"But what?" Gideon implored."Sir, we've discovered a cave dwelling. Based on initial observations, it appears to be an ancient ruin, and there may be more structures like it waiting to be unearthed," Ares explained. "Is that so?" Gideon became interested. Ares took the lead, and the trio, including Gideon, reached their destination. "Sir, take a look." Following Ares' instructions, they all saw it. A lone cavern nestled in the large pit, resembling an aged man who has endured countless struggles, finding peace in quiet solitude. "Cut the flattery." Gideon walked up to the entrance of the cave dwelling. Ronan marveled, "This stone door is made of an exceptional material. It's doubtful even a bomb blast could shatter it open." Winter questioned, "So, we have to rely on brute strength to force the door open? Or is there a hidden mechanism?" Ares shook his head and replied, "No, there's no mechanism. We've had multiple teams scour every inch of it for days, but to no av
The egg in the center remained undamaged, however. Gideon could feel its immense weight, yet there was no movement or indication of life within it. "What kind of egg is this?" "Who knows?" Gideon gently ran his hand over it. The egg was massive, almost the size of a water bucket. Clearly, it belonged to some sort of beast. "Out of the entire palace, only this egg remains unscathed. We can't be certain if whatever was inside is still alive, but we should bring it with us just in case," Gideon suggested. "Alright."Ares directed his men to carefully transport the enormous egg out of the underground palace. They also stumbled upon some items, including sturdy weapons and a few herbs with potent properties, although most of them had decayed beyond use. Gideon was disappointed. It seemed there were no valuable treasures to be found in the vast underground complex.Ares came running over, clutching a stone box in his hand. He had just dug it out from the ground and was now pres
Ronan and Winter, sitting in front of the control panel, watched Gideon's condition on the monitor. Suddenly, Ronan remembered something and exclaimed, "Gideon, are you able to hear me? "Don't forget. This may be a test for you. If you can endure it, you will break through and emerge stronger. I cannot guarantee a significant increase in your strength, but your physical condition will undoubtedly improve greatly. "I believe the pill is a body-tempering divine pill. Gideon, only you can confirm this now. Pay attention to any changes in your body. "We have arrived at a mountain full of treasures, where we will search for resources to replenish your energy supply." Inside the cryogenic chamber, Gideon was filled with a sudden sense of clarity. He felt grateful to Ronan for his support and encouragement in that critical moment, which had given him hope and strengthened his resolve. Gideon focused intently on the state of his body as he fully immersed himself in the experience.
"Here you go!" Winter handed Gideon something. "Hmm?" Gideon was surprised. "Why are you bringing the body-tempering divine pill here?" "Your transformation isn't over yet. Keep pushing forward and reach for the next level. It must have been devastating when it came to a sudden halt." Gideon's brows furrowed slightly. Winter said, "Carry on. Don't worry about the energy supply." "Are you sure?" Gideon asked. "Did Mr. Foley stumble upon some valuable treasure? Or did he defeat countless beasts and obtain numerous inner cores?" Winter shook her head, and her gaze met Gideon's intensely. "Neither," she replied. "You must take action now while the opportunity is ripe." Winter's clear, sincere eyes held Gideon's gaze. He knew he had to act now before the momentum diminished and he would have to start from scratch again. But could he really trust Winter?Gideon questioned himself, remembering the last time he was in Abyssal Deepsea and nearly found himself in a dire situatio
Gideon couldn't recall the last time he had cried, but at this moment, he couldn't stop the tears from falling. Despite their past grievances, all of that seemed insignificant now. All that was left between them was unbounded tenderness and empathy. After all, Winter was the first woman he had. Gideon held Winter close, utilizing his medical expertise to aid in her recovery. Winter finally stirred, releasing a soft moan. Her stunning eyes opened, revealing a pained expression. "Are you all right?" Gideon asked nervously, feeling helpless and unsure of what to say. Despite his standing as a highly capable individual in the outside world, his relationship status remained empty. He had never been in a romantic relationship with anyone before, causing him to be extremely nervous and sweat profusely with anxiety. Gideon was at a loss on how to handle Winter or what to say to her. On the other hand, Winter appeared composed as she looked at Gideon, even though there was still a
