At the base of the Black Dragon Mercenary Group in Aramid was a man who was once the number two person in the world, Milo Steinbach. He was the leader of the Black Dragon Mercenary Group.The Black Dragon Mercenary Group had fallen into chaos ever since Milo went missing at the Somerland border town. Then, what followed was the Great One’s return and the wildfire news of Milo’s death. Hence, in just a few months, the internationally renowned Black Dragon Mercenary Group fell silent and their base was deserted.Even so, the mercenaries who once coveted this place dared not come to disturb the place either as new owners had settled there. As long as they recognized these individuals, they would definitely be able to discern that they were none other than Ulric and Greywulf. They were also the men who had betrayed Fred.At this moment, Ulric's expression was grotesque.Seeing this while standing to the side, Greywulf could not help but ask, "What's wrong, Martial Arts King? Did someon
"You’ve met him before. It’s Barett," Ulric replied."Barett?" Greywulf's brows furrowed at the name. He asked, "You mean Barett, the representative for that faction over there?”Ulric nodded. "That's right. It's him. Now that we've already allied ourselves with them, they won’t let us off easy if we were to turn a blind eye when something has happened to Barett.”"Something happened? What happened to him?" Greywulf quickly asked.As Ulric had mentioned, they had betrayed Fred, so their only hope was for the faction to accept them. Although Barett was a minor representative, if what Ulric did affected their joining, then it would be more trouble than it was worth for Greywulf!Ulric wanted to tell Greywulf what he was thinking. "It's something Barett brought upon himself. He probably lured out some expert, and that's how Thunderstrike got into trouble. He contacted me yesterday and said he wanted to explain this matter to me in person.”"Explain? What does that have to do with hi
Fred was not entirely unfamiliar with the Black Dragon’s base. When he encountered it the last time, he had delivered a single palm strike that led to Milo's seclusion. With that, he even became a well-known legend in the mercenary world."Great One, Ulric is inside. I'm not lying. You can go inside and see for yourself if you don’t believe me!" Barett urged immediately from the side with impatience. While he appeared obedient, as if he was just trying to prove the truth of his words, there was a hint of coldness deep within his eyes. Ulric was indeed inside. He also was aware of another SS-level powerhouse, Greywulf, who was with Ulric!This was something Barett deliberately kept secret. Since Fred had the balls to go looking for Ulric, then he might actually be capable of going up against him despite him being a SS-class powerhouse. However, going up against one SS-class powerhouses was completely different from going up against two of them.In fact, Barett was somewhat eager
When the group stepped inside the base, the previously pitch-black passage immediately lit up with bright lights, illuminating their path. Barett had been here before, and when he saw the lights lit up, he immediately realized that Ulric and Greywulf were likely waiting for him not far ahead in the main hall. He also believed Ulric and Greywulf had sensed that he was under someone’s else’s control from his call before he came. He needed to find an opportunity to move forward and create distance between himself and Fred as quickly as possible to reunite with Ulric and Greywulf. That way, not only would he be leading Fred to the hall where Ulric and Greywulf were, but he would also have his life spared. He just had to meet Ulric and Greywulf in advance and get under their protection.Thinking this, Barett immediately looked at Fred and said, "Sir, this place used to be the famous base of the Black Dragon Mercenary Group. I believe there are many traps about, so how about I lead the
"Finally, you've arrived!" Barett exclaimed. He might have been fearful and apprehensive when he was by Fred's side earlier, but he was now eager and even excited at his arrival. He pointed toward Ulric and Greywulf who were beside him. "Sir, you finally made it! I've been waiting for you for a long time. See, I didn't deceive you now, did I? The Martial Arts King, Ulric, is right here. But I may have overlooked something."I forgot to tell you that there's another SS-class powerhouse here besides him. This is Mr. Greywulf, who's just as strong as Martial King Ulric."Greywulf? There was another SS-class powerhouse besides Ulric? Behind Fred, Dave immediately turned pale at Barett’s words before Fred could even respond.He had originally been skeptical about whether Fred could really beat Ulric, who was the Overseas Martial Arts King. Because of this, he had resolved to escape with Deanna if Fred was unable to handle the situation. He never expected Barett to have concealed the
Dave's heart pounded like a drum as he blurted out, "This can't be real. How can this be?""Ah, but anything is possible," Barett replied, his voice laced with a mocking chill. "You're in the stronghold of the legendary Milo Steinbach, the former world-renowned second-strongest being, the Holy Lord of the Black Dragon mercenaries. Did you think that you, a mere low-tier Ability user, could interfere?""Let me spell it out for you. The second you and that fool Fred set foot in here, you signed your death warrants."Dave's hopes shattered instantly. Consumed by dread and the primal desire to live, he turned to Barett and pleaded, "I don't want to die! Especially not without Deanna! Please, spare me!""Spare you?" Barett laughed. "I might consider it. All you have to do is kneel and swear your undying loyalty to me. Be my dog, and I might let you see another day."The notion tangled Dave's thoughts. Normally, he would never bend to Barett, a mere mortal, but normalcy had left the bui
