After subduing Harriett, Adrian's influence within Sandstone City peaked. With control stretching from the southern Sable Emblem to the eastern Unicorn Society, alongside the forces of the governor's mansion and the garrison, nearly half of Sandstone fell under his sway. However, among these factions, only Sable Emblem and Unicorn Society possessed the capability to assault the city's barrier. Harriett and Terry primarily played supporting roles. Harriett had to tolerate the expansion of these two groups within Sandstone and minimize his intervention while managing the other factions. This task proved exceedingly challenging. Thus, Adrian instructed Terry to collaborate with him and ensure that Harriett retained his position as garrison instructor.Another day passed, and tensions within Sandstone intensified. Harriett found himself summoned by Sid and Carson. Initially, conflict erupted between Sable Emblem and the Unicorn Society, albeit with Adrian's tacit approval. However, it w

On the evening before the week-long deadline agreed upon by Adrian and Quintin, all the previously dispersed Elite Forces members returned to Adrian's side, convening at the headquarters of Sable Emblem. Despite Sable Emblem's rise to prominence as one of Sandstone City's major forces, they hadn't yet relocated from their headquarters due to Adrian's incessant push for chaos.Upon the arrival of the fifty people, Clement and his companions were nearly petrified with fear. Though those with moderate strength managed to maintain some semblance of composure, when an eighth-level expert like Marcel laid eyes on them, they still lost their wits. Each person who came was an eighth-level expert at the pinnacle stage. These fifty formidable individuals could very well annihilate Sandstone City without the help of the army.Clement sensed that something was awry. Although these individuals could speak the language of Obscura City, a significant portion of them had peculiar intonations and ton

"Your Majesty, the barriers within the city remain intact," a soldier reported to Quintin.Quintin gazed up at the sky, then waved, signaling his understanding. "Still no progress?" he muttered to himself.Unaware of Adrian's actions within the city, Quintin understood that the situation inside posed challenges even for Adrian. Hearing the news of the barriers' security, Quintin didn't dwell on it. The delay of a week was inconsequential; he had ample time. Sandstone City stood as the greatest impediment to his conquest of Obscura. Overcoming it was imperative. Victory in the war was assured, just the method of achievement remained in question.Dispatching Adrian reflected Quintin's desire for a flawless victory. If Adrian failed, Quintin wouldn't be disheartened. Opening the heavily guarded barriers within Sandstone within a week was a feat even Quintin believed he couldn't accomplish. Adrian was chosen simply because he was Adrian."No, he will succeed," Quintin murmured and chuc

Adrian stood atop the city wall, observing Quintin's advancing army. Meanwhile, Sid led part of the resistance forces stationed at the edge of Sandstone, guarding against potential small-scale cavalry raids.Quintin’s large army, numbering over one hundred thousand, was positioned on the side of the city gate where Adrian stood guard. The main forces would launch their attack from this direction.In the midst of the massive crowd, Adrian scanned for Sid's figure. Though unfamiliar with Sid before, he had since learned what this great commander of Obscura looked like from propaganda posters upon arriving at Sandstone. However, Adrian couldn't spot Sid among the throng despite his keen eye.Not far from Adrian stood over ten thousand soldiers, ready to thwart any attempts to disrupt the central hub of the barriers once the war commenced. Dealing with these soldiers posed a challenge for Adrian. It was evident that he couldn’t do it alone, hence, the scene unfolding below his feet was

As Adrian pressed forward with his sword, the three thousand guards at the central hub spotted him. However, amidst the current chaos, they didn't grasp Adrian's background as he was just one person. None of them paid him any heed, perhaps too consumed by the unfolding turmoil.But regret soon followed Adrian's sword swing. They realized that despite him being alone, the menace he presented far outweighed the three thousand others. Moreover, those three thousand were merely a disordered throng engaged in internal strife."Since when did Sandstone harbor such a formidable expert?" someone exclaimed, coughing up blood.This man had been relatively fortunate. When Adrian swung his sword earlier, another person happened to be standing before him and bore the brunt of the attack and was cleaved in half. Despite being affected by the sword's essence, this man managed to narrowly preserve his life.Having unlocked the profound Origin Power–a mystery to Adrian himself—his combat prowess su