After finishing their meal, the Four Warlords left the inn without delay, heading straight toward Snow Valley. Not far behind, Blake, Dermont, and their team followed at a cautious distance, ensuring they remained unnoticed.
The Four Warlords were determined to eliminate Divine Drakebane.
Meanwhile, Baird, the formidable leader of the Dark Night Alliance, along with his elite four guardians, had also stationed themselves within Snow Valley.
With so many powerful figures converging on one location, not even someone as skilled as Divine Drakebane could hope to escape unscathed.
For Dermont and his group, this mission was about more than just avenging old grudges—it was also about claiming an ancient relic rumored to hold unparalleled power.
The thought of possessing such an artifact was enough to drive any warrior into battle. With it, one could transcend human limitations and wield the might of a god.
Every individual present had their own agenda, their own silent ambitions.
Yet, no one had expected Snow Valley to become the battleground for so many legendary warriors.
Among them were martial artists who had once ranked at the top of the Dark List decades ago, as well as the most feared figures from the Dark Night Alliance.
Even the Four Warlords, who had dominated the World of Darkness half a century ago, had come for the relic. Their presence alone was enough to turn this into a historic event.
For most fighters, the chances of seizing the relic were next to impossible.
However, greed and ambition had a way of clouding judgment.
Some hoped that amidst the chaos of battle, they might seize an unexpected opportunity—after all, when giants clashed, there were always spoils to claim.
At first, many had been hesitant, unwilling to risk their lives for a slim chance at power.
But as more warriors poured into Snow Valley, some reconsidered.
Even if they couldn't claim the relic, merely witnessing its power firsthand would be a story worth telling for years to come.
Not long after the Four Warlords and the others set off from Snowy Inn, yet another wave of warriors arrived.
Cassian, leader of the Phoenix Vanguard, brought his crew.
Anthony, Jane, and skilled martial artists from the Nevilles joined the fray.
Luella led a team of ten elite warriors from the Aldridges. Even the younger generation of Draconia's Great Royal Houses had sent representatives.
...
The next day at noon, Robin arrived at the southern entrance of Snow Valley aboard a snowmobile, accompanied by a blue-clad guard. Awaiting them was Alexander, leading a unit of Tanqueria Special Forces.
A smirk played at Alexander's lips as he called out, "I've been waiting here forever."
Robin's eyes flickered over Alexander's men, his gaze cold and unreadable.
"What's with all this?" he asked flatly. "Are you planning to take me down?"
Alexander let out an awkward chuckle, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Mr. Ramsey, we fought side by side during the Qacalisle Island military exercises. We're comrades, brothers-in-arms," he reminded him.
"That's exactly why I'm here—to stop you from going any further into Snow Valley.
"The terrain ahead is treacherous, filled with rugged cliffs and unstable snowfields. Avalanches are common, and once you enter, there's no communication signal. You'll be completely cut off.
"But natural disasters aren't your only concern.
"There's also the risk of man-made dangers.
"I can't go into details, but once you step into that valley, anything could happen. You might never make it out.
"This land is outside the reach of any government. There are no laws here, no oversight. If something happens, no one will come to your aid."
Robin, unfazed, let out a quiet chuckle. "Alexander, that's enough.
"Even if I didn't set foot in Snow Valley to settle the score with Baird, it wouldn't change anything. In the eyes of the world's most powerful factions—both righteous and corrupt—I'm already a marked man.
"The moment I vanish, they'll sleep easy, free to carry on their wicked deeds without fear of interference."
Robin let out a sharp, mocking laugh and stepped forward, straight toward the gun's barrel.
Alexander's expression twisted with alarm. "What the hell are you doing? Lower your weapon!"
But Robin's smirk vanished in an instant, replaced by a look of merciless finality. "Too late."
The gunshot rang out. In the same instant, the dragon dagger sliced cleanly across the man's throat.
The bullet barely missed Robin, zipping past his ear by a hair's breadth.
Everything happened so fast that the special forces soldiers froze, unable to react. Their nerves were stretched taut, their breaths caught in their throats.
It wasn't until Robin had already moved 30 feet away that they realized something chilling—their combat suits had been sliced open at the collars, without them even feeling it.
Robin flicked his wrist dismissively. "Alexander, I hope the next time we cross paths, I won't have to prove just how sharp my dragon dagger is."
Alexander shook his head helplessly, looking at the shaken soldiers around him. "If it weren't for the fact that we once fought side by side, none of us would be alive right now."
A captain standing nearby spoke coldly. "General Marff, this is our mission."
Alexander exhaled, his voice heavy with frustration. "This mission is a mistake. There's no justification for it."
The captain remained expressionless. "General Marff, the missiles from our covert base have now locked onto all of Snow Valley. Additionally, we have two specialized units closing in on both the eastern and western exits.
"As far as I've been informed, high-level forces from Panacea Ocean, the Black Ocean region, and several others are coordinating precision strikes.
"Their objective is simple—eliminate Divine Drakebane before he leaves Snow Valley.
"With the full force of the super districts' weapons against him, there's no chance he'll make it out alive."
A dry chuckle escaped Alexander. "You still don't understand. Divine Drakebane isn't an ordinary man.
"The real question is—what happens if we unleash all our firepower on Snow Valley ... and he survives? Because if that happens, the retaliation he brings will be something none of us can withstand."
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