With a sharp command from Hilton, eight guards rushed into the grand hall, kneeling on one knee. "At your service.""Take him outside and execute him.""Wait." Before Hilton could finish his sentence, the emperor's voice echoed from behind. "Jade’s argument makes sense. Ace and the others are indeed gravely wounded. If this were some kind of ruse, they would be committing suicide. "Xayne built his legacy in the Northern Plains, and Ace and his men are his most loyal generals. Even if they wanted to use a strategy like that, they wouldn’t gamble with Ace’s life."The emperor waved a hand to signal Jade to rise.He then focused on the report lying on the floor, saying, "Right now, the Northern Plains army is surrounded and isolated. The pressing question is, who can lead the forces to their rescue?""Your Majesty, I believe the only solution is to recall the King of the North. Without him, the 200,000 Dragonbreakers Legion are in peril. Dragonbreakers Legion is the backbone of our
After Hilton delivered the Emperor's verbal decree, he returned to the Emperor's Pavillion to report back.However, at that moment, the Drakonian Council had already received news about the battle in Northern Plains.Tonight, Warren, who was on duty, read the report and felt his soul leave his body in terror. "Wyne Pass has fallen. Drakonia is on the verge of collapse."Warren collapsed into his chair, staring blankly into space. His mind went completely numb.Even though he had managed the Drakonian Council for decades, he had never encountered a crisis like this.Hammond wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.At this point, there was nothing left to think about. They had to reinstate Xayne immediately."Warren, we can’t wait any longer. Reinforcements are needed as soon as possible. All six key towns in Northern Plains have fallen into enemy hands. We must meet with the Emperor at once.""Yes. Quickly, there’s no time to waste. Let’s go meet the Emperor."Warren grabbed the
With that, the Emperor tossed the battle report to the ground and strode out of the hall."Jade, I advise you to stay out of this matter with Xayne. Otherwise, you might find yourself in grave danger." Once the Emperor was out of earshot, Hilton approached Jade, coldly threatening him."You...""Hmph. You’re courting death." Hilton didn’t wait for Jade to finish. He flicked his sleeve and left the hall with quick strides.Meanwhile, in the courtyard behind the Emperor's Pavillion, the Emperor stood at the astrological platform, one hand behind his back, his fist clenched, gazing up at the stars.Tears glimmered in his eyes."May the heavens protect my soldiers in Northern Plains. I do not wish to abandon them, but the time is not right."With that thought, the Emperor clenched his fist tightly, the sound of cracking knuckles echoing in the stillness."KB Kings Circle. The Big Four. Healers Valley. I will remember this debt."After muttering those words, the Emperor finally took
Even many courtiers who despised Xayne to the core, wishing they could flay him alive, were now kneeling on the ground.In unison, they cried, "Your Majesty, please summon the King of the North back to Drakonix to take charge of the battle!"When it came to self-preservation, even the fiercest hatred paled in comparison. The dead had no right to speak of interests.At this moment, Hilton was left speechless, wanting to intervene.However, with the court kneeling, his voice could not be heard above the chorus of a hundred."Please. Your Majesty, summon the King of the North back to Drakonix." Despite his reluctance, Hilton joined the crowd in pleading with the Emperor."Since you all wish for me to summon the King of the North, then I shall heed your wishes."With that, the Emperor raised his red brush and swiftly penned a decree, passing it to Warren.After glancing over the decree, Warren hurried off towards the Drakonian Council.Meanwhile, far away in Folksworth, Xayne had
However, he had never been as confident as he was today."Let’s hope so. If we can kill Xayne at Barnie Pass, my master will make sure to reward you all properly." The Drakonian man smiled as he spoke.Mars simply responded with a knowing smile.These foolish Drakonians were still living in a dream, thinking they could capture the Emperor and retreat, returning to their homeland. By that time, Drakonia would likely no longer exist. Northern Plains would belong to Bearonia. The heartland of Drakonia would fall to Newcroa. All the islands would become part of the Great Sun Empire.No one knew what would happen to the master that the Drakonian man spoke of.At that moment, a fighter jet flew overhead.Mars couldn't help but look up. The solitary jet signified that it was not there for battle or airstrike but rather to escort someone.'Is Xayne on that plane?'Mars's eyes gleamed as he watched the jet descend. Taking a deep breath, he realized that his long-held wish was finally
"The King of the North has arrived."At the call of the palace servant at the entrance, both the Emperor and Warren looked up, their expressions shifting with anticipation.Xayne strode in confidently, exuding charisma as he approached the Emperor's Pavillion.Jade followed closely behind, holding the five-clawed azure-patterned golden dragon robe, his demeanor serious.The two entered Emperor's Pavillion, and Xayne knelt, declaring, "I, Xayne, pay my respects to the Emperor.""Rise, Xayne. As for the soldiers on the front lines, I believe I need not say more," the Emperor said with a pleased look."I understand, but I have a plan."The Emperor raised a hand to interrupt, signaling Xayne to hold off. He then turned to the others and said, "Everyone, leave."The attendants and soldiers quickly exited the hall.The Emperor shot a glance at Jade. "Anyone who dares to step in here will be executed on the spot.""Understood," Jade replied, promptly moving outside to stand guard.
