Village Head's Debauchery
chapter-1104

Above, Sy'ra observed the scene below expressionlessly as she commanded, "Capture them and take them to the City!"

The gods' chosens beside her descended to apprehend their ambushers.

A few months ago, after Sy'ra declared her loyalty to Paradise, a ripple effect spread through the city just as Orion had predicted. The gods' chosens of the Runaway City followed suit, pledging their loyalty to Paradise without hesitation. In return, they were granted the opportunity to gather Celestial energy, one of the top five highest ranks of energy.

They were also taught the technique 'All-Round Harmony Energy,' which enabled them to align the quantity and quality of Celestial energy with their already accumulated energy. Although they had only comprehended up to ten per cent of the technique, they still felt its effects. This allowed them to learn Arts and Techniques related to Celestial energy, like the 'One-Wing Sky Art,' which enabled them to fly without wings. Also, they were provided with new, more powerful Gearweavers, even stronger than their previous ones.

Despite the feelings of betrayal that arose when they pledged themselves to Paradise, they all admitted that the rewards were tremendous. Especially since they were still allowed to protect and influence the Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway City as they saw fit. This also put them at the forefront as a Runaway City with the most profound relationship to Paradise.

Watching as the captured Stowaways were flown upwards, Sy'ra sighed with emotion. The 'One-Winged Sky Art' was more powerful than her former 'Skystride Technique,' which she had once taken great pride in.

Sy'ra didn't regret her decision to pledge loyalty, as the Supreme Leader was faithful to his word. However, this only deepened her curiosity about the vastness of Paradise's foundations. With the numerous phenomena that now felt like natural occurrences, she wouldn't be surprised if a god-or even multiple divine beings-resided within Paradise. The realization sent a chilling emotion through her, causing her hair to stand on end. It was both terrifying and oddly reassuring.

"Commander, we can use this opportunity to press forward and capture the remaining Stowaways in this territory to bring them to Paradise," said one of the Unit Captains, an incubus, in a serious tone. "This way, we'll warn others to mind their actions, and we won't have to worry about further ambushes."

Without the warning from Paradise, they wouldn't have known they were being stalked by a Stowaway. Stowaways often ambush in groups, meaning more Stowaways were likely hiding.

The incubus knew it was best to deal with them all simultaneously to prevent another ambush. After all, it would be embarrassing to fall into such a trap after all the support Paradise had given them.

"No. Our orders are to capture the ambushers and return. If Paradise wanted us to traverse the entire territory and capture all the Stowaways, they would have given us the orders to do so," Sy'ra responded. "But do you think Paradise is unaware of the Stowaways dwelling within their territory? Deep within the mountain range are countless three-star Vylkr vines, and with the recurring phenomena, there are likely multiple Vylkr vine variants, and more than enough to keep them from approaching the heart of the territory."

"We couldn't locate Paradise until we foolishly tried to take their resources. This means Paradise considers their presence insignificant and allows their existence as an act of benevolence."

The gods' chosen eyes widened in realization.

"If you understand, then join the others and bring the captured Stowaway back so we can return to Paradise quickly," Sy'ra added, her tone strict.

Though unable to see her expression, the gods' chosen nodded swiftly, turned, and soared into the sky, disappearing into the distance.

...

"It's finally over," Orion muttered as he observed the scene below. He stood high above the clouds, observing the whirlwind of Vylkr and divine energy below.

The morphic puppet stood beside the artefact formation, ready to attack if his assumptions were correct.

Soon, the whirlwind began to expand outward, revealing the artefact within. At first, it was too blurry to make out. But as the seconds passed, it became clearer until the entire structure of the artefact at the centre of the whirlwind was revealed.

'Is this it?' Orion thought. The artefact that had emerged from the dual formation of Vylkr and divine energy was a... staff. It was about two meters (seven feet long), with an inky black surface, a mix of wood and metal, and white vein-like structures stretching upwards toward its head, which arched gracefully into a 'C' shape.

