From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 355

Aurora had been watching Leander for a long while. She couldn't explain why, but even though he had never shown off in front of others—his only known feat being that time at Maplebrook Axis when he single-handedly took on over a dozen opponents—he seemed entirely different from the rest.

Compared to Ethan, Daphne, and the others who could shatter mountains with a flick of their wrists, Leander's quiet restraint should have made him seem ordinary. Yet somehow, she felt that beneath that calm exterior, he carried a sense of unshakable steadiness—a commanding presence that belonged only to those who stood above all others.

She recalled how the Abyssal Godblade, which none of the other prodigies had been able to lift, had responded only to him. The memory made her heart jolt again, sweeping away the earlier gloom from her face and replacing it with a spark of anticipation.

Perhaps this former legend of Highcliffe will once again shock the world.

…

High in the sky, the five figures from the Arbitration Office floated down and took their place before the four from the War God Sanctum, who cupped their fists respectfully. "Our deepest thanks to the Elite Arbitrators of the Arbitration Office for coming to our aid. We are truly grateful for your support."

The five from the Arbitration Office merely nodded in acknowledgment. Then the man with the bone whip stepped forward and swept his gaze over Reginald and the others.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Greed, an Elite Arbitrator of the Arbitration Office. The four beside me hold the same title. We have come at the invitation of the War God Sanctum to meet the so-called four major elite families of Highcliffe."

As he spoke, the bone whip in his hand gleamed with a dull, black light. His expression was utterly calm—neither anger nor amusement, just cold authority.

"Our purpose today is not to make enemies. We've come to offer you a choice—to give you a way forward. I want the four major elite families to join the Arbitration Office and serve under our command."

His voice wasn't loud, but its resonance made the waves tremble and the sand lift from the ground.

The expressions of Reginald and the others hardened immediately. Corwin, the most direct of them, was the first to speak, his tone sharp and resolute. "You expect us to become the Arbitration Office's lapdogs? Absolutely not! Don't forget where you stand—this is Astria, not the West!"

A former soldier, Corwin's words carried the weight of iron. "The Arbitration Office may be one of the strongest organizations in the world, but no matter how powerful you are, you're still beneath the nation itself. The four major elite families stand with Astria's government. I dare you to try and lay a hand on us!"

Greed gave a short, derisive laugh. "There's nothing in this world the Arbitration Office dares not do. And as for your nation—so what? Both world wars were set in motion by us. The shape of this world changes at our command. Do you really think we'd hesitate to crush four elite families?"

His voice turned cold as ice. "You can all see how things stand. There are nine Transcendents on our side—four from the War God Sanctum and five from the Arbitration Office.

"You, on the other hand, have barely five, and at the lowest Kindling level. If we fight, we both know how it will end. The four major elite families have only one option: surrender to the Arbitration Office. Otherwise, this entire Southern Shore will be drenched in your blood.

"Those who follow us will thrive—those who resist will die."

A chill swept through the beach. The younger generation of martial artists all drew sharp breaths as the full realization hit them—this was not a confrontation but an execution.

Everyone's face went pale. Against such overwhelming power, they had no chance. One more Transcendent alone could tilt the balance; four more meant annihilation.

Teion, Jack, and Wesley—men who had long stood at the top of Astria's martial world—felt the same weight of despair. Even they could do nothing against forces like this.

Reginald met Anton's and Corwin's eyes. The three exchanged a silent look before speaking in unison, their voices ringing across the battlefield.

"The four major elite families will never bow to anyone!"

Their words echoed with the pride of generations. Decades ago, their ancestors had joined forces to form the Martial World Coalition, defeating the War God Sanctum and defending Astria's honor. How could they now yield to foreign oppressors—to dark powers that sought to twist the world's balance?

"Is that so?" Greed's lips curved into a cold, cruel smile. "Well then, I'll gladly send you on your way."

He raised a hand. The four Ember Transcendents beside him stepped forward as one, each exuding an overwhelming pressure that seemed to warp the air itself.

"Kill them all," Greed said flatly. "No one on this shore leaves alive."

He was blasted backward more than ten yards, landing only a few feet from where Leander stood. One hand pressed against the ground as he tried to rise, but before he could, another mouthful of blood spilled out.

That earlier collision had carried both open and hidden power—and now, the hidden force exploded inside him, ravaging his internal organs.

Daphne and the others were also shaken, their breathing unsteady, unable to channel their strength.

Elkins swept his gaze around, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "So these are Astria's so-called prodigies? Pathetic."

He shook his head in open disdain. "All this talk of peerless geniuses, unrivaled talents... yet all I see are a bunch of overhyped nobodies."

Rage burned in Ethan's chest. He tried to push himself up, but before he could, a hand pressed lightly on his shoulder. Startled, he looked up—and met Leander's profound eyes.

Ethan froze in disbelief, unable to speak. Even Elkins paused, frowning slightly at the sight of the quiet young man who had just risen to his feet.

"Ander?" Daphne called out softly, her voice laced with worry. She feared Elkins might strike at him next. Eira quickly stepped forward, placing herself between Leander and Elkins. Meanwhile, Claire and Emma exchanged a look, exhaling in quiet relief. "He's finally going to step in."

"Kid, you've still got a long way to go," Leander said, smiling faintly at Ethan. "I told you before—no matter where we are, I'm always your big brother."

Ethan blinked, utterly confused by his words. Then, before anyone could react, Leander lifted his palm slightly and made a small grasping motion toward Elkins.

There was a single deafening bang before a spray of blood exploded into the air.

The entire battlefield fell silent—every soul frozen in shock.