Carson regarded Terry silently, awaiting his explanation."The members of those gangs are ordinary people with little to lose. Their approach to warfare differs from ours. The outcome holds less significance to them; it's merely a shift in leadership. Consequently, dissent is inevitable. They seek to bolster their own power amid the chaos, irrespective of the war's ultimate victor. Their influence upon Sandstone cannot be overlooked,” Terry offered in explanation.Carson pondered Terry's words, finding merit in the analysis. "Indeed, based on the information gleaned from gang members, they all espouse aspirations for recognition and accomplishment."Although Harriett and Terry hadn't coordinated their statements, their astuteness guided their responses."Recognition and accomplishment? Absurd, considering their capabilities." Carson scoffed derisively.Harriett and Terry exchanged a knowing glance. Carson's dismissive tone indicated he had accepted their explanations. Both men bre
On the evening before the week-long deadline agreed upon by Adrian and Quintin, all the previously dispersed Elite Forces members returned to Adrian's side, convening at the headquarters of Sable Emblem. Despite Sable Emblem's rise to prominence as one of Sandstone City's major forces, they hadn't yet relocated from their headquarters due to Adrian's incessant push for chaos.Upon the arrival of the fifty people, Clement and his companions were nearly petrified with fear. Though those with moderate strength managed to maintain some semblance of composure, when an eighth-level expert like Marcel laid eyes on them, they still lost their wits. Each person who came was an eighth-level expert at the pinnacle stage. These fifty formidable individuals could very well annihilate Sandstone City without the help of the army.Clement sensed that something was awry. Although these individuals could speak the language of Obscura City, a significant portion of them had peculiar intonations and ton
"You simply need to continue your attacks on the other gangs as before. You're already embroiled in an intense conflict with Universe Brotherhood, aren't you?" Adrian remarked with a light chuckle."Is that all?" Clement was somewhat taken aback, failing to grasp Adrian's intentions."Yup," Adrian replied succinctly."And what about the other two barriers?" Clement inquired."Those will be handled by the Unicorn Society," Adrian casually responded.Clement took a couple of steps back, visibly shocked. ‘The Unicorn Society?’ He fell silent, deep in thought.That day, Unicorn Society suddenly launched an assault on Sable Emblem, claiming they had taken down Clark. Clement had felt a twinge of indignation at the time, knowing it was Adrian who had orchestrated Clark's downfall. Yet, the Unicorn Society had shamelessly claimed credit and even encroached upon Scarlet Star's territory—territories rightfully belonging to Sable Emblem.Upon reflection, the Unicorn Society had clearly be
"Your Majesty, the barriers within the city remain intact," a soldier reported to Quintin.Quintin gazed up at the sky, then waved, signaling his understanding. "Still no progress?" he muttered to himself.Unaware of Adrian's actions within the city, Quintin understood that the situation inside posed challenges even for Adrian. Hearing the news of the barriers' security, Quintin didn't dwell on it. The delay of a week was inconsequential; he had ample time. Sandstone City stood as the greatest impediment to his conquest of Obscura. Overcoming it was imperative. Victory in the war was assured, just the method of achievement remained in question.Dispatching Adrian reflected Quintin's desire for a flawless victory. If Adrian failed, Quintin wouldn't be disheartened. Opening the heavily guarded barriers within Sandstone within a week was a feat even Quintin believed he couldn't accomplish. Adrian was chosen simply because he was Adrian."No, he will succeed," Quintin murmured and chuc
Outside the city, Quintin was fully prepared, clearly intent on capturing Sandstone in one swift move. Sid lacked the manpower to quell the internal turmoil. However, once the news spread, Harriett unexpectedly softened his previous tough stance toward the gangs and ordered the garrison troops not to intervene."What's going on, sir?" Harriett’s subordinates asked anxiously.According to patrol reports from the frontline, today was likely the decisive battle between the gangs in Sandstone City. They had held off for a long time, and if they didn't act today, they might not have another opportunity in the future. The entire garrison would undoubtedly face consequences from the enraged mayor, and maybe even Sid himself."Do not do anything, any of you. This is my final advice to you all." Harriett, considering the years spent with his comrades, gave them a subtle hint at the last moment."Sir Harriett..."After these words, Harriett left the garrison. His confidant and daughter were
Adrian stood atop the city wall, observing Quintin's advancing army. Meanwhile, Sid led part of the resistance forces stationed at the edge of Sandstone, guarding against potential small-scale cavalry raids.Quintin’s large army, numbering over one hundred thousand, was positioned on the side of the city gate where Adrian stood guard. The main forces would launch their attack from this direction.In the midst of the massive crowd, Adrian scanned for Sid's figure. Though unfamiliar with Sid before, he had since learned what this great commander of Obscura looked like from propaganda posters upon arriving at Sandstone. However, Adrian couldn't spot Sid among the throng despite his keen eye.Not far from Adrian stood over ten thousand soldiers, ready to thwart any attempts to disrupt the central hub of the barriers once the war commenced. Dealing with these soldiers posed a challenge for Adrian. It was evident that he couldn’t do it alone, hence, the scene unfolding below his feet was
Covered in blood, someone rushed to Clement's side, shouting wildly, "Sir, it's time to retreat!"Clement remained silent for a few moments, then commanded, "Initiate the final charge. The Universe Brotherhood won't hold out. Before the army arrives, crush their remaining strength. We'll become the dominant gang in Sandstone City.""We can't do that! In such circumstances, the military will attack us!" Clement's subordinate retained some sense."Do you doubt my judgment? Do you forget who brought us to this point in just one week?" Clement's stern expression silenced the person, who, despite feeling uneasy, chose to trust their leader."Everyone, charge with me!" Clement shouted.The Sable Emblem members were momentarily stunned, but their eagerness to fight overrode their thoughts. They surged forward, and those behind them followed suit. Over a thousand people rushed toward the Universe Brotherhood.The Universe Brotherhood members were bewildered, staring at the approaching Sa
As Adrian pressed forward with his sword, the three thousand guards at the central hub spotted him. However, amidst the current chaos, they didn't grasp Adrian's background as he was just one person. None of them paid him any heed, perhaps too consumed by the unfolding turmoil.But regret soon followed Adrian's sword swing. They realized that despite him being alone, the menace he presented far outweighed the three thousand others. Moreover, those three thousand were merely a disordered throng engaged in internal strife."Since when did Sandstone harbor such a formidable expert?" someone exclaimed, coughing up blood.This man had been relatively fortunate. When Adrian swung his sword earlier, another person happened to be standing before him and bore the brunt of the attack and was cleaved in half. Despite being affected by the sword's essence, this man managed to narrowly preserve his life.Having unlocked the profound Origin Power–a mystery to Adrian himself—his combat prowess su