CHAPTER 327: TIER 9 CRIMSON RAY RUNE SCROLL

Felira maintained her support, continuously layering minor buffs and defenses around her companions, calmly observing and adjusting with elegant composure.

Yet even with their well-coordinated teamwork, the three remained unable to deliver a decisive blow.

The armored general, though hampered, retained a terrifying durability and strength, his dark aura pulsating with fierce power. Each time they pressed him, he responded with devastating counterattacks, forcing them back into careful defense.

Elias’s expression darkened, his breathing growing labored. "We can’t continue like this. His armor’s resistance to magic is far stronger than anticipated."

"We must find an opening," Kale said, voice tight but steady, eyes fixed firmly on the general. "Felira, we’ll need your strongest defensive spell. Elias, compress gravity into his armor’s joints precisely as I strike. We may yet break him."

Felira’s face grew solemn but determined. "Understood. I’ll do my utmost."

Elias nodded slowly, regaining his composure. "Then prepare. We only get one chance."

The three of them steeled themselves once more, their coordination tightening as their strategy crystallized clearly in their minds.

Around them, the chaotic sounds of battle raged unchecked, yet the trio’s focus narrowed sharply, their hearts set solely upon their formidable enemy, readying themselves for the decisive moment that would determine victory or defeat.

***

The battle raged with furious intensity around Orion. Dust and debris swirled chaotically, magical explosions thundered in the distance, and the cries of warriors echoed hauntingly across the devastated plain.

But Orion’s attention remained locked onto the general facing him, each clash of their weapons reverberating with titanic force.

Now standing as a towering Dragonoid, Orion swung his enlarged Realm Guardian Sword alongside a massive dark-silver blade, each strike exploding with fiery arcs and raw power.

His crimson-golden scales gleamed menacingly beneath the sunlight, wings spread wide, casting a formidable shadow.

The general met his attacks head-on, twin axes spinning ferociously as he matched every blow with precise, ruthless efficiency.

With every exchange, their colliding auras sent shockwaves rippling outward, forcing nearby warriors to scramble desperately out of their path.

Orion knew this stalemate could not continue. He needed a decisive advantage. With a swift decision, he drew forth a gleaming red scroll from his inventory—the Tier 9 Crimson Ray Rune Scroll he had gotten from the draws for such a dire moment.

The scroll pulsed softly with potent mana, its fiery energy radiating with overwhelming intensity.

Just as Orion prepared to activate it, a sudden urgent voice echoed sharply within his consciousness.

[Warning! Higher Law Hostility Detected! (°□°)]

Startled, Orion halted immediately, confusion flickering across his draconic features. ’Lumi? What’s happening?’

Lumi’s normally cheerful voice came urgently, edged with genuine panic.

[Master, wait! That Rune Scroll—it’s beyond Tier 7! The World Laws here won’t permit such high-level power! Activating it could trigger catastrophic backlash, even destroying this entire realm!]

Orion’s eyes widened in alarm, and without hesitation, he swiftly stowed the dangerous rune away. The implications left him shaken; he had nearly caused unimaginable destruction.

Observing Orion’s hesitation, the general facing him smirked knowingly, his crimson eyes filled with arrogant amusement. "Oh? Did you think we didn’t carry our own high-level attack rune scrolls?" he sneered mockingly. "Unfortunately, unlike you, we know better than to court annihilation."

Orion’s brow furrowed deeply, his heart pounding as frustration surged within him. His strongest trump card had just been rendered unusable. Gritting his teeth, Orion swiftly refocused, assessing his options.

At that very moment, Orion caught sight of Sylvia fighting fiercely nearby, her sword humming loudly as a dense, potent aura radiated from the blade.

It was the unmistakable power of Intermediate Sword Aura, sharp, pure, utterly devastating in its simplicity. Sylvia’s blade moved swiftly, each strike carrying an almost transcendent force, capable of cutting through even the strongest armor with ease.

Inspiration surged through Orion. He had long struggled with dual wielding different Sword Auras simultaneously. Now, observing Sylvia’s brilliant display, clarity dawned within him.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, he murmured resolutely to himself, "If mastering dual Sword Auras simultaneously is too challenging at this stage... then I’ll first master Intermediate Fire Sword Aura thoroughly."

As he spoke, Orion’s aura intensified dramatically. Flames erupted fiercely along his Realm Guardian Sword, roaring vividly, his Fire Sword Aura sharpening visibly as it reached its maximum output.

Each strike he unleashed now carried an undeniable ferocity, each swing infused with relentless, burning aura.

The enemy general immediately sensed the shift in Orion’s combat approach, frowning deeply as he struggled to match this new intensity.

Every fiery slash seemed to contain more weight, more oppressive heat, forcing the general into desperate defensive maneuvers. Sweat began to form upon his forehead as his arrogant confidence faltered.

"Don’t think such a minor improvement will change anything!" the general snarled, desperation creeping into his voice. His axes blurred, shadows writhing furiously around him, as he fought with increasingly reckless abandon.

Orion knew this was his opportunity. He gathered his mana, reaching deep within his bloodline, and unleashed his Dragon’s Might without reservation.

A terrifying, oppressive pressure exploded outward, radiating across the battlefield in suffocating waves.

Every nearby combatant momentarily froze, the enemy generals especially staggering under the sheer weight of Orion’s draconic dominance. The general before him visibly trembled, eyes widening in shock, his aura momentarily subdued.

But Orion’s display of power did not go unnoticed.

Far behind the chaotic frontlines, upon the dark war chariot, the anomaly, calmly seated atop his obsidian throne, finally shifted his attention. His pale, cold eyes narrowed slightly, fixated upon Orion’s formidable draconic form.

A chilling smile spread slowly across the anomaly’s lips as he gave out an order, "Gravus, bring me that lizard alive. He appears to be some kind of mutated dragon, valuable research material indeed."

Hearing this, Orion’s eyes flashed sharply, a mix of anger and apprehension surging within him as the Dragon’s Instincts amplified his emotions.

Even after revealing his full Dragon’s Might, the enemy leader had barely stirred from his throne, regarding Orion merely as a specimen rather than a threat. This revelation only fueled Orion’s determination further.

He calmed himself, sensing the escalating threat from the enemy general whose sinister smirk widened with every passing second.

With a decisive surge of determination, Orion channeled fiery mana into both swords, coating them in roaring flames that intensified his already oppressive aura.

His crimson-golden scales shimmered brightly under the blazing radiance of his Elementary Grade Fire Sword Aura.

"Come," Orion growled deeply, his draconic voice rumbling powerfully, "I’ll burn through your arrogance."

The general’s expression tightened, recognizing Orion’s steadily growing strength. The air between them shimmered with heat as Orion lunged forward.

His dual blades, cloaked in vibrant flames, descended in an explosive dance, carving arcs of molten fury. Each strike resonated with precise, refined intent, forcing the enemy backward step by step.

Initially confident, the general’s crimson eyes began to darken with irritation as he was steadily pushed back by Orion’s relentless assault. The flames scorching his axes began to char his once-untouchable confidence.

"You force my hand, dragonling!" snarled the general, his voice seething with anger.

He swiftly drew a scarlet pill from his armor, swallowing it without hesitation. His body trembled violently as an enormous surge of corrupted, crimson energy erupted from within, enveloping him in a sinister aura.