Ernest watched in dismay as his normally fiery brother was reduced to a trembling wreck, a wave of sorrow washing over him. He understood Gerry’s character-a hot-tempered old warrior. If even he was so terrified, the man before them must have inflicted unimaginable cruelty upon the Fords.
Faced with the injustice endured by his family, Ernest was determined not to let the perpetrator escape. His burning anger fueled his declaration, “Gerry, don’t worry. I will make this man pay in blood for his crimes. As long as I’m here, no one will harm any member of the Ford family.”
Ernest firmly patted Gerry’s shoulder before shifting his gaze to the remains on the ground. Tears welled in his eyes as he questioned, “Why is Marlon’s body so mutilated? Was he devoured by some beast? Or did he do this?”
Having spent many years away and never marrying, Ernest had come to regard Gerry’s children as his own. He had hoped these nephews would accompany him into old age and arrange his funeral. Yet, now he stood before the gruesome sight of his nephew Marlon’s tragic death, with barely any remains left. The heart-wrenching scene twisted his gut.
Gerry slowly shook his head and recounted everything that had just transpired.
As he listened, Ernest’s anger intensified. He gritted his teeth and shouted, “I don’t care who consumed Marlon’s remains. That man is the killer, isn’t he? When has the Fords faced such humiliation? Nobody dares to challenge us. He is seeking his death!”
As soon as he finished speaking, a group of soldiers readied their rifles, fingers poised on triggers, prepared to fire at Kayden.
Yet Kayden remained motionless, not even casting a glance at those threatening him. He simply held Ernest’s gaze, silent and unyielding.
At that moment, Kayden exuded an icy calmness, his indifferent expression instilling fear.
Gerry furrowed his brow at Kayden’s demeanor. It was astonishing how composed he remained. Facing over a hundred rifles and fierce warriors, this young man’s calmness was extraordinary. Even the most seasoned elder might feel fear in such a situation.
‘Who exactly was this guy?’ Gerry thought.
Suddenly, an idea struck Gerry, and he whispered, “Ernest, he seems to be from this region too. I just heard someone call him ‘Defender.’ You should verify this; we need to be cautious!”
He had no intention of letting his brother fall into danger due to a careless mistake. Without Ernest’s support, the foundation of the Ford family would crumble.
Ernest raised a hand, signaling Gerry to stop. He had already suspected something upon seeing Kayden. Few could exert such pressure on the Ford family, and he wondered if Kayden was the legendary figure everyone spoke of.
But he quickly dismissed the thought, convinced Kayden could not be that person. To him, the renowned figure should be handsome and poised, or at least imposing. Kayden, in his eyes, was just an unremarkable guy in an unassuming outfit. Ernest was always confident in his intuition.
After three years of trials, Kayden’s appearance and demeanor had changed, but anyone truly discerning would still recognize his exceptional aura.
Unfortunately, Ernest was a Three-Star General who judged others by appearances.
Ernest spoke clearly to Gerry, “Leave this matter to me.”
Then, he fixed a cold stare on Kayden, straightening his posture as if speaking to himself. “I, Ernest Ford, joined the army at twenty-three and have served for thirty-five years. In that time, I have faced battlefields, trained elites, and remained loyal to my country, even in death. I have encountered all types of people and weathered countless storms. Many have tried to destroy the Ford family, yet all have ultimately failed. The Ford family is a century-old lineage, unshaken even in chaos. I warn you, the Ford family is not something you can toy with!”
With that, Ernest raised a hand, pointing at Kayden as if commanding an army.
His words ignited a fire within the Ford family, every member standing taller, feeling a surge of pride. Indeed, the Fords had a solid foundation and would not fear such a young man.
Kayden’s gaze remained indifferent as he fixed his eyes on Ernest and replied through clenched teeth, “No one can harm my wife. If anyone does, even the gods won’t stop me. The Ford family is nothing! Not just your century-old family, even if there were ten Ford families, I would not allow them to touch my wife!”
His declaration struck Ernest like a cannonball to the heart, causing his face to twitch involuntarily. He had hoped his words would intimidate Kayden into begging for mercy.
If Kayden surrendered and pleaded for forgiveness, Ernest would let him go. He wasn’t afraid to take Kayden’s life. It just wasn’t the right time. If the timing was right, once Kayden set foot here, Ernest planned to eliminate him. He had learned that a significant figure had recently appeared in Hiphia, and he could not afford to make a scene. If he did, that figure would be displeased.
If that figure was displeased, a single word could spell disaster for Ernest! Thus, he acted with caution, even when faced with intruders.
Yet, his caution earned him no respect from Kayden, who seemed intent on courting death. Ernest had no means and frustration creased his brow as he demanded, “So, are you planning to annihilate the Ford family?”
Without hesitation, Kayden nodded firmly, “Yes!”
Nothing could deter Kayden from his resolve to eradicate the Ford family. The moment he made that decision, their fate was sealed. This was a principle etched in his heart.
Just as he resolved to eliminate any enemy intruding upon Seclela’s territory, once he set his mind, those foes would face annihilation!
Ernest nodded slightly and raised a hand to direct his subordinates. The warriors tightened their grips on their rifles and stepped forward, now only five meters away from Kayden.
At this distance, evading the fire of over a hundred rifles was impossible-unless he sprouted wings!
Ernest clearly stated, “Good, let’s see what qualifies you to destroy the Ford family!”
Just as Ernest finished speaking, a rough, authoritative voice boomed from outside, “Is Deputy Head of Nine Dragons’ Souls, Greedy Wolf, qualified to wipe out your Ford family?”