White Flame spoke, his gaze fixed intently on Orion and the others.
Nonetheless, Orion felt a sense of déjà vu.
"What is he talking about?" Fifi asked.
She couldn't fully understand most of the words that White Flame had just said, so she figured Orion might have an explanation.
Seth furrowed his brows as he also shifted his attention toward him.
"It's a long story; I will explain everything to you two later on," Orion responded, shaking his head as he looked at both of them.
Fifi looked at him with a raised brow while Seth's frown deepened.
"Have you made a decision yet?" Fifi asked.
Hearing Fifi's words, Orion glanced at the bowing figures of Iris and the other Crystalforge Clan warriors. Since Iris and the others were here without any help, Orion believed that his guess about the Prismerian Kingdom being in upheaval right now might not be that far off from the truth.
Nonetheless, no matter how much Orion pondered it, he could only arrive at one decision.
Even if he had to do it earlier than expected, it appeared that he would have to defeat White Flame first before they rescued Saria.
"Considering our current situation, it does not matter anymore which one we decide to do first; as such, we will deal with White Flame first, then rescue Saria," Orion responded.
"Humph! And how do you suppose that we will deal with him? Or don't tell me that you know a way to get through that impenetrable shell of his?" Seth snorted, squinting at Orion.
Orion nodded in response, "All you have to do is hold him down for me, and I will take care of the rest," he replied.
"You ---" Seth wanted to say, but quickly shut his mouth.
Although he was pretty surprised that Orion had a way to get past the humanoid White Flame's defence, he was also curious to see which means he would use. Besides, things would easily work out as he had planned if Orion failed.
As such, Seth nodded in response, "Alright, just be prepared for whichever result that might be," he said.
Fifi also wanted to say a word; she agreed that it was much more reasonable to get out of here, rescue one of the injured Prismerions, and head to the underground Kingdom as quickly as possible to save Saria since they could do so.
However, hearing Orion's response and seeing his resolute expression, she held back her words, turned her head, and focused her gaze back at White Flame upon hearing his voice again.
"It seems that you have no shame? Or perhaps you have been brainwashed to believe they are not your enemies?" White Flame said, stretching his hand towards them.
"If that's the case, then no matter what, even if I have to use the 'Divine mysteries,' I'll ensure that you all regret this foolish betrayal of yours."
The moment White Flame's words ended, his hands glowed, and countless specks of white flames erupted from his arms like withered leaves, scattering into the air. Wherever these specks of White Flames touched the ground, a wave of light flashed, spreading out into the air until, one by one, every single bit of White Flames burst, brightening up all four directions and almost causing Orion and the others to squint their eyes at the disturbance.
"Although I don't know what he is planning to do, it doesn't seem like anything good," Fifi said, squinting her eyes at the bright, expanding light source.
"I agree," Orion responded, nodding as he also stared at the bright source, watching as the space around it appeared distorted, seemingly unnatural and bizarre.
"Try your best to restrain him in whatever possible way you can once he's done, and leave the rest to me to handle," he added.
He then shifted his attention towards Iris and the rest of the kneeling Crystalforge warriors, who were bowing down on all fours and shouted, "IF YOU ALL STAY HERE, YOU WILL ONLY HINDER US, SO YOU SHOULD CARRY WHOEVER IS STILL ALIVE AND LEAVE HERE AS FAST AS YOU CAN!"
His words resonated like a bell ringing in the ears of all the Crystalforge clan warriors, sending a surge of emotions flowing through their hearts. Waves of gratitude and relief overflowed throughout their bodies as they all nodded collectively, stood up, and assisted those still alive but unable to move towards the cave entrance where the rest of the warriors were.
As Iris was about to leave, she bowed down again, at a full ninety degrees. "Thank you, Mr. Orion," she said.
A deep wave of gratitude filled her heart as she stared at Orion with intense emotion in her eyes. Although she didn't know how he planned to defeat White Flame, considering the strength of the individuals before her and Orion's unwavering confidence, she figured he had a plan in mind.
As Orion nodded in response, she immediately turned around and left with an injured Crystalforge warrior. She turned her head a few more, her eyes briefly lingering on him until she was at a certain distance.
Fifi noticed the woman's intense gaze, and as she recalled Orion's attempt to rescue her, she couldn't help but furrow her brows in deep thought, wondering how he had already become acquainted with such a woman in the short time he had been here.
Despite being able to see only her armour, she could discern from the outlines of the woman's breasts and buttocks she wasn't exceptionally beautiful or ugly.
Given that she came from a completely different race and appeared much older than Orion, it wouldn't be surprising if Celeste suddenly began complaining upon learning about this.
Regardless, it seems she would have to find a way to teach him how to actively approach some beautiful young girls.
Meanwhile, Orion, whose mind was already occupied with thoughts of the best way to share the news about Anara and Grace with the rest of his family and how to introduce Merida and the others, didn't naturally notice Iris's gaze.
