Chapter 1 Coordinated

• "War God, please accept this transfer document for the shares of Sobie Oil Company, valued at four billion five hundred million dollars. It's a modest gift from our nation," a representative offered respectfully.
• "War God, we also present you with 12 gold mining sites in Bardon, as a token of our friendship," another added.
• "War God ... "
• High above in the Egerton Hotel, royals from across the globe convened, their eyes fixed in admiration on the young man at the table's head.
• Marc Egerton, having dominated for five years, remained undefeated in countless battles.
• He unified the global underworld at a young age, earning the title of War God of Egerton!
• His name was revered worldwide!
• "Eagle, kindly accept these gifts on my behalf and convey my thanks for their kindness," Marc instructed his assistant with a casual wave, then stood to exit the meeting.
• Wealth was trivial to him now.
• After five years of dominance, Marc's fortune was nearly sovereign in scale.
• "War God, you're leaving? The world will feel your absence," Eagle remarked after settling the nobles and following Marc out.
• "I've decided to retire. Earthly pursuits no longer interest me," Marc declared.
• "Her birthday is in three days. I need to hurry back, propose, and make her the happiest woman alive," Marc shared, pulling out a photo of a woman, his expression softening with a rare smile.
• His mind wandered to a time long past.
• At ten, Marc was abandoned by his father and left alone in the freezing wilderness.
• As he neared unconsciousness, a small girl appeared in front of him, offering a weighty piggy bank.
• "This is all the pocket money I have; please use it to buy some food," she said.
• The girl was dressed in a white cotton coat, her wrist adorned with a pearl bracelet.
• In the sunlight, she resembled a little angel, each scene with her deeply touching.
• The piggy bank, designed in the shape of a small rabbit, was small but as charming as the girl herself.
• That money saved Marc during his darkest times, and the girl, Oriel Coke, became his beacon of hope.
• Marc persevered, eventually landing a respectable job and achieving some success as an adult.
• He tracked down Oriel Coke, whom he adored deeply, and eventually won her love.
• However, just before they were to marry five years ago, Oriel's younger brother, while drunk, caused a deadly car accident.
• To honour a debt of gratitude, Marc agreed to Oriel's request to take the fall for her brother and went to prison.
• "Marc, once you are released, we will wed and never part again," Oriel tearfully promised him before he was incarcerated.
• Surprisingly, within a month of his imprisonment, Marc was recruited by a high-ranking official into a secret unit.
• Over the next five years, he completed numerous missions, ascending from obscurity to become the celebrated War God of Egerton.
• Facing danger with courage and determination, he endured the harshest trials.
• It was Oriel's promise that fueled Marc's steadfast resolve in combat, leading to numerous miraculous victories.
• Now, after five years, Marc's term had ended, and he had attained extraordinary success.
• It was time to go back to his homeland and dedicate everything to her.
• ...
• Three days later, Marc and Eagle walked out of Riverton International Airport.
• "Eagle, you've been by my side for five years. It's time for you to relax and enjoy life," Marc said.
• Eagle's eyes filled with tears. "Are you saying you don't need me anymore, War God?"
• Marc laughed and nudged him playfully.
• "Stop being so dramatic. I'm about to propose. Why would I want you tagging along?
• "And drop the 'War God' title. I'm retired. Just call me Marc now."
• Rubbing his side where Marc had nudged him, Eagle nodded.
• "Understood, Marc."
• "Now, get out of my sight."
• "Okay," Eagle agreed, stepping back.
• After Eagle departed, Marc pulled a beautifully crafted gift box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a stunning sapphire necklace.
• This exceptional piece, featuring a rare gem from Lankaris, was designed by the famed Kristis and valued at four million five hundred thousand dollars—a unique treasure in the world.
• Today was her birthday, and Marc planned to surprise her with this lavish gift.
• Half an hour later, Marc reached a posh neighbourhood in the city’s southern district.
• He approached a two-story villa where a lively gathering of well-dressed young men and women enjoyed wine and conversation.
• "Sir, may I see your invitation?"
• A guard in a black suit halted Marc at the entrance.
• "I don’t have one. Could you please inform Ms. Coke that Marc has arrived? She’ll let me in," Marc responded courteously.
• The guard sized up Marc, noting his simple attire, and doubted his claim.
• "If you’re a friend of Ms. Coke, where’s your invitation?" he asked with a scoff.
• Another bodyguard scoffed, "Looks like yet another gatecrasher who heard about Ms. Coke's birthday and engagement party and thought he could get in. How many have we tossed out already? Don’t bother talking; just kick him out!
• "He should take a good look at himself, a nobody daring to daydream about Ms. Coke!"
• However, Marc was not deterred, his heart thumping with unexpected joy.
• Engagement party?
• Was she hosting this because she knew I was back and ready to accept my proposal?
• The thought made him feel warm; she had kept her word.
• The trials of the last five years suddenly seemed worthwhile.
• Instead of getting angry, Marc's lips curled into a smile. "You should really let Ms. Coke know I'm here. Did you know I'm her fiancé?"
• The guard's laughter roared louder, slapping his knee.
• "What? This guy thinks he's Ms. Coke's fiancé?
• "Must be drunk on cheap booze! Everyone knows Ms. Coke is getting engaged to the heir of the Wagners today."
• The crowd around them burst into laughter, eying Marc like he was a common joke.
• Despite being a lesser-known family in Riverton, the Cokes were not one to be trifled with, and here was Marc, poorly dressed, claiming to be Ms. Coke's betrothed.
• "Huh?"
• The revelation hit Marc like a bolt from the blue, sending shivers down his spine. "What? Sam Wagner?"
• "Yes, Ms. Coke is indeed engaged to Mr. Sam Wagner! Better leave now before you embarrass yourself further," the guard said dismissively.
• "No, this can't be right!" Marc murmured in disbelief, "She promised to marry me once I returned."
• "Get out of here already, will you?" the bodyguard sneered.
• Noticing Marc's lack of response, the bodyguard advanced, ready to lay hands on him.
• Bang!
• With a swift move, Marc kicked the bodyguard in the stomach, sending him flying back 4 to 5 metres and crashing into the villa walls.
• "Ah! There's a fight!"
• Panic erupted both inside and outside the villa.
• The guests around Marc instinctively stepped back, their expressions a mix of shock and fear.
• "What's going on? Why are they fighting?"
• Suddenly, a woman hurried out from the villa, her face marked with annoyance.
• It was her birthday, and the last thing she wanted was a scene like this.
• Marc caught sight of her and paused, struck by her presence.
• It was Oriel, the woman he had not stopped thinking about for five years.
• She looked as enchanting as ever in a flowing white dress, which highlighted her elegant demeanour.
• However ...
• Right beside her, a young man with narrow, slanting eyebrows—quite unpleasant to look at—was standing close.
• He was dressed in a white tailcoat, seemingly coordinated with Oriel's dress, suggesting they were a couple.
• Moreover, his hand was casually placed around Oriel’s waist!
• Marc's eyes narrowed as he asked in shock, "Oriel, who is this guy?"