With a resolute nod, Celeste quickly responded, "Don't worry, I won't hesitate to inform Orion about everything. While I expect him to be surprised, I firmly believe that he will handle this news much better than I initially did." she reassured, a gentle smile gracing her lips. With a tender touch, Celeste lovingly caressed Grandma Celia's back, her soothing gestures aimed at calming the emotional storm within her.

After hearing Celeste's assurance, Grandma Ingrid rose from her seat and nodded in acknowledgement. "We will take our leave now," she announced, her gaze drifting momentarily towards Grandma Celia. The unspoken concern flickered in her eyes, prompting Celeste to swiftly address it. Sensing the unspoken worry, she reassured Grandma Ingrid, "Don't worry about her. I will ensure that she has all the time and space she needs here before returning."

Grandma Ingrid nodded in appreciation, recognizing the need for privacy and personal discussions between Celeste and Grandma Celia. Understanding that her role had come to an end, she nodded once more at Celeste, then turned to address the women behind her. One by one, they stood and made their way out of the room, each going about their daily responsibilities. Grandma Meldra, however, faithfully followed Grandma Ingrid's lead, knowing they were headed for the farm.

As they walked a certain distance away from the compound, Grandma Meldra abruptly turned her head toward her long-time friend. Her voice held a knowing tone as she spoke, "I know what's on your mind." Startled, Grandma Ingrid flinched momentarily, yet swiftly regained her composure. Clearing her throat, she replied with feigned ignorance, "I have no idea what you're talking about, Meldra."

Grandma Meldra let out a snort in response, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach as she glanced down at it. "I witnessed your little stunt, and honestly, I can't blame you for your actions. I feel the same way," she admitted with a chuckle, fully aware that they all shared similar sentiments --except for Celia, who already carried what they all desired. "But if you truly want to achieve your desires before it's too late, you better shed that attitude before any of us outsmart you. Especially Derry, who seems to be the only one brave enough to voice our collective thoughts," she added, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Grandma Meldra gently rubbed her stomach before retracting her hand and delivering a firm slap to Grandma Ingrid's protruding buttocks. As Grandma Ingrid's buttocks jiggled from the impact, she halted her steps, turning to face Meldra with a tense disapproving frown.

However, Grandma Meldra continued walking ahead, completely disregarding Grandma Ingrid's disapproving frown and the fact that she had stopped behind her. "You should start searching for an approach before it's too late. Or better yet, try to establish a friendly connection with him. I've heard he doesn't judge based on appearances like most men do," Grandma Meldra's voice trailed off as she spoke, leaving Grandma Ingrid to contemplate her words.

Shaking her head in resignation, Grandma Ingrid let out a weary sigh, quickening her pace to catch up with Meldra's retreating figure. "Oh, and remember, we have no idea how the Village Chief will react to this news. So, if you insist on being stubborn and distant despite having such an incredible opportunity right in front of you, I won't hesitate to leave you behind and secure my own desires first," Grandma Meldra's final words echoed in Grandma Ingrid's mind, spinning her thoughts into a frenzy as she mentally prepared herself for her next encounter with Orion.

.................

"Haaaaa... Haaa....." Orion exhaled loudly; his breaths laboured as he fought to maintain his balance. He could barely stand on both feet, opting to kneel down on the charred, blackened ground to alleviate some of the strain. "I don't think... Haaaaaa... I can continue any longer... Haaaaa..." Grim, Tala, Gorg, and Ursa mirrored his exhaustion, their heads nodding in agreement. The weariness had permeated their beings, sinking into their very bones, causing sharp spasms of pain whenever they attempted to activate their powers or control the chaotic surge of Vylkr energy coursing through them.

"Warrior Jean..." Grim finally couldn't contain his agony any longer and voiced out his pain. However, Warrior Jean swiftly interrupted him, rising from his position and making his way towards them, shaking his head wearily. "What is it? Didn't I tell you guys that you don't necessarily need your gifts to become skilled warriors?".

Tala interjected, her voice filled with frustration, "But..."

"But what?" Warrior Jean retorted, his gaze fixed on the heavily breathing Tala, his eyebrows raised inquisitively. "Unlike yesterday when you all slept through the day for good reasons, did it never occur to you that one day you might have to fight without using your gifts? Or fight without pausing until your bones start to break and your muscles ache?"

Warrior Jean picked up a Vylkr vine from the ground, tearing a piece out with his teeth. "Hold on for a minute," without waiting for a response, he turned around and began walking in a certain direction, until he abruptly stopped at a distance from them and retrieved a hidden bag behind a tree.

Using the same stride he had used to walk towards the tree, Warrior Jean swiftly returned to their side, turning the bag upside down. To their surprise, their cutlasses, which they had used the day before, tumbled out. "As someone who doesn't consider himself an irresponsible or unfair teacher," Warrior Jean explained, "I had asked the warriors tasked with clearing the area to keep your weapons safe. Now you can retrieve them and continue with your work."

Gulping down the last remnants of the Vylkr vine in his hand, Warrior Jean's gaze didn't linger on their expressions. He turned around, ready to leave, but then abruptly paused, his head swivelling back towards them, as if a forgotten thought had suddenly resurfaced.

"And in case you feel like your very flesh is on the verge of ripping apart from exhaustion," Warrior Jean continued, his voice carrying a sense of reassurance amidst their fatigue, "know that it's the Vylkr energy at play. It's seizing this chance to rebuild and fortify your body, ensuring it can flow seamlessly through every fibre by the time you regain your full strength. Just allow it to do its work and concentrate on accomplishing your own tasks."