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
Adrian had long abandoned the first elder and third elder’s concern.He said, “This assessment will be quite different from the previous ones. I do not plan on holding the final spar in the sparring arena. I have a new idea.”The crowd looked at Adrian in puzzlement. “A survival challenge. To give everyone a chance, all the candidates will be released into the rainforest and they will have to make their way within a certain time to score points. If they fail to make it out within the set time, they won’t be given any points. We shall then choose ten finalists to spar on the cliff of Mount Wyvern. The champion will be the new leader of Wyvern Peak.”“Hmm…”The elders and the rest of the crowd were astonished upon hearing Adrian’s plan. There was a primeval rainforest surrounding Mount Wyvern. After crossing the rainforest, one would arrive at the border where Wyvern Peak’s troops were stationed. The rainforest was extremely dangerous, filled with difficult terrains and wild animal
Adrian always came up with ideas that were different from others. That was how he became a leader respected by many. Every member of Wyvern Peak knew that there was no problem that could not be solved as long as Draco was around. ***Adrian arrived at the rear hall. It was a locked grand hall known as the War Legate Hall. This was where stone statues of previous war legates were stored. Wyvern Peak would produce a statue of the legates throughout history and display them in order so that people could come and gaze upon them in the future.Commonfolk would find it hard to get into War Legate Hall. It would only be opened to certain people at a particular time. Only Adrian was allowed to access the hall at will. He walked in and shut the door. Numerous stone statues stood inside the enormous grand hall. These statues had different postures and styles, but they were all without a doubt Wyvern Peak’s legates. The only difference was that they were from different times. Due to the c
The Daemon Emperor was startled."What is happening? This power..."Formless energy was surging forward, pressuring his nerves and senses.Below, Andy and the others trembled uncontrollably."Who is it?" Finnian stared into the crimson mist.Even Andy was horrified, his gaze locked on the unfolding scene in disbelief, and asked, "What is this? What exactly is happening?" At this moment, Adrian abruptly opened his eyes.Apparently, the Daemon Emperor had once conspired with Adrian's subordinates to ambush him.However, Adrian had managed to annihilate the traitors and sealed this Daemon Emperor. Now, fate had brought them together again."If I killed you once, I can kill you again." Adrian stood tall, his white robes fluttering in the air.The Daemon Emperor was stunned into silence."This is impossible! You're not that mortal boy!""Is that so? In this life, your end has come, and so has the era of the daemons." Adrian's voice was calm yet resolute. He stretched out his han
Adrian's face hardened at the words. He despised threats above all else. While he understood what the mysterious entity desired, he couldn't yet fully comprehend its implications or find a way to counter it. His only choice was to focus on growing stronger.Within the hot spring, waves of raw, terrifying power surged and crashed violently against Adrian's body.The force, though beneficial, was brutal and overwhelming. Adrian's body struggled to endure, cracking as though it were disintegrating."Arghhh!"A heart-wrenching scream echoed as Adrian's flesh was torn apart and his aura gradually dimmed."Ahhh!"His agonized cries echoed once more. He could no longer withstand the pain.In the distance, a towering figure appeared and sneered. "What's this? Can't take it anymore? Pathetic. Humans are truly the epitome of stupidity."Suddenly, Adrian erupted with an explosive surge of energy, and in that instant, he broke through to the pinnacle of the Void Stage."Hmm? He actually b
At that moment, the crowd was speechless.Adrian had ascended as if it were the easiest thing in the world.Faced with such a sight, no one could say much beyond admiration. Even if the Holy Son claimed Adrian had cheated, many secretly wished they could cheat the same way.Lacking Adrian's means, all they could do was envy him.Finnian chuckled. "Haha! You really caught us all by surprise, kid. Still, I'll count this as you repaying me a favor."For Finnian, the outcome couldn't have been better. With a broad smile, he seemed to have achieved his desired result. Adrian's successful climb was all that mattered to him.Once Adrian had vanished, the focus shifted to the rest of the group and their trials.When Adrian opened his eyes again, his entire body ached, but an oddly comforting sensation flowed through him. Surveying his surroundings, he realized he was now in a pond."Where am I?" he asked.Though uncertain about the place, Adrian knew he had cleared the trial and arriv
