Home / Urban / The last warlord / Whispers of Power
Whispers of Power
Author: Gold Tony
last update2024-12-08 17:59:05

The morning brought no solace to Adrian’s aching body or restless thoughts. The strange coin Marcus had given him rested in his pocket, its weight far heavier than its size should have allowed. As he stood in line at a crowded coffee shop, sipping water he’d gotten for free, his mind churned with questions.

Who was Marcus? How did he know Adrian’s supposed identity as a war god? And what was the purpose of the coin that now seemed to pulse faintly whenever he touched it?

The answers wouldn’t come on their own, and Adrian wasn’t the type to sit idly by. He had spent too many years waiting for life to hand him something good. If Marcus knew more about him, Adrian would find him—no matter what it took.

---

Later that day, Adrian returned to the bridge where Marcus had appeared, scanning the area for any clues. The streets bustled with people, all too engrossed in their own lives to notice a man searching the shadows.

After hours of aimless wandering, Adrian’s frustration boiled over. “Marcus!” he shouted, his voice echoing off the concrete walls. “If you’re watching me, then show yourself!”

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the air shifted. A low hum resonated around him, and the shadows under the bridge deepened unnaturally.

“You’re impatient,” a voice said, and Marcus stepped out of the darkness as if it had swallowed him whole.

Adrian glared at him. “You can’t just show up, drop cryptic hints, and vanish. Who are you really? What do you want from me?”

Marcus smirked, leaning casually against a pillar. “Who I am isn’t important. What matters is that you’re wasting your potential, and I’m here to make sure you don’t.”

“You keep saying I’m a war god,” Adrian said, his voice hard. “Prove it.”

Marcus chuckled, pulling a small, jagged dagger from his coat. Without warning, he tossed it toward Adrian. On instinct, Adrian raised his hand—and the world seemed to slow.

The blade hung in the air, suspended mere inches from his palm. A faint glow surrounded his fingers as if an invisible force had stopped the weapon mid-flight. Adrian’s heart pounded as he stared at the hovering blade, then at Marcus.

“Still think you’re ordinary?” Marcus asked, his tone laced with amusement.

Adrian lowered his hand, and the dagger clattered to the ground. “That doesn’t explain anything. Why can I do this? Why am I like this?”

“Because you’re a god who’s been stripped of his power,” Marcus said simply. “Once, you were feared and revered. Now, you’re nothing more than a shadow of your former self. But the spark remains, buried deep.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened. “And the coin? What is it?”

Marcus stepped closer, his expression turning serious. “The coin is a key, of sorts. There are others like it—artifacts tied to your power. If you can find them, you’ll begin to remember who you were and reclaim what was taken from you.”

Adrian’s mind raced. The idea of regaining his power was intoxicating, but it also filled him with dread. He barely understood the man he was now—could he handle the god he used to be?

“And why are you helping me?” Adrian asked, suspicion lacing his words.

Marcus smirked again, his eyes gleaming. “Let’s just say your rise benefits us both. The world is changing, Adrian. Old powers are stirring, and you’re going to need every ounce of strength you can muster to survive what’s coming.”

Before Adrian could press further, Marcus faded into the shadows once more, leaving Adrian alone with his thoughts.

---

That night, Adrian sat under the bridge, turning the coin over in his hands. The symbols etched into its surface seemed to shift and shimmer in the dim light. He could feel the faint hum of energy coursing through it, calling to something deep within him.

“Artifacts tied to my power…” he murmured. The idea of chasing these relics felt overwhelming, but what choice did he have?

Adrian clenched the coin tightly. This wasn’t just about reclaiming his identity or his power. It was about survival—and maybe, just maybe, it was about proving to himself that he was worth more than the life he’d been living.

Tomorrow, he would start his search.

The weight of mortality still clung to him, but the whispers of power were growing louder.

Related Chapters

  • The last warlord    Echoes of the Forgotten war

    The first thing Adrian noticed was the weight in his pocket. The coin—a simple token, but now it felt heavier with every passing moment. He had spent the night staring at it, watching the symbols shift and shimmer, as though it were alive. It beckoned to him, a silent promise of power. But more than that, it was the last tangible connection to the god he once was. It was all he had left.It was just after dawn when Adrian decided to leave the bridge. The streets had already begun to stir with the noise of commuters, but the city felt more distant than ever. His feet carried him through the crowd without a second thought, the sounds of the world blending together in a hum of dissonance.He didn’t know where to start. Marcus had spoken cryptically about other artifacts, relics tied to his power. But where could he possibly find them?The city, with its towering skyscrapers and endless concrete, had never felt more oppressive. Every corner seemed to whisper secrets he couldn’t quite gras

