Everyone held their breaths and watched him as drones sent by the media recorded the whole scene. With solemn expressions, the candidates waited for Adrian to speak. He was meticulously reading through the profiles on the table. This went on for around ten minutes before he finally looked toward the candidates, who were all sitting ramrod straight."What's the matter? Why do you guys look so serious? Are you guys scared of me or something?""Hahaha!" The hall filled with laughter, instantly releasing the tension in the air. No one had expected War Legate Draco to start his speech this way. Everyone then quieted down.Still holding the files in his hand, he said, "I hold information about every single one of you. Would you believe me if I said that I've memorized it all?"The candidates exchanged looks. They were capable of memorizing a textbook after reading it through once, but none of them thought it was possible to memorize thousands upon thousands of profiles, including all t
The candidates were shocked. The atmosphere was originally cold and chilling, but it now took a huge turn. None of them expected Adrian to interact with them like this. After Reina sat down, another young man stood up and asked, "What about me, sir?""Linden Nox, nineteen, correct? Your parents passed away when you were little, leaving your elder sister, Diana, to raise you. Your greatest dream is to give your sister a good life, which is why your instructor gave you the codename Skywing, correct? You hope to spread your wings and soar through the sky."Linden nodded.Adrian was now two for two. He smiled and gestured for Linden to sit. "Each and every one of you has your own story and life experiences. After reading your profiles, I thought about how you're all here with your own dreams. You wish to live extraordinary lives and vanquish evil. You have a fire inside of you that makes you mature sooner than others. I'm glad to see that.” Everyone listened quietly as War Legate Dr
The candidates listened in silence. They understood that Adrian was explaining to them what honor, mission, and responsibility were. His words were filled with endless hopes for the candidates, and they knew he wanted them to become as fearless as Daniel.He wanted them to become heroes—soldiers who accomplish their missions. Adrian looked toward the sea of candidates. He saw their blood boil after listening to his speech. They were moved, excited, and ready to leap into action. "One of you will become the new legate and lead Wyvern Peak. I don't care who this person is. All I want is for them to remember our motto regardless if they’re a man or woman, rich or poor. The moment you become the legate, you're no longer yourself anymore, but a soldier, a superior, a leader, and a strategist. Whatever happens in the future, I want you to lead your team fearlessly and with all your might against our enemies."Upon receiving the War Legate Medal, it will be the highest honor of your lif
“And lastly, let's all put aside the formalities. If you have any questions about Wyvern Peak or the country, feel free to ask. I will answer all your questions."Sage raised her hand.Adrian saw this and asked, "What's your question, Sage?"She stood up. "Sir, I'm one of the candidates from a very poor family. I'd like to ask if you meant what you said, that our family backgrounds don't matter in this selection. Are there no hidden rules?"Sage's question caught the attention of many others born into poverty. Adrian sat upright and smiled. "Have you read the selection's rules, Sage?""I have, and I've memorized them all. I’m aware that I'm from a poor family and am worried it will affect my results. All I want is a fair competition with no hidden rules and no bias towards the rich.""I believe many of you wish me to assure you of this question. So, I promise on my honor as a legate that the rules of this selection are exactly as what you've read. We aren't just looking for som
Adrian's reply brought relief to the women present.At that moment, everyone was sure that the upcoming selection would be the most unique throughout history.***After two hours of Adrian answering questions, the rally ended. The candidates filed out of the hall and headed back to their hotels to pack up. They were going back to their respective academies to wait for the six locations to open. When Adrian returned to his office, Raquel walked in. "How was it? Do you think there's any difference with this year's candidates compared to your batch?"He once participated in the selection and came out on top with the best results, even creating new records in the process. Thus, he already had an idea about what this year's candidates were going to be like."You go first."Raquel had never participated in the selection, but she still had the right to voice her opinion since she was a battle warrior of Wyvern Peak. "I think the women are a little too hostile. They even overshadow t
With Garret by her side, Sage packed up and prepared to leave."Something on your mind, Sage? Is it about the rally?"She smiled and turned toward Garret. "It's nothing, really. I was just a little surprised by War Legate Draco. I've never seen him before, but I can tell from this first meeting that he's incredible. After seeing him, I feel like I know nothing nor do I have his temperament."Garret laughed. "Don't you think he used to feel the same way you do now? All that will come with experience, so cheer up. You should just focus on giving your best now that War Legate Draco has opened up the selection to women. Even if you don't become the legate, you can still aim for a high-ranking position."Sage nodded with a smile. At that moment, Raquel walked in and said, "Sage Hall, War Legate Draco would like to meet you. Please come with me."Sage was shocked. "War Legate Draco wants to meet me? Is something the matter?" she asked curiously."Quit the questions and just hurry alo
These words came out of a nineteen-year-old girl. Adrian vowed to treat the young woman before him in a different light from now on. Nineteen was the peak of one's youth, yet Sage chose not to date and get into a relationship like others. Instead, she pushed herself to her limits in pursuit of her dreams. Everything she said was from the depths of her heart. She refused to live her life as an ordinary woman. She wanted to be better.Adrian fell silent, startled by Sage's words. He felt as though she had just taught him a lesson. She did not seem like a nineteen-year-old no matter how one looked at her. She was far more mature than that."Will you regret your decision in the future?" Adrian asked. Sage shook her head but then nodded. Finally, she said, "Nobody can predict what happens in the future. Maybe I will, maybe I won't, but one thing I’ll surely regret is missing this opportunity.”She could not predict what would happen to her after the selection but she was sure what woul
Sage said, “Luposia is the closest country to us and they have connections with Excenom and Hangton. My first undertaking will be to lure Excenom, Hangton, Luposia, and other outland countries to invade us.“Then, I will issue a warning for them to withdraw. In view of their view and that I’ll be a woman leading Wyvern Peak, the outlanders won’t back down. Hence, we’ll have a reason to destroy them.“I’ll send out two troops to pretend to attack Excenom and Hangton. When Luposia is providing assistance to those two countries, I’ll dispatch my main troop to take out Luposia’s Pegasuton.”Sage pointed at the closest outland city to Navia, Pegasuton. This was Luposia’s transit station closest to Navia. If Pegasuton were to fall, Luposia would have to withdraw at least five hundred kilometers. They would lose Pegasuton as a transit station, impeding their effort to invade Navia again.Adrian already had this plan in mind all along. He wanted to shock all the outland organizations with