As the sleek, imposing figures emerged from the Osprey, Orion found himself momentarily taken aback. Each figure was clad in advanced suits, their very presence exuding an aura of authority and technological prowess. Weapons, menacingly trained on the Leviathan, flashed intermittently with a blue luminescence—a testament to their sophisticated design and the elite status of these soldiers.
Sensing the imminent danger, Leviathan prepared his formidable array of attack techniques, readying himself for the inevitable onslaught. Despite the complexity of the situation, Orion remained his primary adversary. Yet, in a calculated decision, Leviathan chose to address what appeared to be a more manageable threat, devising a strategy as he scrutinized the soldiers' every move.
Orion's wry smile betrayed an understanding of Leviathan's predicament. This creature, he mused, demonstrated an intelligence rivaling that of humans. Unlike their previous encounters, this Leviathan was devoid of murderous intent, exhibiting a calm demeanor that hinted at the possibility of a bloodless resolution. Orion's finely-tuned combat instincts detected this change, sparking a glimmer of hope.
Taking a decisive stance, Orion activated his Gravitational Telekinesis, allowing him to levitate with grace and precision as he approached the soldiers. Instinctively, they readjusted their aim toward him, showcasing their training and readiness for unforeseen challenges.
"Hold it right there, do not come any closer," one soldier commanded, his voice echoing within the confines of his helmet. The tone was formal, yet laced with a subtle menace, underscoring the authority granted by their advanced communication systems.
Orion maintained his faint smile and responded with measured calmness, "Rest assured, I bear no intention of harm... at least for now." His serene demeanor was disarming, causing the soldiers to hesitate, though their vigilance remained intact.
Perceiving a potential threat, another soldier retorted, "What do you mean 'at least for now'? Who do you think you are, making such audacious statements?" His voice was imbued with suspicion and mistrust, reflecting their wariness.
Recognizing the escalating tension, another soldier intervened, urging professionalism. "Calm down, we need to stay focused. Remember our mission," he advised, attempting to diffuse the situation with a reassuring pat on his comrade's shoulder.
Orion was surprised by the soldiers' unexpectedly measured response. 'They differ from the arrogant military forces I encountered before,' he mused, recalling a previous incident involving a unilateral attack on a leader from an ancient Sorcerer family. That event had left a deep-seated wariness of military entities in his mind.
"We are special federal agents, tasked with addressing threats and anomalies related to magic within the nation. Your cooperation is required, and you must not interfere with our duties," declared one federal agent, his voice firm and authoritative, yet sincere in its purpose.
The federal agents adhered to an impersonal, yet respectful protocol, treating those they deemed civilians with due regard. However, they pondered if someone capable of subduing a Leviathan could truly be classified as a mere civilian. This question lingered, adding layers to their complex assessment.
Unaware of Orion's capabilities, the agents focused solely on Leviathan as the primary threat. Suspicion lingered towards Orion, given his unscathed appearance, prompting plans for interrogation once the Leviathan was neutralized.
Meanwhile, Leviathan had abandoned his aggressive posture, unnerved by the dynamic between this new threat and his previous conqueror. He feared Orion might be negotiating his demise. Despite contemplating escape, he was deterred by the realization of Orion's formidable power.
"From the outset, I never intended to hinder you. I'm merely curious about how you detected a threat here," Orion inquired, dismissing the notion of satellite surveillance. His curiosity piqued, he sought to unravel the technology and methods employed by these enigmatic agents.
One federal agent, weapon still poised, derided Orion with a condescending tone, "You seem like a country bumpkin oblivious to modern technology." Yet, his professionalism remained unblemished.
Unperturbed by the slight, Orion acknowledged his limited grasp of contemporary advancements. Another agent, seeking to avoid complications, offered a detailed explanation, satisfying Orion's curiosity.
"We employ a sophisticated electromagnetic sensor system to obtain real-time data. This system detects mana discharge through energy instability within the electromagnetic field, strategically covering vast areas to monitor all magical anomalies in our territory," the agent elaborated, his tone friendlier, affording Orion insights into their advanced capabilities.
