"Sir Draco!" someone yelled out.The civilians began waving in greeting as they cheered."Welcome home, sir!"Hooray for Wyvern Peak!”"All hail Navia!”"Sir Draco’s back!" Adrian was touched as he gazed at the excited crowd, while Helen and her sisters shed tears. They knew the civilians could finally see the light at the end of a very, very dark tunnel. "All hail Wyvern Peak!"All hail Sir Draco!" The civilians then got on their knees."Please save us, sir!""Please save us!" They saw Adrian as their last hope. After all, he was a man who had been through countless battles. They desperately hoped he would lead them to a new home. The city gates closed after all of the vehicles had entered. Standing before everyone, Adrian called out, "Everyone, please stand and let me tell you all what is happening.”"Thank you, sir." A little boy tugged at his mother's clothes, looking confused as he asked, "Mommy, who's that? He looks so cool. Why were we kneeling to him?"
Adrian gazed at the silent crowd and said, "According to my instructor, the meaning of life is to stay alive. That's right. I'm going to tell you all the same thing today. The meaning of life is to stay alive.""Stay alive…""Stay alive.""Stay alive!" Everyone raised their fist and chanted, their motivations and desire to live ignited. They wanted to live their lives with dignity. When the chanting died down, Adrian continued, "Why is the meaning of life is to stay alive? That's because only by staying alive will we have hope and a future. Not only should we stay alive, but we should also live our lives with dignity. Nobody in the world can take away our right to live. We each have our worth.“Regardless of who it is, anyone who tries to take away our right to live is our enemy. And what do we do to our enemies? I want you all to answer me at the top of your lungs!"The crowd answered, "We team up and defeat them!" Hearing their answer, Adrian smiled. "That's right. We team
The deafening voices spread across Novemton, reaching the sky. Everyone was in high spirits, their courage at an all-time high. Adrian hopped off the truck and headed toward the Battle Warrior Tower with Steel and the others. When inside, Steel said, "I thought you were gone, sir. It's so good to see you. Our people desperately needed hope after all this chaos."Steel sounded helpless as he spoke. The reset had changed the world so quickly. Nobody had expected such a thing to happen.Adrian asked, "How many soldiers and civilians do we have?""We have a hundred and twenty thousand soldiers and four hundred and twenty thousand civilians. We have scientists, academicians, artists, medics, elderly, as well as children among the latter. That's everyone I've been able to gather so far after the crisis. I sent soldiers to the cities, counties, and villages surrounding Novemton, and we now have a total of five hundred and forty thousand people."As a member of Wyvern Peak, Steel's calcu
What's the situation in Novemton? I need specifics," Adrian calmly said as he sat down.Steel reported, "We can only defend half the city with our current forces, so we've built walls around the city to stop the monsters from entering. These walls were created with concrete and steel rebars, making them quite strong. But due to the limited time and resources we have, we weren't able to build the walls that are taller and stronger.”Steel sounded slightly embarrassed at that last statement. He had done all this within a few days, and it was the best he could do based on his abilities and the resources they had. "You've done well. However, we can no longer determine how long we can defend Novemton. We need to think further. So—"Steel interrupted, "Are you saying we need to be prepared to live in Novemton for the long term?""Correct. So, we need to defend this city. We need to reinforce our walls and redevelop the place. Once that's done, we can figure out a way to defeat the Crea
Adrian's actions made Steel believe even more firmly there was hope for them. "Sir, I trust that War Legate Dominus and the other youngsters will one day accomplish this grand mission on your behalf." "Steel, allow me to introduce you to a friend. You could also say that she's our ancestor," Adrian said with a smile, which left Steel confused. A woman with slender legs walked into the room. She was one of the most beautiful women Steel had ever laid eyes on. Her mature temperament even left him feeling dazed for a moment. "Who's this, sir?" Rozi calmly sat down on the couch. Over the past few days, she had grown accustomed to living in this modern world.Adrian replied, "This is Abioye Rozi. Rozi is the Partingian princess from a thousand and two hundred years ago.” "What?!" Steel was so astonished that he staggered backward.A thousand and two hundred years?Color began to drain from Steel's face as he asked, "Are you kidding me, sir? She's a thousand and two hundred ye
Steel picked up the stone and took a closer look at it. "Isn't this a meteorite from Isle 416? But there's something different about this one… It's got these textures on it.""We got that from the monsters," Adrian said. "Why would something like this be found within the monsters?"Steel was thoroughly shocked. Everything he thought he knew about the world was being overturned. First, there was a woman who was over a thousand years old, and she was a Partingian princess from a country that had long since perished. Now, there was the stone of strange origins in front of him.Sensing Steel's confusion, Adrian said, "The meteorites have a powerful effect that affects and mutates the human genome but does not kill them. Let's put it this way. If a person was unable to control their mutation, they'd end up like Gloria. They would ultimately die if they didn’t receive treatment. However, as each individual's physique is different, some end up dead from the mutation while others undergo
“Runemasters?""That's right. It was a popular profession, and these people forged all sorts of weapons using said runes. This allowed them complete control over the weapon."Steel shook his head, unable to comprehend the true power behind the profession. Rozi was saying these few engravings would allow an immortal control over an item? That sounded unbelievable.Rozi struggled to explain this in modern terms, so Adrian said, "Those runes are similar to our blood circulatory system. Immortals infused their powers into these runes. This is similar to the blood being pumped through our veins, allowing us control over specific limbs. On top of that, there are all sorts of runes, each with its own password. It's like our safety boxes that can't be opened unless we know the password.""How are these passwords defined then?" Steel asked. "It's similar to QR codes or number passwords. They can be activated through different degrees of power, how frequently those powers are infused, the
“Also, I need you to mobilize technicians to get our electric generators up and running so that we have electricity running through the city.""Okay." Adrian turned around and continued, "I need another group to collect all the building materials we can find to build more walls and expand our territory. When we have electricity, we need to build greenhouses to grow plants.“And one more thing. Do everything you can to restore the factories in the city. Focus on those that can be of help to us. For example, factories that manufacture equipment, ammunition, weapons, and armor. I want all advanced weaponry to be revamped. We need more firepower around the city.""Yes, sir," Steel responded. "Steel, these are extremely important tasks, so I need you to complete them no matter what. We only have one shot at this, so we can't afford to fail.""I swear on my life that I will not let you down, sir.""All right. Go gather the scientists and academicians. I'd like to have a conference w
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