"Why are there two more over there?" A voice could faintly be heard amidst the sound of gunfire."Stay hidden, you guys. I'll go over to take a look!" When Aria turned around, she saw a male soldier with his face covered in ashes. He quickly dragged her and Simon away."Come with me! The enemy might ambush us anytime. Follow me to stay hidden."The soldier pulled them away forcefully. He was afraid the two children might not make it out alive if he didn't.Aria didn't resist, even picking up a sniper when he was dragging her along. It was clear a battle had just ended there. There were sounds of gunfire not far away, signaling there might be a second wave of attack soon. Aria needed to find the conjurer or the object forming the Earthbound Manifestation in a short amount of time. The soil around the battlefield was crumbling as the fighter jets roared above them. Just as it was about to fall on their heads, the male soldier pushed them away at the right time. Aria’s e
However, Xander had a gun now, and it was the most advanced one.Xander said excitedly, "This is the enemy's sniper rifle. It has excellent accuracy and is said to be equipped with night-time silencing and infrared vision.Suddenly, Xander became a bit depressed. "I don't really understand the specifics, but this is the gun that injured Mr. Gagnier. Thankfully, he dodged in time. He only hurt his arm. Miss, where did you get this gun from?""I picked it up just now, thinking you guys might need it." Aria was from the Special Missions Unit and carried out missions at the border. Thus, she knew guns from the back of her hand. Naturally, her photographic memory was to thank as well. Upon hearing that, Xander asked again, "Are you really giving it to me?"Aria looked into his eyes and smiled. "Based on the calluses on your hands, you've trained a lot. A good sniper is important to have in a team. However, not everyone can become one."While your outgoing personality may not suit the
The female student glared at him. "What are you saying? Evander, it's fine if you've forgotten. Stop running your mouth."Evander Fenwick also realized how insensible his words were. "Of course, we won! Plus, we had a perfect victory!""Yes! The Krowonians even admitted defeated by themselves. I remember this well," the female student chimed in.Upon hearing that, the female soldier's eyes lit up. She immediately asked, "Will the Krowonians really admit defeat? It's currently 1940. Will they surrender this year?""I think so." They realized how little knowledge they knew when they really needed it. They seriously couldn't remember.The female student wearing a Krowonian traditional outfit, Astrid Storme, remembered a little. "I'm pretty sure it's not this year. Let me recall back."The hope in the female soldier's eyes dimmed. Xander couldn't stand it and stepped in. He questioned harshly, "How could you not remember? It's such an important incident for us. I…I…" His eyes reddene
His companions begged, "Miss, please let him go. He just has a foul mouth. He doesn't mean anything bad."Aria raised her eyebrows. "Oh? The words one says without thinking are the truest reflection of one's inner thoughts. I don't care if he means harm or not. If he continues taking bullshit before you guys return, I'll make him stay here forever."It was at that moment the students realized Aria's attire clearly meant she wasn't from this era."Look at her shoes! It's a limited edition!" Astrid exclaimed.Even at this moment, the only thing she cared about was whether Aria's shoes were limited edition.Aria always thought people have different values in life. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many twisted criminals or people proud to be homewreckers in this world.However, Aria hated these people the most. She glanced over at the female student. "The Krowonians would love someone with your make-up and attire. Why don't I send you over to buy us some time?"Astrid turned pale. "W
Paggie could barely conceal the excitement on her face. "Miss, is everything you said true?" she couldn't help but confirm.Aria nodded. "That's right. They came here first. I'm sure they had already filled you in about future events."Paggie smiled. "That's right. They told us Farshya would have airplanes and cannons that are more advanced than those outside our country in the future."When our unit saw these students, we were quite stunned. We couldn't understand some of the things they said, like mouse, laptops, and the internet. They said they got here while surfing the internet, and honestly, I don't know what they're talking about."Their clothes do seem quite fashionable. I thought they returned from overseas when I first saw them. When they said they came from the future, we all thought they weren't in their right minds from the bomb blastings."I already talked with them before you came here. I still think it's quite unbelievable they're from the future."Paggie handed a
