The dawn chorus roused Kaelan Drago. With considerable effort, he extricated himself from the intertwined legs and arms of the women. Last night's revelry had left him untired, while the women lay spent and begging for mercy. Only now did Kaelan Drago truly feel the transformation in his physical stamina and the enhancement of his martial prowess since receiving Jada Umbra's pure primordial yin.

  From this moment on, he developed immense confidence in himself and a clearer vision for the future. As long as he continued his efforts, he would indeed attain extraordinary abilities, just as the mysterious old man who had taught him had foretold.

  The languid, exhausted women lay scattered across the carpet, their beautiful eyes filled with affection as they watched Kaelan Drago stride out, his spirit vibrant. Each harbored deep love and reverence for this extraordinary man.In this era of ceaseless warfare, those in power treated human lives as worthless chaff. Women, positioned as the weak, held an even lower status. Few ever considered their plight. Yet every word and deed of this Fastian general revealed a stark difference from others—some might even call it unorthodox.

  Little did they know that the man before them acted purely on impulse, driven by his own lustful nature. For him, pleasure was paramount, and every beautiful woman deserved attention.

  Stepping out of the tent, Kaelan Drago was immediately enveloped by the cool morning breeze. He tilted his head back, inhaling the crisp air with satisfaction, his mood lightening considerably.Recalling the admiration and reverence in the women's eyes as they watched him, he couldn't help but feel a quiet satisfaction. This favor had been a breeze—spending someone else's money while reaping his own rewards. He hoped to find more such opportunities in the future.

  After taking two steps, a graceful figure caught his eye, and Kaelan Drago stopped in his tracks.

  There sat Eliza Bly alone upon a large boulder, leaning against a thick tree trunk. Her head was bowed slightly, her beautiful eyes gently closed. Her hands cradled her knees, her delicate chin resting upon them. Traces of tears were faintly visible on her fair, delicate face, and her slender frame appeared so fragile and helpless in the morning breeze.

  Kaelan Drago's heart softened instantly. He walked over, gently draping his outer cloak over her shoulders, and asked softly, "Still thinking about your sister?"

  Eliza Bly fluttered her long lashes, slowly opening her clear, large eyes. Discovering Kaelan Drago's face mere inches from her own, her cheeks flushed crimson and her slender frame flinched slightly.

  Kaelan Drago noticed the faint redness in Eliza Bly's eyes and asked with both pity and affection, "Did you not sleep at all last night?"

  Eliza Bly gave a slight nod. Her bright eyes followed Kaelan Drago as he sat down beside her. Her porcelain face flushed crimson, like the dawn glow on the horizon, making her delicate beauty even more radiant.

  Her pearly teeth gently bit her rosy lips as Eliza Bly murmured softly, "With all this noise, how could anyone possibly sleep?"

  Kaelan Drago gave an awkward smile. Even with his thick skin, he couldn't help but flush slightly in the presence of such a strikingly beautiful young woman. He quickly changed the subject, asking, "Are you still determined to join the army?"

  Eliza Bly nodded without hesitation, her gaze fixed firmly on him as she declared, "I must kill General Brog and avenge my sister!"

  Kaelan Drago sighed. "Miss Eliza Bly, you have no martial arts training, and you are a woman. How could the Fastian Army possibly accept you?"

  Eliza Bly slowly lowered her head. After a long moment, she lifted it again and said, "If... if... I..." She paused, extending her rosy little tongue to lightly touch her rosy lips, her face flushing crimson.

  Captivated by her beauty and bewildered by her sudden change, Kaelan Drago stared intently at Eliza Bly's lovely face. His gaze made her cheeks flush even deeper. Her delicate rosy lips trembled slightly as she averted her eyes, seemingly unable to bear his direct stare.

  She drew a sharp breath and blurted out, "If I give myself to you, will you have General Phenix take me into her service? Please?" The words barely left her lips before her face flushed brighter than the dawn sky.

  "What?" Kaelan Drago's massive frame jolted violently.

  Eliza Bly's words came swiftly and softly, yet Kaelan Drago's keen senses caught every syllable. He was instantly rendered speechless. Her bright, sparkling eyes met his boldly, as if ready to throw herself into his arms the moment he agreed.

