The moment Adrian charged toward the Luposians, Mya, who was being held hostage, broke free from her restraints and launched herself toward Beowulf.While Beowulf was startled and took a few steps back, Mya swung her iron fist at him, sending him sprawling onto the floor.At the same time, Adrian shouted, “Now!”What followed was a loud explosion, and the hotel’s main entrance was blasted open. The windows were shattered and armored soldiers from the Battle Warrior Department charged in.Meanwhile, Adrian swiftly retreated, allowing the Luposians outside the elevator to be trapped in a pincer attack. They ended up falling into pools of their own blood.Up in the sky, a helicopter hovered above the hotel while Daniel, Thor, Zagan, and Serpent led their respective teams in an airdrop into the building.A full-out assault had started inside the hotel.“Protect the hostages,” Adrian ordered.Special Ops units swarmed the place, with Magus personally leading the charge to surround a
Outside, the hostages got out of the vehicles and were greeted by their friends and family who had been waiting for them for a long time.“Mom…”“Sis!”There were cries of excitement coming from the hostages and their loved ones as they embraced one another tearfully.All of them could not stop themselves from crying with all the emotions running through them.The hostages had been filled with despair. They were sure that they would meet their maker today. Yet, they had managed to return in one piece, making the emotions they felt absolutely indescribable.Yet, Samantha was standing there seemingly lost. She kept looking around her surroundings in search of the man she wanted to see.Everyone’s friends, family, and even spouses were already there to celebrate their safe return, yet the man she wanted to see still had not shown up.She was even left there standing alone, unable to embrace the man she wanted to, while everyone else left.Perhaps at that moment, Samantha needed s
‘It’s him! The one who infiltrated the hotel to rescue us!’Although Samantha had not seen the man’s face through the armor, it felt as though she was able to subconsciously recognize the legate’s aura coming from Adrian.Adrian walked toward her before she could think any further.“Are you okay, Sam?” he asked.“I’m okay,” Samantha replied.She carefully looked Adrian up and down before asking, “Where have you been?”Adrian hurriedly replied, “I took a few detours before coming here out of fear there might be Luposians around. The situation today was really dangerous. Thank goodness the legate was here.”“You’re right, thank goodness the legate was here. Who knows what might’ve happened if he wasn’t.”A flicker of thought raced through Samantha’s mind, causing her to compare the legate’s height, build, and eyes with Adrian’s once more.Suddenly, she found the two of them to be extremely similar.Just as she was about to question further, Adrian stretched lazily, and the temp
Adrian smiled bitterly.He thought about how the war legate was right in front of them, yet they could not recognize him.He thought in that manner but he said, “Understood, sweetheart. I’ll work hard from now on.”Samantha smiled.After dinner, Samantha was so exhausted that she dozed off on the sofa.Adrian covered a blanket on her. He was about to turn around when his phone rang. It was Adaline’s call.“Hey, Ada.” Adrian went outside to take Adaline’s call.Adaline beamed widely on her side. She was seated on the bench while Suzy and Shiloh were sitting on the lawn not far away.Adaline said, “Adrian, I saw you on the television. You were really cool!”Adrian said upon hearing that, “Stop trying to flatter me. How has school been?”Adaline nodded. “Pretty good. Suzy and Shiloh are my best friends now. We spend every day waking up, eating, going to classes, and shopping together. It’s pretty amazing.”“Great. Study hard and don’t loaf around,” said Adrian.“Okay, Adrian.”
Rue hastily walked over and asked, “Did you have a nightmare, Sam?”Samatha grabbed a towel and wiped away the sweat on her face. She looked around for Adrian but he was nowhere to be found. “Mother, where’s Adrian?”“He told me he had some matters to attend to and left.”“Why does he have matters to attend to every day? What the heck is he doing out there?” Samantha appeared to be infuriated.Adrian had been away on business every day recently.Rue had no idea what he was doing so she said, “Sam, you can ask him when he gets back.”“Fine,” Samantha said, “Mother, I have to go to New Paraiso. Riley and Elara called me a few times. I have to go tell them that I’m fine.”Rue said in a slightly worried tone, “Why don’t you stay home and rest for today instead of going to the company?”Samantha grabbed her bag. “It’s fine, Mother. I won’t work till late today. Wait for me to come home to your cooking, all right?”Rue let Samantha do as she pleased.Samantha suddenly stopped just
Barry sniggered. ‘I knew I was quick-witted!’He caught up to Adrian and said, “Sir, I’ve admired you for a long time and I wish to seek your mentorship. Will you take me as your apprentice?”Adrian simply smiled and ignored the lad.Barry hastily added, “Sir, I’m not seeking to learn for nothing. I have information to offer in exchange!”Adrian checked the time and said as he continued to walk, “You have thirty seconds.”“I know how the Luposians entered the country,” Barry said hastily.Adrian came to a halt when he heard Barry’s words.Barry staggered and bumped into him.Adrian turned around and asked, “How did they enter the country?”Barry said, “I do not have solid evidence, but I do have a theory. The case of Luposians entering Southrive is closely related to Southrive’s River family.“The Rivers have a business deal with the Luposians and it is said that the Rivers profited a few million dollars from the deal.“You have to believe me, sir!”Barry chattered endlessl
Barry’s goal was to seek the legate’s mentorship.Yet, Adrian turned around and made a hand gesture for Barry to stop walking. He then said, “Your mother is calling you to go home for dinner. It’s good to have dreams, kid, but not all dreams can be achieved.“Stop following me.”Barry stood rooted to the ground as Adrian walked further and further away.As he gazed at Adrian’s departing silhouette, Barry called out, “Sir, I’ll show you my true capabilities and will solve the Luposia case for you!”Adrian ignored him because there were plenty of boastful people in the world these days.***“Huh? Aren’t you Barry?”Meanwhile, an Audi A4 drove up and stopped next to Barry.Samantha rolled down the window and looked at Barry standing by the sidewalk in puzzlement.She remembered the young man rather well because of how carefree he had seemed when he was being held hostage yesterday. He had a calmness that surpassed everyone else.Barry was surprised to see Samantha. “Why, hello,
Barry was startled by the unexpected change of situation.He began to struggle using his arms and legs. However, the person was extremely strong and he could not break free.The person only loosened their grip after Barry was dragged into the park.Barry immediately said in anger when he could speak, “Hey, there’s no bad blood between us and I don’t have any money on me. You’ve got the wrong guy…“Huh? Sir?”Barry was astonished when he saw who it was that had dragged him here.Adrian had his hands in his pockets as he stared at Barry.Barry felt a shiver down his spine and was at a loss of what to do under Adrian’s stare.Meanwhile, Adrian said, “Boy, if you dare to bring up the words ‘war legate’ to my wife and address her as Madam Legate ever again, I will punish you.”Adrian had witnessed the exchange between Samantha and Barry.The young man was constantly addressing Samantha as Madam Legate, which would eventually trigger her suspicions. Hence, Adrian took Barry to the
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