Without a special pass authorized by the local authorities, there was no chance of getting close to the pyramid, let alone entering it. Even with a pass, they could only enter under the guise of archaeological research."Yzil, you're so capable! Honestly, I was just thinking about this problem earlier," one of the team members eagerly complimented him.This exchange highlighted Yzil's influence and network in the area."Unlike some people born with a silver spoon in their mouth, claiming titles like 'King of the North' or 'Chief Commander of Military Theater,' I had to build everything myself! But hey, I do know a few people," Yzil said smugly.Not long after, Xayne and Aava finished their lunch. Spotting Yzil and his team at a small diner across the street, Aava grabbed Xayne's arm and led him over to join them."Yzil, what's the plan for the rest of the day?" Aava asked, turning to Yzil."To find Spencer, we need to eliminate possibilities systematically. And to do that, we nee
On any other day, Yzil wouldn't have given attention to someone like Mapen, a mid-level official from a small Afrishan country. Not even someone several ranks higher would usually warrant his attention.After all, Yzil was a top-tier operative and a member of an elite assassination unit. The circles he moved in were far above Mapen's.But coming to Carollan this time was different. They needed Mapen's special access pass."These are my friends," Yzil said, gesturing to the group as he introduced them to Mapen.Mapen barely nodded in acknowledgment, not even bothering to shift his posture. The others stood and politely greeted him one by one.However, Xayne remained seated, completely unfazed, not even lifting himself from his chair. Yzil frowned at Xayne's indifference.Xayne was once the "King of the North," but that was in the past. Even with his title restored, it was more ceremonial than functional. He shouldn't act so arrogant in Afrishan. Yzil had spent nearly two decades
Yzil patted Xayne on the shoulder twice, offering a pointed reminder before walking off with his drink to toast Mapen.The message was clear. If they wanted access to the pyramid and any hope of tracking down Spencer, Xayne would have to drop the attitude and play along, buttering up Mapen.Xayne, however, merely glanced at Yzil with calm indifference, saying nothing. It didn't matter whether Xayne was still the "King of the North." As the Dracolord of Dracarium, he had no need to grovel. A single phone call and Mapen would be on his knees.Meanwhile, a boisterous group was raising glasses in the private room next door. At the head of the table sat a young man, oozing arrogance as he lounged with a few scantily-clad models draped over him. These weren't local women either; each one was a stunning Eukranian beauty, with their glamorous features and shapely figures practically spilling out of the crowded space. With one arm wrapped around a model's shoulder and the other holding a dri
That towering figure was the one who had once led them to countless victories, sweeping across nations. In every difficult moment, he had been their pillar of strength.Meanwhile, in the private room next door, Yzil and a few team members were raising glasses to Mapen. On the one hand, they needed to secure the access pass from him. On the other, they needed Mapen to sign off on an order to have his troops escort them. Without military protection, even with the access pass, they'd face endless harassment. This wasn't like Drakonia, where government officials worked with integrity and unity. Here, even a minor clerk could make life an unbearable mess for anyone.So, they took turns toasting Mapen, everyone except Xayne. He simply ate in silence. His mind was occupied with plans to bring Spencer safely back to Drakonia. Rescuing Spencer wasn't the problem. Mobilizing Dracarium's local network could locate him in minutes. The real challenge lay in the Ashlan Lanchester family and th
The young man shot a cold look at the bodyguard and sneered, "Such loyalty and bravery. Fine. Someone, bring in ten cases of wine. Let him drink as much as he wants!""No! Young Master, I'll drink it!" Gordon stepped forward, taking the beer glass from the table.Just as his fingers touched the glass, the young man sprang to his feet. His hand lashed out, landing a hard slap on the bodyguard's face."Who the hell do you think you are? Drinking in place of Gordon? What's next, eating his meals for him too?" The young man grabbed the bodyguard by the collar, yanked him close, and pulled out a handgun, pressing the barrel firmly against the man's temple."Please, Young Master, calm down! It's my fault he acted so rashly. Let me take responsibility on his behalf," Gordon said quickly, his voice calm but resolute. Without hesitation, Gordon pinched his nose and downed the glass of beer.A burning sensation seared through his stomach as the alcohol hit him hard.He clenched his teeth,
At that moment, Mapen was basking in unparalleled satisfaction.After all, the man standing before him wasn't just anyone. It was Xayne, the legendary King of the North, the former supreme commander of Drakonia, who had once crushed the forces of five nations with strategic brilliance. Had Xayne been a nobody, Mapen would've taken the money from Yzil long ago and handed over the access pass without a second thought. It's not worth his time to target a nobody.But no, this was different. Mapen wasn't just demanding a toast from Xayne. He had bigger ambitions. He wanted a photo to prove that Xayne had once raised a glass for him to boast about in the future.People boasted about being toasted by presidents of Newcroa, prime ministers of Eaglen, and even the emperor of Drakonia. But no one could claim they had Xayne's respect and toasted with him. That one photograph would be enough to make him a legend at every social gathering for years to come.As Xayne approached, holding a bottle
If they dare make a move, the Egenda's Elder of National Defense won't just sit back and watch. Egenda was still a sovereign nation.At the forefront of the standoff, a soldier bearing the stars of a general on his shoulders stepped forward, his voice sharp as he drew his pistol and pointed it at Yzil and the others and furiously shouted, "Who's in charge here?"Mapen raised a hand, motioning for the officer to stand down. He then turned his gaze toward Xayne, blood still trickling down his temple, and said. "Mr. Xayne, I'm going to need an explanation for what happened today. You can't just leave me bleeding like this and call it even.""Mr. Xayne, it's time to figure this out. We're well past the point of talking this through with a few words," Mapen added, his tone colder now.Yzil, unbothered by the tension, sat off to the side, shrugging as he said nonchalantly, "This isn't my problem. You all figure it out yourselves."Xayne met Mapen's gaze, calm and unyielding.At that mo
Even Xayne himself couldn't remember the last time he had to make a call like this. It was probably back when he first reunited with Serena.The call connected almost instantly. On the other end, a deep, respectful voice came through. "Drakon King!""I'm at the Hotel Delta. Come here," Xayne said plainly before ending the call.The room fell silent for a moment before Mape,n and the elder by his side burst out laughing. Even the soldiers behind them joined in with mocking laughter.He was in Carollan, the capital of Egenda. Mapen wasn't just some local official. He was part of the city's leader and one of its elite decision-makers, and Xayne was trying to call for backup to challenge Mapen. It was laughable.On top of that, Mapen's influence extended far beyond his political role. He was also a distant relative of the Elder of the National Defense. That's how, with a single phone call, Mapen summoned not just the military but also one of the most powerful protectors of the nation.