Winter thought that only by firmly binding herself to Gideon could she save her sister. The strength of the Spirale Clan was utterly overwhelming, to the point of despair. There was no way she could rescue her sister on her own. She had no choice but to rely on Gideon. Was this exploitation? Winter didn't think so. At the very least, she had given Gideon the most precious thing a woman could offer. Not only that, but she had also provided him with pure essence energy, which had transformed him and allowed him to advance by leaps and bounds.After a day of rest, the aircraft set off for Ganlams Slope the next morning. Gideon's feelings toward Winter were still complicated. He wasn't entirely prepared for this. She was his first woman—someone he had truly been intimate with. Did that mean he should marry her? Gideon's mind was a mess. Winter seemed to sense his turmoil and approached him calmly. "I've already told you that you don't need to take responsibility for me. You ca
Located on the border between Tylland and Dasovia, Mount Munmere stood as a unique oasis amid the vast desert. Shrouded in mist and clouds, it exuded an air of mystery. From within its depths, low, rumbling roars occasionally echoed—the cries of beasts that added an air of terror and majesty to the mountain range. At this moment, an army arrived near Mount Munmere."Marshal Tancred, we've arrived." A general approached the luxurious central chariot to report. The massive chariot doors opened, and a young man clad in golden chainmail stepped out.He was strikingly heroic in appearance. Addressed as such, it was clear that he was none other than Jasper Tancred, Vicar's son.Shortly after, another person stepped out of the chariot. This man was advanced in age and wore a long purple garment. He was tall and slender, with a pair of intense, piercing eyes. "Mr. Hanz, we've arrived at Mount Munmere. The next step is up to you. I need to know—are you confident?" Jasper stared inte
Wade then pulled out a bell and jingled it softly.The clear chime of the bell resonated across the landscape. Despite Wade's gentle motions, the sound carried with it an incredible strength, reaching far into the distance. A deafening roar shook the ground as the beasts charged toward them. Jasper's face was drained of color. Weren't they supposed to have control over them? Why were they still attacking?"All troops, prepare for battle!" he shouted urgently.But without warning, the stampeding beasts gradually decreased their speed, their eyes darting around in an odd manner. "Retreat!" Wade uttered a single word. Power surged, creating an immense symbol in the sky, as his voice echoed like thunder.The creatures instinctively retreated, and Jasper was ecstatic. A ferocious roar erupted. But the creatures in the back remained unaffected and continued their relentless charge.Jasper shouted, "Mr. Hanz, your control isn't strong enough!" Wade was utterly confident. "Don
The High Marshal title worked like a charm.The mayor of this city, Bailey Pearce, personally welcomed Gideon and his group into his residence with great enthusiasm and utmost respect.After all, news of Gideon storming Cook Manor and carrying the Imperial Token had already spread through every level of government across the Nine Provinces. Who would dare provoke the High Marshal?"Marshal Snow, what brings you to the Wasteland? Are you here to scout for resource troves? If so, I'd be happy to guide you myself.""There's no need for that. I'm here for information on Nethercult."Bailey was visibly startled. "Marshal Snow, Nethercult is one of the three major powers in the northern region. They're no joke."Gideon gave a cold snort. "I'm here to kill their cult leader. If Nethercult's disciples know what's good for them, they'll be put to work mining resources. If they don't, then I'll wipe them all out."Bailey broke out in a cold sweat.So, the rumors were true. Gideon was like
Attwell was already a Supreme.And judging by his energy, he wasn't just any Supreme, but a peak Supreme. He was probably even stronger than Pope of Light and Yohan. No one expected Attwell to have reached this level.Edric and Jandial immediately backed off."Attwell, we meant nothing by it. Don't act on impulse. Alfsee's our grandnephew. We will never hurt him.""Yeah, Attwell. I was out of line earlier. That's on me."Attwell gave a cold snort and reined in his energy. Only then did the two finally breathe easy."It's really not that big a deal." Attwell shook his head and said calmly, "I know the location of several S-class dragon veins in Dasovia. There's one right here in the Wasteland. If I wanted to, I could subdue it. With the power of an S-class dragon vein, I could go head-to-head with him."But what's the point? Fame, fortune, power—none of it means anything to me. Life is short. I might as well live it relaxed and comfortably."Edric and Jandial were deeply shaken.
