Juno squinted her eyes.‘According to the books I’ve read, Herculean Boxing is a mixed martial arts technique unique to Wyvern Peak. It was developed after years of trial and error. I’ve also read that this technique is a must-have for all of Wyvern Peak’s soldiers.It’s probably the most ferocious technique to date.’Juno recalled reading about this technique. So when she heard Adrian’s offer, she quickly said, “But, Brother, I don’t know how to fight even though I know the technique. I’ve read about it before but it’s really difficult to learn.”“Don’t worry, I’ll teach you.” Adrian stood up, pulling Juno to her feet as well.“You’ve got an extraordinary memory, Juno. I’ll demonstrate the technique slowly, and I want you to repeat what I’ve done in all seriousness after you’ve learned it.”Juno nodded, allowing Adrian to begin his demonstration. His movements looked slow, but the force of his punches was filled with vitality and ferocity while his defenses were impeccable, demo
Joanna then shot a glare in Adrian’s way.Rue was extremely focused on wanting Juno to do well in school since she had always been a studious person. Hence, she hoped Juno would not get distracted.Hearing this, Adrian had no choice but to smile since he could not refute his mother.On the other hand, Juno took his side and said, “I was the one who pestered Brother into teaching me, Mother.”Rue looked at Juno and replied, “Right now, you should be focusing on your studies, Juno. You’re going to be taking your university entrance exams soon, so you mustn’t do anything that might distract you from this. You need to work hard and do your best to get the best results possible.”Juno nodded, and Rue turned toward Adrian once more. “No more teaching her how to fight from now on, understand?”Adrian nodded, while Joanna and Samantha continued to observe the scene. After that, Rue headed downstairs to resume her cooking.Joanna stuck her tongue out at Adrian and pulled a face, but was
“You attended that university, didn’t you? Has it been helpful to you so far?”Adrian had made that statement very casually, but it was enough to cause Samantha’s expression to darken.She instantly grabbed Adrian’s ear and shot a glare at him as she said, “Are you trying to insinuate that I’m a useless person? Is there a problem with me being a graduate of Southrive University? At least I managed to start my own company.”Adrian, whose mouth twitched from the pain of having his ear pulled, said, “That’s not what I meant. I’m just trying to say that going to university isn’t the only way in life. Juno’s a talented girl, so don’t you think it’d be a huge shame for her to live her life as an ordinary person?”“But your mother prefers that kind of life for her. You’ve got an extraordinary life, but have you actually been able to enjoy life so far? Sometimes, I’d rather you not be the legate, to be honest,” Samantha said.Although Samantha had her point, Adrian still thought Juno shou
Rue’s stubbornness left Adrian feeling helpless.At the same time, Juno was out in the living room watching television. But, in truth, her mind was already on cloud nine. Over the past few days, while Adrian was teaching her more about Herculean Boxing, she had sensed that he wanted her to become like him.Yet, Rue was very adamant about not wanting her to follow his path.“Is something on your mind, Juno?”Just as Juno was deep in thought, Samantha walked over and sat next to her with a smile on her face. Juno pointed to the kitchen and said, “Brother’s talking with Mother right now, and I think it’s about me. Mother sounds really angry.”Samantha looked toward the kitchen and guessed that Adrian was trying to persuade Rue. She smiled and asked, “Adrian’s trying to groom you into becoming like him. What are your thoughts on this?”Juno remained silent for a moment. She could understand what Adrian wanted for her.‘Everyone should have a glorious dream they’d like to pursue in l
Rue would do this every year without fail.She believed that it was Saint Elmer who had been protecting Adrian and their entire family all this time.When Adrian heard this, he looked up in confusion. “Is the event happening tomorrow? It’s been so many years since I’ve been to St. Elmer’s Church.”Back when Adrian was still a little boy, Rue would take him there with her every year. Time seemed to freeze whenever he thought about the church.Meanwhile, Samantha smiled and said, “Mother’s been taking me there every year while you were away, dear.”“Looks like she hasn’t changed her habits,” Adrian said with a smile.Rue was not a very capable woman per se, but she strongly believed that Saint Elmer could protect them, and it was the only consolation she had over her years of hardships.Juno then said, “I heard they’ve invited a group of choir singers from Azure Creek. I hear they’re really famous.”St. Elmer’s Church would hire a group of local choir singers every year, which wa
“This place is packed!”Samantha was enveloped by the event’s atmosphere the moment she got out of the car. Hand-in-hand, she, Joanna, and Juno walked through the streets while Adrian followed behind them.There were cheers, people yelling out their wares for sale, and many more sounds echoing from both sides. It was a joyous occasion that Adrian rarely had the luxury of enjoying.The choir was still singing at the foot of the mountains. Aside from that, the fragrance of Swallowston’s local delicacies emanated throughout the air, making Adrian recall a time very, very long ago when Rue often brought him to the church.Adrian, purely focused on having fun, suddenly thought of someone.“Mother, someone just came to mind. I wonder if you still remember him,” Adrian rushed over to Rue’s side and asked, who was rather curious about it.As they walked, she asked, “Who is it?”“He used to sell carved wooden dolls outside the church, and I remember him knowing a thing or two about astro
Soon, they got to the end of the line.Rue said, “Let’s head inside.”Samantha and the others nodded and were about to go into the church when Adrian suddenly said, “I’m going to pass on the prayer session, Mother. I’ll be outside.”“Why?” Rue asked in confusion.At that moment, Juno smiled and said, “There’s a rule at Wyvern Peak where its soldiers are forbidden to kneel before anyone except for their parents and benefactors.” It was then Rue understood why Adrian was skipping the session.“All right then. You go ahead and wait for us outside. Don’t go off without us, okay?”After Adrian acknowledged her instructions, Rue brought Samantha and the others in while Adrian waited outside. He was watching the stage when he suddenly heard the voices of children saying…“I want a doll.”“Me too.”“Me three!”Adrian instantly looked toward the source of the voices.At a spot not too far from the church, a group of children were surrounding a very old-looking man. The man had a bl
Adrian’s interest was piqued.As he sat down in front of the old man, Carver’s eyes squinted and asked, “Do you have a cigarette?”Adrian took out his pack and handed a stick to him before looking at Carver’s pants—to where his limbs should have been.“How did you lose your legs?” Adrian asked.Carver took a puff of the cigarette and heaved a long sigh. However, he did not answer Adrian’s question. Instead, he asked, “Would you like me to tell you your fortune once more?”Adrian nodded. “I’d like to know who will become the next legate. Are you able to help me with this?”Carver merely smiled. “I’m sorry but I can’t tell you that. It’s a secret.”“Haven’t you already revealed such a secret once sixteen years ago?” Adrian asked.Carver shook his head. “That was different. I was the one who sought you out back then, but you’re the one who has come to seek me this time.“Let’s put it this way. You didn’t want to know the answer sixteen years ago, but you do now.”Adrian knew tha