As Gideon left Goldspire Hotel, his thoughts lingered on the person Damian had mentioned. He knew exactly who he was referring to. Zane Farrell, the eldest son of the Farrell family in Goldspire. Back in the day, Zane was one of the Four Elites of Goldspire, just like Gideon. However, their relationship had been far from friendly. It was marked by tension, even outright animosity. Goldspire wasn't just known for its Four Elites. There were also the Three Beauties of Goldspire. Among them, Waverly Tate of the Tate family was the most stunning. Zane had been infatuated with Waverly, pursuing her relentlessly, but she had always ignored him. Instead, she gravitated toward Gideon—a closeness that planted the seeds of Zane's envy and hostility. The situation escalated when an incident spread like wildfire. Gideon and Waverly had spent a night together on Dragon Peak. Rumors swept through Goldspire, claiming the two had solidified their relationship. The Tate family, catching
Gideon smiled. "It's not that. It's just that five years have passed, and things have changed. I was just asking."At that moment, Anna spoke up, "Mr. Snow, the Tates aren't in a good situation."Gideon raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"His frown deepened as Anna explained, "Over the past three years, the Tates have been hit hard with setbacks and sanctions. Rumor has it that the Farrell family has been pulling the strings behind the scenes."Anna added, "Now, the Tates are on the brink of collapse. It's likely that their conglomerate will go bankrupt soon."Gideon's face hardened, and the temperature in the room dropped with his cold demeanor. He muttered to himself, a fury building up within him, "Zane, that bastard!"Anna continued, "Also, Ms. Tate's reputation is getting bad. There are rumors circulating that she's been living recklessly. On the surface, she pretends to be prim and proper, but behind the scenes, she's been involved in questionable behavior."She added, "
"Sir, it's here." Lysander pointed at a hospital on the map.As he gestured toward the psychiatric hospital ahead, he said, "But Mr. Snow, this place appears to be fully secured. Are you planning to break in directly?"Gideon considered it for a moment. Causing a commotion in broad daylight wasn't ideal. He pulled out his phone and made a call. "Gideon, so you finally remembered me! Where on Earth have you been these past few days?" Rachel's voice came through, laced with irritation. "Rachel, I need you to handle something for me," Gideon said, cutting to the chase. "Oh, I see how it is! You only remember me when you need something. When there's nothing, you vanish like a ghost! You've got some nerve, Gideon!" Rachel's tone was filled with mock frustration.Despite her complaints, Rachel harbored complex feelings toward Gideon. She was still in awe of the man who single-handedly stormed the Yovarian Guild headquarters and wiped out their leaders in just one fateful night
Waverly had once been full of life and beauty, but now, she was locked away in a psychiatric facility.Rachel recognized Waverly by the silhouette even from behind. After all, she herself was one of the Beauties of Goldspire. Though she'd heard rumors of Waverly's stay in the facility, seeing it in person was different.Rachel's emotions swirled in conflict as she stood there. She remembered vividly how years ago, Gideon and Waverly were lovers on the brink of engagement. Now, Gideon was here, searching for Waverly.Was he here to rekindle their relationship?The thought stung. Rachel felt a pang of discomfort, but she quickly pushed it aside. She was a capable businesswoman who was far above petty jealousy.Gideon walked slowly toward the bed.Waverly didn't react. She sat still, her gaze vacant as she stared out the window. Her face was pale."Waverly," Gideon called softly.He knelt by her side and gently held her frail hand. "Waverly, it's me. I'm back."At his words, her
Zane's expression shifted slightly before he sneered dismissively. "I've heard the rumors. He's back, is he? Good. Times have changed. The Snows have fallen, so Gideon's nothing now." "Mr. Farrell, do you want us to act?" the man inquired cautiously. Zane waved his hand dismissively and said, "No need. Instead, intensify the pressure on the Tate family. Within a month, I want Tate Corporation to go bankrupt and out of the picture. Let's see how Gideon feels when that happens." A cold smile spread across Zane's face as he leaned back into his chair. …Meanwhile, at the villa on Beaker Island, Waverly had awakened. Thanks to Gideon's meticulous care, her condition had improved dramatically. Her physical state was much better, and her emotions were finally stabilizing. The moment her gaze fell on Gideon, she became overwhelmed again. Her body trembled uncontrollably as tears streamed down her face. "I'm sorry," Gideon said, his voice laden with guilt. He leaned fo
The man sneered, "You know, your wife is quite the beauty. Selling her off might help clear some of that debt."Ronald erupted like a thunderclap, his face contorted with fury. "You bastard! You're courting death!" he roared."That little bastard Zane ruined my daughter, and now, he dares come for my wife? I'll kill you!" Ronald snapped.Ronald lunged at the man, fists flying.But the middle-aged man was no ordinary opponent. He sidestepped Ronald's attack effortlessly, his movements smooth and precise. With a cold smirk, he swung a fist at Ronald's head.Before it could connect, a hand shot out, catching his fist mid-swing."What the—" The man's expression twisted into shock.The next moment, a sickening crack echoed through the room.A sharp, guttural scream filled the air.The man's hand was crushed. His bones were shattered beyond repair. He staggered back, clutching his ruined hand and howling in agony."My hand! My hand! You've destroyed my hand!" he shrieked. His eyes
