First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System

Silence instantly filled the carriage, every gaze abruptly snapping toward Lucan, eyes widening significantly in astonishment and intrigue.

Orion himself stared blankly for several seconds, momentarily speechless, before slowly raising an eyebrow in genuine surprise.

"A lower world?" Orion echoed softly, incredulously yet deeply intrigued. "You mean… an entirely separate, smaller realm? Such places actually exist within Thunderpeak Kingdom?"

Lucan chuckled lightly, crossing his arms smugly. "Indeed, Young Master. Sometimes, a special wormhole opens with the World Laws that allows travel between two worlds. And a newly opened portal has appeared inside our kingdom. These portals or rifts are most of the time connected to lower worlds."

Orion's curiosity grew as he asked, "What are these worlds used for?"

Edgar, who was sitting beside Lucan, replied, "The lower worlds are mostly used as training grounds for the younger generation as they have a lesser amount of dangers compared to our Aerthalis Prime Realm. And sometimes, they also have rare treasures like high-grade material mines or some other things."

Orion's dual-colored eyes lit up, excitement clearly reflected in them as he eagerly leaned forward, unable to contain his curiosity. "Lower worlds? How many exactly are there? And just how dangerous can they be?"

Edgar turned slightly from his position beside Lucan, a gentle, patient smile appearing on his face as he calmly began his explanation.

The rhythmic clopping of horse hooves and the gentle sway of the carriage added a soothing backdrop to his words, capturing everyone's undivided attention, particularly Elias, whose eyes sparkled with fascination.

"There are multiple layers and categories of worlds," Edgar began slowly, his deep voice resonating calmly. "At the very peak are the 12 Prime Realms, just like our Aerthalis Realm. They represent the pinnacle of existence within the Small Chiliocosm, each supporting powerful civilizations and mighty figures at the peak."

He paused momentarily, observing the attentive expressions before continuing steadily, "Below the Prime Realms are 108 Grand Realms. These worlds possess extremely high potential, but their upper limit of power is lower than the Prime Realm. They serve as crucial stepping stones for those aiming to ascend further from the Lower Worlds."

Orion listened with deep intrigue, mentally picturing each tier as Edgar continued.

"Below the Grand Realms are 365 Greater Realms. These worlds have abundant resources and powerful opportunities, but their power limit usually peaks at a tier above the Ninth Tier. They're incredibly valuable but less prestigious than Grand Realms."

Elias, whose fascination was particularly visible, leaned even closer. "Then below that?"

Edgar chuckled softly at Elias's eagerness and answered, "Lastly, there are 3000 Common Realms. These worlds are numerous, each relatively small, with power generally capped at Tier 6. Though, in exceptionally rare cases, they might allow cultivators to break through into Tier 7."

Orion and Elias exchanged excited glances, their imaginations thoroughly captured. For Orion, whose memories of Earth contrasted starkly with this vast cosmological hierarchy, the sheer scale of existence he had yet to explore thrilled him deeply.

Meanwhile, Arya, Emilia, Kale, Felira, Nyss, and Sylvia listened quietly, clearly having read or learned about this in their respective noble educations. Still, hearing it firsthand from Edgar added a layer of tangible excitement and anticipation.

Elias quickly spoke up again, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Then, what's the power cap of Greater Realms and Grand Realms exactly?"

Lucan turned around slightly, wearing a mysterious smile that only heightened their intrigue. His voice teasingly filled with hidden meaning, he responded playfully, "Above Ninth Grade of course. But let's focus on reaching those heights yourselves first, shall we?"

Elias groaned lightly at Lucan's teasing non-answer but chuckled good-naturedly. "Fine, fine. One step at a time, I suppose."

Lucan laughed lightly, turning more serious as he addressed Orion. "Don't worry, Young Master. We've already thoroughly investigated this specific portal and the world it leads to. Entry is strictly limited, no awakeners above Seventh Tier are allowed inside. That firmly classifies it as a Common Realm."

Orion's brow slightly furrowed in thought, and he asked carefully, "Are you certain there won't be beings higher than Seventh Tier there?"

Lucan confidently nodded, his expression reassuring. "Absolutely. And with your combined strength and teamwork, this lower world should be perfectly manageable. It's challenging enough to genuinely test your abilities, but not dangerously overwhelming."

Orion nodded thoughtfully, silently appreciating Lucan's thorough preparations and consideration. He then turned to Edgar, curiosity clear in his expression. "Who else from our kingdom will be going? It can't possibly be only us, right?"

Edgar thought carefully for a moment, stroking his chin thoughtfully before answering slowly, "You're right, Young Master. The portal has already been open for a few days now, so several groups have likely already entered, while others may be preparing as we speak."

He paused briefly, as he softly advised, "Naturally, not everyone entering will be friendly. You should expect some competition, perhaps even direct conflicts. These lower worlds, despite their dangers, often attract ambitious young nobles eager to prove themselves."

Arya nodded calmly, understanding the implications clearly. "Then we'll have to remain alert and prepared for anything."

Kale added quietly, his voice calm yet resolute, "Agreed. Cooperation among ourselves will be crucial, but we'll also have to be ready for confrontation and separation."

Felira softly nodded, eyes calm and thoughtful. "We have trained extensively for precisely this reason."

Orion nodded firmly in agreement. "Exactly. We'll remain cautious but act with confidence."

The carriage continued steadily onward, gently swaying as discussions flowed freely inside. Questions arose naturally, and both Edgar and Lucan patiently addressed each concern with measured, experienced advice.

As the sun dipped lower toward the horizon, casting rich hues of gold and crimson across the skies, the group's excitement deepened into a quiet, resolute determination to improve during this exploration.

Their minds buzzed with thoughts of the imminent exploration, unknown challenges, and mysterious opportunities awaiting them in the lower world.

Throughout their journey, periodic breaks allowed them time to stretch their legs, refresh themselves, and briefly strategize before continuing toward their ultimate destination.

Finally, after an entire day's travel through lush countryside and winding paths, their carriage approached a remote clearing nestled within dense woodland. Edgar guided their horses gently, coming to a smooth halt.

Stepping outside, Orion and his friends stared ahead in wonderment. Before them stood a shimmering, swirling rift suspended gently in mid-air, its edges softly glowing with faint ripples of spatial energy. It pulsed rhythmically, exuding an otherworldly aura.

Lucan calmly stepped forward, gesturing toward the mesmerizing portal with one hand. "Here we are. This portal will lead you directly into the lower world."

Orion slowly exhaled, feeling excitement and resolve surge powerfully within his chest. He turned back toward his friends, his dual-colored eyes blazing with confidence. "Everyone, this is it, the beginning of our true adventure. Don't get distracted once inside. As soon as we enter, look around to assess the area and location if we are safe or not."

Everyone gave Orion resolute nods, their expressions a mixture of excitement and focused seriousness.

Arya stepped forward first, her violet eyes flashing with determination as she firmly replied, "Understood. We'll keep our guard up at all times."

Emilia nodded gracefully, her gentle expression now sharpened by alertness. "We won't get distracted. Whatever awaits us beyond, we'll face it head on."

Kale adjusted his robes quietly, his gaze calm yet intensely focused. "Indeed. Being prepared for any scenario is critical. Let's move carefully."