Upon hearing this, Samantha moved over and sat next to Adrian.Adrian said, “I can drive you guys, but I’d advise you not to venture too far in. Tigers have been spotted there. All right, get in then!”“Okay, thanks!” Elsa smiled when she heard this and got into the vehicle. She then yelled, “Get in, guys! We should thank this handsome, kind samaritan for giving us a ride.”“Thank you!” A few women giggled.After that, all eight of them got into the vehicle and Adrian drove further into the mountain.At that moment, the four men sitting inside were ogling Samantha and Mya. They originally thought that their girlfriends were pretty enough. But faced with these two gorgeous women, they were dumbstruck.A few of them then noticed Samantha’s belly. The young man called Ayden Wight whispered, “Hey, look, she’s pregnant. She has to be four or five months along by the looks of it.”The young men laughed. They even cursed and said, “F*ck! What a waste of a perfectly fine woman!”Elsa s
As the trio walked away, Elsa led Ayden and the others down the mountain road and into the forest.Before they left, Adrian heard a few of the young men cursing at how a fine woman had been wasted on him. He paid them no attention and said, “Reagan lives in a wooden hut not too far from here. We’ll be there after a short walk. Let me carry you there, sweetheart.”“That’s—”However, Adrian already picked her up before she could even finish.Feeling helpless, Samantha wrapped her arms around Adrian’s neck.Meanwhile, Mya said, “I’m so jealous of you, Sam.”Samantha smiled, while Adrian ignored her.The reason they did not leave Samantha at the hotel was that Adrian could not rest easy with her out of his sight. To him, Samantha would be safest by his side.Adrian carried Samantha for more than an hour.It was two in the afternoon when they arrived at a wooden hut in the forest. It had three entrances to the east, south, and west and a little fenced courtyard. There were turkeys,
Adrian, Mya, and Samantha stood before the middle-aged man.They were now able to take a good look at the man, whose face was covered in a beard and a mustache. He had a hardened appearance and a muscular build, making it evident that he had been a powerful man in his younger days.However, he now looked like an unkempt hermit.The middle-aged man raised his head and looked at the man and two women before him. Curiously, he asked, “How did you learn about constellation traps? It just doesn’t make sense. You’re only in your twenties, aren’t you? Where’s Achelous?”Adrian sat down, while Mya helped Samantha onto a wooden stool.Adrian looked at him and said, “Looks like you’ve been living rather well over the past thirty years, Reagan.”The man before them was none other than Reagan Nave, a man who was hitting fifty.Reagan smiled when he heard his name being mentioned. “The fact that you know me must mean you’re no ordinary man. You’re the only person who’s been able to walk into
“I see. It’s really you, rookie! What’s your codename?”“Draco.”“I see. Draco, huh? It’s been six years since we last met. You’ve changed so much. Looks like you’ve grown a lot,” Reagan said.Adrian smiled, while Reagan quickly said, “Wait here a moment.”He got up and headed inside the hut. He then brought out two kegs of alcohol.“Nobody’s been here since you left after recovering from your wounds, rookie. Now that you’re here, how about a sip of my special brew? Here!”Reagan poured out a large mug of alcohol and passed it to Adrian, who clinked mugs with him before downing it completely.“Excellent!” Reagan laughed and tore off the boar’s hind for Adrian. “Now then, rookie. Tell me everything that has happened over the past few years. I’ve been living in this hut for so long that I can feel myself close to becoming a barbarian!“Tell me. Where’s Achelous now? Why hasn’t he come to visit me yet?”Reagan and Achelous were blood brothers, but Reagan left the city after losin
“Are you really that strong?”Reagan’s eyes locked onto Adrian.The fact that Adrian remained undefeated over the past four years was enough to prove that he was one of the strongest legates throughout Wyvern Peak’s history.Reagan lamented and said, “Times really have changed. In the past, all of the legates of Wyvern Peak were mature-looking men. Who would’ve thought a young man like yourself would end up being selected? You’re probably the youngest person to become famous in Wyvern Peak to date.“Your undefeated record is probably tough for anyone to beat, even for Achelous!”Despite the years he had spent in the world and how far away he was, his loyalty toward Wyvern Peak remained unwavering. Although he himself was not a member of Wyvern Peak, his brotherhood with Achelous began because of it.“It’s a pity that Wyvern Peak ended up being dissolved despite how famous War Legate Draco is,” Mya said after heaving a sigh.Reagan was instantly stunned when he heard this. “What
“No!”Reagan shook his head. “You can’t just sit back and do nothing, Draco. You do realize that there’s a chance these people may be in control of Dragon Peak if the Eight Hollows have revealed themselves. When that happens, the world will be in chaos. Are you really able to watch as countless lives are lost and their blood spill all over our lands by not having Wyvern Peak take action?”“I’ve done what I should and everything I could. I don’t belong to anyone from now on, nor does anyone own me.“Cheers!” Adrian smiled and held up his mug before clinking it with Reagan’s. After that, he downed his drink once more.Helpless, Reagan heaved a sigh and said, “We live in such a cold world. Everyone’s willing to follow the person who wants them dead but refuses to listen to the one who’s capable of protecting them. The world’s becoming more and more realistic by the day.”Samantha looked up at Reagan all of a sudden. “Mr. Reagan, the only ones in the world who’d protect you with their
Meanwhile, Adrian departed from Reagan’s place with Samantha and Mya.Mya could not refrain from asking hesitantly, “Sir, why did you come to see Reagan today? I can see that he has already lost all hope in life.”Since Reagan had chosen to live in seclusion, it meant that he was not planning to return to the modern world anymore. For a person born into a powerful, influential family, his personality was closely associated with that of weaklings.“Only a person who has lost all hope can create hope again,” said Adrian while he walked.Mya was extremely puzzled.“What do you mean? Could Reagan bring some sort of hope to the people?” asked Mya.“Reagan still has it in him so if he can bring himself to leave Mount Pallor, he will still be able to draw support from many Navians,” said Adrian.Mya rolled her eyes. In truth, she did not regard Reagan as the man he was back in those years. She said, “I don’t agree. In my perception, Reagan’s willpower is gone. Even if he were to leave
Samantha asked, “How do you know about Reagan’s daughter, dear? You haven’t joined Wyvern Peak yet at that time, right?”Adrian answered, “In truth, I began investigating the incident when I joined Wyvern Peak, and I found out that Reagan has a living daughter. I already sent someone to protect her in secret at her place of residence a few years ago.”Mya was enlightened. She narrowed her eyes and asked, “So what’s your intention? Are you really planning on getting the women to do things for you? That seems insane to me.”“Nothing is insane in this world. There’s only right or wrong,” said Adrian.“Even if that is the case, I feel that it’s not realistic for you to serve a woman. God knows what sort of person Crystal is. What if she is a deadbeat?” Mya refuted.Adrian looked toward Mya, “Based on my understanding, Crystal is a wise, capable woman. Her view of the world is different from yours and others. Moreover, I’ve already chosen her.”Samantha said, “Is the act of serving Cr
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