From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 475

On the main path of Highcliffe University, Leander held Daphne's hand as they walked side by side. The air around them carried a fresh, easy campus vibe.

Along the way, he gave her a brief rundown of what had happened on the Aorinth Peaks.

"Leander, are you saying your spiritual strength made a huge leap?" Daphne asked softly.

"Yes." Leander nodded. "Right now, my spiritual strength can cover the entire university. I can span miles in a single thought."

He was being modest. If he went all out, he could sense everything miles beyond the campus as well.

Daphne's eyes shimmered. Looking at the man she had chosen for life, warmth filled her heart. His growing strength only made her feel prouder.

They chatted as they walked. At the university gate, Daphne glanced at the busy street and suddenly asked, "Leander, do King Phase beings really exist in this world?"

Leander kept his gaze forward, expression calm.

"The King Phase is elusive. I'm not sure if it truly exists. Even if a King Phase stood in front of me, what difference would it make? Heaven or earth—there's nothing I fear."

Daphne watched his spirited confidence and smiled, her expression bright as a field of blooming flowers.

The two spent the afternoon exploring the street lined with food stalls along the sycamore-lined lane.

Near dusk, Daphne needed to return home to train, so they finally parted.

Leander continued through the streets alone, passing alleys he had known since childhood. The city had changed, yet memories surfaced all the same.

At the foot of Swallow Hill, he looked up at the sky. A faint chill of loneliness settled in his chest.

For ten years, he had fought to return to the Ashcroft family and rise above it. Now that he had done it, the so-called family meant nothing to him. The world-class powerhouses that once stood above everyone had already fallen under his feet.

With his goals exhausted, a wave of dull emptiness crept in, the familiar coldness of standing too high.

"Maybe only a King Phase existence would make things interesting again."

He sighed quietly and began climbing Swallow Hill.

...

In a secret stronghold, several people in suits sat around a long table. Among them was Highcliffe University's president, Christopher. Next to him sat the "Sky Mantis," Seth, and the "Armored Duo," Keith and Kenneth.

The others were the actual core members of Astria's Shadow Division—veteran elites who had held power for decades.

Across from Christopher sat a straight-backed, middle-aged man in a military uniform. Authority seemed to rest in his very features, his presence powerful and commanding. Even seated, he radiated a mountain-like pressure that drew every gaze in the room.

It was clear he was the division's true commander.

"Everyone, this meeting should have been held half a month ago. Various issues delayed it until today."

His voice filled the conference room.

In ancient times, such authority was reserved for imperial envoys alone. Since the Shadow Division was established, no martial artist had ever received privileges anywhere near this level.

The two veterans stared. "Mr. Wilder, how is that possible? The higher-ups are letting him do as he pleases? Then what is the point of the Shadow Division? This breaks protocol."

Jimmy's gaze sharpened. "Noah, Ricky—people make rules. And sometimes, it's people who have to break them.

"Setting aside the fact that his strength rivals the Dragon Emperor of old, consider what he has done—he developed the Phoenix Essence Pill, created the Devourer's Flow, handed the Verdant Dew to the nation, eliminated the War God Sanctum's remaining traitors, and blocked the Arbitration Office from stepping onto our soil repeatedly.

"Any one of these achievements is enough to name him a national hero. Granting him special authority is well within reason."

Noah and Ricky fell silent. They had focused so much on his international impact that they had overlooked his contributions to the nation.

Jimmy continued. "Jeff's situation is no longer our focus. This meeting is to inform everyone that effective immediately, the entire Shadow Division is moving to red—the highest combat alert."

Every face in the room shifted, including Christopher's. Their national threat level ranged from red to green, red being the highest. Historically, the division had never gone above yellow, even during the chaotic influx of foreign agents in the sixties and seventies.

It was the highest alert level in the Dark Division's history. Red alert meant something beyond precedent—an event capable of shaking the nation.

Silence fell for several long seconds. Realization slowly dawned across the room.

Jimmy gave a firm nod. His voice dropped, heavy with pressure.

"The battle at Aorinth Peaks has roused many long-dormant powerhouses from the shadows. The King Phase Accord may be on the verge of being torn apart."