First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System
Chapter 248: Confrontation

Chapter 248: Confrontation

His voice was firm, confidence masking the seriousness of the situation. "Young Master, be careful. I’ll keep these five occupied, but the remaining four will fall to you. Be cautious—they are formidable."

Without waiting for Orion’s acknowledgment, Lucan lunged forward decisively, his sword flashing brilliantly, instantly engaging all five powerful enemies simultaneously.

His movements were precise, calculated yet strained, clearly facing considerable difficulty despite his exceptional skill.

Orion’s expression tightened as four opponents rapidly moved toward him. He quickly assessed them: one opponent appeared around the sixth grade, his cultivation clearly superior, while the other three hovered around the fourth and fifth grades.

Orion’s pulse quickened, anxiety flickering sharply within him. He was only at the third tier, and facing such formidable foes was undoubtedly beyond his current capacity.

Yet, hesitation wasn’t an option. Orion quickly summoned mana through his mana channels, feeling the energy roar powerfully through his body, slightly calming his anxious heartbeat.

His lineage roared silently within him, raw power enhancing his physical abilities and mana reserves beyond the typical third-tier cultivator.

The forest clearing had become a chaotic battleground. The moonlight filtering through dense branches provided an eerie glow, shadows flickering across the battlefield as blades clashed and spells illuminated the night.

Orion stood firm, his eyes locked sharply onto the advancing kidnappers. His heart raced, anxiety gripped his chest, yet he forcibly steadied his breathing and firmed his grip on the Realm Guardian Sword.

Three kidnappers rapidly surrounded Orion, positioning themselves strategically. The strongest among them, the Tier 5 cultivator, a burly figure clad in dark leather armor, wielded twin curved daggers.

He exuded a sinister aura, a cold smirk etched across his face. Beside him, two Tier 4 kidnappers took positions to flank Orion, one wielding a spear and the other a massive battle-axe.

Slightly further back, the Tier 6 kidnapper watched silently, hovering protectively over the sack that presumably held Fiora.

Orion knew the gravity of his disadvantage: he was at Tier 3, facing opponents who significantly surpassed him in cultivation. He had no illusions about dominating; survival alone would test his limits.

"Get the brat!" snarled the Tier 5 kidnapper, surging forward with alarming speed. His twin daggers flashed viciously, aiming directly for Orion’s throat.

Orion immediately activated Dragon’s Instinct, the unique draconic ability surging within him. Instantly, his senses heightened exponentially, his pupils constricting, movements around him seemingly slowing to a crawl.

His body reacted instinctively, narrowly evading the daggers by a mere hair’s breadth. He counterattacked instantly, igniting his sword with Inferno Slash, flames surging violently around its edge.

The dagger-wielder sidestepped quickly, smirking confidently as he easily avoided Orion’s strike. Meanwhile, the two Tier 4 opponents simultaneously attacked from Orion’s sides, exploiting his vulnerability.

Orion rapidly cast Verdant Shield, thick, sturdy vines erupting around him to block the incoming attacks.

The spear struck first, piercing halfway through the shield, followed immediately by the battle-axe shattering it violently. Wood splinters and flames scattered around Orion, forcing him to use Flash Step, instantly repositioning himself several meters back.

The kidnappers regrouped immediately, closing the distance aggressively. Orion quickly unleashed Chain Lightning, electricity crackling vividly from his outstretched palm.

The initial bolt struck the axe-wielder, shocking him violently and jumping instantly to the other two nearby opponents. Yet, the kidnappers’ higher-tier defenses absorbed the shock significantly, barely slowing their advance.

The Tier 5 cultivator laughed harshly, taunting Orion. "Is that all you’ve got, kid? You’re completely outmatched!"

Orion grit his teeth, ignoring the taunts as sweat dripped down his brow. He summoned Tempest Maelstrom, the orb of crackling lightning materializing above him, unleashing micro-bolts wildly in all directions.

The kidnappers temporarily retreated, startled and cautious against the sustained bombardment of lightning. Orion seized the brief respite to recover his breath, mana channels burning fiercely within him.

However, the kidnappers swiftly adapted. The Tier 5 leader smirked coldly, "Enough playing around—finish him quickly!"

The spear-wielder suddenly thrust his weapon with blinding speed, Orion narrowly avoiding it, the sharp edge grazing his side painfully.

Gritting his teeth, Orion countered fiercely, swinging his sword in a massive arc using Inferno Slash, forcing the spear-wielder back momentarily.

