Saul started calling out. The people in the room panicked. Saul’s son got up and shouted, “Call Jerome! Find out where he is now!”“Jerome’s back!” A voice came from outside the room. A nineteen-year-old young man ran into the room. He made his way to the bedside and dropped to his knees, his hands clutching Saul’s hands. It was Jerome, the babe found in the War Legate Shrine who had encountered countless hardships while growing up yet never gave up hope. “I’m back, sir,” said Jerome shakily, clutching tightly to Saul’s hands. He trembled and tears blurred his vision as he gazed at his esteemed mentor who was at death’s door. Saul turned and stretched out a hand to cup Jerome’s face. “You’re back, my child.”“Yes, I am,” said Jerome with tears. He felt powerless in the face of his mentor’s failing condition. He could only watch with tears in his eyes, but there was nothing he could do. Saul said weakly, “You’ve seen War Legate Draco, right?”Jerome nodded. “Yes, I have, si
“Father!”“Mr. Saul!”A cacophony of cries followed Saul’s passing. His two children and the students he had supported broke down in tears.He was gone. Saul had enjoyed telling people that he was a commoner who wanted to live an uncommon life. He joined Wyvern Peak at twenty and he attended Azure Creek University for two years. He was then transferred to Wyvern Peak and given the position of military advisor for the Leo Squad. Within a year, the legate promoted him to Wyvern Peak’s chief military advisor, he led the organization to numerous victories.His health then deteriorated and he left Wyvern Peak. However, Saul did not become sluggish because of this. He founded a school, financially supported poor students, and educated many people. He had trained numerous talents for Wyvern Peak every year. There were currently at least seventy Wyvern Peak members who used to be Saul’s students.“Father!” Saul’s children bawled. Jerome clenched his fists tightly. He remained kneeling
Raquel was acquainted with Saul and even attended one of his lectures. Though it was only an hour, it benefitted Raquel for the rest of her life. She never expected to see the day such a highly-respected scholar and military advisor leave this world.“I still recall Saul’s lecture from when I first joined Wyvern Peak. I found it enlightening, and his words still affect me up to this day.”Raquel shook her head, feeling rather powerless. It was inevitable that Saul would pass away one day, but it was just too sudden “Is that Jerome?” she asked. Adrian nodded and gazed at the person holding an urn in the frontmost car. “Yes. Jerome gives me the impression of a very calm person. He’s rather mature and his mentality has far surpassed his peers due to lack of parents.”“He exudes a kingly presence that not even you had when you first became legate.” Raquel had been there from the moment Adrian became Wyvern Peak’s leader. She was merely stating the truth. She turned to him and said
It was Adrian. He wanted to guide Jerome on the final path. Jerome failed to notice Adrian, simply standing quietly by the river and gazing out at the darkness ahead, feeling the wind in his hair. Adrian stopped in his tracks and said, “Have you ever considered that the darkness ahead you can’t perceive is your future?”Jerome was startled upon hearing the voice. He whipped around and took two steps back upon noticing Adrian. “W-War Legate Draco? What brought you here?” said Jerome in astonishment. He had just returned from Songton, so theoretically, the legate should be there. How was Adrian here right now?Jerome scrutinized Adrian and was convinced that it was indeed War Legate Draco who was standing before him right now. He recalled Saul saying that everything had been arranged by War Legate Draco. It was War Legate Draco who opened this path for him and brought him to where he was today while Saul was just the person who guided him down the path. Jerome said in shock, “W
Adrian asked, “Do you think that you’re the reincarnation of five legates?”Jerome shook his head. “I’m not. I was just abandoned by my parents. I am myself—a unique and one-of-a-kind individual.”Adrian patted Jerome’s shoulder. “The reality is that you can surpass the five legates and show the world your capabilities.”“I-I can surpass the five legates?” Jerome pointed at himself in disbelief. The five legates were regarded as god-like entities throughout history. Their extraordinary achievements were recognized by all. Jerome was flattered by Adrian’s aspiring words. “Did Saul tell you to do better?” asked Adrian. “Yes, he did,” Jerome said, “He told me not to pursue the best, but to do better in everything. He wanted me to be even better than the best.”Adrian said, “Do you believe you’re capable of that?”“I…” Jerome lowered his head and stared at his hands, questioning if he had the ability to do so. Adrian said, “Everyone has their aspirations and pursuits. However,
Adrian’s words guided Jerome to move forward like an invisible force. The passion that Jerome had kept hidden in his heart erupted. It ignited a fire of strong determination and grand ambitions in him.Jerome had been stirred.***After meeting Jerome, Adrian and Raquel headed to the airport to leave Gorgonshire. Raquel asked Adrian while she drove, “How’s the boy? Do you think he’s qualified?”One would need not only capability but also awareness, courage, and great character to lead Wyvern Peak. Adrian had observed every candidate and was trying to understand them so that he could choose a suitable successor. After all, this was no trivial matter. “I shall hold back my assessment for the time being,” Adrian replied. There were things that were inappropriate to say for the time being because he placed his hope on not only Jerome. Other than their skills, there were many other factors that influenced one’s ability to lead Wyvern Peak.Noticing Adrian’s reluctance to comment,
In One Jewel Road of Swallowston, the family was enjoying a meal when Juno ran in with an information sheet in her hand. She said excitedly, “Guys, the six competition regions and rules have been announced.”Rue, Samantha, Gloria, and Adaline quickly looked toward Juno in surprise. “Let me see it,” said Samantha eagerly. Juno passed the information sheet to Samantha and sat on the sofa. Samantha read aloud, “The competition regions are Cawthorn County, Rusouth, Rivton, Drogoton, Dillonia, and Northbound. Will the prelims take place throughout the six regions simultaneously?”“Yes, the prelims will be followed by the challenger rounds, then the finals. The finals will be happening at Wyvern Peak’s headquarters. Just thinking about it is stressful,” said Juno smilingly.Samantha tutted. “The assessment will be using a cumulative points system.”“And the new leader of Wyvern Peak will only be qualified for the position through breaking at least three records set by the previous
Samantha pouted but stopped speaking. Gloria gave the information sheet back to Juno and said smilingly, “All the best, but don’t push yourself too hard either. Just do your best.”“I will.” Juno nodded heavily. “Please excuse me then. I have to study.” She then went to her room.***The rest of the candidates received the same information sheet. Professionals explained the rules of the assessment through the news, and there were even programs specially dedicated to this event. The goal was to ensure that all the candidates understood the rules quickly. The date of the assessment was approaching, so all the candidates were making the most of their time by studying and revising. A few days passed, and Adrian and Raquel arrived at Wyvern Hall in the outlands. Wyvern Peak was built on Mount Wyvern in the outlands at the coordinates of 697 and named after the location. The area within a few hundred kilometers of Wyvern Peak was primeval rainforests, mountains, and hills. A snowy mou