"Will goddess Ilse truly be able to replicate the divine artefact?" Seth asked.
This was one of the most crucial details for Orion's plan to succeed. He knew Orion was trying to build a good relationship with Ilse to persuade her to stay in Paradise. He was slightly worried about the effort involved, fearing the plan might fail and render their efforts useless.
"She will," Orion responded, his tone confident. How can she continue to call herself a goddess if she can't? It will work depending on whether they have a god or someone skilled enough to confirm its authenticity. If that's the case, we can gauge the kind of force we're dealing with, which will benefit us regardless. We can proceed as planned if they can't distinguish the original from the replica."
A look of realization emerged on Seth's face as he nodded in understanding. Their conversation fell silent as they descended the stairs, passing through various building sections until they exited.
When they arrived outside, they noticed several individuals gathered: the Pixies, High Prince Alden and High Princess Morgana, Prince Delmy and Princess Lemy, the Prismerions, former clan leader Olivia Quarwraith, and Jadues Quarwraith, Ralias Prismaflow and Dialia Prismaflow, each accompanied by a Vylkr warrior standing within the defensive line.
Several pieces of luggage containing their belongings were by their sides as they prepared to venture into the outside world to fulfil the tasks given to them by the Key Leaders of Paradise and resume their roles within the Runaway Cities.
"Are all of you prepared?" Orion asked, his gaze sweeping across the individuals before him. They all nodded readily in response.
Orion gestured for them to follow as he rose and ascended into the sky. They had all been taught the flying technique months before, so he needed to witness how far they had progressed. It was a life-saving technique that would make him feel more secure about their safety.
Seth and the Vylkr warriors followed closely behind Orion, ascending into the sky alongside the Pixies. The Prismerions exchanged glances, gritted their teeth, and, despite some difficulty, grabbed their luggage and began their ascent, determined to catch up with the others.
...Upon arriving at the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, Orion and the others descended onto the
tower.
Lakul and the Sleeping Fox Runaway City leaders stepped forward to greet them. They bowed respectfully before straightening their postures.
Orion nodded, then gestured for High Prince Alden and the Pixies to step forward. "They will be your leaders. High Prince Alden will be the Supreme Leader of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City. High Princess Morgana will become the Supreme Chief of Commerce and the Market Burrows. Prince Delmy will take over as Supreme Master of Natural Resources, and Princess Lemy will become the Supreme Chief of Diplomacy and Envoy."
"Once they settle in, the next batch of leaders will replace the remaining positions. I expect you to teach them how to govern the Sleeping Fox Runaway City without any mistakes. If they fail, it will mean that the Sleeping Fox Runaway City is not worth Paradise's resources, and we will have to find its worth-none of which will include a future for the city itself," Orion explained.
Hearing his words, everyone present understood the underlying meaning. They would be fools unworthy of their positions not to.
"I swear to do my best to train them to handle the Sleeping Fox Runaway City with ease," Lakul said, nodding his head seriously.
He was already grateful they hadn't killed him and taken control directly, which would have been the best course of action to ensure no lingering danger during their reign. This decision showcased Paradise's confidence in handling emerging issues, viewing them as a force under their control rather than a waste of time.
Lakul had repeatedly witnessed Paradise's overwhelming power and had already decided to serve faithfully, seeing this as a blessing in disguise.
"What are you still standing there for? Show them where they will be staying," Lakul commanded, directing his gaze towards the guards surrounding them.
Eight guards immediately stepped forward and quickly escorted High Prince Alden and the others to the rooms where they would reside.
As all this transpired, the Sleeping Fox Runaway City leaders couldn't help but linger their gazes on the unknown races they had never seen or heard of. They acknowledged their ignorance, knowing they lacked information about several Runaway Cities. Nevertheless, it served as an eye-opener, providing a glimpse into Paradise.
Another thing that piqued their interest was the slender, slick bracelets on the warriors' wrists, resembling the Devourer Bracelet. Along with these, the oversized, bulging weapons strapped to their backs and waists intrigued them. They had their own ideas about what these items could be, but none were brave enough to ask, so they kept their lips sealed, only stealing brief glances.
They were sure Lakul had also noticed these strange sights but had chosen to remain silent.
"Wait, now that you're here, why don't I use this opportunity to give you a tour of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City? I know you're busy, and such an opportunity might not come again for me to personally show you around," Lakul said with a smile, observing that they were about to leave.
Even if he understood that he was probably wasting his time, he could only hope to help build familiarity between the Sleeping Fox Runaway City and Paradise's authorities. The only way to accomplish this was to create shared memories.
He also knew that the Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway City would likely be planning something similar, so trying it wasn't a bad idea.
Unfortunately, Lakul could not see behind their mask; otherwise, he would have noticed the subtle glint of anticipation in their eyes when he spoke.
Orion was about to refuse but held back his words. He had planned to secretly return to the Runaway Cities and look at each one himself for the safety of the future leaders and his own personal interest. Still, getting a tour of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City wasn't a bad idea to become familiar with it.
As silence permeated the atmosphere, Lakul remained silent, his smile strained. He waited for Orion's response, beads of sweat gathering on his forehead.
This was the first time he felt his existence depended on giving a tour of the Runaway City.
Orion nodded, breaking the silence. "Okay. We can use this opportunity to look around the Sleeping Fox Runaway City before we leave."
Lakul's expression immediately brightened, "Follow me; I'll lead the way," he said, walking toward a platform at the tower's entrance that would take them down. Three gods' chosens accompanied him.
Orion and the others followed, arriving at the platform. It was wide enough to accommodate all fourteen of them. Once everyone was on board, the platform descended automatically, passing through several levels within the tower until it reached the Royal Den, the head of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City.
....
Lakul guided Orion and the others through the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, starting from the neck and upper regions, where nobles, high-ranking families, and influential individuals resided. They then moved to the market burrows located at the chest and forearms-this area served as the Runaway City's economic heart.
Next, they explored the Communal Warrens at the back, divided into upper, middle, and lower sections. The upper warren housed the wealthiest residents, while the lower warren, with its dilapidated conditions, resembled a slum the deeper one ventured.
Continuing their tour, they visited the Bastion located at the legs. This area served as the city's defence zone, armoury, primary training ground, and others housing many of the gods' chosen. It was also the most fortified location after the Royal Den.
As they ascended back upwards, they passed through the underbelly-an underground network used for discreet movement between areas. The abdomen, the most crucial part of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, was responsible for its maintenance and functionality. Among the locations they visited, Orion marked the abdomen for a later visit to better understand its inner workings.
The Tail, also known as the Sky Spire, served as a high vantage point apart from the Ears, providing a sweeping view of the surrounding environment. It also housed most of the gods'
chosens residents.
Lakul spent five and a half hours guiding them through the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, focusing on the most prominent areas. He knew giving a complete tour in just a day or two was impossible, but he was satisfied with the brief overview.
"Whenever you're free and want a closer look at the forge palace, I'll ensure you get a detailed tour," Lakul offered sternly. Despite the Supreme Leader of Paradise's varied questions about each location, most inquiries centred on the forge palace.
Lakul wasn't surprised-it controlled the very structure of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, making it a natural point of interest for anyone eager to uncover its secrets.
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