"Forget everything else. When it comes to familial ties, I'm your uncle. No matter how you look at it, you should come out and see me," Jandial exclaimed.That seemed to work. Inside the bamboo house, a presence stirred.Moments later, a handsome middle-aged man stepped out, dressed in rough linen clothes, long hair loosely draped over his back, yet still carrying an unmistakable noble air."Attwell…""Things have changed. I'm no longer a prince. I'm just Attwell."Edric and Jandial exchanged glances, then said, "Attwell, don't get the wrong idea. We're not using Alfsee to threaten you."Attwell smiled. "I've let go of all that. Alfsee might be my son, but he holds no sway over me. He has his own path—whether he lives or dies has got little to do with me."That caught Edric and Jandial off guard.Watching Attwell watering the flowers, they realized they couldn't read him anymore. Atwell really might have let go of everything and returned to simplicity."Attwell, this is a rare
A visit to the Nethercult in the northern Wasteland—perfect. It was basically a free pass to wipe out Nethercult.Gideon's killing intent surged.Jessica said, "Marshal Snow, should I talk to my father and arrange for a troop to assist you?""There's no need for that. If I wanted, I could contact Samson and have the Dragon's Aegis flatten Nethercult. But that would put Elara's life at risk. I'll pay the Nethercult a visit myself. I want to see what kind of stunt Tristan is trying to pull.""Marshal Snow, it's too dangerous. Tristan definitely has something planned. He wouldn't be bold enough to let you walk into Nethercult otherwise.""It's fine." Gideon wasn't afraid.He already had the confidence to take on a supreme. Even if Tristan had brought backup, it didn't matter."Gideon." At that moment, Ronan and Noel arrived."Mr. Foley, I didn't expect to see you here."Ronan laughed. "I was actually there the day you were appointed. Back then I was trying to guess who the new Hig
"Supreme core, huh?" Gideon muttered, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Interesting. I'm intrigued.""Die!" Tristan screamed hysterically.Gideon rapidly retreated—not out of fear, but to create distance, preparing a devastating killer move.Suddenly, a violent wind howled, spreading intense heat. The temperature in the area shot up.At that moment, firelight flickered in both of Gideon's hands. The left one glowed bright red—it was the Earthcore Flame. The flame on the right shimmered eerie green—it was the netherflame.Then, he brought both hands together.The two heavenly flames began to fuse, though they resisted each other, violently clashing under the pressure. The moment the seal was lifted, the explosion would be unimaginable.But that wasn't enough.Gideon opened his mouth and breathed out streams of core power, merging into the flames. The nation's destiny surged into it as well.The buildup of energy already roared in the void.The seawater beneath Gideon's feet spl
"Proceed!" The word rippled through the skies.From Imperial Palace, it shot out, passed through the High Marshal Seal, and transmitted over Tyrant Sea—stirring it to a boil, shaking the whole place.A dragon's cry echoed through the void from the seal.Next, a mysterious force poured out from the seal, flooding into Gideon's body, lifting him as if to the summit in one step. A commanding, Supreme energy surged from within."This is bad!" Tristan's expression changed.At this moment, Chase had approved Gideon's request. Empowered, Gideon's strength skyrocketed as though he had instantly leapt to the supreme level."Damn it!" Tristan clenched his teeth.He didn't want to back down, but he had no choice. He had to avoid a head-on clash."Are you trying to run away?" Gideon sneered.Now, he was invincible. Tristan was just a weakling—a bug. There was nothing more to him."Tyrant Sea, rise." Gideon raised both arms. The seawater grew wild and furious, surging hundreds of yards int
The broken blade condensed the force of the blade itself."The great Marshal Snow is using a broken blade? How pathetic! My ghost blade was forged over three years, infused with countless rare materials. It's indestructible," Tristan boasted, laughing."If the man's weak, the weapon doesn't matter."Gideon's casual jab left Tristan speechless, his face flushed with shame."A smart aleck, I see. Die!"Just like that, a black blade arc came down.Gideon stayed calm, swung the broken blade, and a white arc of energy shot upward.The black and white blades clashed and shattered on impact.Tristan's next move followed immediately. "The eighth style of the 13 Ghost Blades! Nether's Pass!"The strike carried a chilling gale. The sound of wailing ghosts and howling spirits echoed.As it neared, Gideon noticed countless skulls swirling in the wind. They were only shadows, but enough to make one's scalp crawl. They were clawing and snarling, like demons escaping from hell."Those are p
"Bitch!" The three men were furious and humiliated.As Nethercult guardians, being injured by a woman was unthinkable!"Nethervoid Hands."They moved together, and an intimidating hand seal came crashing down.Noel was just about to step in when suddenly, Elara stepped forward, facing the incoming attack head-on without a trace of fear. Pure essence energy erupted from her, causing the surface of the sea to freeze."Ice Soul Palm." A cold gleam flashed in Elara's eyes as she slammed her palm forward, clashing with the hand seal in a massive explosion.The three guardians were sent flying.Elara also coughed up blood and was knocked back into the floating palace."Elara!" Jessica panicked and rushed in, helping Elara up."I'm fine." Elara then wiped the blood from her lips and closed the palace gates.Her physique was strong, but her cultivation level wasn't high enough. If it got serious, she couldn't match the three guardians.Still, that brief clash had been her first rea
Gideon and Tristan clashed fists and were blown backward.Gideon's whole body went numb. He thought to himself, "Anyone who's remotely close to the word 'supreme' is no joke."Tristan, meanwhile, was shaken to his core. The moment their fists met, a massive force surged through his arm.If he hadn't reacted in time to deflect the impact, his body would've taken serious damage. Even so, his right arm was almost completely numb now.His long sleeves covered it so no one could see the trembling."No wonder it's called the Solar Titan Physique. It's one of the top-tier physiques. Now I see why.""That was nothing. Watch out, Mr. Neblanc. I'm about to turn it up." Gideon laughed loudly, battle intent soaring.He launched a full-on attack.It was not a secret technique. Instead, it was just pure close-quarters combat.That put Tristan in a tough spot. Just one exchange had already left him at a disadvantage. If they kept going toe-to-toe, there was a real risk he would get injured an