Chapter 1 A Bolt From The Blue

Ares Prison—a place that wasn't bound by any nation or government. It was an entity of its own, harboring the most dangerous and malevolent individuals from around the globe. Each prisoner here was powerful enough to send shockwaves across the world. Yet, no country dared interfere with this facility. The reason wasn't just the fearsome criminals it held, but primarily because of one young man—Norton Qualls. At this very moment, over a hundred of the most feared individuals in the world knelt before Norton, reverent and reluctant to part with him. Because that day was the day Norton was being released. “Young Master,” one prisoner began, presenting an offer. “This is all I have from my time in Bellaros. It's not much—just fifty billion in Azanian currency. Please accept it as a token of my gratitude for your guidance these past years!” Another stepped forward. “Young Master, here's my fifty percent stake in Pentastars Group. It's worth over a hundred billion in Azanian currency given the market! Please, take it!” “Young Master,” added another, holding up a gold-embossed card. “This is one of the only three Regal Cards issued by the Rothschild family. With it, you can overdraw up to fifty billion in Azanian currency from any bank and secure loans of no less than ten billion Azanian currency from the world's top financial groups.” “Young Master, I have nothing but this token from Divine Syndicate and my twin daughters...” “Young Master,” another offered, “this is my military mobilizing seal for a private military of fifty thousand soldiers in Nabristan. It's yours to command...” Norton frowned. “What's wrong with you all? Do I look like I'm here to rob you? Or are you worried I'll starve once I'm out there?” “That's not our intention, Young Master,” they pleaded in unison, trembling as they lay prostrate on the ground. “All right,” Norton said dismissively. “I'm leaving now. But listen—behave while I'm gone. Don't make me come back and clean up your messes myself!” His words sent shivers through the crowd. “Don't worry, Young Master,” they assured him. “We'll guard this place and remain loyal to the master!” A few minutes later, the gates of Ares Prison creaked open, and Norton stepped out into the light. To his surprise, three individuals immediately approached, kneeling before him. “What are you guys doing here?” “Master, we've come to escort you home!” Norton sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Really? One of you is the commander-in-chief of Lableoton's armed forces, another is the monarch of the House of Levesque, and the last is the richest person in Lableoton. What are you doing here? Do you want to make headlines? Get up already!” “Yes, Master!” The three rose respectfully. “Master,” one began, “please come with me and take command of Lableoton's entire armed forces.” “Don't be ridiculous,” another interjected. “The master belongs with me. Our youngest princess of the House of Levesque is waiting to marry him!” “You two need to stop,” the richest man in Lableoton said smugly. “Master, come with me. From this day forward, you'll be the head of Hansen Group!” He handed over a deed of gift to Norton as if it were nothing. Rubbing his temples, Norton shook his head. “You three old geezers could practically be my grandfathers. From now on, I just want to stay by my mother's side, make up for lost time with my wife, and live a quiet life. Don't bother me again! All of you leave, now!” Without waiting for a response, Norton boarded a boat and set off. All he wanted was to go home. Five years ago, it was his wedding reception. A silver-spooned kid had been harassing his wife and in the heat of the moment, Norton had accidentally killed him. He was arrested that same night. In prison, Norton met an old man who saw his astonishing constitution and potential as a combat arts prodigy. Following this, the old man insisted on mentoring him. At first, Norton thought the man was crazy and accepted only out of curiosity. But Norton soon realized he had made a grave mistake. Six months later, his master brought him to Ares Prison, where Norton learned the truth. The old man was the warden of the prison and a master of combat arts and medicine. Over the next year and a half, Norton trained under him, mastering cultivation techniques and medical skills. When his master left, Norton was sent to aid the Lableoton Military Department in a war. In a single battle, Norton single-handedly defeated a million enemy soldiers, killing over a hundred nine-star War Gods. The president of Lableoton granted him the title “War Overlord Ares,” an honor not bestowed in a hundred thousand years. All he needed to do was nod, and he could instantly become the most powerful and wealthiest man in the world. But none of it mattered to Norton. All he wanted now was to return home. After all, he had just received news that the silver-spooned kid hadn't been killed at all. That