Everyone held their breaths and watched him as drones sent by the media recorded the whole scene. With solemn expressions, the candidates waited for Adrian to speak. He was meticulously reading through the profiles on the table. This went on for around ten minutes before he finally looked toward the candidates, who were all sitting ramrod straight."What's the matter? Why do you guys look so serious? Are you guys scared of me or something?""Hahaha!" The hall filled with laughter, instantly releasing the tension in the air. No one had expected War Legate Draco to start his speech this way. Everyone then quieted down.Still holding the files in his hand, he said, "I hold information about every single one of you. Would you believe me if I said that I've memorized it all?"The candidates exchanged looks. They were capable of memorizing a textbook after reading it through once, but none of them thought it was possible to memorize thousands upon thousands of profiles, including all t
The candidates were shocked. The atmosphere was originally cold and chilling, but it now took a huge turn. None of them expected Adrian to interact with them like this. After Reina sat down, another young man stood up and asked, "What about me, sir?""Linden Nox, nineteen, correct? Your parents passed away when you were little, leaving your elder sister, Diana, to raise you. Your greatest dream is to give your sister a good life, which is why your instructor gave you the codename Skywing, correct? You hope to spread your wings and soar through the sky."Linden nodded.Adrian was now two for two. He smiled and gestured for Linden to sit. "Each and every one of you has your own story and life experiences. After reading your profiles, I thought about how you're all here with your own dreams. You wish to live extraordinary lives and vanquish evil. You have a fire inside of you that makes you mature sooner than others. I'm glad to see that.” Everyone listened quietly as War Legate Dr
The candidates listened in silence. They understood that Adrian was explaining to them what honor, mission, and responsibility were. His words were filled with endless hopes for the candidates, and they knew he wanted them to become as fearless as Daniel.He wanted them to become heroes—soldiers who accomplish their missions. Adrian looked toward the sea of candidates. He saw their blood boil after listening to his speech. They were moved, excited, and ready to leap into action. "One of you will become the new legate and lead Wyvern Peak. I don't care who this person is. All I want is for them to remember our motto regardless if they’re a man or woman, rich or poor. The moment you become the legate, you're no longer yourself anymore, but a soldier, a superior, a leader, and a strategist. Whatever happens in the future, I want you to lead your team fearlessly and with all your might against our enemies."Upon receiving the War Legate Medal, it will be the highest honor of your lif
“And lastly, let's all put aside the formalities. If you have any questions about Wyvern Peak or the country, feel free to ask. I will answer all your questions."Sage raised her hand.Adrian saw this and asked, "What's your question, Sage?"She stood up. "Sir, I'm one of the candidates from a very poor family. I'd like to ask if you meant what you said, that our family backgrounds don't matter in this selection. Are there no hidden rules?"Sage's question caught the attention of many others born into poverty. Adrian sat upright and smiled. "Have you read the selection's rules, Sage?""I have, and I've memorized them all. I’m aware that I'm from a poor family and am worried it will affect my results. All I want is a fair competition with no hidden rules and no bias towards the rich.""I believe many of you wish me to assure you of this question. So, I promise on my honor as a legate that the rules of this selection are exactly as what you've read. We aren't just looking for som
Adrian's reply brought relief to the women present.At that moment, everyone was sure that the upcoming selection would be the most unique throughout history.***After two hours of Adrian answering questions, the rally ended. The candidates filed out of the hall and headed back to their hotels to pack up. They were going back to their respective academies to wait for the six locations to open. When Adrian returned to his office, Raquel walked in. "How was it? Do you think there's any difference with this year's candidates compared to your batch?"He once participated in the selection and came out on top with the best results, even creating new records in the process. Thus, he already had an idea about what this year's candidates were going to be like."You go first."Raquel had never participated in the selection, but she still had the right to voice her opinion since she was a battle warrior of Wyvern Peak. "I think the women are a little too hostile. They even overshadow t
