Cheshire was about to say something, but Adrian had walked away from her to walk alongside Owen.Thus, she sighed and dragged all the briefcases inside the house.***Adrian, Nyssa, and Owen headed to one of the classrooms on campus.The two listened to Owen talk about Terry along the way, and Nyssa felt extremely excited upon hearing all of it.At that moment, a young man around sixteen years old was sitting inside a classroom meant for first-years. It was a Sunday today, so most students had gone home. He was the only one sitting inside, focused on his studies.This young man was, no doubt, Terry Jade.Terry’s life was different from others, what with losing his parents at an early age, and his older sister he had been relying on disappeared when he was ten. He dreamt of going through every city when he grew up and was capable enough to look for her, which was the only thing that was keeping him going.It was also his only reason to live.He wanted to find his sister, dead o
Nyssa looked at him and asked, “Terry Jade, Do you really not know who I am?”Startled once more, Terry turned around to look at Nyssa, whose eyes seemed to have turned red as she struggled to hold back her tears.At that moment, Terry stood up and took a closer look at Nyssa. He did feel that she was familiar, yet he was unable to recall who she was.“You…You look very much like someone I know,” Terry said.Nyssa wiped her tears and asked, “Go on. Who do I look like?”“You look like my sister. My biological older sister. She disappeared six years ago, and I haven’t seen her since. You look a lot like her, but different at the same time, it’s strange…”Nyssa took a deep breath when she heard this. After that, she pulled her long hair back, revealing her forehead. After that, she tied her hair into a ponytail with a hairband.“Look again and see if you can recognize me now.”Terry did as he was told, but this time, his entire body trembled as he was stunned.Seeming to be in di
Faced with her brother’s hatred, Nyssa was at a loss for a moment.With her face drenched in her tears, she grabbed Terry’s hand and said, “Please, Terry… Please forgive me. Please!”Maybe Terry could not accept his sister abandoning him, or he was trying to release all of the hatred he had pent up deep inside of him. He pushed Nyssa’s hand away and ran out of the classroom.However, he immediately bumped into Adrian right upon exiting the classroom, sending him to the floor.Terry covered his forehead, which was causing him a lot of pain at that moment.“Terry!” Nyssa ran over to help her little brother to his feet.Terry stared at Adrian for a few seconds after he got back up before asking, “Who are you? Could you please let me go through?”However, Adrian did not budge.Nyssa quickly said, “Mind your words, Terry. Hurry up and greet War Legate Draco properly.”“War Legate Draco?”Terry felt shocked and stared at Adrian for a while longer.It was well-known that War Legate
Without saying a word, Terry followed Adrian to the field.There, Adrian stopped and turned to Terry. “Actually, there’s no rich or poor when it comes to dreams. Plus, who told you Azure Creek is a poor place? I can say with confidence that Azure Creek is the wealthiest place in our country.”Terry replied, “I’m not an idiot, you know. Azure Creek has gone through more than a thousand battles with many sacrifices, so how do you expect a place like that to be wealthy?”Adrian thought that this statement was funny.‘Looks like Terry’s been reading up on his history.’At that thought, he smiled and said, “Sometimes, having money doesn’t mean that place is wealthy. Instead, it’s the mentality that makes one truly wealthy.”“What do you mean? I don’t understand.” Terry shook his head.“One’s mental wealth originates from their hearts—their dreams. Would one even be considered human if they don’t have any dreams?”Terry thought about it for a while and replied, “I get what you mean n
Terry stood there in a daze. He turned to look at Nyssa once more, who was smiling at him.He then turned back and asked, “Who kidnapped Nyssa? Why would they do such a thing?”Adrian replied honestly, “It was Bloody Rose—an organization from the outlands. They’ve kidnapped many young women to nurture them into killers. Your sister was only one of many.”Terry took a deep breath, not expecting to hear that answer. Even though Nyssa left him six years ago, he had no idea she had been kidnapped.He walked over to Nyssa before getting down on his knees. “I’m sorry, Nyssa. I had no idea you’ve gone through so much. I’m sorry for what I said before.”Nyssa smiled and stroked Terry’s hair. “It’s all right, I’m fine now. War Legate Draco saved me, and I’m doing much better by working for him.”Terry got up and turned toward Adrian. “Will I be able to change everything if I get into ACMA? Will I be able to destroy Bloody Rose to avenge my sister and all the other women?”“That’s only if
After that, Nyssa held Terry’s hand and said, “Come on. Let’s go to your room. I’d like to have a look at it!”Terry nodded, and the siblings headed for the dormitories. When they arrived there, they spoke for quite a while, with Nyssa giving him a lot of life lessons.After sitting for a while, Nyssa noticed that her time with Terry was almost up, so she took out a card and handed it to him.“Here’s some money I’ve been saving over the years at Bloody Rose. I want you to take it. The passcode is your birthday. I have to head back to Swallowston with the legate soon.”“But we only just met. I thought we could have a meal together…” Terry said, reluctant to see his sister leave.However, Nyssa shook her head and said, “You’ve grown so much and have gotten used to living without me. You should have your own dreams now.“I’m now working at Wyvern Peak. Plus I would be dead if not for the legate, which is why I’ve got to go back. I’ll leave you my contact so that we can always stay i
Even though Nyssa had no idea what the book predicted, she believed that there was an enormous plot behind all this.Soon after, Adrian and Nyssa returned to Swallowston.Nyssa returned to Battle Warrior Tower to meet up with Ivy and the others while Adrian headed to Swallowston Hospital.Eternity was still recovering in the hospital after being defeated by him. He believed that he should be able to acquire some information from her.***Adrian arrived at the hospital and found that the place was guarded by Wyvern Peak’s members.“Sir, you’re here,” Blade said hastily. He was guarding Eternity in the hospital when he saw Adrian.“How is she?” Adrian asked.Blade joined Adrian in walking into an elevator. He said, “She’s awake and her limbs have been reattached. However, she has refused to speak. She won’t answer anything that we ask her.”Just as Adrian had speculated, the current Eternity was not the real Eternity but one in disguise. Her refusal to speak signified that she h
Upon hearing Emily’s remark, Adrian said, “Don’t worry, Emily. No one will treat you like an animal. You’ve seen what happened to Ivy and the others. Aren’t they living a good life now?”“They’re from Navia while I’m from Shaydon. My homeland and yours are bound by enmity. Aren’t you going to exact revenge on me now that you’ve captured me?”“You would already be dead if I wanted to seek revenge on you. You wouldn’t be lying in a hospital,” said Adrian.He then added, “There’s no difference in territory when it comes to life. You can be from Shaydon or Navia, but you’re still a life that’s a part of this world. Besides, I can see that you’re inherently kind.”“I…” Tears streamed down Emily’s face. No one had spoken to her in this manner for many years.She turned to look at Adrian and asked sincerely, “You’re Wyvern Peak’s leader, and many of your subordinates were killed at Shaydon. Don’t you hate those from Shaydon?”“I told you that there’s no difference in territory when it c
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