The onlookers stared in bewilderment, their faces etched with confusion as they struggled to grasp the unfolding events.Meanwhile, Adrian seethed with barely contained rage. This wasn't his first encounter with such torment. Every few steps he ascended, another trial awaited.To Adrian, the relentless punishments felt suffocating. Yet he pressed on—this was the final stretch of the climb. "Adrian, hang in there!" Andy shouted, urging him to conquer the last step. To Andy, reaching that final step symbolized Adrian's growth. He had witnessed Adrian's remarkable resilience countless times and held unwavering faith in his potential. In Andy's eyes, Adrian was destined for greatness. Adrian's expression turned cold as he locked his gaze on the steps ahead. Determination flickered in his eyes. "If reaching the top guarantees a reward, it doesn't have to be me up there. As long as someone makes it, that's enough." With that, he shifted his focus to the void above and formed
Adrian felt as if every nerve in his body was beyond his control. A deep sense of grievance filled his heart as the divine thunder from the void relentlessly crashed down.Rage surged within him, but under the onslaught of endless forces, he felt weak and constrained.Still, he had no choice but to press forward. He knew victory was within reach if he could endure a little longer—giving up now would mean death.If he fell, the shame and humiliation would crush him.Below, the Holy Son and others waited, eager to see him fail and mock him. This left Adrian no option but to push forward, striving toward the void above and his ultimate goal.The violent forces continued to bombard him from the sky.With every step, the thunder's impact intensified tenfold. His soul, already battered from a fierce battle with a horde of beasts, now felt as though it was dragging his exhausted body forward.Anyone else would likely have succumbed to despair. After all, under such immense pressure, ev
The oppressive forces descending from the void seemed determined to halt Adrian’s ascent up the staircase.Yet he refused to yield. To him, these overwhelming challenges were merely obstacles to conquer.He pressed forward with relentless determination.Thunderbolts continued to rain down, but the ominous red light from before did not return—a relief, as he never wished to endure its crushing weight again.The memory of that light still haunted him, leaving a lingering sense of helplessness. Its suffocating pressure had drained his strength, reducing him to a gasping, powerless state.Despite the toll on his body and mind, Adrian remained singularly focused on reaching the final step. His burning desire for greater power drove him forward, unwavering and resolute.Step by step, he ascended, reaching the 95th step in what felt like an instant.Only five steps remained. His gaze locked onto the summit, and a wild glint lit his eyes. A daring idea sparked within him, consuming his
Adrian pondered his situation, his cold gaze reflecting simmering frustration. Yet deep down, he recognized that whoever had designed the staircase was far from ordinary.Creating such a formidable trial required unimaginable power.Even a pinnacle Void Stage expert—or perhaps someone of the Multiply Stage—might bow in reverence before the ladder's creator."He won't last much longer. The divine lightning in this void is utterly destructive. In moments, he'll be reduced to ashes," sneered the Holy Son, his sharp eyes gleaming with malice.To the Holy Son, Adrian's demise was inevitable. Adrian had dared to offend him, and he was certain such audacity could only lead to death.Adrian caught the Holy Son's words and cast him a frosty glare. His intent to kill was unmistakable, though now wasn't the time.The staircase was no place for personal vendettas—eliminating him here would require careful planning.He also knew the Holy Son carried seals of immense power. A reckless move co
Finnian's sharp gaze reflected a hint of admiration. "Kid, you owe me a big favor this time. You'd better treasure this opportunity."Adrian remained silent, unsure how to respond. His cold eyes revealed no emotion, though he fully grasped the challenges ahead.Fear was a luxury he couldn't afford—he'd come too far to back down now.Suddenly, a streak of red light surged from the void, hurtling toward Adrian with terrifying speed. His eyes widened in shock as the crimson beam struck him, slamming him against the staircase.Caught off guard, Adrian collapsed, sprawled helplessly on the steps.The crowd below watched in astonishment. No one had expected his seemingly indestructible body to be overwhelmed so easily.The Holy Son sneered. "Haha! It seems he's triggered some kind of taboo. Let's see how arrogant he is now!"His voice dripped with schadenfreude, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction as he relished Adrian's struggle.Despite the crushing force, Adrian refused
"What exactly is up there pulling me so strongly?" Adrian's expression hardened as he pondered the mysterious force drawing him upward.A surge of violent energy erupted across the sky, crashing down like a raging storm.Adrian advanced cautiously, each step deliberate and precise.Gone were the reckless strides of before—now he moved with steely determination, fully aware of the lurking dangers.He'd learned that the void's formidable forces seemed to target him directly, compelling him to proceed step by step. Any attempt to bypass its unseen barriers would provoke a devastating strike."Ridiculous," Adrian muttered. "If I've chosen to climb, nothing will stop me."The void's relentless power intensified.Bolts of thunder hammered down mercilessly, battering Adrian's body. Yet fear never crossed his mind.What was there to be afraid of?To him, the divine thunder wasn't an obstacle—it was a crucible, a tool to temper his body and strengthen his resolve.Despite the storm, A