Since they had already challenged one god, it raised the question of whether they could do the same to another.
Contrary to her expectations, Orion immediately shook his head.
"He's lying; I didn't say anything like that," Orion responded before explaining what led to this event.
Orion's words initially dumbfounded Aerialia.
Nonetheless, as she listened, she couldn't help but be surprised, as Aegis of the Arctic Deity had not been precisely wrong, and Orion had indirectly challenged him with his words. However, that didn't mean Aegis was entirely wrong; Orion was also in the right.
Contemplating this matter, Aerialia couldn't help but feel a headache emerging. Nonetheless, she didn't regret not ignoring the issue and coming out, as she didn't yet know the god's identity to determine if he would severely punish Orion or merely intimidate him a little.
Meanwhile, Aegis of the Arctic Deity had witnessed everything and came to a pause. Immediately, he felt a tinge of annoyance within him, holding back a twitch as he stared at Orion.
Unknowingly, he knew he had fallen into the young man's tricks.
Regardless, he decided to calm himself down and reflect upon Orion's words because his words still held some sense, even if he knew that he had been tricked.
Contemplating this, Aegis of the Arctic Deity couldn't help but release an audible sigh.
"Although I understand what you are trying to say, it's not proper to claim he was challenging you when he simply asked a question. Regardless of what happened, I also believe the Prismerion race has earned the right to shed the treacherous label."
"Moreover, as a god, it would be shameful to lash out at a mortal over such an argument unless he is telling the truth. However, I believe that is not the case, as you might have your reasons," Aerialia said, recognizing that, for the moment, she could only play the role of a mediator.
After learning that the Aegis of the Arctic Deity had control over the mountain, she didn't want to risk unnecessary conflict despite having some life-saving abilities that she had prepared for her children before she realized that she had been duped, and also mainly since she had finally found a chance to reunite with her children.
Having regained his composure, the Aegis of the Arctic Deity closed his eyes before reopening them, fixing his gaze on Aerialia.
"You are right, 'goddess of the hunting moon.' Despite my current situation, I let my temper get the best of me. I wasn't planning on harming him; I only wanted to intimidate him and make him understand his place. So, you can rest easy about his safety," Aegis of the Arctic Deity assured, bringing a wave of relief to Aerialia.
Aerialia then turned her attention to Orion.
"And you, be careful with your words, especially when speaking with a god, to avoid such a situation next time," she said sternly.
Though she was aware of Orion's attitude towards gods, especially when she witnessed his reaction after he killed a god, unlike other mortals, it didn't mean that other gods would take kindly to his uniqueness.
So, she made sure to convey her words seriously.
Hearing Aerialia's words, Orion cleared his throat momentarily before nodding in response. "I will try my best," he replied.
"Humph!" Aerialia snorted in response before retreating into the small crimson greatsword mark, not wanting to continue the conversation.
A serene silence enveloped the area.
Orion coughed lightly to dispel the lingering tension in the air, then refocused on the large golden pair of eyes above him.
"I hope you can forgive me for my choice of words, Aegis of the Arctic Deity. I understand that I was a little too foolish with my selection," Orion said, exhaling loudly as his head was slightly lowered towards the ground in deep apology.
A loud sigh echoed through the space as Aegis of the Arctic Deity responded, "No, you are right. Since the Prismerion race has completed the trial and gained their freedom, it is right to ask that they should no longer be scorned or tagged as a treacherous race. However, considering what they have done, do not expect an immediate change from me, as it would take some time for me to suddenly view them in a positive light."
Orion nodded in response.
Although he sensed an underlying intent in Aegis of the Arctic Deity's words and was curious about what he was talking about, since it couldn't just be about what the Prismerion race had done to the nymphs, Orion decided not to pry too much and risk ruining the atmosphere that he had painstakingly tried so hard to create.
"Alright, I understand…" Orion said, nodding in response before he pretended to hesitate about the following words he wanted to utter.
Aegis of the Arctic Deity noticed his hesitation and immediately understood what Orion wanted to say next. "Hahaahaha," he roared out in laughter, thinking that his intimidation had been a little too much for the young man to handle despite the brave front he was currently putting on.
Indeed, no matter the time or age, humanity's relentless desire to challenge those beyond their reach remains unchallenged!
"You do not need to ask for the same thing again. Just bring them here so I can see if I can help find any solution for their predicament," Aegis of the Arctic Deity said, his voice suddenly sounding out, causing Orion to release an audible sigh of relief.
As Orion thanked Aegis of the Arctic Deity once more, he immediately opened up a passageway close to Orion.
"This will take you to the Garden and will be open long enough for you to bring them to my presence," Aegis of the Arctic Deity said, "You can go."
Orion nodded in response and swiftly traversed the passageway. Moments later, he emerged from another passageway that had materialized on the ground, landing on the grassy plain adorned with many vibrant flowers.
After Aegis of the Arctic Deity deposited him in a familiar location, Orion quickly rose to his feet and made his way toward the cave's entrance to meet up with Crystalia and the others.
