Thea left her car and immediately headed toward the hospital. However, when she arrived at the ward, James was nowhere to be seen. Looking at Tiara who was lying in her bed, she asked, “Where’s James?” Tiara tried to get up but the bandages that were covering her body made it almost impossible to sit up. With a feeble voice, she responded to Thea, “J-James has returned to the Southern Plains.” “The Southern Plains? What for?” Thea had not expected this development. “James told me he was going to regain control over the Black Dragon Army. After he’s done that, he plans to return to the Capital and kill the Emperor using the Blade of Justice” “Kill the Emperor?” Thea’s jaw hung open in shock. Thomas had told her that chaos would ensue once the Emperor died. He also told her that everything would be over for James when he makes his move. “Th-Thea, actually…” The bedridden Tiara tried to gather her strength so she could explain things to Thea. Alas, she had taken too much
Meanwhile, at the Cansington Military Region...In an open area, a helicopter was at the ready.On the ground beneath the helicopter… “James, congratulations on regaining your former position! Now you’re off to the Southern Plains to resume your command of the Black Dragon Army. If the news gets out, the people of Sol will seethe with excitement.” The Blithe King laughed as he patted James’ broad shoulders.James, however, had a look of resignation on his face.Regaining a former position may have appeared to be a good thing, but the higher the rank, the greater the burden. Furthermore, once he was in command of the Black Dragon Army, he would have to lead them into the Capital, obtain the Blade of Justice and kill the Emperor.What would happen after the Emperor's death was still unknown.“I’m hoping nothing major happens after this,” he said apprehensively.“What could possibly happen?” The Blithe King chuckled. “In any case, if something goes wrong, someone higher up will t
“What‘s the plan?” May asked.“After everything that has happened, I feel like a pawn that is constantly being controlled,” James explained. “It’s not a good feeling. I feel like I could die at any time. I don’t think you should return to the Southern Plains anymore.”“Hm?”They furrowed their brows. He continued, “You’re all capable and strong. Your mastery of martial arts has reached the pinnacle of External Martial Arts, and you’re only a few steps away from cultivating True Energy and becoming grandmasters. I’ll impart the Internal Cultivation Method to you later on.”Everyone rejoiced upon hearing his words.They had already heard about the Internal Cultivation Method from Blake.The Elite Eight was very powerful indeed, but in comparison to the Grandmasters of the Internal Cultivation Method, they were far too weak. The disparity was comparable to that of a child versus an adult.“I’m not sure which of the bigwigs in the Capital caused this change or what they’re schemin
“Hail to the Dragon King! Hail to the Dragon King! Hail to the Dragon King…”A chorus of cheers reverberated throughout the area as soon as James stepped off the helicopter. The voices came in waves, each one louder than the last.He looked straight ahead at the tens of thousands of soldiers in front of him, raised his hand, and gave a single downward wave.The cheers ceased abruptly.Then, a few generals dressed in military uniforms approached him.“Hail to the Dragon King,” Henry spoke first, a brilliant smile on his suntanned face. “We’ve been looking forward to this day for so long. The long-awaited Dragon King has finally returned.”“You brat. When did you learn to be such a glib talker?” James clenched his fist and gently tapped Henry on the chest.“Hehe.” Henry laughed mischievously.“Let’s go.”James turned around and left.The Elite Eight was close behind, followed by the other generals.James prepared transportation for The Elite Eight to leave the borders of Sol f
The woman appeared to be in her twenties. She was dressed in a military uniform and had a bob haircut. She radiated bravery and heroism.“James,” she walked up to him and addressed him sweetly.James was sitting on the sofa. He took a look at her, then at Henry, and laughed. “Not bad. Your efforts have paid off. So, when are you getting married?”Henry’s face flushed. “We’re not…”At that moment, he was pinched. He quickly corrected himself, “Soon. It’ll happen soon.”“James, how’s it going with you and Thea?” Whitney asked as she sat down with a bright smile on her face.James shook his head slightly. He was not interested in talking about his own matters.Henry sat down and gave Whitney a gentle shove. She understood and did not ask any further questions. “Come, drink with me.” James raised his wine glass.Henry followed suit and clinked his glass against James’. "Mr. Caden, today is the anniversary of General Kimberly's death. Let's go pay our respects," Henry said abrup
"I shouldn’t have blamed him."Delilah looked at the grave with sorrow upon her face and spoke softly, “I always thought he was a good-for-nothing. I didn’t dare mention him in front of others because I was afraid of being laughed at, but… I didn't expect him to be a hero.”Tears started to gather at the corner of her eyes while she talked.When she realized James was the Black Dragon at the Cansington medical conference, she was overcome with emotion.The Black Dragon was her father’s superior. That was why she put her own safety aside to work as James' assistant, despite knowing she could have died.She had planned to ask James about her father after the conference.However, James had already left before the medical conference was over.“Can you… Can you tell me more about him?”“Sure.” He nodded.In front of the grave, he spoke about Travis and some of his deeds.“I remember once when I was drinking with him, he said he had a daughter,” Henry recalled. “He said he felt te
Both of them frowned upon hearing that.“The King issued a secret order for James to return to the Southern Plains and reclaim command of the Black Dragon Army. Something is fishy. I’ll ask around to find out what the King is trying to achieve. You should be careful,” said Reign with a solemn expression. Then, he stood up and left.Professor C was smoking a cigarette and glanced at the Emperor. “I believe that chaos is on its way. The King is almost certainly coming after you. You should come up with a plan to save yourself as soon as possible.”“That’s impossible.” The Emperor shook his head and said, “I’m the leader of the Five Commanders and General of the Red Flame Army. He wouldn’t come after me. Besides, there’s no reason for him to do so.”“James’ return to the Southern Plains served as a warning. In any case, you should be careful.”After saying that, Professor C stood up and left the house.The Emperor looked dejected. He extended his hand and pressed it against his ch
At the Capital, in the Emperor's Mansion… It was a luxurious living room. On the table was a dizzying array of delicacies. Expensive drinks and alcohol were also available.The Emperor was sitting on the sofa. With a brilliant smile on his face, he raised a wine glass. “Here’s to you, Bobby.”Sitting across the Emperor was a man just a little over twenty. He was dressed in an all-white suit and had a fair complexion and a dashing appearance. His presence was impressive. Bobby held up a wine glass and took a gentle sip. “I'm sure you have a request for me, Mr. Johnston. Whatever it is, just tell me,” he said nonchalantly.The Emperor set his glass down and pointed to the delicacies on the table. “First, let’s eat,” he said with a smile.Bobby still did not touch his plate.As a member of the Caden family, he was aware of the current situation in the Capital. The main players in the game of political chess were supported by various sects. Only the Ancient Four could choose to st