"Yes, Stronghold Leader Zogar is right. We have two days until the Vylkr Veil Phenomenon completely dies down. Our main focus should now be to continue preparing to leave the floating island in search of other Runaway Cities with Captain Sieg, his lieutenant, and the Four-eared elf gods' chosen ones assistance."

"We do not know how long it will take before we encounter another Runaway City, so in the meantime, the three-star warriors who can shapeshift and fly should prepare to head down to harvest as many Vylkr vines as they can and bring them back. We do not want these valuable Vylkr vine variants to go to waste," Orion responded seriously.

He recalled that Seraphina had already begun filling up Stronghold Leader Zogar's and Fif Vial's with the potent Vylkr energy obtained from the Vylkr vine variants. The results were frighteningly amazing as they helped them strengthen their Devourer's bracelet, which made them stronger.

Actually, Orion was briefly considering starting another Vylkr vine fire outbreak. However, he quickly dismissed the idea because he wanted to avoid encountering any Vylkr spawns or going through something like that again, at least not until he had the strength to ensure his and everyone's safety before doing something so foolish.

Fifi, Stronghold Leader Zogar, and Seth all nodded in understanding.

Stronghold Leader Seth felt instantly relieved because he would be among those going down to the surface, so his time to grow stronger and stand on equal footing with Stronghold Leader Zogar would soon come.

"That's all for today. I'll be heading back home to get some rest. You can send me any important messages if anything comes up," Orion added, summoning back the Vylkr artefact into its mark.

The humanoid Vylkr artefact vanished into thin air, turning into a stream of light that entered his right chest.

At this moment, Fifi and Stronghold Leader Seth relaxed their bodies.

"I'll be coming with you then. I need to take a break and rest before we commence our journey," Fifi said, walking and halting beside Orion and taking his hand.

Orion nodded at her and then proceeded to activate his gift. Almost instantly, he turned into a fierce bluish lightning bolt that shot into the sky, the sound of lightning trailing behind him.

"I'll be going to inform the warriors who can shapeshift into flying beasts and those who can fly to prepare to head down," Stronghold Leader Seth said.

However, just as he was about to turn around and leave, Stronghold Leader Zogar called, "Can you wait for a second? There's something that I want to talk to you about."

Stronghold Leader Seth furrowed his brows as he turned to look at Stronghold Leader Zogar. "What is it?" He asked.

"I understand you're frustrated about not getting the Vylkr Fusion Armlet earlier when I could. I also know that you want to become a Five-star warrior to protect the Village, but I don't want you to make any impulsive decisions you might regret," said Stronghold Leader Zogar.

It was evident to everyone that Seth was furious about not being chosen for the Vylkr Fusion Armlet. Knowing Seth's personality, it was clear that if no one spoke to him about it, he might do something rash to obtain a Devourer's Bracelet and bring it back to get his own Vylkr Fusion Armlet, hoping to become a Five-star warrior.

Upon hearing Stronghold Leader Zogar's words, Seth's face crunched into a frown before he sighed tiredly. "Is it that obvious?" he asked.

"I'm sure everyone can tell, which is why your assistant seemed less available nowadays, so she doesn't incur your wrath," Stronghold Leader Zogar nodded, briefly chuckling.

"I'm saying all of this because, from the information we know, there are still beings out there just like the Vylkr spawns, whom we still don't know about. Since you'll be part of the group escorting Orion to the outside world while I stay behind to guard the floating island, I don't want you to be the reason for any misfortune the group may encounter,"he added, stretching his hand towards Stronghold Leader Seth.

"I've lost one Stronghold Leader due to his boneheadedness, and I don't want to lose another prematurely,"

"It seems I'd unknowingly lost control of myself," Stronghold Leader Seth responded, sighing heavily.

He stretched his hand and held Stronghold Leader Zogar's hand in a tight grip. "Thank you," he added.

He knew that his fiery temper sometimes erupted beyond his control. For example, his disobedience almost led his team into danger, causing his father to send him on a prolonged exploration. He also almost lethally attacked Orion during their journey to the mountains, which would have had severe consequences if Fifi hadn't intervened.

"We are Stronghold Leaders, so it's our job to stick up for one another, especially now that we are consistently expanding. Who knows when we'll get the chance to speak to each other again," Stronghold Leader Zogar said with a smile, knowing they were about to become busier.

"Alright, I understand. I'll see you later then," Stronghold Leader Seth nodded. He retracted his hand and then leapt into the sky.

Stronghold Leader Zogar activated his gift and instantly ascended into the sky, streaks of lightning crackling where he once stood.

....

Orion's Manor

Orion swiftly entered his master bedroom when he arrived home, locking the door shut. He summoned the Crimson Greatsword, and Aerialia appeared out of thin air along with it.

"What happened? Are you hurt?!" Aerialia asked anxiously, looking at Orion's body to ensure he was okay.

She knew that Orion was going to retrieve the Vylkr artefact today. Since she had sensed the immense Vylkr energy, and when he summoned the Crimson Greatsword, she immediately determined that Orion had encountered danger.

"No, I'm alright. We only came across a little challenge when collecting the Vylkr artefact," Orion responded, showing his body to Aerialia, who was becoming more protective of him to show that he was alright.

Aerialia exhaled in relief upon not seeing any severe injuries on Orion's body. Her expression immediately turned serious as she positioned herself on the bed and looked at him.