Adrian chuckled and said, “Even if Chase himself were here, he wouldn’t get any respect from me, let alone you.”Gabriel panicked and bowed to beg for mercy. “Please, Legate!”Adrian said upon seeing him bow, “No need to panic. I’m not planning to kill you.”Gabriel was relieved upon hearing Adrian’s words.Adrian then asked, “Tell me, Gabriel. Has Internal Affairs located Kayn yet?”Gabriel said without any hesitation, “Sir, Chase dispatched the order all over the country to search for Kayn. However, his whereabouts are yet to be located. Hence, Chase ordered us to capture Shirley and her mother so Kayn would be compelled to show up.”“What are the places you’ve searched?” Adrian questioned.Gabriel thought about it and quickly answered, “We’ve been looking all over Southeast, and almost all of Internal Affairs were mobilized for the task. We’re also searching within Southrive but we don’t dare to draw attention because that place is mostly under your organization’s control.”
Gabriel inhaled a deep breath upon hearing Adrian’s remark.Gabriel asked, “So, you said Wyvern Peak will protect me. Is your promise still valid, Legate? If Chase finds out that I told you, he’ll surely kill me.”Adrian stood up and said, “Take your family, relatives, and money to Swallowston. Half of Southrive’s areas are guarded by Wyvern Peak. Chase won’t be able to kill you there.”“Thank you, sir. Umm… I shall make a move then.”Upon saying that, Gabriel hastily stood up and ran home to pack. Today was the day that his life had changed so drastically.Adrian stood up after Gabriel and the others were gone. Shirley grabbed his arm and asked anxiously, “Sir, how’s my mother? Did you find her?”Adrian answered, “Don’t worry. My people have already picked her up and she’s on the way here. She should be home in about an hour.”“Thank goodness.”Shirley was relieved. Suddenly, she was struck by an idea and muttered, “There’s still another hour. That’s plenty of time.”As she s
Coke?Adrian was stunned. He looked at Shirley in puzzlement. “What’s a coke?”“It’s cola!”“What’s a cola?” Adrian was still puzzled.“Dumbo. It’s Coca-cola.” Shirley felt speechless. “You’re War Legate Draco, yet you don’t know what coke is?”Adrian was well-versed in astronomy, geography, and history and was even skilled in various trades and mystiques. Yet, he did not know what coke was.Adrian ignored Shirley. However, the girl tirelessly brought up topic after topic, pushing him to frustration. He came to realize that Shirley was more bothersome than Nadine.Nadine was just slightly more spontaneous and not as talkative. Shirley, on the other, was just talkative.While being bombarded by Shirley’s questions, Adrian found for the first time in his life that time could pass so slowly.Meanwhile, Shirley giggled and said, “Sir, I have a few best friends who admire you very, very much. I also have a best friend who has a photo of you in your battle suit hanging in her room.
On the way back to Swallowston after leaving Southeast, Blade drove while he and Adrian chatted.Their topic of conversation revolved around Windton’s ten houses.Christina and Shirley listened to their conversation but could not join in.Judging by the current situation, Windton’s ten houses were Chase’s stronghold. Even if Chase were to suffer a setback in his current position, he still had a route of retreat.It was apparent that the ten houses would serve as his retreat.According to what Gabriel said earlier, these ten houses had been recruiting members—people with the same last names throughout Navia. It looked like they were planning on forming a country that belonged to them in Windton.Adrian managed to figure this out.***Blade and Adrian talked for a while before Blade asked Adrian about his next step as he continued to drive.He asked, “Judging by the current situation, Chase has already planned a route of retreat for himself, sir. Windton’s houses are his route o
Adrian did not answer her directly.Instead, he smiled and said, “Don’t overthink this, Mrs. Christina. There are certain things that are beyond your understanding at times.”Christina stopped speaking and leaned into Shirley’s embrace.***On the same afternoon, Adrian returned to Swallowston with the mother and daughter. Upon arriving, he arranged for them to stay in the original Battle Warrior Tower.Adrian instructed Christina to look for a rental house and to get a stable job as soon as possible so they could live in Swallowston from now on. After that, he called Mya and ordered her to continue the search for Kayn. He told her that he would go over immediately if there was any update.Adrian returned home after he was done managing these matters. It was already dusk by now.In One Jewel Road, Samantha, Joanna, and Rue were preparing to have dinner when Adrian walked into the villa.Noticing that Adrian was home, Joanna hastily said, “Yikes! You’re home, big hero. I thought
Rue’s remark puzzled Adrian, Samantha, and Joanna for a moment.The three of them looked toward her in unison.Rue sat down while Samantha asked, “Mother, where is this place that you’re referring to?”“Yeah. Where is it?” Joanna urged.Rue smiled and looked toward Adrian. “Adrian, do you still remember where you met Kayn on two separate occasions?”Adrian was astounded. However, he was enlightened the next moment.He said, “Mother, are you referring to St. Elmer’s Church?”Rue nodded smilingly. “That’s right. If Kayn is still in Swallowston, it’s possible that St. Elmer’s Church is his only hiding spot. I know that there are a few basements in the back of the church.”“That’s right. Why haven’t I thought of that? The most dangerous place can be the safest at times. Kayn is surely hiding in the church.” Joanna was enlightened too.Samantha hastily nodded. “Mother is right. Adrian, go and check out the place quickly. Perhaps, he really is hiding at the church.”One could say t
Before the deacon said another word, the sound of car engines could be heard outside, indicating that several cars had parked outside the church.Charles slowly stood up from his meditation cushion and clasped his hands together."Stay here. I’ll handle this man from Wyvern Peak," he said to his deacon.The deacon obediently stepped back.As Charles walked out of the meditation room, he heard footsteps outside. A dozen guards were already stationed outside the room. Just then, Adrian, dressed in his battle suit and with a mask covering his face, strode in with Mya and Blade."Are you the priest of St. Elmer's Church?" Adrian asked as his eyes swept the room.Charles nodded. "That’s correct. I go by the name of Cassius. What brings you here at this hour of the night, War Legate Draco?""I'm looking for Kayn Cross," Adrian replied.Charles remained expressionless and his hands clasped together as he said, "There are only two people here at St. Elmer's Church—me and my deacon. Eve
Charles was dissatisfied.He gave a cold snort, dusted off his long sleeves, and said, "Hmph, I can't believe it. The mighty War Legate Draco is devoid of manners. St. Elmer's Church is a sacred place, and I won’t allow anyone to trample on it."Blade was furious and wanted to take action, but Mya stopped him.Adrian said, "Father, are you using St. Elmer's Church to assert your dominance over me? You should know that the previous legates of Wyvern Peak, including myself, have bad tempers."Charles sneered, "This is where Saint Elmer rests, and no one has the right to act recklessly here. Not even the emperor himself if he graced us with his presence."Although Charles did not explicitly state his intentions, he had made himself clear to everyone. He wanted to use the church to assert himself in front of War Legate Draco and gain a sense of superiority.This was something Adrian was clearly able to see through.When Charles showed no sign of backing down, Adrian sat on a chair i
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