Chapter 25

The bearded man tossed a black ID card to Jupiter. The middle-aged man glanced at it, took a deep breath, hurriedly holstered his gun, and saluted. "Greetings, Colonel…" he stammered.

Frontier Corps. The ranks comprised privates, sergeants, majors, colonels, and generals—also known as wardens. The man before him was clearly a colonel, a powerful figure capable of mobilizing over 300,000 troops.

Watching from the car, Angelica frowned. "Captain Holt," she said, "this guy looks like an imposter. Have you ever seen a colonel wandering around alone?"

Jupiter, intrigued by Angelica's observation, was about to respond when five patrol cars and three vehicles belonging to political leaders arrived. The Jonford Inspection Office chief and the governor emerged simultaneously. Jupiter's eyes narrowed. The governor's and his superior's presence seemingly validated the colonel's identity.

Angelica, inside the car, was equally startled. What was happening? Was he truly a colonel? Why was he at their car window? Was he here for Nash?

The chief, the governor, and their entourage greeted Stellar simultaneously. Stellar frowned. "Who told you to come? Didn't I say I wouldn't be seeing anyone?"

The governor stammered an apology. "Colonel, we… we wished to meet the warden!"

Stellar scoffed. "Do you think just anyone can meet the warden so easily? Get lost!" His commanding presence visibly unnerved the governor and the chief, forcing them to retreat. Shaken, they quickly led their people away.

Hera, having just ended a call, noticed Nash remained in the car. Company matters awaited, so she approached the patrol car. "Nash, why are they looking for you?"

Nash smiled. "It's nothing. They're just asking about Hannah."

Hera addressed the officers. "You can ask me and my family about Ms. Hannah. Nash arrived at the Lewis Estate less than two days ago. He knows nothing!"

Jupiter wiped his brow and smiled. "Alright… Let's head inside…" He opened the car door. "Mr. Calcraft, you may leave now."

Since the colonel had specifically requested Nash, Jupiter complied. Nash exited the car, looked at Stellar, and asked, "Is he here?"

Stellar shook his head. "I came to obtain your contact information."

Nash smiled, extending his hand. "Give me your phone."

Stellar produced a specialized satellite phone. Nash entered his number and returned the phone. Stellar pocketed it without looking. "My boss arrives in Jonford in three days. Be prepared. You must be on call."

Nash nodded. "I understand."

He recalled a past trip to the Southern Region's border defense where his mentor had treated the warden's illness for free. His mentor had then warned him about the rewards of aiding those who significantly contributed to the country. Nash had never fully understood the meaning.

Stellar walked toward a distant Rolls-Royce without looking back. Nash glanced at the cracked patrol car window, his eyes flickering. Stellar had shown no outward display of energy, yet he'd broken the window—suggesting strength exceeding that of a grandmaster. His cultivation remained a mystery, possibly due to a breath-control technique that masked his power.

"Captain Holt, what should we do now?"