First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System
Chapter 323: Tigerkin King

Chapter 323: Tigerkin King

Slowly, Orion opened his eyes, releasing a deep, calm exhale. His dual-colored eyes glowed momentarily, reflecting immense satisfaction and anticipation of the strength he had gained.

Lumi’s cheerful voice echoed warmly in his mind,

[Congratulations, Master! You’ve successfully broken through to the sixth level! You’re even stronger now! ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧]

Orion smiled gently and wiped off the sweat from his forehead before softly murmuring, ’Indeed, it was quite an exciting training session. Now it should be time for...’

His voice trailed off, eyes widening slightly in excitement as his gaze was drawn toward a sudden golden glow in front of him. The familiar system screen shimmered brightly, displaying words that filled Orion’s heart with anticipation:

[One Ascended Gacha Draw Acquired]

A small, eager smile crept onto Orion’s lips. He rubbed his palms together enthusiastically, eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement. ’Lumi, let’s not wait until later. Draw the gacha right now, perhaps fate will grant us something useful for this battle.’

Lumi’s cheerful voice immediately brightened with enthusiasm, almost bubbling over with excitement.

[Yes, Master! I’ve been waiting for this moment! (≧∇≦)/ ]

Instantly, a shimmering manifestation of the gacha wheel materialized within Orion’s Sea of Consciousness, its ornate golden edges glittering brilliantly, engraved with countless runes that radiated mysterious power.

A playful and energetic background melody started echoing softly in his ears, the familiar and strangely comforting Gacha BGM, carefully chosen by Lumi for moments precisely like this.

Orion leaned forward slightly, eyes fixed intently on the spinning wheel, his heart pounding quietly in anticipation.

The wheel accelerated, its colors and runes blending into a hypnotic whirl, illuminated by dazzling streams of ethereal light. Orion held his breath, silently wishing for something capable of turning the tides of the looming battle.

Gradually, the wheel slowed down, the runes becoming discernible once more, clicking rhythmically with decreasing speed. Orion’s eyes narrowed sharply as it finally came to a halt, settling on one particular glowing segment.

As he read the result, Orion raised an eyebrow, his expression complicated and somewhat bemused. He chuckled softly under his breath and murmured quietly, almost amusedly, ’Does fate truly not favor me that highly?’

Several hours later, Orion and his companions found themselves once again seated within their comfortable carriage, slowly approaching the vast and ancient battlefield.

Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating their faces gently as they conversed quietly, attempting to ease their nerves in the face of the looming conflict.

Duke Varian had visited briefly earlier, his eyes weary yet determined, informing them calmly, "We’ll arrive at the battlefield in just a couple of hours. Prepare yourselves."

His words, though brief, had carried immense weight, leaving Orion and the others deeply contemplative.

Now, as the rhythmic rumbling of wheels and occasional distant shouts from soldiers resonated around them, Elias attempted to lighten the atmosphere slightly, leaning back casually with arms folded, voice relaxed yet thoughtful,

"You know, despite all our training and preparation, war still feels like stepping into uncertainty. No matter how strong we’ve become."

Arya smiled gently, her violet eyes compassionate and reassuring, "Indeed, Elias. But we need to gain this experience. The war here is on a much smaller scale compared to the war our continent is fighting against the Demons. This battle is not only for us to fight but also to learn how to support and protect each other."

Felira nodded her head with a gentle smile as she spoke resolutely, "We must trust in ourselves and each other. If we can’t trust each other here, then who will?"

Sylvia nodded her head slowly, her calm expression showing approval at Felira’s words, "Yes, we should trust each other but we also must not hesitate against enemies now. They might be forced by that strange person but they have been fighting for centuries. So even if he was here or not the war would have continued. So we must not show mercy."

The rest of the group’s expressions hardened, but all of them knew what Sylvia said was the truth. Arya and Felira were the most affected as both of them had no plans of harming the Lionkin, however, hearing Sylvia’s words, they realized how naive they really were.

Orion calmly looked at the group as he knew from the start that mercy was not an option. But he didn’t say anything to the group and let them sort out their thoughts on their own.

Inwardly, he assessed the condition of his Sea of Consciousness. Inside, the affinity runes and the other things were in order. Even the Dragon Breath runes had been completely mended by now.

The only thing worrying was the fissures at the corners of his SoC. He slightly frowned, feeling the fissures slowly growing, ’Hmm, looks like the spell didn’t affect it much. So I can use them without issue.’

Lumi’s concerned voice echoed in his mind,

[But your SoC is leaking mana continuously though, Master.]

Orion softly chuckled and answered, ’Yes, and the passive absorption is cancelling it out. But yes, this is quite troublesome. I need to find a way to repair my SoC fast.’

The two of them continued their conversation silently inside his Sea of Consciousness, their exchanges flowing seamlessly.

At the front of the expansive column, positioned prominently atop a grand, luxurious war chariot adorned with golden trims and intricate engravings of proud tigers, the aged Tigerkin King sat silently, his imposing presence radiating dominating strength.

His once-majestic amber fur was now streaked with gray, revealing the heavy burden of age and responsibility he had carried through endless wars. Yet his powerful frame remained fit and muscular, every inch still resonating authority and dignity.

Behind him stood three Dukes, including Duke Varian, each of their expressions grave, their postures respectful yet deeply solemn.

They understood fully that today’s conflict was unlike those of the past, its outcome uncertain, the stakes unimaginably high. They knew this battle could very well be their last.

The old King, eyes locked onto the distant horizon filled with an enormous Lionkin army massing menacingly, spoke in a slow, aged voice that carried the heavy weight of decades of regret, determination, and melancholy, "The time has finally come..."

His words hung in the air, heavy with the gravity of what lay ahead. Duke Varian exchanged quiet, knowing glances with his fellow Dukes but remained respectfully silent, allowing the King the space to express his thoughts fully.

After a brief pause, the King’s voice softened slightly, tinged with the quiet sorrow of a ruler forced into an impossible position, "If the worst-case scenario unfolds, ensure as many of our young ones escape safely with the outsiders. This war... it’s ours to bear. It shouldn’t extinguish the flame of our people’s future."

Immediately, the three Dukes, Varian included, bowed their heads respectfully, their voices firm and resolute, speaking in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

The King’s expression softened briefly, reflecting gratitude and pride toward the Dukes who had faithfully served and supported him through countless battles.

His gaze then hardened again, returning once more to the approaching Lionkin forces, numbering in the millions. The distant sound of marching feet echoed faintly across the wind, a grim reminder of what awaited them.

The Tigerkin King took a deep, steadying breath, rising to his full height within the grand chariot. His shoulders straightened with dignity, his aged frame emanating an aura of unwavering resolve.

He gently placed his weathered hand upon the ornate railing of the war chariot, murmuring softly, perhaps only to himself, "This battle, one way or another, shall finally bring closure to centuries of bloodshed."