CHAPTER 932: LOOT DELIVERY SERVICE

In the northern frozen plains, at the Ice Phoenix Palace.

Barbaric and serene, fervent and impulsive, Orion and Lumi were lying tangled together, sating the longing and warmth they felt for one another.

"The frozen plains are beautiful, but they’re too cold, too lonely. I was afraid you’d forget about me," Orion murmured after a long while, holding Lumi close. Her skin, cool and smooth like polished marble, was uniquely comforting. "Lorelia has advanced to Lord-rank and is guarding Blackstone City now. Come south with me for a while."

"Mm," Lumi hummed softly, not even opening her eyes. From their first embrace to their passionate kiss, to the complete baring of their hearts, she was utterly spent.

Orion stroked her back and slowly closed his eyes as well.

Emerald Dream Realm, over the Kasenna Sea.

The mirror avatar and Leonidas stood together at the highest point of their beast-wrought palace, gazing toward Dragonflame Island.

"Two more arch lord auras moving this way," Leonidas said with a frown. "It seems our last lesson didn’t teach them any fear."

The dragons’ actions showed no intention of backing down. In other words, the combined might of the Deputy Commander, Arthas, and the other demigod hadn’t been enough to deter them. The Dragon Faction’s resolve to invade the Dusk Continent and secure a foothold in the Emerald Dream Realm was absolute.

"I might have been worried before," Orion’s avatar said, his voice perfectly calm. "But now, I’m starting to think of them as our personal loot delivery service, bringing us materials and treasure chests."

The enemy arch lords joining the fray didn’t cause the slightest ripple in his heart.

Ever since he had resolved to challenge a demigod phantom, his mind had achieved a state of profound tranquility. The threat of another arch lord couldn’t stir him in the slightest.

"Hahaha... bro, you’re starting to sound like Arthas now!" Leonidas turned his head to look at Orion, a comical expression on his face. "That prickly bastard used to have that same look, never even flinched no matter who he was facing."

"Our bro Arthas is still the same," Orion replied, meeting Leonidas’s gaze, his own perfectly placid. "He’s facing down actual demigods and still not flinching."

"Ah, maybe Arthas was right," Leonidas sighed dramatically. "I’m just a washed-up has-been. Even my little bro has caught up to me." He seemed genuinely dejected.

Orion thought to himself. It was an act. I know perfectly well that the gap between myself and bros like Leonidas and Alexander is still immense.

For one thing, Leonidas had self-destructed two of his avatars in a row, and I couldn’t detect the slightest hint of damage to the man’s deep reserves of power.

If it had been me, I would have been screaming bloody murder after losing just one.

"Little M and Isabella are back," Orion noted as Makareth and Isabella returned in triumph from the front lines. Without any enemy arch lords on the field, few Legendary-level opponents could stand against them.

"Hahaha, bros, we’re back!" Demon Makareth landed beside Leonidas and immediately grabbed a flagon of ale from a nearby table, chugging it down. "I personally finished off two Lords today!"

Isabella landed beside Orion, her head held high with pride, like a peacock showing off its magnificent tail.

She had earned her kills without her colossal dragon, a feat that filled her with a sense of accomplishment. She was hoping for a little praise from Orion and Leonidas.

Unfortunately, both Orion and Leonidas completely missed the social cue.

"My lord." Gustalon’s form materialized respectfully behind Orion.

"Well done. Go and rest."

In truth, both Makareth and Isabella had been assisted by Gustalon, whom Orion had sent to support the team’s two newcomers.

It was the same way Arthas used to send Rumbold or Vexis to help him, no matter the situation. How Orion used that support was his own business.

Now, Orion was doing the same for them.

Gustalon gave a slight bow to Orion and Leonidas, nodded to Makareth and Isabella, and then vanished into the wind.

Watching the breeze blow away, Makareth lowered his flagon.

"Big boss," he said, his voice full of admiration and envy, "that subordinate of yours is an absolute reaper on the battlefield. He’s like a ghost, comes and goes without a trace. In a chaotic fight, he’s the enemy’s worst nightmare."

It was no exaggeration. With Gustalon’s support, slaughtering Legendary-level enemies had become almost easy for Makareth. He didn’t have to worry about them escaping, nor did he fear being surrounded.

"Gustalon is an elemental being, which makes him special. But he’s not invincible. You two need to watch his back as well."

As an elemental, Gustalon’s potential was enormous. He was unique among Orion’s forces. Orion’s hopes for him and Lumi extended far beyond the Legendary level. They were his future aces, and they needed to be treasured.

"Don’t worry, Big boss. I get it," Makareth said, his tactical instincts sharp. "Protecting Gustalon is just another way of protecting our own escape route."

Orion nodded and glanced at Isabella.

"What are you looking at? I’m not an idiot!" she snapped, rolling her eyes. She felt like Orion was underestimating her, and it annoyed her to no end.

"You two get some rest," Leonidas interjected. "In the next engagement, my bro and I will be going with you. And when we do, no one will be watching your backs."

He was making it clear: the next battle would likely involve enemy arch lords. He and Orion would be busy dealing with high-tier opponents and wouldn’t have the attention to spare.

"You know, for all that, you have to admit these dragons are tough," Makareth said, still amazed. "And they’ve got deep reserves. They’ve lost so many Lords, but their front line hasn’t budged an inch."

Even in the Abyss, most major factions would turtle up to lick their wounds after taking such heavy losses.

"These dragons are all backed by at least one world of their own," Leonidas explained. He had the most authority on this subject, having discovered Uynting Realm himself. "They have plenty of mid and high-tier fighters to spare. You two should be careful. Every world has a few geniuses with monstrous talent and strength."

He clapped his hands together.

"Alright, enough shop talk! The dragon meat is roasted and ready. You won the battle, so I am going to throw you a proper welcome-home feast!"