  Kaelan Drago felt a headache coming on. He cleared his dry throat with a few coughs. Truth be told, Eliza Bly's suggestion was deeply tempting. Faced with such a beautiful young woman, his resistance was practically nonexistent.But the memory of her sister's tragic death forced him to swallow the words that threatened to spill from his lips. He couldn't take advantage of her vulnerability now, couldn't claim Eliza Bly's body. Later, Kaelan Drago would wonder about this himself. It didn't seem like his nature; he shouldn't have refused.

  Though a voice inside him screamed "Agree! Agree!", Kaelan Drago instinctively donned a mask of righteous indignation and rejected the irresistibly tempting offer.

  "Miss Eliza Bly, you should not offer yourself as a bargaining chip. Besides, I, Kaelan Drago, a man of honor, am no such villain who takes advantage of others."

  Deep disappointment washed over Eliza Bly's face, yet a peculiar gleam flashed in her bright eyes. She rose with infinite coyness, about to leave, when suddenly she gasped in horror: "Orcs!?"

  Kaelan Drago leapt to his feet in alarm. "Where? Where?" Following the direction of Eliza Bly's slender finger, he saw a large group of orcs carrying strange objects down the nearby hillside. They moved in fits and starts, murmuring among themselves.

  At Fastia Camp, Lady Lyra Phenix, who had spent a sleepless night, received word that the Asura Army had formed ranks outside the camp to challenge them. She immediately ordered her forces to march out and meet the enemy.

  Lion King Leo, his golden curls resembling a lion's mane, stood tall beneath the fluttering lion banner. Behind him stood dozens of fierce, cold-eyed lion generals, followed by his main lion army formation. Flanking this main force were Lady Shireen's panther troops on one wing and General Grayfang's wolf troops on the other.

  Hundreds of thousands of beastmen arrayed upon the Sky-Rift Plains, each clutching blades and spears, gazed silently toward Fastia's encampment ahead. Across the entire battlefield, save for the neighing of warhorses, not a single human voice could be heard. Yet the palpable, murderous tension in the air made breathing feel impossible.

  Gazing upon Lion King Leo standing tall before his vast army, every beastman felt the same awe: "What a majestic and formidable ruler! No other king on the continent possesses such overwhelming, tyrannical presence!"

  Indeed, even the tribal leaders of the other three beast tribes, who had long engaged in open and covert struggles with Lion King Leo, had to acknowledge that this mountain-like figure with piercing eyes was an undefeated warrior. Within the entire Vargan Dominion, there was no one who could match him in combat. His martial prowess was renowned throughout the world, astonishing even the neighboring kingdoms.

  The beastmen now possessed unwavering confidence that their Lion King would lead them to raise the banner of Asu high and forever across the continent's skies. This faith in their king fueled their combat prowess to new heights—a prospect far from welcome to the soldiers of Fastia, their adversaries today.

  Yet in truth, both General Brog of the Bear Clan and General Grayfang of the Wolf Clan harbored mixed feelings. Having suffered an inauspicious start, their forces were now severely depleted. Should Asu achieve a resounding victory today, the Lion Clan's influence would surge dramatically, further diminishing their own standing within the kingdom.For the Leopard Clan, perpetually the weakest faction, this outcome would also be detrimental. In this regard, Lady Shireen shared their perspective: they hoped the Lion Clan would fight to the death while they preserved their strength.

  Beneath the fa?ade of strength, subtle cracks were forming. Yet the Lion King Leo, ever devoted to martial prowess, remained oblivious. His mind was already savoring the sweet fruits of victory.

  "They're coming! They're moving out!"

  A slight stir rippled through the front ranks of the lion soldiers, who instinctively tightened their grip on their weapons. All eyes focused on Lion King Leo.

  Lion King Leo's piercing gaze scanned the movements at the distant Fastia camp. Suddenly, he swung his powerful right arm forward with force, bellowing, "Advance!"

  The mighty voice echoed far and wide, and the soldiers of Asu responded with a thunderous roar as they began to move slowly. What had been a horizontal formation gradually shifted, its center protruding to form a massive arrowhead. Together with the slightly lagging flanks, it coalesced into a triangular spearhead formation designed for a decisive charge. At the very tip of this arrowhead stood the Lion King, Leo.

  As trumpets blared and war drums thundered, the opposing Fastian camp gates swung open. A square formation of heavy infantry emerged, each clad in heavy armor and wielding halberds. They spread out like two dragons emerging from water toward the flanks, forming a long, straight line before the front ranks.