  • The last warlord    The Price of Power

    The night seemed to stretch longer than usual as Adrian’s feet carried him through the darkened streets. The map in his hand had begun to feel heavier with each step, as if it were becoming a weight he was not yet prepared to bear. The further he went, the more the city around him seemed to shift, the shadows growing darker and the noise of the world fading into a distant hum. He wasn’t sure if it was his mind playing tricks on him or if the world truly had changed.His instincts screamed that something was off, but he pushed forward. The first artifact was close, and Marcus’s words echoed in his mind: “You need every ounce of strength you can muster to survive what’s coming.”Adrian wasn’t sure if he believed Marcus entirely, but the sense of urgency had settled in his chest. He had no choice but to follow the map. After all, what else was left for him? His life, as he had known it, had already fallen apart. This was his shot at something more.As he turned a corner into a narrow all

  • The last warlord    The Burden of the Gods

    The instant the artifact claimed him, Adrian felt a flood of energy rush through his body—a torrent of ancient, divine power that seemed to tear at the very fabric of his being. It wasn’t just strength. It was rage, grief, and the unrelenting pull of the war that had once been his life. His body convulsed with the force of it, his muscles aching as though they were being stretched and reshaped. His vision blurred, the room spinning as if the world itself were unraveling around him.In the darkness of the abandoned church, the Guardian’s words echoed in his mind: “Once you take what is offered, there is no turning back.”Adrian gritted his teeth and fought to stay grounded, but the surge of power only grew stronger, filling him with a maddening, intoxicating energy. The shadows in the corners of the room deepened, stretching like living things, as though the war that had once raged in his soul was coming back to life.His hands shook, and his heart raced. It wasn’t just the power cours

  • The last warlord    The Rice of the War God

    The days following the awakening of his power passed in a blur. Adrian tried to walk the fine line between control and chaos, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. The hunger, the rage—it gnawed at the edges of his consciousness, ever-present, always pulling him toward destruction. He had taken the first step, but now he had to contend with the reality of being a war god once more.In the days after claiming the artifact, Adrian found himself no longer wandering the city as the man he once was. His eyes were sharper, his instincts honed to an unnerving degree. People seemed to notice him more now, though they didn’t understand why. It wasn’t just the power that radiated from him—there was an aura of danger that followed him wherever he went. Something had changed deep within him, and it was visible in the way he moved, the way he looked at the world.He had never been a particularly imposing figure in his human life. But now, it was as if the remnants of his divine essence were

  • The last warlord    Echoes of Forgotten Glory

    Adrian trudged through the neon-lit alleys of Blackwater District, the city’s underbelly, where the world’s forgotten souls congregated. The war god who once stood atop the battlefield now blended into a crowd of scavengers and hustlers. His golden armor, once radiant, was now a faded relic, tucked away in a battered duffle bag.His stomach growled in protest as he eyed a steaming food cart. The smell of roasted meat filled the air, teasing his senses. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a handful of worn coins—barely enough for a meal."Hey, you buying or staring?" the vendor snapped, his greasy apron stained with oil and spices.Adrian nodded silently, handing over the coins. The vendor shoved a skewer into his hand, muttering something under his breath about charity cases. Adrian didn’t care. He wolfed down the food, the taste of cheap spices bringing a rare moment of solace.As he finished, a commotion caught his attention. A group of thugs surrounded a wiry man in a tattered

  • The last warlord    Embers of Resolve

    Adrian stood on the rooftop of an abandoned factory, the wind slicing across his face as twilight cast the city in hues of fiery orange and bruised purple. His fists clenched as he gazed at the skyline, a mixture of resentment and determination coursing through his veins. The gods who had betrayed him thrived in wealth and power, while he had been reduced to nothing but a forgotten relic."First step is to survive," Adrian muttered to himself, his voice hard like steel yet brittle at the edges. The rooftop beneath him trembled slightly, a faint echo of his once-mighty power still stirring. But it wasn’t enough—not yet.The city below him was alive with chaotic energy: neon lights flashing in sync with pounding music from nightclubs, street vendors shouting over the din of traffic, and the occasional burst of magic sparking from spellcasters practicing on the sidewalks. It was a stark contrast to the ethereal calm of the divine realms Adrian once called home. Here, in the mortal world,

  • The last warlord    Into the Pit

    The underground district thrummed with an energy Adrian hadn’t felt in years. Hidden beneath layers of the city’s sprawling infrastructure, it was a labyrinth of shadowy alleys and neon-lit dens, a haven for those who thrived on chaos and ambition. It was here that the forgotten and the desperate came to carve out a name—or die trying.Adrian’s steps were steady as he made his way through the winding streets, his worn boots crunching against broken glass and loose gravel. The echoes of rowdy voices and clinking coins guided him toward his destination: the fighting pit. The air here felt heavier, saturated with the raw scent of sweat, blood, and magic.When he arrived, the building was nothing more than a converted warehouse, its exterior unassuming save for the faint red glow spilling from its windows. A bouncer stood at the entrance, a hulking figure whose arms glimmered faintly with enchanted tattoos. He eyed Adrian with a mix of suspicion and indifference.“Entry fee’s ten,” the bo

