Chapter 391: The Present

Instantly, the parchment ignited with dazzling brilliance, intricate rune formations flaring brightly before dissolving into radiant motes of shimmering light. These motes surged forward, swiftly entering Fiora’s body.

Both Orion and Fiora tensed visibly, anticipation thickening the air around them. A complete silence settled briefly, heavy and intense, stretching the seconds until—

Without warning, Fiora’s body erupted into intense crimson flames, engulfing her in their searing embrace. A piercing scream tore from her lips as she clutched her head, forced to relive every painful, buried memory from her childhood.

Within the depths of Fiora’s consciousness, a vivid scene emerged:

She found herself seated within a cozy village home, sunlight streaming gently through open windows, the soft aroma of freshly cooked food filling the room.

Behind her, a fair, gentle figure combed her long golden hair with tender affection. Initially, the woman’s face was obscured by a hazy darkness that gradually lifted, revealing features strikingly similar to Fiora’s own, warm, comforting eyes and a gentle, loving smile.

“Those girls bullied you again and refused to play with you?” her mother softly asked, voice gentle with understanding compassion.

Fiora, small and innocent, pouted adorably, nodding vigorously. “Yes! They’re so mean! Why won’t they play with me? I’m such a good girl!”

Her mother giggled softly, lightly stroking Fiora’s golden locks. “Perhaps they’re jealous of how good a girl you are.”

But suddenly, the peaceful memory fragmented violently. Shouts of panic filled Fiora’s ears, drowning out the quiet intimacy.

Her vision blurred with rage, confusion clouding her mind as her body transformed uncontrollably into its Draconian form. Her mother’s desperate cries rang sharply in her ears, “No! Fiora! Please come back! Don’t lose yourself!”

Yet Fiora, overwhelmed and uncontrollable, released a devastating torrent of draconic flames. Her mother’s screams abruptly ceased, replaced by an agonizing silence as her life was extinguished by her own daughter’s uncontrollable wrath.

Fiora’s body moved mechanically, unleashing indiscriminate destruction upon her village, flames and despair intertwining amidst screams of pain.

It ended only when Selene and Eldric swiftly arrived, desperately striking Fiora unconscious, their own expressions of deep sorrow etched clearly upon their faces.

***

Back in Orion’s room, Fiora stood engulfed in blazing flames, heart-wrenching tears of blood streaming relentlessly from her anguished eyes. Her expression distorted with raw despair, horror and grief visibly consuming her.

The intense heat radiating from her surpassed anything Orion had anticipated, capable of instantly killing even powerful fifth or sixth-tier Awakeners.

Gritting his teeth, Orion withstood the searing heat with his strong physique, slowly but determinedly stepping closer toward her.

His heart clenched painfully, seeing Fiora’s suffering, but he refused to retreat, determined to reach her no matter what. Finally reaching her side, he swiftly embraced her tightly despite the painful flames, shouting desperately, “FIORA! SNAP OUT OF IT!”

Yet Fiora continued crying uncontrollably, trapped within the nightmarish loop of her past. Urgency filled Orion’s gaze as he reached quickly into his storage ring, retrieving the ‘Elixir of Mental Clarity’ he had acquired previously through gacha.

Without hesitation, he placed the vial to his mouth, filling it swiftly with the crystalline liquid before turning back to Fiora.

Leaning forward determinedly, he pressed his lips firmly against hers, forcefully yet gently pouring the elixir into her mouth through a tender kiss.

The cool elixir rushed into Fiora’s body, its power surging through her mind, instantly cutting through the fog of tormenting memories.

Just as Orion felt her breathing begin to steady, something primal within her reacted violently, rejecting any notion of being controlled. The potent Draconian bloodline roared defiantly, shattering her human restraint.

Her eyes snapped open, pupils elongating into predatory slits as flames exploded forth once more, wrapping her body in searing heat.

A raw, draconic roar erupted from her throat, resonating through the entire room before an invisible barrier blocked it from going out. Orion was pushed backward a few steps due to the sudden shock.

Within the fierce flames, Fiora’s delicate frame stretched and reshaped. Smooth pale skin rapidly hardened into gleaming crimson scales, spreading along her limbs and torso, interlocking tightly like impenetrable armor.

