Village Head's Debauchery

Chapter 1030: A Trade For Aid



"That's a splendid decision! Though I believe you'll uphold your words, everyone must hear them. Once you're healed, a public declaration will be held for everyone to witness," Orion said, smiling under his mask, his voice clear and serious.

"A public declaration?" Sy'ra repeated, stunned.

"Yes. Everyone needs to understand which decision is the right path to take so they can follow your example and prove themselves worthy of becoming trusted individuals for Paradise," Orion responded. "If everyone is as wise as you are, then you won't need to worry about the resources to improve yourselves, as Paradise will be willing to provide everything you need freely."

Sy'ra gulped. It was well known that the immense resources needed by gods' chosens to improve their strength were enough to tempt several of them to betray and defect from their Runaway Cities.

Given the current situation, this announcement alone would prompt countless gods' chosens to pledge their allegiance to Paradise. With her, the Commander of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City, making such a public declaration would shatter any remaining resistance within their hearts.

This was about more than just her-it concerned the entire Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City. If Paradise truly kept its word, this could cause a ripple effect throughout the other Runaway Cities.

Sy'ra's heart sped up as she tried to identify the Supreme Leader of Paradise's plan. If she had foolishly refused this offer, it would have been extended to Commander Vorgath or Edmar of the Sleeping Fox and Trekking Flamingo Runaway Cities, who were just as injured as she was. Regardless, the outcome would have been the same.

'Did he plan this from the start?' Sy'ra thought, feeling a chill as she swiftly averted her gaze from the Supreme Of Paradise's mask.

It was as if she could sense the Vylkr vines tightening around her, imprisoning her with no escape. Her first defeat at his hands had been due to his strength; this second defeat came merely from his words. Each method was more baffling than the last.

Just like Sy'ra, Eleanora's expression paled at Orion's words. She tried to speak again, but her lips closed each time, remembering the consequences.

How pathetic. Was this how low she had fallen? Her life's work was being stripped away piece by piece right before her eyes, and all she could do was close her mouth and watch.

Eleanora wanted to laugh at her pitiful state but couldn't find the strength. Her lips remained sealed.

The room was suddenly enveloped in silence.

"I'll send one of my warriors to pick you up and take you to our Outward Stronghold for treatment by one of Paradise's best healers," Orion said. "We can begin the public declaration immediately after you're healed." He didn't find the silence unsettling; instead, he was pretty pleased with how things had turned out.

Although he knew that the former leaders of the Runaway Cities would no longer oppose Paradise's authority, capturing the people's hearts and their gods' chosens would render those leaders irrelevant. They would have no choice but to fall in line and become devout.

It was perfect!

Orion added, "Now that we're done here, I think it's time to take my leave. I have other important matters I need to attend to."

"Thank you for your benevolence, Supreme Leader," Sy'ra responded, her eyes fluttering open but not daring to meet his gaze.

Orion nodded and turned around. Unexpectedly, just as he was about to take a step forward, Eleanora collapsed to her knees and prostrated herself on the floor, her forehead pressed against the red carpet, her hands pressed together. Her actions caused Orion to halt his steps. As Sy'ra watched Eleanora's desperate movements, her veins bulged intensely as she clenched her fists. Unable to muster the strength to observe the scene directly, Sy'ra closed her eyes, but her ears remained open.

"Supreme Leader, please, I need your... Paradise's help to save one more person!" Eleanora pleaded, her voice strained but persistent.

Orion looked at the prostrated Eleanora. "Miss Eleanora, my generosity is like a shallow pond. Tread it recklessly, and you'll find yourself sinking in the depths of your own making," he replied, his tone cold and firm.

Eleanora's heart raced with fear at his words. She swallowed hard before opening her trembling lips to respond, "I would never take your generosity for granted, Supreme Leader. I will give up my most precious belongings in exchange for this aid. I am certain it will greatly benefit Paradise."

Orion's aura sharpened noticeably. Eleanora was bound to possess something of significant value as the Queen of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City. He was keen to learn about her most precious possession and hoped it was as valuable as she claimed.

"Go ahead, I am listening. I want to know what this precious belonging of yours is and hope it is as valuable as you claim."

Eleanora raised her head, a glimmer of hope appearing in her eyes. "I not only utilize Life energy but also draconic energy, thanks to a Legendary-ranked art given to me by a mysterious traveller who once visited the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City. This Legendary Art enabled me to ascend the ranks and seize the position of Supreme Leader," she explained, her voice laced with desperation. "I am willing to offer this Legendary Art to Paradise in exchange for your aid."

Sy'ra's body trembled faintly slightly on the bed.

A suffocating, eerie silence enveloped the room once more.

"Is that it?" Orion asked, exhaling deeply in disappointment.

He chastised himself for raising his hopes too high. With Aerialia's presence, Paradise was not lacking in Divine techniques or arts. He was still waiting for Ilse to awaken so he could determine if she had any to share.

Orion's words were like the deafening sounds of the sky collapsing around Eleanora. A Unique ranked technique was a coveted treasure that led to the downfall of several Runaway Cities and incited conflicts among families. The existence of such a technique was enough to turn alliances into battlegrounds.