AN UNDERSTATED POWER

0009

At that moment, Chief Raul and his men finally realized who these people really were.

They were subordinates of the "Lord of the Abyss."

The "Lord of the Abyss" was a figure of immense military power.

He controlled key trade routes, strategic territories, and wielded influence that extended into neighboring countries.

Seeing someone as formidable as him paying respect to Max left them both astonished and deeply impressed.

Chief Raul looked at Max with a newfound perspective.

In his heart, he reflected, if someone as influential as the "Lord of the Abyss" showed such respect to Max, then Max’s reputation must far exceed anyone’s imagination.

Max didn’t need to rely on corruption, threats, or underhanded methods to gain influence.

His very presence was enough to command authority and control any situation.

Chief Raul pondered for a moment.

If someone like Max ever turned his back on Morow State, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Only devastation would remain.

Moments later, the young man accompanying them stepped forward and opened the car door in front of Max.

With calm yet commanding steps, Max got into the car.

Before the door closed, he spoke briefly, “I’m heading to Mount Arleth.”

The convoy began to move.

Rows of armed vehicles advanced in perfect formation, catching the attention of the locals who came out of their homes to witness the spectacle.

No one said a word, but their expressions reflected curiosity and reverence.

*** 

At Mount Arleth

Upon reaching the base of Mount Arleth, another astonishing scene unfolded.

Warlord troops, who usually fought fiercely in the area, appeared unusually subdued.

The once-brutal soldiers lowered their weapons, standing along the roadside with their heads bowed.

Not a single person dared to speak or make a reckless move.

The cold mountain air was sharp, carrying the distinct scent of frost-covered ground.

At the summit, silence prevailed, broken only by the sound of the wind.

Max exited the car and walked alone toward a solitary tombstone standing resolutely in the frozen earth.

When Chief Raul mustered the courage to step closer, an unsettling sensation crept over him.

The atmosphere atop Mount Arleth was quiet yet weighed down by an invisible pressure.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he approached the young man.

In a hushed tone, Chief Raul asked, “Why is there a tombstone in this place?”

The young man immediately turned with a firm expression and hurriedly covered Chief Raul’s mouth with his hand.

His eyes were sharp and filled with warning as he whispered.

“Never ask questions that should not be asked!”

Chief Raul was startled by the sudden reaction.

But before he could protest, the young man continued in a low yet steady voice,

“This is a sacred peak. No one dares disturb it, let alone act recklessly here.”

“Even if rivers of blood flowed at the mountain’s base, no one would dare move. The peace of this place must not be violated.”

Max carefully placed the offerings he had prepared in front of the tombstone.

Fresh flowers and lit candles were arranged with deliberate respect.

The flames flickered but remained steady despite the relentless mountain wind.

Max’s face remained calm, showing no visible emotion.

It turned out that the tombstone belonged to Max’s late mentor.

In a quiet but resolute voice, Max spoke to the tombstone.

“I have followed all your instructions,” he said steadily.

“I have safeguarded Morow State as you wished.

“This state is no longer plagued by chaos and war. Now, the people here can live in peace.”

Max paused briefly, his gaze fixed on the tombstone, “Morow State has grown, just as you envisioned.”

“Now, it is time for me to leave.”

The wind suddenly grew colder, howling as if in response to Max’s words.

A snowstorm began to form at the summit, with snowflakes swirling violently around them.

Max stood unmoved in the heart of the storm, his posture as unyielding as the mountain itself.