Peerless Warlord

Within the confines of Phantom Prison, notorious criminals from around the globe were imprisoned, each gaining infamy for their wicked actions.

Among the inmates were covert operatives who pilfered national secrets, assassins responsible for the demise of presidents, and brutal warlords who orchestrated the mass slaughter of thousands of captives.

Clad in the uniform of a prison guard, Dominik Gilbert sat in his father Cormac Gilbert's study, penning a message with determined strokes.

"Mr. Gilbert, there's an uproar. Grimslayer and Greedfang are engaged in a fight." A prison guard stumbled into the room, his face filled with dread.

Dominik nodded, nonchalantly handed him a note and remarked, "Deliver my message. Instruct them to scrub the toilets for three days. If they refuse, inform them that I'll personally dip their heads into the toilet bowl again."

"Understood!" The guard hesitated briefly, then hastily took the note and took his leave.

Grimslayer, the infamous assassin king, found himself incarcerated for the high-profile assassination of Mordona's president.

On the other hand, Greedfang, leader of a vast underground organization, was imprisoned for the illicit trade of nuclear warheads.

"Mr. Gilbert, there's a major issue. Butcher is causing chaos in the cafeteria and has injured several of our comrades!" Another guard rushed in, visibly concerned.

Dominik arched an eyebrow, handed another note to the guard, and remarked casually, "Have him scrub dishes in the kitchen for a month. If he declines, let him know I'll personally oversee his public hanging in the square for three days and nights."

The guard swiftly took Dominik's message and hurried away.

Butcher, a ruthless warlord responsible for the slaughter of over ten thousand prisoners, showed little regard for human life.

"Mr. Gilbert, another incident! The Shadowmancer, responsible for annihilating the entire family of Ephoria's General, has once again lost control and wreaked havoc on our solitary confinement cells!"

A throbbing headache gripped Dominik as he tossed another completed note and delivered a cold command. "Instruct him to break his own legs and lie low in the cell for a month. If he shaves a day off, he'll spend a day in the cesspool!"

The guard, sensing the urgency, hastily left with the note.

Dominik sighed, slapped his forehead, and muttered, "So many issues in this cramped prison. Dad has been gone for three years without a trace. What a mess!"

Leaving the study, he glanced at the time and then walked to the sports field for his routine inspection.

Spotting Dominik, the prisoners on the field snapped to attention, bowed their heads, and were scared to meet his gaze.

"Mr. Gilbert, care for a cigarette? Can you help deliver this letter to my family? I'll reward you with a billion dollars. My family is very wealthy!" A tycoon, guilty of trading national resources and worth trillions, approached with a hopeful smile, offering a cigarette to Dominik.

"Greetings, Mr. Gilbert..." Another man bowed and bent at the waist. This individual was the wealthiest man in Sruburgh and faced severe charges of monopoly crimes.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Gilbert!" The former head of Mordona's military intelligence, charged with selling out national secrets, followed suit, lowering his head like the others.

Each of these inmates held extraordinary backgrounds. Unveiling any one of them would send shockwaves across the globe.

Nevertheless, in this moment, they meekly bowed their heads, addressing Dominik with respect.

"I've been in a foul mood lately. I expect all of you to act right and avoid causing trouble," Dominik stated.

"Uh... Yes, yes!" Everyone, though taken aback, hurriedly agreed with his unexpected directive.

Dominik had barely settled back into his office when a guard burst in urgently, exclaiming, "Mr. Gilbert..."

Dominik arched an eyebrow, displaying displeasure. "What's the matter now?"

"Hmm... This time it's not the people inside causing a ruckus. A high-ranking officer just pulled up with a prisoner. An attractive female general, to be precise," the guard said.

Dominik gave a nod of acknowledgment.

The guard went on, "This female general specifically asked for you, claiming she knows Mr. Cormac Gilbert!"

Dominik paused and responded, "She knows my father? Let's go check her out."

Outside the prison, numerous soldiers stood in formation, guarding a cage with a sullen-looking man.

"Once I break free, each of you will pay the price, and not one of you will be left alive!" the man in the cage menacingly declared.

