Although Ashton still treated Adrian with reverence, Adrian could see the difference in his attitude toward him compared to yesterday. However, he did not particularly mind. As long as the man could help him accomplish the mission, nothing else mattered."What do you mean by that?" Adrian asked."They had considered taking hidden routes before, but each time they attempted, our insiders detected them. Regardless of the route chosen, interception was inevitable," Ashton explained. "Eventually, they abandoned the notion of concealment and opted to travel directly via the main road. It's the ideal route for deploying their energy cannon."The energy cannon stood as a crucial asset for both Silverboa and Obscura. Similar to ore veins, they were predominantly under government control, inaccessible to the common populace.Moreover, most energy cannons were equipped with self-destruct protocols. Even if one managed to acquire such a cannon, they would lack the necessary expertise to opera
The supply convoy fell swiftly to Adrian and his team. Nearly 20 bodies lay in pools of blood. The mountain bandits, concealed on the hillside, mirrored the horror etched on the faces of their victims. Even after witnessing Adrian's ruthless methods the day before, the sight was still jarring.."If even an ordinary squad from Silverboa has such a destructive power, do we really need to fight this battle?" Ashton murmured in awe."Sir, that's impossible. He said he could speak favorably for us in front of the mayor. This means that his status in Silverboa City isn't low," one of his subordinates quickly responded."Yeah, if you ever become successful, don't forget us!" Another chimed in."Hmph! Even if I die, I won't grovel to the people of Silverboa City!" Another voice echoed. Some glared at the speaker, but upon seeing him, they all withdrew their angry gazes. "Grayson, what do you mean?" Ashton asked."Nothing! They're from Silverboa City, and we're from Obscura City. I hop
The rest of the journey went smoothly as Adrian and his team reached the dedicated supply passage of Sandstone City.This passage was specially opened outside the city's defensive barrier, and entry into Sandstone City could only be granted after thorough inspection.Moreover, after the inspection, they would not be allowed to use the supplies and the energy cannon.Roy was disappointed. When they were outside the Leafall canyon with Adrian, their energy cannon had dealt significant damage to the enemy, which was a rare instance of making a notable contribution while being with Adrian.Roy hoped to use the energy cannon again, believing it could prove useful in future operations. However, the regulations of Sandstone City meant they wouldn't get the chance to use those energy cannons once they entered the city."Captain, what if the mountain bandits deceive us?" Talan asked.Earlier, the mountain bandit leader had informed them that the guards of the supply passage in Sandstone C
Currently, their aim was to assimilate into the fabric of the city, whether as a resident of Obscura City, a native of Sandstone City, a refugee from Leafall, or hailing from elsewhere.Once integrated into the city, they aimed to expand their influence, each assembling a team of over 100 individuals within a week. This meant Adrian would command a force of 5,000 soldiers in just seven days.Such a number would pose a significant threat to the central defense hubs scattered throughout Sandstone City.While Adrian alone couldn't breach four defense formations, it would lead him to exhaustion. That wasn't his intention. Hence, besides rallying troops, Adrian mulled over alternative strategies.As Adrian strolled the lively streets of Sandstone City, a plan formed in his mind. Just like a coin, every city had two sides.Currently, Sandstone lay under the sway of the official forces, personified by Sid. Accepting this reality, Adrian pinned his hopes on the hidden powers lurking in th
As Adrian watched, a rough-looking man from Obscura City swaggered past him and entered the restaurant. Behind him, a dozen others followed suit.As the man passed Adrian, he barked, "What are you looking at?"The restaurant owner halted his movements, and the waitress ceased pouring coffee and water for the patrons.Adrian grasped the situation quickly. It appeared these thugs were there to extort money from them."Billy! Is the protection fee for this month ready?"Some patrons immediately put down their utensils and hastily left the restaurant. In the end, Adrian was the only one remaining as he calmly enjoyed his food.Fortunately, his actions were not conspicuous enough to draw attention from others."Didn't we just pay it last week?" Billy asked.This marked the third occurrence this month. On each occasion, they asserted it was for protection, yet in truth, only these thugs loitered around, showing any interest in their restaurant."Did we? How could I forget?" said the
The thug smirked."Don't push it, Willie. I know you're targeting me, but I'm not like those ordinary women. Don't push me too hard!" Bethan Doherty looked at the thug, Willie, coldly.When Willie met her gaze, he suddenly felt a chill enveloping his body."Bethan, stop!"Clang!The flash of a blade made a sharp metallic sound. Everyone in the restaurant, except Adrian, froze in shock. He set down his utensils, lowered his head, and looked at the broken ice cone on the ground with a thoughtful expression."Bethan! Come back! Don't let your sister take control of you!" Billy appeared extremely anxious. The thugs, who had narrowly avoided disaster, now felt not only stunned but terrified as well, because the hair of the girl sitting across from them had suddenly turned all white. Even more terrifying was the transformation of her pupils from black to pure white like snowflakes. When they were stared at by those pupils, they felt a chill run down their spine."Snow Lady?" Adrian lo
"This is merely a test to gauge the strength of her defenses," Adrian calmly responded when confronted about his actions. Seeing the Snow Lady, he recognized an opportunity. Finding a Grandmaster in a place like Sandstone, especially one proficient in combat, was no easy feat. Encountering the Snow Lady this time was a fortune for him."Please, release my daughter!" Billy pleaded while covertly mustering his Vital Energy, intending to restrain Adrian."I suggest you cease what you’re doing. Otherwise, both you and your daughter will meet your end," Adrian softly warned as he smiled.Billy frowned, taking two steps back, refraining from approaching further. When Adrian spoke, their eyes met, and from Adrian's gaze, Billy perceived an unyielding intent to kill. As a Grandmaster himself, he was no novice."Are you from Silverboa? Are you the one from Leafall?"Adrian raised an eyebrow, surprised the man had correctly guessed who he was. "I harbor no ill intentions toward your daughte
Willie’s companions who had planned to rush forward hesitated upon witnessing his pitiable state, choosing to keep their distance instead. Willie clutched his injured wrist, crying in agony.Adrian stood before him, observing with cold detachment. "Are you still inclined to challenge me?""Who are you? What do you want? If it's money you're after, we can provide it. Just give us a little time," Willie implored."I have no interest in money. I simply require your presence," Adrian stated as he headed back toward the restaurant, prompting Willie and the others to follow, who did so reluctantly."Willie, is your hand alright?" one of the group inquired anxiously.Willie was about to respond, but to his astonishment, he found his wrist had healed. "How...""The world holds far greater mysteries than you can fathom. Stay with me, and you'll witness its wonders," the man ahead declared.The thugs’ initial terror and anger morphed into awe. At that moment, they grasped that Adrian oper