Wilmer trembled in terror, too frightened to utter a single word. He clung tightly to Adrian, dreading the thought that Adrian might abandon him.Whoosh! Whoosh!Arrows whizzed past the top of their heads, narrowly missing them multiple times. The boulder they hid behind was pretty small and only sufficient for one person to take cover fully. With both of them seeking refuge, the spot felt incredibly cramped.Adrian surveyed their adversaries. Despite having neutralized two foes, the enemy’s numbers were formidable. There were at least two dozen more people.The assailants dispersed, each finding a hiding spot and slowly encircling Adrian and Wilmer again. They were incredibly cunning.During his roll across the ground earlier, Adrian had lost his sword. Now unarmed, confronting the enemy from a distance was impossible."Wilmer, roll down the hill now. You’ll only get in my way by staying here,” Adrian urged."I'm not leaving!" Wilmer feigned resolve. "I’ll fight these ungratefu
Adrian then silenced Wilmer with a pointed look. "Enough talk. You stood by my side in battle, so I will save you."Adrian then retrieved a medicinal pill from his pocket—the one that Lionel had given him earlier. He had never anticipated needing it so soon.Crushing the pill, Adrian applied the powder to Wilmer's wound, and the bleeding stopped instantaneously. Wilmer was awestruck, stunned by the miraculous effect of the pill. He regarded Adrian with newfound admiration.After putting Wilmer on his back, Adrian raced toward Medicis Manor. He kept himself as steady as possible to minimize the discomfort Wilmer would feel.Suddenly, a black-clothed figure materialized in the middle of the road before them."There is only one outcome for betraying the Greenhursts—death!" The man’s voice was gruff, and he wielded a knife that glinted under the moonlight.Adrian gently placed Wilmer on the ground. Adrian could clearly see the attacker’s full-bearded face as the latter was not masked
"I'm still alive..." Wilmer uttered with a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. "You're incredible, sir. I'd love to be your apprentice."Adrian gave Wilmer a sidelong glance. He was helping Wilmer simply because of his unwavering loyalty during their earlier ordeal. Taking Wilmer as an apprentice was out of the question."Sorry." Adrian placed Wilmer back on his back. "I have no interest in taking on apprentices. You should find someone to be your mentor."Wilmer felt disappointed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small object, offering it to Adrian. "Take this."Adrian did not accept it, and simply kept walking. He disliked gestures of gratitude. After healing Wilmer, their relationship would end then and there.Wilmer urged, "It’s a fragment of the whip, sir. Weren't you searching for it?""You lied to me again?!" Adrian almost dropped Wilmer as his anger surged. "Didn't you say it was buried in your backyard?!”"That was to ensure you saved me," Wilmer hurriedly expl
Smack!A resounding slap echoed through the room as Lionel struck Wilmer's forehead. He scolded in disdain, "You rascal! Adrian himself is in danger, and yet you expect me to prioritize you? How shameless!"Wilmer was taken aback. He glanced at Adrian, noticing that the latter had suddenly become much younger. Adrian now exuded a strikingly youthful aura that did not match his mature demeanor."I'm not that noble," Adrian remarked, arms folded and his tone chilling. "Rest up and get better as quickly as you can, Wilmer. I need to find the rest of the Dragonbone Whip.”Lionel paused, then said calmly, "We need to act fast. Don't waste the Dragonbone Whip fragment on this guy. It can help to counteract the poison in your body.""How long can Wilmer hold out?" Adrian asked."He won't last more than twelve hours," Lionel replied gravely, "His injuries are severe, and his condition is critical."Adrian clenched his jaw. Wilmer had no ties to him. The fool had concealed the Dragonbone
Matson and Axel sat across from each other in the Thousand Herbs Study of the estate, engaged in a cordial conversation over tea. They were discussing various topics with great enthusiasm."Dr. Axel, I'm very grateful for the medicines you've provided," Matson said smilingly, "Honestly, I fully intended to pay for them, yet you’re so generous and won’t accept any payment. I'm touched, Doctor. Should Medicis Manor require anything in the future, don't hesitate to reach out to me."Axel felt a great sense of satisfaction. He had meticulously orchestrated this whole situation. The herbs he gifted Matson were of minimal value, meant to stop bleeding and treat minor wounds. Exchanging all that for Matson's gratitude made Axel feel as though he had secured a significant advantage."The paintings you gifted me are the real treasures here," Axel said, gesturing toward the paintings on the wall. "They look fantastic alongside my book collection."A silent understanding passed between them,
"That sounds perfectly logical," Axel agreed hastily, feeling a jolt of fear.If Shay was the real murderer, Medicis Manor was bound to face annihilation.Claude sneered. "Then how do you explain the blood on his back?"Only then did Shay realize his mistake and deeply regretted it. After taking the lives of 509 people, getting splashed in blood all over was inevitable. Even his sword had broken in the process."When I saw the tragedy, the shock overwhelmed me and I passed out. That’s how I got the blood on my back…" Shay tried to explain, attempting to craft a plausible narrative.Claude was rendered speechless by Shay's craftiness. The latter’s eyes held a murderous glint, clearly making him the real perpetrator of the slaughter. Regrettably, nobody believed Claude, particularly Axel, who seemingly allied with Matson.Having changed into fresh clothes, Adrian appeared. Finding them still at the entrance of the study, he said coldly, "The stains on your sleeves unmistakably rese
Axel quivered in fear, shocked to discover Matson as the mastermind behind the ruthless massacre. He had almost let a cruel murderer get away with a cart full of medical supplies!"Quick!" Recovering from his shock, Axel urgently ordered, “Bennett, unload all the medical supplies. I never expected these people to be so ruthless as to wipe out the entire Randell family."Claude felt a pang of sorrow. Moments ago, Axel was in warm camaraderie with Matson and was treating him like family. Upon learning of Matson's malevolence, Axel's demeanor instantly turned cold. It was such a huge turnaround."Mr. Axel!" Claude called out."I won't interfere with manor matters anymore, Claude. I’ve made a great mistake," Axel declared, raising his hands in defeat and retreating to his room.Claude stood stunned. After decades with Axel, he knew this place was his sanctuary. If Axel was ousted, he would be homeless.Adrian threw Matson into a dark room and locked the door. The rest of the Greenhur
Matson's scream pierced the night sky.Claude, already restless with the ongoing turmoil at Medicis Manor and burdened by the chaos brought about by Sebastian's departure, was on edge. He bolted from his bed at the cry emanating from the firewood shed, fearing something had happened to Adrian."Adrian! Where are you?!" Claude called out."I'm here." Adrian dragged Matson behind him.Matson, weakened and whimpering in agony, was coughing up blood.Claude was stunned. "Did…Did you kill him?" Panic-stricken, he added, "Urias doesn't tolerate outsiders meddling in Greenhursts’ matters. Handing Matson over will be the best option for a fair resolution.""No, I didn’t kill him," Adrian calmly responded, "He's alive. I just gave him a small lesson."Matson, face filled with tears and mucus, seemed on the verge of collapse.A small lesson? That had almost taken his life. Adrian was ruthless. Had he known, he would have acted first."H-Help!" Matson croaked."As long as he's alive." 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