The nearby soldiers instinctively turned away, seemingly scared of him memorizing their faces.

Beside the cage stood a woman with two stars on her shoulder, radiating authority.

She was Sylvia Hewitt, the heiress of the Hewitt family in Frutshire.

With a stern look, Sylvia watched Dominik emerging from the prison clad in a guard's uniform. He appeared nonchalant and lacking vitality, much to her displeasure.

"Are you Dominik Gilbert?" Sylvia inquired, her eyes disdainfully scanning him. The two stars on her shoulder conveyed a distinctive sense of arrogance.

Irritated by her gaze, Dominik retorted, "Who did you apprehend?"

"Dreadlord, one of the Four Kings of the underworld. His code name is Whisker. The higher-ups assigned him for confinement here," Sylvia explained, handing a document to Dominik.

Dominik signed it without much consideration and questioned, "You want to see me?"

Sylvia calmly stated, "I'm Sylvia Hewitt. I came to inform you that we are worlds apart."

Upon hearing her name, Dominik felt puzzled and then frowned.

Sylvia's disinterested gaze caught his shoulder insignia that signified a second-level prison guard.

"I have no intention of marrying you," Sylvia stated bluntly, her eyes carrying a touch of pity. The young heir from the Gilbert family found himself stationed at a rundown prison.

"Do you have any complaints?"

After she said this, she brought out an engagement contract and casually tore it in half before him.

The soldiers behind her cast disdainful glances at Dominik.

An ordinary second-level prison guard actually thought he could get married to a two-star general?

Sylvia let out a sigh, shook her head slightly, and expressed with a touch of pity. "I understand this is tough for you, but you've seen it yourself. We are not on the same level."

While she spoke, her gaze moved between her own shoulder and Dominik's.

Dominik said nothing.

Sylvia gave him a business card and said, "Consider this as compensation; you can request two favors from me. As the former heir of the Gilbert family, it's in your best interest to leave this dismal place at the earliest opportunity. There might still be a chance for you to rejoin your clan."

She paused and continued, "Dreadlord is now your responsibility. Ensure he remains confined, or there will be significant casualties. Our military faced substantial losses in capturing him, and I sustained some light injuries myself."

Having said this, Sylvia turned and entered her car. Before Dominik could speak, she issued the order, and the convoy drove off.

"After he left the Gilbert family, he has truly deteriorated. In such a desolate setting, no matter how talented one may be, it all wears away. When I addressed him, he didn't respond at all. Clearly, he recognized the gap in our statuses."

Sylvia giggled softly. If Dominik sought her assistance with the business card, she could help him leave the prison and enlist in the army. This would potentially open up brighter opportunities for him.

Dominik appeared somewhat surprised as he looked at Sylvia's retreating silhouette. Gradually, he redirected his attention and crumpled the business card in his grasp.

"Is she crazy?" Dominik mumbled, casually releasing the sizable latch securing the cage.

Dreadlord, who was inside, pushed the cage door ajar and smirked. "Young one, you should have heeded that woman's advice! Surprisingly, you share a relationship with Sylvia, Sruburgh's war goddess. But it's a pity she dumped you... Tsk tsk, I almost feel sorry to kill you..."

Unexpectedly, Dominik slapped him sharply across the face, and with a resounding thud, the notorious Dreadlord, diligently captured by the military, slumped unconscious on the ground.

"In a foul mood. Why the constant chatter?" Dominik grumbled discontentedly, then seized Dreadlord by the ankle and hauled him into the prison as if dragging a lifeless animal.

"Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Gilbert, your letter!" A mail carrier rushed over, thrust an envelope into Dominik's hand, and cast a curious glance at the new inmate.

Dominik examined it and couldn't help but brighten. "My father's letter!"

"My father wants me to marry Ruby Harper?"

Dominik peered at the letter he was holding, his mouth quivering faintly. Ruby was his childhood playmate.

Even when they were little, Ruby had a captivating allure, and now, she must have blossomed into quite a stunner.

Cormac's letter bore an uncompromising tone. Dominik sighed, resigned to acquiesce.

The following morning, the inmates bid farewell to Dominik with exuberance, reveling in his departure from Phantom Prison. With his absence, they could once again indulge in mischief.

