The more they were aware of the truth, the less easily they would be misled or make erroneous decisions. Therefore, he answered all their questions and provided them with the information they required.

"So you're saying that goddess Ilse died in such a manner?" Queen Selene asked, her body trembling as her expression filled with fear and disbelief. She had always believed that goddess Ilse died when they crossed into this world because that's what the ancient codex had told them.

However, after hearing Orion's explanation and understanding, not only did goddess Ilse protect her ignorant ancestors, but she also had an intimate relationship with Naka before dying in such a heartbreaking way from her body being slowly devoured by the Vylkr energy.

After learning that the possible remains of her Goddess were within the Village Chief's compound, she almost attempted to run towards it and destroy it for a proper burial.

However, after realizing that it was what specifically kept this floating territory in the air and secured its protection, destroying it might lead to their demise. She couldn't help but slump back weakly in her seat.

Orion shifted his attention towards her and nodded, "I'm sorry, but that is how everything transpired," he responded, sighing in defeat.

He knew this story would affect Queen Selene, Crystalia, and every other Prismerion who heard it, but he had no choice but to present everything the way he had seen it.

'You don't deserve this, Goddess Ilse,' Queen Selene thought, her fists clenched and her head lowered as she held back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

Witnessing this scene, Orion's shoulders slumped heavily in defeat.

The Village Chief cleared his throat and spoke, "So, since the Vylkr energy, which is the will of Omnithriallian, emerged from Aegis of the Arctic Deity and spread due to Naka's experiments and the recklessness of the manmade gods, isn't it safe to assume that the only reason the Vylkr vines keep reemerging no matter how long they've been destroyed is because of the gods?"

"Can you explain, Village Chief?" Caretaker Ivor responded, furrowing his brows as he fixed his gaze on the Village Chief.

Everyone within the hall focused on the Village Chief, listening closely to his words.

"What I'm trying to say is that the Vylkr energy, born from the will of the Omnithriallian, will persist as long as the gods exist. We now understand the growth pattern of the Vylkr energy, from its initial form after consuming most of Paradise's inhabitants to taking on the form of vines as the optimal means of growth."

"Also, it can assume any form under favourable conditions, as evidenced by the strange creature Aegis of the Arctic Deity encountered before the Vylkrspawns emerged. This suggests that given the right circumstances, Vylkr vines could evolve into formidable entities," the Village Chief explained, observing the astonished expressions of the other key figures.

"Considering Naka's extensive experience with the Vylkr energy, it's plausible that he has unlocked the conditions for the Vylkr vines to become even more powerful, perhaps capable of challenging or even defeating gods. It's akin to nurturing plants on a farm with proper conditions and care, they thrive and bear abundant fruit. Given Naka's intellect and abilities, such a development isn't far-fetched."

Orion nodded in understanding. "The truth is, I've been pondering the same thing for the past two days. However, since we still lack any idea of how the Vylkrspawns harnessed their god-like abilities, it will be difficult to explain their existence and growth," he responded.

"Also, the notion that the gods' existence is directly linked to the relentless emergence of the Vylkr vines could be a plausible explanation for their existence outsideAegisof the Arctic Deity's body. If they were capable of destroying his body due to his unfulfilled vow, it's not far-fetched to think they could wreak havoc on the world as long as the gods remain within it."

"If that's the case, what do we do? The god we previously served and worshipped is a madmana former human fueled by his anger towards the gods. He'll stop at nothing to achieve his goal of creating the perfect race, much like how we were created."

"The will of the Omnithriallian, which is the same as the Vylkr vines, will keep relentlessly progressing as long as gods still exist. The world has changed, with others finding ways to manipulate Vylkr energy for survival. Is there anything we can do to make a difference?" Stronghold Leader Zogar said, his expression grave.

While he was glad for the chance to reconnect with the outside world and seek his elder brother, former Stronghold Drakar, who had fled, they needed to remain cautious. WithAegisof the Arctic Deity no longer in the picture and their vulnerability outside the primordial barrier, they needed to tread carefully to avoid catastrophic consequences for their territory.

"Yes, there is, but firstly, I'd suggest we turn this situation to our advantage. The absence of other gods indicates their fear of coming here, which we can use to our benefit. Even if they do show up, the Primordial barrier is a strong deterrent since we are still technically protected by a god. Plus, from what I've gathered from Isadora, daughter of Patriarch Rylan and Princess of the Four-eared Elves, encounters with gods or divine beings are rare," Orion responded.

"Belief in them stems mainly from ancient stories, often associated with sanctuaries or higher-grade runaway cities. Most people have never seen a god firsthand; their closest experience is with divine apostles, rumoured to possess authority rivalling or exceeding a runaway city leader. Yet, even the existence of these divine apostles is shrouded in mystery, turning them into almost legendary figures. However, with divine apostles among us, we know firsthand that these are not just stories."

"So you aresaying that rather than waiting here wondering whether they would approach, we should use the opportunity and instead approach them?" Stronghold leader Zogar responded.

"Yes. We'll have to tread carefully and maintain a subtle approach, avoiding excessive attention. If we succeed, it increases our chances of uncovering answers and bolstering our forces to gather more information from across the world. Even forming alliances with these divine apostles, or a divine being, would not be too far-fetched," Orion responded, his expression serious.