  Once the heavy infantry had secured their positions, two companies of archers surged forth, spreading out in a goose-wing formation to secure the rear. Then, squadron after squadron of cavalry, gleaming in armor and marching in perfect order, galloped out of the camp. With disciplined precision, they formed a rigid square formation. The sheer discipline and military bearing of the Phenix Legion left the Asu commanders and soldiers in awe.

  Watching the Fastian army swiftly form a square formation capable of both offense and defense, Lion King Leo thought to himself: "The Phenix Legion truly lives up to its reputation! No wonder it once dominated the battlefield."

  He spurred his jade lion steed forward to the front of the formation, his voice booming like thunder: "This king demands an answer from General Lady Lyra Phenix!"

  The voice echoed through the Fastian ranks. The gate opened, and Lady Lyra Phenix, radiant as a celestial being, emerged. Clad in full armor, she held a gleaming silver spear as she rode forth with grace. Her form-fitting multicolored armor accentuated every curve of her slender, graceful figure. Lion King Leo was instantly struck by her breathtaking beauty.

  Lady Lyra Phenix, her phoenix-like eyes gleaming with authority, gazed at Lion King Leo and asked, "What might the Lion King wish to discuss?" Her voice rang like a silver bell, exquisitely melodious.

  Lion King Leo bowed his hands in respect. "I have long heard of the legendary General Phenix, renowned for her phoenix-armored spear. To meet you today is truly a blessing beyond measure!" Lady Lyra Phenix smiled faintly. "Your Majesty flatters me."

  Lion King Leo was mesmerized by her smile, as radiant as a hundred blooming flowers. He paused before speaking: "Such a peerless beauty—I truly do not wish to harm you. How about this: surrender to me, and I shall offer you the position of Queen. What say you?" As he spoke, his large, round eyes stared intently at Lady Lyra Phenix's high, alluring bosom.

  Lady Lyra Phenix's porcelain face darkened instantly. She snapped, "You audacious brute! How dare you speak such insolence!"

  Lion King Leo roared with laughter. "Refuse now, and you'll regret it forever." He gestured toward the vast army behind him. "My forces number in the hundreds of thousands—enough to raze your kingdom to the ground! I advise you to submit willingly and become my woman. I promise you endless pleasure!"

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  Lady Lyra Phenix snapped, "You shameless scoundrel, unworthy of ruling a kingdom!"

  Lion King Leo flew into a rage, swinging his Morningstar and charging straight at Lady Lyra Phenix. Unfazed, Lady Lyra Phenix swung her Gale-Rift Spear, its movement stirring the wind as she thrust it toward Lion King Leo's face.At first, Lion King Leo relied on his innate divine strength, swinging his 180-jin Morningstar with brutal force, intent on knocking Lady Lyra Phenix from her horse. Yet after several exchanges, he realized not only could she effortlessly parry his blows, but she was also gradually gaining the upper hand through her masterful spear technique.

  Each time Lion King Leo's morning star crashed down upon Lady Lyra Phenix's spear, the Gale-Rift Spear surged like a sea dragon unleashed. Wherever its tip pointed became his vital point, forcing Lion King Leo to withdraw his attacks and block. His immense strength lay useless, leaving him only to swing his morning star against the relentless spear shadows that never strayed from his critical areas.

  With each swing of Lady Lyra Phenix's spear, a fierce wind surged from its shaft. Even Lion King Leo's thick hide and tough flesh were stung by the biting gusts. Suddenly, it dawned on him: Lady Lyra Phenix's Gale-Rift Spear was an ancient artifact, capable of generating wind magic on its own—a force no ordinary mortal could withstand.

  Kaelan Drago, concealed with his men behind the dense forest, watched the orcs slowly ascend the mountain. Leading them was a short, stout old man clutching a peculiar circular disk. He examined it while conversing with a beautiful young woman beside him. Several orc commanders followed behind, occasionally turning to bark orders at the orc soldiers at the old man's command.

  They gradually approached Kaelan Drago's ambush position so closely that even their voices became distinctly audible. Suddenly, the short, stout old man let out an excited cry, raising the disc in his hand. "Right here! Right here!"

  The orc commanders looked equally delighted, hastily ordering soldiers to unload the peculiar iron objects. Under the old man's direction, the orc soldiers began assembling the various iron components. Gradually, the structure took shape: a complex control console at the rear, with a large, round iron pipe extending from the center front, pointing directly at the Fastia camp below the mountain.

