First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System-Chapter 289: Nyss

The massive silhouette of the Tower of Myths rose imposingly against the clear morning sky, its lofty pinnacle seemingly piercing through the clouds themselves.

Orion and Elias approached the grand structure calmly, their footsteps echoing faintly upon the cobbled path lined by lush greenery and well-maintained flower beds.

Outside the tower entrance, Instructor Viren lounged lazily in a sturdy chair, tipping it precariously backward on two legs.

He casually tossed a storage ring upward, catching it smoothly each time with an amused smirk playing across his lips. A short distance away, another instructor, his expression sour and visibly annoyed, stormed off grumbling something under his breath—clearly having lost a wager against the infamous gambling-loving Viren.

Noticing the duo’s arrival, Viren abruptly ceased his playful tosses, placing his chair back firmly onto the ground. His eyes widened slightly with pleasant surprise as they fell upon Orion.

"Young Helstorm!" Viren called out, pushing himself upright from his chair with genuine intrigue evident in his normally carefree expression. "It’s certainly been a while. Where’ve you been hiding all this time?"

Orion greeted him politely with a faint, amused smile, responding calmly, "Good morning, Instructor Viren. I was occupied with some personal matters and training, but I’ve just returned."

Viren let out a hearty laugh, placing one hand on his waist as he grinned widely, clearly entertained by Orion’s casual reply. "Haha! Excellent timing! It’s honestly been far too quiet around here without your shenanigans stirring things up. Finally, the academy might become interesting again."

Orion shook his head slightly, chuckling lightly at the instructor’s overly dramatic yet genuine welcome. "It’s good to see you haven’t changed, Instructor."

Viren grinned broadly, evidently pleased by Orion’s remark, before his gaze shifted briefly toward Elias with a knowing look, acknowledging his presence with a nod.

Turning serious, Orion directed his eyes toward the imposing tower gate, his expression becoming thoughtful. "Instructor, is Nyss inside the tower currently? How long has she been climbing?"

Instructor Viren turned slowly toward the tower, a faint smile of approval crossing his features as he nodded appreciatively. "Yes, she’s been inside for several hours now. Honestly, that lass continues to impress me each time she attempts the climb. At this rate, she might break into the tower’s top floors soon."

Orion nodded calmly, warmth and pride subtly shining within his dual-colored eyes. "She’s always been tenacious, especially due to her luck," he murmured the last words softly to himself, reflecting briefly on Nyss’s steadfast determination and quiet strength.

Just as Orion and Viren turned their full attention to the looming tower, a sudden bright flash of white light illuminated the tower gate.

Moments later, Nyss appeared abruptly, teleported out onto the marble-paved platform at the entrance, her figure slumping slightly forward as she staggered from exhaustion.

Orion’s eyes narrowed immediately, instantly noticing Nyss’s light injuries—her clothing torn slightly at the sleeves, revealing bruises and minor cuts marking her usually flawless skin.

Her breathing was slightly ragged, chest rising and falling quickly from exertion, and strands of her normally neat hair clung damply to her flushed face.

However, despite clear signs of exhaustion and pain, Nyss’s expression remained cold and emotionless. Her eyes held the same icy coldness that kept others at arm’s length as she struggled to regain her footing.

Orion swiftly stepped forward instinctively, moving quickly yet calmly to support her, his voice gentle but firm. "Nyss, are you alright?"

Nyss raised her head sharply upon hearing Orion’s familiar voice, eyes widening dramatically in astonishment and disbelief.

For a moment, she merely stared at him silently, seemingly unsure whether her tired eyes were playing tricks on her.

"O-Orion...?" she stammered hesitantly, voice trembling slightly with surprise and emotional intensity.

Her wide eyes scanned him from head to toe, then back again in stunned silence.

He was taller, much taller. The boy she remembered had stood just barely above her height, but now he loomed a full head taller. His frame had broadened, sharpened, matured in ways that made him feel almost like a stranger.

But it was his eyes that struck her the hardest.

One gleamed a deep crimson, the other shimmered with an unnatural violet hue. Gone were the plain dark irises she’d once known, now replaced with colors that pulsed with quiet power.

"You’ve... changed," she whispered, barely audible, fascination and confusion lacing her tone.

A faint, amused smile tugged at Orion’s lips as he gently placed a supportive hand on her shoulder to steady her as she swayed slightly. "Indeed, I’ve changed and returned. You’ve clearly been pushing yourself too hard in my absence."

Nyss flushed slightly with embarrassment, quickly averting her gaze downward. "I... I couldn’t just wait around doing nothing. Everyone has been getting stronger. I needed to improve as well."

[How cute. Hehe. She acts so cold sometimes and then becomes embarrassed. You truly are one lucky dog, Master. (≖‿≖)]

He inwardly shook his head with a smile. ’She’s a sweet girl, but due to her own circumstances she has to keep others away lest she hurt them. Otherwise, I imagine her personality would be similar to Fiora’s.’

Looking at Nyss, he smiled warmly and nodded, "Yes yes, I understand that. And I can see how remarkable your progress has been. But pushing yourself too hard won’t have pretty consequences."

[Of course Master would know. He’s withstanding those consequences right now.]

Instructor Viren laughed heartily from behind, clearly amused by Orion’s gentle yet direct scolding. "Listen to him, Nyss. The young Helstorm has returned with some sensible advice. Perhaps you should take it easier now."

Nyss looked toward Viren without a smile and nodded her head.

Viren’s lips twitched as he saw the difference in treatment, shaking his head as he went back to lie down on his chair.

Orion chuckled and said again, "I’m serious here, don’t dismiss it."

Nyss blushed lightly, biting her lower lip before reluctantly nodding. "I’ll... try to be more cautious," she murmured quietly, finally allowing herself to lean slightly against Orion’s supportive grasp as her fatigue caught up fully.

Elias approached the duo but remained at arm’s length from Nyss, as he had learned a thing or two about her ’luck’ during these months. He greeted her with a smile, "Welcome back, Nyss. How far did you manage to climb?"

Nyss looked toward him calmly and replied, "Seventieth floor."

Elias sighed and nodded, "You really improved fast. Last month you had barely reached the sixtieth level."

Orion looked toward Nyss in surprise, "Oh? You already reached the seventieth floor? That’s impressive."

Nyss lightly smiled and nodded her head.

Elias then looked at her suspiciously and said, "Why don’t you drink a healing elixir? Your condition would improve."

Nyss turned her head and looked at him with cold eyes before taking out an elixir and drinking it. Orion, on the other hand, shook his head while looking at the confused face of Elias.

As Nyss swallowed the elixir, a faint glow began emanating softly from her body, her visible injuries healing rapidly.

Small cuts closed seamlessly, bruises gradually faded until her skin returned to its usual pale, flawless appearance. Her breathing steadied, the tension easing from her shoulders as she regained her composure.

Reluctantly, Nyss withdrew from Orion’s support, slowly standing straight. A fleeting trace of disappointment flashed through her icy black eyes as she relinquished the brief comfort his support had provided, quickly masked by her usual cool demeanor.

Orion gave her an approving nod, noting her quick recovery. He then turned toward Elias, his expression shifting into curiosity.