She squinted her eyes to peer beyond the dry husks of several dead trees obstructing her view. However, it remained challenging to get a clear understanding of what lay ahead of her.
Suddenly, the two three-star Vylkr vines in the distance altered their course, veering toward the direction she had been scanning earlier.
This perplexed Fifi because she knew that Vylkr vines were typically drawn to any nearby signs of life, and they were currently the only living beings in the vicinity. There was no apparent reason for this sudden chan...
Fifi's eyes widened in shock as if she had just had an epiphany.
"It can't be," she muttered.
However, down below, Seth, who had also been keeping an eye on the two three-star Vylkr vines, couldn't help but frown once he noticed their change in direction. This made him doubt what was happening.
"Hey, can any of you tell me what's going on up there...?" Seth was about to ask. However, before he could finish his sentence, Fifi leapt down from one of Orion's skies and landed in front of him.
Her legs cracked the ground upon impact, tearing it apart, and she immediately took off again with a resounding "Boom!" Heading straight toward the direction of the three-star Vylkr vines, her great battle axe in hand.
Seth and the other warriors stood rooted, dumbfounded, as they watched Fifi charge directly at the two three-star Vylkr vines.
Without wasting any time, Seth turned to the three warriors already inside the three large flying contraptions. "Guard the Orion's Sky!" he commanded.
Then, he addressed the remaining nine warriors. "Everyone else, follow her," Seth said through gritted teeth, jumping into the sky after Fifi, his machete tightly gripped in his hand.
He wondered what had come over her. Could it be that she had finally lost hope in finding Orion and decided to take away her life?
The more Seth thought about it, the more he considered that possibility. There was no way Fifi could take on two three-star Vylkr vines by herself when she had to give it her all just to defeat one three-star Vylkr vine.
Just thinking about this, Seth quickened his pace, realizing there was no way he could properly explain her death to his father without getting into trouble, especially considering that Fifi was still one of the village's most valuable warriors.
Seeing her stop just a few meters away from the two three-star Vylkr vines, Seth narrowed his eyes at her figure, which had come to a halt on top of a tree branch, his face displaying a deep frown.
He then turned his head to gesture to the other warriors behind him to spread out, allowing them to attack from different directions in case things took a turn for the worse.
Meanwhile, Fifi stared at the wide, empty space just below the foot of the mountain with wide, trembling, and shocked eyes, where a familiar figure lay unconscious, oblivious to the fact that he had attracted the attention of all the Vylkr vines around him.
"Orion," Fifi muttered as though she was calling out to him. Although she was a little surprised to see him alone and in Vylkr warrior mode, it was enough to let her know that despite being unconscious, Orion was still alive; he hadn't died.
He was alive!
Orion was still alive!
Fifi tightened her grip on her axe and leapt down from the tree, her body racing straight towards Orion's unconscious figure. She hastily cut down the Vylkr vines in her path, screaming, "ORRIOON!!"
"ORRIOON!!"
"ORIOONN!!"
Each scream was a turbulent mix of pain and cries of joy, resonating throughout the vicinity.
It was so intense that even the Warriors and Seth, who had been following her closely, halted their steps in disbelief and watched the scene unfold.
"He's alive," Seth murmured to himself, startled by the sight.
He scanned the area, searching for the other two people who were supposed to be with Orion: Stronghold Leader Drakar and the tree nymph, Saria. Returning his gaze to the young man he assumed was Orion, Seth squinted at the dark, inky wisps of thread enveloping him.
After a few seconds, his eyes widened in surprise. "Impossible!" he muttered, taken aback.
Having researched Orion's pasts and accomplishments, Seth knew that Orion was far from reaching his full star potential. Therefore, there was no logical explanation for Orion to be able to use the Vylkr warrior mode at this stage in his development.
However, as Seth observed the various strands of visible Vylkr energy slowly emanating from Orion and enveloping his entire body, he couldn't help but wonder about what had transpired during their absence.
Still, he realized this was not the moment to dwell on such matters.
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? COVER HER!" Seth roared, signalling to three warriors beside him to join him in approaching the unconscious Orion.
Meanwhile, the remaining six warriors were ordered to engage the two three-star Vylkr vines that were closing in on their position.
Without a moment's hesitation, the warriors sprang into action, carrying out their orders promptly.
Nevertheless, Fifi had finally reached Orion's location. With a powerful swing of her great battle axe, she struck down one of the two-star Vylkr vines before she swiftly descended and leapt onto the large rock where Orion lay unconscious, landing safely by his side.
"...O …Orion…"
She released her axe, sank to her knees, and gently pulled him close, cradling his head against her chest in an affectionate embrace.
"...you are alive... sniff..." Her voice quivered as tears flowed from her eyes, and she clung to Orion. "...I missed you... I so very much missed you..." Fifi whispered into Orion's ear, her lips brushing closely, trying to convey her overwhelming emotions without the need for words.
Pulling Orion backwards, Fifi decided to thoroughly inspect his condition, temporarily setting her emotions aside as she sensed that something was wrong.
"Orion, can you hear me?" Fifi's voice quivered with emotion.
