899 Aegis of the Arctic Deity's Memorial Ceremony

Orion immediately scooped Reena up in a princess carry. "Are you ready?" he asked mischievously, looking at her.

Reena timidly nodded, her body tensing unconsciously. It was her first time experiencing Orion's new ability, so she felt a little apprehensive.

"Don't worry, you won't feel anything until we arrive," Orion reassured her with a smile.

He activated his gift, releasing Vylkr energy from four Vylkr containers. Almost instantly, bluish lightning streaks erupted from his body, transforming him into a being seemingly constructed from pure lightning. Despite this transformation, Reena didn't feel harmed by the lightning; instead, she felt slightly warmer and ticklish.

"Hold on tight," Orion muttered before abruptly disappearing with a crackling sound, rising into the sky with her.

Within seconds, they zoomed past Third Border City and arrived far from the towering wooden walls encircling the border cities.

Orion instantly spotted the Village Chief and the others and landed before them.

Boom!!

A crackle of lightning announced his arrival before it dissipated, retracting back into him.

"Orion, you're finally here! How are you feeling?" the Village Chief exclaimed joyfully as he approached Orion, followed by the Village Chieftess and the others.

Orion nodded, "I'm feeling much better, Chief," he replied, shaking the Village Chief's hand as he stood before him.

Orion then proceeded to greet each of the others one by one.

He was a little surprised that instead of High King Eldric and High Queen Rowena, the individuals who showed up were High Prince Kael and his lover, whom High King Eldric had previously forbidden from seeing each other again.

They were also dressed in attire resembling High King Eldric and High Queen Rowena's regal attire.

'It seems like they finally found a way to resolve the crisis,' Orion thought, internally relieved.

He had thought that he might need to step in if the entire Pixie Kingdom descended into total chaos, but it seemed that after the second prince's arrest and his accomplices, they found a much more suitable way to resolve their issue.

It also made him trust their abilities to handle their situations independently.

The Village Chief hummed thoughtfully, nodding in understanding. "That's good. It seems not only do you feel much better, but your gift has also dramatically increased after the risk you took. I hope that no matter the reasons, you never take such a risk again, no matter how dire the situation may be. Just because you survived now doesn't guarantee luck next time," he responded, his tone grave.

"I understand, Chief," Orion noddedseriously.

"Good," the Village Chief nodded, relieved that Orion had decided to heed his advice.

He then shifted his attention towards Reena, sweeping his eyes over her attire before nodding in admiration. "Impressive. You might just be the most stunning Village Chieftess in history," he commented, offering a compliment.

Reena lightly smiled and nodded respectfully at his remark, "Thank you for your kind words, Chief," acknowledging the praise.

The Village Chief nodded in return. Just then, he felt a fierce stare briefly from the side, causing him to pause in speaking, knowing who it was from. "Ahem! Why don't we begin before heading to the Village and starting the festival," he quickly cleared his throat and suggested.

Orion and Reena nodded in agreement and followed beside the Village Chief and the others as they walked toward the table, which had medium-sized lanterns resembling the Orion skies placed on top ofit.

"These are all modelled after the Orion sky, your creation. We wanted a memorable way to honour his sacrifice and legacy for this territory. So, we decided on this special tribute since he was a god and left no physical remains," the Village Chief explained, gesturing to the lanterns.

"We hope these flying contraptions will soar into the sky, reaching him wherever he may be, to convey that we will always celebrate his sacrifice and never forget his deeds."

Orion nodded in agreement. "I'm sure he would appreciate this gesture," he replied with a heartfelt tone.

"I truly hope so," the Village Chief responded, motioning for Stronghold Leader Seth to begin lighting the lanternsone by oneand handing them out.

As Stronghold Leader Seth started, Orion took a lantern and handed one to Reena, igniting the basket at the centre withhislightning.

After ensuring everyone's lanterns were lit, Seth returned to his position with his lantern in hand.

"Orion, do you have any words you'd like to share? Among us, you knew him the best," the Village Chief asked, his gaze fixed on Orion.

Orion nodded solemnly. "Aegis of the Arctic Deity wasn't just a god at the peak of power; he was also Oberon, a mortal who understood servitude to a god. While I don't know ifheever considered it, I regarded him as a friend. At times, he was like an elder brother, always ready to help me solve problems or provide answers. But beyond that, he was a protector of this territory. He never hesitated to take drastic measures, even if it meant risking his life, to defend us from unimaginable threats."

"His legacy lives in the safety and prosperity we enjoy today, free from the Vylkr vines and above any potential harm. May Aegis of the Arctic Deity's memory endure for generationsto come, and may his sacrifice be remembered as a legend. Thank you," Orion concluded, his voice filled with emotion.

Reena, the Village Chief, and the others felt the depth of emotion in Orion's words, revealing the strong bond he had formed with Aegis of the Arctic Deity.

"Everyone, lift your lanterns into the sky at the same time! Three, two, one, go!" the Village Chief announced, releasing his grasp from his lantern and sending it soaring into the sky.

Orion, Reena, Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth, Queen Selene, High King Kael, and High Queen Celeria all followed suit, releasing their lanterns to float into the night sky.

They watched as the lanterns ascended higher and higher, passing through the Premordial barrier before disappearing into the stormy depths of the Vylkr veil phenomenon.

.......

Author Notes:I'm sure youall already know what the festival will be about, so I'm willing to hear any opinions on things you want to see.Or should I simply continue to do things my way?