Village Head's Debauchery
Chapter 960: The Assembly, Nurturing the Ordinary

The only solution he seriously considered was gaining acknowledgement of the Divine Mysteries due to the White Flame's last ember still within him. However, there were many rigorous requirements that no sane being would dare attempt. He had to keep this idea on hold until he was ready.

Nonetheless, one positive aspect he knew was that, unlike ordinary humans with limited lifespans, the Vylkr energy seemed to break through these constraints, allowing warriors to live for about 250-300 years, while ordinary villagers could only live for 150 years.

Orion wasn't sure about the average human lifespan beyond their territory, considering his lineage as a descendant of an Omnithriallian whose ancestors were tempered by Naka.

"Understood. I wish you success in your search," Former Village Chief Brane responded, smiling.

"I'll take my leave now," Orion nodded before exiting the hut.

Orion activated his gift, transforming into countless bolts of lightning that streaked into the sky.

The warriors nearby guarding the gates observed this scene in admiration before returning to their tasks.

…....…..

Garden

Orion stood before a gathering of individuals comprising Prismerions and Pixies. Among them were the leaders of the Quarwraith and Prismaflow clans, High Prince Alden, High Princess Morgana, and her elder brother, Fifth Prince Delmy, and Fifth Princess Lemy.

Despite knowing that High King Eldric had fourteen children who had acknowledged his presence but were not qualified to be part of this discussion, Orion didn't delve into learning about them as he didn't deem it necessary. The only ones he considered worth the effort were the four present, including High King Kael, who was valuable in the growth of Paradise.

He speculated that he might encounter them by chance during his next visit to the Pixie kingdom.

Orion addressed the assembly, detailing their roles as new rulers of the Grade One Runaway Cities and their leadership. Considering the uncertainties ahead, each would be accompanied by a Vylkr warrior for protection. Divided tasks were set, with the Prismerions overseeing the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City and the Pixies managing the Sleeping Fox Runaway City.

The existing leaders were to remain until a smooth transition could occur, avoiding chaos in unfamiliar territories. The plan was to gradually switch rulers once they fully understood how to govern these cities, ensuring Paradise could assert complete control.

Before they could depart, all warriors accompanying them needed to possess their own Vylkr Fusion Armlet to advance to the next rank and become Four-star warriors like Fifi and Stronghold Leader Seth, alongside their personally crafted Gearweavers.

The latter would be provided after their departure since Seraphina and the other Leaders of the Healers Association needed time to experiment and enhance their capabilities. They would also receive masks for protection and effective communication.

With preparations nearly complete, their only task was to ready themselves to leave the floating island, as re-entry would require authorization.

As they prepared to venture into the outside world, every detail needed careful consideration. They were unsure of the enemies they might face or when the Vylkrspawns might reappear.

"As the primary representative of 'Paradise,' I encourage you all to ensure that its name becomes deeply rooted in the hearts of the inhabitants of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City and the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, even more so than their own Runaway City. That's all I have to say."

"The task is optional, and you won't face consequences for declining. Simply inform your leaders of your decision upon your return so they can choose someone else. However, if you accept, I expect nothing but the best," Orion declared, his gaze firm as he addressed the group before him.

Isadora stood quietly behind Orion, her eyes filled with curiosity as she observed the interaction. It was her first encounter with the minor leaders of the Prismerions within the floating island, and she couldn't help but wonder about their history.

The group nodded in unison, their expressions firm and determined. None of them harboured any intention of shirking such a vital responsibility. For the Prismerions, this task symbolized an opportunity for redemption after the mess they had created during Orion's initial appearance in the mountains.

It was also a chance to reintroduce the mighty Prismerion race to the outside world, now united under Paradise, and assert their standing as the world's second-strongest race.

They had already passed their leadership roles to their children, who would oversee the clan upon their departure from the floating island.

