2024-11-28 06:01:01
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 222 Unexpected Savior
Pluck! Something arrested Tyler’s free fall in mid-air. It was unexpected since his fractured senses detected no living beings in the vicinity. That was the primary reason he gave up in the first place.The young man opened his bleeding eyes to find out what was happening. Who was the mysterious savior? With sunlight blinding his already blurry vision, he could see someone carrying him. Together, they floated to the ground comfortably.Tyler strained his eyes as they landed. A heavily muscled torso and a familiar face loomed over him. It was Butch Salvatore!“Master!” he groaned in disbelief. “Is that really you? I thought you were dead!”Tyler had seen Butch die with his own eyes. Kraken devoured the old man’s right arm and later riddled his body with holes. In the end, the monster crushed his heart, essentially ending his life.How did Butch survive such irreparably fatal wounds? How did he fix his entire shredded body? Moreover, it was known that damage taken from Kraken could not
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 223 The Prophecy
“Yes. Do you know what it is about?”“I thought it was another name for the Seraphim King?”The old man shook his head. “No. The prophecy is about the arrival of one powerful soul in a hundred thousand years.”“A hundred thousand? That is a long time period, running into prehistory! Even before humanity came into existence!”Butch furrowed his brows dismissively. “I don’t have the time to tell you about all the ancient civilizations that existed before recorded history. All you need to know is that the thousandth Seraphim King will be the prophesied Gilded Man.”“Who is he?” Tyler asked curiously. “What number were you?”“I was the nine hundred and ninety-ninth,” the old man replied with a knowing smile.Tyler sat up with a start, now that all his injuries were healed. “I am the Gilded Man? Are you sure about that? Clearly, there’s been a mistake! Someone who couldn’t even protect his own master can’t be a savior born from prophecy!”“Didn’t I ask you not to interrupt me?” Butch fired
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 224 Crippling Loss
"NOOO!" Britta screamed, jumping off Kat's back before the latter stopped her gallop.The girl's loud reaction was justified. She had just noticed that her grandfather lay on his back, seemingly lifeless. The old man had only one arm. Half a dozen holes riddled his muscular torso. Moreover, the corpse had already begun to turn blue.The great Butch Salvatore was dead. Tyler knelt before his body with a vacant and spaced-out expression. His own clothes were tattered, but no injuries or bruises were visible."Thank the primordial gods," Kat muttered to herself, realizing her ex-husband was alive and unharmed. She skidded to a stop and changed into her human form.The Mayan goddess raced towards Tyler for a much-desired reunion. However, she stopped abruptly on spotting Butch's corpse. Kat stood motionless, unable to decide whether to hug Tyler out of relief or grieve for Britta's grandfather.Butch Salvatore meant nothing to her as a person. She hadn't encountered him earlier in the pr
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 225 Pitch Black
Kat was still connected to Tyler emotionally and spiritually through a fine strand of mystical energy. It snapped abruptly, making her take an apprehensive step back. The goddess realized something had broken inside him. Butch Salvatore's death had already dealt a powerful blow to Tyler's psyche. Now, Yara's passing had broken the threshold. A part of his personality that he had suppressed all his life had awakened. "Tyler… You're scaring me…" Kat mumbled anxiously. The young man's demented smile was oddly persistent. He appeared not to have heard the goddess' concerns. He spun sharply, taking a purposeful step in the opposite direction. "Where are you going?" Kat asked, knowing her question would fall on deaf ears. Tyler took a single leap and, in a second, appeared fifty yards away. The area he landed on was bathed in deep red. It was as if a large tank of blood had been overturned. The young man's sharp eyes scanned the area with urgency. He finally spotted what he was l
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 226 Lilith
The resurrected Yara Mathews received no replies from the others. Instead, she was the object of shocked stares from the girls and a blank look from Tyler. She turned from one to the other in utter perplexity. Suddenly, Yara realized she was naked. She let out a feminine scream. With one arm, the beauty covered her breasts and her crotch with the other. “Someone help me…” she whimpered. “I don’t know what’s happening…” Tyler turned his eyes away from the nudity, instead focusing on the charred Hetacomb site. While he dwelt on his emotions, Kat and Britta rushed towards Yara to aid her. “Don’t worry, child!” the goddess called out the soothing words. “Everything’s fine. I’ll manifest some clothes on your body immediately!” “Stay right there, Yara!” the young Salvatore assured her. “We’re coming to help you!” Suddenly, Tyler’s senses tingled. His gaze whipped back to the girls. “Don’t look at her while she is naked!” Britta snapped at him. “What’s wrong with you?” The you
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 227 The End
The Salvatore estate was situated in the hilly regions of Sapphire City. It was remote, accessible only by helicopters, ski lifts, and cable cars. Other billionaires of the city were rather unaware and uninterested in the massive terrain covered by the Salvatore estate. They dismissed it as waste hilly lands. Actually, the ancient estate was hidden from commoners through different geographical and magical means. However, the truth was far from it. The area was replete with mines and minerals. It was a treasure trove of riches. Moreover, a thirty-thousand-square-foot castle dominated the Salvatore estate. It was an ancient structure from where Butch used to rule when he was alive. Britta was raised within those premises. Tyler Grant touched down at a site specially selected for the old man’s last rites. As his wings retreated, he noticed a ceremonial gathering had been summoned. They were Salvatore loyalists, castle butlers and staff, and a few of Tyler’s acquaintances. Under Ty
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 228 Note To Readers
The previous chapter marks the end of the Ascension Arc. I applaud and congratulate all readers who have read this far. I hope you enjoyed the journey. However, this is just the beginning. The Ascension Arc will be followed by the Coronation Arc, where Tyler deals with more daunting enemies and situations. New characters will be introduced, and the focus will shift towards those I have ignored till now. We have had a lot of fantasy battles. It is now time to return home and face more down-to-earth challenges. Those who read so far, kindly leave a review under the story's main page. (Note: there is a difference between leaving a comment on a paragraph or chapter and under the main page) I hope you will still accompany Tyler further on his journey. Thanks again for the support and love. Yours fictionally, KAISER KEN P.S: Do read my other story, THE PEERLESS MAN WITH A THOUSAND GIFTS. It is set in the same universe with an equally awesome main character. Thanks.