  The stocky old man carefully extracted stones shimmering with an uncanny glow from a sealed crate and placed them into the console. He repeated the process until all ten were installed. Beastmen soldiers then adjusted the barrel's direction, aligning it precisely with the Fastian army arrayed on the battlefield. Several beastmen commanders chatted and laughed easily with the old man and the beautiful woman, their expressions radiating pure delight.

  Kaelan Drago, observing this, gave the signal. The Fastia army roared in unison and charged forward, weapons raised.

  Kaelan Drago relished ambushes like this. Charging at the forefront of the charge, his blade swept left and right, cutting down several orc soldiers within moments. He felt an extraordinary surge of energy coursing through him, allowing him to wield his sword with effortless precision.

  The beastmen soldiers, thrown into utter chaos, couldn't fathom where the enemy had come from—how could they have appeared behind them? Caught completely off guard, they fought desperately, but their numbers were vastly outmatched. Surrounded on all sides, each beastman soldier found themselves facing several Fastian warriors.

  Within a quarter of an hour of the battle's start, the orcs lay either dead beneath blades or bound as prisoners.

  Blood-stained and sword in hand, Kaelan Drago stood before the beastmen prisoners. He surveyed the dejected creatures with imposing authority and demanded in a deep voice, "What is that thing?"

  The beastmen soldiers all stared at him coldly, not uttering a word. Kaelan Drago couldn't help but fly into a rage. The surrounding Fastia soldiers began to clamor, and the more impatient ones were ready to charge forward and fight.

  Suddenly, a massive beastman commander grunted and declared, "What kind of hero attacks by sneak attack? If you've got the guts, fight me again. If you win, I'll tell you what you want to know."

  "Oh!" Kaelan Drago glanced at him and ordered without hesitation, "Cut him down!"

  Before anyone could react, a Fastia soldier standing behind the orc commander swung his blade. Blood spattered as a massive head flew off and hit the ground. With a thud, the headless corpse collapsed. The orcs erupted in chaos, and even the Fastia soldiers were startled.

  "I detest those who lack self-awareness!" Kaelan Drago declared coldly. "Regardless, defeat demands acknowledgment—no excuses! Having become prisoners, you should possess the self-awareness befitting captives. Yet you dare utter such words! Hmph! This lord finds it most distasteful!"

  A flicker of surprise crossed the eyes of the beautiful woman being held captive nearby, while the short, stout old man visibly stirred. Even the two Myriarchs standing behind Kaelan Drago felt a deep sense of astonishment. In an age that revered heroes, Kaelan Drago's blunt refusal of the request was an anomaly. But what happened next astonished everyone present even more.

  "You! Come here!" Kaelan Drago pointed at a grief-stricken orc commander standing beside the slain general. "You're not satisfied, are you? Let me tell you this: I didn't fight him because I feared him, but because it was unnecessary! Now I'll give you a chance. Pick up the sword at your feet, and I'll show you what this lord is capable of!"

  The middle-aged orc commander spat out a bitter "Fine!" He bent down, picked up the sword tossed at his feet, and stood firm. "If I win," he declared harshly, "you release my men!"

  Kaelan Drago agreed without hesitation, "But if you lose, you must reveal everything!"

  "Agreed!"

  Burning hatred blazed in the orc commander's eyes as he slowly raised his blade, pointing it diagonally at Kaelan Drago. The trembling tip emitted a faint chill. Even this opening stance radiated such intense killing intent that onlookers instinctively took a step back.

  Kaelan Drago drew a deep breath, channeling his energy through every meridian. Qi surged through his limbs as he prepared to leap. Having felt his power grow significantly, he longed to gauge his true progress—hence seizing this opportunity to test himself. Yet his intent ran deeper: he sought to impress upon the assembled Fastian soldiers that he possessed genuine skill, not the incompetence they imagined.

  Seeking to establish his authority, he stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with resolve. Holding his sword horizontally, he roared, "Come on!"

  The middle-aged orc commander roared, swinging his sword in a swift charge. His opening strike was a fierce killing blow, the flickering blade tip sweeping toward Kaelan Drago's face—seemingly aiming for his brow, yet also threatening his throat.

  Kaelan Drago's eyes blazed with intensity. He precisely read his opponent's intended angle of attack, his divine intent locking onto the incoming blade. His right foot snapped back, his body shifting slightly sideways. His own sword shot upward from below, lightning-fast, parrying the orc commander's strike at its weakest point—the front edge of the blade.

