THE WAR GOD MADE OF STEEL

Before The Almighty Draxson

Moments later, the two fighter jets landed at Sparrow Air Force Base, home to numerous fighter jets and other terrifying military aircrafts.

The soldiers, the two high commanders, Rowan, and the group of soldiers holding Hawthorne stepped down under the soft midnight wind.

General Ferdinand Harrison turned toward the soldiers dragging Hawthorne and said authoritatively,

“You already know where he should be taken. I don't have to repeat myself.”

The soldiers nodded and replied in unison.

“Of course, General.”

Rowan looked at Hawthorne with a mocking smile, his hands tucked into his pockets as he walked like a king through his kingdom.

Meanwhile, Hawthorne remained calm and unbroken as he observed everyone around him, wondering how his meeting with Master Draxson would unfold.

Though I'm always prepared, he thought confidently.

Rowan continued smiling venomously, but deep down, he was still unsettled by Hawthorne's calm smile. However, his greatest hope remained the same—he believed that if anyone could finally break Hawthorne, it would be the almighty Master Draxson.

General Ferdinand Harrison, General Jean Morris, and several soldiers had already entered their military tactical vehicles waiting at the air force base and soon drove away in a perfect convoy.

Hawthorne followed behind, escorted by soldiers while his betrayer, Rowan, watched him with deep excitement and satisfaction shining in his eyes.

One of the soldiers suddenly shouted at Hawthorne.

“Don't test my patience!”

“Walk faster!”

Hawthorne remained unshaken.

Although he was already walking quickly, they still tried to humiliate him for no reason. He understood exactly what they were doing.

Soon, they all entered a waiting tactical van and drove away.

Rowan, sitting beside Hawthorne, leaned closer and whispered,

“You'll surely regret your miserable life.”

Hawthorne didn't respond.

Instead, a painful thought crossed his mind.

What wrong did I ever do to him to deserve this level of betrayal? After everything I did for him from childhood... I never believed a day like this would ever come.

Although deeply broken inside, he remained calm and composed on the surface.

The convoy drove through the quiet roads of Varros City, one of the largest cities and the military heart of Esturis.

It was also the powerful residence of the almighty Master Draxson.

Minutes later, the vehicles entered Molina District, a heavily guarded military residential and command zone within the city.

Soon, the gigantic Draxson Villa came into view.

Surrounded by luxurious estates and heavily guarded compounds, it resembled an empire that screamed power and authority.

The tactical vehicle came to a stop.

Everyone stepped out.

Minutes later, they were already inside the villa.

Finally, Hawthorne found himself standing before Master Draxson.

Rowan and the soldiers bowed respectfully and said in unison.

“Perfectly delivered, Master.”

Master Draxson sitting upon a massive throne.

His appearance alone was intimidating.

He looked almost like a giant.

His face was scarred, his beard thick, and his long hair rested on his shoulders.

He wore a luxurious military uniform decorated with the flags of numerous nations and countless high-ranking insignias.

Gold patterns were woven across the black fabric, while a golden medal bearing the head of a dragon rested proudly on his chest.

On his feet were mighty military boots that seemed capable of crushing stone.

Despite the terrifying presence before him, Hawthorne stood boldly and unshaken with his hands cuffed.

His expression remained calm and composed.

Even Rowan and the soldiers felt pressure at the mere sight of Master Draxson.

Some nearly shivered.

Yet Hawthorne remained unmoved.

His courage unsettled everyone present.

Even Master Draxson himself was surprised.

No one had ever stood before him with such boldness and refused to show fear.

For the first time in years, he encountered someone who met his gaze directly without trembling.

This man is impressive, Draxson thought. Stubborn and fearless. But today, I will teach him why I'm called the Almighty.

Hawthorne continued staring directly into his eyes without fear.

The act alone unsettled Master Draxson further.

Calmly, the intimidating looking man rose from his powerful throne.

His towering height became even more imposing.

Then he spoke in a terrifying deep voice.

“Today, you must be humbled.”

“You think you're bold and brave enough?”

Then—

He began walking toward Hawthorne.

Each step of his mighty boots struck the ground with authority.