"Gideon!" Elara screamed.Everyone, including Matthew, Lavinia, Benny, and Derek, was all stunned."What are you doing here?" Elara and Lavinia questioned in unison.The two women exchanged glances before asking each other, "You know him?"Elara replied, "Ms. Mosley, Gideon is… my husband, but only in name!""Your husband?" Lavinia was filled with doubt.Wasn't Gideon supposed to be unmarried? Why did he have a wife now?Elara asked, "Ms. Mosley, do you know him?"Lavinia thought for a moment. Not wanting Gideon to use her name to deceive others, she shook her head. "No. I don't know him."Elara breathed a sigh of relief."Gideon, what are you doing here? Ms. Mosley said this residence belongs to Mr. Zeller, the King of Battle! How dare you sneak in here? Do you have a death wish?" Elara angrily scolded him.Matthew and the others also erupted with righteous indignation, shouting, "Gideon, how dare you break into Mr. Zeller's house? Are you insane? You're done for!"Everyon
"Come in. The door's unlocked."Dominic trembled slightly before carefully opening the door. As soon as he stepped into the villa, he spotted Gideon, who was sitting on the couch."Sir!"Dominic rushed over and gave a low bow of respect.If Lavinia, Elara, and the others had seen this, their jaws would've dropped.Glancing over at Dominic, Gideon asked, "Didn't you give this villa to me? Why did you come back? Have you changed your mind and decided to take it back?"Dominic shook his head fervently. "No, of course not, sir. You've misunderstood me. I came here to see you.""What for?""I'd like to head to Oasis Vale. I hope you can fulfill my request," Dominic beseeched with a solemn expression.Chuckling, Gideon asked, "Why do you want to head to Oasis Vale? You're good friends with Hercule, right? Do you want to visit him?""I'd like to move into Oasis Vale and train," Dominic replied.Gideon was startled. Dominic wanted to train at Oasis Vale? Did he get hit on the head
Marion explained, "For some reason, Mr. Duran's people said we stole some of their business. They want us to apologize and make up for it.""Mom, Dad, we can't afford to offend Mr. Duran. Let's just apologize and compensate for it," Elara said grimly.Smiling bitterly, Arnold said, "Mr. Duran wants us to compensate him with ten million dollars. Where can we get that kind of money?""What? Ten million dollars? He might as well rob a bank!" Elara exclaimed in anger.Just then, she turned to Matthew and pleaded, "Matthew, can you help us?""That's right, Matthew," Marion chimed in. "You and Elara are the best of friends. Do help us. You can lend us ten million dollars first."Matthew's lips twitched. As it was, the Carters were in urgent need of money. He'd managed to gather a little over 20 million dollars by lying that Rachel thought highly of him, but he wasn't going to lend that money to anyone!That being said, he couldn't possibly reject the Seymours outright, so he assured
The slap left Matthew rather dazed.Marion and Elara exchanged looks. They realized that even Nino's subordinate showed no respect for the Carters, let alone Nino himself. Shawn had gone so far as to hit Matthew without hesitation, too.Clutching his face, Matthew got back on his feet. Sensing the strange looks in the women's eyes, he felt humiliated, but he dared not say anything.After seeing that even Matthew couldn't do anything about it, Arnold knew there was no use in saying anything else. With great bitterness, he said, "I'll pay ten million dollars in compensation. Please tell Mr. Duran to give me three days to gather the money.""Three days? That's too long. You're not even getting an hour, let alone three days," Shawn retorted."What do you want, then?" Arnold fumed. "We're a modest family with a small company, and business hasn't been going too well. I can't fork out ten million dollars in cash right away. If you insist on being unreasonable, I'll have no choice but to
"I'll go!"It seemed to have taken every bit of Elara's strength to get those words out. She felt weak and wobbly on her feet, as if she could fall at any minute."How wise of you, Ms. Seymour," Shawn remarked with a grin. "Excellent. Come with me, please.""Ella!"Arnold and Marion were extremely agitated. They wanted to rush up to Elara and pull her back, but the men stopped them. All they could do was watch as Elara got into the car.Overwhelmed by his anger and sorrow, Arnold spat out the blood and fainted. Marion was so terrified that she didn't know what to do. Too beside herself to even call 911, she simply clutched Arnold and sobbed."Dad! Mom!"At some point, Gideon came back and was shocked by this sight. He quickly checked on Arnold and used some medical techniques to stabilize his condition.Slowly, Arnold regained consciousness, coughing as he did."Arnie!" Marion was overjoyed. "You're finally awake. You scared me half to death!""Ella…"Arnold had a dead loo
Elara was extremely familiar with Tom Horne, the plump young man in front of her. In fact, she was traumatized by him.They'd gone to college together, and at the time, he'd persistently pursued her. She wasn't interested in him, so she rejected him countless times. Much to her detestation, he shamelessly continued his attempts anyway.In the end, she had no choice but to get a few people to beat him up. Following that, he stopped bothering her.It had been three years since then. Elara didn't expect Tom to show up here, and from what Nino said, it sounded like he was a person of some importance.Elara remained doubtful. To her knowledge, Tom came from an ordinary background. No matter how much success he achieved in three years, how could he have managed to become a big shot who could hang out with someone like Nino?"It's been a while, Elara," Tom said meaningfully. "I bet you never thought I'd show up here."Snapping back to reality, Elara said, "Mr. Duran said it was you who
