Somewhere, a nineteen-year-old girl held a sickle in her hand as she harvested a wheat field. Meanwhile, her parents, whose faces were full of wrinkles despite being only in their thirties, were also busy harvesting.A thick silence hung between the girl and her parents. The girl's name was Sage, and she had a little brother who was in the first year of high school. Sage was the girl with the brightest future in her village. She was always first in her class and was a lot more athletic than the boys in her year.After her high school examination, Sage's parents suggested she study marketing. However, the Southeast Military Academy, SMA, sent her a recruitment letter to offer her a place at Southeast University. This university nurtured students in hopes of them joining Wyvern Peak, and most of its graduates did get jobs there.Sage was excited to receive the recruitment letter. She never thought she would ever get into Southeast University. However, her excitement proved short-liv
Jamie gave no response. He was surprisingly calm when he heard what Garret said. All he did was glance at Sage before saying, "Fine, go." Sage knew her father had said that out of anger, and that her parents would be extremely saddened if she chose to go. Thus, she stood there with her head lowered. She had a dream. She hoped to become the person she wanted to be through her own efforts. However, her parents did not understand her intentions. She did not dare to leave without her parents' blessing. She knew that her parents had gone through a lot to raise her, and she did not want to be ungrateful to them. Yet, she did not wish to give up on her hopes even more."Jamie, what's wrong with you? Even if she doesn't get chosen to become the legate, she'll still be doing our village proud.”Garret tried to persuade Jamie when he sensed how cold the latter was being. He knew Jamie's family did not wish for their daughter to walk this path.Sage stood by the side, waiting for Garret to
Jamie snickered. "You have to joking, Mr. Garret. What's there to be proud of? I know my daughter, and she's going to be disqualified in the preliminaries. How am I supposed to feel proud about that?"Garret shook his head. "We should all feel proud of her regardless of whether she passed or not. The fact that she's brave enough to try proves that she's a cut above many people in this world. Jamie, Dahlia, the selection will be starting soon. How do you expect her to give it her all if you two don’t support her?"Dahlia sighed. "She's grown distant from us ever since she entered Southeast University. Other girls her age are already married, yet she hasn't even got a partner to speak of. Everyone in the village laughs at her.”"You two are being old-fashioned." Garret raised a finger and continued, "Why are you still living in the past? Why should girls get married so young anymore? On top of that, this is the best time for Sage to build up her career. Take a step back and think. Wou
Sage pursed her lips. She wanted to go but wasn't brave enough to leave. "Go, Sage. Have no regrets and walk whatever path you've set your mind on," Trent suddenly said. Sage turned around, her eyes tearing up as she choked, "Trent…"He nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be here to take care of Mother and Father. Participate in the selection, and promise me you'll do your best. We'll be here waiting for you."Trent gave Sage the greatest words of support he could possibly give. Sage cried and nodded. "I will. Thank you, Trent."She wiped her tears and decided not to give up on her hopes. She did not want to have any regrets in the future.After taking a deep breath, she started to walk toward Garret but then turned around. "Father, Mother, I'm sorry, but this has been my dream. I don't want to live my life without having done anything. I'm sorry for being such an ungrateful daughter."Sage turned around and forced herself not to cry, while Dahlia wiped her own tears in sadness. "Sag
“Give it your all and get into Wyvern Peak!”“Sage the fearless! She is the pride of Slip County!”Both sides of the road were filled with volunteers from Slip County's high school and university societies. There were also teachers, doctors, and firemen waving at Sage. "You're the best, Sage! We know you can do this!" "Do your best and not disappoint your village!""Good luck, Sage! Be fearless and brave, okay?""We'll all be waiting for you to come home!" They were all there to send Sage off, whose vision blurred with tears upon hearing their words of encouragement. She clenched her fists and put on a determined expression. "Don't worry, everyone. I'll make you all proud and perform well in the selection. I'll make sure everyone hears the name ‘Slip County!’" Thus, Sage left with the hopes of the people of her hometown as she strove toward her dreams. She remembered how her teachers told her to aim for the stars.***Sage was not the only one departing. The same scene wa
Five days later, candidates could be seen playing around the lake. The temporary accommodations prepared by Novemton headquarters were filled to the brim. Meanwhile, the hotels near Lake Solunar, temporarily reserved to receive candidates, were closed to outsiders.The time of the pep rally approached. The candidates gathered in groups and enjoyed themselves. The outlands learned of this spectacular scene and it got onto the news. The whole world now knew about the legate selection, and it shook everyone.At least one soldier from Wyvern Peak was stationed per meter to protect the candidates. These people would soon be accepted into Wyvern Peak as elites, with one of them becoming the new legate. Soldiers had also been stationed inside the hotels, patrolling every nook and cranny, even the washrooms. ***Juno, Elize, Felicia, and Penny were having fun at a drawbridge while waiting for the rally to begin. They seemed rather calm since they could see a lot of women participating i
