THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

David walked through the dimly lit halls of the Archon's stronghold, his pace unusually slow. Each step echoed softly against the stone walls, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on his shoulders. His mind buzzed with thoughts, but he forced himself to focus as he activated his Harem Bond skill, the magical connection immediately linking him to his women back in Valemir County.

The bond sprang to life like a gentle hum, and their voices poured into his mind, tinged with concern and worry.

"David! Are you okay? You've been quiet for so long," came Vivian's trembling voice, her concern palpable.

"And what about Luna? Is she safe?" Shay added, her tone more composed but no less worried.

David closed his eyes, his footsteps slowing further as he leaned against the cold stone wall. A small smile touched his lips despite the exhaustion. "I'm fine," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Luna's safe too. You don't need to worry so much."

A quiet sob broke through the connection. Vivian's voice wavered. "I was so scared... I thought something happened to you."

David's chest tightened. "Vivian, listen to me," he said gently. "I'm fine. Truly. But I need you to stay strong for me, okay?"

Before Vivian could respond, Seraphina's commanding tone cut through the bond. "Enough, all of you. Let him be. He's already carrying enough on his shoulders."

The connection grew quieter as, one by one, the voices faded. David felt their presence retreating, leaving only Seraphina on the line. He let out a small sigh of relief and pushed off the wall, turning down a long, dim corridor.

"How's the training coming along?" David asked, his voice steady as he walked.

"Progress is good," Seraphina replied, her tone professional but with a hint of pride. "Vivian and Shay are becoming reliable swordswomen. They're more disciplined now, less reckless." She paused briefly, her tone softening. "Katrina's also improved. Her magic output is far more consistent now. She's still hesitant, but she's getting there."

David shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Good. You've all been working hard. That's what I like to hear."

He made a right turn into another corridor, the air in this part of the stronghold cooler and stiller.

"Seraphina," he said after a pause. "Get everyone ready. We might be coming with the Archon. Things are going to move fast."

"Understood," she replied without hesitation, though there was a spark of determination in her voice. "I'll do my utmost to ensure everything is in place."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Thank you," David said, his tone warm. "I'll talk to you soon."

He felt her presence fade, the bond quieting completely. Reaching his room, David opened the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The silence of the room greeted him like an old friend.

With a tired sigh, he fell onto the bed, the mattress sinking beneath his weight. For a moment, he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling, his mind a storm of thoughts and plans.

Enjoy new adventures from empire

David sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he lay sprawled across the bed. His mind drifted to Katrina and Angelica, both absent from the earlier connection. They hadn't joined in, and though a part of him wished to hear their voices, he reminded himself they were likely busy. Katrina, with her newfound magic, was likely pushing herself harder than ever, and Angelica—her resolve was always unwavering, her dedication almost unshakable.

"I suppose it's better this way," he muttered, his voice tinged with weariness. Seraphina had read his mood perfectly, cutting the conversation short before he'd had to bring up the attack. The last thing he wanted was to distract them with the chaos he had just endured.

He rolled onto his side, staring blankly at the ornate ceiling. His thoughts drifted to the weight that lay ahead: training his women, ensuring they could protect the Archon, and readying them for the raid on the Eye of Ternion. Luna's strength was leagues above the others, but they couldn't rely on her alone. They had to grow—individually, relentlessly—if they were to stand by his side in the battles to come.

A flicker of blue light caught his attention, and with a flick of his hand, David summoned the system window. The familiar glow cast soft light across the room, displaying his accumulated wealth:

[DC: 750,000 coins]

He allowed a small smirk to form as he read the numbers. "So that's my reward," he murmured to himself. The disaster he had averted, the attack that hadn't aligned with the future he remembered from Lysora County, had undoubtedly earned him a bonus. "A silver lining in all this chaos," he mused.

Yet the smile faded as his hand clenched into a fist, his muscles tensing. The memory of Luna, bloodied and near death, flashed in his mind. His chest tightened with frustration, his breath growing shallow. "It wasn't enough," he whispered bitterly. "I wasn't enough."

For all his planning, for all his efforts, the weakness he had felt in that moment still haunted him. He'd been powerless, and it had almost cost him everything. It wouldn't happen again. But how could he grow stronger—strong enough to stand above his enemies, to protect those who depended on him?

Suddenly, the system's interface shifted. The familiar window dissolved, and in its place, another page materialized—one he hadn't seen in what felt like an eternity.

[TOWER OF ADVERSITY]

David's breath caught as his eyes scanned the glowing letters. A wave of mixed emotions surged through him—unease, determination, and a faint sense of foreboding.

"So, the system's interfering directly now," he muttered, sitting upright. His mind flashed with memories: Luna in his arms, her life slipping away; his mother, her face pale and lifeless. His fists clenched tighter as resolve hardened in his eyes.

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "If this is the path to grow stronger, I'll take it. But if the system thinks it can control me—" His gaze darkened, his voice a low growl. "—I'll break it."

Reaching out, he touched the holographic window above the words. The interface rippled under his fingers, the world around him beginning to distort. Shadows coiled and danced as an abyss spread, swallowing his vision whole.

When the darkness receded, a massive screen loomed before him. The words glowed in brilliant gold, their meaning impossible to ignore.

"[TOWER OF ADVERSIY]"

"[Mission type: DEFEAT THE KING OF THE NIGHT]"

****

A/N: I'm at a loss for words, guys—gomen! The first chapter of the novel adaptation for the manhwa is now available. Be sure to check it out on Webnovel to better understand the story when the manhwa is released. The book is titled Lucky 21.