As the doors of the helicopter swung open, Danial and Lily watched in awe as several figures leapt out with precision, landing on the rooftop with remarkable steadiness. Lily's eyes widened in shock at the seemingly gravity-defying feat. "How could they jump from that height and still be okay? Are their legs made out of iron?" she wondered, her mind reeling with disbelief. The newcomers, clad in tactical uniforms and armed to the teeth, wasted no time in assuming a defensive stance. Their guns trained on Danial, they barked orders with a commanding authority that left no room for negotiation. "Put your hands up in the air and kneel, or else we will shoot," one of them commanded, his voice sharp and threatening. Danial froze on the spot, his mind racing with confusion and disbelief. "Why are they pointing guns at me? Aren't they from the law enforcement headquarters and the Special Ops team?" he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. Glancing up at the hovering helicopter, he caug
"Only time will tell," the masked man replied cryptically, his voice tinged with an air of enigmatic confidence. His hands remained clasped behind his back, a subtle display of readiness and anticipation as he awaited the commencement of their duel. Victor, seething with anger, lunged at Danial with a powerful punch, his fist aimed at the masked man's head. However, Danial, displaying uncanny agility, skillfully ducked and dodged the formidable strike. Seizing the opportunity, Danial retaliated swiftly with a lightning-quick kick directed at Victor's abdomen. Yet, Victor, leaped skillfully, avoiding the oncoming kick and landing back on his feet with a smirk on his face. "Not bad. You have some skills. I thought I would end the fight quickly and move on, but now I'm excited to fight you, brat," Victor remarked, his tone a mixture of begrudging respect and lingering arrogance. Danial, wearing a sarcastic smile, responded, "Yeah, the punch was too slow, and your movement was not coor
Danial, still catching his breath from the intense rooftop battle, made his way to the exit of the hotel. Now in his hands, his mask carried the weight of the night's events. Glancing at it for a moment, he placed it carefully on a nearby table. As he reached for the door handle, preparing to step into the quiet night, the door swung open abruptly. Startled, Danial found himself face to face with several police officers, their weapons trained on him. Danial, his heart pounding with a mixture of confusion and apprehension, found himself once again facing the daunting sight of police officers with guns trained on him. The sense of déjà vu was palpable as he recalled a similar encounter with the Special Ops team not long ago. He wondered why does this keep happening to him. "Put your hands above your head and lay on the ground!" the officer barked. Danial was stunned. He raised his hands and stood calmly in front of the officers. The officer saw Danial's face and was taken back. " He l
Danial went home after all the ordeal he went through. He was very tired. He didn't understand why he would get tired so easily when he was a minor realm higher in cultivation than Victor. He thought about it for a moment and gave up the idea. He didn't know much anything about cultivation and the actual cultivation world. When Danial entered his home, he saw Natasha cleaning the dishes, he went up to her and asked her " What are you doing so late?" Natasha jerked and almost jumped at the sound of Danial's voice behind her, her heart pounding with surprise. Quickly regaining her composure, she turned back to face him, relief flooding her features as she realized it was only Danial. "Master Danial, you almost scared me to death," Natasha exclaimed. Danial couldn't help but chuckle at Natasha's reaction "What, I thought you were well-trained in the arts of assassination, and this scared you?" he teased, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. Blushing furiously at Danial's teasing
Marshal Barns cleared his throat, his gaze fixed on Danial as he began his tale. "The tomb we are talking about may be the tomb of Cyrus West, the Right-hand General of Prince Egon." Danial leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Who is Cyrus West, and who is Prince Egon?" he inquired, eager to learn more about the enigmatic figures from history. Marshal Barns settled back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he explained. "If we talk about Prince Egon, he was the strongest prince to have ever ruled and led the Old Dynasty," he began, his voice carrying a hint of reverence. Prince Egon," Marshal Barns continued, "was a figure shrouded in myth and legend. He was not only the strongest prince to have ever ruled and led the Old Dynasty, but he was also revered as a paragon of martial prowess and unmatched power." Danial listened intently as Marshal Barns painted a vivid picture of Prince Egon's legacy. "It is said," Marshal Barns continued, "that Prince Egon reached a level of cu
Each person present was stunned by Danial's accusation against Master Bowan, a respected figure within the Bright Light Academy.Lieutenant Andrews was the first to break the silence, his voice tinged with disbelief. "That is something we didn't expect," he muttered, shaking his head in consternation. "Master Bowan has always been regarded as an honorable and upright individual."Marshal Barns cut him and said " He pretends upright but he is nefarious. There were many cases that came into the organization that involved him."Marshal Barns, his expression grave, turned his attention to Danial, his tone serious as he posed the crucial question, "Are you sure that the person is Master Bowan?".Danial hesitated for a moment, weighing his words carefully. "Although I couldn't say for sure that the culprit is Master Bowan," he began slowly, "I do know that the technique that Victor used bears a striking resemblance to the personal discipline of Master Bowan."Agent Thompson frowned and aske
