Kael Draven had barely left the Starcloud royal house when he ran into Kael Ardon — the One‑Armed Blade King.Kael Ardon already knew what had happened. Seeing Kael Draven’s hair turned white at the temples tugged at something deep in him.“Brother Draven, are you okay?” he asked.Kael Draven shook his head. “I’m fine.”“I heard you’re going to represent the Starcloud National Guardian Hall in the Thunder Empire’s Thunder War?” Kael Ardon’s voice carried worry.Kael Draven met his gaze steadily. He knew Kael Ardon’s concern, but his mind was set. “I’ve decided,” he said simply.Kael Ardon studied him for a long time. He knew Kael Draven: once the youth made a choice, he rarely wavered. So he didn’t push. Not worth it.After a short conversation, Kael Draven left and found an inn to rest for the night.Storm clouds rolled across the sky. Rain tapped the rooftops in a steady rhythm, pulling the night into silence.Kael Draven lay on the bed with his eyes closed, letting the rain lull hi

Kael Draven’s fists were tight as iron, and Aaron Kane’s eyes flickered with a dangerous glint.Inside the main hall of the National Guardian Hall, the air seemed heavier than usual.“Hallmaster, I’m ready to set off for the Thunder Empire immediately.”Leonard Ward didn’t need to ask why. Normally, they would have waited another ten days before departure, but for Kael Draven… there was no choice. The date had to be moved forward.Ten members from the Starcloud National Guardian Hall would take part in the Thunder War: Kael Draven, Lucas Grant, Aaron Kane, Felix Lancaster, Justin Dover, Tyrus Hart, Cyrus Hart, Finn Valmar, Liana Ivy, and Alisson Stormveil.Two Deputy Hallmasters. Eight Guardian Masters.And Kael Draven—a One-Line Heaven warrior. By all logic, he should never have been a Deputy Hallmaster, let alone the leader of this group.Yet here he was.A mere One-Line Heaven warrior, leading ten members—most of them simmering with resentment—but none dared voice it. After all… wh

One strike. That was all it took.Sebastian Vance didn’t hold back. In a single, ruthless motion, both Hundred‑Scattered Heaven Warriors crumpled to the ground.Allen Draven and Ryder Dunmore—spoiled brats through and through—weren’t stupid. Seeing their men fall so easily, their faces paled. Panic seeped into their voices. “A… One‑Line Heaven Warrior!”A One‑Line Heaven Warrior wasn’t just stronger—it was leagues above a Hundred‑Scattered. That wasn’t a fight you took lightly.Without hesitation, they turned to flee. But someone who’d stayed still until now slid through the crowd like a shadow—silent, sudden. Kael Draven.He let out a cold little laugh. “Where do you two think you’re going?”Ahh!Their screams were high-pitched, ridiculous. Kael Draven rolled his eyes. He hadn’t even moved yet, and they were already squealing like pigs. Really?“Let it be, Brother Draven,” Sebastian Vance said, calm now. Killing those two had stirred the blood, but he knew the dangers of pushing it f

“Wait.”The auctioneer froze, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple.Skipping out on payment?Sure, some people try to get something for nothing. But no one dared pull that stunt inside Thunder City’s auction house. And this guy had just gone toe-to-toe with the Third Prince—was he looking for trouble on purpose?“I already said it—I’ll repay the auction house twenty Innate Second-Rank Beast Pills,” Kael Draven said, firm and unwavering.“How dare you! Seize him!”Before the auctioneer even finished speaking, a dozen burly men lunged forward, faces twisted in fury. All eyes locked on Kael Draven. Tavian Corwyn sneered, his voice icy. “So it’s a freeloading weakling. Take him down.”“Don’t kill him,” another growled. “I want to see how many heads he’s got—daring to stir trouble in Thunder City.”Elite warriors from the royal family, the Corwyn family, and the auction house surged forward. Thirty, maybe forty people in total. They moved fast—but their targets fell faster. Cries of pai

The Starcloud Guardian Hall had always been tied to the royal family, a living extension of its power.Lucas Grant and the others had pushed Kael Draven to leave, insisting it was for the Hall’s—and the kingdom’s—own safety. But now… things are different.Sebastian Vance’s open favoritism toward Kael Draven had shifted the balance. Leaving the Hall didn’t protect anyone anymore. If the Thunder royal family and the three major clans came hunting, it wouldn’t just be Kael Draven caught in the crossfire. The Guardian Hall—and even the Starcloud royal family itself—would be pulled into the storm.“Aaron Kane, Deputy Head Grant, listen carefully. I’ve made my choice. No matter what happens, Kael Draven has my full support,” Sebastian Vance declared, firm and unwavering.There was no arguing. The crown prince had spoken. With the king absent, even Lucas Grant and the others were powerless.Kael Draven’s lips curved into a laugh, sudden and sharp. “Brother Vance… having a brother like you ma