Leona nodded in response.
The other four-eared elves behind her also nodded in response, aware of Iris's gaze.
After receiving their response, Iris remained silent for a few seconds, then nodded in understanding and exhaled deeply.
"There are still a lot of things I have yet to learn about this strange world, so I am thankful and appreciate the information you've just shared with me," Iris said with a grateful nod towards Leona and the other four-eared elves.
"Since we are done, we must leave and attend other activities. In the meantime, you can settle into your new home," Iris added.
However, just before she could turn around and leave, a familiar voice suddenly interrupted, "Wait!"
It was none other than Patriarch Rylan.
Iris halted her steps and turned to look at Patriarch Rylan, her voice tinged with doubt. "Is there anything else you need, Patriarch Rylan?" she asked.
The others also focused on Patriarch Rylan, wondering what he wanted to ask.
Patriarch Rylan nodded. "Do you perhaps also utilise the Vylkr energy?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
If the Prismerions can harness the Vylkr energy, then that would explain how they have survived on their own without a Runaway City in a secluded environment similar to the Villagers'. It would also explain why they have never been seen or heard of before.
Furthermore, it would clarify how they appeared seemingly out of nowhere and seamlessly integrated with the Villagers without any issues.
In short, the Prismerions utilising the Vylkr energy would reasonably explain everything.
Even Leif and the others couldn't help but inwardly nod their heads in understanding as they realised what the Patriarch was hinting at.
However—
Iris exhaled deeply and shook her head in response. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I cannot utilise the Vylkr energy; none of the Prismerions can harness such violent and dangerous energy. The only ones capable of using the Vylkr energy are the Village warriors and all of you," she said, gesturing towards the Village warriors beside her before pointing towards the gods' chosen standing beside Patriarch Rylan.
Bang! Bang!
It was as though a wrench had been thrown into Patriarch Rylan's thought process, causing his mind to shatter into countless fragments as he attempted to process the information he had just received while staring at Iris in disbelief.
A sudden silence soon settled upon their surroundings as Isadora, Leif, and the others couldn't help but stare at Iris with bewildered expressions.
If the Prismerions cannot utilise the Vylkr energy, how could they survive in such a secluded environment like the Village without the aid of a Runaway City?
Did they survive through other means? Or perhaps they utilise another kind of energy, just as powerful as the Vylkr energy, which they kept secret and totally unknown to the rest of the world.
As these questions flowed into their minds, Patriarch Rylan quickly regained his composure as he took several breaths in and out.
"What kind of energy do you use, then?" Patriarch Rylan asked, his burning gaze fixated on Iris's figure.
"Normally, I use Magical energy, but as one of the high-ranking warriors of the Prismerion race and an apostle, I use Celestial energy," Iris responded, her voice filled with pride.
She recalled the event when they had plunged into the Divine Essence Lake in search of a way to defeat White Flame and escape the mountain.
The memory felt as vivid as if it had happened yesterday, reminding her of the transformative journey that had brought her to this moment.
Bang!! Bang!!
When Iris's words reached Patriarch Rylan's ears, the gears in his mind seemed to grind to a halt, leaving him staring blankly at Iris.
Although surprised that Iris mentioned familiar types of energy like Magical and Celestial rather than introducing a new and unfamiliar kind, Patriarch Rylan was momentarily stunned when she said she was an apostle. While Magical energy was typical among many races, Celestial energy was unique to only a few notable races.
"Could you please explain what type of apostle you refer to?" Patriarch Rylan asked, his gaze intensifying as he focused on Iris.
Iris couldn't suppress the deep frown on her lips as she noticed Patriarch Rylan's burning gaze intensifying with no sign of abating. Initially hesitant to respond, she realised that with the influence of the apostles among the Village warriors and the cities, it was only a matter of time before the four-eared elves discovered their presence, especially now that they had settled within the Second Border City. Thus, Iris saw no reason to conceal such crucial information.
"I am a Divine apostle. Along with several others, we serve as apostles of Aeriallia - the goddess of the hunting moon," Iris replied.
Bang!! Bang!!
When Iris spoke, Patriarch Rylan felt like his mind had been shattered. His eyes grew dizzy, and he staggered backwards, nearly losing his footing as he struggled to process everything he had just heard.
"Father!"
"Patriarch!"
Isadora and Lyndon rushed to catch Patriarch Rylan before he fell, while Leif and the others quickly moved to support him and ensure he was okay.
Despite their efforts, Patriarch Rylan continued to mutter with wide eyes, "A goddess! A Divine Apostle…."
"Father, are you okay?" Isadora asked, her trembling voice filled with fear and worry.
"Patriarch, listen to us. What's wrong? Please tell us if everything is okay," Leif asked impatiently and hurriedly.
After all, if anything terrible happened to Patriarch Rylan at this critical moment, their chances of restoring the former strength of the four-eared elves would be severely crippled.
"I'll go and bring over a healer," Balt said before he took off from the ground, landed on the nearby open roof surrounding the training ground, then jumped off once more and disappeared into the distance.
However, just as Balt left, Patriarch Rylan regained his composure. Instead of responding to the various voices around him, his heart raced as he focused his eyes on Iris.
"Can you grant me an audience with your goddess?"
