Covering in dirt and wounds, Serena cradled her daughter in the dimly lit warehouse. Coco was battered and bruised as she lay in her mother's arms, muttering in distress, “Daddy, I’m scared. When are you coming to save me and Mommy? Sob, sob.”Tears rolled down her face as she mumbled in her sleep.Serena had broken fingernails and bloodied fingers from repeatedly trying to open the door. She lowered her sorrowful eyes and mustered a loving smile as she brushed the stray hairs off Coco’s face.However, she felt Coco’s high temperature. “Sweetheart, don’t scare me.”Serena panicked and tried to wake her daughter, but Coco only grimaced in pain. The former lifted her daughter and rushed to the small iron door, pounding on it.Her voice trembled as she exclaimed, “Is anyone there?! Please let me and my daughter out! My daughter has a high fever! Please take her to the hospital. If you don’t, she might not make it…”Serena wept as she knelt by the door. Suddenly, the iron door creake
Kendall commanded, “Since you refuse to reveal Xayne’s whereabouts, you give me no choice! Throw them into the cage and take them away.”Two soldiers shoved the mother and daughter into the massive cage. Serena desperately clung to the iron bars, screaming, “Please save my daughter! She’s losing consciousness!”She wailed and bashed her head against the bars in her plea. However, Kendall ignored her. The latter scoffed and ordered the four soldiers to carry the cage out of the small warehouse.Meanwhile, Coco lay in the cage, struggling to open her eyes. She weakly clutched her mother’s clothes and whispered, “I-I’m okay, Mommy. Cough, I’m not hurting. Please don’t cry, Mommy.”Coco’s words were heart-wrenching, causing Serena to feel utterly guilty. She lifted Coco into her arms and held her in one corner of the cage. Serena’s eyes brimmed with tears as she bit her lower lip.She wiped away Coco’s tears and reassured her, “Okay, I won’t cry. You must be strong, baby. Your daddy w
Xayne felt a shiver run down his spine as he frowned with concern. He wondered why no one answered his call and if something happened at the company. Just then, Ace, in full military regalia, approached from behind.Xayne asked, “How many days has it been since we left Venzor?”Ace replied, “It’s been over two days, sir. Adrian will become a Lieutenant today.”Xayne was alarmed, saying lowly, “Return to Venzor immediately. Something’s happened to my wife and child.”His intuition told him that Serena and Coco were in trouble. After all, his instincts from years of experience in the Northern Plains battles had saved him countless times.Whoosh! Xayne’s dragon-patterned battle robe billowed, shining brightly. He exuded a bone-chilling determination as he strode out of the main gate. Ace followed closely, trying to contact Donovan, Chuck, and Linford.Xayne boarded the Drakonix Military Car with a 00001 number plate. He ordered, “Take me to Drakov Airport as quickly as possible!”
Ring, ring!The ringing broke the silence, further intensifying the atmosphere. Warren answered the call with a fierce look in his eyes, demanding, “Speak!”“Sir, Lieutenant Linford was in a meeting at the provincial capital. He left for Venzor half an hour ago. According to the Drakonia Intelligence Agency, Adrian Lenning had detained Harold Saun two days ago.“Commander Raymond has also been detained for carrying heavy weaponry intended for Adrian Lenning.” The messenger’s heart raced as he relayed this information.Warren asked, “What else?”The Dragon Network intelligence operative continued, “Before this, Adrian’s sister, Kendall Lenning, led a group to remove some Swift family members from the Venzor General Hospital. The family members include Tony Swift, Violet Duncan, Serena Swift, and her daughter, Coco.”Warren roared, “They even took Serena and Coco?!”Hammond and the other elders were shocked. They rose from their seats and stared at Warren.“Y-Yes, Mr. Warren. Is
An hour later, Linford’s car appeared at Venzor’s entrance. He looked determined sitting inside, even wanting to overturn the entire vehicle.Moments ago, he received a call from General Rhaega’s deputy, the Commander of East Yoskea Military Theater. His tone was solemn and furious as he briefed Linford on the current situation in Venzor.Linford was shocked as he paled.'How dare Adrian be so bold and lawless while I was away?! He illegally detained Chief Harold and Raymond!'However, what he was furious about most was Adrian’s men taking Serena and Coco. After all, they were the Supreme Commander of the Northern Plains’ wife and daughter."Quick, return to the Venzor Military Headquarters and inform everyone to assemble. Stand by for my orders!" Linford roared. The driver slammed on the gas and sped toward the military headquarters.Meanwhile, thirty thousand Northern Plains soldiers prepared themselves on the outskirts of Venzor. They could turn heaven and earth upside down. T
The crowd raised their glasses in unison, chanting, "Congratulations, Lieutenant Adrian!"Adrian said smilingly, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to have you all at my inauguration ceremony. Among you are familiar faces and some I've yet to meet. I hope we can work together for a brighter future in Venzor. Let's strive and progress together!"He downed his drink, and the prominent figures below followed suit. They praised him for being the most outstanding talent in Venzor. They knew he would lead the way to a prosperous future."Lieutenant Adrian, the future looks bright with you as the Lennings’ pride.""We'll depend on you from now on, Lieutenant Adrian!""Lieutenant Adrian and the Lennings will dominate Venzor! Let's raise our glasses together!"The surrounding praises were incessant. Adrian and Henry raised their glasses pridefully. They were now on par with Linford, a position that was previously out of reach for the Lennings.Things were different today among these
Serena clutched Coco tightly with despair, fear, and dread. Her once bright eyes had lost their luster. She became wide-eyed as she observed the influential figures pointing and discussing below the stage.Serena and Coco lay beneath the glaring spotlight, subjected to the crowd’s scrutiny and gossip."Isn't that Serena Swift with her illegitimate child? How did they end up in a crate? What a pitiful sight.""Heh, being confined to a crate is letting her off easy! We should parade that woman down the streets!""This is all because of that miserable lapdog, Xayne Xavier. Offending the Lennings was just reckless! I heard he fled and left his wife and daughter behind. He's a scoundrel!"Everyone looked at Serena and Coco, confined in the crate on stage. Their situation was indeed wretched. The Swifts spotted Serena and Coco, their expressions turning increasingly grim. Eric and his associates grew resolute when they heard the mockery around them.It was utterly embarrassing."Hmph,
The Swift felt the crowd’s burning gaze. The family was full of dread and an overwhelming sense of shame. They hated Serena for disgracing the family.Enraged, Eric pointed at Serena on the stage and shouted, "Shut up! You tainted our family’s reputation, you vile woman! You're not my granddaughter. You are not a Swift.”The other family members echoed, “Shut your mouth, Serena! You’re nothing but a curse to this family. We’ve disowned you.”“She must be insane! Don’t believe her, everyone. She’s not one of us.”“Yeah, we have nothing to do with that idiot!”The Swifts desperately distanced themselves from Serena while she cried nonstop. She gripped the iron bars and knocked her head against them. Serena watched as her family disowned her. At that moment, despair consumed her heart.“G-Grandpa, why have you forsaken me?! You can disown me, but I beg you to save my daughter! She’s slipping away!” Serena cried in anguish, almost running out of tears.Suddenly, Kendall appeared on
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