"I'm Juno Byrd." The young girl shook their hands and said, "Hey, everyone. My name's Sage Hall. It's a pleasure to meet you all.""Sage?""Are you here to participate in the rally too?" Elize asked.Sage nodded and realized their boat had already reached the center of the lake. "I've also signed up for the selection. I only just arrived since I live quite far away. Would you guys like to be friends?"Felicia said, "Of course! Which school are you from? We're all from Azure Creek. We've never seen you before.""I'm from Southeastrive. I'm the only one of my year, so I don't have anyone here," Sage replied. "I see." Penny then asked, "You seem quite strong. Are you aiming to become the legate?""I thought about that, but there are so many other strong candidates this year. Still, I’ll do my best.""Wow! That's a huge ambition!” Elize exclaimed. The candidates present were not there to become legate. They knew they were not strong enough to take up the role. They simply wa
The girls returned to their hotel after a while.More candidates arrived one after another as the day of the rally approached. ***On the night before the rally, Adrian was sitting in his office, reading through the profiles of all candidates to understand each and every one of them.Raquel walked in and sat opposite him. "The rally takes place tomorrow. Do you need me to make any further arrangements?" Adrian looked up at her. "How's your relationship going? Will I be receiving your wedding invitation anytime soon?"Raquel was stunned for a moment before rolling her eyes. "Can you please focus here?"Adrian smiled. "Are all the candidates present? Is there anyone absent?""Majority of them are here. There are some who backed out at the last minute.""Really? Why?""They retracted their registration because their families are against the idea of them participating."This was understandable since many misunderstand what Wyvern Peak was all about.Adrian nodded. "We should
Edgar was determined to annihilate Adrian, and so he charged up his attack once again. The ground quaked, and towering trees fell one after another.Adrian’s eyes glinted coldly as he watched the scene unfold. He understood exactly what was happening and knew there would be no peace until one of them was defeated.Filled with a bloodthirsty desire, Edgar wanted nothing more than to kill Adrian. Adrian’s face darkened as he prepared to meet him with equal ruthlessness.At that moment, Edgar finally finished charging his attack and rushed forward. His sword transformed into countless blades that sliced through the air with devastating force.Adrian sneered. "Oh? So, you do have some skills, but I still advise you to surrender."Hearing this, Edgar's face twisted in anger. Adrian's remark felt like a blatant insult as if he was looking down on him."I’m going to destroy you!" Edgar swung his sword from an unexpected angle, aiming to break through Adrian’s defenses.Adrian sneered an
Adrian spoke calmly as he led Renee swiftly onward. He had no intention of lingering here. His destination lay elsewhere, and he didn’t want to waste time.As for the man pursuing them, Adrian had already gauged his abilities from his sword techniques. At most, Edgar had some skill, but Adrian was confident he could overpower Edgar in swordsmanship.Edgar, fuming with rage, shouted, “I don’t believe it! Are you some kind of sword expert?”Edgar’s attacks grew even more ferocious, his swordsmanship wild and fierce, as he charged forward. He was determined to end Adrian’s life here and now. Being known for his swordsmanship, Edgar could not tolerate being treated with such disdain. His heart burned with fury and unwillingness.Adrian glanced back dismissively and said, “I already told you, your swordsmanship is child’s play. Yet you refuse to believe it. How pitiful.”Edgar was nearly driven mad with rage. He had honed his swordsmanship for years, yet Adrian mocked it as child’s pla
“I can sense your strength. It’s decent, but you’re not qualified to fight me. This isn’t something you should get involved with," Edgar threatened, looking down on Adrian.Adrian’s expression turned icy as he retorted, “Is that so? I suggest you leave now. While you may have some strength, you’re not capable of swimming in my muddy waters.”Adrian was using Edgar’s own words against him, and Edgar’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected such resistance while trying to assassinate the princess.“Haha, boy, did you take care of that assassin group? It seems you have some skills, but you’ve made the wrong enemies. I advise you to step back before it’s too late,” Edgar said, visibly irritated.The assassins he had sent out hadn’t reported back. It seemed that Adrian had dealt with them. Otherwise, where could they have disappeared to?Adrian smirked. “I’ve already told you, you’re not qualified. Leave now. I don’t enjoy wasting my breath.”Adrian’s dismissive tone was almost like giving
