Orion’s breathing came in sharp, ragged gasps, his chest rising and falling rapidly as blood trickled down his back, pooling at his feet.
Each breath was a painful struggle, his vision flickering between darkness and blurred glimpses of his enemies. His body trembled, yet the raw determination blazing within his eyes refused to fade.
The kidnappers, sensing Orion’s waning strength, edged closer, eyes filled with ruthless confidence.
But just as they stepped forward to finish him, something primal surged from deep within Orion’s soul. He unleashed his Dragon’s Might, a profound and ancient aura erupting from him like an invisible tempest, shaking the very foundations of the forest clearing.
In an instant, the kidnappers stumbled backward, caught off guard by the overwhelming, oppressive presence. Their knees buckled, expressions twisting into panic and confusion.
"What the hell is this?!" gasped one of the Tier 4 kidnappers, desperately shielding his face with a shaking arm.
"It can’t be!" the Tier 5 enemy growled, struggling to keep his footing. "I didn’t expect another Draconian to be here!"
Immediately, the kidnappers began pulling out protective artifacts. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings adorned with luminous gemstones flashed urgently into their hands, hastily slipping them on to counter the devastating force of Orion’s Dragon’s Might.
A soft glow pulsed from the treasures, attempting to neutralize the crushing pressure. Yet, the artifacts only partially succeeded, barely managing to block thirty percent of Orion’s true draconic might.
Even with that minor reduction, the kidnappers felt as if a massive weight still pressed upon their chests.
"What’s going on?" the dagger-wielder cursed under his breath. "Why is it still so intense?"
Orion, unaware of their confusion, seized the opportunity. Ignoring the agony coursing through him, he tightened his grip on the Realm Guardian Sword.
Flames flickered along the blade, ignited by his resolve. He swung forcefully, releasing another Inferno Slash that drove the kidnappers briefly further back.
But the relief was short-lived. The Tier 5 kidnapper roared furiously, forcing himself through the lingering pressure.
His daggers moved viciously, forcing Orion into a desperate retreat. Orion countered again and again, each swing and parry consuming more of his dwindling strength.
From nearby, Fiora watched—no longer bound, but still frozen in place. Her body trembled as she witnessed the relentless assault, Orion’s bloodied figure barely standing against the overwhelming odds.
Her breath hitched violently. ’Why... why won’t he stop? He’s dying!’
Tears welled in her eyes, her heart pounding painfully with each blow Orion endured. The sight of him struggling to stay upright, refusing to fall despite his injuries, shattered something deep within her.
"No... Orion... please..." she whispered, her voice breaking.
Then—crack.
At that exact moment, a golden sigil emblazoned over her heart cracked with brilliant, glowing fissures.
The seal, placed by Selene to suppress Fiora’s Dragonoid lineage, shattered under her overwhelming anguish.
Fiora screamed as potent mana surged through her body, transforming her rapidly. Lava-like red scales erupted along her limbs, razor-sharp claws replacing delicate fingernails.
Her golden hair rose upward, charged by magical energy, small dragon wings unfurling majestically from her back. Her eyes glowed fiercely, vertical slits of red blazing with newfound power.
A shockwave burst forth as Fiora completed her transformation, the sudden influx of power pushing back the Tier 4 kidnapper. The Tier 5 enemy’s expression shifted instantly from arrogance to genuine caution.
"Finally decided to reveal your true colors?!" he snarled, stepping back instinctively as Fiora’s golden gaze locked onto him, filled with fierce rage and unbridled emotion.
With a heart-wrenching roar, Fiora lunged toward the Tier 5 enemy, her claws slamming into his defenses.
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