Barry suspected that the Rivers had been in contact with the Luposians for a very long time.This was why he had been tracking Jaden, wanting to investigate whether his theory was correct.‘I’m sure the legate will take me in as his apprentice if I find out the truth behind the Luposians’ infiltration!’After Jaden disappeared into the elevator, Barry took note of the floor Jaden got off and headed up the stairs.***Meanwhile, Jaden arrived at the topmost floor and entered the main hall after donning a set of heavy armor.“Jaden, you’re here.”A middle-aged man stood inside. He had a powerful, masculine temperament with the intimidating presence of a veteran fighter.Jaden shuddered when he saw him and said, “I’m really sorry the plan failed, War Legate Hydra. Something went wrong in Swallowston and War Legate Draco was here. Nobody saw this coming!”The man called War Legate Hydra squinted his eyes.Luposia’s military ranks reflected that of Navia—made up of ten battle warr
Hundreds of people began closing in on Barry from all corners.But the young man was as agile as a monkey, so much so that nobody was able to catch him. On top of that, any of the bodyguards who were not careful ended up being knocked to the ground by him.However, despite his nimble feet, Barry knew he could not stay there any longer and headed downstairs after making a few openings for himself.“Out of my way! Out of my way! D*mn it… Get out of my way if you value your life!” Barry yelled furiously as he flew down the stairs.The bodyguards that entered the stairs from the bottom floor quickly had Barry surrounded, but he sent them all flying with a single flying kick and continued his escape.“F*ck!” Jaden cursed when he saw this.“Why the hell am I paying you guys? Get him and beat him to death.“Don’t let him escape or we’re done for when he leaks our whereabouts.“Go, now!”The bodyguards relentlessly chased after Barry like madmen, causing him to rush downstairs at an e
Samantha and Rue were shocked upon hearing the gunshots.“Where did that come from?” Samantha reflexively turned toward the source of the sound.Rue panicked and said, “Now’s not the time, Sam. We need to get out of here.”Samantha quickly started up the car and was just about to drive off when Adrian suddenly grabbed the steering wheel.“Don’t move!”Samantha turned her head in confusion and asked, “Why not?”Adrian opened the door and got out. “Wait here. There’s surely something happening if there are gunshots this late at night. I’m going over there to check it out.”“Why are you going there? Are you crazy?!”“Get back here this instant, Adrian!”Rue and Samantha shouted but Adrian was so focused on the gunshots that he ignored them.He dashed off and disappeared into the distance. It was not until he was really far away that they noticed that he was already gone and had disappeared from their sight before they could say anything more.The women had no choice but to sit
“Do you think he got away, Mr. Jaden?” asked one of the bodyguards.“F*ck! He runs fast… Go, find him!” Jaden yelled, “He can’t be allowed to leave here alive!”After that, the group began searching for Barry once more.Adrian finally released his hand from Barry’s mouth when Jaden and the others were gone.Barry heaved a sigh of relief and said, “Sir, y-you have to arrest that guy. He’s Jaden Rivers from the River family from Southrive, and something’s fishy going on with that luxurious hotel of theirs!” Adrian simply looked Barry up and down. “Are you hurt?”Only then did Barry realize he had been shot in the back.“I…” Feeling the pain creeping up on him, Barry’s face turned extremely pale.“Didn’t I tell you to stay away? What were you doing there? The Battle Warrior Department will investigate this. You shouldn’t be meddling in their affairs.”After Adrian said that, he quickly brought Barry away from the roof.***Samantha and Rue had waited for approximately seven mi
Barry scratched his head in embarrassment when he heard this.Indeed, he had been too naive, but he was amazed at how calmly Adrian was able to analyze the situation.After getting Barry to the hospital, Adrian told Samantha and Rue to head home while he waited there. After the women had left, Adrian dialed Daniel’s number, asking him to bring a few men to where he was.Daniel and his men arrived at the hospital in under ten minutes.Adrian explained the situation to Daniel and the others at the hospital’s stairwell. “Find an inmate on death row and execute him. After that, put Barry’s clothes on the body and leave it on the alley’s roof.“Someone should find it soon enough and report it to the department. Make sure that Jaden is aware and thinks that the man from last night is dead.”Adrian did this because he wanted Jaden and the Luposians to lower their guard.Daniel nodded upon receiving his instructions and said, “Understood, sir.”“Arrange for a few men to pay a visit to
“Okay, I promise.”“I want you to swear that you’ll cut all ties to the Xanders. What am I supposed to do if this thing blows up in our faces?”Samantha was still worried about the Xanders. ‘If the Rivers are in cahoots with the Luposians, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the Xanders get into trouble.‘Adrian, being Harold’s grandson, might end up being dragged into their mess.’Adrian knew that Samantha was concerned about him, so he replied, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I haven’t had anything to do with the Xanders for a long time now. As of this moment, you’re the only one in my heart. Nothing else matters.”“Stop with that sweet talk.” Samantha scowled.“Okay, okay.” Adrian quickly switched his train of thought.Samantha burst out in laughter and shot Adrian another glare. “Hurry up and go shower. You stink. Also… Come sleep with me tonight.”Samantha’s voice was really low during that last sentence, and her face had turned red all the way down to her neck.She had
Samantha slept fitfully.It was most probably due to Adrian’s company.Samantha discovered that she was lying in Adrian’s arms when she woke up the next morning and her head was on Adrian’s arm.Her face blushed ever so slightly and she hastily sat up. She was afraid that Adrian would wake up and tease her.Samantha took a shower and put on a business suit. She went to wake Adrian after she was done.“Wake up.” She shook him gently.Adrian woke up and rubbed his eyes. His eyes lit up when he saw Samantha standing in front of him.The sight of her was breathtaking to him. She had a button nose and cherry-red lips and exuded a mature presence. Anyone who laid eyes upon her would not be able to help but stare at her because of her beautiful face which looked great from all angles.Adrian was no exception, of course.“Are you a fairy?” Adrian asked in a surprised tone.“What nonsense. Get up, quick. Mother has prepared breakfast.” Samantha glared at him.Adrian was becoming more
On the other hand, Adrian asked, “Who’s Danton Black?”Adrian wondered why he had encountered a number of people with the last name “Black” recently.Samantha explained, “Danton is from the Herbalis Group that belongs to Swallowston’s Black family. He’s also the father of Simon Black, Clara’s fiance.”Adrian was enlightened. ‘I see. It’s Simon’s father.’“Elara, please set him up in the reception room and I’ll be there shortly,” Samantha instructed Elara.“Sure!” Elara hurried off upon saying that.Adrian said to Samantha, “I don’t think Simon’s father is a good man. Have you met him to talk about collaborating before?”Samantha shook her head. “No. However, we can’t be biased just because he’s Simon’s father. Perhaps Danton is completely different from his son. He is the president of Herbalis, after all.“Herbalis is a pharmaceutical company. The medical field has always harbored good prospects and New Paraiso will be expanding to pharmaceuticals in the future.”Adrian nodded
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