Suddenly, the ground shook violently. Adrian looked up to see a massive surge of cyan light rushing toward him like a tidal wave, and his expression fell. One strand of that light had already left him badly injured. And now, with countless strands converging, survival seemed impossible.He wanted to dodge, but escape was futile. The sheer intensity of the power felt like it could swallow him whole in an instant.Adrian’s face darkened with a deadly resolve. He was prepared to destroy anything in his way. But strangely, the cyan light didn't strike him as expected. Instead, it surrounded him, forming a glowing barrier.Momentarily confused, Adrian had braced for an attack, but the light now seemed less hostile. This shift in events frustrated him. He despised the feeling of having his fate controlled by another force, with no way to turn the situation in his favor. Despite his anger, he understood that against such overwhelming strength, his rage was powerless.Refusing to surrender
Adrian's expression became increasingly grave as he failed to detect any abnormalities in the surrounding space. But the very absence of change terrified him more than anything. If he could sense the space shifting, it would mean he had some grasp of the situation. But now, with no clues to work from, he felt uneasy and on high alert.Staring into the void, doubt flickered in his eyes. Just moments ago, he had been immobilized, and now he was free to move. He couldn't decipher what the Phoenix Tree was planning, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. If this dragged on much longer, he feared he would be worn down completely.Adrian mused darkly, recognizing the Phoenix Tree’s power far exceeded his understanding. One wrong step could mean his death."I didn't mean to intrude. Please, let me go. I'm a straightforward and honest person," Adrian called out, but the void offered no response. He tried a different tactic. "How about we make a deal? That Prism Stone outside is valuable. How ab
Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.Something astounding happened.A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”“Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. This man was a legend
“What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.“Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.“Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”“Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”“Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.“The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?The Xanders were overjoyed.***“Father, the legate is almos
After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.There was no reason for him to stay any longer.***Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”Everyone burst out laughing.“Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.“Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”“What?” Harold was worried.He came and left? Why?He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”“No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?
The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?Adrian went up to the office.***CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.That was Samantha Cowell.Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.“Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.The man was Devin Williams,
Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.“Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of
Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.“Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”***The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.“Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.“Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty muc