Before long, Warren returned, urgency etched across his face.Seeing the two leaders in the room lost in their thoughts, he stepped forward. "Xayne, right now, we have no troops to spare. You need to infiltrate the Northern Plains alone. Are you confident?"The only remaining Imperial guards of ten thousand had been sent to the front lines, reduced to mere cannon fodder.Drakonix was left with fewer than fifty thousand soldiers, its last line of defense. If Xayne managed to take even a fraction of that away, it would mean handing over Drakonix to the coalition forces."The Emperor could send a thousand men to guard the south gate, but not within the city. It hast to be a few miles outside. That could yield great rewards," Xayne proposed, bowing slightly before exiting the grand hall.Warren hurried after him, urgency in his voice. "What did you mean by that last comment?""There will be great rewards, trust me. Apart from other things, tens of tons of gold shouldn’t be an issue.
At the sound of the sentries' shouts, several figures emerged from the camp.Xayne squinted in the dim light and recognized Trey and Red Rose.Trey leaned heavily on a tree branch, bandages wrapped around his leg and arm. Red Rose looked a bit better, though she was nursing some light injuries; still, her expression revealed the situation was dire."Supreme Commander.""Supreme Commander."Tears filled Red Rose's eyes, and Trey looked on the verge of breaking down."Why are there only about a thousand of you here?" Xayne asked, quickening his pace toward them."We had to scatter to avoid being surrounded by the enemy. Today, they launched several fierce attacks. Our losses were staggering, nearly three thousand of the Dragonbreakers Legion fell in just a morning," Red Rose replied, her voice shaking with emotion."Even at night, we can't light a fire, afraid the glow would give away our position," Trey added, his shame evident.Since the formation of the Dragonbreakers Legion,
Deanana glanced at Xayne as she coyly smiled. "Mr. Xayne, no need to be so reserved with me. After all, I used to be one of your admirers. I always thought you were an extraordinary man."Although it seems I misjudged you, still, you were a part of my girlish dreams. Don't let your current misfortunes bother you too much. People say a fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken, and while that's true, I happen to have a kind heart."Her words, though laced with laughter, were razor-sharp. Each one was a jab meant to cut deep.Her meaning was clear: "You might have been a shining star once, but now, you're nothing in my eyes—not even worth a second glance." Helping Xayne get his luggage was just an act, nothing more."Mr. Xayne, do you remember? Just a few years ago, at this very airport, you were returning from... oh yes, the Seven Nations Summit!"You know, I waited at the airport entrance for over four hours that morning just to get your autograph. But sadly, your security team didn'
"Heh, Miss Deanana, you also know that's all in the past. Even if he were still the King of the North, we live in peaceful times now. No one gets special privileges, right?" Dean chimed in smoothly, his tone laced with mockery."Dean! Do you even realize what you're doing?!" Aava could not hold back any longer, her eyes glaring fiercely as she clenched her fists in anger."Of course, I know what I'm doing, and I know neither of you are ordinary people. Thinking about hitting me? Don't forget, there are plenty of reporters over there. If you dare lay a hand on me, I'll make sure Xayne's reputation is ruined," Dean replied smugly.Dean's sneer widened into a wicked grin, the confidence radiating from him undeniable."Manager Dean, how about this? To be honest, I used to admire Mr. Xayne. Why don't you do me a favor and return his belongings? It would be a great gesture," Deanana interjected with a gentle smile.Upon hearing this, Aava bristled with fury. She knew Deanana was up to s
Dean's wild provocations quickly drew a crowd of onlookers.At that moment, a striking young woman stepped forward, removing her sunglasses as she made her way through the throng.The woman was dressed in an elegant black gown, the hemline revealing a pair of flawless, slender legs that caught everyone's attention. Her expression, however, was haughty, as though she looked down on everyone around her.She was Deanana Lovorka, the heiress of the Lovorka family conglomerate. While not exactly a household name, she was considered a minor socialite in the upper circles of Drakonix."Manager Dean, it's been a while!" Deanana greeted casually.As someone who frequently traveled abroad for business, Deanana was a familiar face at the airport and she had crossed paths with Dean on several occasions.But she was not here for a casual chat with Dean. It was far from it.She had come specifically to see Xayne.This was, after all, the legendary King of the North. Just six months ago, he w
