Deep into the night.In a forgotten corner to the southwest of the Ol' Mare city lay a tiny port, rarely touched by the bustle of human activity.The sea whispered against the hull of a cargo ship, heavy with industrial freight as it edged toward the dock. The night was thick around it, the vessel shrouded in darkness and not a single light to betray its presence."They're here!"Two shadows slipped from the watchtower onto the dock, eyes fixed on the approaching ship, their faces etched with an uneasy tension.Those men were part of Ol' Mare's shadowy underworld, smugglers who dealt in the desperate business of human smuggling and the darker trade of human trafficking. The stakes were sky-high, the profits massive, but the risks? They lived on the knife's edge, every day a dance with death.Tonight's job was high-stakes—a rendezvous with VIPs from the enigmatic Black Hawk Nation, set to land at that lonely port in the dead of night.The details were above their pay grade, all they kne
"You're trying to kill me?!" Youcef was taken by surprise, but his reflexes were quick. With a deft flick of his fingers, he deflected the sword's tip and retreated three swift steps, each one leaving deep imprints in the earth.With each failed strike, Nyx's attacks grew more relentless. His iron s
"Man, that was one hell of a punch!"20 kilometers from the Moerr family's ancient fortress, in a dim, quiet junkyard, Nyx slumped against the wall, his complexion deathly pale, breathing barely perceptible.He was so sure he could at least hold his own against Youcef, if not defeat him.However, wh
At the Moerr family's ancient stronghold in Black Hawk Nation…"Mister Youcef Moerr."The man with the dark, rugged face sat across from Youcef, his gaze fixed on Trajan, who was sprawled on a hospital bed. His voice, raspy and deep, carried the weight of the night. "Why wasn't I told sooner about m
The night remained thick with shadows.A mere five kilometers from the Baltimore Mansion, in a desolate stretch north of the coast, a man with a darkened visage stood atop a hillock, his posture as still as an ancient statue as though lifeless."Quite some time has passed. Have our members not retur
The Quantz family... That was Alexander's mother's side, an enigmatic clan with roots deep in Wyverna's ancient history!"You're familiar with the Quantz family?!"Alexander's eyes narrowed, his gaze locking onto Mister Yates, "What else do you know about the Quantz family? Out with it!"The man bef
Three days later, in Ol' Mare City, at the White Mansion."What did you just say?"Alice, the Ayr family's heiress, stared at her assistant in disbelief. Her voice quivered. "The secret clan backing Youcef stepped in?"They didn't take out Alexander but snatched the Jade-Crimson Alliance's leadershi
Three days on, in Black Hawk Nation's Phoenix City, the night came alive at the Alden-themed entertainment club.Phoenix City's entertainment scene buzzed with life at the famed hotspot that was not the most opulent in decor but made up for it with impeccable service. The air was thick with the allu
"Kill!" As Alexander stepped onto the Empyrean Slope, a monstrous wave of killing intent crashed into his mind."Hmph, you think you're the only one fierce?" he muttered coldly, unleashing his own killing intent to counter the assault.He was the Temple Lord Kane, a man who had tread through mountai
At Battleforge Summit, a place where peril lurked at every turn.As the group continued their ascent, they lost a few more members. The ancient battlefield was riddled with deadly traps and poisonous remnants. The pools along the way harbored creatures so aggressive, it was clear they were not of mo
"Ah…" Alexander yawned, waiting patiently. Without a proper map, he would probably take half a day searching for directions. Battleforge Summit, though seemingly small, had a complex terrain.Time was slipping away, and Maxwell and Crimson Wyrm Master finally reached an agreement. The two-meter-wide
Early in the next morning, Maxwell's group of 40—the weakest among them a Lord of War—gathered quietly by the lake at the back of a mountain, somewhere in Shielded Valley. They stood in silence, their expressions grave.Though many had never ventured to Battleforge Summit, they had all heard of its
"Enemy attack!"Brenda sprang to her feet, drawing her sharp blade. Tensions had been high lately, and everyone's nerves were on edge."Perfect timing! I've been waiting to kill him sooner or later!"Alexander's killing intent surged, and his battle spirit ignited.Crimson Wyrm Master was destined t
As soon as Alexander asked the question, a heavy silence fell over the chamber. The three Guardians exchanged uneasy glances, but no one uttered a word."Never mind if you don't want to say anything, I'm just curious," said Alexander, sitting down cross-legged and closing his eyes to heal his wounds
"As you wish!"Crimson Wyrm Master channeled a furious surge of power into his spear, standing firm as he built up his momentum. Having fought to this point, he knew he had to unleash his most devastating attack."Here it comes!"All eyes were locked on the impending clash, each person holding their
"You fool! Don't think you'll be the last one laughing!"The Second and Third Guardians charged forward, joining forces to deflect Crimson Wyrm's relentless assault. Even with their combined strength, they could barely withstand a few moves."Do you really think we're without reinforcements?" roared
"Heh. I wouldn't dare accept your gift!" Maxwell scoffed, his voice steady despite the looming battle. Politeness had no place in this confrontation."Oh, but I'm sure you'll appreciate it," sneered Crimson Wyrm Master, his eyes gleaming with malice as he pointed at Darko, who lay crumpled on the gr