“FASTEN UP!” Robert Jackson’s roar exploded through the fighter jet's cabin. Every Dragon Squad member immediately secured themselves as warning alarms flashed across the aircraft. The two terrifying fighter jets behind them suddenly opened fire. Bright streams of tracer rounds tore through the night sky. “Incoming!” The pilot gripped the controls, but Robert had already moved. “Out of the seat.” The pilot did not hesitate. Robert pushed him aside and dropped into the control chair himself. His eyes locked onto the combat screen. Dozens of hostile trajectories appeared at once. “Trying to trap us from both sides?” A cold smile appeared on his face. “Not tonight.” His fingers flew across the controls. The Dragon Squad fighter jet suddenly tilted hard left. Then right. Then downward. The aircraft began moving in an unpredictable zigzag pattern. Rounds ripped through the air where they had been moments earlier. “Beautiful!” One Dragon Squad memb

The entire carrier deck stood frozen beneath the powerful floodlights. The midnight wind swept across the ocean, carrying the scent of salt, fuel, and victory. Hundreds of soldiers remained perfectly still. Their weapons rested respectfully at their sides. Every gaze focused on the shadow standing inside the aircraft. Then, minutes later, Connor finally stepped out. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The twenty-four-gun salute erupted across the fleet. The thunderous reports echoed over the dark sea as synchronized flashes burst from vessel after vessel. The sound rolled across the water like waves of thunder. “LONG LIVE MASTER WOOD!” “LONG LIVE MASTER WOOD!” “WELCOME HOME, MASTER!” The deafening chorus shook the carrier deck. Connor slowly descended from the aircraft. He raised one hand and waved. The cheers grew even louder. Yet many soldiers felt their throats tighten. Connor wore simple prison-issued clothing. His frame looked thinner. His face carried visible sc

The ocean wind howled across the carrier deck as he stood beneath the floodlights, his massive frame casting a shadow over the soldiers nearest to him.The honor parade had finally concluded.Thousands of Dragon Squad troops now stood at rigid attention. Their boots were planted firmly against the steel deck. The anthem had faded, leaving only the distant sound of waves crashing against the fleet.Lucien had waited patiently throughout the entire ceremony.Only now did he finally approach Connor.The two tactical guards behind him immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.Lucien stopped several feet from Connor's chair.Then the terrifying giant slowly lowered his head.“Welcome back, Master.”“Long live Master Wood!”His deep voice echoed across the carrier.The two security guards instantly followed.“Long live Master Wood!”“Long live Master Wood!”A faint smile appeared on Connor's scarred face.Lucien raised his head and stared at him.For the first time, relief appeared in t

Connor stared silently through the aircraft window as the darkness stretched endlessly beneath him. The cheers of the Dragon Squad were already far behind. The ocean had disappeared into the night. Only exhaustion remained. His body felt heavier with every passing minute. The prison uniform still clung to him like a reminder of everything he had endured in Augustrio. Neither of the two security guards disturbed him. They understood their Master needed silence. Several minutes later, the luxury aircraft—which was actually a customized executive helicopter—began its descent. The powerful rotors thundered through the night sky. Below, floodlights illuminated a heavily secured military compound. AEGIS CAMP One of the most protected locations in Caesaria. Built exclusively for high-ranking military officials, government leaders, and figures whose importance could affect the entire state. The helicopter slowly descended toward the private executive landing zone. The landing s

They stood perfectly aligned, their presence filling the vast hall with disciplined silence. Connor stood at the center of it all, his expression calm but observant, eyes slowly scanning the changed atmosphere. Then it happened. In perfect unison, every executive lowered their heads and bowed deeply. “Welcome back, Master Wood!” The sound echoed across the glass walls. Then they raised their voices again, stronger this time. “Long live our Master!” “Long live the Supreme King!” “May your days be long on earth!” The chants rolled through the lobby like a wave of loyalty and relief. Connor paused for a moment, then lifted his hand slightly in acknowledgment. His voice was steady but soft. “I appreciate the welcome. All of you, raise your heads.” The executives slowly straightened, still emotional, still overwhelmed. Some of them could not hide their relief. One senior director spoke first, voice trembling with respect. “Master Wood… we thought we lost you durin