Chapter 384
“Lean, that major general just now-was he from the Riverstone family p>
As Dorian led his men away, Yvette hurried over and grabbed Leander’s arm.
Leander gave a slight nod, his tone carrying a touch of disdain.
“Major general? The title sounds impressive, but that’s all it is p>
He shook his head. “Someone with that rank should be responsible for Astria’s security—for defending the nation, staying calm under pressure, and making clear- headed decisions in any situation.
“But he let personal grudges cloud his judgment. Because of his sons, he lost control, didn’t even bother to investigate my background, and barged in with his men. It was reckless—pathetic, really.
“If it weren’t for Old Mr. Riverstone’s pull in the military, with Dorian’s actual ability, he’d be lucky to make it to a first-tier officer, let alone a major general. What gives him the right to hold that rank p>
Even among major generals, there were levels. Some commanded respect with every word and gesture, their presence alone enough to awe others. Dorian, however, was painfully ordinary.
Even Graham-the one who once invited Leander to serve as Chief Instructor for Wyvern Blade—though lower in rank, possessed far greater poise and character.
Yvette nodded slightly, then frowned, worry clouding her face. “Lean, I heard what happened at Westvale Peak. You threw both of the Riverstone sons off the cliff. The Riverstone family won’t just let that slide.
“I don’t know much about them myself, but a distant cousin of theirs once told me that the Riverstones built their power through the military and politics. Their reach extends everywhere-official, underground, you name it.
“Quincy, the one you injured, is a third-tier officer in the Northern Military District. That’s not a small matter. If the Riverstones accuse you of assaulting a senior officer, even you might have a hard time getting out of it p>
Her tone grew heavier by the second. The Riverstone family’s influence ran deep-if the real power players decided to act, even someone of Leander’s strength might not be able to contain the fallout.
Leander barely seemed to care. “Let them come. Whatever they plan, I’ll deal with
it p>
He stood up and waved his hand. “Come on, let’s go grab some kebabs p>
Nathan and the others snapped out of their daze and quickly followed.
Back at the billiard hall, everyone else remained frozen, still trying to process what they’d just seen.
“Leander, seriously-how did you do that back there? You caught all their rifles out of thin air, and then handed them back like it was nothing p>
At the food stall, Nathan couldn’t hold back his astonishment any longer.
Evander and Luke both turned toward Leander, just as curious. That move- snatching weapons from a distance-had looked nothing short of supernatural.
Leander grinned. “That? Just a little martial training. When your skills reach a certain level, tricks like that are easy p>
“Martial skills p>
The three of them exchanged looks, speechless, half understanding, and half bewildered.
Meanwhile, at the Riverstone family’s private estate, Dorian finally returned.
Logan sat at the head of the hall, and the moment Dorian entered, their eyes met.
“Dad, I miscalculated,” Dorian said grimly. “The one who hurt Quincy and Skelly—it was Jeff. I can’t touch him p>
The proud major general sank into a wooden chair, his face etched with defeat. “I already know p>
Logan nodded heavily, his face drawn and grave.
If there were people in Highcliffe that the Riverstones avoided provoking, Leander was certainly one of them.
They didn’t know exactly how strong he was, but Leander’s sweep through the Southern Shore-taking down eleven Transcendent Realm fighters by himself-had already raised him to a level the Riverstones couldn’t reach.
A calamity that even the four major elite families together couldn’t overcome had been quelled by Leander alone. That was raw power.
Logan had known Homer for years. Homer had served the Riverstones for a long time and had once been a senior elder at Mount Martial, nearly succeeding to lead it. Logan understood Homer’s strength better than most.
Yet Homer had been easily crushed by Leander obliterated with a single punch. Who, then, could stand against Leander? To move against him would be to oppose someone at the peak of the martial world and it would run counter to the
Riverstones’ interests.
Seeing Logan’s reaction, Dorian realized his father was hesitating.
He tightened his expression and urged, “Dad Quincy and Skelly are my own sons, the only two male heirs of the third generation. Jeff injured them. They might need crutches for the rest of their lives. We can’t let this go unanswered p>
Logan considered for a long moment, inhaled deeply, and then a cold light passed through his eyes.
“You’re right. The Riverstone family must avenge this. But to take on Jeff, we must prepare thoroughly p>
He rose and paced toward the hall’s entrance.
“Jeff whose real name is Leander is the eldest son of Gareth Ashcroft. That means the Ashcroft family stands behind him.
“Jeff alone would be dangerous. Since he’s backed by the Ashcrofts, bringing him down will require someone of considerable weight.
“It looks like I’ll have to call on some old friends p>
Logan narrowed his eyes, already plotting.
Dorian’s face lit with ecstatic relief. He understood what Logan’s old friends meant— each one a legendary commander, a veteran with unquestioned achievements.
Any of them could sway the balance in Highcliffe. Their word alone would make Astria’s major powers take notice. If they all came, it would be like calling in a powerful army.
Even with the Ashcrofts backing him, Dorian believed they could
Though Logan kept his composure, a shadow passed over his mind. These old friends were powerful men who ruled their own domains. Call them in meant spending political capital. They could drink together and enjoy the theater any day, but mobilizing them was a favor that cost influence-and once used, it was gone.
Leander.
Logan had intended to save those cards for a true crisis. Now, for one Leander, he would have to lay everything on the table. He questioned whether spending so much simply to avenge two grandsons was worth it.
After long thought, he pushed the doubts aside, and a different light came into his eyes.
“Dorian, contact them for me—invite them in my name. And to make sure everything goes smoothly, there’s one more thing I must do p>
Dorian blinked in surprise as Logan produced a token from his clothes. Etched on it was a delicate black-and-white symbol.
Logan had received the token from Homer when Homer first joined the Riverstone
family. He pocketed it and called out sharply.
“Get the car ready. I’m going to Mount Martial p>