'They're... kneeling? Just like that?' Barett was a heartbeat away from losing his cool completely, while Dave felt as though his teeth might crack from sheer astonishment. "What in the actual hell is going on?" Ulric and Greywulf, two titans in the world of combat, had just humbled themselves in front of Fred, a Somer Warlord they did not even know. Even if they had a direct duel with Fred and lost, that would be less shocking than this outright submission. As Fred emerged from the dimly lit passage, Barett and Dave remained blissfully unaware of the tremors of recognition that jolted through Ulric and Greywulf. The very sight of Fred was so shocking that it felt as though their souls had been torn from their bodies, leaving them frozen in sheer terror.For all of Barett's bravado, his confident stance, and proud words just moments ago, the dread that now consumed Ulric and Greywulf was a thousand times more intense.This was no ordinary man. Fred was a living legend, the unpa
'The moment Fred neuters our powers, we'll be dead men—no better than corpses in a gutter by dawn,‘ Ulric and Greywulf shared a moment of horrifying realization. Fred looked indifferent to their horror. His face was like a sheet of ice. When you swore loyalty to Fred, any slip-up was not as simple as a mistake—it was a betrayal. A betrayal that had nearly endangered the people he considered family. If Stellar had not intervened, the consequences would have been severe. As such, Fred raised his hand, and for a moment, the air shimmered gold. "God damn it!" Greywulf's teeth nearly shattered from the pressure. He lunged into a defensive stance. "Ulric, snap out of it! Are you just going to let him maim us?" Ulric let out a desolate laugh. What was the point of resisting when facing an apex predator like Fred? Then, almost as if on cue, the air was filled with applause—a mocking soundtrack to their plight. Morgan had materialized beside them, his face twisted in a mocking grin.
Marciella walking away did not bode well with the giant snake. Marciella was its food! How could it accept that its food had escaped?Marciella had not moved far yet. She reluctantly looked back at Fred.She did not know how Fred would handle the River God. She could only hope Fred would be okay!When Fred saw that she had left, he geared up, rubbing his palms in glee. He had an eager look on his face, which confused the giant snake.It was the snake’s first time meeting a man like Fred!How strange indeed!At this time!Suddenly, Fred said with hostility etched on his face, "Hey, Big Snake, what are you going to do now?"The snake's attention was entirely focused on him, which seemed off to Fred."What I’m going to do?"The giant snake fixated its eyes on Fred. It felt that it could handle a human like Fred easily.“I’m going to kill you with one bite! How dare you look down on me like this!"The giant snake rushed toward Fred fiercely at a speed so fast that no one could
Fred was annoyed by the giant snake's arrogant tone. Fred squinted his eyes at the snake and asked in confusion, "Why are you making that face?"“Huh?"The giant snake was shocked. He thought that Fred would submit to him, but to his surprise, Fred was not shaken at all.The snake was about to lose his temper.“Dirty snake, haven't I made myself clear enough? I think you are probably sleep-talking if you want me to hand over my people to you..." Fred said impatiently.At this moment…Feeling that it was being ridiculed, the snake said suddenly, "You punk, this is the first time anyone spoke to me this way. What is your name?"“Me?"Fred was stunned subconsciously, not knowing what the snake wanted. Suddenly, he understood.“Did you want to know my name so you can remember me, bow down before me, and become my follower? Sure, I’ll give you that chance!"He was adding fuel to the fire. The giant snake almost spat out blood in anger!"What? You want me to follow an immature bei
Huh!?Putting aside Marciella, even Fred could not hide his shock as a giant snake appeared from under the water!A giant snake!How could it be!?Fred's eyes widened at the sheer size of the snake. "A Giant Snake… Is this the so-called River God?"Moreover, the size was humongous. The snake must be at least ten stories high!What a huge snake!Fred finally understood why he felt a powerful force under the water!There was a sharp glint in the giant snake’s eyes! That was the blinking light from time to time!"Who comes here? Are you from the village? Who do you plan to sacrifice to me this time?" As soon as the giant snake spoke, Fred realized that this was not the first time it had done this.The snake seemed familiar with the ritual process. Obviously, the villagers had witnessed this giant snake before. This was the meeting between the two sides! Fred felt uncomfortable at this. As for the giant snake, it felt bemused when it saw Fred. The snake had never seen Fred befo