With Garret by her side, Sage packed up and prepared to leave."Something on your mind, Sage? Is it about the rally?"She smiled and turned toward Garret. "It's nothing, really. I was just a little surprised by War Legate Draco. I've never seen him before, but I can tell from this first meeting that he's incredible. After seeing him, I feel like I know nothing nor do I have his temperament."Garret laughed. "Don't you think he used to feel the same way you do now? All that will come with experience, so cheer up. You should just focus on giving your best now that War Legate Draco has opened up the selection to women. Even if you don't become the legate, you can still aim for a high-ranking position."Sage nodded with a smile. At that moment, Raquel walked in and said, "Sage Hall, War Legate Draco would like to meet you. Please come with me."Sage was shocked. "War Legate Draco wants to meet me? Is something the matter?" she asked curiously."Quit the questions and just hurry alo
These words came out of a nineteen-year-old girl. Adrian vowed to treat the young woman before him in a different light from now on. Nineteen was the peak of one's youth, yet Sage chose not to date and get into a relationship like others. Instead, she pushed herself to her limits in pursuit of her dreams. Everything she said was from the depths of her heart. She refused to live her life as an ordinary woman. She wanted to be better.Adrian fell silent, startled by Sage's words. He felt as though she had just taught him a lesson. She did not seem like a nineteen-year-old no matter how one looked at her. She was far more mature than that."Will you regret your decision in the future?" Adrian asked. Sage shook her head but then nodded. Finally, she said, "Nobody can predict what happens in the future. Maybe I will, maybe I won't, but one thing I’ll surely regret is missing this opportunity.”She could not predict what would happen to her after the selection but she was sure what woul
Sage said, “Luposia is the closest country to us and they have connections with Excenom and Hangton. My first undertaking will be to lure Excenom, Hangton, Luposia, and other outland countries to invade us.“Then, I will issue a warning for them to withdraw. In view of their view and that I’ll be a woman leading Wyvern Peak, the outlanders won’t back down. Hence, we’ll have a reason to destroy them.“I’ll send out two troops to pretend to attack Excenom and Hangton. When Luposia is providing assistance to those two countries, I’ll dispatch my main troop to take out Luposia’s Pegasuton.”Sage pointed at the closest outland city to Navia, Pegasuton. This was Luposia’s transit station closest to Navia. If Pegasuton were to fall, Luposia would have to withdraw at least five hundred kilometers. They would lose Pegasuton as a transit station, impeding their effort to invade Navia again.Adrian already had this plan in mind all along. He wanted to shock all the outland organizations with
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
"Spare me! Otherwise, Divine Reaper won’t let you go!" the leader shouted, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Adrian.The man looked terrifying, exuding a powerful aura. He was using a secret technique, hoping to escape. But with a casual wave of his hand, Adrian created a barrier that blocked the man’s path.Renee, watching from below, was stunned. Divine Reaper… They were the most feared assassin organization in the Spirit Domain, known for their stealthy and deadly methods that instilled fear in everyone.There was a saying across the Spirit Domain: if Divine Reaper marked someone for death, nine out of ten targets would die. If someone survived, it was because they were of an extraordinary and untouchable status. Clearly, her status as the princess of Ciawales wasn’t extraordinary enough to make her exempt from such threats.Adrian smiled and said, “Nice name, but you’ve offended the wrong person. You deserve to die.” He swung his Soul Devouring Sword.A wave of power surged forth, a
"I can't believe it! Is this guy really that terrifying? Can we truly not defeat him?" the leader muttered. He gripped a curved blade, which now glowed with a blood-red light.The others around him also had cold glints in their eyes. They were not about to admit defeat easily. Although Adrian was powerful, they weren’t willing to give up without a fight. Adrian had only been killing intermediary Nascents. He hadn’t even touched the advanced ones yet. Most importantly, their leader was at the peak of the Nascent Stage, making him an incredibly strong and fearsome opponent. This alone was enough to show that their leader had the strength to go toe-to-toe with Adrian. They were confident that Adrian couldn’t defeat their boss, especially with them assisting.Boom, boom, boom!A terrifying shockwave tore through the heavens, leaving the surroundings trembling violently. Adrian’s gaze was sharp, filled with an intense killing intent.“Die!” he shouted.Bam!The leader was struck har
