Varian slightly paused at Orion's calm yet pointed question, his sharp amber eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he leaned back into his chair.
The room, previously buzzing with the intensity of their conversation, suddenly grew silent, the faint sounds of breathing and shifting bodies becoming audible in the oppressive silence. Varian met Orion's gaze calmly, clearly understanding the significance of his inquiry.
"What do you want in return?" Varian finally asked in a deep and calm voice.
Orion's lips curled into a faint smile, tinged subtly with amusement, as he slowly shook his head. "What could you even offer us, Duke Varian? We hail from a higher world. Every resource or treasure you possess, we have access to superior versions. Your weapons, your artifacts, your cultivation resources, all would be redundant to us."