Orion's reverie was abruptly interrupted by the whirring of an approaching helicopter. "What now?" he muttered, vexed by yet another unforeseen intrusion.
"Isn't that the Star Wolf Order's special magic forces? Why are they here?" a federal agent questioned, recognizing the newcomers' origins.
The Star Wolf Order, an elite unit directly under the President's command, wasted no time. They launched an attack with specialized weapons designed to temporarily neutralize magical powers. Unaccustomed to wielding his newfound abilities, Orion was swiftly subdued.
"What are you doing?!" protested the federal agent beside Orion, shocked by the arbitrary assault.
The Star Wolf forces disregarded the protest, advancing toward Orion, who lay sprawled on a nearby island's sandy expanse. 'These people have no manners,' Orion mused irritably.
Through his passive sub-ability, Premonition, Orion had sensed something awry but chose to observe the Star Wolf forces' intentions. He allowed himself to fall, adding dramatic flair, though he could have employed his Aura of Levitation to maintain his altitude.
"You're quite resilient, staying conscious after your powers were neutralized," one Star Wolf member remarked, landing before Orion with a hint of admiration.
Their combat suits differed markedly from the federal agents. Some members blocked the agents' approach, isolating Orion, while Leviathan watched from the periphery, convinced Orion might be feigning helplessness.
This suspicion was partly correct; while Orion's magical powers were neutralized, his Aura abilities remained intact. Struggling to his feet, Orion exaggerated his weakness, feigning reliance on one leg.
"Y-you, why attack me unprovoked?" Orion stammered, his voice weakly feigned.
Leviathan, observing Orion's feigned vulnerability, suspected a hidden agenda. The Star Wolf forces, without hesitation, captured Orion and transported him aboard a military helicopter. Federal agents' attempts to intervene proved futile.
"Finally, we've captured him!"
"The President will be thrilled with this news."
"Today marks a victory worth celebrating!"
Star Wolf members celebrated their mission's success, unaware of an impending twist. Dark energy claimed the helicopter pilots' lives, and a large portal appeared, transporting the craft to the Navy headquarters' airfield.
As the helicopter decelerated, confusion spread among the special forces. "Check the pilots! Why are we here?" the team leader ordered, urgency tinging his voice.
Panic ensued when a comrade confirmed the pilots' demise. "They're both dead!"
"What?!"
Shocked disbelief echoed among the Star Wolf forces.
Before they could regroup, the helicopter's ramp door exploded inward. Two women entered confidently. One was Orion's aunt, Celia.
Ignoring the stunned gazes, Celia approached Orion, ensnared within a steel cage, and shattered its confines with bare hands. She swiftly removed his restraints and face mask.
"Aunt?!" Orion exclaimed, incredulous yet unsurprised, having sensed this turn of events through his Aura's passive abilities.
"Rion, you were reckless," Celia chided, concern evident as she sighed at his weakened state.
"Aunt!!!" Orion sprang to his feet energetically, embracing Celia tightly. Though his plan had failed, reuniting with his aunt brought immense joy.
"How can you stand so easily?" Celia marveled at his rapid recovery from magical neutralization. The Star Wolf forces were equally astonished, questioning their weapon's effectiveness.
Celia sighed, returning Orion's embrace. "You're finally home, Rion. I've missed you," she murmured, patting his back affectionately.
After their embrace naturally ended, Orion approached the soldier who had apprehended him. "How do you move so smoothly? What are you?"
"Even top-tier magicians are immobilized by the Star Wolf's weapon!" another soldier exclaimed incredulously, unable to fathom its ineffectiveness against Orion.
The weapon had performed as intended; Orion's magical powers were indeed neutralized, yet his Aura abilities remained unaffected.
"Your chatter is like hens cackling!" Orion quipped, unable to resist belittling their dignity.
Drawing his sword, he channeled Destructive Force energy into its blade, enveloping it with a dark purple aura of destruction.
In one swift motion, Orion raised his sword and unleashed a half-arc wave of energy, slicing the helicopter cleanly in two with astonishing precision.