"Phoenix, long time no see. Looks like you've changed a lot!" Frederick felt a wave of nostalgia upon seeing Phoenix. He hadn't expected the shy girl who used to be by his side years ago to grow into a capable commander in her own right.Phoenix knelt, and said with utmost respect, "No matter how much I've changed, I will always be one of yours! I will always be your most loyal attendant, Lord Hades!" For five years, she had taken care of Frederick's daily life. It had been the happiest time of her life. Not only did her strength advance by leaps and bounds, but more importantly, she could be by this man's side, overlooking the entire world.Unfortunately, as Phoenix's strength improved rapidly, she was no longer suited for the role of Frederick's attendant and was reassigned as a general in another region. After several years of hard work, she became the only female War God in Drakonia, Lady Phoenix."Get up, Phoenix. The situation is urgent, and I don't have time to reminisce.
Frederick replied calmly, "Alright."Byron was pleased with Frederick's response. He seemed unperturbed by praise or criticism, and seemed like a promising candidate."Despite your humble origins, your ability to handle yourself is commendable. If you impress the big shots of the Crimson Robe Society today, they might even promote you on the spot," Byron said."Thank you," Frederick replied.Thank you! Enough with the chatter, and let's get going to the Crimson Robe Society already!Fortunately, Byron stopped dragging his feet. They drove around Centropolis for a solid two hours before finally stopping at a villa by a lakeside.They were greeted by a variety of top-tier global cars, each starting at tens of millions. Some were limited edition sports cars, valued at least a hundred million each.Byron's car was a limited edition Rolls-Royce Poison. Usually, it would be the center of attention. Here, however, it seemed rather ordinary.The decor inside the lakeside villa was surp
"So when you meet the top dogs of the Crimson Robe Society, you better behave and not screw things up for me!" Byron warned. "Otherwise, I won't be able to save you if anything goes wrong."Frederick was speechless. On the way here, Byron had bragged endlessly about how amazing he was. He had joined the Crimson Robe Society at a young age, and stood above everyone else. But now, hadn't his true colors been revealed?But since they were already here, Frederick decided to go with the flow and adapt to the situation. Following Byron through layers of steps, he unexpectedly found himself looking down into an arena.Instead of wild animals fighting each other, humans were pitted against beasts. Several ragged men in chains were fighting hungry tigers or black bears, risking their lives in desperate struggles. As the audience listened to the desperate howls from inside the arena, they became even more excited, erupting into a thunderous roar of celebration."No wonder Phoenix calle
Amidst laughter and banter, everyone watched as Alexander beat Byron into a bloody mess. His face barely resembled a human being."Mr. Lopez! I can't take it anymore! I beg you, please spare me this time..." Byron was barely conscious, his voice growing weaker. But the more he groveled, the worse the beating became."The more I look at you, the more unlucky I feel. You'd better disappear from my sight forever!"Alexander lifted his right foot and stomped down hard on Byron's head. Suddenly, his foot was halted abruptly in midair.A long, powerful hand had grasped his ankle with lightning speed."When it's time to act, one must act. Enough is enough. You've nearly killed him. Isn't that enough for you?" Frederick said casually.Everyone was astonished beyond belief at the scene before them. Someone dared to intervene with Alexander, one of the top bosses of the Crimson Robe Society!Alexander stared wide-eyed in shock. "What the fuck? Do you even know what you're doing?""As I
An auction was a customary affair within the Crimson Robe Society.Items up for bid spanned a wide range—jewelry, calligraphy, Savant Arts manuals, weaponry, human organs, and even living people. The clientele participating in these auctions were mostly affluent enough to rival nations. Even Byron, whose net value was a few hundred million, was considered a small fry. At best, he was only a spectator.The auction venue was packed, even more so than the arena earlier.Byron found a secluded spot, and chuckled. "Mr. Lester, they say the Crimson Robe Society keeps a low profile and is virtually unknown across Aston. But that doesn't stop it from being the most influential and mysterious organization here. You'll see what true power and privilege look like at this auction!"With a serious tone, Byron continued, "Compared to them, even your Great Four Warrior Clans of Mirage City are just child's play."The auction is divided into three tiers.""The first tier is for us small frie
"Those upper-tier big shots, fearless as they may seem, still give Ms. Graham a great deal of respect. Treasure Emporium holds immense influence, and offending them is no small matter—even the Crimson Robe Society wouldn't want to face the consequences," Byron explained patiently.Frederick nodded. "So, Ms. Graham isn't affiliated with the Crimson Robe Society?""She's just a highly-paid auctioneer. She takes orders from Treasure Emporium," Byron clarified.Frederick pondered momentarily. He recalled hearing about Treasure Emporium before.On the stage, Fiona responded to the audience's teasing with amusement. "I'm afraid you can't afford me. I'm priceless! I'm a treasure beyond compare!"Her witty remark elicited laughter and lightened the atmosphere."Alright, back to business! Let's officially begin today's auction!"The first item up for auction today is a fifty-year-old warship, the St. George! It's a destroyer that can be used for military refitting or transformed into a s
However, Byron's expression remained resolute."Mr. Lester, I know you must think I'm a fool for spending one billion on something as intangible as a star. But I must buy it!"“Why?” Frederick asked, curious."I have a girlfriend I've been dating for eight years. She's an astronomy enthusiast, and her biggest hobby in life is stargazing."As Byron mentioned this, his voice caught, and his nose turned slightly red."But she has leukemia. She's been in the hospital for over two years now. She used to be such an optimistic and cheerful person, but now, she tries to kill herself five times a month."I just thought... If I could buy this star and name it after her, would it make her happy? And in another way... If she's no longer around one day, the star will still be there. I can look up at it and feel like I'm seeing her again..."Frederick was surprised.He hadn't expected the smooth and sophisticated Byron to have such a strong sense of loyalty and love. A rich heir like him, st
Byron was sweating profusely, and his legs were trembling uncontrollably. The memory of being beaten badly by Alexander was still fresh in his mind, leaving him shaken. He didn't dare to act rashly.Frederick raised an eyebrow. "So, Alexander's opinion matters more to you than your girlfriend with leukemia?""Y-You don't understand!" Byron's face turned red, struggling to get the words out.Ignoring him, Frederick turned and boldly raised his paddle. "1.2 billion!"His action was akin to a single stone that had instantly caused a thousand ripples. The originally calm hall erupted into a great commotion."Someone's bidding!""1.2 billion! He's adding a hundred million at a time! He's clearly disrespecting Mr. Lopez!""And he's from the lowest tier! Is he a newbie? How can he be so ignorant of the rules?"Byron was shocked. "Mr. Lester, what are you doing?""You don't dare to do it, right? So, I'll bid for you. That way, Mr. Lopez won't take his anger out on you," Frederick re