A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5592

At dawn, Yuliana guided Jared through marble corridors to the heart of the royal palace. There, beneath a vault of carved jasper, Aurelius sat on a throne both lavish and austere, signing scrolls with quick, decisive strokes.

The instant the king spotted Jared, delight flashed across his face. He rose, robes whispering, and strode down the dais.

"Mr. Chance, what fortune brings you back to my humble realm?" He clasped Jared's hands with honest warmth that softened the chill of polished stone.

Jared had been gone since he breached level six; Aurelius had half-feared he would never look back. After all, who wouldn't enjoy staying in higher planes?

Jared returned the bow of courtesy. "Your Majesty, I come seeking answers—one question only you might illuminate."

The king ushered him to an ebony chair, ordered his subordinates to serve coffee, then leaned forward, eyes intent. "Speak freely. I'll tell you everything I know."

Jared recounted the ambush that happened on level eight, about Maxwell, and his desire to know more about the celestial clan leader.

Aurelius listened in silence, knuckles whitening around his cup, sympathy warring with helplessness.

"Mr. Chance, I will not deceive you. Even a king sits several walls away from that throne. Our hierarchy is rigid; chambers close before one can glimpse their hinges. I have never laid eyes on the chieftain, nor heard a description unmarred by rumor."

He exhaled, a rueful, resigned breath. "Stories grant the figure a dozen shapes and powers, but proof—proof is mist. I wish I could give you more."

Jared felt a faint sting of disappointment, though he also understood that the outcome lay far beyond Aurelius' reach.

He lowered his head in quiet acceptance. "It's all right, Your Majesty. There's no need to blame yourself. Since things stand as they are, I'd better not linger any longer."

Aurelius stepped forward, urgency flickering in his eyes. "Mr. Chance, would you not remain in Celestia for a few more days? Allow me, at least, to act the host you deserve."

Jared answered with a gentle smile that brooked no argument. "Your kindness is noted. Unfortunately, I still have pressing matters—I truly must be on my way."

Realizing persuasion would only deepen awkwardness, Aurelius ordered his attendants to prepare several rare treasures, each packed with silent gratitude, and entrusted them to Jared before letting him depart.

Outside the soaring palace gates, Yuliana walked beside Jared. Tears shimmered in her lavender eyes, her expression as desolate as autumn rain.

Moments ago, she had finally seen the man she had missed for ages; now, he spoke of leaving again, and the ache in her chest spilled over unchecked.

He let the elder wander. On level five, Flaxseed's cultivation was peerless, and danger was unlikely.

Besides, so long as Ararat—the indomitable city lord—ruled these walls, no harm would dare approach Jared's friend.

Jared drew a calming breath, soft words slipping from between his lips. "Lyra, I'm here..."

It had been far too long since he last saw Lyra, and worry gnawed behind his steady composure.

While making his way toward the Sword Sect compound, he spotted a column of young cultivators in matching sable uniforms. Each man carried a finely forged blade, their footsteps timed to a martial heartbeat. Curiosity sharpened within him.

When had the Sword Sect amassed so many disciples—and with enough audacity to march so ostentatiously through Swordmaster City?

Jared angled toward them for answers, but a sudden tug on his sleeve halted his stride.

A stranger in a sea-green tunic, a sword resting across his back, pulled Jared aside and asked in a hushed voice, "Sir, what exactly are you planning to do?"