But instead of sinking into flesh, the blade met an unyielding surface.A sharp, metallic clang reverberated inside the carriage as the knife snapped in half.Greg's eyes widened in shock, his breath catching in his throat."What the—?" he gasped, staring in disbelief at the broken blade clutched in his trembling hand.Alex stirred slightly, shifting in his sleep but remaining oblivious to the world around him.A faint snore escaped his lips, the gentle rise and fall of his chest undisturbed.Panic surged through Greg like icy water. His mind raced to comprehend what had just happened.He had been so certain that Alex wouldn't survive the tower, let alone thwart his assassination attempt without even waking.Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, trickling down his temples as he backed away.Disbelief and fear intertwined within him, tightening their grip on his racing heart."How is this possible?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rumble of the carriage wheels.As the
The boys who had snatched the waist bag darted into a dark, narrow alleyway, their footsteps echoing off the grimy brick walls.The three men chasing them skidded to a halt at the alley's entrance.“Avery, hand over the bag,” barked the leader of the trio, his eyes cold and commanding.The two burly men flanking him glanced over their shoulders, scanning the deserted street behind them.“He's not following us,” one grunted, a smug grin spreading across his scarred face.“That new academy kid is always easy prey,” chuckled the other, cracking his knuckles.The leader snatched the waist bag from Avery's trembling hands.“We'll do three or four more runs today. You keep picking pockets from those academy fools like before, and we'll handle any chases,” he sneered.Avery's stomach growled audibly, and his eyes pleaded.“Could I have something to eat first? I haven't eaten anything all day,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the distant bustle of the city.The leader glared at hi
Alex looked around the table.Mostly academy students filled the place, their chatter buzzing in the background.This was clearly a popular spot for them.“What are you standing there for?” Lyra sneered. “Get out of here. Don’t think you still have any connection with Katherine after losing your rights from the Leonhart family.”A wave of murmurs spread across the room."That Alex... really shameful," someone whispered."He’s already been cast out. How dare he come here and claim Katherine, one of our academy's most beautiful?"“He's shameless to the bone.”“Arthur is much better for Katherine than that loser who keep harassing women.”Suddenly, a calm low voice cut through the noise."Alex!" A beautiful, petite woman rushed toward him, throwing herself onto his back.“This place is mine,” she whispered, her eyes closing as she held onto him.It was Tanya Mirestone, one of the academy's top beauties.She belonged to an even more powerful family than Katherine Randolf's.Not only was s
Alex walked along the street, using the Akashic Record to locate the best place in Crownreach.Within the Akashic Record lay the ancient art of geomancy.He used it to search for the best spot to harness the energies of both earth and heaven, knowing it could bring luck and fortune.Those who lived in such places often thrived far more than those stuck in cursed, low-energy lands.To truly become rich in this place, he knew it would demand not just intelligence but also an enormous amount of luck.He had already mastered a special breathing technique that allowed his body to automatically draw energy from the earth and heavens, rapidly boosting his inner strength.Perhaps due to this technique, Tanya—the Sleeping Magician—found comfort near him.She also drew energy while she slept and was particularly sensitive to places rich with power.Alex soon found a spot brimming with energy, though it lay on the outskirts of Crownreach.The place was a ruined estate, overtaken by nature.He co
In a small alley of Blackwood City, within one of the neatly arranged old wooden houses. “Darling, breakfast is ready.” Alex happily prepared breakfast for his wife. “It is your favourite bacon. I woke up early to prepare it. Let's enjoy it together before heading to work." His wife didn't respond from their bedroom. Alex placed the delicious-smelling bacon on the table and found her sitting on the edge of the bed. She was still in her pajamas, with a cold look on her face. “Are you okay, honey?” "No, I'm not." His wife said, "“Alexander, I want a divorce." " “W-What?” Alex thought he was hallucinating. And the breakfast he had prepared for Merly fell to the ground with a loud noise. "You heard me right! I want you out of the picture. It’s OVER!" Merly’s voice was cold as ice, but her eyes were burning. She looked extremely angry. "I-Is this a joke?" Alex asked, his voice trembling, "Tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary." He walked up to her, trying to figure out if
Alex hurried outside to retrieve the parcel, containing items no one should see.Neighbours had gathered around to watch this shameful drama of a wife divorcing her husband. Some point their fingers at Alex.Merly stood at the door, faced the gathered crowd fiercely."Everyone, look at this useless man," she shouted with contempt, "He can't bring me any happiness in my life. He gave me ugly, cheap things, and all bitter food to eat!"“Before marriage, I didn’t even need to work. Rich men were lining up to provide everything I needed!”"Since I married, I’ve known nothing but pain and poverty." She scanned the crowd arrogantly. "I ask you, do I have the right to divorce this worthless man?"An unmarried, 70-year-old grandmother retorted, "Merly, you are beautiful, and you are already too kind to your trash husband. If it were me, I would have long ago divorced him! Even if you gave him to me for free, I wouldn’t take him.""Agree," said another ugly man. "Merly, you're too pretty for h
"You little bustard, you don't know what you and your sister lost."Alex clenched his face, but suddenly laughed out a little. Blood in his mouth tasted bitter. He gazed at the government agency building.Last year, he and Merly arrived, full of love and happiness, unable to wait even a second to sign their marriage papers.They declared the sacred oath together."In good times and bad, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, until death do us part, we are committed to staying together."Sealed it with a sacred kiss.He even still vividly remembers the sweetness of the taste of the sacred kiss.Now he was the only one clinging to their oath.“You asshole! What are you standing there for?" Merly calling out to him impatiently. "Go in and get this over with."Alex’s had no choice. Together, they entered the crowded hall, took a number, and waited for their turn.The sterile scent of the government office mixed with Merly’s perfume as Alex beside her pleaded.“Merly, this is the
The security stopped him when Alex was walking out, “Did you sign it?”Alex nodded, too careless to answer.“Good, next time find someone who’s your equal.”Alex walked away. ‘My equal? True. Merly surely only fits as the lowest.’He noticed Merly on the roadside, appearing to wait for someone.Walking over to her under the scorching sunlight that burned his skin, Alex as a gentleman, he believed it wasn't right to part on bad terms.After all, they had shared a year together through good and bad.Alex tried to offer his hand for a handshake, but Merly fiercely slapped it away.“Yeah, good for you. You’ve been draining me for a year. Do you think anyone would want to shake hands with a monster that’s tortured them?”He was baffled, unable to understand why every kind word he uttered was met with anger and blame from her.“I’ve done everything for you. Can you tell me, besides not buying you those expensive stuffs, what did I do to deserve this much disrespect?” Alex finally snapped.“