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 229 The Coronation Arc Begins
“You will certainly not die if you eat the forbidden fruit,” the serpent said to Eve.~Genesis 3:1-5.***Far off, a secret conference was under way in an undisclosed location. Selected individuals crowded a long table. Some faces were covered with hoods and masks, while others were shadowed. Regardless of the secrecy and covertness, the chatter was loud."What? We lost El Medalla? How could this happen?""Years of hard work and investments ruined? Shame!""What were the mercenaries doing? Did the Red Marauders give up?""Dagon has never failed us before! Does that dog's leash need to be tightened?""How dare the Prince of Petra launch a war against us? Who told him about El Medalla in the first place?""We must retaliate! We have no other alternative!"A man sat at the head of the conference table, paying no attention to the rabble. He looked engaged in deep meditation or profound thought. Suddenly, he stirred, his eyes turning to the side.A surge of incoming energy disturbed his in
Latest Chapter
255 The Rose Trail
Tyler needed larger numbers for the Gilded Men to actually act as a shield for Sapphire City, especially now that the world center was being developed right there in Sterling Hill."How's the world center coming along?"Dune, the third lieutenant in charge of city expansion, replied. "My Lord… Lady Yara Mathews is coordinating the World Center project. Representatives from all major countries have already arrived. I'll share a day-to-day update on your phone.""What about their safety?""We've allocated one cultivator to every delegate as a bodyguard. However, our numbers are spread too thin."Tyler sighed. As expected, his organization needed to grow faster to maintain the city's security. What if there's an insurgence of cultivators? He was anxious since his encounter with Amelia."Alright. You may return to Emperor's Cove and coordinate the other cultivators."The four exchanged glances. "But, my lord," Gemini spoke up. "We are your protective detail."Tyler laughed aloud. "Do you
254 The First Disciple
The very next day, Tyler launched the ambitious cultivator program with Derek's help. The latter recruited potential candidates from all over the world through his military contacts.These were talented young people with good family backgrounds and martial arts experience. They were inducted into the cultivator program after rigorous tests of intelligence, personality, and latent abilities.As far as the artificial cultivation tools were concerned, Derek Sentinel was the first test subject. The Mayfair Sapphire itself was turned into a locket that he wore around the neck.Derek was also the first one to learn the art of cultivation. He went on a wilderness retreat to the Salvatore estates with Tyler."Okay, now let's put the training to the test. Make a fist and punch me.""I wouldn't dare attack you, sir," the Indigo Captain replied grimly. "May I hit a tree or a boulder instead?"Tyler shook his head. "I know you can smash trees and boulders with raw strength. However, cultivation i
253 Invention
Half an hour later, Tyler and Derek reached the automobile showroom that the former owned. It was previously called Carlisle Motors but was renamed Maya Motors.Maya, a bright little girl, was its General Manager. She had vehemently opposed the showroom being renamed after her."Sir, it is your property!" the girl had protested. "I cannot have my name on the company title!""Well, you have no choice in the matter," Tyler had replied stubbornly. "You handle all the responsibilities anyway. Moreover, my privacy will be threatened if I use my name on the properties."Maya greeted the duo at the showroom's entrance. "Welcome, sir.""How's our secret project going?" Tyler asked.The female manager looked enthusiastic. "It is running fabulously, sir! We have already manufactured over five hundred units! Would you like a tour?""Most definitely. Actually, I brought Derek to see our operations, and unveil my plan."Maya escorted them to the showroom's VIP elevator. Once the doors closed, she
252 Forgiveness
When Tyler reached the Grant house on Maude Street, he found Derek Sentinel standing guard outside. On seeing him, the man rushed forward and knelt on one knee."Sir, I took Tracy out shopping and distracted her. She knows nothing about what happened earlier. Amelia is still your girlfriend, in her opinion. Now Tracy is resting."Tyler nodded and began to walk past the kneeling Indigo Captain. "Sir, please, may I have a word with you?" the latter begged."Go ahead.""I am very ashamed, sir, for failing you and Tracy! I am prepared to break up with her and go into exile for penance. Moreover, I will accept any other punishment you think I deserve. Death is also welcome."Tyler shook his head. "Enough of that. The danger has been averted. Stand."Derek rose to his feet, but his face still hung in shame. "Please forgive me, sir, and punish me for my tardiness."His young master waved a dismissive hand. "There is nothing to forgive, Derek. A sly woman tricked you, and I know Tracy is stub