Elara was dumbstruck. She thought she must've misheard Tom."What did you say, Tom?""I asked you to perform a striptease for me. You can leave when you're done. That's not too much to ask for, right?" Tom said.Elara turned red with anger and berated, "You've gone too far, Tom!""I've gone too far?" Tom guffawed. "Are you dumb or naive, Elara? Do you really think I'd look out for you? Do you think I specifically asked for Mr. Duran's men to bring you here just to make you drink a few glasses of alcohol? "How is that enough to make you pay for all the pain and suffering you caused me during our college years?"Tom's tone grew steadily colder. Even his expression was contorted maliciously.He marched up to Elara like a stalking predator and growled, "Do you still recall how you humiliated me back then? You said I was delusional and a dog you couldn't shake off. You said you'd die before agreeing to be my girlfriend. You also called me a pig and said I was an ugly clown—that no w
"Hold it right there!"Once those words rang out, Elara instinctively pulled her clothes back on properly.Gideon rushed into the room. Eyes landing on Elara, he asked, "Are you okay?""It's you!"Elara had been wondering who'd arrived to save her. She didn't expect it to be Gideon. It would've been a lie to say she didn't feel moved, but what was the use of him showing up? Nino had no respect for the Carters, much less the Snows, who had fallen from grace. He was only going to get himself killed.With a foul expression, Nino questioned icily, "Who the hell are you, punk? How dare you cause trouble on my territory? Do you want to die?"Gideon didn't answer his question. Instead, he asked, "I'd like to know who hit Arnold Seymour, Elara's father. Come forward. Let me take a look at you.""Hah!" Shawn chortled. He was one of Nino's right-hand men. "It was me who brought my men over to beat Arnold up, punk! What about it? Are you going to try and stand up for him? How are you rel
Orabella became wary.However, that only made Gideon even more curious. He became even more intrigued as he chuckled. "Ms. Corthopp, since Tylland has a genetic engineering facility, it's only a matter of time before I find it. Especially with you by my side."Rather than turning this into an unpleasant situation, why not just tell me a little? Satisfy my curiosity just a bit. It's not like I'm asking you to reveal everything. What do you think?"Gideon took a step back.Orabella's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as if weighing her options. After a brief pause, she spoke in a low voice, "There's really not much to say about genetic engineering."As the name suggests, it's simply a project focused on studying genes. Our current research revolves around genetic sequencing, where we alter gene sequences to study the resulting physical traits."Gideon asked, "And your test subjects?"Orabella arched her brow and replied, "It may seem inhumane, but there's nothing shameful about it.
"And may I ask what the goal is?" Gideon probed."This…"Gideon took a step forward, his powerful presence radiating outward, locking onto Orabella.His sheer, overwhelming masculinity nearly suffocated her. A flush crept up her cheeks. In all her years, no one had ever dared to violate her space like this.Though it made her feel extremely uncomfortable, perhaps even a little angry, for some reason, there was also an unfamiliar sensation stirring inside her. It was a feeling she couldn't quite explain."I'd appreciate it if you could enlighten me, Ms. Corthopp.""To be honest, I'm not sure, either." Orabella's gaze deepened. "The Pope values Dasovia highly. The real plan is to unite this entire continent into a federation and use that force to assault—no, to invade—Bukmond.""What?" Gideon's heart sank.This continent had many kingdoms. If they joined forces, they would become an overwhelmingly powerful force. Bukmond wouldn't stand a chance in the attack.What was the Pope o
"What business do you have with the Spirale Clan?" Orabella was surprised. She had assumed Gideon was one of them."It's personal. There's no need for you to be concerned with it. I'd really like to be friends with you, Ms. Corthopp. Are you up to sharing some information?" Gideon grinned.Orabella pondered for a moment. "I'm a prisoner right now. Do I really have a choice?""Ms. Corthopp, are you kidding? How can you call yourself a prisoner? I wouldn't dare to imprison a lady of your stature."Gideon chuckled and changed the subject. "From the sound of it, it seems like you agree.""I can tell you. It doesn't really affect me. But my gut tells me that whatever you want with the Spirale Clan isn't something good. I'm curious. Will you be willing to share a little and satisfy my curiosity?""Of course.""I'm all ears."With his hands behind his back, Gideon gazed into the distance and said calmly, "I have a good friend. Her younger sister was taken by the Spirale Clan. I need t