  • The last warlord    Whispers in the Shadows

    The cold night air wrapped around Adrian as he stepped out of the fighting pit, his breath forming faint clouds in the dim light of the streetlamps. The cheers of the crowd still echoed in his ears, but they felt distant now, overshadowed by the dull ache in his limbs and the burn of exhaustion in his chest.He adjusted the blade on his back, its faintly glowing runes hidden beneath a ragged cloak. Victory had brought him a small purse of coins and a flicker of renewed confidence, but it also came with risks.“Adrian,” someone whispered.He froze, his senses immediately sharpening. The voice had come from an alley to his left, low and deliberate.“Don’t bother looking,” the voice continued. “If I wanted you dead, you’d already be bleeding out on this filthy street.”Adrian scowled, his hand instinctively moving toward his blade. “Then speak quickly before I change your mind about testing that claim.”A figure stepped into the faint light, cloaked and hooded. The glint of gold embroide

Latest Chapter

  • The weight of hope

    Adrian stood at the edge of the northern encampment, gazing out at the icy tundra as the morning frost glistened like a sea of diamonds. Behind him, the gathered warriors of Clan Frostspire busied themselves, preparing for the march south. Their newfound allegiance marked a turning point, but Adrian knew that uniting them with his fractured forces would not be simple.Eira approached, her long silver hair catching the faint sunlight. "You’ve earned the respect of my people, Adrian," she said, her voice steady. "But respect is only part of the equation. Convince them that this alliance will benefit their future, or their loyalty will falter."Adrian nodded. "I understand. They’ll see that this isn’t just my fight—it’s all of ours."Eira smirked faintly. "Then let’s hope your actions speak louder than your words."A Tenuous AllianceThe march southward was grueling. The combined forces of Frostspire and Adrian’s army traveled under harsh conditions, their supplies stretched thin. Tensio

  • The Shadows price

    Adrian stood on the outpost’s highest tower, staring into the vast wilderness beyond. The sunrise painted the horizon in shades of gold and crimson, a stark contrast to the blood-stained ground below. The rebellion had been quelled, but the air still felt heavy with unease.Kael approached, his armor dented and scratched from the battle. "The men are looking to you, Adrian. They need to see that you’re not shaken."Adrian let out a weary sigh. "I’m not shaken, Kael. I’m thinking. Wren’s betrayal wasn’t born in a vacuum. There are cracks in our foundation, and if we don’t address them, they’ll spread."Kael frowned. "You think there are more traitors?""Not yet," Adrian replied, "but Wren’s words will linger. If we don’t show strength and unity now, his rebellion could inspire others."The Mission AheadAs the camp settled back into routine, Adrian called a meeting with his closest advisors. The room was tense, the memory of betrayal still fresh in everyone’s minds."We’ve retaken the

  • The Gauntlet of Betrayal

    The campfires crackled under a moonless sky, casting fleeting shadows across Adrian’s tired face. He stood in the center of his war council, surrounded by trusted commanders. The battle for Blackwater Ridge had taken its toll, and while they had claimed victory, whispers of dissent had begun to poison the air. The pressure of leadership weighed heavier with each passing day.Adrian traced the edge of his battered sword with a calloused finger. "We've been pushed to our limits, but we cannot falter," he said, his voice firm despite the fatigue that gripped him. "The Ridge was only the beginning. If we hesitate now, all we’ve built will crumble."General Kael, a seasoned warrior with a scar that ran from his temple to his jaw, stepped forward. "The men are weary, Adrian. They need rest, supplies, and reassurance. Morale is fragile."Before Adrian could respond, a scout burst into the tent. "My lord, urgent news!" the man panted, his face pale. "A splinter faction of our troops has turne

  • Shadows in the Camp

    The moon hung high over the war camp, casting a pale, silvery light over the rows of tents and watchfires. Adrian stood at the edge of the encampment, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The Ashen Wastes lay several days’ ride away, a barren and unforgiving land that had claimed countless lives. But Adrian’s thoughts were not on the dangers ahead.They were on the traitor in his midst.Behind him, Victor approached silently, his boots crunching softly on the gravel. "The team is assembled, my lord. The best of our soldiers and scouts, as you requested."Adrian turned to face his trusted strategist. "Good. But before we move out, we deal with the matter of betrayal."Victor nodded grimly. "I’ve taken the liberty of narrowing the suspects. The information about the supply convoy could only have come from someone with access to our most secure channels. That limits us to five individuals—all of them high-ranking."Adrian’s expression darkened. Five. Five people he had trusted with the