"I'll be back anytime. Keep tabs on everyone's actions while I'm away and document any disturbances!" Dominik declared with a cunning grin.

The jubilant inmates instantly hushed, apprehensive of the impending scrutiny.

Dominik's gaze lingered on a few troublemakers, and he chuckled coldly before leaving Phantom Prison, his home for over a decade. He then boarded a plane bound for Zlexvale.

"How is it possible to bump into this woman everywhere I go?" Dominik questioned. A frown of surprise etched on his face as he walked into the first-class cabin.

Among the eight seats in the first-class cabin, one was occupied by Sylvia, whom he had just encountered not long ago.

Sylvia, dressed in a black dress, emitted an aura of authority even without her military garb.

Spotting Dominik, she appeared taken aback, shook her head slightly, and maintained a stoic silence.

"Miss Hewitt has already clarified things, hasn't she? You two belong to entirely different worlds. Yet, here you are, boarding the plane after us?" Sylvia's assistant, Trudy Curtis, questioned with a harsh demeanor, her lovely face now cold.

Upon hearing this, Dominik paused momentarily. A scornful smirk graced his lips as he nonchalantly pulled out a magazine, refusing to acknowledge the two women.

Sylvia couldn't help but furrow her brow. She found little favor in this persistent man.

When they met at the entrance of Phantom Prison, Dominik was reticent and reserved. Now, he quietly followed onto the plane, earning genuine disdain from her.

A man ought to know when to go on and when to relent!

Suddenly, three men burst in, brandishing handguns, and pointed them directly at Sylvia.

"General Hewitt, you arrested our boss, causing us a world of trouble!" the leader sneered, disengaging the safety with a grin.

The first-class cabin's passengers were dumbfounded. How did these three individuals manage to smuggle guns onto the plane?

Dominik set the magazine aside, glanced at them briefly, then casually resumed reading as if he were oblivious to their existence.

Trudy was stunned and her face turned pale. She hadn't anticipated Whisker's subordinates to be adept enough to track them onto the plane in such a manner.

Unable to resist, she turned her head to peek at Dominik. He occupied the blind spot of the three men, presenting a potential opportunity for her to counteract if he chose to act.

But Dominik remained impassive, engrossed in the magazine as if it held some profoundly captivating content.

What a coward! Thankfully, Miss Hewitt has already severed ties with him! Trudy thought with contempt, though a thread of anxiety lingered in her heart.

Sylvia, maintaining an expressionless demeanor, remarked, "Oh! It appears that some of Whisker's underlings slipped through the cracks. Or could Whisker have some influential backing?"

The armed men sneered and retorted, "That's none of your concern. Just cooperate and come with us willingly!"

Once again, Trudy cast a glance at Dominik. Only his intervention at this juncture could potentially tilt the scales in their favor against the assailants.

"This coward!" Trudy couldn't contain her frustration as she watched Dominik's nonchalant demeanor.

Facing three menacingly armed men, Sylvia sported a slight smile and remarked, "In the martial arts world of Sruburgh, there's a saying-'Within an inch, everyone can be lethal.'"

The trio's expressions changed, and one of them barked, "Enough of your nonsense! If you want to live, come with us now!"

Without hesitation, Sylvia, who had been seated, leapt up with lightning speed. Her movements were graceful and her slender arms expertly disarmed one of the men in an instant.

Concurrently, her palm landed on his throat. A crisp sound was heard before he collapsed. The remaining two, caught off guard, each received a blow to the forehead and tumbled to the floor. Their fate remained uncertain-whether alive or dead.

In a few minutes, Sylvia effortlessly subdued the three dangerous individuals.

Trudy stood in amazement. She never expected Sylvia to single-handedly bring down three armed men, all without causing harm to innocent bystanders.

"Apologies for the disturbance, everyone. I'll ensure this is taken care of promptly. It won't affect the flight schedule," Sylvia declared, bowing slightly and offering a reassuring smile to the astonished passengers.

A passenger recognized her and exclaimed, "You're General Hewitt, right? The rising star, hailed as our country's war goddess!"

