"Oh, I plan to give them to Madam Seraphina," Orion replied, gently patting the sack tied around his waist. "She can examine them closely to determine how the diluted Vylkr energies are made. Also, we can see if we can identify the cause of the potential four-star Vylkr vine with its help and see if we can replicate such a contraption."
A look of realization immediately appeared on Stronghold Leader Seth's expression, mirrored by the curious anticipation obvious on Stronghold Leader Zogar's face.
They knew Orion's keen interest in strange contraptions. Therefore, it was no surprise that he would be fascinated by the Devourer's bracelets, which was one of the reasons why Stronghold Leader Seth had given up on them for the time being.
Moreover, considering Madam Seraphina's skill as one of the finest healers in the Orion's Cities, along with being one of Orion's wives and a genius in various healing potions and other alchemy-related activities, it was obvious that she would also be interested in the Devourer's bracelets. Especially since she was still experimenting with the potential four-star Vylkr vine.
Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth understood that Orion and Madam Seraphina were currently the best candidates within the Orion's Cities to hold the Devourer's bracelets for the time being, as they had the best chance of figuring out how they worked.
As for the divine artefact, since Orion hadn't shown it to them, they decided not to ask about it. After all, Orion himself had spoken to a god, so they understood that if there was anyone who could properly take care of a divine artefact, it was Orion.
Stronghold Leader Seth exhaled deeply, "Alright then, we will leave it in your care. I'll be taking my leave," he said before turning around and leaping up into the sky, disappearing into the distance.
"I also have much to take care of, including the upcoming festival. So, I'll also be taking my leave," Stronghold Leader Zogar said.
He nodded at Orion before turning around and jumping high into the sky, disappearing into the distance.
Watching the two Stronghold Leaders depart, Orion turned and jumped into the sky and headed toward his home.
…....
Orion's Residence
Orion quietly opened the window to the children's master room and slipped inside before closing it behind him.
"Gina, you're back!" Gina exclaimed, jumping into Orion's arms and wrapping them around him.
Orion hugged her back with a warm on his lips.
"Shhh!" A hushing sound filled the air, and Orion saw Saria trying to settle one of the children to sleep.
Saria motioned with her eyes towards the side, and Orion followed her gaze to see Crystalia asleep in the chair with her arms folded.
"She waited all night for your return and fell asleep without realizing it," Gina whispered in Orion's ear.
Orion nodded in understanding and gently lowered Gina to the ground before going to Crystalia. He carefully scooped her up in his arms and laid her on the soft carpet for her to sleep.
As he did, Crystalia's eyes fluttered open, and she slowly stirred awake.
"Orion, you're back," she murmured.
Orion nodded, a soft smile on his lips.
"I wanted to tell you something earlier, but I forgot," Crystalia continued.
"What is it?" Orion asked curiously.
"It's mom. She's been getting anxious lately about the pseudo-
divine artefact around her neck and plans to do something drastic which might harm her. I know we were hesitant to use the Divine blood on Father due to his condition and the fact that he had already given up on life."
"However, I don't want to see my mother go through the same experience. So, regardless of what might happen, I want to try it and see what happens. If the pseudo-divine artefact forcefully reacts to the divine blood and creates an unknown reaction that might harm her, I'll take responsibility for whatever happens," Crystalia said pleadingly.
Hearing Crystalia's words, a frown immediately appeared on Orion's face. He exhaled deeply. "Alright, since it's like that, first thing tomorrow, I'll head over to the Palace manor and take her to the garden so that Aegis of the Arctic Deity will help her assimilate the divine blood, and we will see if it will successfully free her from the pseudo-divine artefact. Also, don't worry about anything because I am also willing to take responsibility for whatever happens," Orion responded.
A warm smile appeared on Crystalia's face as she nodded. "Alright, can I come with you and watch how it goes?" she asked.
Orion nodded in agreement.
Crystalia's smile brightened as she slowly closed her eyes. "Goodnight, husband," she said, settling back into sleep.
Orion inwardly breathed a sigh of relief as he stood up. He kissed Gina on her forehead, thanking her for her help, then briefly sealed his lips against Saria's before swiftly exiting the room. Knowing that Greta, Celeste, and Merida were in the master bedroom, he skipped it and headed to a secluded room on the first floor, securely shutting the door behind him.
Orion untied the sack from his waist; he gently laid the cloth on the ground, carefully removed its contents, and laid them out before him. Once he had finished, he summoned the Crimson greatsword, causing Aerialia to materialize alongside it.
Aerialia was about to speak, but she suddenly halted, her attention drawn downward as she narrowed her eyes at the orb before her.
A frown creased her face as she refocused on Orion.
"This is a divine artefact—" Orion began, noticing Aerialia's gaze but immediately interrupted.
"I know what this is," Aerialia responded with a slight snort. "What I want to know, however, is where you got it from?" Her gaze narrowed at Orion, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
Even though Aerialia didn't want to admit it, she was honestly becoming nervous about how many divine artefacts Orion possessed. First, there was the Crimson greatsword, which she had personally bestowed upon him and could cut through anything with its divine might.
Then, there was the mountain he had received from the Aegis of the Arctic Deity, capable of storing living and non-living things, blocking attacks, and altering its size.
And now, this—an orb pulsating with gold, amber, and crimson hues, adorned with delicate lattice patterns resembling the intricate veins of a leaf.