However, the axe-wielder immediately pressed forward, launching himself into the air and bringing his massive weapon crashing down.

Orion’s instincts roared, alerting him to immediate danger. He barely summoned another Verdant Shield in time. The shield shattered instantly, the residual impact throwing Orion backward, his body slamming hard into the forest floor.

Orion coughed, struggling swiftly back onto his feet. Blood trickled from his mouth as pain jolted through his body. The kidnappers advanced ruthlessly, pressing him harder. He knew he couldn’t withstand much longer at this pace.

"Damn it," Orion muttered breathlessly, desperation surging through him. He channeled mana desperately, casting Forest’s Embrace.

Powerful vines surged violently from the ground, temporarily immobilizing the axe and spear-wielders. Seizing this fleeting chance, Orion lunged fiercely toward the dagger-wielder, delivering an intense strike empowered by Velocity Strike.

His opponent parried expertly, daggers crossing swiftly to deflect Orion’s blow. The collision sent sparks flying violently, both combatants briefly locked together.

Orion’s muscles trembled under immense strain, fatigue rapidly building.

The axe-wielder broke free first, roaring furiously and charging Orion from behind. His axe swung viciously, forcing Orion to disengage abruptly, narrowly dodging once more with Flash Step.

Despite his incredible reflexes and instincts, Orion knew his limitations were approaching. Each spell, each evasion sapped his reserves dangerously. His breathing grew ragged, movements becoming sluggish.

"You’re slowing down, brat!" mocked the dagger-wielder, lunging again with blistering speed. Orion barely deflected, feeling his mana channels begin to ache deeply from constant overexertion.

As the pressure mounted, the spear-wielder saw his chance clearly. Orion’s movements briefly faltered from exhaustion, leaving a critical opening.

The kidnapper rushed forward decisively, his spear thrusting forward with lethal intent aimed directly at Orion’s exposed neck.

Orion’s eyes widened, heart hammering rapidly, realizing too late he had no chance of evasion or defense as he was just about to activate Dragon’s Might in an attempt to suppress the enemy.

But suddenly, from the dark forest beyond, a single pebble streaked forward like a meteor, ignited by mana, and struck the spear-wielder’s head explosively.

A massive, fiery burst erupted upon impact, instantly killing him and scattering debris violently.

The sudden intervention startled Orion and enraged the five kidnappers clashing fiercely against Lucan.

"You dare be distracted!?" shouted one kidnapper furiously, pushing Lucan violently backward.

They intensified their assault, driving Lucan further into the dense forest, isolating him from Orion’s position.

Though Orion felt an immediate reduction in enemy pressure, relief was short-lived. From behind, the dagger-wielder capitalized ruthlessly on Orion’s momentary distraction, his blade slicing sharply across Orion’s back.

"Tsk!" Orion’s muscles twitched, pain searing through his flesh as warm blood flowed freely down his back.

Yet, he endured, gripping his sword resolutely. Compared to the brutal agony of fusing lineages and forcibly awakening his Sea of Consciousness, this injury was nothing.

Fueled by sheer determination and adrenaline, Orion swung his sword fiercely, unleashing Drakefire Breath in desperation. Flames surged violently, forcing his opponents to momentarily retreat.

Yet, even with these desperate efforts, he remained thoroughly suppressed. Each strike felt heavy, each movement sluggish and strained.

Orion’s vision blurred momentarily, exhaustion and blood loss intensifying rapidly.

The Tier 6 kidnapper, still observing silently from near the sack, calmly watched Orion’s desperate battle unfold. His expression remained indifferent, calculating, confident Orion would eventually fall.

Suddenly, the sack lying nearby shifted slightly. Slowly, quietly, Fiora’s delicate fingers emerged, carefully loosening the bindings.

Her eyes widened fearfully upon seeing Orion locked in fierce, desperate combat. Her heart clenched tightly, horror and anxiety surging through her.

The sight of Orion bleeding, exhausted yet still desperately fighting, sent waves of panic through her. Tears welled uncontrollably in Fiora’s eyes, trembling whispers escaping her lips, filled with heartbreak and dread.

"Young Master...!"

Orion heard her soft cry faintly, his heart jolting painfully. Gritting his teeth, he steadied himself, determination blazing fiercely within him despite his weakening body. His body began exuding a dangerous aura as he threw caution to the wind and decided to use his Dragon’s Might.