"You are indeed General Hewitt. It's an honor to share this flight with you."

"With General Hewitt here, this flight couldn't be safer! No need to apologize," another passenger chimed in.

As word spread of Sylvia's identity, the passengers showered her with praises.

Military personnel soon arrived to handle the subdued men, ensuring the flight schedule remained unaffected.

Trudy couldn't hide her disgust as she glanced at Dominik.

Addressing Dominik calmly, Sylvia stated, "We're not cut from the same cloth. Quit following me as it won't change my mind."

With a sneer, Trudy warned, "If you keep clinging to Miss Hewitt like this, don't blame me for being vicious!"

Certainly, these words grabbed everyone's attention. Each person regarded Dominik with contempt.

Unfazed by the mockery, he disembarked at Zlexvale airport, collected his luggage, and left without a second thought.

"Hmm? He..." Trudy caught sight of a letter on Dominik's seat and handed it to Sylvia.

Sylvia looked at it and then chuckled. "He isn't following me. He is here to find another woman. It's for the best. He should realize we're from different worlds, and it's time for him to move on."

Dominik, just off the plane, spotted a familiar face.

"Mr. Gilbert!" The man, upon seeing Dominik, immediately bowed deeply, addressing him with utmost respect.

The surrounding passengers were left in shock.

"Who is that? Am I dreaming? Isn't that Zlexvale's wealthiest man, Bruce Higgins?"

"Why would such a rich man bow to him? Could he be a high-profile figure from Frutshire?"

"Seriously, Bruce is always arrogant, treating everyone like they're beneath him. Who could possibly command such respect? This young man must be something special..."

Dominik chuckled and smoothly entered Bruce's Rolls-Royce.

Sylvia strolled out of the airport gate and saw a sleek Rolls-Royce zooming by. Peering through the window, she spotted a face she recognized.

"Huh? I must be wrong." Sylvia laughed to herself. Could it be that Dominik, who was ousted from the Gilbert family, now had the means for such a posh car?

In Zlexvale, Bruce, the wealthiest man, led a remarkable life filled with both highs and lows.

Dominik had stood by Bruce during his challenging two-year stint in Phantom Prison, and played a crucial role in reversing Bruce's legal fate.

Despite being relatively young, Dominik received great respect from Bruce.

"Mr. Higgins, thanks for picking me up from the airport." Dominik expressed with a warm smile gracing his face.

"You are welcome, Mr. Gilbert. It's my duty!" Bruce responded with laughter. "This is a gift I prepared for you, two bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild."

Dominik, taken aback, questioned, "Why the gift?"

Bruce playfully replied, "Well, if you're going to propose, shouldn't you bring some good liquor? I've cherished these two bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild 1985 for years, and now I gift them to you!"

Dominik agreed, understanding the importance of not going empty-handed to the Harper family's house.

Aydan Harper was his elder. Cormac played a pivotal role in launching Aydan's business. Following Dominik and his father's expulsion from the Gilbert family, the Harper family provided them support during a challenging period.

Cormac's desire was for Dominik to marry Ruby Harper, Aydan's daughter.

With his luggage and the two bottles of aged Château Lafite Rothschild in tow, Dominik stepped into the Harper family's compound. In the living room, Aydan, who hadn't seen Dominik in many years, occupied the main seat.

"Ha-ha, Dominik, I got your father's letter two weeks back. Finally, you're here!" Aydan exclaimed, radiating vitality as he warmly shook Dominik's hand.

Smiling at Aydan, Dominik responded, "Mr. Harper!"

Aydan quickly declared, "Perfect timing. Take Ruby to City Hall and secure that marriage certificate!"

A young girl standing nearby emitted a disdainful snort, her expression dripping with contempt.

Adorned in a snow-white dress and a delicate golden belt accentuating her slender waist, she presented a breathtaking sight. Her exquisitely made-up face held a captivating allure, while her long legs revealed beneath her skirt's hem could leave anyone mesmerized.

Phyllis, Aydan's wife, expressed her displeasure through repeated frowns as she struggled to comprehend Aydan's rejection of the Warren family's proposal in favor of this seemingly unremarkable young prison guard.

