"How is he?" Samantha asked anxiously.Cian answered, "His injuries are pretty severe, and I doubt he'll be able to fight on the battlefield after this. He has several fractures on his spine, which will be very difficult to recover from.""How did this happen? Does anyone know about this?"Helen shook her head. "Steel's injury must be kept a secret or the citizens will panic.”"Nova, you can't tell anyone about this, okay?" Nova silently stared at the operating theater's doors. She had always thought of Steel as her father. He had raised her, taught her how to fight, given her knowledge, and so much more. He was her guiding light.Her fists clenched as she understood something very important. They would be able to leave the city if someone did not lead them out of their situation.Despite her age, Nova came to the conclusion that she needed to leave Novemton and find a way to defeat the Creator.***Steel's severe injury was a significant blow to Novemton. News of this was su
Having vanquished the grim, Nova turned to Miguel and revealed a charming smile. She then picked up her communicator and said, "All units, fall into formation. We're going to storm out of here with a coordinated assault and take out the grims at the back.” "Team One, ready.""Team Two, ready."Tens of thousands of young men and women organized themselves into a flawless formation: assault, defense, long-range support, cover fire, scouts, support, and medical units. Upon close observation, one would find that their formation bore a remarkable resemblance to the one Adrian had deployed during the Battle of Azure Creek.After the teams had prepared themselves, Nova, their leader, shouted, "Charge!"The team surged forward like a tidal wave.At eighteen years old, Nova now understood everything that was happening through her continuous learning. She knew about the Creator, the meteorites on Isle 416, and everything else that had occurred. The young men and women who became her compa
"That's good. Everyone, please leave us. There's something I'd like to tell Nova alone."Everyone promptly exited the room, and Steel instructed, "Close the door."Nova quickly closed the door and returned to his side.Suddenly, Steel's tone became serious as he said, "Kneel.”Without a second thought, Nova knelt.Steel then commanded, "I want you to recite Wyvern Peak's principles and your heartfelt dedication to me."Nova did not hesitate and began reciting the principles, “Never surrender, never retreat, never betray."Steel sighed and reached out to touch Nova's face. With trembling hands, Nova took Steel's hand and placed it against her cheek. Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "I don't want you to leave me, Mr. Steel. Who will take care of Novemton if you go?" "Nova, do you know why I've been so strict with you from such a young age? Do you remember all that I’ve told you? Now is the time.""Time for what? What are you talking about?" Nova asked in puzzlement.
Time seemed to freeze as Nova's mind went blank. All her hatred evaporated in an instant.Tears blurred her vision as she looked at the ailing Steel and cried, "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you wait until now to tell me this?""I'm sorry, Nova. We did this so that you could grow up better. Your hatred toward him was fueling your fighting spirit, and we all hoped you would become like your father."Nova wiped her tears and said, "I don't blame you, Mr. Steel. Where did my father go? Why did he never come back? It's been eighteen years since he left.""He and Rozi went to find a way to save this world. Something most likely happened to him, which is why he hasn't returned. Even though our satellites can't locate him, I believe he's still alive."Nova sobbed uncontrollably. She could not believe that the father she had resented for eighteen years was Sir Draco."Mr. Steel…” Nova got on her knees again, clutching Steel's hand and crying like a child.Steel gently stroked her hair
"I’ll never back down no matter what happens.""That's good. I-I'll be watching over you…f-from above…" Steel's hand fell limp."Mr. Steel!" Nova screamed.Thus, Steel died. He had been Adrian’s subordinate for four years and stood by Wyvern Peak his whole life. Even so, he had not achieved many incredible feats that would make him a legend.Nonetheless, Steel had executed Adrian's orders flawlessly as a battle warrior. He had suffered defeats in battle but fought on with unyielding determination. In his sixties, he was no longer as lively as he was in his prime.And he had now left the world.***The generals of Wyvern Peak were waiting outside as Nova emerged from the room without her usual smile. Instead, she looked determined. She clenched her fists as she slowly walked out.Samantha anxiously asked, “How is he?"Nova replied hoarsely, "Mr. Steel has passed."Some people rushed into the room and some fell to their knees. Meanwhile, news of Steel’s death spread throughout
Nova paused but did not turn around. She feared that she would not be able to leave if she did. She uttered, “Mother.”Samantha bit her lip and stood before Nova. She had raised her daughter for eighteen years, but Nova was about to leave her as Adrian had. She fought back her tears and asked, "Are you really leaving?"Nova nodded. "I'm a grown-up now, Mother. I'm no longer the little girl you cuddled in your arms."Samantha's tears rolled down her cheeks as she covered her mouth.Nova continued, "Mr. Steel told me everything. For eighteen years, I thought Father was a liar. I now find out that he's actually Sir Draco, the man I've admired all my life. His blood flows in my veins. As his daughter, I must finish what he couldn't. If he's still alive, I'll find him and bring him back to you.""Your dad is most likely dead, and I don't want to lose you either," Samantha sobbed."Even so, I must go."Samantha knew she could not stop Nova, nor could she bear to. Nova was much differe
“Attack!""Attack!"The ground trembled as armored vehicles sped out the city gates. These vehicles would carry Nova and her companions to Mount Regent in their search for the Timewinder.Rumble, rumble, rumble!The earth shook and the sky quivered. Suddenly, something seemed to form in the sky. A colossal blood-red entity appeared on the horizon. Its sinister appearance exuded endless malevolence that enveloped the world.The people were shocked when they saw the massive apparition."What is that thing? It's enormous!"Ivy and the others stood on the Novemton City walls, gazing at the entity on the horizon."It looks like a massive bloodstorm is heading our way.” Ivy frowned."A storm that size will eradicate everything if it gets here. We don’t have much time left—a year at most. That blood storm will be our doomsday.""Let's hope Nova finds the Timewinder and forces the Creator out. We have to defeat him before that happens.”The young soldiers were the city's last hope.
Rozi walked along the passage as she examined her surroundings. Ten minutes later, she noticed the walls had a series of murals that made her stop."Partingians drew these," Rozi muttered as she touched the walls.The paintings told a story similar to the one the world had seen recently.Rozi analyzed them and realized they explained one essential thing. A Partingian mining team had dug up this meteorite many years ago, and the Partingian emperor ordered an investigation.When the first group of investigators entered the meteorite, they faced an illusion. They thought they were stuck inside forever, sliding downward in a never-ending tunnel. The Partingians studied the meteorite and discovered black worms living inside it. The worms could induce hallucinations, and those who fell victim would never wake up.The Partingians then found a method to counter these worms and sent a second team. This team used this new method to descend into the meteorite safely. Afterward, they explored
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