The Instructor was utterly stunned he didn't understand where these people came from and who are they so powerful. His thought process was interrupted when Pavan stepped ahead. With a swift kick, Pavan aimed for the instructor's midsection, but the instructor countered by sidestepping and delivering a precise elbow strike to Pavan's back. The impact sent Pavan stumbling forward, but he quickly regained his footing, showcasing his resilience. As the battle raged on, Pavan found himself on the defensive, struggling to keep up with the instructor's relentless assault. A kick aimed at his face was narrowly avoided, but Pavan felt the rush of air as it brushed past him. With a quick roll, Pavan regained his footing and launched a counterattack, his fists a blur as they surged forward with raw power. The instructor, caught off guard by Pavan's sudden aggression, barely managed to block the incoming blows, his arms straining under the force of the impact. With a fierce determination, Pava
As Danial struggled to stand, the ache in his body palpable, Master Eamon materialized in front of him with an unsettling speed. Before Danial could fully grasp the situation, Master Eamon delivered a swift punch, muttering, "Taking way too long to recover." Instinctively, Danial rolled sideways, narrowly avoiding the devastating blow. As he looked back at the spot where Master Eamon's punch landed, a sense of awe and trepidation gripped him. The ground bore the impact like a scar, a visible crater surrounded by ominous cracks that seemed to stretch out like fractured veins. A shiver ran down Danial's spine as the realization struck him—Master Eamon wasn't merely testing him; he was unleashing power that bordered on lethal force. At that moment, a chilling thought raced through Danial's mind: "Master Eamon is not trying to test me; he's trying to kill me." Despite his injuries and the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Danial refused to yield to despair. With a grim determinati
Santigo leaned back in his chair, the flickering light casting long shadows across the room. His smile stretched wider, full of mockery and malice, as his gaze shifted lazily between Danial, Pavan, and Crystal. "Took you long enough," he drawled, tapping his fingers on the armrest. "I was almost about to start another session with Kuro, but you arrived on time. Tsk tsk, what a pity."Danial’s eyes darted to Kuro, his chest tightening at the sight of his friend slumped over, bruised and barely conscious. Rage bubbled beneath his calm exterior, his fists clenching so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He knew what "session" meant—and judging by Kuro’s state, it was far worse than he’d imagined.Gritting his teeth, Danial stepped forward, his fists clenching at his sides. “What do you want from us, Santigo?” His voice was low but edged with anger. “We’ve never crossed paths. We have nothing to do with you. So why drag Kuro into this?”Santigo waved his hand dismissively as if bru
The trio made their way through the desolate industrial district, their steps echoing faintly against the cracked asphalt and rusted pipes that sprawled across the ground. The Lapanzo Foundry loomed in the distance—a massive husk of steel and concrete, its faded name barely visible on the old factory’s rust-eaten board. Broken windows and gaping holes in the walls stared back at them like the hollow eyes of a corpse, and the air was heavy with a metallic tang mixed with an unexplainable decay that clung to their senses.There were no birds, no stray dogs, not even insects. The silence was unnatural, almost suffocating. Each breath they took felt too loud as if the factory itself might hear them.Pavan looked around, his face pale and his voice just above a whisper. "Yeah, this is the place where I’m going to die."Danial shot him a sideways glare. "No one is going to die." His voice was steady, but his jaw was clenched.Ahead, the board with “Lapanzo” scrawled in faded letters jutted
Danial sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers interlocked and his face stoic, though his mind churned with conflicting thoughts. Pavan, pacing back and forth like a caged animal, threw his arms up in frustration. "Danial!" Pavan snapped, his voice rising. "Are you even listening to me? How can you sit there so calmly when Kuro’s life is on the line? And Crystal—she’s a target too!" Danial finally looked up, his eyes sharp and cold. "Calm? Do I look calm to you, Pavan? I’m just not panicking like you are. If we lose focus now, Kuro’s as good as dead. And if Crystal gets caught in this... it’ll be worse." Pavan stopped pacing, running a hand through his hair. "Then tell me, what’s the plan? What are we doing? Because I can’t just stand here waiting for them to kill Kuro." Danial leaned back, exhaling deeply. "We can’t afford to act recklessly. Whoever this is, they’re not some common thug. They know Kuro’s strength, and they still managed to take him down. That tells me this is pers