  The clash of blades produced only a sharp "clang!" as the orc commander's momentum faltered.

  Seizing the moment his sword's momentum faltered, Kaelan Drago roared, his body sliding upward as his blade suddenly accelerated, slashing diagonally toward the opponent's chest and shoulder.

  The orc commander's expression shifted slightly, surprised that Kaelan Drago could still accelerate. He sucked in a breath and crouched to evade the strike. But the moment he shifted, Kaelan Drago's blade followed, shifting from a slash to a thrust. Swift as thunder, it aimed for his throat.

  The Sword Qi surging through it made the air before him grow heavy and bitterly cold. He roared in fury, forcing himself to dodge. His own blade whirled wildly, attempting to parry the thrust away from his vital center.

  But it was too late. Kaelan Drago flickered his wrist with effortless grace. A cold, white flash erupted as the sword tip sliced cleanly across his throat.

  "Clang!" The orc commander's eyes widened in fury, his throat making a rattling sound as the sword slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground. He couldn't believe he'd fallen so quickly to this man. Yet, after standing for only a moment, his body swayed unsteadily, his face growing pale.

  The exchange had been lightning-fast; those nearby hadn't even had time to fully comprehend it before it ended. Now, they watched speechless as the orc's body swayed twice before crashing to the ground with a thud.

  Fastia's soldiers erupted in cheers, while the orcs turned ashen-faced. This Fastian commander's prowess had crushed their spirit. For a people who revered martial might, strength was everything. Now, they had nothing left to say.

  Kaelan Drago's heart surged with wild joy. He finally understood how much he had progressed. The ease with which he had executed those moves was almost unbelievable. To command attacks with divine intent at will—this was what he had always dreamed of. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if, as the old man who taught him the divine attack had said, he mastered this divine skill to its peak, absorbing even greater energy. What would that moment be like?

  After a brief interrogation, Kaelan Drago learned this artifact was called the "Arcane Cannon." It had been developed over a year by the Archotech Clan, hired by Asu, and was a magical weapon powered by arcane crystals. Its destructive force could obliterate all living things; deployed on the battlefield, it would be utterly unstoppable.

  Noticing Kaelan Drago's skeptical expression, the short, stout old man who had been observing coldly from the sidelines declared haughtily, "This master's product is absolutely genuine."

  Kaelan Drago scrutinized the old man. "You're from The Archotech Clan?"

  The old man puffed out his chest proudly. "I am Master Spectre of The Archotech Clan." The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd, and even Kaelan Drago's expression shifted slightly.The Archotech Clan was renowned across the continent for their mastery in crafting weapons and mechanisms, with nearly every legendary artifact bearing their mark. Among the current generation, Master Spectre stood as the clan's most celebrated figure. Yet, his insatiable greed demanded exorbitant fees—only the wealthiest nobles or entire nations could afford his services.

  This time, however, he had been tricked by the Lion King of Asu into forging the "Arcane Cannon" against his will. Naturally, he would never admit such a humiliating defeat, lest he lose face. Yet precisely because of this deception, the terrifying weapon remained underdeveloped. Had it been fully harnessed, the course of this war would have been entirely different.

  Seeing the reactions, Master Spectre looked around smugly. Kaelan Drago felt a surge of anger—how dare a prisoner act so cocky? But he quickly composed himself, plastered on a smile, and bowed with clasped fists: "So it's you, Master Spectre! My apologies!"

  Master Spectre grew even more smug, declaring boldly, "No need for formalities."

  Kaelan Drago inquired, "Might I request you to elaborate on this matter, old man? It would clear up this youngster's confusion."

  Master Spectre shot him a withering glance. "You've got no money to give me. Why should I tell you?"

  Kaelan Drago smiled faintly, then abruptly turned to his men and commanded, "Slaughter those beastmen."The order sent shockwaves through the ranks. Yet military commands are absolute; though inwardly opposed, the officers had no choice but to obey. Kaelan Drago revelled in this sensation of commanding life and death, of wielding absolute power. For the first time, he tasted the exquisite thrill of holding such authority. The women nearby witnessed Kaelan Drago's ruthlessness for the first time, and found themselves drawn to this enigmatic man—both merciless and passionate.

