion replied with a wide smile.
After learning they had Ilse's protection, Orion couldn't help but feel more confident. He was more thrilled now than ever.
They possessed another valuable ace, which fueled his motivation to grow stronger and further their expansion.
"I'm coming with you then. I'm curious to see how the races of this time compare with those in the past," Aerialia responded, her voice brimming with curiosity.
"Me too. I hope they don't disappoint," Orion said, swiftly ascending into the sky.
Besides an impressive, towering multi-story building near the expansive crater containing the Vylkr alloy mine and guarded by ten formidable warriors effortlessly crushing the approaching Vylkr vines with terrifying might before harvesting them, Commander Vargoth and Sy'ra stood in solemn silence within the fortified perimeter, awaiting response from the mysterious Paradise.
They watched the unfolding scene with dread, curiosity, and interest, particularly noting the identical bracelets adorning each warrior's wrist, ranging from right to left. Their minds raced to uncover the importance of these bracelets, yet none dared speak, fearing unnecessary repercussions.
Suddenly, they spotted a familiar masked figure, accompanied by the same warrior who had left to deliver their message, descending from the sky towards them.
The two landed before them.
Vargoth and Sy'ra swiftly bowed down, offering deep respect as they greeted one of Paradise's Key Leaders. They concealed their immense relief within their hearts.