First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System

Orion's dual-colored eyes narrowed sharply, his gaze colder than ice as he observed the oblivious bandits scattered around the spacious cavern.

The dim, flickering glow from mana crystals cast shadows upon the stone walls, faintly illuminating the sinister scene.

The Lionkin bandits lounged carelessly, their lion tails swishing lazily as they joked crudely, counted stolen valuables, and idly sharpened their weapons, utterly unaware of the deadly storm approaching.

Orion's companions behind him instinctively prepared their weapons and spells, muscles tensed and eyes glowing with light excitement and nervousness.

Nyss silently adjusted her massive scythe, its silver blade gleaming ominously. Emilia's fingertips tightly grasped her spear as she readied herself for the battle ahead.

Arya glanced quickly between her friends, her fingertips softly glowing as she prepared to heal any potential injuries even though she expected none of them to get injured. Sylvia stood straight with her sword in one hand while Felira and Kale stood poised and alert, mana quietly gathering around their bodies in preparation for the fight.

But Orion raised his right hand calmly, gesturing for everyone to remain still. His expression remained coldly composed, and within his eyes flickered a decisiveness, devoid of any hesitation or mercy as he looked at the bandits ahead with the gaze of a superior being looking at ants.

Before any of his companions could voice their confusion, Orion snapped his fingers sharply, a deceptively casual gesture, and murmured quietly yet clearly:

"Crimson Nova."

Instantly, from the spark at his fingertips, a small but intense flame ignited, shimmering brilliantly with crimson and golden hues. Like a living ember, it rapidly surged forth, moving through the air with precise, ruthless intent.

The eyes of everyone in Orion's group widened dramatically, mouths slightly agape in astonishment, having never witnessed this deadly and spectacularly stylish new spell before.

As if guided by an invisible hand, the brilliant flame sped unerringly toward the nearest unsuspecting bandit, rapidly gaining speed.

Upon contact, there was a brief, silent pause, then a terrifying implosion pulled in several surrounding bandits, drawing their shocked and terrified faces inward as they realized their doom too late.

Before any of them could scream or escape, the crimson flame erupted violently, creating a devastating, fiery explosion.

A wave of scorching heat surged outward, engulfing several bandits in an instant and leaving nothing behind but charred remains and smoldering ashes.

Orion, utterly unperturbed by the sight, lifted his fingers again and snapped repeatedly, calmly and methodically launching one Crimson Nova after another.

Each spark of flame soared forward, homing onto their targets with merciless accuracy and detonating with devastating precision.

The cavern descended into absolute chaos, the once-confident Lionkin bandits now scrambling desperately, trying futilely to avoid the unstoppable crimson sparks of death.

In the midst of the confusion, one particularly fierce-looking Lionkin, the apparent leader of the kidnappers, roared furiously, desperation and rage mixing in his widened eyes.

Without hesitation, he rushed toward the huddled, terrified Tigerkin children, intent on seizing a hostage as a final, desperate bid for survival.

However, just as his clawed hand reached toward the trembling children, Elias, previously calm and composed amidst the chaos, finally took action.

His eyes flashed coldly, mana rippling outward as he quietly whispered, "Gravity Pulse."

In an instant, the Lionkin leader was violently thrown backward by an invisible yet crushing gravitational force, sending him hurtling directly into the epicenter of another of Orion's Crimson Novas.

Orion's eyes didn't waver, calmly snapping once more as the helpless kidnapper flew into his fiery grasp. The spark burst instantly, engulfing him completely within a searing inferno.

A strangled, brief cry was all that remained as the leader's body turned swiftly to ash, scattering lifelessly across the cavern floor.

In mere seconds, the terrified screams and panicked roars ceased entirely, replaced by a sudden, deafening silence.

The cavern, now lit with flickering fires, was filled with the eerie sight of blackened, charred husks of bandits, the remnants of their bodies collapsed lifelessly across the cold stone.

Orion finally lowered his hand, his expression remaining stoically indifferent as he quietly observed the smoldering aftermath.

Behind him, his companions stared dumbfoundedly, their eyes wide with disbelief, shock, and admiration for the ruthless efficiency of Orion's devastating spell.

Arya swallowed softly, voice barely audible as she muttered in astonishment, "Brother Orion… that was…"

"…incredible," Emilia softly finished Arya's thought, her voice carrying awe tinged with slight apprehension.

Nyss blinked slowly, her usually cold expression changed to a slightly surprised one as she saw the ruthless side of the usually gentle Orion.

Sylvia calmly exhaled, her serene eyes deeply contemplative, visibly impressed by Orion's decisiveness and raw power.

Felira and Kale exchanged quiet, stunned glances, silently acknowledging that although any one of them could have annihilated the kidnappers, none could have accomplished it so swiftly, ruthlessly, and cleanly as Orion had done.

The children, including the previously calm Elias, stared wide-eyed at Orion, their fear gradually transforming into awe and deep admiration for their powerful rescuer.

Finally, after a long moment of stunned silence, Orion turned slowly to his companions, his dual-colored eyes calm and steady, betraying no remorse or uncertainty at his ruthless act.

He slightly nodded his head and said with a clear voice, "The kidnappers have been taken care of, let's get these children to safety."

Elias, still wide-eyed from the swift and merciless spectacle Orion had just displayed, turned to him with a stunned look, finally voicing the question lingering heavily in everyone's mind. "Orion... When exactly did you become so decisive and ruthless?"

Orion turned slowly, his dual-colored eyes briefly softening as memories flickered through his mind.

A gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips, yet his voice carried a heavy tone. "The day when Fiora was nearly kidnapped. That was the moment I realized hesitation could cost the lives of those dear to me. Now enough chit-chat, let's get these kids outside."

Elias nodded in silent understanding, his earlier irritation replaced with deep respect. Arya exchanged a quick glance with Emilia, both sensing the profound change within Orion and acknowledging it with quiet admiration.

Sylvia and Nyss quietly put away their weapons, their gazes thoughtful, fully accepting Orion's unwavering resolve.

Together, the group began moving toward the frightened Tigerkin children huddled in the corner of the cavern.

Arya's gentle voice immediately softened, soothing the children's lingering fear as she coaxed them into rising. "Come on, little ones. You're safe now. We're going to take you back home."

The children, still trembling slightly, slowly responded to her comforting presence. Emilia offered reassuring smiles, carefully lifting the youngest into her arms.

Kale and Felira gently guided the older children, quietly comforting them. Elias joined the efforts, gently urging the children forward while occasionally glancing toward Orion with lingering astonishment and admiration.

Orion remained behind for a moment, carefully scanning the cavern one final time. His gaze swept methodically across the now silent, charred cavern walls and burned-out campfires, searching for any clues or treasures that might prove useful or insightful.

Yet, after a thorough look, he found nothing beyond the smoldering remains of the bandits and their meager belongings. Slightly disappointed, he exhaled softly, accepting there was nothing worthwhile here, and turned to join the others.

Outside, the gentle golden hues of late afternoon sun washed over the clearing as Orion emerged from the cave entrance.