Wharton

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Birth and Childhood

Wharton was born in Fenlai City, where Hogg had taken Lina for a safer delivery. Both mother and child were healthy. After the family visited the Radiant Temple for blessings, armed men abducted Lina from their hotel that night. Hogg could protect Wharton but could not save her 20.

Hogg returned to Wushan Town with Wharton and publicly claimed that Lina had died in childbirth. He concealed the abduction to protect his children from those responsible 20.

As a toddler, Wharton tried to help with household cleaning but used the same linen cloth on the chamber pot and the bowls, prompting a firm correction from Hogg. He admired An and Linley and initially declared that he would attend Ernst Academy like them. When they departed, he cried and asked them to return soon 3 6.

Warrior Training and Family Reunions

Wharton was sent to the O’Brien Empire’s Warrior Academy at six. Nine years later, Hogg had seen him only a handful of times. After Wushan Town’s destruction, An persuaded Hogg to relocate to the empire and reunite with him 27.

Wharton warmly welcomed Hogg and An at the academy and eagerly offered to show An its training grounds, battle energy rooms, and martial-technique library. He had become a sixth-level warrior by this reunion 28.

He later received an estate in Chiyan City when he was made an earl. An expanded its training grounds, where the brothers regularly sparred. By Linley’s return, Wharton was an eighth-level warrior and had fallen in love with Princess Nina 29 30.

Duel with Blumer

Nina reciprocated Wharton’s feelings, but approval of their marriage was delayed by competing suitors. Kailan withdrew voluntarily, leaving Blumer, a ninth-level warrior and personal disciple of the War God, as Wharton’s principal rival. Joanne promised to approve the marriage if Wharton won their scheduled duel 29 30.

On February 4, year 10008 of the Yulan Calendar, Wharton fought Blumer before eighty thousand spectators in Chiyan City’s Combat Arena. Using Dragon Transformation and Slaughter, he overwhelmed Blumer in close combat. Blumer’s enhanced Light and Shadow Sword strike pierced his shoulder, but Wharton trapped the blade with his muscles, counterattacked, and ultimately knocked him off the platform 31.

Kenyon attempted to declare a draw by falsely claiming that Wharton’s lung had been pierced and that he could no longer fight. An challenged the ruling and defeated Kenyon in one move. Haydson and Joanne confirmed Wharton’s victory, and Joanne subsequently announced his engagement to Nina 31 32.

Marriage to Nina

Wharton and Nina married at the Baruch manor before nobles, foreign envoys, merchants, and powerful guests. Nervous after a sleepless night, Wharton sought reassurance from An before the ceremony 35.

Blumer attended and apologized for his earlier arrogance. Wharton accepted the apology and welcomed him. Hogg presided over the wedding and gave the couple matching dragon-shaped jade pendants inherited through the Baruch Clan 35.

Emperor of the Baruch Empire

During An’s fourteen-year absence, Wharton became emperor, while Hogg held the position of retired emperor and Linley oversaw military affairs and defense. The empire flourished under Wharton’s rule, supported by the Baruch Clan’s formidable warriors and allies 44.

When the Radiant Church and Dark Church demanded a share of the empire’s Magic Crystal Ore Vein, Wharton refused to surrender its resources despite facing thirteen Saint-level experts. An and Linley arrived at the camp, and An routed the opposing forces 45.

Wharton subsequently inspected the mine every few days and monitored intelligence concerning the wounded church leaders, Heidens and Affleck 46.

On January 1, year 10023 of the Yulan Calendar, he formally proclaimed the Baruch Empire’s founding from Baruch City’s gate tower before a million subjects. Hogg, Linley, and An stood beside him as he celebrated the restoration of their clan’s glory 47.