  Master Spectre, shaken by Kaelan Drago's command, forced himself to steady his composure as the commander turned his gaze back to him. "Don't try to intimidate me with slaughter," he snapped.

  Kaelan Drago replied softly, "How could I? And this is..." His gaze settled on the beautiful woman. The woman, who had remained composed throughout, responded with a seductive smile, "I am Lady Moss, Master Spectre's wife!"

  "Oh!" Kaelan Drago's gaze, already lingering over her alluringly sensual form, grew heated.

  Sensing Kaelan Drago's unscrupulous intent, Master Spectre abruptly changed his tone. "Considering your eagerness to learn, I shall tell you!"

  Kaelan Drago withdrew his lecherous gaze and chuckled at Master Spectre, "My thanks!"

  Thus, the generals followed Master Spectre as he began explaining the "Arcane Cannon." It took him a full half-hour to finish, leaving everyone in awe of his ingenuity and skill. Throughout this time, Lady Moss's seductive gaze never left Kaelan Drago, as if she held a particular interest in him.

  While everyone was gathered around the cannon discussing it, Master Spectre suddenly pulled Kaelan Drago aside and handed him several small items. "These are little trinkets I made myself. General, take them and play with them!" Then he whispered, "General, may I leave now?"

  Kaelan Drago knew every item Master Spectre possessed was worth its weight in gold, so he stuffed them into his robe without hesitation. Then, greedily, he added, "If you have anything more precious, bring it out too."

  Master Spectre grimaced. "Where would I have that many treasures?"

  Kaelan Drago gave a sinister smile. "Then leave your wife behind. You may go."

  "You lecherous man!" Lady Moss's voice suddenly rang out from the side. Kaelan Drago startled, turning to find Lady Moss standing behind him, smiling radiantly. The soldiers were all gathered around the "Arcane Cannon," discussing it animatedly, none noticing this exchange.

  Feeling the teasing look in Lady Moss's eyes, Kaelan Drago returned her gaze with equal flirtation.

  Master Spectre, sensing trouble, quickly grabbed Kaelan Drago's hand and surrendered. "Alright, I'll give you this too. Just let us both leave." Kaelan Drago looked down—it was a scroll of silk. He was about to refuse when he saw surprise flash in Lady Moss's eyes. He quickly changed his mind. "Fine, but tell me what this is."

  Master Spectre uttered with heartache, "This is 'The Dragon's Heart Codex'." Kaelan Drago felt his heart pound violently. He was holding the legendary "The Dragon's Heart Codex"—it was said that whoever obtained it could cultivate an immortal body. He had always thought it was myth, never expecting such a book to truly exist. Without another word, he waved them away.

  As Lady Moss departed, she shot Kaelan Drago several seductive glances before grabbing Master Spectre and soaring away. Even Kaelan Drago couldn't help but admire her agility. He let out a long laugh, calling out, "Master Spectre, Lady Moss, we shall meet again!" His voice carried clearly on the morning breeze, reaching both their ears.

  Hearing this, Master Spectre's heart pounded violently. He snarled, "We won't meet again, you despicable bastard. Best if we never see each other again." His muttered words reached Lady Moss's ears. She gave a seductive smile and said coquettishly, "I see this lad is no ordinary man. We shall surely meet again someday." With that, she chuckled softly.

  Master Spectre grumbled, "Have you taken a liking to him?" Lady Moss offered no reply, only a flurry of coquettish laughter. Master Spectre, too, sensed Kaelan Drago was unlike anyone he'd encountered before. An ominous foreboding took root within him—they would meet again. Little did he know his premonition would prove true three years later. At that moment, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

  Lady Moss suddenly remembered and snapped, "Why did you give him the book?"

  Master Spectre chuckled. "That worthless book? I tried every trick to open it. That kid won't get far with it either!"

  Lady Moss giggled, "You old devil!" With that, both burst into laughter.

  Kaelan Drago watched them vanish from sight before lowering his head to examine the book in his hands. To his frustration, he couldn't open it for the life of him. "Damn that old fool," he cursed inwardly. "Tricking me with this worthless book! Next time I catch him, I'll slice him clean in two with my sword."Just as he was at a loss with the book, a sudden scream pierced the air. Kaelan Drago shoved the book into his robe and hurried toward the commotion.

  48-hour early access window for all upcoming chapters on Patreon. Your support helps me keep the world of Sky-Rift growing!

  [Check out my Patreon here]