Renee hadn’t expected their pursuers to catch up with them so quickly. It was much faster than she had imagined.Adrian’s expression darkened. He hadn’t anticipated that these people would return so soon. Who exactly had Renee offended? It was clear that their attackers were no ordinary group, and their strength was not to be underestimated.Adrian could sense that the opponent’s power was nearly equal to his own. He looked into the distance and said, “If they won’t show themselves, then let’s go.”With that, Adrian grabbed Renee and sped forward. Renee felt her body was completely out of her control as Adrian pulled her along at a breakneck pace, moving with incredible speed. It was as if Adrian were carrying a small chick. He moved swiftly with Renee in tow.Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!The sound of projectiles slicing through the air reached their ears again. Adrian, carrying Renee, dashed deeper into the forest, evading the incoming hidden weapons. Behind them, a shadowy figure pur
If Adrian could return to his original world, he could use the methods discovered in this one to eradicate the daemons there. Once that was done, everything would be resolved.The thought filled Adrian with a chilling satisfaction as he recalled the detestable daemons. Had it not been for the daemons, he wouldn’t have ended up lost in this world, nor would he have disappeared. Now, his primary task was to thoroughly investigate everything and uncover the secrets needed to destroy them.Renee, hearing Adrian’s words, felt a bit helpless. She realized that Adrian had likely planned everything out well in advance. Regardless, returning to Ciawales was her only option. Without Adrian by her side, she would not be strong enough to get back.With no other choice, Renee led the way, moving swiftly alongside Adrian. Within moments, they had traveled over a thousand meters. Time passed slowly, and as they continued onward, the sky gradually brightened. It seemed they had finally exited the d
Adrian’s gaze sharpened, his expression icy. The situation seemed far from simple. He realized that he needed to better understand this world. If the daemons truly existed here, it might hold similarities to his own underwater world. Perhaps, the secrets of this place could provide a way to break through the obstacles he faced.Adrian suddenly thought that his arrival in this world might have something to do with the presence of the daemons. If this world contained a method to eliminate the daemons, then maybe, just maybe, he could use it to destroy the daemons back in his world.This thought filled Adrian with a surge of excitement. He looked at Renee and asked, “What was the name of that Emperor Supreme?”Renee sighed with a hint of helplessness. “The Emperor Supreme was immensely powerful, an unparalleled figure since ancient times. No one really knows his true name. He is simply referred to as ‘Emperor Supreme,’ a title of reverence given to the most powerful beings in the Spiri
"Let’s set off then. The journey should take a few days," Adrian said, his gaze sharp and decisive. From his expression, it was clear he had everything planned out.Everything was falling into place for Adrian. He was well aware of his unfamiliarity with this world, so it was crucial for him to learn about it quickly. Renee, being a princess of the empire, had an in-depth understanding of the world. Having her as his guide was the perfect choice in his opinion. Although Renee was clearly reluctant, she had no choice in the matter. He needed a guide, and she fit the role.Renee felt helpless at Adrian’s demands but couldn’t find the right words to respond. Adrian was too shrewd, and his strength was far from ordinary. His incredible power left her wondering just how he had cultivated to such a level. Knowing the extent of his strength, she understood that trying to fight him was impossible. She had no choice but to comply.Looking at Adrian, Renee said, “If we head in this direction,
Adrian was blatantly threatening her. It was clear he would subject her to torment and death if she didn’t agree to his terms. How could such a person be described as reasonable?Renee gritted her teeth, wishing she could punch Adrian and show him her strength.Adrian simply looked at her calmly. “There’s no need to resent me. I’m actually quite agreeable. When things can be resolved, I try to resolve them. As for you, rest assured. During your month of servitude, I won’t make you serve in vain. You’re the princess of Ciawales, correct? It just so happens I have some free time. Let’s head there together.“Also, tell me about the customs and cultures of this world. I’ve been in secluded training for many years and have forgotten much about the outside world,” he lied.Renee was taken aback. Adrian didn’t look much older than her, so how could he be some kind of reclusive expert? His words only left her more puzzled.“How am I supposed to introduce it? Are you not from this world?”
Was Adrian looking for praise? Renee couldn’t help but feel a bit exasperated. She wasn’t sure what Adrian was trying to convey. All his words seemed to point to one thing—that he was her savior, and now she owed him her obedience.To Renee, this was a difficult pill to swallow. After all, she was a princess, and Adrian’s implication was that she should lower herself to him. But under the current circumstances, she had no choice but to bow her head.Though she felt deeply unwilling, Renee could only grit her teeth and respond calmly, “Yes, you saved me. I’m deeply grateful. I promise to repay your kindness when I get the chance.” She locked eyes with Adrian, waiting for his reaction. If Adrian wasn’t satisfied, she truly didn’t know what to do. The valuable items she possessed were limited, consisting mostly of a few life-saving treasures. Beyond that, there wasn’t much on her that was of worth.Adrian, however, narrowed his eyes and said sharply, “Just a few words of thanks? Do y