The villa that served as their temporary headquarters was quiet, only Harvey's footsteps could be heard as he entered carrying Crysta. The woman's body was still weak, her face pale, occasionally letting out soft moans as she endured the pain. Allison immediately approached, her eyes widening at the sight of Crysta's injuries. Without saying much, she immediately took Crysta to the treatment room.Jordan stood near the door. His hands were clenched into fists, his face tense as if holding back something heavy. “If only I had gone with you, General...” his voice was hoarse, full of regret. His cheeks and lips had lost their color. "You fought the members of the Six Realms alone. They are not only strong... they are also cunning. I never imagined they would use Miss Crysta as bait to trap you."Harvey sighed deeply, as if releasing the weight pressing on his chest. He stepped closer and stood by the bed, looking down at Crysta who was lying weakly. His gaze was cold, but there was a fai

Alex took a deep breath. His eyes widened at the sight of the large hill towering before him. The path was steep, rocky, and shrouded in a thin fog.“We're here? I don't see any village here.”Jordan shook his head, pointing at the hill.“The village of Godleaf is behind that hill. Horse-drawn carriages can't pass through it.”A cold wind blew, carrying the scent of wet earth mixed with something faint—either wildflowers or poison. Alex felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, as if the hill itself was staring at them.Alex turned to Jordan, raising both eyebrows. His shoulders slumped, clearly disappointed after hearing the explanation.So, the two-day journey wasn't really over yet.He raised both arms, rotating his joints until they cracked softly. He pressed his neck to the right and left, then let it stretch. His face was slightly sour, his breath coming out rough.“My body is so stiff after this long journey. Once we arrive, I don't care about anything else. I'm going st

A young man with spiky blond hair approached Jordan and Alex. His gaze was sharp, a smirk never leaving his face. His eyes briefly fell on the paper Jordan was holding.“Oh... so you're looking for that old hermit?” his voice was mocking.Jordan and Alex immediately looked at each other before turning to the young man. Jordan took a step forward, his voice remaining calm.“You know him?”The blond young man nodded with a slight, dismissive smile."Of course! He's very famous in this village. There isn't a single person who doesn't know him. I even know where he is."Jordan and Alex spontaneously looked at each other. There was a glimmer of hope, although doubt still lingered in their eyes. Slowly, they both touched the young man's shoulders.“Can you show us where he is?”The blond young man grinned widely. “Of course... I'll show you, as long as the price is right.”Alex immediately glanced sharply at Jordan, as if questioning the young man's intentions. But Jordan didn't say much. C

One of them wielded a long wooden stick, while another brandished the sickle they had been using in the fields. The three of them began to advance, surrounding Alex and Jordan.Jordan, who had been calm until then, finally took half a step forward, standing side by side with Alex. He stared at the three men without flinching, his voice cold but controlled.“If you continue to force this, don't blame us if things get worse. We didn't come here looking for trouble... but don't think we'll just stand by and do nothing if we're treated like this.”Alex pressed Ian's hand even harder until there was a small “crack” sound, causing Ian to cry out in pain. Meanwhile, Alex's eyes flashed with mockery."Did you hear that, Jordan? They're the ones looking for trouble. Looks like I have to set an example so their brains work better."Alex glanced briefly, furrowing his brow, his lips curling slightly.“I wanted to teach this blondie a lesson. But it seems like you all need to learn too.”A young

“Who are you? Do you know us, sir?”Alex narrowed his eyes, his body lowering slightly. His right foot stepped forward, his fist slowly clenching. His movements clearly showed his full alertness towards the stranger.The elderly man continued walking, his steps slow but steady. Once he was close enough, he paused for a moment. His head tilted to one side, his gaze falling on the four unconscious young villagers. His lips curved into a thin smile, the meaning of which was difficult to discern.He nodded briefly, as if confirming something about the way they were standing.“You're from the military, right? What are you doing in this closed village? It's been more than five years since the last soldier set foot here.”Jordan and Alex glanced at each other quickly. It only took a split second for them to realize who the man was referring to—Harvey. But they refrained from jumping to conclusions.Jordan cleared his throat softly, his shoulders straight. An aura of calm and authority radiat