Editor:Â EndlessFantasy Translation
Braydon Neal spoke softly, âThe crucial issue now is whether the 3,000 ruins possess a means to breach the bronze doors. If they do, it will remove the final barrier separating the ruins from the outside world. Once the aborigines breach through, theyâll be unstoppable.â
Externally, Braydon conveyed that he was expanding his territory within the 16th ruin.
In reality, his aim was to establish a secure perimeter.
In the event of escalating circumstances, the safety zone within the 16th ruin could be fully activated.
It would serve as a haven for the nationâs youth, preserving civilization for generations to come.
âAnd youâ¦â Heather Sageâs nerves were evident in her voice.
âWeâll have no choice but to fight to the end,â Braydon responded, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination.
He understood her concerns and offered her a resolute answer.
If the situation deteriorated, Braydon would fight to the death for Hansworth, even knowing his fate.
Heather comprehended why the Northern Army mobilized their elite forces to enter the 16th ruin.
It wasnât about expanding territorial dominion; it was about kindling hope, pooling the strength of the Northern Army, and preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Their daughter, Judith Neal, blinked timidly and whispered from her motherâs embrace, âMommy, I want Daddy to hold me!ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Heatherâs gaze softened with pity as she looked at her.
Braydon gently lifted the child into his arms, embracing her with tenderness as they settled in the pavilion.
He then inquired softly, âRumors have it that someone from the countryâs four major entities dispatched experts to target you and our children on multiple occasions. Any idea who it might be?â
The subtle inquiry hinted that with Braydonâs return, old debts demanded resolution.
He intended to protect his wife and children.
Those meddling elders from the four major entities were truly asking for trouble.
Heather dreaded the thought of Braydon taking matters into his own handsâshe knew his propensity for justice.
If he pursued this matter personally, the consequences could be dire.
âItâs been a while since the incident,â Heather murmured softly. âLetâs take the children back to Preston tomorrow.â
âI have a few matters to attend to before returning to Preston,â Braydon replied without outwardly expressing much.
However, deep within, he felt a pressing need to investigate the events of the past two years.
Ever since Heather was attacked during childbirth, and subsequently on their journey back to Preston, there seemed to be a lurking threat targeting them.
Despite the capitalâs stringent security measures, subtle traces over the past two years indicated someone was covertly plotting against the young master of the Northern Army.
One thing was certain: the four major entities within the country were adamant about preventing the heir of the Northern King from reaching maturity.
Their reasoning was straightforward.
A single Northern King could potentially dominate for millennia.
However, Braydonâs eldest son possessed even greater potential than his father in his youth.
If allowed to grow and inherit his fatherâs ambitions, the survival of the four major entities would be imperiled.
This child had to be eliminated!
Moreover, beyond the countryâs borders, the one hundred countries likely harbored similar intentions.
To them, Trevon Neal would grow into another formidable Northern King, a threat that could not be tolerated.
Braydon also recognized that the threats to his child extended beyond external forces.
The Oracle Palace and the aboriginal inhabitants also posed a danger to his family.
Enemies seemed to abound from all corners of the globe, ultimately threatening the safety of his wife and children.
Meanwhile, outside the courtyard, dignitaries from the capital had gathered to pay their respects.
While no one knew of Braydonâs arrival in the capital, news of his presence at this humble abode had reached Dominic Lowe and his associates.
Inside and outside this courtyard, tens of thousands of people comprised the hidden agents of the Northern Army.
There were also hidden agents stationed within the capital.
Every action Braydon took was aimed at safeguarding the well-being of his two young children.
In the quiet of the night, a figure clad in black materialized.
He stood with resolve, his voice solemn as he announced, âCommander, Dominic Lowe, Sawyer Quail, Zavier Leach, Kieran Normand, Marvin Townsend and Harlan Jones, and Sutton Wall are here to pay their respects.â
These individuals were all prominent figures in the capital, and Braydon welcomed their presence.
With his permission, the seven visitors entered the courtyard.
Gazing at Braydon, the seven men maintained their customary demeanor.
Years hadnât diminished Braydonâs resilience; he stood unfazed.
Led by Dominic, the group bowed respectfully.
Marvin took a step forward, lowering himself to one knee. âI, Marvin Townsend, Northern Armyâs hidden agent, pay my respects to the Commander. I have failed in my duties, leading to peril for the Young Master of the Northern Army. Please, Commander, hold me accountable.â
Harlan mirrored Marvinâs gesture, expressing remorse for his similar oversights.
Both men bore the weight of their guilt.
Braydon extended his hand, lifting the two men up.
He regarded his seven longtime comrades with gratitude.
Even the typically defiant King Braydon humbled himself, bowing in thanks to his friends.
âThank you,â Braydon expressed earnestly, clasping his hands before them.
âI owe you my gratitude for safeguarding my wife and children,â he added softly.
âNorthern King!â Dominicâs countenance shifted, registering his respect.
He still found it amusing how the men of the Northern Army could easily tease an old man like himself.
Their ability to do so suggested that the younger generationâs brilliance had already surpassed that of their elders.
It also signified their readiness to bear the mantle of the future.
In this moment, the Northern King bowed graciously in appreciation, prompting all seven individuals to kneel in response.
Yet, who among them dared to accept the Northern Kingâs gratitude?
They were all subordinates of the Northern King; none would dare to receive such thanks.
Instead, they knelt to reciprocate the courtesy.
Marvin, leading the dark division, spoke in a raspy voice, âJudith is the eldest miss of the Northern Army, and Trevon is the young master. We are duty-bound to protect them with our lives. How could I accept your gratitude?â
âWe are all under your command, Commander. Protecting the young master is our lifelong obligation,â Harlan added solemnly.
Sawyer, speaking softly, affirmed, âAs the young master and direct descendant of Kylo, it is our natural duty to safeguard you with our lives.â
Kieran and Zavier refrained from expressing thanks.
It was their duty, but if they had not sincerely protected Heather during childbirth, Braydonâs children would not have survived, nor would Heather.
âYou deserve every bit of it,â Braydon acknowledged, gazing at his loyal comrades.
Dominic wiped his brow, chuckling softly. âYouâre too kind. Every time you Northern Army folks display such courtesy, my life flashes before my eyes. You even cornered me in the capital, chasing me through the streets.â
âThese two children will undoubtedly regard you as their respected elders in the future,â Braydon affirmed, his words laden with significance.
Everyone recognized Trevonâs boundless potential, inheriting his fatherâs exceptional talents.
In time, he would emerge as a prominent figure in Hansworth, rivaling even his fatherâs achievements.
By extending his gratitude, Braydon ensured Dominic and his cohorts would enjoy a prosperous future, as they had faithfully protected Trevon and his sibling since birth.
Such a debt of gratitude would be cherished indefinitely.
âHis Highness, Martial Emperor Yanagi, requests your presence at the palace,â Sutton announced.