Santigo paced around Kuro, his leather boots thudding against the cold, damp concrete floor. The dim overhead light flickered sporadically, casting ominous shadows across the room. The sharp edges of Santigo's features seemed exaggerated in the erratic glow, giving him an almost predatory appearance."Ah, cousin," Santigo drawled, his tone mockingly sweet as he circled Kuro. You look so pitifully tied up like this. I must say, it suits you—a star brought down to earth, groveling in the dirt."Kuro's wrists were bound tightly behind his back, and his legs were shackled to the chair he was forced to sit on. His clothes were torn, and his breath was ragged, but his eyes burned with a fiery defiance that refused to be extinguished.Santigo crouched down to meet Kuro’s glare, his grotesque grin widening. "Tell me, cousin," he whispered, his voice laced with venom, "how does it feel to have the tables turned for once? To be... insignificant?"Kuro’s chest heaved, his breath shallow but stead
Pavan’s hands shook uncontrollably as he processed the words he had just heard. His friend’s life was hanging by a thread, and the weight of the situation bore down heavily on him. His normally composed demeanor was in tatters, replaced by fear and anxiety.Danial, though visibly calmer, felt a storm brewing within. His sharp mind worked through the possibilities, piecing together how this could have happened. Kuro is strong, far stronger than most people realize. For someone to have captured him, this isn’t just about strength—it’s planning, manipulation… or something far worse.Pavan’s voice broke through Danial’s thoughts. “D-Danial, we can’t handle this on our own. We need to go to the authorities, to someone who can—”Danial interrupted, his tone firm but low. “We can’t.” His eyes locked onto Pavan’s. “You heard him. If we go to the authorities, Kuro’s life is the first thing he’ll take.”Pavan clenched his fists, frustration, and helplessness written all over his face. “But… wha
The emissaries from Emsgate couldn’t hide their broad smiles as Tanya descended the arena steps. Their demeanor was almost triumphant, as though Tanya’s victory over Viktor was a personal affront to Somerland. Tanya, however, walked with a quiet pride, ignoring the subtle gloating. Behind her, the terrain of the arena shifted and morphed back to its original flat state, the transformation accompanied by a low rumble.Viktor, meanwhile, trudged down the steps on the opposite side, his head hung low. The sting of defeat gnawed at him, and the weight of representing Somerland felt heavier with each step. In his heart, he felt as though he had disgraced his homeland.Waiting for him near the entrance was his master, a tall man with graying hair. The master’s sharp eyes softened as Viktor approached, clearly burdened. Placing a hand on Viktor’s shoulder, he spoke firmly yet kindly:“Viktor, just because you lost does not mean you failed to prove your worth. Your worth is measured by how ha
Elyisa put her hand into the ballot and took out two folded paper slips. She unfolded the slips with an air of authority. “Tanya from Emsgate and Viktor from Somerland,” she announced, her voice echoing throughout the stadium. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience as she reached into the twist and terrain ballot. Unfurling the next slip, she declared, “They will be fighting in a mountainous area. They will have to complete the fight in under four minutes, or both participants will be disqualified.”The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and startled whispers.“Four minutes? Is that even enough time for a proper fight in such rugged terrain?” one spectator exclaimed.“And they’ll both be disqualified if no winner emerges? That’s brutal,” another muttered, shaking their head.The tension was palpable as Tanya, seated among the participants, felt a pang of nervousness grip her chest. Her hands balled into fists on her lap as she stared at the giant screen displaying her name
As the first rays of sunlight graced the sprawling Capital, a vibrant energy filled the air. The second day of the Tournament of Sovereign Might had arrived, and the anticipation was palpable. Crowds thronged the streets, surging toward the massive stadium like waves, eager to secure their seats. Yesterday's attendance had been monumental, but today, it seemed to have doubled. Vendors called out, selling snacks and memorabilia, while children tugged at their parents, buzzing with excitement. The tournament fever had gripped the Capital, and all eyes were on the arena.Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Spectators filled the stands, the din of their chatter building into a crescendo. The VIP sections gleamed with luxury, reserved for the most influential figures in society: the Greatest Families. Clad in their signature styles, representatives from these families arrived in a display of opulence and prestige, each taking their place in the exclusive area.In the Kirk fami
Maria’s fingers gripped the arms of the chair tightly as she stared at her grandfather. Her usual composure wavered, replaced by a mix of shock and unease. It was rare for her to confront Quintan like this, but the stakes had grown too high. She needed clarity, not half-truths or vague reassurances.Quintan tapped his fingers rhythmically against the polished wood of the desk, his expression unreadable as he studied her. Finally, he leaned forward, his gray eyes sharp and piercing.“What questions do you want to ask, Maria?” he asked, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of weariness.Maria didn’t hesitate. She had been holding this in since the mission’s disastrous conclusion. “Grandfather, I want to know what’s going on with the Demonic Cult. Why are we conducting reconnaissance missions on them instead of mobilizing the Gods of War? They would annihilate the cult without a second thought. Why hold back? What is the status of Rowan and Lysandra? And what about Nina?" Her fis