Chapter 1158: The Bastion Of Wailing Gnarled Uprooted
Chapter 1158: The Bastion Of Wailing Gnarled Uprooted
"You will understand soon, once the announcement is made," Orion responded.
Seeing that he was keeping quiet about the matter, Mira furrowed her brows in frustration. She let it go for now and placed the matter in the back of her mind.
They continued their discussion for another twenty minutes before concluding the
conversation.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the entrance.
"I'll check who it is," Mira said, swiftly opening the door. "Your Sovereigness," She greeted.
Nadia nodded in acknowledgement and walked into the laboratory.
Mira quickly closed the door and followed behind her, her mind racing.
Nadia stopped in front of Orion and Fifi.
"I've finished the discussion with the High Advisors. They were sceptical of my claims but wouldn't dare challenge my authority. We've agreed that all the citizens of the Bastion of Wailling Gnarled will pledge allegiance to Paradise and become its citizens. However, a few High Advisors want to join you in eliminating the Harbingers and their spawns before leaving this place."
"They've sacrificed too much to abandon it and would rather die trying to eliminate them. I'm certain many of our soldiers and Arch-Knights will feel the same once the announcement is made. I hope you can understand their reasoning," she explained.
"I understand. Don't worry; if they want to join us, they are free to do so. I promise no lives will be needlessly lost under my care," Orion replied.
He had decided to launch a frontal assault on the Harbingers' lair, as the mysterious water woman had revealed that the way into the Mirror Realm was in their hands. However, Nadia was unaware of this as there was no reason to inform her.
Since he was going there anyway, he might as well let them come along. This would allow them to confront the Harbingers and spawns that had caused their suffering, which might restore their sense of respect and reverence-something that could be incredibly useful. Nadia's expression brightened with happiness, and she bowed deeply to Orion and Fifi. "Thank you. The Bastion of Wailing Gnarled will never be able to repay the aid you've given us."
"You're joking. Since the Bastion of Wailing Gnarled has decided to join Paradise, any debts owed before are wiped clean. Those under Paradise owe nothing but loyalty," Orion replied with a smile.
Nadia returned his smile and nodded. "I will lead you to the gathering ground where the announcement will occur," she said.
Orion nodded.
Nadia turned to Mira, "Pack everything you deem necessary and prepare to leave for the gathering ground. I will be making an important announcement soon," she said.
"Understood, Sovereigness," Mira responded, snapping out of the daze she had been in from everything she had just witnessed. Her emotions swirled at the monumental event about to shake the Bastion of Wailing Gnarled, but she quickly composed herself.
"I will lead the way," Nadia said, refocusing on Orion and Fifi. She led them forward, and they followed her out of the room.
Mira quickly got to work, packing her belongings.
....
Orion and Fifi stood on a floating stone, hovering a few meters above the ground. Below them stretched a sea of individuals - nymphs and a few other races - numbering in the millions. It was impossible to count them all as they filled every corner of the massive underground grand hall, which seemed specifically designed for this purpose.
Facing the crowd was Nadia, with the five High Advisors standing behind her. Nadia had just finished delivering her speech to the Bastion of Wailing Gnarled citizens and was about to introduce Orion and Fifi.
"This is Orion, the Supreme Leader of Paradise, and Fifi, his formidable companion. They will lead us out of this dreaded ocean," Nadia announced loudly.
Immediately, a wave of commotion and murmurs spread through the crowd.
"My goodness! The Sovereigness is actually smiling... That's not like her, is it? Are you sure the Sovereigness hasn't been hypnotized?"
"What are you talking about? Of course, it's the Sovereigness! Who would dare impersonate her in front of such a large crowd? You should focus on the important matter at hand... Are we finally going to leave this dreaded region once and for all?"
"Wait... How could any force willingly accept us and offer such immense benefits?"
"I don't believe the Sovereigness is lying to us. Her character is as unpretentious and unyielding as an underwater mountain. She would do anything to protect us! Besides, the Arch-Knights are present and would be the first to sense if something was wrong. Since they haven't acted, she's telling the truth, and there is a place like Paradise."
