"What?"Leander couldn't help but be surprised at the sight that greeted him on the screen.He'd made a name for himself back at Aorinth Peaks. After all, he had crushed Khaedor, the God of Madness, who had ranked first in the International Combat Units. Then, he'd taken down 15 Supreme Arbiters from the Arbitration Office.When the International Martial Network refreshed the rankings, Leander had naturally come in first. In fact, he had dominated the global rankings.Now, a ranking that had disappeared for 120 years had resurfaced. As if that wasn't enough, it had resurfaced with just one name on it—his.Everything about it screamed conspiracy.So, he couldn't help but suspect the motives of the International Martial Network's owner.Dahlia closed her laptop and started, "General Ashcroft, according to the Shadow Division King, the King Phase Rankings had once listed 20 King Phases. At the time, those King Phases had been rulers of their respective nations."So, don't you find it fishy that the only name on it is yours?"Leander rested his chin on his palm as a smile appeared on his lips. "Just say what you want to say."Dahlia's eyes sharpened as she intoned gravely, "I'm here at the Shadow Division King's behest and as a representative of the government. It is a great honor to be the only name on the King Phase Rankings. However, this... special treatment can also spell disaster."The second the ranking was out, you became Public Enemy No. 1 in the eyes of every living King Phase martial artist out there."Her eyes never left Leander's figure, waiting to see even the slightest bit of discomfort from him. Alas, all Leander did was smile at her."I know."Although he was smiling, there was no mirth in his eyes as he spoke. "The International Martial Network's owner has painted a massive target on my back. It's not just the King Phases that are going to come after me."Every nation in the world has set its sights on me now. When they learn that a martial artist who could stand up against the military and modern weapons exists... Well, I'm sure they're eager to get rid of a threat like me."After all, they want a world where they are the biggest fish in the pond. They have no intention of allowing another era of King Phases to come to fruition."His eyes sharpened as he continued, "This time, I have shown them that I could easily eliminate 10 supersonic fighter jets all by myself. My actions have basically told every martial artist out there that it isn't an unattainable fantasy for them to go against the army and survive."The King Phases, who had been in seclusion, would start making their moves. It is likely that whatever they have up their sleeves would turn order as we know it upside down. This is what the other nations fear. They don't want our current order to change."Not just that, they want to keep the King Phases under their thumbs. The only way they could do this is to make an example out of me."If I have become someone to fear when I topped the International Combat Unit charts, then me dominating the King Phase Rankings has given them the justification to eliminate me to maintain order. As for the other King Phases... Well, the first order of business for them is to get rid of me."That's because my death would mean that they would have the chance to replace my spot on the King Phase Rankings. My death would be the best debut for their return to the public eye. Nothing else would make a better show of their prowess than defeating me."Dahlia couldn't help but gape in disbelief as she listened to him meticulously analyze his current predicament.Only now was she certain that this young man before her truly was the Iron Sovereign. He was most definitely the same man who could defeat an army all by himself.A surge of admiration rose from deep within her heart upon learning that he wasn't just yourrun-of-the-mill powerhouse. He also had the brains to back up his power. He had a strong grasp of politics and understood how his actions could potentially impact the world. Not only did he possess the strength of more than a thousand men, but he also had the mind sharper than any blade he wielded. There was no doubt that he was the world's strongest being."You're right, General Ashcroft. The government has also sent me to inform you that the country working against you is Agylae. They are also the ones behind the International Martial Network."Celia's eyes widened into saucers when she heard that information. It was so shocking that she could only stare at Dahlia, stunned to silence.Ever since she became a regular on the International Assassin Leaderboard, she'd managed to dig up a lot of information on the International Martial Network. Even so, she had zero idea who was pulling the strings behind the International Martial Network.So, to hear from Dahlia that Agylae was the country behind it all?Suffice it to say, that was information that was nigh impossible to find even amongst martial artists.A flicker of emotion appeared in1.nLeander's eyes. Then, he flashed Dahlia a smile and replied, "I thought as much. The puppeteer of the International Martial Network bas been adding stairs to my pedestal ever since my name appeared on the International Martial Network. "They want me to become a symbol, to have everyone's eyes on me. That's what Agylae is after. They want to shape me into some invincible icon in the martial world. They want newbies to idolize me, to see me as the best of the best."That's when they'll strike. They'll come at me with everything they have just toshatter me. That way, they would be able to terrify the martial world into submission. They'd set up the ambush at Ivoria's border with that precise goal in mind."It's just a shame that they underestimated me."Dahlia's lashes fluttered as her lips curled into a bitter smile. "I see. So you've known all along, General Ashcroft. It seems that I've wasted your time by coming here to warn you."Leander waved her off as he picked up his teacup. "Don't overthink things, Ms. Leon. I did have my suspicions, but that's all it was suspicions. You coming all the way here to inform me about this has given me the chance to clear the air. Thank you."Then, he took a sip of his tea.Dahlia picked up her cup before rising to her feet and saluting him respectfully."No, thank you, General Ashcroft. I have learned a lot today. It's truly an honor tosee you in person," she replied before drinking her tea.Leander escorted Dahlia all the way to Yelem Hotel's entrance. Before she left, she suddenly recalled something and said, "Before I go the Shadow Division King asked me to pass a message to you. This is a personal request of his and not an official request." "Go ahead," Leander said as he patiently waited for her to speak."He said that the King Phases from the Eastern and Western factions are about to go to war."She immediately slipped into the car waiting nearby as soon as she said those words, leaving a terrified Celia and a somewhat shocked Leander in the dust.noveldrama"Master Leander, what is the Shadow Division King getting at? Is he trying to say that another War of the King Phase is on the horizon?"Leander said nothing in response as his eyes glinted with an unnamed emotion. It seemed that he was thinking about Dahlia's parting words.After a while, he rolled his neck and grinned. "Let's go. It's time for us to pay the Divine Vault a visit."