Although Orion's words were not completely audible, the deathly silence that currently enveloped the hall amplified the echoes of his words, causing them to resonate in all four directions of the hall. This sudden burst of sound made everyone's hearts leap, snapping them out of their daze.
Immediately after, while some of the Major Clan leaders, as well as a few from the Minor Clans and City families, paled in disbelief, the entire grand amphitheatre erupted into an uproar.
"He… He… He won!"
"He... He defeated the Luminaris Clan's eldest heiress and both Prismaflow Clan's heirs at the same time!"
"Are… Are people from outside the mountain this strong, or is it just him?!"
"Terrifying! How terrifying! What kind of monsters are waiting for us outside the mountain? Will our Prismerian Kingdom still be able to stand if we finally make it out of here?"
In an instant, everyone began to entertain thoughts they hadn't dared to imagine before. The more they contemplated this, the more it felt as if their entire bodies had plunged into a cold, icy river.
Slowly, everyone who had been standing took their seats, seeking a moment of reflection to understand the astonishing events they had just witnessed.
Once again, a few minutes of profound silence enveloped the entire grand amphitheatre.
Seeing this, King Brylon decided to rise and address the crowd. He wasn't sure when else they'd be ready to speak. He cleared his throat and said, "Ahem! Since it's obvious who the winner is, the healers will tend to the injured Clan Heirs and ensure they're in good shape for the closing banquet. As this stage is now destroyed, let's all head over to the Quartzwraith Clan's grand hall for the closing banquet. Don't worry about getting lost; the nearby servants will guide you."
Once he finished speaking, he turned his gaze towards his wife, who was still staring at the scene with wide eyes.
Sensing his gaze, Queen Selene quickly regained her composure and turned her attention to her husband.
"Another hall has been arranged for the closing banquet, so we must make our way there and resume the festivities before the other heirs arrive," King Brylon said.
He observed his wife's nod of agreement before she rose from her seat. Following her were his daughter, Princess Crystalia, and her personal guard. They had all managed to regain their composure with the help of a servant who had roused them from their daze.
A servant then guided them down the steps, allowing them to exit the grand amphitheatre ahead of the others.
As they made their way out the door, each of them, particularly Queen Selene with a sharp glint in her eyes, cast one last glance at Orion.
He had been taken down from the stage and was now under the careful care of a handful of healers provided by the Quatzwraith Clan. With a lingering look, they then turned their attention forward as they exited through the entrance.
…....…..
While his injuries were relatively minor, consisting of various light scratches and some internal discomfort in his bones and muscles, all of which he knew would dissipate within a day or even just a couple of hours, the healers insisted on providing their care. Orion didn't protest and simply allowed them to do their work, finding comfort in the comforting glow that reminded him of Aunt Greta's healing touch.
Glancing to the side, he could see the unconscious forms of Merida, Maya, and Aeryn, still receiving treatment. Compared to their previous conditions, especially Maya, whose arms were now properly set, they were looking much better and would probably regain consciousness soon after a few more sessions with the healers.
Meanwhile, Zephyrion had already been healed and had made his way to the other hall so as not to miss the closing banquet. Conrad, on the other hand, refused treatment, insisting that he would manage until he returned to his clan.
Nevertheless, Orion redirected his gaze forward and closed his eyes, seeking some rest and contemplating the nature of the wishes he should request.
"Ahem!" Suddenly, a throat-clearing sound interrupted Orion's thoughts, prompting him to swiftly open his eyes to identify the source.
Before him stood a middle-aged woman with deep green locs, dressed in a fiery red gown that featured a daringly wide slit at the front, revealing matching fiery red undergarments.
It didn't take Orion long to recognize her as Clan Mistress Olivia Quartzwraith of the Quartzwraith Clan.
Glancing around, he noted that all the healers had departed, along with Merida, Maya, and Aeryn, leaving him alone in the grand amphitheatre with the Clan Mistress.
"Since the injured Clan Heirs only need some rest, I've arranged private rooms for each of them to recover. I wanted to have a private conversation with you," Olivia Quartzwraith said, her light green irises fixed on Orion.
"First of all, congratulations on your victory in the duel. Although your achievements were unexpected and astonishing, given that you defeated the best of the younger generation, I suppose it shouldn't be surprising, considering you're a foreigner from outside the mountain," she added.
Orion was initially surprised by her congratulatory words, but he quickly pieced together her intentions as she finished speaking. Regardless, he replied, "Thank you," choosing his words carefully as he tried to gauge the kind of person he was dealing with.
Olivia nodded and continued, "In case you're not aware, I am Olivia Quartzwraith, the current Clan Mistress of the Quartzwraith Clan," introducing herself, although she realized that he might already know who she was.
"Don't worry, I'm already aware of who you are," Orion responded. He had become acquainted with her through Princess Crystalia's explanation.
"Oh," Olivia said, clearing her throat. "How are your injuries?" She glanced at his white shirt, which he had been given after his previous one was torn during the battle.
"I wasn't really injured like the others, so I think I'm already okay," Orion replied, clarifying that he had already healed.