"Hahaha! I'm willing to take the risk if we can finally leave this ocean alive! I don't care what happens next-we're facing death one way or another. And if you don't want to leave, you can stay behind and participate in the assault on the Harbingers' lair. Although I trust the Sovereigness's words, I doubt you'll make it out of there alive!"
At the forefront of the crowd, Felissa stood with several Arch-Knights beside her. Her expression was shocked, realizing she had misjudged the situation.
Supreme Leader of Paradise! This was even more unbelievable than she had expected. She would have dismissed anyone making such an announcement as delusional. However, watching her Sovereigness speak from the arena, she was unsure how to feel.
Still, after witnessing Fifi's abilities, she couldn't help but cling to the hope rising in her heart. After all, who wouldn't take the chance if it meant escaping this cursed ocean?
Mira felt similar emotions, but unlike the others, her heart stirred at the thought that Orion would help her gather as much Divine energy as he had promised.
'But doesn't that mean Paradise must possess a divine being for him to recognize it so
quickly?'
A chill ran down Mira's spine as the thought crossed her mind. If that were true, the Sovereigness's sudden change was because she was also aware of this truth.
Suddenly, Nadia cleared her throat again, silencing the crowd.
"Everyone, go and prepare yourselves. As long as you can manage it, there is no limit to what you can carry. We leave in four hours!" Nadia announced loudly with a smile.
As her words concluded, the Bastion of Wailling Gnarled citizens began to exit through the enormous gates at the four corners of the massive underground grand hall, one by one.
...
Four hours later, the nymphs had packed their belongings and valuables and returned to the massive underground grand hall. From the young to the elderly, all waited anxiously as Nadia, the five High Advisors, and Orion and Fifi entered the hall.
"You may begin, Supreme Leader," Nadia said, shifting her gaze toward Orion with a smile.
Orion nodded and stepped forward. Standing before the vast crowd stretched beyond the doors, he pulled a golden key from his pocket and extended his hand.
The surrounding space rippled and folded, eliciting surprised gasps from the crowd.
Sensing the key was inserted into an invisible lock, Orion turned it according to a complex sequence. Soon, he let go of the key as it dissipated into golden light. He stepped back as the light coalesced, forming a massive, square door and spilling an intense, blinding golden
glow.
Witnessing the intense scene, the entire hall erupted into a clamour of murmurs. Those who had previously doubted the Sovereigness's claims suddenly believed, and a surge of anticipation and curiosity about Paradise rose in their hearts.
Orion swiftly enlarged the portal to fill the space between the two pillars beside them, allowing access through either golden door. He turned toward Fifi and nodded, giving her the
stage.
Fifi nodded back and took the lead.
"I want everyone to carry their belongings and valuables orderly and follow me!" Fifi's voice thundered across the hall. She turned around and walked through the golden door first.
The citizens nodded in understanding. Grabbing their belongings, they began stepping in an orderly fashion toward the golden door, utilizing both sides of the entrance.
This process continued for four days until every citizen of the Bastion of Wailling Gnarled who was prepared to leave passed through the golden door.
Once everyone was through, the large, square golden door disintegrated into specks of light, transforming back into the golden key, which landed in Orion's palm. He swiftly pocketed the key, sending it into his miniature mountain.
"Are you certain that warrior Fifi will be able to handle them all?" Nadia asked, looking at Orion with a complicated expression.
Even though she trusted their abilities, she doubted whether Fifi could manage over nine million nymphs and a few hundred thousand from other races.
"I'm sure she will," Orion responded with a nod.
Iris would also be there, taking care of the other population that had entered from the Tidal
Depths Kingdom side. Fortunately, Aurora had handled every single issue perfectly, and all that remained was the Bastion of Ashen Hope.
At this point, Orion was anxious they wouldn't have enough time. He didn't want to find out what might happen if the pocket dimension were to close abruptly. He had to get there as
soon as possible.