Under the urgent mobilization, eighty thousand Wyvern Peak soldiers quickly assembled. Alcyoneus briefly assigned tasks through the communicator and ordered for Track Twenty-four to be opened and cleared. Soon, the gates opened and all soldiers involved stormed out of the city with guns blazing. "Clear out the tracks in half an hour and ensure that the train enters the city safely. The lives of the survivors of the train now rest in our hands. This may be tough, but we're going to accomplish the mission. Charge!" Alcyoneus roared."Go, go, go!"The sounds of gunshots, explosions, and artillery fire echoed throughout the area. Snipers positioned themselves on the city walls to cover their comrades. With Alcyoneus in the lead, Stardust, Astral, and Radiance led their respective groups to swiftly clear out the surrounding monsters before advancing further. Their sole mission was to guard Track Twenty-four and ensure that the train entered Drogoton safely. It was an incredibly chal
"Remy has the qualifications to become a legate of Wyvern Peak. Unfortunately, he crossed paths with Jerome, someone stronger and more talented than him. However, he's no less than Jerome when it comes to tactics and strategies," Adrian explained."Who do you prefer between the both of them?" Rozi asked."I don’t have any favorites. One of the reasons Remy lost was because he was worried about me, so I can't say for sure who would win if they were to have a rematch. Anyway, we're about to enter the city," Adrian calmly stated.For the first time, Rozi began to perceive Adrian in a different light. She realized that he had a unique way of doing things and had a distinct thought process. For example, he seemed to be very confident Remy would be able to come up with a strategy to allow them entry into the city, even though Remy had no idea who was inside the train. Rozi came to acknowledge Remy after seeing his performance. Regardless of his abilities, he was a competent leader who n
Everyone's boiling enthusiasm burst forth. The soldiers gazed at Adrian in astonishment, never expecting to welcome back their former legate. Tears welled up in their eyes. Adrian had made himself a legend long ago, and everyone felt there was no danger too much for them to handle so long as Adrian was around. Meanwhile, Adrian grew even more resolute when he heard the voices of his comrades. He knew that they would recover everything they had lost. Rozi also recognized Adrian's significance in the people's hearts and was equally inspired by the passionate soldiers.The train continued to move forward, and the soldiers withdrew with it. Adrian stood at the front of the train, his arm wrapped in the Wyvern Peak battle flag. The bright red flag announced to everyone that Wyvern Peak had not fallen and that they were still alive. Anything was possible as long as they remained hopeful."Close the gates!"With the successful entry of the train and the soldiers into Drogoton, the mass
Deeply moved, tears welled up in Alcyoneus's eyes."Sir, we’ve all been waiting for you. We know that you will bring us hope and that we’ll overcome whatever challenges that come our way, no matter how difficult it is," he said excitedly. Adrian replied, "I've been able to go down this path because of your fearlessness, Alcyoneus. You and the others have done exceptionally well. Drogoton is fortunate to have you all protecting it.”"Sir, the people of Drogoton heard that you're here and have come to welcome you. They've been restless, but they trust you and believe that you can bring hope to them."Adrian nodded and walked toward the waiting crowd. Countless eyes fixed on him, eagerly waiting to hear comforting words. He raised his right hand and shouted, "Everyone, I'm happy to see you all here after the disaster. I know that in your hearts, you feel fear, despair, and hopelessness. I understand because I'm facing the same problems too."The crowd took a collective deep breath
"It's good to see you again, kid." Adrian and Remy were excited to reunite, despite the circumstances. Remy then said, "Let's talk more inside.""Sure."Adrian then noticed Gracia and approached her. "Gloria's currently in Novemton, and she's safe. You don't have to worry about her. I'm sure you two will be able to meet when this is all over."This was the best news Gracia had heard in a long time.Adrian entered Drogoton's headquarters with Remy and the others. Once inside, he introduced Rozi to Remy and recounted their journey, including Marissa and the significance of her eyes. Alcyoneus and the others were amazed when they heard the story."Sir, are you saying that the people of the past have experienced what we're currently going through? Also, this Wonder left behind clues for us to resolve all of this mess, but we need to solve whatever puzzle he left behind before we can unravel what the method is?""Yes, that's correct. Wonder made these clues extremely challenging
They bedded down to rest after their long discussion. Adrian, finally thinking he could get a good night's sleep, was woken up by a commotion within the city."Hurry!”"Move, move, move!”"It’s a new monster! It's completely different from the ones that have been besieging the city!"Adrian jumped out of bed and saw Rozi getting up too.Rozi asked, "What's happening?"Adrian shook his head.A soldier then rushed in and reported, "Sir, the city is under attack by a new kind of monster that resembles a minotaur. Sir Remy is currently leading the defense assault."Adrian said, "Rozi, let's go find out what's happening."The two of them quickly made their way to the city walls. Soldiers were stationed along the top. Gunfire echoed and explosions rang out. Adrian and Rozi got to the top to get a better view. The approaching horde of monsters was vast and seemed to encircle Drogoton like a tidal wave. In the midst of these invading monsters stood a kind that they had never seen befo
Adrian's mind raced, desperately searching for a way to deal with these minotaur monsters.Rozi launched her sword at one of the minotaurs. It landed on the creature’s head but was quickly deflected thanks to its incredibly tough body. Her attack was ineffective."Quick, think of something," she urged."I'm thinking," Adrian replied with his eyes closed, rapidly assessing the situation of these monsters in his mind, trying to find a way to counter them. Dealing with monsters that had such extreme body heat was an insurmountable challenge."Oh no! The city walls are heating up!" "The monsters are getting closer! We need a plan!" "The walls won't hold for long!" The advancing minotaurs had elevated the temperature in their vicinity so that even the city walls began to scorch. The searing heat was unbearable, and the soldiers stationed atop the walls were feeling the pressure, including Adrian.Rozi, in a desperate attempt, leaped from the city walls and struck at one of the mi
As the temperature continued to drop, the snowfall intensified. People within the city were shivering with cold, and even objects froze in place. The soldiers were trembling from the cold too.Rozi, who had rejoined Adrian, could not hide her astonishment as she observed the spectacle in the distance."What's happening?" she asked."It's Marissa,""What?"Adrian never expected Marissa's eyes to possess such an ability. He had experienced how cold the gems were back at the War Legate Shrine, but he had not expected them to still work this way after fusing with Marissa. Marissa, on the other hand, looked calm as she continued to radiate with piercing cold. The surrounding temperature had fallen to negative twenty degrees Celsius. Snowflakes were forming everywhere, and slowly, the cold spread until it reached the outskirts of Drogoton. The minotaurs were confronted with this expanding cold. Their fiery bodies cooled as they came into contact with the cold air. The reach of this
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