Appearance

• Height: Stands 2.20 meters tall at twenty-three, towering over Linley and An 29.
• Build: Broad-shouldered and powerfully muscular; compared to an iron tower 31 35.
• Eyes: Black 31.
• Academy attire: Standard leather armor with a longsword at his waist 28.
• Dragon Transformation: Azure-green scales, dragon horns, and a metallic-looking dragon tail 31.

Personality

Wharton is openly affectionate toward his family. He enthusiastically welcomes his brothers home and remains unguarded around them even after becoming emperor, describing himself as merely An’s little brother in private 28 29 44.

His confidence can become overconfidence. Before facing Blumer, he dismisses his rival’s prospects until Linley warns him not to underestimate an opponent. During the duel, he trusts his defenses despite An’s warning and suffers a shoulder wound 30 31.

He is also capable of reconciliation: he accepts Blumer’s wedding-day apology without prolonging their feud. As ruler, he refuses the churches’ demands even while recognizing that their Saint-level forces outnumber his own 35 45.

Abilities & Skills

Dragon Transformation

Wharton’s awakened bloodline allows him to assume Dragonblood Warrior form, reaching peak ninth-level combat strength 30 31.

• Azure-green scales provide formidable protection against ordinary attacks 31.
• His scale-covered hand stops a sword thrust aimed at his eyes 31.
• His tail serves as a powerful striking weapon, breaking Blumer’s arm and shattering his Battle Qi shield 31.
• His defenses are not impenetrable: Blumer’s enhanced strike pierces his shoulder scales 31.

Strength and Resilience

• Overpowers Blumer with kicks, tail strikes, and heavy warblade blows 31.
• Clamps an embedded sword in place with his shoulder muscles, preventing deeper penetration and delaying its withdrawal 31.
• Continues fighting while wounded; his shoulder begins healing shortly after the duel through Dragonblood Warrior regeneration 31.

Martial Training

• Studies at the O’Brien Warrior Academy and has access to its martial-technique manuals 28.
• Receives extensive guidance and seven years of sparring practice from An, who attributes his improved combat performance to that training 30 31.
• Attempts to locate Blumer by listening to the wind, though Blumer’s speed prevents this from reliably stopping his attacks 31.

Governance

• Oversees an empire described as prosperous and peaceful under his rule 44.
• Handles military consultations, mine inspections, intelligence reports, and preparations for the empire’s formal founding 45 46 47.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Slaughter: The Baruch Clan’s ancestral warblade, wielded by Wharton against Blumer 31.
• Longsword: Carried at his waist while attending the warrior academy 28.
• Dragon-shaped jade pendant: A family heirloom given to him by Hogg at his wedding; Nina receives its matching pendant 35.
• Chiyan City estate: Granted when he became an earl and later expanded by An 30.

Relationships

• Hogg — Father; protected Wharton during Lina’s abduction and later reunited with him in the O’Brien Empire. Presides over his wedding 20 28 35.
• Lina — Mother; abducted shortly after his birth. Her supposed death in childbirth was Hogg’s protective cover story 20.
• Linley — Eldest brother; supports Wharton’s relationship with Nina and cautions him against underestimating Blumer 29 30.
• An Baruch — Second elder brother and sparring mentor; defends the legitimacy of Wharton’s arena victory and helps secure his marriage 30 31.
• Nina — Wife; their mutual affection survives the dispute over her suitors and culminates in marriage 29 30 35.
• Blumer — Former romantic rival and defeated opponent; apologizes at Wharton’s wedding and is welcomed 31 35.
• Joanne — O’Brien ruler who grants approval for Wharton’s marriage after his victory over Blumer 30 31 32.
• Kenyon — Biased arena judge who attempts to overturn Wharton’s victory through a false injury claim 31.

Notable Quotes

“In front of everyone else, I’m the emperor. In front of you, I’m just your little brother.” 44

“The Magic Crystal Ore Vein is part of the Baruch Empire’s territory. No one else may lay a hand on it.” 45

“An, Linley, the glory of the Baruch Clan has finally been restored in our generation.” 47