I Ascend Alone-Chapter 124: The Birth of National Level Part III

Orion's gaze flicked back to Leon. "Wait, you're telling me that this guy is out here, standing with us, and you think he's useful in taking down that?" His silver eyes narrowed, taking in my stance, his lips barely twitching. "Is this a joke?"

Leon didn't flinch. "I'm serious. Ryzen's abilities go beyond what you might think. Right now, we need every hand we can get."

"Wait," Celestine interjected, her voice soft but laced with authority. "Is he... a new S-Rank?" Her gaze flicked between Leon and me, as though she was trying to decipher something about me with one look.

Leon gave a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head. "No. He's not an S-Rank. But that doesn't change the fact that he's more than capable."

Cain let out a short laugh, his voice low and amused. "A non-S-Rank standing with us? This is gonna be fun."

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"Don't underestimate him," Leon said firmly. "We all have our roles to play here."

The three S-Ranks exchanged glances, and though their eyes held some reservations, they didn't push the matter further. For now, the focus remained on Pyraethrax.

Celestine took a step forward, turning her attention back to the dragon, her voice low but commanding. "We'll need to keep it contained. The last thing we want is for it to get any ideas about flying off and burning down half the city."

Orion grunted in agreement, hefting the massive Obsidian Greatsword on his back. "I've got the front. Let's not waste any more time."

Cain's grin widened, his eyes flashing with eagerness. "I'll cover the shadows. Just give me the word."

President Vaughn's gaze shifted back to me, his voice cool and direct. "Ryzen. I expect you to be ready. Whatever this creature does, you'll play your part."

I nodded, my focus sharp. It wasn't just about fighting Pyraethrax. It was about working together to bring down something far beyond our individual strengths.

"Let's move," Darius said, his voice slicing through the silence like a blade.

Leon, Ahn Mirae, Orion Graves, Celestine Ardent, and Cain Voss moved as one, their steps synchronized, like a well-oiled machine. The air around them seemed to thrum with power, an almost tangible wave of force emanating from their coordinated movements.

Every one of them brought a different element to the table, and as they began to close in on Pyraethrax, the dragon's molten eyes flickered in response.

Leon led the charge, his posture relaxed but his movements sharp—every step a calculated advance.

Mirae was close behind him, a flare of arcane energy already crackling around her as she readied her staff.

Orion Graves, ever the silent force of nature, kept his eyes on the dragon, his Obsidian Greatsword slung over his shoulder, its massive form nearly blocking out the sunlight as it gleamed with dark intent.

Celestine Ardent floated gracefully, her robes billowing as she levitated a few inches off the ground, her staff glowing faintly as magical sigils appeared in the air around her.

Cain Voss, as expected, moved like a shadow, his lithe figure almost vanishing as he melded into the background, preparing for a swift strike when the time was right.

Pyraethrax, for all its power and size, remained cautious, its molten eyes flicking between them, wary of their approach. It wasn't making any aggressive moves just yet, but it was clear that it was preparing itself for battle.

Each movement of its massive body sent ripples of heat through the air, distorting the landscape like waves in a desert.

Behind the barrier, I stood with Agent Hale and President Darius Vaughn. Both were silent, watching the S-Ranks move with the calculated precision of warriors who had fought in countless battles.

Hale's eyes never left the group, but I could see the faintest hint of admiration in his otherwise stoic expression. He wasn't one to show much emotion, but even he seemed to appreciate the strength of the team now facing the dragon.

President Vaughn, however, was a pillar of focus and control. His sharp gaze flickered between the dragon and the advancing team, but his expression remained unreadable. His hands were folded neatly behind his back, a man who was both in charge and completely aware of the gravity of the situation. His presence alone seemed to ground the chaos that threatened to unfold.

"Do you think they can take it down?" I asked quietly, my eyes still locked on the dragon as it shifted nervously.

Agent Hale's lips twitched, though it wasn't quite a smile. "They might be able to. But it won't be easy. This ancient dragon has intelligence. It's not just a mindless beast. It knows when to fight, when to retreat, and when to make an example out of someone. Those S-Ranks will need to push it hard."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. The dragon had a strategy in its molten gaze—its intelligence was evident, and it was not something we could take lightly.

As I stood, I felt the hunger of the Abyss stirring within me again, but I kept it under control. I wasn't sure what my part would be in this battle yet. But I knew that, like the dragon, I was biding my time.

Behind us, the hum of distant reinforcements grew louder, their ships piercing the air like streaks of light in the sky. The backup was coming, but the timing had to be perfect.

Suddenly, the ground shook as Pyraethrax let out a low, rumbling roar. The dragon's massive wings unfurled, sending waves of heat and ash into the air. Its molten eyes locked on Leon, the closest of the S-Ranks, as it slowly began to raise its head, preparing for the inevitable clash.

I could feel the tension in the air—this moment was coming to a head.

"Let's hope they know what they're doing," I murmured under my breath, my eyes narrowing as the dragon's movements grew more deliberate.

Agent Hale didn't respond, but I could tell he was waiting for something. Something big. And I had a feeling the fight was only just beginning.