At the centre of the curved head was a bright ball of light. One half emitted an inky black radiance and the other a soft white glow. The two sides of the ball radiated a calm yet chilling aura. The staff resembled a ceremonial sceptre.

Realizing his concerns had been unnecessary, Orion exhaled in relief, dropping his shoulders. He glanced around to make sure he was alone. Fortunately, he was, and no one else witnessed the Supreme Leader being scared over what turned out to be nothing.

Orion soared down and landed beside the morphic puppet.

"Go and retrieve the artefact," Orion commanded morphic puppet.

Without hesitation, the puppet soared into the air and approached the sceptre. Numerous Vylkr flower-type variants emerged from the dissipating whirlwind, attempting to block its progress. But the morphic puppet pressed on undeterred, its arms transforming into blades that effortlessly cut through the tendrils with simple swings.

Arriving before the sceptre, morphic puppet grasped it. At that moment, the whirlwind of dense Vylkr and divine energy trembled briefly before slowly beginning to collapse. Morphic puppet turned and soared toward Orion, landing beside him within seconds.

Morphic Puppet presented the sceptre with both hands extended.

Orion took the sceptre, sensing the familiar energies of Vylkr and divine power surging into his body as though the artefact was trying to communicate its immense potential. He briefly considered binding it to himself to test the limits of how many artefacts he could wield, but The dismissed the thought.

Aurora's phenomenon had triggered this artefact formation, so it rightfully belonged to her. In fact, he could offer it as a gift to her, a token of gratitude for bearing the burdens of their

child's birth.

Due to the dual formation, Orion didn't know the artefact's exact rank, but he had no doubt it was of the highest grade. It was uncertain whether it was more powerful than the morphic puppet, especially considering the artefact formation had been influenced by Vylkr spawns and its continuous growth in strength.

Orion re-summoned the morphic puppet and flew into the sky, heading back toward Paradise.

.....

Paradise

Orion landed before the Golden Palace, knocked on its elegant doors, and watched as they parted open, welcoming him inside. Ilse had granted him the privilege of freely entering her palace so he could check on Aurora while she was unconscious.

However, Orion wanted to maintain such a privilege in the future, as this suggested a budding relationship between them. Walking through the bright light, he arrived at the bedroom. Looking around, he noticed Aerialia hovering over Liora's cradle, playing with her.

Liora's cheerful laughter filled the air, showing she enjoyed the attention.

Orion glanced around, but to his surprise, Aurora was nowhere to be seen. His heart raced as he wondered if something had happened in his absence.

Sensing his arrival, Aerialia turned to look at Orion, her eyes instantly locking onto the sceptre

in his hand. Her lips curved into a frown as she sensed the strange aura surrounding it.

"What happened? Where is Aurora?" Orion asked, his voice filled with worry. "Don't worry, she's fine. She needed more space to test her abilities and went outside," Aerialia replied, pointing at the open sky above the palace's roof.

"Is that...?" Aerialia started to ask, but Orion interrupted with a nod before she could finish. "This is a dual Vylkr and Divine artefact, formed from a dual Vylkr and Divine artefact formation triggered by the phenomenon caused by Aurora's delivery. I'm not sure if it's the first of its kind, but it's certainly the first I've ever seen."

"Dual Vylkr and Divine Artifact Formation..."

Aerialia's mind froze as she processed Orion's words. Despite her vast knowledge of the Vylkr energy, she had never imagined such a thing was possible. But recalling Aurora's transformation upon awakening, Aerialia realized this occurrence was plausible.

"I'll go see Aurora so I can give this to her," Orion added.

"Wait! Take Liora with you. I want to observe too," Aerialia said before Orion could take off.

Orion nodded in understanding. He utilized the One-Winged Sky Art on the sceptre, allowing it to hover beside him, then walked over to the cradle and gently picked Liora up. Holding her carefully in his arms, he smiled warmly at her.

Liora observed him with bright, curious eyes, her small hands gently grabbing and squeezing

his fingers.

Orion refocused upwards and rose into the air, soaring out of the bedroom.