"Mr. Harper, isn't this a bit rushed?" Dominik scratched his head, a tinge of embarrassment coloring his expression.

Aydan dismissed it with a laugh. "This was discussed and agreed upon long ago!"

Ruby, with a cold look, scrutinized Dominik. "I never expected you to become a prison guard. What a lowly job!"

Dominik nodded and offered a smile. "Ruby, it's been a while."

Looking at the childhood friend she once got along with, Ruby shook her head, acknowledging that time had revealed they belonged to different worlds.

Caught in her father's directive, Ruby found herself with little room for choice. But, mismatched elements were inevitably destined to fracture.

Phyllis, with a pointed gesture towards Dominik, voiced her concerns. "Aydan, what will our relatives and friends think if you wed our daughter to such an underachiever? What will people say? Look at him, after all these years, he's still just a worn-down prison guard! On his first visit, he even came with two bottles of artificial liquor. Are you certain about marrying our daughter to him?"

Dominik responded composedly, "Mrs. Harper, this is Château Lafite Rothschild 1985 given by..."

Phyllis sneered immediately, laden with disdain, "Château Lafite Rothschild? We have several cases at home. Shall I enlighten you on the difference between yours and ours? Do you even understand the value of Château Lafite Rothschild 1985? Can an ordinary prison guard like you afford it?"

Faced with Phyllis' skepticism, Dominik nonchalantly shrugged off her remarks without uttering a word.

Aydan erupted in anger, declaring, "Enough! This matter is not open to questioning! Ruby, take Dominik to City Hall now to get the marriage certificate!"

Ruby wore a displeased expression, but she clenched her teeth and took Dominik to City Hall to get papers for marriage.

"Is this how we get married?" Dominik examined the document he was holding.

Ruby glanced at Dominik and said with an indifferent tone, "You must realize that we're not from the same world. You're a mere low-ranking prison guard, while I am already the CEO of Harper Group. Be sensible and don't harbor any inappropriate thought after we obtain the certificate. Once my father consents, we'll divorce instantly!"

Having said that, Ruby got into the car, slammed the door, hit the gas pedal, and swiftly drove away.

Dominik gazed at the luxury car's fading taillights and shrugged helplessly. Was she truly leaving him behind?

Also, did these women share a script? Not from the same world? Were they perhaps extraterrestrial beings?

Dominik shook his head, and brought out a key card from his pocket. "Forget it. I need to find a place to stay first. If Night Lord tries any tricks, I'll hang him in the toilet for three days and nights when I return to Phantom Prison."

Night Lord had provided him with a key card when he learned that he was coming to Zlexvale. It was Night Lord's villa, which was supposed to be the grandest in the city.

Exiting City Hall, Dominik spotted Sylvia gracefully descending from a huge Jeep.

"It looks like you've married Ruby and officially joined the Harper family. For you, that's a plus. Now, you won't have to worry about food and clothing in the future," Sylvia remarked casually.

"Why do you care?" Dominik, disgusted with her attitude, retorted with a smirk.

Sylvia's expression remained the same as she went on, "For a common prison guard like you, trying to make a mark in the influential Harper family is no easy feat. Considering our past engagement and my role in breaking it off, I'm willing to help if you need it. Ruby is a respectable woman, sought after by many. The opportunity you've landed is only a dream for many. If you need assistance fitting into the Harper family, don't hesitate to reach out."

Dominik, unmoved, gave Sylvia a penetrating look. "I'm convinced that you're truly out of your mind. Establish myself in the Harper family? Even your Hewitt family is nothing to me. Drop the arrogance. My life has nothing to do with you!"

Having said this, he walked away.

Sylvia's expression darkened. Feeling apologetic about ending the engagement, she wanted to make amends, but he seemed ungrateful.

"Talk is cheap. If you have such ambitions, why so obedient to the Harper family?" Sylvia entered her car, revved the engine, and sped away. It looked like even the exhaust fumes carry a sense of scorn for Dominik.

Alone, Dominik reached the Skytop Villa Area, Zlexvale's upscale neighborhood. Night Lord's villa was situated at the pinnacle of Skytop Hill.