  • The Turning Point

    The war room smelled of ash and iron. Adrian stood at the head of the long oak table, his armor catching the flicker of torchlight. Maps, reports, and sketches of battle formations were strewn across the surface, their edges curling and marked by smudges of ink. The atmosphere in the room was tense. Conversations among the generals had quieted the moment Adrian entered, his commanding presence silencing even the boldest among them.But silence wasn’t what disturbed Adrian. It was the report he held in his hands. The faint tremor in his fingers was barely noticeable, hidden under the gauntlets of his armor, but it was there. The report had confirmed his worst fears.There was a traitor among them.His sharp blue eyes scanned the room, taking in the expressions of each of his trusted men and women. Some stood stiffly, others avoided his gaze altogether. Victor, his closest strategist, was the only one who met his eyes without flinching. Adrian allowed himself to trust Victor—for now."V

  • The celestial forge

    The Celestial Forge loomed ahead, a structure unlike anything Adrian had ever seen. It wasn’t a building but a colossal sphere of swirling light and energy, suspended in the air by unseen forces. Around it, fragments of glowing stone and molten metal floated, orbiting like satellites caught in a gravitational pull.Adrian and Lysandra stood at the edge of a jagged cliff, gazing at the Forge. The air crackled with power, and the sheer intensity of it made Adrian’s skin tingle.“It’s beautiful,” he murmured, his voice barely audible over the hum of the Forge.“And deadly,” Lysandra replied. “The Forge’s energy is pure, raw creation. It can give life or destroy it in an instant. Only those deemed worthy can wield its power.”Adrian took a step forward, the ground beneath him trembling slightly. “How do I prove I’m worthy?”Lysandra’s gaze hardened. “By stepping inside. The Forge will judge you, Adrian. It will strip away every pretense, every lie, and look at the core of who you are. If

  • Crossing the veil

    The path to the Veil of Worlds was as unforgiving as the legends had promised. The air grew heavier with each step, and the mountains around Adrian and Lysandra seemed to twist and shift, as if they were alive. Time itself felt unstable—hours stretched into eternity, yet the horizon barely seemed to change.Adrian felt the relic’s energy thrumming more intensely than ever, a steady pulse that matched his heartbeat. It was as if the artifact sensed what lay ahead and was preparing him for the trial to come.“We’re close,” Lysandra said, her voice barely audible over the howling wind. “Do you feel it?”Adrian nodded, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the horizon. The air shimmered in the distance, a faint distortion that reminded him of heat waves rising off a summer road. But this was no ordinary mirage.“That’s the Veil?” he asked, gripping Eclipsion tightly.Lysandra nodded. “It’s not just a boundary—it’s a force of nature. The Veil separates realms, guarding the Celestial Forge from

  • The Forge Beckons

    Adrian stepped out of the sanctuary, the crisp mountain air biting against his skin. He felt different—stronger, steadier, as if a storm had passed within him. The relic on his hand pulsed faintly, its energy no longer chaotic but in harmony with his own.Lysandra followed silently, her eyes scanning his movements with a critical gaze. She said nothing, but Adrian could sense her approval in the way her shoulders relaxed slightly.“What’s next?” he asked, breaking the silence.Lysandra gestured toward the horizon, where the mountains stretched endlessly. “We head to the Celestial Forge. It’s time to unlock the relic’s full potential.”Adrian glanced at the distant peaks, their jagged edges glowing faintly in the morning light. The path ahead was daunting, but he felt ready—more ready than he’d ever been.“How far is it?” he asked.“Far enough,” Lysandra replied cryptically. “The journey won’t just test your endurance. It will test your resolve. The Forge lies beyond the Veil of Worlds

  • The summit's Echo

    The journey to the sanctuary was grueling, the terrain growing more treacherous with every step. The forest thinned as they ascended into the mountains, replaced by jagged cliffs and narrow paths carved into the rock. The air grew colder, and the wind howled like a living thing, carrying whispers that sent shivers down Adrian’s spine.Despite his fatigue, Adrian pressed on, his gaze fixed on the trail ahead. Lysandra led the way, her movements purposeful and unyielding. She hadn’t spoken much since the encounter with the Warden, but Adrian could sense the weight of her thoughts.“What’s on your mind?” he asked, breaking the silence.Lysandra glanced back at him, her expression unreadable. “The sanctuary isn’t just a place for training. It’s also a place of reckoning.”Adrian frowned. “What do you mean?”“It’s said that those who enter the sanctuary must confront their greatest fears,” she explained. “The relic will test you, Adrian. It will push you to your limits and beyond. If you’r

Scan code to read on App