While the Atkinson family is known as the foremost clan in the Southwest region, they are not the most powerful one in the South. The South, this territory is split into Southeast and Southwest, and the true king of the whole South is the Alfredson family. Unlike the Atkinson family, the Alfredson family isn’t just wealthy; they carry a legacy that stretches back centuries, and their name echoes through history. They are shrouded in mystery. Few people have ever met their members in the South. Or perhaps even though someone might catch a glimpse of them, he would hardly recognize them as members of the Alfredson family.
The Alfredson family doesn’t rely on wealth alone; their strength lies in their numbers and capabilities, both of which are formidable. To provoke them is to court certain death.
As for the Scott family in the East, that’s where Kayden spent his fifteen years. It’s a place that has remained hidden in the depths of his heart!
“Defender, Memphis John is the head of the John family. He is also my benefactor and a significant figure in my life. Years ago, my family suffered an economic crisis that nearly devastated us. No one lent us a hand. At that time Memphis happened to be in Hiphia. When he heard of my story, he selflessly invested a crucial sum of money in us. Now I’ve learned that his son has fallen gravely ill, so I wanted to ask for your assistance…”
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Coleman’s forehead. He hurriedly continued, “Defender, I don’t mean to impose. I simply thought that if you happen to be going there for any reason, it would be wonderful if you could lend a hand…”
Kayden raised a hand and interrupted him. “Tell me more details about the patient. How old is he, and what’s the condition?”
Coleman blinked in surprise, barely believing his ears. Did it mean Kayden actually agreed to help? He’d only brought it up as an offhand suggestion, and was ready for a flat rejection. Yet, here was Kayden, asking for specifics.
Swallowing hard, Coleman quickly responded, “The patient is Memphis’ youngest son, around thirty-seven years old. He fell ill just so suddenly and for no reason. His whole body went limp, his face blank, like he’d suddenly become a vegetable. Since then, Memphis has dragged him to every major hospital he can think of, but no one can pinpoint the problem. He’s also sought out every traditional healer he could find, but they’ve all been stumped. Now their family posted a reward, saying they would offer one hundred million for anyone who can cure his son. And if you agree to help, he’ll go as high as a billion.”
A billion!
It’s the kind of unimaginable sum that most people only dream of, and that most people couldn’t make in their whole lifetimes. But to Kayden, money was only a bunch of pointless numbers; there was no distinct difference between a billion and a penny to him.
“Alright, I’ll go have a look,” Kayden answered calmly. His decision had nothing to do with the money-it was all because of a man, Liam John, one of his trusted Zodiac Generals.
Liam came from the John family of the East, but years ago, he left home after some bitter experiences. He journeyed to Battlefield, far from his hometown. Liam was quiet and reserved but absolutely loyal to Kayden. He always followed Kayden’s orders without question. Kayden had done some investigation and knew a few details of Liam-that he was once part of the John family but was on bad terms with his family. As for the reason, Kayden had no idea. He had never pressed for the whole story.
After Kayden was lost, Liam left Battlefield to search for him. Kayden wondered if he’d returned to the John family. If so, maybe this journey to the John family could finally reveal some trace of Liam. Any leads about Liam’s whereabouts had vanished; the last hint was his necklace, which Kayden took back from Israel Bennett. But from then on, they lost any clues. Liam valued this necklace the most. Once he accidentally lost it in Battlefield, and he had spent three relentless days and nights finding it. Thus, Kayden’s visit to the John family wasn’t about gaining anything for himself, but about finding more stories and leads about Liam.
Even if this visit couldn’t provide him with Liam’s whereabouts, at least he might discover some part of his past, and that might be the key to finding him one day. His loyal troop of Zodiac Generals was now scattered, and surely, the worry weighed heavily on Kayden. He yearned to gather them back. That was why he finally agreed to help Coleman; otherwise, he wouldn’t have considered it.
Gratitude and shock overwhelmed Coleman as he heard Kayden’s decision. He never expected that Kayden would agree so easily. He looked so excited like he was ready to kneel in thanks at any time. “Thank you, thank you, Defender!” he stammered, barely able to contain the quaver in his voice.
“I have one condition. Just make sure my identity stays under wraps for now,” Kayden added.
Just then, Kayden’s phone rang-it was Greedy Wolf.
As soon as the phone got through, Greedy Wolf’s urgent voice erupted, “Defender, there’s trouble! Wood is in danger!”
“Where are you? I’m on my way.”
“The Henderson family!”
Soon, Kayden arrived at the Henderson family. It was his second time here.
He recalled his first visit when Lewis Henderson had posted the Guards to block his way, and the two arrogant old men, Seth and Alex, had hurled insults at him. But today was different. This time, the moment Kayden reached the gate, he found Lewis waiting there alongside Seth, Alex, and a line of others. They were all prepared to welcome him.
What happened last time shocked these guys to the core. They never imagined that the “braggart” they had written off would leave by helicopter. And it hadn’t been just any helicopter; it was a military-grade aircraft used only in Battlefield. Others may not recognize it, but Lewis was worldly and experienced. He knew exactly what it meant.
Anyone able to summon a Battlefield helicopter on demand must have influence beyond ordinary comprehension.
He could still hear Kayden’s words that day, words that sent chills down his spine. “Launch the battle plan, sound the war drums! Back to Hiphia!”
Just remembering those words made his hair stand on end and his scalp tingle!
Driven by anxiety and fear, Lewis had dug deeper into Kayden’s identity, only to be stunned by what he discovered. Much to his surprise, Kayden was none other than Seclela’s legendary War God. He planted a broken blade in the border soil, and for three years, not a single enemy dared set foot in Seclela. This spoke to his formidable reputation.
Only then did Lewis realize what a huge mistake he had made. So, upon learning that Kayden was coming, Lewis hurried to the gate, gathering his family, ready to line up and apologize!
In addition to lining up to apologize, Lewis had gone out of his way to arrange something special to show his sincerity!
The moment Kayden’s car came to a halt, the entire crew of Lewis’ household staff and bodyguards snapped into formation, lining up in two rigid rows. They all bent deeply and shouted to the car at the same time, “The Alfredson family welcomes the Defender’s arrival!”
The shout was so loud it made Kayden’s brow twitch. He cast a sidelong glance at Lewis.
Lewis was indeed a cunning man. Kayden thought, “He must have conducted a discreet investigation on me after the last time he saw the helicopter.”
“Defender, you’ve finally arrived!” Lewis approached, hands clasped in a respectful bow. He had an expression nothing short of contrite. “It was all my bad last time. I was so blind that I didn’t recognize you. I even did something stupid and offended you. I beg your forgiveness.”
Kayden regarded him with a mere glance, saying nothing. Alex, the bald-headed elder, quickly stepped forward. His hands raised in a humble salute. “I failed to recognize you, too. Please forgive me, Defender!”
Next, Seth wasted no time to step forward and make a deep bow. “I also beg for your forgiveness, Defender!”
The three men stood in a neat line. It looked like they had arranged it in advance to offer their apologies today.