The woman was Sierra Lane, Jerome’s high schoolmate. She had graduated two years earlier than Jerome and attended university in Gorgonshire. Jerome had always been a loner and did not have many friends back from high school. He never expected his high schoolmate to show up here on the eve of his departure.“Am I not welcomed, Jerome?” Sierra asked smilingly as she looked at the astounded Jerome. Jerome was not good at interacting with people, especially women. He was at a loss for words upon hearing her remark. Sierra covered her mouth and laughed at Jerome’s reaction. She clapped and called out, “Come on out, everyone!”Dozens of people suddenly emerged from all directions. Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!Confetti flew into the air and landed on Jerome’s head. “We wish you success in your endeavors, Jerome!” the crowd said in unison. Jerome was stunned by the sight of these people that had shown up out of nowhere. These were his high schoolmates, and he knew every one of them.“Guys
Jerome’s friends called out in unison, their voices loud enough to be heard far away. He turned around and discreetly wiped away his tears. He said, “Thank you for supporting me, everyone. Thank you so much. I was under the assumption that you hated me and felt that I’m overestimating myself by joining the selection.”His friends burst out in laughter. Sierra giggled as she covered her mouth. “Nonsense, Jerome. Only a warrior has the courage to pursue their dream. You’re a man who pursues his dream and has strong beliefs. Why would we mock you for that?”“She’s right, Jerome. You’re Jerome today, but maybe you’ll be Wyvern Peak’s new leader in the future. We’d want to be in your good graces when that happens, so why would we mock you?”“You’re overthinking it, Jerome. We’re extremely proud to have a selection candidate among us. You have to work hard and strive to become Wyvern Peak’s leader.”Jerome inhaled a deep breath and nodded heavily. “Thanks for your support, everyone.
Sierra’s promise filled Jerome with boundless joy. He sincerely hoped for the girl that had always been on his mind to watch his performance. Jerome inhaled a deep breath and raised his head to look toward the others. “Thank you, everyone. I understand what you’ve shared with me today. Don’t worry. I won’t let you down if I become Wyvern Peak’s leader. I will devote my life to Navia and will never betray the country.”He picked up the outfit his friends had bought him and got into the Department’s vehicle.Jerome left. Sierra and the others gazed after his car until he was far away. They only turned away after the car vanished. Sierra was relieved.One of the girls said, “That blockhead finally got the message, Sierra. I didn’t realize that he had feelings for you but was too scared to tell you.”Sierra sniggered. “He’s not a very proactive person. He’s destined to be unable to express his feelings like other boys because of his family background. I hope that he will fulfill hi
The siblings fell silent, feeling a sense of desolation and unwillingness to part. Soon, Sage was done packing. She walked out of her room with luggage in hand and Trent trailing behind her. She went to her parents’ room and knocked on the door. “Father, Mother, I’m leaving for Northbound for the selection.”No reply came from inside the room where the couple were hugging each other and crying. Sage waited for a while, then said when there was no response, “I’m sorry to always worry you. I’m not an obedient daughter and I’ve let you down, but I really hope to be a useful person so that I don’t waste my youth. I’ll regret it if I don’t go. Again, I’m sorry for being disobedient. Mother, please take good care of Father. Goodbye.”Sage turned around and walked out of the house, crying uncontrollably. Garret’s vehicle was already waiting outside the yard. Suddenly, Dahlia ran outside. “Sage! Wait!”Sage stopped walking, turned around, and called out, “Mother!”Dahlia wiped her tear
Her daughter’s departure saddened Dahlia. She realized that this was Sage’s destiny, and she hoped that Sage would fulfill her dream. Jamie walked out of the room and asked, “Has she left?”Dahlia nodded. “Yeah.”“Are the invitations still here?Sage had previously given them invitation letters to watch the selection.Dahlia looked at Jamie in puzzlement. “Do you want to go?”Jamie said determinedly, “Let’s pack up and bring all that we have to Northbound. It’s the only thing we can do for her.”Dahlia was pleasantly surprised and nodded. “Sure, I’ll get to packing right away!”***Many hopeful candidates headed to their assigned competition regions. The six selected cities—Cawthorn County, Rusouth, Rivton, Drogoton, Dillonia, and Northbound—were under full lockdown. All those entering and leaving had to go through strict inspections.The whole country was watching the selection closely, wondering who the new leader would be. The candidates were eager, and so were the people
Wolfsbane lost an arm in an unfortunate accident during a Wyvern Peak rescue mission four years ago. He was then forced to retire and return to his family home. Wyvern Peak awarded him with the highest honor and bereavement allowance but he decided to donate all the money. He instead made a living by working in construction and stopped intervening in Wyvern Peak’s affairs. “Faster, Curtis. We’re in a rush!” the foreman shouted from a distance. Curtis and the other workers picked up the pace. He carried a few bags of cement with one arm in one go and loaded them onto the truck. Meanwhile, Mya got out of a nearby car. As removed her shades and flipped her hair, observing Curtis loading the cement bags in silence. Curtis was a courageous, fearless man. He had known that the rescue mission four years ago was highly dangerous and that he risked losing his life. Yet, he did not cower. He had been trapped within the enemy group and was rescued by his comrades, losing his arm to an exp
Curtis smiled upon hearing this and rummaged in his pockets for a lighter to light his cigarette. Mya swiftly produced her lighter and lit it for him. He took a puff before heading toward the work site. Mya followed behind him. "The Department came looking for me a couple of times, but I rejected them every time. I don’t want to be Wyvern Peak's burden while I'm still able to work. I've already spent quite a lot of their money on my medical bills when I got injured.”"But you deserve every cent of it," Mya said. Curtis shook his head and kept walking. "My wife doesn't wish to rely on others for help either. She said she wants to feel like she's living a full life by earning everything on her own.""You're married?" Mya was surprised. "Yes, I am, and I have a three-year-old daughter."Mya smiled, still slightly surprised. "Who would've thought you’d start a family one day? Congrats. You finally found someone who wants to be with you."Curtis smiled back. "All right, enough abo
“Adrian knows he'll destroy Wyvern Peak if he doesn’t relinquish his position. Also, the next legate will surely surpass him. The new generation should surpass the old for the world to progress. In fact, he's been nurturing a few candidates he deemed worthy.""For example?" Curtis asked.Mya pondered for a while before replying, "One of them is Jerome Yahn. They say he's the reincarnation of five legates, and Adrian has been guiding him to the right path. There's another by the name of Polaris Ryan. Adrian chose him three years ago, and he's been shown promise. He also guided a third boy called Remy Johnston, and one girl, Juno Byrd. She's very competent, and I believe she has a good shot.""You're saying he's been planning for Wyvern Peak's future a long time because he knew he couldn’t continue being the legate for much longer?"Mya nodded. "I've been following him for many years, so no one else knows him better than me, including his wife. Although he doesn't say it out loud, he