First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System-Chapter 288: Elias’s Improvement

The senior thrust forward aggressively, conjuring a powerful wind blade enhanced with crackling lightning, aiming directly for Elias.

However, Elias merely raised one hand calmly, murmuring softly under his breath.

"Gravity Shield."

Instantly, the air shimmered briefly before Elias as a dense gravitational distortion formed. The senior’s lightning-infused wind blade collided with this invisible barrier, distorting and dissipating harmlessly.

Frustration flashing across his opponent’s face, the senior student swiftly attempted another angle, leaping high with enhanced wind propulsion, thunder energy crackling around his fists.

Yet Elias’s composure remained unshaken. He raised his palm upward, eyes glowing softly.

"Gravity Suppression."

A massive surge of gravitational force instantly descended upon the senior student mid-air, abruptly slamming him downward.

The senior’s expression contorted in shock as his body crashed onto the arena floor, the immense gravitational force immobilizing him temporarily.

Gasps of astonishment and excitement erupted from the surrounding students, impressed by Elias’s effortless dominance.

However, with fierce determination, the senior forced himself to rise shakily, struggling fiercely against the oppressive gravitational force. Anger and desperation flared in his eyes as he prepared his final assault.

"Thunderstorm Cyclone!" he roared furiously, summoning intense, swirling winds intertwined with crackling thunderbolts, creating a ferocious vortex around himself.

Observing closely, Orion watched with calm approval as Elias took a steady breath, unmoved even against the intimidating storm.

"Gravity Distortion Field," Elias quietly commanded.

Instantly, a wide gravitational arc expanded outward, distorting the cyclone’s rotation. The senior’s carefully controlled vortex began unraveling chaotically, the lightning bolts scattering aimlessly under the immense gravitational interference.

Before the senior could regain control, Elias decisively raised his other hand, his tone quietly resolute.

"Gravity Surge."

In an instant, a concentrated pulse of gravitational force struck the senior directly, propelling him backward with overwhelming power. The senior crashed against the arena’s boundary wall, slumping downward in clear defeat, the arena erupting into cheers and applause.

Orion smiled gently, feeling rather pleased with Elias’s progress. His friend had matured greatly, displaying impressive strength, calmness, and strategic insight.

Lumi’s voice cheerfully echoed inside Orion’s mind, her kaomoji face practically glowing with excitement.

[Master, Elias improved incredibly fast! His Gravity Element is even more formidable now, it’s finally showing its true colors!]

Orion chuckled softly, nodding approvingly. ’Indeed. He’s worked hard, far harder than I expected.’

In the arena, Elias exhaled gently, clearly relieved by his victory. But as he turned to acknowledge the crowd, his gaze abruptly froze, eyes widening dramatically upon noticing Orion standing at the front, observing him calmly.

"Orion!" Elias called instinctively, his serious demeanor instantly changing into a surprised yet genuinely joyful smile. "You’re finally back!"

Orion chuckled softly, not correcting him just yet as he looked at him with pride at his display.

"You’ve grown strong, Elias," Orion complimented genuinely, his calm voice carrying clearly above the surrounding murmurs.

Elias smiled sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head, feeling clear joy at Orion’s praise. After all, Orion was the target he wanted to surpass.

The crowd of students surrounding them murmured excitedly, whispering fervently about Orion’s return and Elias’s remarkable prowess.

"Thank you, Orion," Elias responded earnestly, stepping closer as the students instinctively parted further to let Orion approach. "We’ve been anxiously waiting for your return. Everyone’s missed you dearly."

Orion nodded gently, warmth evident within his calm expression. "I can see how hard you’ve trained. You have really surpassed my expectations."

Elias smiled brightly, clearly relieved and delighted by Orion’s acknowledgment. "Everyone has improved significantly, Orion. You’ll be surprised at their progress as well."

Orion’s lips curved upward. "Well, now I’ve got an estimation of how much everyone has improved. So where are the others?"

Elias paused thoughtfully, briefly glancing around at the still-curious students murmuring excitedly nearby. He quickly turned his attention back to Orion, his voice becoming clear and focused as he explained where the rest of their group had dispersed to.

"Well, Arya and Emilia have been holed up in the Elemental Chamber nearly every day," Elias began carefully, his voice containing clear admiration. "Those two have been training like maniacs, barely leaving except to eat or rest briefly when they are here."