251 Adultery
"What are you doing?" Tyler demanded, preparing for a fight. He detected no bloodlust, but the confrontation was unexpected.The beauty glanced at his face up close. "I'm doing what I came here to do, Tyler Grant. To take what is owed to me. Have you forgotten our promise?""What are you talking about? Our promise? I've never met you before!"Amelia disregarded his shock. Her hand moved to his face, and her soft fingers touched his rugged cheek. Something in Tyler allowed it. What was wrong with him suddenly? Why were his defenses down?"Listen, lady. I don't have the time—"Then, abruptly, the memory flooded into his mind. A blast from the past. He was probably younger than ten years.It was Christmas, and the boy wanted to purchase food from Mama's Bakery. Because of his disheveled appearance and lack of money, the obese guard turned him away with humiliation.Tyler was about to leave when a little ran outside the bakery, calling to him. She offered him a chocolate pastry.The boy d
250 Amelia
On hearing the lovesick words, Tracy's cheeks immediately turned red in embarrassment. "Oh… I'm so sorry…"Naturally, lovers separated by distance and time were forced to sacrifice their sexual urges. They would look for a chance to jump each other's bones during a reunion. Tracy was old enough to know that."Stupid, stupid me!" she blurted, evidently flustered. "You lovebirds need private time!" Before leaving, Tracy whispered to her brother, "Good choice, bro. You knocked it out of the park. Amelia is a keeper. Don't let her escape."Tyler pursed his lips. "Don't worry. I won't let her escape so easily," was the rather morbid reply.Once Tracy exited the bakery, Tyler sat across the table and gave the stranger a piercing gaze."Who are you?" he asked bluntly. "What do you want from me?""And what was that lover's farce about? I don't know any Amelia! I've never heard or seen you before."In response, the exotic beauty stood to her full height gracefully. She was in a black, trendy
249 The Stranger
Tyler met Derek Sentinel at the junction of Bakery Alley in West Sapphire. As soon as the young man saw her sister's boyfriend, he grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into an electric pole."You swore to protect my sister! Why did you leave her alone?! Where were you when she was taken?"The wind was knocked out of Derek. He took the punishment without complaints and instead lowered his face in shame.Earlier, the Indigo Captain had received a call from Tyler demanding he come to Bakery Alley immediately. Apparently, Tracy's life was in danger, and it was because of his stupidity."Did the cat get your tongue?!""Sir…" Derek groaned. "I was with Tracy when the stranger arrived and invited her to this location. Your sister insisted it was a private meeting between women; therefore, men weren't allowed. She wouldn't listen to me at all!""You know how stubborn your sister is. Moreover, the stranger claimed she was your close acquaintance. My hands were tied."Tyler let the man go bu
248 The New World Order
The conference room echoed with tunes. The perplexed dignitaries whipped out their devices and began answering the calls and reading the messages."What?! The child trafficking group was wiped out?""I don't believe this! The bombs were found, and the terrorists surrendered?""The hijacked plane was returned?""The workers in the collapsed mine were rescued?" "The hostages are back home?""The humanitarian supplies were recovered?"Apparently, all the problems the elite members had stated had already been solved! They looked at each other in utter disbelief, trying to understand what was going on.It was time for Yara to speak up. "Respected dignitaries! Let me illuminate you about what happened! Lord Tristan fixed your problems while you were on your way from your nations! This is how capable he is.""What? Impossible!""That's inconceivable!""Is Lord Tristan really that powerful?""His scale of operations is even grander than Lord Butch!"The grateful members turned towards Tyler
247 The Elite Conference
The dignitaries in the conference room came from all over the world—Europe, China, Russia, India, Japan, and so on. They were CEOs of multinationals, government officials, and even from international agencies.As soon as Yara announced Tyler's new alias—Tristan Salvatore, the room became flooded with gossip and whispers. The members exchanged surprised glances and even voiced their confusion."Miss Mathews!" the representative from China began. "With due respect. We accepted your invitation because we were promised an audience with Lord Butch Salvatore. We've met him before, and he is a much older man."The others nodded in agreement. "We do not recognize Lord Tristan, regardless of him being related to the man we seek.""Moreover, we usually meet in the Salvatore Estate. Why are we at Emperor's Cove in Sapphire City?"Yara offered the group a professional smile and stepped forward. "I regret to inform you that the Lord Salvatore you knew passed away a few months back. His unfortunate