Moreover, the strength Adrian displayed was so overwhelming that it left everyone in disbelief. After all, in the Spirit Realm, the physical body of any immortal was supposed to be relatively fragile, and having a powerful physical body was impossible.The group couldn't quite accept the fact that Adrian was out of their league. Yet, no matter how they tried to make sense of it, it seemed like nothing could change the reality of the situation. One of the black-clad men sneered. "Perhaps this kid's physical strength is enhanced by some kind of secret treasure. Once we kill him and take the treasure, we’ll boost our own power." His words were intended to rally the group as if trying to inspire them to believe they were on the verge of victory. Adrian merely smiled coldly upon hearing this. With a murderous gleam in his eyes, his voice turned cold as he said, "Since you're all so determined to meet your end, don't blame me."Adrian threw another punch, and this time, it was a force
The group's formation suddenly began to shatter. The white light radiated by the formation continued to whip up the surrounding yellow sand."How is this possible?" one of the men gasped in disbelief. This was a powerful barrier set up by several experts in the late Divine Stage, yet it had been destroyed so easily.The leader of the black-clad men sneered. "Hmph! It's just the formation being broken. Most likely it was pure luck for this guy. Don’t be afraid of him."His words caused the others to pause. While his words were meant to reassure them, the reality of the situation was far from simple. It was impossible for them to defeat Adrian, who was proving to be much stronger than anticipated? After all, Adrian’s strength had clearly surpassed that of a typical Divine immortal. Even if he were in the Divine Stage, he had undoubtedly reached the peak. Breaking the formation with ease was impossible unless one was at that level."It's just a bluff," the leader of the black-clad m
Renee felt a sense of helplessness within. As a princess of Ciawales, she was now left pondering a difficult question.Adrian was unaware of Renee’s thoughts. If he had known that Renee was considering fleeing while he was risking his life, he would not have helped her.As the onslaught of attacks descended upon him, Adrian leaped swiftly into the air. The attacks from the black-clad men crashed into him, but Adrian remained unscathed. This caused the group of attackers to freeze in disbelief."What’s going on?" they muttered in shock as they stared at Adrian, who appeared as agile as a panther.At the moment when Adrian leaped into the air, it seemed as though nothing could stop him. His expression remained calm and nonchalant in the face of their attacks."Is this all you’ve got? You’re really that weak. Feel free to unleash everything you’ve got. Don’t hold back," Adrian said, his tone laced with disdain.The black-clad group was stunned by Adrian’s arrogance. Even Renee stood
Adrian smiled as he replied, "Is that so? Well, it seems you're just unlucky. The moment you encountered me, your fate was already sealed."His simple words were filled with provocation, meant to make the group before him admit their defeat. If they didn't, Adrian was determined to make them regret it.The leader of the black-clad men sneered and stepped forward. "How laughable. This is the first time I’ve encountered such an arrogant brat. Do you really think you're some kind of unparalleled genius? I see your strength is only at the Divine Stage. While I can’t quite tell your true level, you shouldn’t be so cocky. Even with your strength, we can overwhelm you with numbers and wear you down. You really don't know when to quit. Now, I’ve changed my mind. Kneel before us, and we’ll spare you."As the leader was talking, his curved blade gleamed with a faint light. The light from the blade seemed to radiate with a dangerous brilliance, causing Adrian’s expression to momentarily shift
"No matter who he is, he's no match for us. I advise you to surrender quietly, Renee," one of the black-clad men said.Clinging to the last flicker of hope, Renee was not willing to give up. She charged toward the barrier, unleashing an attack as she did. The strike hit the barrier, and it trembled violently.At that moment, Adrian’s eyes snapped open. Seeing the situation before him, his expression grew cold.Renee continued her wild assault. As her eyes met Adrian’s, an unexpected surge of panic overtook her.The black-clad pursuers were furious. “Hey, kid up ahead! I suggest you mind your own business. This woman belongs to us. If you want to stay alive, leave now."The voice of the black-clad man was booming, and the sound of it echoed through the desert, proving that these pursuers were no ordinary threat.Adrian’s expression turned even colder. He had no intention of getting involved, but when the others spoke so recklessly, he couldn’t just ignore it. As he slowly rose to