Orion smiled softly at the news, nodding thoughtfully. It was just like Arya and Emilia to push themselves relentlessly, each striving to maintain their status as top students in the academy.

"And Nyss?" Orion asked curiously, an eyebrow raised slightly.

Elias immediately replied, nodding toward the looming silhouette of the Tower of Myths. "Nyss has been continuously challenging the tower lately. Ever since your absence, she’s been working harder than ever, pushing herself to break through her previous limits. Right now, she’s probably midway through another intense climb."

Orion nodded gently, feeling an appreciative warmth toward Nyss’s tireless determination. "I see. And Sylvia?"

"Sylvia left the academy temporarily," Elias explained calmly. "She said she needed to undergo specialized training somewhere secluded. She hasn’t returned yet, so I imagine she’s making some pretty big gains."

Orion made a mental note, impressed by Sylvia’s initiative, and asked further, "What about Felira and Kale?"

"Felira has been spending most of her time at the Mage’s Tower, studying advanced rune formations and spells with the senior mages of the city," Elias responded thoughtfully, clearly respecting her dedication. "As for Kale, he returned to his estate for a while to handle some family affairs. He said he’ll return soon."

Orion took a brief moment to absorb the information, pleased to hear everyone had taken their training so seriously during his long absence. "Good to hear everyone stayed focused, though Kale really gets busy with his family matters. Well, let’s not disturb Arya and Emilia yet. Nyss is closest, so let’s pay her a visit first."

"Sure," Elias nodded with a faint smile, quickly falling into step beside Orion as they headed toward the imposing Tower of Myths.

They walked side by side, comfortable silence stretching between them as students continued glancing their way in awe, clearly impressed by Orion’s calm yet dominant presence.

After several moments, Elias turned curiously toward Orion, his expression becoming slightly puzzled. "By the way, Orion," he asked carefully, hesitant yet genuinely curious, "why does your mana cultivation feel significantly lower than your body refinement level?"

Orion chuckled quietly, a soft smile forming at Elias’s perceptive question. He calmly replied with a casual tone, "Oh, it’s nothing major, just some damaged mana channels and a few foundation issues. I’ll get it sorted out soon enough."

Abruptly, Elias stopped in his tracks, eyes widening dramatically in shock. "What?!" he exclaimed loudly, disbelief evident on his normally composed face. "What the fuck happened to you? How did you sustain such serious injuries? Weren’t you supposed to be safely training with your Grandpa’s friends?"

Orion calmly turned back, chuckling lightly at Elias’s incredulous reaction. He shook his head slowly, calmly placing a reassuring hand on Elias’s shoulder.

"It’s a very long story, Elias," Orion responded quietly, his tone calm yet firm, signaling clearly he wished to avoid delving deeper into it. "It’s all in the past now. There’s no need to dwell on it."

Elias took a deep breath, attempting to settle the rush of concern and confusion within him. He reluctantly nodded, accepting Orion’s wishes despite still feeling troubled by the revelation. "Alright... if you say so. But still, Orion, are you sure you’re fine now?"

Orion smiled gently, nodding reassuringly as he began walking again, Elias quickly following beside him. "Don’t worry about me. For now, let’s focus on Nyss. And please, don’t mention anything about this to her, okay?"

Elias sighed deeply, reluctantly agreeing. "Fine. But don’t forget, we’re here for you if you need anything."

"Thanks, Elias," Orion responded warmly, genuinely appreciating the sincerity behind his friend’s concern.

Inside his Sea of Consciousness, Lumi’s voice giggled softly, her kaomoji face filled with playful mischief.

[Elias sure is a good friend, Master~! He looks genuinely worried about you.]

Orion inwardly smiled, replying calmly in his mind, ’Yes. I’m fortunate to have friends who care so deeply.’

As they walked toward the towering structure of the Tower of Myths, Elias quietly discarded any immediate thoughts of challenging Orion, his heart heavy with concern.

Seeing Orion’s current condition, Elias understood clearly that this was not the right time. Orion, despite appearing calm and strong, was clearly nowhere near his peak.

Instead, Elias silently resolved himself. He would wait patiently, continuing to grow stronger. Only when Orion fully recovered would he consider a true match between them, not before.