From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 396

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.

"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 Chief Instructor, Jeff Ashcroft, created the Devourer's Flow, elevating the combat effectiveness of the Wyvern Blade to new heights. For his unparalleled contributions, the military has personally awarded him the 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?"