Gideon had spoken with unwavering confidence, his tone firm and resolute. However, Ronald remained skeptical. He sighed inwardly, disappointed by what he perceived as Gideon's lack of self-awareness. To him, Gideon's words were nothing more than empty bravado—a desperate attempt to maintain pride after the fall of his once-glorious family.Ronald understood. Anyone in Gideon's shoes would struggle to accept such a downfall. "Mr. Tate, you don't believe me?" Gideon asked, his sharp eyes fixed on the older man. Ronald shook his head gently, his expression weary. "Gideon, I understand how you feel. But the Farrells are an unstoppable force. Take your time. For now, you're far from being a match for Zane." After a pause, he added grimly, "This latest move from Zane of sending someone to buy out my company shows that he's eager to crush me completely. And now that you've injured his man, this won't end quietly. Both of us are in danger."Gideon's gaze hardened. "Mr. Tate, wha
"I'll repay you a thousand times over in the future," Gideon said, his tone calm but resolute. Rachel scoffed, crossing her arms. "If you were really that rich, why would you need to borrow money from me?" Her voice carried a hint of exasperation.She knew Gideon had a habit of making grand promises, often with no intention of following through.Gideon replied with a faint smile, "My money's tied up overseas. Getting it back isn't exactly quick or easy. How about I give you an IOU? Would that work?" "An IOU?" Rachel's sharp eyes glinted with interest. She twirled a pen in her hand for a moment, then shook her head decisively. "Forget the IOU. Instead, agree to one condition, and I'll lend you the money." "What condition?" Gideon leaned forward, curious. Rachel's serious expression betrayed a rare trace of pleading. With a soft yet firm voice and tinged with an unexpected vulnerability, she said, "I want to see my grandpa just once. I miss him so much. Can you make it
When Gideon left Drammore, Ronan and Noel followed. They entered Tyrant Sea, too, but didn't get close to the floating palace.It wasn't until Gideon blasted his way out of the floating palace, using the Doombringer Knuckle to shatter the killing formation, that Ronan recognized who he really was, leaving him completely stunned."Noel, you and Gideon both inherited my Doombringer Knuckle. Maybe this is just fate. You two are destined to clash one day." Ronan sighed."I'm looking forward to it," Noel said calmly, though the fighting spirit in his eyes was unmistakable.Ronan was surprised. "I thought you'd try to intercept Gideon and take the netherflame for yourself. I didn't expect you to help him by stopping the ones that were chasing him. Are you confident you've got this?"You should know that once Gideon fuses with the netherflame, his power will spike. I know a thing or two about the Solar Titan Physique. Every time it absorbs a new heavenly flame, it evolves."Once he has
"Marshal Snow, are you alright?" Jessica asked with concern as they burst out of Tyrant Sea and made it to shore. Gideon didn't look too good at the moment."Let's get moving. We have to find a safe place." Gideon could sense powerful members of Nethercult were already on their tail.The three of them rushed into the aircraft.Just as they lifted off, Chaim and the other four appeared right behind and struck without hesitation. "Nethervoid Hands!"A howling wind filled the sky as a swarm of black handprints and claw marks materialized, echoing with ghostly wails and eerie cries. The sinister energy pressed in from all sides, trying to engulf the aircraft."Solar Fist!"The two words echoed like thunder.Blazing light exploded outward, scorching and brilliant, spreading in every direction. The mass of black handprints and claws instantly disintegrated into nothing.The aircraft tore through the sky and vanished."After them!"Chaim's group leaped onto their own aircraft and to
The netherflame, as if it had a will of its own, seized the moment and flared up again with wild, unruly energy.Brantley screamed in pain.The sudden turn of events left Harmoni completely flustered. She shrieked, "Nethercult, you bunch of scumbags! It's bad enough that you used us as bait, but now, you're intercepting at the last second? You've got a death wish!"She instinctively assumed it was Nethercult pulling a bait-and-switch."Nethercult!" Brantley's eyes were bloodshot with rage.Gideon didn't say a word. He struck again, slashing open Brantley's abdomen.The netherflame burst out immediately.Inside Gideon, his Earthcore Flame trembled, and the core of his Solar Titan Physique pulsed with anticipation. Sure enough, it drew the netherflame in like a magnet. With Gideon guiding it, the netherflame turned into a stream of ghostly green light that surged into his body."No!" Brantley roared.He had paid such a heavy price. Just as he was about to seal the netherflame,
