Shockwaves All Around

“Mark, you’re a smart man --- both learned and skilled in war. Your future is limitless.”

“From now on, all my power and assets will be handed over to you.”

“You’re already capable of leading on your own. I trust you know what should and shouldn’t be done.”

“I’m getting old. There’s not much more I can do to help you. I just have one piece of advice.”

“Think thrice before you act. Don’t let your cleverness backfire. Understand?”

Eugene Montgomery looked at his adopted son, giving heartfelt words of wisdom.

“I will always remember your teachings, foster father!”
Mark Montgomery cupped his fists in a salute.

“Alright, go make the arrangements. I’ll play along with your ‘wounded pride’ act. From here on, the road is yours to walk.”
Eugene Montgomery waved him off.

“I will not let you down, Father!”

Mark Montgomery gave a deep bow and turned to leave.

But just as he stepped outside the gates, a cold sneer crept onto his face.

Though he was known throughout Stonia as the suave and deadly “Jade-Faced War God,” he had always lived under Eugene Montgomery’s shadow.

No matter how much he achieved or how many brilliant victories he claimed, the world always attributed it to the backing of his foster father.

If Eugene Montgomery had stepped down early and handed him full control of the Montgomery Palace, he wouldn’t have had any complaints. He would’ve honored the old man and treated him with the utmost respect.

But instead, Eugene Montgomery clung tightly to power with no intention of stepping aside.

His covert support of Li Guanglong had exposed his terrifying ambition.

Clearly, he still hungered for more. After years in the background, he now aimed to become a power behind the throne --- controlling the Emperor as a puppet ruler.

That kind of ambition meant that if Mark stayed under his thumb, he’d never get a chance to rise.

So he had to break free and forge his own path.

And this volatile political situation gave him the perfect opportunity --- and excuse --- to do just that.

Because he had no faith in the brute Li Guanglong. In contrast, he trusted the cunning and shrewd Li Juntang far more.

That was why he had just taken the bold step of proposing the “self-sacrificing rift” with his foster father.

On one hand, it was indeed a way to create an exit strategy. But more importantly, it was a calculated move --- his chance to step out from the shadows and build a legacy of his own.

If he could help Li Juntang ascend the throne, he’d be among the core founding ministers of the new regime.

Becoming a powerful regional governor? Totally within reach.

That was far better than remaining in the Montgomery household, forever under someone else’s thumb.

“Foster father, don’t blame me for pledging loyalty elsewhere. Blame yourself --- for being too greedy. After all these years, you’re still vying for more power. If you won’t step aside, how are the younger generation supposed to shine?”

Outside the gates, Mark Montgomery glanced back at the Montgomery Palace, then stepped into his carriage and left.

He didn’t feel the slightest guilt. People strive for higher ground, just as water flows downward.

It was simply human nature.

---

Meanwhile, in Li Juntang’s residence...

“What?! Zeus is dead?!”

In the council chamber, Li Juntang’s eyes widened in shock upon hearing the report from his trusted aide.

“What are you saying? Zeus --- the great God King himself, a top-tier force on the global stage --- how could he possibly be dead? Are you sure this information is accurate?!”

Just days ago, Zeus had stormed through Stonia, nearly putting Li Juntang’s life in danger.

Thankfully, Juntang had kept his wits about him and deflected the threat toward Li Guanglong instead. Not only had he escaped unharmed, but he’d also used the opportunity to weaken Guanglong’s forces, forcing his rival to reveal some of his trump cards.

All in all, it had been a big win.

He was even thinking about using Zeus again to eliminate more opponents.

But now, to hear that Zeus was dead --- first thing in the morning --- it was truly shocking.

“Your Highness, we’ve conducted repeated verifications and can confirm the information is accurate.”

The aide bowed his head.

“And it’s not just Zeus. Hera has also mysteriously disappeared. No trace at all --- likely dead as well.”

“What the hell is going on?”

Li Juntang’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Two God Kings --- one dead, one missing. What exactly happened?”

“Your Highness, there’s more. Last night, Stonia’s underground world underwent a major upheaval. Foreign forces --- chiefly the Pantheon --- were completely eradicated by a mysterious power. Even many of our businesses were caught in the crossfire. The losses are enormous.”
The aide continued gravely.

“What?!”

Li Juntang’s face paled.

“Foreign powers wiped out? Our business took damage too? Who did this?!”

Just days ago, everything had seemed normal. Now, he woke up to find the world turned upside down.

“This force came out of nowhere. Not a single whisper beforehand. Our intelligence network hasn’t been able to trace anything.”
The aide said.

“Useless! You’re all bloody useless!”

Li Juntang slammed his hand on the table.

“Something this big happened and you didn’t get a whiff of it? What the hell am I even paying you for?!”

A hidden force strong enough to erase the Pantheon overnight? That could spell disaster for him.

If that same force turned against him… he shuddered at the thought.

“Your Highness, please calm down! Our people are investigating urgently. We’ll have results soon!”
The aide dropped to his knees in terror.

“If I rely on you idiots, my head’ll be on a spike before long.”

Li Juntang’s face was grim.

“Get the carriage ready. I’m going to the Spanner Royal Clan, Now!” - Ton