Fred was going to risk it all to open this girl's eyes!The force from the punch was extraordinary! As soon as the tree was hit by the seismic fist, it fell immediately and the whole tree split neatly in two!Marciella was dumbfounded!Although she knew how powerful Fred was, to witness his power was a different thing entirely!"Master Fred, your power is insane!"Marciella could not help but applaud.Fred seemed indifferent, as though he had no feeling at all about this."Is it? Why do you think so?"He looked so indifferent.For Ancient Martial Arts, things did not get any simpler than this!"You’re so strong. Anyway, I don’t doubt you anymore..." Marciella sighed, suddenly feeling very sad. "This is the reward of being educated. If we were more knowledgeable, we wouldn’t be so clueless.”"Haha, if you can't solve your issues, your descendants can work harder," Fred said with a wink.Marciella said, "Mr. Fred, I needed to ask you something! What if our luck was changed ju
What Fred said aroused her curiosity."What does it look like when you offer a sacrifice?"Fred knew he could not speak of this matter. Sure enough, Marciella felt a little downcast after Fred said the words. She did not know why Fred would say such a thing. Suddenly, Fred felt bad about it.He coughed and said, "Don't think too much about it... I just want to find a clue. Maybe we could find a solution. Why does it never rain in your village?""Huh?"Marciella's eyes, which were still a little dejected, suddenly realized what was important and asked hurriedly, "Mr. Fred, are you saying that the reason why it never rains in our village is because someone is behind it?"Although Fred was unwilling to admit it, he could not help but nod. "Yes, this is exactly what you thought!""For real?!"Marciella felt hopeful again when she heard this. She said hastily, "The thing you asked about is pretty simple. You can just check out that place!""That place?"Fred turned around to see w
Marciella found herself nodding in agreement with Fred's harsh assessment. "You're spot on," she said. "That woman is nothing but vile!"Seeing Marciella's reaction, a rare smile crossed Fred's face as he nodded back. "Glad you see it my way," he said.What caught Fred off guard was the villagers' reaction. One by one, their faces turned ashen with despair.It seemed to them that nothing could be worse than the predicament they were facing. The absence of the witch spelled doom for the village—it was like their last shred of hope had vanished. They had all put their faith in her to charm the River God into blessing them with rain, which would have brought some peace to their troubled lives. However, now their chances seemed to have dried up just like their fields. Fred stood there, his face a mask of serenity amidst the chaos.In the moments that followed, the village chief was a picture of despair, his only option was to send everyone home while he racked his brain for a backup pl
"What?"Fred did not even have time to blink before the witch suddenly made a move.It was like a bomb went off.Kaboom!Then, she was dead!Fred dusted off his hands, even surprising himself with his lack of tolerance for the witch.Now, though, he had a real headache. He had planned to clear the air with the witch and lay out the past so everyone would know the full picture.He thought that might just turn things around.The situation changed when she vanished, and Fred's plans were completely derailed. Then again, changing the villagers' minds was not going to be a walk in the park anyway. They were pretty set in their ways, thanks to all the stuff they had been fed.As such, just talking it out might not cut it. Heck, it could even mess with history!With the witch out of the equation, Fred figured he might as well try a different tactic. Maybe if he took out the guy in the cloak and worked his own magic to bring some rain, it could save a lot of hassle. The more he thoug
"No way!"The witch bristled with defiance. She could not accept that she was no match for Fred.As she noticed Fred's focus was locked on her, a sly idea popped up in her mind.Before she could act on it, though, she found herself pinned against the wall by Fred in a flash...Her face contorted in disbelief. She was pinned so tightly that she could not even move!The witch was completely overpowered, her heart racing with panic.How could he be so much stronger than her?Fred, on the other hand, seemed unfazed."What's going through your head? You don't seriously think you can take me on, do you?" Fred asked, his voice laced with skepticism.The witch felt utterly trapped, as if at any second, Fred might just finish her off."Look, I messed up, okay? Can we not do this? I'm old, just a pile of brittle bones—I can't take this kind of rough treatment!" the witch pleaded with Fred, trying a new tactic to get through to him.Fred was not falling for it. He looked at her with a
"Heh, I caught on to you a while back, you know. You've been tailing me, and I'm pretty sure you're here for me. Plus, you don't have the look of someone from our village. That means you are an outsider, and I'm your target, right? Listen, man, we don't have any beef with each other, so why are you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong?"The witch had sensed the raw power rolling off Fred, and it was enough to send shivers down her spine!At that moment, she knew that challenging Fred was not going to be a walk in the park! If she had spotted him earlier in the forest, it would not have been good news for her. For starters, she had no clue how many tricks Fred had up his sleeve, and if he took her down, she and her buddy would be toast.However, the witch was not about to let Fred take her out without a fight! She racked her brain and finally settled on one strategy!She would try to sweet-talk him, hoping Fred would fall for her words just like everyone else, and fall into he