In fact, Paggie didn't seem to be looking at Aria. Instead, she saw the future they had fought so hard to have through her. With a spirit in harmony with Heaven and Earth, all of the soldiers endeavored to improve the lives of all, preserving the wisdom of their elders and bringing forth an age of lasting peace and prosperity. As long as the new Farshya was not formed, Paggie wouldn't give up.Paggie had previously felt a bit disappointed, but not because the younger generations had forgotten them. Instead, she was concerned that their future generations, for whom the mentors had great expectations, might have grown self-satisfied and dependent on others.Were all of them like this in the future? Were they still being bullied in the future?The thought made Paggie feel uneasy until she met Aria. By then, she understood that their future generations were doing well. Their future generations were more cultured and talented, knowing more than them. Plus, they had endless confidence
"Shut up." Evander was still thinking about the tools he needed to start a fire.Benedict was still in pain but continued, "I don't mean evil. Don't you remember how afraid we were when we traveled back? It was barely an hour ago. They asked us so many questions and almost thought we were spies."She just came here and doesn't look a bit afraid, nor is she concerned about whether she can head back. She's going to pick herbs in the mountains and even ordered you guys around. Dude, can you wake up? This is a war, a part of history."It's not like we can change history. Why are we making such a huge deal out of it? It's nothing we need to care about. There is something wrong about that woman!"Evander couldn't take it anymore. He threw down what he was holding. "You're the one who has a few screws loose. Don't you think you look like a spy? I feel embarrassed enough not to be able to answer the questions just now."Dude, you're also a man. If you don't have the guts, then shut up. I
Astrid giggled. "Right. I also think you have quite a refined temperament. Miss, it was just a misunderstanding. There are only a few of us that came, but we'll do whatever you tell us to do."Aria glanced at her. "I told you to shut up and stop talking." Immediately, Astrid went silent.Aria's tactics could control those who were fearful of their own lives. She passed the knife in her hand to Evander. "Heat the blade until it turns red. Until I come back, you can help Ingrid.""Okay!" Evander didn't understand why he chose to follow her words despite her being younger than them. Aria then turned to Ingrid. "Believe in yourself. You can do it."Ingrid was not confident about her professional abilities. After all, she was still a student. Although she learned some clinical knowledge, she wasn't even placed on an internship yet. That was why she claimed she was a nursing student. However, Ingrid wanted to give it a try right now. What if she could save one martyr?Seeing Aria wa
Landon cast a glance at Aria, curious about how much she actually knew about the stock market. She had always been modest about her knowledge, but he suspected there was more to her than she let on. The only one oblivious to Aria's true capabilities was Jett. Yet, he dared not refuse any request she made. Without hesitation, he tapped into his social circles, pulling strings where needed.Less than an hour later, Orion received word. A slow, chilling smile spread across his face. "So, the Grisham family wants to dip their hands into real estate too?"Arlo handed him a report. "Just as you predicted. It's not just real estate—Ms. Carver's making moves in the stock market as well. Fortunately, you already set a trap for Mr. Jett in advance."For the first time in days, Orion’s tension seemed to ease. A dark glint flickered in his eyes. "Fine. Let them struggle their way in. I don't care how they do it, but make sure the Carver family is crushed in the stock market.""Understood." A
Jett asked, "What exactly are you after? There's no need to bring down the Draycott family so quickly. It's not like you can win. Didn't you join the Chamber of Commerce to take things slow? You just arrived in Ludwiten. Why the rush?""Am I in a rush?" Aria asked. She wasn't after the mastermind behind the Draycott family. If she were, she would've tied Orion to the financial building and let people take pictures all day—no need for mind games.The situation was too tangled, too many people involved. The Draycott family had managed to cover up something as blatant as that incident at the bar. Someone had to be cleaning up after them.Finding a few scapegoats would have been easy, but Aria wanted more. She wanted to uncover everyone who had spread rumors about Fiona in the past.And for some reason, despite their focus on the Grisham family, it felt like they were up against the Carvers. Whoever was behind this didn't want the Carvers to regain control of the Chamber of Commerce.
