Several loud hissing sounds resounded in the air as the pain from the aftermath spread through every one of them. However, with no need to worry about their attacks anymore, Orion decided to walk forward and look for Grim.

"HISS!"

CRACKLE!! CRACKLE!!

"HISS!"

The winged serpents continued colliding with the lightning cage net, looking for a way to get in; however, they were all electrified and fell unconscious.

Suddenly, Orion noticed a huge figure up ahead, almost blocking the sun from passing through, and immediately realized it was Grim.

Without hesitation, he transformed his lightning cage net into a three-meter lightning-forged fist and sent it forward.

Immediately noticing Orion's presence, Grim also charged forward to attack. However, before he could move an inch closer, his body was immediately struck by Orion's lightning-forged fist.

Bang!!

His body was knocked off balance, as the lightning-forged fist stunned and electrified him. His senses immediately became distorted as his body tingled painfully, covered in lightning, causing him to hiss out loudly in pain.

Fortunately for Grim, his tough black and silver scales had reduced some of the impact, allowing him to recover his body within seconds.

However, for Orion, this was more than enough.

Orion formed another three-meter lightning-forged fist, and this time, the moment his lightning slammed into the winged serpent, electrifying it, Grim immediately hurtled backwards and collapsed on the ground unconscious before slowly reverting to his normal form.

The red misty gas surrounding him also dissipated into thin air as he did.

Meanwhile, the rest of the smaller winged serpents puffed into a black and silver hue cloud and immediately returned, seeping back into his unconscious body.

From afar, Tala saw this scene and immediately understood that Orion had won the battle and did so easily.

'He's stronger than I had imagined,' Tala thought.

Though she had previously agreed with Gorg's words that this would be a tough battle, witnessing how Orion had easily won against Grim made her sigh deeply at that thought.

With this kind of strength, it's no wonder he managed to handle things on his own with Stronghold Leader Drakar until he was saved and brought back to the Village.

...

"That was a tough battle; fortunately, I hadn't underestimated you and had gone all out in the beginning," Grim said, staring at Orion tiredly.

"Also, you were lucky that I didn't have the chance to bite you, or else you wouldn't have stood a chance," he added.

After the battle had ended, they had to wait until Grim woke up to prepare and head back home.

Orion raised a brow at Grim's words.

"What would have happened if you had bitten me?" Orion asked curiously.

Grim merely smirked.

"It would have been a very dangerous situation," Grim responded.

Understanding that Grim didn't want to reveal more about what his gift could do, Orion merely nodded his head in response.

"Alright, I will be sure to keep an eye on it during our next battle," Orion responded.

"Since we are done, I'll see you guys later; there are some things that I need to take care of," Orion said, shifting his gaze towards Gorg.

Gorg nodded as though he understood the silent message that Orion was passing to him.

"Alright then, we'll meet later. Hopefully, we get to see each other on the borders or even get the chance to be on the same team and work together," Grim responded.

He couldn't pass up the opportunity to be on the same team as Orion since it raised their chances of survival on the borders.

Orion nodded in response. He was sure that from tomorrow onwards, he wouldn't be handling the Vylkr vines on the borders like Gorg, but there was no need to say that, as even Grim might have guessed that already from the events with Stronghold Leader Drakar, or else he wouldn't have made such a statement.

Everyone soon packed their things and prepared to leave. They spent half an hour traversing through the forest until they returned to the road that led back to the Village. Orion, Sura, and Gorg headed towards the farm.

Meanwhile, Tala and Grim returned to the Village to rest and relax, preparing themselves for tomorrow's training.

"See you later, Orion," Grim said, waving his hand at Orion, "You too, Sura. And don't be late for training tomorrow, Gorg."

Tala also nodded, bidding them goodbye. However, her gaze lingered, especially on Orion, before they turned around and focused their eyes on the path before them.

..

Caretaker Shani held her baby in her arms while managing her duties, directing the people before her on what they should do next and inspecting their harvested crops.

Although Orion had suggested she take a break, Caretaker Shani felt compelled to ensure everything was for the day.

Nonetheless, she no longer experienced the same discomfort as before and could now happily hold her son even while working.

Just as she finished her inspection and prepared to move to the next section, a familiar voice interrupted her.

"Caretaker Shani?"

Caretaker Shani quickly turned her head around and was immediately surprised when she recognized the person.

"Village Chieftess," Caretaker Shani greeted, bowing slightly before raising her head.

The Village Chieftess nodded, scrutinizing Caretaker Shani's entire figure.

"I received a message from Thak that you would be taking a day off to mourn your husband's death. What are you doing here?" The Village Chieftess asked seriously, narrowing her eyes and awaiting Caretaker Shani's response.

Caretaker Shani, however, wore a wry smile. "I did take a day off and went to the Village Square today with Orion and his partners, but I returned to make sure everything on the farm went well before my mind could be at ease," she responded.

Although they had returned early due to encountering Sura's parents, there was no need to mention that.

Hearing Orion's name, the Village Chieftess's expression suddenly changed into a deep frown.

"Was he the one who told you to take a day off?" The Village Chieftess asked, her eyes still narrowed at Caretaker Shani as a sudden suspicion in her heart grew stronger.

.....

Author's Note: Would Orion have won the battle if he had fought with only one Vylkr container, or would it have been a draw?