night, in Yarburn, Norton arrived at the residential area he once called home. His heart raced with anticipation and guilt as he stepped into the elevator and reached the seventh floor. This was the marital home he had shared with his wife, Lillian Yandolf. Reaching the door, he knocked, but it was unlocked. From inside, he heard a familiar voice. “Howie, you're amazing...” Isn't that Lillian's voice? Who's Howie? A wave of dread washed over Norton. He shoved the door open, storming inside, only to be stopped dead in his tracks. The sight before him was like a bolt from the blue. On the bed, his wife, Lillian, lay entangled with another man. Both of them were naked. The man was Howard Zulker—the silver-spooned kid Norton thought he had killed five years ago. “D*mn it, who the f*ck are you?” “Howie, is that... Norton?” “Huh? No way! It's actually Norton?” Howard and Lillian stared at Norton, their faces a mix of disbelief and panic. “Lillian,” Norton's voice was cold and cutting, his eyes sharp enough to pierce through her, “tell me—why?” Lillian hurriedly pulled on her clothes, her expression unnervingly calm. “Why? There's no reason why. Norton, since you've already seen this, I don't have anything else to say.” “Babe,” Howard added with a cruel smirk, “you should tell him the truth. Or maybe I'll do the honors.” Howard turned to Norton, his voice dripping with mockery. “Norton, have you ever stopped to think about what you're worth? You're nothing but low-class trash. Did you really believe someone like Lily would ever fall for you?” He let out a derisive laugh. “Actually, this whole thing was planned by me and Lily. You know how much this house is worth now? At least five million!” Norton clenched his fists, his fury barely contained. “Tell me, Lillian,” he demanded, his voice icy, “what's going on here?” “Hmph,” Lillian sneered, “you're not just broke; you're also a fool. Fine, I'll spell it out for you. Listen closely, Norton. I never liked you. The only reason I married you was for this house.” “I've always belonged to Howie,” she added, her tone brazen and unapologetic. Howard chuckled darkly, picking up where she left off. “That's right. She's always been mine. So, Norton, how's that for a surprise? From the start, this was all a setup. Lily and I orchestrated everything—the marriage, the accident, all of it—for this house. Otherwise, how could you have accidentally 'killed me'?” Howard spread his hands mockingly. “We've been more than fair to you, Norton. We've laid it all out. Now, get lost.” “Oh, before I forget,” he added smugly, “Lily and I are getting married next week at Grand Royale Hotel. Maybe I'll do you a favor and save you a seat at the feast. Free food, eh?” Boom! It felt like lightning had struck Norton. His chest heaved, his fury erupting like a volcano. Smack, smack! With lightning speed, Norton raised his hand and struck them both, his slap sending Lillian and Howard crashing to the floor. “You b*stard! You dare hit me? You're dead!” Howard sputtered, his voice a mix of shock and rage. He never expected that Norton dared to hit him. Norton's voice was a low growl, filled with menace. “Hit you? If I wanted to, I'd kill you both right here.” With a single motion, he grabbed both of them by the neck, lifting them clean off the ground. Howard and Lillian's faces turned ghostly pale as they struggled for air, sheer panic flooding their expressions. What's going on? When did he get so strong? The panicked, feeling like they were about to suffocate. “Norton, let go!” Lillian wheezed. “Do you want to land yourself in jail again?” Her words made Norton pause. His grip loosened, and he dropped them to the floor. He turned his gaze to Lillian, but every glance only deepened the disgust churning in his stomach. Smack! With another resounding slap, he sent Lillian staggering. A single punch sent Howard sprawling to the ground. “You two,” Norton spat, his voice filled with contempt, “you're nothing but a pair of filthy cheats. I won't forget this. Ever.” He pointed at Lillian. “This house? I bought it with my money years ago. It's worth five million now. I'm giving you three days—no more—to pay me back every cent. If you don't, I'll make sure you both regret the day you were born.” Norton turned and stormed out, his mind swirling. He had never imagined things would end this way. Part of him wanted to end their lives right there and then, but that would be too easy. He wanted them to lose everything—to suffer and regret every choice they had made. As for the house, he didn't want it anymore. It was tainted, unfit for him to live in. But the money was his, and he wasn't leaving without it. The night stretched on, and the streets had grown quiet. There were no taxis, no way to get home. Norton sighed, the frustration gnawing at him. After some thought, he decided he'd stop by a bar, have a drink, and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, he'd deal with the rest.