Gideon made a move as he spoke, and a few energy cannons were shattered.Orabella exclaimed, "You know about energy cannons and even particle cannons? Have you heard of the Spirale Clan?""Who do you think you're looking down on? Why wouldn't I know?""What's your connection to the Spirale Clan?""Oh? Are you that interested? If so, we can stop right here and find a place to talk." Gideon smirked.He had his own plans. Draven didn't know the exact location of the Spirale Clan. He only had a few clues. So, searching blindly in the Asgard Plains would be too difficult.However, The Light Council was different. The most powerful and mysterious force in the world might actually know where the Spirale Clan was.Orabella held a high position in The Light Council, so she might know something.This was crucial for Gideon.Orabella, after a brief moment of thought, stopped in her tracks. There was no escaping. Even if she managed to get away, she would end up in a miserable state.Tha
"Run!" Orabella shouted in alarm.Gideon had vanished, but she didn't believe he had been blown to ashes. He must have escaped.Sure enough, scorching flames burst underground, transforming into two thin chains, shooting toward Orabella and Leomer. They looked small, but the pressure they exuded was immense. Even their armors felt like they were about to melt.These flames were from the Earthcore Flame. It wasn't just any Earthcore Flame. It was the purest essence of fire, its temperature unimaginably terrifying.Without the Solar Titan Physique, there was no way to resist it. Even touching or getting too close would severely wound the body."Attack!" Leomer roared fiercely.Unlike Orabella, he didn't retreat. Instead, he faced the Earthcore Flame head-on. His greatsword slashed out, releasing waves of sword energy. The attacks intertwined, forming a vast web, attempting to shred the Earthcore Flame to nothing.Gideon sneered.Leomer had grossly underestimated the Earthcore Fla
During this time, Umbra was more than capable of seizing the advantage with a fierce counterattack.All things considered, Orabella and Umbra were evenly matched. If they fought, it would be a fifty-fifty struggle."Who exactly are you?" Orabella was furious. She looked disheveled. It was something she had never experienced before. "Are you truly willing to become a mortal enemy of The Light Council? That is not a wise decision."Gideon grinned. "This isn't about me and The Light Council anymore. It's about me and you. I must subdue a genius like you and keep you by my side.""You!" Orabella's face burned with shame and fury.She was a divine maiden, the high and mighty Legion Commander of the Regnandi Legion. In all her years, she had never been subjected to such humiliation and offense. "You will pay for your words and actions!"Gideon laughed. "You still say such naive things at a time like this? How laughable!"The Solar Titan Physique within Gideon erupted, its energy pour
"Is that so? I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully, it won't be as weak and useless as that so-called Decree of Decay!" Gideon remarked.He stood tall within the prison of light, making no moves, simply waiting for the next decree.This was his first clash with a powerhouse from The Light Council. He was eager to see their true abilities.After all, The Light Council was one of the most powerful and mysterious factions in the world. This was exactly the kind of intense battle Gideon craved. Only through such encounters could he push his limits and force himself to grow."You won't be disappointed." Orabella spread her arms wide, chanting once more, as she issued another decree, "Mind Shatter!"In an instant, Gideon's mind reeled as if struck by lightning. A splitting headache tore through his skull. His vision darkened, and his thoughts grew hazy.It didn't stop there."Attack!" The three Cardinals seized the opportunity to launch a relentless, coordinated assault.Gideon snorte
"You have a good physique, but it's still far from enough." Gideon sighed.In an instant, a chill ran down Vicar's spine. The next second, his fist shattered completely.Vicar let out a miserable scream, echoing through the canyon, making everyone's skin crawl.Gideon still hadn't let go.Vicar's expression turned ruthless. He knew if he didn't make a decisive move now, the consequences would be disastrous. He decided to sever his own arm and retreated at full speed."Generalissimo Tancred!" The two dukes rushed forward.At this moment, Vicar scowled. It was not just from the pain but from the overwhelming humiliation. The mighty Vicar had been forced to cut off his own arm, and in front of The Light Council, no less. What a joke!Suddenly, Orabella spoke up, "You're strong."She stepped forward. A faint halo of light surrounded her, making her seem divine and untouchable."But it is unwise to stand against The Light Council.""My apologies, but it was The Light Council who c
Nothing but ants? Vicar and the others froze.They had just been called nothing but ants. It was unbelievable. This was the first time in their lives they had ever heard such an insult. Their fury, especially the Cardinals', erupted like wildfire."How arrogant!""Do you think you're invincible just because you ambushed Leomer?"Gideon had defeated Leomer head-on, yet to them, it was nothing more than a sneak attack.However, Gideon couldn't be bothered to argue. He stepped forward. A divine, overwhelming energy radiated from him, and the surrounding temperature skyrocketed under the sheer heat of his presence."The Light Council? Heh! That's all you amount to. I heard you're backing Tylland, stirring up troubles at Dasovia's borders. You've got some nerve!"At the end of the day, Gideon was still a Dasovian. In foreign lands, protecting his homeland's dignity was not just his duty. It was his responsibility."Who are you?""Gideon Snow."Just two words from him felt thundero