The deafening roar of rotors thundered from above. Three military helicopters descended onto the plaza outside the Celestial Pavilion."What's going on?"Malric, Logan, and the others were stunned, unable to believe their eyes.To summon military helicopters, it wasn't something just anyone could do. Aside from special missions, only an active-duty officer at the rank of general or above had that authority.Retired generals like them? Completely powerless.But what kind of emergency could bring three military helicopters straight to the Celestial Pavilion?Logan exchanged a glance with Dorian. When they saw Leander's calm, unreadable expression, an uneasy premonition settled over them.Dozens of troops filed in, forming perfect lines. Then, five middle-aged men in crisp military uniforms appeared, moving with the precision of predators each step commanding attention."General Darkmoor?"Malric's face changed instantly when he recognized one of them. He hurried forward.He had once served in the Central Military District. But the man before him? The supreme commander of the Central Military District, overseeing five provinces and two municipalities. His authority was unmatched.Even at the peak of Malric's career, he couldn't hope to rival him-let alone now, years into retirement, standing in the presence of a man in his prime."That's the supreme commander of the Central Military District... Leif Darkmoor? General Darkmoor?"Several guests gasped, their faces registering shock."And... the supreme commander of the Western Military District, Rylan Marwood? General Marwood?""And Eastern Military District's General Stormrider...""Northern Military District's General Wynthorpe..."Each new name sent waves of awe and disbelief through the crowd.All five were captain generals, the ultimate authorities of their respective military districts, each in charge of multiple provinces. Normally, they each held court in their own regions, unchallenged pillars of power. And yet here they were, all five, together in Highcliffe-and at the Celestial Pavilion, no less.Leif gave Malric a slight nod, his expression cool and detached."General Tarrow, still finding time for leisure, visiting the Riverstone family here in Highcliffe? Retirement must be keeping you busy."The hint of sarcasm in Leif's tone sent a chill down Malric's spine.Leif continued, his voice steady. "We're here on serious business."Malric's heart sank. What could be so urgent that it required the supreme commanders of all five Astria military districts to appear together?Even the seven generals assembled by the Riverstone family seemed dim in comparison under the overwhelming presence of these five captain generals. Just as everyone began to wonder at their purpose, one of the five suddenly stepped forward, directly toward Leander."Mr. Ashcroft, long time no see."He extended a hand to Leander with a warm, familiar smile.Those nearby were stunned. Among them, Logan—who had served in the Southern Military District-felt his pupils constrict in shock.The man greeting Leander was none other than the supreme commander of the Southern Military District, Darrow Leon."General Leon, it's been a long time."Leander clasped Darrow's hand with a firm grip, a faint smile touching his lips.Darrow placed his other hand over theirs, a subtle gesture of respect in his eyes."Just a month ago, Mr. Ashcroft, your battle at the Stormcairn River completely humbled the brats of the Southern Wyvern Blade. After that, every one of them trained harder than ever Finally at last week North-South competition, they brought glory to our Southern Military District. It's all thanks to you, Mr. Ashcroft." Those around exchanged stunned glances. Even the heads of the four major elite families looked on in disbelief.noveldramaDarrow, a captain general with absolute authority over his troops, should not have shown such warmth to Leander. Yet here he was, treating him like an old friend."General Leon, you flatter me. I only did what little I could," Leander said, shaking his head casually, his expression unchanged.At that moment, Leif and the other four captain generals stepped forward. Their eyes scanned Leander with curiosity, and each offered a polite nod."So, this is Mr. Ashcroft. Even though we serve in the East, West, North, and South, your name precedes you. Finally, we get to meet in person-it's an honor."Leander smiled faintly in response and nodded.None of the generals took offense. At their level, they understood pride and ambition when they saw it. Today, their purpose was clear: to connect with a young talent like Leander."Mr. Ashcroft, we are here on urgent business," Darrow said, his tone suddenly serious, the weight of his words cutting through the chatter.He signaled a senior officer nearby. The officer stepped forward, carrying a small box. Darrow opened it, and a brilliant light spilled forth, drawing everyone's eyes. Thside lay a medallion, sculpted in the shape of a dragon-shaped dagger. Gareth's face went slack. Nearby, Malric and Logan paled.A medallion bearing the dragon-dagger symbol was no ordinary award. Every high- ranking general had heard of it. It represented the supreme command of Astria'smost secretive and lethal unit: the Wyvern Blade.Its presence here signaled something monumental. Everyone understood exactly what it meant."This can't be..."Logan and Dorian exchanged incredulous looks, unable to grasp the reality before them. But before they could react, Darrow spoke."Southern Wyvern Blade's ChiefInstructor, Jeff Ashcroft, created theDevourer's Flow, elevating the combat effectiveness of the Wyvern Blade to new heights. For his unparalleled contributions, the military has personally awarded himthe Wyvern Blade medallion, appointing him as a major general of the Wyvern Blade." Darrow's voice carried across the banquet hall. Every person present froze, shock etched into their faces.The Wyvern Blade—Astria's most secretive and elite strike force—was legendary. Its supreme commander was the Chief Instructor, a position few ever held. None had expected that Leander, already famed for Mornwick's Legend, held this hidden role as well. Even more astonishing, five captain generals had come personally to confer the honor.Logan, Malric, and the others were rooted to the spot. Even though it was just a major general of Wyvern Blade, the authority and weight it carried rivaled that of captain generals like Darrow.They had never imagined Leander could conceal such a terrifying hidden identity. And the fact that he was not even twenty years old made it all the more unbelievable. How could someone so young achieve such an honor? Malric and the other generals who had come to lend support to the Riverstone family fell utterly silent, their expressions cold and unreadable.Leander took the medallion in both hands. Darrow's face brightened with a broad smile."Well, you can't be called Mr. Ashcroft anymore. From now on, it's General Ashcroft."Leander smiled faintly, offering no comment. He tucked the medallion away and turned his gaze toward Logan and Dorian, his expression hardening. "Just now, didn't you say you would petition together to punish me... to exile me? "Do you still have the nerve to say that now?"