Jett grew more agitated as he spoke, waving his hands as if he wanted to tear Owen apart. Aria promptly stopped him. Otherwise, passersby might think he was an escaped patient from Ludwiten's mental asylum.Owen had done many foolish things, which Aria only discovered after arriving in Ludwiten and conducting her own investigation. Warren carried guilt toward Clyde because of Owen. And while Jett was normally timid, his words weren't wrong.When Owen first came to Ludwiten, he thought he could make it big, recklessly using the Grisham family's funds and resources. But he had been deceived by several people and lost everything.Not only was he foolish, but he was also malicious—leaving behind a disaster for the Grisham family to clean up. "Jett, calm down," Aria said. "I know Owen dragged the Grisham family down. He's already been punished and won't be coming out anytime soon."You and I both despise him, but let's stop dwelling on the past. He's not worth it."Jett had never
With Landon monitoring the stock market, Aria could walk right into Orion's trap. This way, Orion would let his guard down. When people felt confident, they invested more. Aria, well-versed in the stock market, understood this all too well. She had never intended to get rid of Lily. However, things were different this time. There was a limit to how much one could withstand another's viciousness. Aria doubted Lily could predict the market flawlessly—it was impossible, just as it was impossible for her to know everything.The logic was simple. If something fell outside one's area of expertise, even the most attentive observer would only grasp the outcome, not the details. Thinking it over, Aria realized Lily only knew about major events. The smaller ones seemed to escape her notice.If she put herself in Lily's shoes, it was like remembering which lottery would have a winner but not the exact numbers drawn.After all, no one knew when they would be reborn. The only way to acce
Malcolm did not know why Aria was asking, but he remembered the details clearly. "It was after that day." Aria tapped on the desk. "No wonder the Draycotts suddenly changed their market strategy. I get it now." What was she talking about? Before Malcolm could ask, Aria continued, "Some people are trying to cheat the system. Keep an eye on things, but stay safe. If anything happens, come to me first. "Like you said, they've got deep connections. Don't bother with the police—just keep the evidence." "Got it." Before hanging up, Malcolm asked, "Should we still watch the stock market?" Aria smirked. "Yes. They're not the only ones who can play dirty." Lily had probably been reborn too. But whatever Lily knew, Aria knew as well. She had never thought to use that knowledge this way before since it hadn't seemed necessary, but things were not the same now. If her dreams were real, then in her past life, Lily had only made it to Janovin. She had played the star medical student at
After being together all this time, Aria suddenly had a thought. Were she and Landon too distant from each other? No, "distant" was not quite the right word. It was more like they did not know each other well enough. Landon always felt just out of reach, like there was a fog between them. Simply put, he was not being straight with her. The thought left her feeling uneasy. Before she could say anything, her phone rang. It must be news about the Draycotts. It had to be something big for them to call so urgently. Aria glanced at the pair. Landon smiled. "If you have questions, Jett, feel free to talk with my manager, Ms. Virelle." Manager? Seraphina caught on quickly. "Mr. Grisham, shall we step outside?" Jett was still trying to process everything. "Wait." Balancing business and personal matters as usual, Aria held her phone up and said, "I heard Ms. Virelle used to work at the Draycotts' club. Let's have a chat later." Seraphina froze, glancing at Landon. Seeing his bl
Seraphina could not let her mind go there. Maybe she should've stayed in Netherrealm for a few more years. It was not so bad down there anyway. Landon barely spared her a glance, keeping his eyes on Jett with polite interest. "Won't you sit, Jett?"Sit? Jett could barely remember why he had come in the first place. Landon's voice snapped him back. "I... Mr. York, excuse me for asking, but what's your relationship with Ms. Virelle?""She works for me." Landon glanced at Seraphina. "Ms. Virelle? That's a new title."Jett stumbled over his words. "She works for you?""Yes," Landon said casually, like it was the most obvious thing. "Isn't it obvious?"Jett could not imagine the Yorks being in that kind of business. From Jett's expression alone, Landon could guess what kind of mess his people had made in Ludwiten. Since he had been dragged into it now, he figured he owed the Grishams an explanation. "I planted her in the Draycott family. The Yorks need a foothold in Ludwiten."So
Getting out of there wasn't going to be easy. Aria did not waste any time. She moved fast behind the suite divider, her laugh carrying a different note than usual. "What a shame."Landon's hand paused as he fixed her hair, his voice as smooth as ever. "I could have them leave.""Bad timing. My cousin's out there." Aria glanced at him, taking in that perfect collarbone of his. No wonder they used to call him the untouchable one, with all those socialites dying for just a smile.She had never given much thought to that kind of thing before. All those times working with patients, she had kept things strictly professional. But things felt different now, and she couldn't quite put her finger on why. Her gorgeous fiancé had a way of making her lose her head.Landon pulled his hand back while looking down. "We should meet with your cousin. I hear the Grishams like to evaluate their in-laws.""Huh?" That had not crossed her mind. He did not seem like someone who would care about app
Aria felt something wild coming off him. It was not hatred, but something close. She was too caught up to figure out what it was. She had never felt anything like this before; it was like she was floating. Her eyes were open, but she could not focus. Even his breathing felt like an invasion, starting at her ear and spreading through her whole body. When his fingers pressed into her waist, instinct made her try to push him away. That was a bad move—it only made things more intense. He lit her up like a match, heat spreading from her neck downward till she had to tilt her head back just to breathe. It reminded her of that hazy dream, the one in which she had been caught between sleep and waking, her pulse racing and her skin on fire. But it did not feel exactly the same because what she was feeling now was real. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught glimpses of the river through the massive windows. The view was blurry, but it was enough to remind her where she was. Unable t