Dieter became crestfallen. "If you're going to ignore me, I'll punish myself by banishing myself to the rear cliff for half a year. Throughout that time, I won't meddle in Ivory Clouds’ affairs.""Father, you can't!" Caroline panicked, looking toward Adrian pleadingly. "Please help us, Adrian. My father seems to have gotten Alzheimer's and has returned to being a child."Johnny was secretly delighted. Dieter, with his low intellect, was easy to manipulate and was protective of his apprentices and children. "I'll manage Ivory Cloud,” Johnny declared.Adrian frowned slightly, but Dieter did not object. Johnny was not a decent person and would surely bring chaos to Greenhurst, where the people there were already struggling to survive. "It's been such a long time, my friend. Come. Let's go have some rabbit stew. And some wine too while we're at it,” Adrian said."Okay!" Dieter's eyes lit up with excitement. He grabbed Adrian's hand and boasted, "I promise I'll manage Ivory Cloud we

Dieter put down the wine bottle and removed the cracked crystal pendant around his waist and fixed it to Adrian’s belt.“Here. It's yours for the time being." He chuckled. "Return it to me when I wake up. That shouldn't be a problem for you, right?"Adrian was repulsed by the pendant. “But I don’t want it.”“Just keep it safe for me,” Dieter insisted, making sure it was securely attached. Johnny, witnessing this, was stunned and silent.Caroline objected, “Father! That's the symbol of Ivory Cloud’s leader! How could you give it to someone else so casually?!"Dieter, already drunk, collapsed on the table, oblivious to Caroline's protest.Adrian was shocked by this responsibility suddenly thrust upon him. He had no intention of becoming Ivory Cloud's leader. “What the hell is all this?” he grumbled.“What are your orders, sir?” Caroline said, bowing deeply in respect. Johnny followed suit, albeit reluctantly. “Sir, my only request is that you punish Sylvas. You can’t let him g

"I can't do that.""Anyone who thinks they’re up for the task, step forth.” Adrian looked over the men in black. "Whoever does shall become the deputy leader of this mountain."Everyone became elated when they heard this. They knew that the fact that Adrian was following Dieter around and appreciated by the latter meant that he was of a much higher status than everyone else. "I'll do it.""No, I’ll do it!”"I promise to handle the task thoroughly.”Adrian looked at the previous man in black, whose face was now pale, and said, "You should learn who's the boss here."The man in black was confused by this and was not able to read between the lines for a moment. He only understood what happened when Johnny explained it to him, and he even got an earful."You idiot! I asked you to stir everyone's rage, yet you ended up getting stirred by the new guy! You absolute fool!" "Oh? You asked him to do that, huh? You're already in the hot seat, yet you were hoping to become everyone's le

Sylvas decided that maybe being a bystander was not a bad idea.Caroline, who despised Adrian, only wanted to see the latter fail. "Ivory Cloud will be yours to command so long as you're willing to help, Sylvas."Sans panicked. It was clear that Caroline was seeking revenge for personal reasons, which made it difficult for him to decide who he should be helping. The bald man was confused too. He thought Caroline was here to pick a fight, yet it seemed like she was asking for help.The bald man whispered, "Sans, come here!" "What?" "Did you and Caroline get into a fight on your way over here?""No, we were sent by the new leader. He says he wants Sylvas to receive his punishment and that we should remain harmonious since we're a family." Sans added in that last bit, thinking this reflected Adrian's thoughts.The bald man frowned. "Is that man touched in the head? Why would anyone even listen to him?" Sans was embarrassed. Adrian was indeed a fool in these matters that could

"Just try and stand, Ms. Caroline! Please!" Sans pleaded. Then and there, Sans decided to keep his distance from Caroline in the future. After all, anyone who followed her was doomed, even if they were on the verge of success. Caroline finally straightened her legs and realized she could stand up. Embarrassed, she scolded, "This is all your fault, Sans! You chose to cower away rather than stand at the forefront! I'm telling Adrian about this!" "Suit yourself!" Sans was thoroughly angered, contemplating leaving Ivory Cloud for good as staying seemed like a complete waste of time.Dejected, the two headed back up the mountain. Caroline did not mention the roc again. She understood her life was more precious than even the best pet, and she had just narrowly escaped death."I seriously need to focus on my training," Caroline mumbled to herself.Sans snorted in disdain. Then, spotting Adrian in the distance, Sans felt bitter and turned to leave. However, Caroline held him back.