Her slender figure swiftly expanded, lean muscles bulging and rippling with terrifying power. Sharp, bone-white claws burst forth from her fingertips, carving deep gouges into the marble floor as she fell forward, catching herself instinctively.

Her spine extended, an elegant yet muscular tail sweeping behind her. Her facial features sharpened into a beautiful yet fearsome visage, draconic horns twisting proudly atop her head, framing wild golden hair cascading fiercely around her shoulders.

In mere moments, she towered impressively at two and a half meters, a fierce Draconian warrior radiating scorching flames and an uncontrollable Dragon’s Might.

The furniture and decorations around her shattered instantly, consumed in blazing fire and sheer, oppressive force.

Orion inhaled sharply, knowing he had to act immediately. Without hesitation, he summoned his own bloodline.

The powerful ancient blood surged fiercely through his veins, answering his call. Crimson flames exploded around him, his form rapidly expanding into his imposing Draconian state, three meters tall, an aura of overwhelming might erupting from his body, surging forward to meet Fiora’s unrestrained power.

Golden-red scales covered him from head to toe, his broad, muscular frame radiating intense heat and power.

His purple-and-red eyes burned fiercely with draconic intensity, and powerful wings unfolded majestically from his back, stretching wide as he unleashed his Dragon’s Might with precision.

“Fiora!” Orion’s voice echoed aloud, deep and resonant, his presence pressing down firmly yet protectively upon her. “Calm yourself down! You need to focus just a little to control your bloodline!”

Their auras clashed fiercely within the confined room, violent torrents of draconic energy roaring and crashing against each other.

Fiora instinctively resisted, her unbridled power surging forward, challenging Orion’s dominance. Yet Orion didn’t budge; he didn’t use his full bloodline strength to crush Fiora’s Dragon Might but instead slowly and cautiously used his own Dragon’s Might to try and calm her down.

Gradually, Fiora’s chaotic aura began to stabilize, slowly recognizing Orion’s familiar energy which felt both powerful yet comforting.

Her eyes gradually regained clarity, the blazing fire in them softening with recognition and warmth. Her roars diminished to anguished growls, then gentle whimpers, and finally a deep, exhausted sigh.

As the fierce waves of energy slowly receded, her large Draconian form began to shrink, flames receding, scales dissolving softly, revealing once again her vulnerable human body beneath.

With a final, weary gasp, Fiora’s eyes fluttered shut as consciousness slipped away from her.

Orion swiftly reverted back to his human form, stepping forward quickly to catch Fiora’s now limp, naked body before she could fall.

Gently holding her close, he quickly checked her condition—her breathing was slow but even, her heartbeat steady and reassuring as he felt it.

Releasing a relieved breath, Orion glanced around the devastated room. The intense clash had utterly destroyed nearly everything; chairs lay splintered, walls scorched, curtains reduced to mere ashes.

Yet miraculously, the massive, sturdy bed Selene had specifically designed and fortified to withstand Orion’s previous transformations stood untouched, proudly intact amidst the chaos.

Carefully lifting Fiora, Orion stepped gingerly over debris, carrying her gently toward the bed. He set her down delicately, arranging her golden hair upon the pillows and gently tucking the soft blankets securely around her slender form.

“Haa…” he exhaled softly, worry and relief blending within his voice, “Hopefully, you’ll be fine when you awaken.”

As Orion straightened up, he turned to leave, sensing a subtle presence hesitating outside his room.

Selene, sensing the crisis resolved, silently withdrew at the last moment, understanding she was no longer needed. Orion smiled inwardly, grateful for her constant vigilance.

Yet, just as he began to step away, he felt a gentle but firm tug on his fingers. Surprised, Orion turned his head, eyes softening instantly at the sight of Fiora’s small hand tightly clutching his own, unwilling to let go even in unconsciousness.

A gentle smile curved Orion’s lips as warmth bloomed in his heart. Reaching carefully into his storage ring, he withdrew a soft, comfortable robe, smoothly pulling it around his bare torso. He then retrieved a sturdy chair from his storage, placing it beside the bed.

Settling comfortably into the chair, Orion leaned slightly forward, his larger hand gently holding Fiora’s smaller one, her fingers still stubbornly gripping his own.

“You’ve done well, Fiora,” he whispered tenderly, his voice filled with pride and affection. “Rest easy. I’ll stay right here, watching over you.”

Thanks for reading 🙂