Village Head's Debauchery

Orion immediately frowned as Aegis of the Arctic Deity's words ended.

"So you're saying there's no other way to save their lives without making a choice?" Orion asked, his voice rigid.

"Yes," Aegis of the Arctic Deity responded.

Silence enveloped the inky black void for a minute before Orion proceeded to ask, "Can you tell me what kind of artefact it is?"

"It's a pseudo-divine artefact," Aegis of the Arctic Deity responded.

Orion's brows furrowed in confusion, prompting Aegis of the Arctic Deity to clarify, "There are eight artefact ranks: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Unique, Legendary, Mythical, and lastly, Divine. I believe that's how the mortals classified them. Nonetheless, the higher the rank of the artefact, the more powerful it is and the more difficult it is to be found or created. Take your 'Crimson Blade,' for example; I doubt any god would willingly undergo the risk of refining their divine blood, essence, and soul unless pushed into such a situation or driven by desperation."

Orion nodded in response to Aegis of the Arctic Deity's explanation. With this new information, several gaps about artefacts have been filled. 

"How about a pseudo-divine artefact?" Orion asked.

"It's an artefact that failed to attain its divine status or has been damaged severely enough to lose its divinity," Aegis of the Arctic Deity responded.

Orion nodded again, understanding, as he breathed out in relief. Armed with this newfound knowledge, he could accompany the Crystalforge Clan to the location where Garnet had found the two artefacts used on the king and queen. Perhaps he could uncover something worthwhile. 

After experiencing the power of the divine artefact in his hand, Orion wanted to obtain more artefacts. He believed it would not only be beneficial to him but would also elevate the abilities of the other warriors in the village to a whole new level.

"Since this decision will determine the fate of the Prismerion, I don't think I'm capable of making such a choice," Orion said, his gaze fixated on the large slitted golden pair of eyes. "I will need to discuss it with them first so we can come up with a decision."

"That won't be a problem. Since I said I would help solve this problem, I would naturally do my best. You can come find me whenever you are ready," Aegis of the Arctic Deity replied.

Orion nodded, breathing out deeply for the umpteenth time. He turned around and walked through the passageway. Emerging from it as his world flipped upside down, Orion landed stably on his two feet at the edge of the passageway.

"Orion, what did he say? Is he going to save my parents? What are the consequences he was talking about?" Crystalia asked, immediately jumping towards Orion and holding him tightly within her arms. 

Her eyes and body trembled as she awaited his response.

Orion sighed, glancing at the hopeful expression on Crystalia's face. 

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he proceeded to explain everything Aegis of the Arctic Deity had said to everyone. 

As Orion spoke, the expressions of Selene and King Brylon fell, while the Crystalforge Elite Warriors and the others couldn't help but frown, understanding the graveness of the situation.

Crystalia, however, felt the hope slowly drain away from her face, plunging into despair. "Then… isn't there anything else he could do?" Crystalia hurriedly asked.

"I'm sorry, but I asked the same question. Unfortunately, he didn't provide any other solution than this," Orion replied.

Crystalia wanted to say a word but hesitated. 

She quickly turned her head towards her mother and noticed the painful, sad smile on her lips. "Mom, we can…"

"Crystalia, don't worry about us. With Madam Seraphina and the rest of the Prismerian Healers' Council, I believe we will find a way to heal your father, even without getting rid of the artefact. While I trust that, with the current strength of the Crystalforge clan, I can still maintain proper control even without my full strength," Selene said, persistently holding onto her forced smile that was already threatening to collapse at any moment.

"Mom..."

"Crystalia, this is a very delicate situation, so it will be difficult for us to make a rash decision like saving ourselves from this bound artefact and putting the whole Prismerian Kingdom at risk of destruction. Don't worry, just like your mother said, I believe we can handle this situation without the help of a god," King Brylon responded. 

He coughed a few times, remained calm, and then closed his eyes to rest and conserve his energy, seeing as his only hope for being restored to good health was no longer available.

"Take him back to the sanctuary. Ensure that the Council prioritizes preventing his condition from worsening until we find a way to get rid of the artefact," Selene commanded, her tone serious.

The four guards nodded in understanding and immediately walked back to the Prismerian Kingdom, making their way out through the garden's entrance.

Meanwhile, the others waited for Orion to convey their response to Aegis of the Arctic Deity before he emerged from the passageway again, the entrance closing right below him.

Just as they were about to return to the garden's entrance to return to the Prismerian Kingdom, Orion walked towards Selene to speak with her. In the past, he might have waited until the atmosphere was less tense. Still, given the current situation and the urgency of the conversation he wanted to have, Orion understood that he couldn't postpone it for later.

"What is it that you want to talk about?" Selene asked as she stared at Orion curiously. 

It seemed as though she had already accepted her fate, as the defeated expression on her face was no longer present.

"I wonder if you can help me arrange a group of individuals that can lead me to the location where Garnet said he found the two artefacts," Orion responded seriously. "I would like to check it out and see if there is anything else I can find there."