"Using the last of his strength, our god commanded the trees and greenery to grow amidst the snowy landscape, creating a sanctuary for our survival. Even though this world was fertile, it still strained his weakened body, further bringing him half a step across to death's door."
High King Eldric paused a storm of emotions flickering in his eyes before he closed them, inhaling and exhaling deeply as if to regain his composure.
"As such, unsure of how long he could survive, he chose the only course available to a god for his children - sacrifice. He used the last of his remaining powers to heal all those still alive, formed a protective shield around the sanctuary, and ensured its continued prosperity even after his death," he continued solemnly.
"However, before his death, he entrusted the only items he had left to the sole remaining divine apostle of the Pixie race to safeguard us and our new home."
As Orion listened again, he couldn't help but find himself amazed; his ears peeled to digest every word that High King Eldric uttered into his heart. Though he had heard details about the 'Great War' from Queen Selene and Aerialia, the accounts never failed to astonish him.
His heart pounded furiously this time as he absorbed High King Eldric's last sentence.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he asked, "Can you explain how this relates to your desire to meet with Aegis of the Arctic?" His gaze remained fixed on High King Eldric.
Although Orion had his suspicions, he refrained from jumping to conclusions, preferring to await High King Eldric's explanation before concluding his judgment.
High King Eldric held his gaze on Orion. "The two items that god Aerendir left behind before his death were two Divine artefacts, one of them is the 'Aquiluis Clear Water,' and the other is 'The Golden Threads of god Aerendir.' The Divine Apostle he entrusted them to was 'Oberon,' whom you now know as the 'Aegis of the Arctic Deity,'" High King Eldric replied.
BOOMMM!!! BOOOOMM!! BOOOMMM!!!
Even though Orion had already guessed this point when he heard High King Eldric's previous words, hearing it confirmed still caused his mind to reel and revert to normal as he attempted to absorb such a revelation.
Orion gradually calmed down his beating heart as he finally understood why High King Eldric desperately wanted to meet with Aegis of the Arctic Deity and why he didn't want to reveal his reasons to him.
It turned out that this meeting involved two divine artefacts, both of which were held by someone of a similar race, who had been alive since the 'Great War' and was within their reach but still unreachable.
"Though he communicates with us, providing us with several
tidbits of advice, he always remains silent whenever we
deviate towards such a conversation. We have tried several
ways to meet with Aegis of the Arctic Deity face to face, but
all our attempts failed. With no other hopes, we gave up and
continued our task of taking care of the Garden."
"Then, you suddenly appear out of nowhere and can meet and
speak with him as you desire; other times, he even summons
you willingly. As the descendant of the Previous High Kings of
the Pixie race, after more than 7,500 years, I hope you now
understand why we desperately want to meet with the Aegis
of the Arctic Deity face to face and also why I had been unable
to reveal the contents of why we wanted to meet with him,"
High King Eldric said.
Orion nodded in response.
"After we meet him, we would like to know if he can return
the two divine artefacts belonging to god Aerendir to the Pixie
race and if the rumours we have heard about him are true."
Orion raised a brow, "What rumours?" he asked curiously,
awaiting High King Eldric's response.
However, High King Eldric shook his head, "I'm sorry, Mr
Orion, but I won't be able to answer that question. I have
already explained why we desperately want to meet with
Aegis of the Arctic Deity and have even revealed some
sensitive information to you. So until you have completed the
two tasks you have been given, I will be able to answer any of
your questions," High King Eldric replied.
He knew he had no absolute authority over Orion; their
current position was solely for the sake of their relationship.
Orion could refuse to uphold his promise and walk away after
this revelation. After all, he was now the owner of the
mountain, the proprietor of Orion's Cities, and the only
person able to approach and communicate with Aegis of the
Arctic as he pleased.
However, High King Eldric hoped Orion would respect their
agreement, strengthening their relationship. He meant his
words when he said the Pixie race would willingly be at his
disposal if he helped them with this request.
Orion inwardly frowned. Despite understanding High King
Eldric's explanation, he realized the complexity of the
situation was far beyond his initial expectations. While he
hadn't initially wanted more information about Aegis of the
Arctic Deity, especially his true identity, he couldn't help but
ponder again if introducing them to Aegis of the Arctic Deity
was a wise idea given the dangerous state of their territory.
The last thing he wanted was to jeopardize his relationship
with the god protecting them from the Vylkr vines —
particularly as Aegis of the Arctic Deity was the only living god
he knew of.
Orion's frown deepened as he furrowed his brow, lost in deep
thought, contemplating the decision he needed to make.
Observing Orion's expression, High King Eldric couldn't help
but sigh. "Mr Orion, can you please share your decision? Will
you continue with the tasks?" he asked, awaiting Orion's
response.
Hearing High King Eldric's voice, Orion snapped out of his
thoughts and focused on him. "Yes," he responded. "I've
already decided on this agreement and intend to fulfil it.
However, before I proceed with the second task, there is
something I would like to know first."
