First Legendary Dragon: Starting With The Limitless System
Chapter 197: Dawn

Chapter 197: Dawn

The scene shifted dramatically, moving far from the bustling marketplace of the Fourth Ring to the distant, perilous landscape where molten rock poured relentlessly, and volcanic vents spewed columns of toxic fumes.

Beneath a blood-red sky, a solitary figure ascended the harsh slopes of an enormous volcanic mountain.

The landscape was barren, twisted rock formations standing like dark sentinels amid bubbling pools of lava. Sulfurous vapors rose upward in thick plumes, choking the air and dimming visibility.

Dawn—a middle-aged man bearing a solemn, resolute gaze—climbed steadily toward the volcano’s peak, each step leaving a deep imprint on the volcanic ash beneath his sturdy leather boots.

He wore a long, weathered cloak that fluttered behind him in the scalding wind. In his right hand, he firmly grasped an ancient-looking katana, its polished blade shimmering faintly with mysterious runes, emanating a subtle, yet overwhelming aura.

His expression was stern and unyielding, and his dark eyes burned with unshakable determination.

Despite the oppressive heat and hazardous terrain, his breathing remained calm and steady, showing his deep strength.

Upon reaching the volcano’s summit, Dawn stood unwavering at the edge of the enormous crater, overlooking the blazing inferno below.

Sweat glistened on his forehead, but he seemed oblivious to the blistering heat as he looked downward into the molten lake of fire.

Taking a deep breath, his voice thundered clearly and firmly into the fiery abyss, echoing like a call from ancient legends, "Draconius! Come meet your old friend!"

His powerful shout reverberated across the volcano, the air trembling faintly. Moments passed in tense silence, the volcanic roar the only reply, until suddenly, the molten lake began to churn violently.

Waves of liquid fire surged upward, cascading against the rocky walls as a massive, draconic form rose slowly from beneath the lava.

The dragon’s emergence was a sight of awe and terror. Its enormous body, over eleven hundred meters tall, was armored in scales the color of burning embers, shimmering with fiery hues of crimson and gold.

Streams of molten rock poured effortlessly from its massive shoulders and wings, its presence alone causing the volcano to quake.

A pair of ancient golden eyes opened slowly, narrowing to thin slits as they locked onto the small figure standing at the volcano’s rim.

When it spoke, its voice resonated like distant thunder, deep and profoundly powerful, shaking the air and ground alike.

"Dawn..." the dragon’s rumbling voice rolled out slowly, each word heavy with disdain. "What is a heretic like you doing here?"

Unfazed by the intimidating presence and power of the ancient creature, Dawn returned its gaze steadily, standing firm against the waves of fiery wind blowing violently around him.

"Draconius," he replied calmly but assertively, "did you sense a disturbance around here several months ago? Something abnormal? I felt something... strange. But I was too far away to clearly tell what had transpired or where it came from."

Draconius shifted slightly in the molten pool, lava streaming down his enormous, scaled neck.

He exhaled slowly, releasing a heated storm of wind and embers that whipped violently around Dawn, though the man stood firm against the scorching tempest. "Whatever the outside world does matters naught to me. I am not a guardian here to watch over your petty mortal affairs."

Dawn remained quiet for a moment, silently watching the dragon’s immense form. Eventually, he spoke again, his voice calm but carrying undeniable weight, "Do you remember the dragon who rampaged through this land many years ago?"

Draconius’s eyes flickered sharply at the question. The enormous dragon breathed out slowly, releasing a river of flame and lava that cascaded down his immense jaw, igniting the surrounding air.

"She was not at fault," Draconius’s voice resonated deeply, tinged with an ancient sadness and fury. "Someone stole her egg. The destruction of those few kingdoms was only what your kind deserved for such treachery. You humans should be grateful that dragons do not usually meddle in your mortal games—otherwise, no kingdom would stand beneath the heavens."

Dawn shook his head slowly, his expression still calm and resolute, yet filled with an undeniable melancholy. "Billions died due to the actions of a single person. Justice doesn’t justify genocide. But that’s not why I’m here, Draconius. Tell me—what became of that dragon?"

Draconius stared at Dawn intensely for a long moment, his golden eyes smoldering with both irritation and intrigue.

Eventually, the colossal dragon spoke again, voice rumbling powerfully, "The Dragon’s Blade came and took her back to Egrarion Continent. After that, I know not what happened."

Dawn exhaled softly, his brows knitted slightly. He raised his head, locking eyes with the dragon once again. "How can you claim ignorance? You’re powerful enough to rival the Dragon King himself. Or is it that you’re hiding here... because of him?"

Draconius’s entire presence shifted abruptly, becoming infinitely more oppressive. His previously calm and disdainful gaze erupted into murderous intent, eyes blazing like two molten suns.

The sheer force of his anger caused the volcano to tremble, waves of lava splashing violently.

"You dare seek death by provoking me, Dawn?" Draconius’s voice was low and deadly now, barely contained fury seething within each word.

Dawn remained unflinching, raising his katana with calmness. His eyes narrowed slightly, yet his voice remained clear and unwavering, "I’ve slain more demons than I can count. Perhaps it’s time I start hunting dragons."

For several tense moments, the only sound was the deafening roar of the molten lake and the heavy, wrathful breathing of Draconius.

Both ancient beings—one human, one dragon—stood poised on the brink of conflict, neither giving ground nor showing weakness.

The dragon slowly lowered its enormous head, bringing its blazing golden eyes level with Dawn’s own, immense breath causing molten sparks to swirl violently.

"Be cautious with your threats, heretic," Draconius growled menacingly, looking at Dawn with both a hint of caution and disdain, "You may have slain many demons, but dragons are not creatures you can easily challenge. You tread upon thin ice. Consider your next words carefully."

Dawn’s grip tightened slightly on his katana, his gaze never wavering from Draconius’s immense eyes.

The air between them practically crackled with tension and power, neither willing to back down, yet both fully aware of the catastrophic consequences a clash between them would entail.

"I came seeking answers," Dawn finally said slowly, deliberately choosing each word. "But if violence is all you understand, then I will speak your language."

Draconius stared deeply at the fearless human warrior before him, slowly considering the situation. Eventually, a subtle change softened his gaze fractionally.

Though prideful and powerful, the dragon was wise enough to understand that a battle between two such formidable existences would devastate the surrounding land—and perhaps bring unwanted attention.

After a tense silence, Draconius slowly lifted his head away, eyes narrowing slightly with irritation.

"Begone, Dawn," the ancient dragon rumbled finally, voice echoing across the volcano’s crater with a deep, commanding finality. "I care not for your quests or your conflicts. But if you ever come here again with such insolence, I will burn you and everything you protect to ashes."

With that, Draconius slowly began to sink back into the lava, molten rock spilling from his scales as he submerged once more into the fiery depths.

Dawn remained standing resolutely at the volcano’s edge, katana still held firmly, his gaze solemn and unwavering as the dragon disappeared completely.

’Draconius... the Fallen King, huh.’ Shaking his head, he turned around and began to walk down the volcano.

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