Brantley truly lived up to his reputation. As soon as the netherflame entered his body, he immediately sat down cross-legged and began channeling his energy. His Martial God Physique reawakened, and he tried to forcefully suppress the netherflame.His body would turn blazing red one moment, as if it were about to melt, and then be covered in frost and ice shards the next.The alternating waves of fire and ice quickly tore through the internal structure of Brantley's Martial God Physique, and his condition kept worsening."No!"Harmoni was terrified. She quickly spat out an inner core—a treasure her father had given her. It was said to be the inner core of a half apex overbeast. However, it was badly damaged and no longer contained the full power of its original level.She instantly sent the inner core into Brantley's body. It exploded instantly, releasing a surge of energy that began to repair his damaged body.But it still wasn't enough. The netherflame was far too powerful. It
"Once you get the netherflame, your Martial God Physique will fully awaken in no time. When that happens, even Gideon won't be a threat."We can track Gideon down, crush him, and strip his Solar Titan Physique at the source. We'll also get the Beast Supreme Bone! Everything will be yours!" Harmoni shouted, cheering Brantley on.Gideon sneered. So, that was their plan.At this moment, Gideon couldn't help but admire the power of the Pharaoh's Shroud. They were just 100 yards away, yet neither Brantley nor Harmoni noticed them.Of course, it might have been because their attention was fully locked on breaking through to the third floor that they let their guards down."Open!" Brantley roared.His energy surged, and behind him, a phantom slowly took shape, radiating a fierce warrior-like energy. That phantom looked like a war god.Brantley kept swinging his fists, perfectly synchronized with the movements of the war god phantom behind him. Each strike made the floating palace tremb
Sure enough, floating in the deep sea ahead was a palace. It was pitch-black, and in the darkness of the deep sea, it was genuinely hard to spot.The glowing fish darted into the floating palace. Thanks to its golden light, Gideon was finally able to see that the palace gates were open.Strangely enough, the entrance seemed to carry some sort of mysterious power that blocked out the seawater completely. Not a single drop made it inside the palace."Marshal Snow, someone beat us to it.""It's fine. That just means they'll go and clear the way for us," Gideon said calmly.It didn't matter who got the heavenly flame first. As long as they weren't peak Supremes, he was confident he could take them on."Now that we've found our destination, do you two want to head back to shore first?" Gideon asked.Elara shook her head. "No. I'm not some helpless little thing. I've learned all the secret techniques you taught me. I can handle myself."Jessica chimed in proudly, "Marshal Snow, don't
Nethercult's outfits were nearly identical across the board, making them easy to recognize.As a major power in the northern region of the Wasteland, Nethercult kept a low profile. Tristan Neblanc, the leader, was as elusive as a ghost. He was heard of but rarely seen."Mr. Ballard, Harmoni and Brantley have started moving. Do you think they can get their hands on the heavenly flame?"Three people turned toward the eldest man among them—Nethercult's grand elder, Chaim Ballard.With Tristan absent, Chaim was in charge of the cult's operations.He pondered for a moment. "There's a decent chance. Brantley's working on forming the Martial God Physique. Though he's only at the half-step stage, his powerful body will attract the netherflame.""Mr. Ballard, are we waiting for the netherflame to enter Brantley's body before we suppress him?""Exactly.""That could tick off Talonclaw. And Harmoni said Brantley's from Martialgarde, the biggest faction in the eastern plains.""So what? I
Even though Gideon was locked in place and restrained, Gideon didn't sense any hostility from the giant fish. He met its gaze without flinching or acting humble.After a moment, he said, "I used your blood and triggered your phantom once, which helped me out of a tight spot. Thank you."The giant fish didn't move. It shut its eyes, clearly not interested in responding to Gideon."Mighty One, I came this time just to express my gratitude. I'll be on my way. If I get the chance, I'll come see you again."With that, Gideon bowed and turned to leave.Suddenly, a beam of golden light shot out like a sword and pierced into his body."Marshal Snow!" Jessica cried out in alarm.Gideon's body trembled, nearly losing his breath, but the sensation quickly faded.He touched his body and checked himself over. Nothing felt out of place.When he looked back, he saw the giant fish's eyes slowly closing. Clearly, that beam of light had come from its eyes just moments ago."Thank you." Gideon
"The Heavenly Sovereign is the ultimate trump card. As long as Chase doesn't have it, Attwell will always have a shot at pushing back against him."Of course, we're not expecting Attwell to actually beat Chase. We just need him to stir up some trouble and pull Chase's attention. That way, Chase won't have time to focus on the power grab," Jandial explained.Edric nodded to himself. "What you're saying makes sense, but why would Attwell even listen to you?"Jandial paused, looked around the room, and said in a low voice, "I'm only telling you all because we're brothers. Listen closely. When Attwell lost and fled to the Wasteland, his whole family was wiped out. But in reality, I secretly saved one.""What?" Everyone was shocked.Jandial said, "Attwell's only son has been living in my estate. I gave him a name—Alfsee… Alfsee Cook!"The princes around the table started murmuring, "Now that you mentioned it, I've seen that boy at your estate a few times. So that's Attwell's son? Unbe