“Where are they now?” Adrian asked.“They’re drinking at a bar,” answered Daniel.“Bring some people and go there with me.”“Yes, sir.”After hanging up the call, Adrian immediately got into the car and drove away from Jewel Road.The first guardian and the chief secretary went missing when the city was invaded by Luposia. Their departments had pushed the responsibility to one another during the incident, and Adrian had yet to sort out this situation with them.However, a woman wearing a mask waved at Adrian from the main road far away from him as soon as he drove down the mountainous paths of Jewel Road.He fixed his eyes upon the woman and discovered that it was Sarah. She hastily walked over and removed her mask. She asked, “Dad, where are you going?”Adrian said, “Just call me ‘Adrian’ will you? Also, what brings you here?”“I bought a house on Jewel Road and now live near you. You gave me permission to stay in Swallowston so I’d like to be as close to you as possible,” an
Soon, Adrian led his troop—Mya and the others—to Swallowston Hotel.Internal Affairs had always been in control of the whole city, ensuring that everything was in good order. But now, not only had it failed to fulfill its duty, but the department was a chaotic mess with no one managing it.The first guardian and the chief secretary had been nowhere to be found. They vanished when Swallowston needed them the most. And upon their return, they were off having a good time.Adrian would never allow them to do this.***Meanwhile, a few middle-aged men were sitting in a private room in the Swallowston Hotel and were accompanied by four to five attractive young women. All sorts of delicacies were served on the table, the smell of alcohol permeating the room that was filled with cigarette smoke.Two people were sitting in the room. One of them was the chief secretary of Swallowston’s Internal Affairs named Asher Chumber while the other was the first guardian, Harial Wayland.Other than
Harial nodded. “You’re right. Although this matter is indeed true, it’s still confidential for the time being so please don’t share it with anyone else. Soon, Wyvern Peak will no longer exist!”Harial and Archer’s revelations piqued the interest of the crowd.Novemton International Group’s president asked, “What’s going on? Is Mr. Chase preparing to take out the legate?”Asher sneered and said, “Not just the legate. Mr. Chase is going to take out the whole of Wyvern Peak! As long as it stands, Wyvern Peak is a huge threat to us.”“What’s the situation? We’re all ears!”“That’s right, Mr. Asher. Please tell us the situation.”The crowd inquired with keen interest.A few beautiful women swayed and leaned against Harial and Asher. They even raised their glasses to get the two men to drink. These women were commissioned by the company presidents, of course.After taking a sip, Asher said, “Think about it. The war in the outlands has already subsided. Since there’s no war, why are t
Everyone in the private room was stunned upon seeing Adrian walk into the room.Archer and Harial were so shocked that they hastily shoved away the beautiful women in their arms.Out of fear, these women turned ghastly pale. They got on their knees and placed their hands behind their heads, not having the courage to act rashly.Adrian clapped as he walked into the room. He chuckled and said, “Well said, well said. When Novemton votes against me, Swallowston will officially be yours to rule!”The few company presidents at the scene turned pale. They collectively stood up and said with awkward, flattering smiles on their faces, “Y-You’re here, Legate. Please…please take a seat…”These people naturally did not have the courage to go against the legate in person. However, they were not expecting him to come here.“D-Draco, what brings you here? Are you here to see me? Since you’re here, would you like to sit down and have a drink?” Asher did not have the courage to be hostile in Adri
Adrian smiled.“We won’t discuss whether I misheard anything for the time being. Moreover, even if Chase doesn’t figure out a way to vote me out, I think I’ll just go to Novemton and kill him sooner or later.“Anyways, I’m not here today to discuss the voting. I’m here to ask where have both of you been recently.”Adrian then glanced at the two men.Asher said, “I was on a business trip at Wellborough because of a situation over there.”Harial said, “I went for a meeting and have just returned to Swallowston. I’ve been so busy with work that I didn’t even have time to eat.”“Is that so?” Adrian asked.Asher furrowed his eyebrows. “Draco, are you here to investigate us? I’m the head of Internal Affairs. At the very least, we’re equals. You don’t have the right to investigate me.”Adrian said, “Theoretically, I don’t have the right to disturb you. However, I’ve been unoccupied recently and I’m bored out of my mind, so I’m looking for something to do.”“Draco, you…” Asher was ins
“Aaaaah!”The sound of women screaming was heard in the private room as they scurried in fear. In the end, they hid in the corner and shook in fear. The men, too, quickly got to their feet and retreated.All at once, the private room was filled with an icy, gloomy air.Asher abruptly stood up and pointed at Adrian as he roared, “What do you want, Draco?! I’m warning you! Don’t interfere with Internal Affairs’ matters because it won’t be beneficial to you in the slightest!”“Is that so?” Adrian sat back down and chuckled.Harial said, “It’d be best for you to mind your own business, Draco. Don’t meddle with things that you shouldn’t be meddling with. These matters aren’t related to you whatsoever.”Adrian’s nonchalant gaze landed on Harial. “Judging by your tone, you seem to think that Wyvern Peak is looking for trouble in Swallowston through its actions.”Asher and Harial sat down once again.Asher said, “Wyvern Peak is only stationed in Swallowston temporarily. You shouldn’t m
“Hahaha!” Asher suddenly raised his head and laughed out loud.His laughter was tainted with displeasure, or perhaps he felt that the legate enjoyed boasting as well. Who else in this world had the courage to do anything to him other than Internal Affairs’ management?Asher said, “Draco, I have to say. You’re really good at feigning. However, let me tell you this. Your tricks won’t work on me. I refuse to believe that you have the courage to hurt me. If you hurt me, Mr. Chase will instantly exterminate you!”“Would you like to try?” Adrian asked.Asher started to shout, “Touch me and see what—”But mid-sentence, a ripping noise was heard.The sound of a blade piercing into one’s body was heard when Mya made a move. Fresh blood seeped out of Asher’s body. His jaw dropped, followed by his body trembling.The women in the corner screamed, covering their heads and bursting into tears. Asher’s blood splashed onto the company presidents.Harial’s jaw dropped in shock as he slumped in
Harial and Asher were completely taken aback.They had lost their ability to think. In fact, they could not figure out why Adrian would suddenly put them in such a difficult situation all of a sudden. They had planned on walking away unscathed, yet, that now seemed possible judging by the situation.Asher felt a tugging feeling in his heart while Harial was already incapable of enduring the pressure the legate exerted on him. Both of them were at a loss for what to do.Asher had planned on getting away with using Internal Affairs’ name, but Adrian did not seem to hold much respect for Internal Affairs.The scene was in a stalemate.Asher and Harial were trying to figure out how to survive this crisis, but as they were pondering, voices were heard coming from the outside. A woman scolded, “I’ll have you know that my husband is the chief secretary of Internal Affairs. You’re doomed. When I find my husband, he’s going to kill all of you!”“Hahaha, my father is Asher Chumber. I’d lik
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