First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System

Some attributed it to an attack on the Royal Capital by an enemy nation, while others said that one of the Dukes had returned from the borders.

Soon, students began to move around again, getting busy with classes and training, unaware of the other astonishing events that had just transpired deep within the academy's most sacred site—the Origin Mana Pool.

The imposing Sky Pavilion loomed ahead, floating serenely atop a gentle bed of clouds. Viren paused momentarily, taking a steady breath to compose himself.

While outwardly calm, his heart was still racing fiercely, images of Orion's shocking cultivation scene and Eldric's overwhelming aura vividly etched into his mind.

As he approached, Viren halted respectfully before the pavilion's translucent barrier, bowing slightly toward the sealed gates. His voice, clear and respectful, resonated softly in the sky. "Dean Alariel, Instructor Viren requests permission to enter."

A momentary silence followed, the gentle humming of ancient arrays subtly vibrating through the air. Shortly after, a serene yet authoritative voice echoed gently around him.

"Come in, Viren."

At her words, the barrier silently parted, and Viren stepped carefully inside.

The interior of the Sky Pavilion was tranquil and austere, perfectly reflecting the serene nature of the Dean herself.

At the center of the inner chamber, beneath the gentle glow of softly floating mana lamps, Dean Alariel sat quietly at a small table, calmly sipping tea from a delicate jade cup.

Viren immediately bowed once again, this time even more respectfully, fully aware of her esteemed position and unmatched insight. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Dean Alariel."

The Dean looked at him with calm, curious eyes, a faint yet knowing smile forming on her face as she set her cup down gently.

"You are quite fortunate, Viren," she spoke softly, her tone lightly teasing yet filled with subtle seriousness. "Managing to return alive and unharmed from the Old Man's doorstep—that alone is a notable feat. Especially considering you carried his unconscious grandson in your arms."

Viren smiled sheepishly, knowing full well the immense danger he had briefly faced. "Indeed, Dean Alariel. Truthfully, the moment I entered the Helstorm Estate with Orion unconscious, I felt as though I stood before a furious dragon. Master Eldric's presence alone nearly overwhelmed me."

Dean Alariel chuckled softly, amusement flickering momentarily in her sharp, perceptive eyes. "That's the Old Man for you. Few in this kingdom truly grasp just how terrifying that man can be when provoked, particularly regarding his grandson after that incident. Still, you remain here, standing before me, so clearly you handled the situation properly or he has become soft after finding Orion."

Viren exhaled softly, nodding in earnest agreement. "I must admit, however, today's events within the Origin Mana Pool were far beyond anything I had anticipated or witnessed in all my years here."

Her eyebrows arched gently, interest clearly piqued by his serious tone. "Do tell me exactly what transpired. While I do not use the Academy Eye to pry into the personal cultivation of our students, I naturally noticed your hurried departure with Orion unconscious. I made my guesses, but I prefer to hear the details from you directly."

Taking another deep breath, Viren recounted carefully and precisely, explaining every shocking detail: Orion's overwhelming absorption of the Origin Mana, his simultaneous breakthroughs in both mana cultivation and physique refinement, and finally, his dragon-like devouring of the entire pool's mana.

As he described the vivid, awe-inspiring scene, the Dean's eyes subtly widened, her composed gaze flickering with clear astonishment and thoughtful consideration.

After a momentary silence following Viren's account, Dean Alariel finally exhaled deeply, shaking her head gently as a complex smile played on her lips.

"Truly astonishing. Orion's talent has repeatedly exceeded all of our expectations, his number of elements, the affinity level of them, his talent in sword during that duel, then the tower climb—and now this. To simultaneously refine both mana channels and physique cultivation paths to such a degree, under those circumstances—such a feat is nothing short of miraculous."

Viren nodded solemnly, respect deepening in his voice. "Yes, Dean. The term 'monstrous genius' hardly does him justice. Yet, what happened afterward at Helstorm Estate was perhaps even more astonishing."

She tilted her head slightly, her expression sharpening subtly. "Continue, Viren. What exactly happened with Eldric?"

Viren hesitated briefly, recalling vividly the suffocating aura that had descended upon the entire Royal Capital. "When I arrived at the estate carrying Orion, Master Eldric immediately noticed us. His rage… it summoned thunderclouds and released a pressure I've never felt in my life. It affected not just the estate but the entire capital that I witnessed while returning. Nobles and commoners alike likely feared for their very lives."

Dean Alariel's brows knitted slightly, clearly impressed yet unsurprised by Eldric's power. "I sensed the disturbance and his aura even from here, but to think he would really lose his cool so quickly. Truly terrifying… yet completely in line with what I know of him."

Viren continued, voice slightly hushed with lingering awe. "When Master Eldric questioned me, I swiftly explained everything I witnessed at the Origin Mana Pool. Thankfully, after learning the details and confirming Orion's safety, he gradually calmed down. Master Eldric instructed me explicitly to never reveal today's events, except directly to you, Dean."

The Dean chuckled softly, shaking her head gently in amusement. "Wise words indeed. Eldric is cautious for good reason, particularly regarding Orion. The boy's potential is immense—unimaginably so. Eldric will undoubtedly ensure Orion's path remains clear of unnecessary obstacles."

After a thoughtful pause, Viren finally voiced a question that had lingered in his heart since the terrifying encounter. "Dean Alariel… exactly how powerful is Eldric Helstorm? Today, even as an instructor of this prestigious academy, I felt utterly powerless before his presence."

Dean Alariel regarded Viren calmly, her expression serious yet respectful while talking about Eldric. "Truthfully? Sir Eldric Helstorm is easily the strongest individual currently within Thunderpeak Kingdom. Not even the Dukes can match him; he has long surpassed their limits."

"Among the living experts, only the Old Ancestor of the Royal Family, a figure who hasn't appeared openly in centuries, might stand a chance in direct confrontation. And even then, I remain uncertain whether the Old Ancestor could truly defeat him."

Viren felt his heart skip a beat, fear and respect filling his heart thinking about the crazed old man. "To think such an expert stays hidden within our kingdom and the gap was that immense… I knew Master Eldric was powerful, but I underestimated him significantly."

Dean Alariel smiled faintly, nodding quietly. "Very few understand the true depths of Eldric's power, precisely because he prefers to live quietly since losing his kid. That's why only recently he returned to the Capital, to train Orion. That alone tells you how deeply he treasures the boy."

Viren nodded deeply, understanding dawning clearly upon him. "I understand, Dean. Orion's future growth will undoubtedly shape not only this kingdom but perhaps even beyond."

The Dean lifted her teacup once more, taking another calm sip. Her eyes gazed thoughtfully toward the distant horizon, contemplation clear in her voice. "Indeed, Viren. Orion really has the highest potential among all the students I have seen so far. Let's see how he will fare in the next test."

Viren thoughtfully nodded. "The second test? Hmm, there is still time in that."