Meanwhile, the Pixies were enthusiastic about expanding Paradise's influence and bolstering the political network of their own race. This mission would allow them to solidify their standing as Paradise's second most influential race.

The Prismerions relied on their diverse innate abilities within a single race, a quality that gave them a distinct advantage. As for the Pixies, their extensive history, knowledge, and possession of two Divine artefacts provided them with a strategic edge against any mortal adversary.

They had silently agreed that despite their small numbers, humans were the strongest race due to their formidable warriors and individuals like Orion, who had risen to prominence. However, the growth of humans was hindered by the Vylkr vines, a barrier that limited their expansion and potential.

With the Vylkr vines no longer hindering their growth, humans were expected to flourish even more, catapulting Paradise to greater strength and influence and solidifying their unshakable position.

Orion nodded, signalling their dismissal so they could return home and prepare.

One by one, the group dispersed, leaving only High Prince Alden, who approached Orion with a smile. "Village Chief, it's been a while," he greeted warmly.

Orion shook his head, "You can continue calling me Orion," he said firmly. He sensed Alden's respect through his gaze and decided it was best to maintain a friendly and informal tone, especially after their shared experiences in the Pixie kingdom.

Also, though Orion still valued the title, he couldn't help but admit that it felt strange when those outside the Village called it. However, he considered making some adjustments to it. Since the rulers of the Runaway Cities had the liberty to choose their titles, he saw no reason why he couldn't do the same.

High Prince Alden's eyes lit up with excitement at Orion's words. His efforts to build a rapport with Orion in the past had paid off.

"I've been trying to meet with you personally, but I realized you were caught up in crucial matters and planning to venture outside the floating island. Luckily, you're still here and free," High Prince Alden said, smiling warmly.

Orion raised an eyebrow. "What's the reason for this meeting?"

"I have a gift for you that could enhance Paradise's strength even more," High Prince Alden replied, his smile widening.

Orion was initially taken aback, but his expression turned contemplative, and he was curious about the surprise Alden was speaking about.

"All right, show me what it is," Orion nodded.

"Follow me," High Prince Alden nodded back, leading the way forward eagerly.

Orion glanced at Isadora, who had been quietly waiting by the side, before trailing behind High Prince Alden.

Isadora nodded in acknowledgement, seizing the opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquil greenery of the Garden.

…......

"Does this suit your taste?" High Prince Alden asked, eyeing Orion, who now wearing an outfit resembling those worn by the Pixies within the Pixies kingdom, albeit still at his standard height.

Orion scrutinized the large translucent wings protruding from his back and mentally commanded them to retract. As they smoothly folded back into his clothing, he couldn't help but express his surprise. "How did you manage to do this?" Orion asked, directing his attention to High Prince Alden.

The idea had crossed his mind upon his first visit to the Pixie Kingdom. However, realizing the substantial resources and manpower required to create such a human-sized attire, he dismissed it as impractical.

High Prince Alden seemed to have seen through his reservations and decided to craft one for him regardless.

"I got the idea from you. With the growth of Paradise, I realized it's important not to exclude ordinary individuals incapable of harnessing the energies we possess. However, we must make them feel like warriors even if they won't attain our strength to achieve that. That's why I took on the task of recreating this attire for those outside the Pixie Kingdom."

"Though recreating the attire itself was simple, integrating the inscriptions, enchantments, and all the functions of a normal Pixie attire on a larger scale proved challenging. However, after a few trials, we succeeded and mastered the process."

"The only setback is that the plants used in its production are depleting rapidly, requiring us to temporarily halt our activity to allow them to regrow. Nevertheless, with this, we'll be able to engage them and further the development of Paradise."

Orion nodded thoughtfully. His assumption had been correct, after all. "If that's the case, why don't we release it to them gradually, step by step, instead of all at once?" he suggested, recalling how certain brands unveil new attire in intervals.

........

Author's note: I've decided to release 1,500 words per day so I can properly stack chapters to create a new privilege tier next month.