"Do you have any idea whose luggage this is?" Aava asked coldly with a sharp and commanding tone.She was on the verge of revealing her special credentials—something she rarely used unless absolutely necessary. Xayne had been her hero, someone she deeply admired. The ridicule from Miodrag moments earlier had already pushed her to the edge, and now even a low-level airport staffer dared to humiliate him."Of course, I knew. Xayne, the King of the North six months ago; now he's just a regular civilian," the staffer replied with icy indifference. The staffer smirked. "Miss, do you think Xayne is still the mighty King of the North? There's no war, the capital isn't under siege, and he's utterly useless now. Take my advice—someone young and beautiful like you should stay far away from trash like Xayne. Get closer to someone like Young Master Dongfang instead. It'll do wonders for your future!"Dean swaggered over, cigarette dangling from his mouth, hands clasped behind his back. His ex
Upon hearing those words, both Xayne and Aava paused in surprise, then frowned in unison.The VIP lounge was clearly still operating as usual. Inside, over twenty people were relaxing—some reading newspapers and sipping coffee. There was no sign of any "closure" or "disinfection."It was obvious that this so-called announcement was deliberately targeting Xayne and Aava."Manager Li, isn't this going a bit too far? That's Xayne—formerly the King of the North. He has special privileges to use the VIP lounge. If this gets reported to higher-ups, we could all be in trouble…," whispered one of the airport staff, cautiously approaching Dean."Higher-ups? Haven't you heard? Young Master Lyuben already gave the order—anyone who sides with Xayne will see their entire family wiped out." Dean sneered, exhaling a cloud of smoke as he lit a cigarette."And even if the higher-ups find out, what can they do?" Dean added mockingly. "I'll admit, six months ago, I wouldn't have dared cross Xayne. B
Miodrag's laughter quickly caught the attention of onlookers in the bustling terminal. But their gazes were fixed not on him but on Xayne.The "King of the North" was a name nearly everyone recognized, yet no one dared approach him. Lyuben's warning had spread far and wide: anyone who got close to Xayne would face annihilation."Miodrag! What gives you the right to mock Mr. Xayne? Just hours ago, he was fighting on the front lines for this country. And you? What have you done besides indulge yourself in luxury?" Aava snapped with a sharp and clear voice."Heh, I pay taxes, don't I? Doesn't spending money generate tax revenue? Without people like me keeping the economy alive, what would Xayne have eaten in the north? Dirt?" Miodrag smirked, his tone dripping with mockery. He sneered and continued, "If not for us rich kids throwing around millions in donations every day, Xayne wouldn't even have warm dirt to eat!""Damn it! The nerve of that guy!""What's so special about the East
"Is it true that Xayne captured the so-called 'Lord of Light' alive?" Lyuben remained calm as he was playing a grand piano in the lounge."Indeed! Word is, the Lord of Light's master, Master Emin, was present as well. However, Xander also made an appearance. My analysis suggests it was Xander who forced Master Emin to retreat, while Xayne crippled the Lord of Light." An older man lowered his head respectfully as he spoke, his voice tinged with urgency."Oh? Defeating the Lord of Light… he must have had a trick up his sleeve. Was it some kind of tactic or setup?" Lyuben asked without betraying a hint of emotion."It's said that Xayne specializes in traps and ambushes. Otherwise, Hiram and his crew wouldn't have met their end in that mansion. Master Dongfang, you mustn't underestimate him!""Hmm?!" Lyuben's eyes shot open suddenly, piercing beams of icy resolve radiating toward the older man.The man immediately lowered his head further, not daring to meet the gaze of the young lead
"Lowes, what are you panicking for?" Zoro's cold gaze locked onto Lowes.Even though Lowes was several generations younger than him, as the head of the Bullard family, he had the status to stand on equal footing with Zoro."I'm not panicking, I just don't want to see more white funeral banners hanging at the Bullard family estate. If Xayne comes back and chooses to settle the score, do you think any of us can handle it? You might not know this, but back when King Quidie rebelled, even Klink didn't dare lay a hand on him," Lowes replied, his voice strained but steady.He paused, taking a long, slow breath to calm himself. "Put it another way, if Xayne comes for us, even KB Kings Circle won't step in to save us. If that doesn't scare you, then I don't know what will!"The air in the room grew colder. Lowes glanced around at the faces of the other family heads, hoping to see reason in their eyes. But then came a sneer.Zoro let out a low, disdainful chuckle. "Even if Xayne didn't die
"Xayne!" Zoro clenched his fists so tightly. If anyone had a grudge against Xayne, the Eastin family's hatred was no less than that of the Bullard family. Not to mention, Flamey had been killed by Xayne not long ago. This blood feud had to be settled.The Big Four weren't some weak, defenseless prey that Xayne could toy with as he pleased. For decades, the Big Four had controlled the heart of the Drakonia's economy. Every senator, governor, and political figure had to show them respect. But since Iver's death, the Big Four had lost their glow. People who once bowed their heads were now looking down on them. The root of all this was because of Xayne.That's why, after Flamey's death, the Eastin family had no choice but to call upon their master, a man who had been living in seclusion for decades. Every bit of information regarding Xayne's trip to Egenda, his plans, his contacts, and even his flight schedule had been deliberately fed to Lord of Light.They made it clear that the momen