First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System

Elanora offered a wry smile, elegantly settling herself into a chair opposite Alariel's desk before sighing again dramatically. "Troublesome indeed, Alariel. Extremely troublesome. You know I was inspecting the Origin Mana Pool after Orion's rather... extraordinary breakthrough?"

"Yes, Viren informed me about the incident," Alariel nodded thoughtfully. "But surely the pool isn't damaged beyond a simple replenishment?"

Elanora's crimson eyes gleamed with subtle frustration and amusement. "If only that were the case. That boy didn't just deplete the surface mana from the pool—he drained even the mana stored deep within its source."

"I've never witnessed anything quite like this. He somehow managed to completely empty the Origin Mana Pool itself."

Dean Alariel's calm and composed expression twitched faintly, eyes widening slightly in genuine astonishment. She quietly pressed her fingers to her temple, a mixture of disbelief and mild exasperation in her tone. "He... emptied the source? Completely?"

Elanora nodded tiredly, running a hand through her silky black hair. "Completely, Alariel. It seems we vastly underestimated just how monstrous Orion's capabilities truly are."

"Now, to restore the Origin Mana Pool to full functionality, we'll need to utilize an immense number of precious resources—Mana Crystals, High-Grade Herbs, and even a considerable quantity of rare Elemental Essences. Honestly, the academy treasury is going to feel quite the blow."

Dean Alariel exhaled slowly, shaking her head softly as a resigned yet amused smile gradually appeared on her lips. "No wonder that old fox Eldric sent me such an unusual letter."

"He explicitly warned me not to measure Orion with common sense, else I might perish from shock. I thought he was just exaggerating or joking to boost his grandson's prestige, but clearly, he was genuinely warning me."

Elanora chuckled softly, a hint of playfulness returning to her expression. "Indeed, Sir Eldric was certainly not exaggerating. If Orion hadn't gone to the Origin Mana Pool, the current resources would've been sufficient for months of student use. Now, we'll need to spend quite a fortune replenishing it."

Alariel nodded slowly, her gaze turning deeply contemplative. "Well, there's nothing else to be done. We can't leave the Origin Mana Pool depleted, not with the upcoming events and assessments relying heavily upon it."

"I'll personally authorize immediate procurement of the required resources from our treasury. We'll just have to accept this unexpected expense."

Elanora leaned back in her chair, visibly relieved that Alariel took the news so calmly. "Thank you, Alariel. Honestly, managing the aftermath of Orion's breakthrough has been utterly exhausting. Though I must admit, seeing such an unprecedented event firsthand was genuinely fascinating."

Dean Alariel chuckled softly, shaking her head with mild amusement. "Indeed. Orion truly is full of surprises. Let's just hope that his next surprise won't involve draining the academy's entire treasury. I will also ask the old man for some compensation—I can't just take this loss."

Elanora playfully smirked, rising gracefully from her seat. "Of course, Alariel. He's quite lenient towards you. Who knows, you might get something good from him."

As Elanora departed, Alariel leaned back thoughtfully in her chair, her silvery eyes gazing toward the distant horizon beyond the Sky Pavilion's windows.

"Orion..." Alariel murmured softly, lips curving into an intrigued smile, "Will you empty my treasury next time?"

***

Back at the Fourth Ring, the bustling atmosphere gradually intensified as Orion's luxurious obsidian carriage smoothly navigated the vibrant streets toward the heart of the district, finally coming to a halt just outside the lively main marketplace.

As the carriage door swung open, Orion calmly stepped down onto the paved street, swiftly followed by Edgar, whose calm face carried a faintly amused glint, knowing what was about to happen.

Lucan, still seated at the front, feigned a weary sigh and dramatically rubbed his temples, clearly preparing to offer another one of his creative excuses.

"Young Master, Sir Edgar," Lucan began with exaggerated weariness, "I suddenly feel a terrible headache coming on. The noise of the market today seems far too taxing. If you don't mind, I'll rest here by the carriage to recover."

Orion raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "Another mysterious illness? Brother Lucan, your talent for avoiding work might be your greatest skill yet."

Edgar chuckled lightly, shaking his head in mild amusement. "Indeed, Lucan. Your ailments always have impeccable timing."

Lucan merely shrugged helplessly, stretching leisurely on the driver's seat as if already recovering from his fabricated condition. "What can I say? My health is very delicate lately. Please go on without me."

Orion rolled his eyes good-naturedly, deciding not to waste any more breath on Lucan's usual antics. "Alright, little princess, stay and guard the carriage with your delicate constitution. Uncle Edgar and I have business to attend to."

With an amused glance toward each other, Orion and Edgar turned their backs to Lucan's theatrics, making their way leisurely into the bustling marketplace.

Lucan quickly reclined against the carriage's plush seat, a contented smile playing on his lips as he watched them disappear into the energetic crowd.

Inside the market, Orion immediately felt the lively energy surging around him. The streets were packed with colorful stalls and shops, vibrant crowds of shoppers, and the constant, spirited voices of merchants energetically advertising their wares.

Fragrant aromas from food stalls drifted enticingly through the air, mingling pleasantly with the scent of freshly baked bread and exotic spices.

Orion's eyes drifted across the lively marketplace, a faint smile of recognition appearing as he glimpsed the stalls he had previously visited.

The elderly vendor's hidden stall remained inconspicuous, tucked between larger stalls, where the old man cheerfully called out to passing customers with renewed vigor, clearly energized by Orion's previous generosity.

Further along, Orion spotted the familiar ornamental stall managed by the young Foxkin woman. She was enthusiastically chatting with a small group of customers, her charming smile effortlessly drawing attention as she expertly showcased her various decorative artifacts.

Orion chuckled lightly to himself, deciding against revisiting those places today; his purpose was different.

Walking calmly, Orion and Edgar continued to explore, soaking in the bustling atmosphere without pausing for long at any particular vendor.

Eventually, Orion found his steps slowing as they reached an area bustling with eateries and establishments that catered to a more leisurely clientele.

Before them stood a particularly lavish restaurant. Its exterior was beautifully crafted from polished dark wood and decorated with intricate carvings.

The tantalizing aromas wafting from within stirred Orion's appetite. Yet his attention was momentarily diverted by the establishment situated directly opposite—a lavishly decorated brothel.

Bright pink silk banners adorned the brothel's elegant façade, gently fluttering in the breeze. Vibrantly dressed courtesans stood at its entrance, playfully enticing passersby with charming smiles and soft laughter.

The restaurant and the brothel, situated directly opposite each other, formed a unique pair that added a distinct vibrancy to this part of the market.

Orion was leisurely taking in the unique sight of the bustling restaurant and the lively brothel opposite it when suddenly a commotion erupted from within the lavishly decorated establishment.

The ornate wooden doors of the brothel swung open abruptly, and a man came flying out, landing with a loud crash directly against the entrance of the elegant restaurant.

Gasps and surprised murmurs instantly rippled through the surrounding crowd as everyone's attention quickly snapped toward the unexpected disturbance.

The man who had been ejected so forcefully lay sprawled awkwardly against the restaurant's polished steps, groaning faintly.

Long dirty-blond hair fell messily over his forehead, partially obscuring his handsome yet weary face.

Striking blue eyes blinked beneath an assortment of colorful ladies' undergarments comically draped over his face, head, and shoulders. Silk stockings dangled from his arms while lacy ribbons tangled awkwardly in his messy hair.