Dustin just replied with a single word."Thanks." The girl in the blue dress smiled and motioned for her friends to sit. She thought, "This seems to be the only place with many empty seats. He looks friendly, so sitting with him shouldn't be an issue." "Hey, I'm Livia, and these are my friends, Leah and Quinton. What's yours?""We just met, so there's no need for names," Dustin replied bluntly. He was on a mission, not here to socialize.His rudeness caught Livia off guard.But Leah couldn't hold back and confronted him. "Hey, watch your tone. We're just asking for your name! "What's the big deal about that? You're not even dressed like a rich man. What makes you think you can act so high and mighty?"Quinton chimed in, "Yeah, you're not exactly dressed to impress. It's an honor for you to meet us.""It's ok, let's all forget about it." Livia tried to defuse the situation.But Leah couldn't let it go and snapped. "You can't give in to a loser like him, Liv. It's clear he d
Dustin's remark caught Livia, Leah, and Quinton off guard, leaving them puzzled."Hey, what are you babbling about? Who's going to die?" Leah raised an eyebrow and wondered if he had lost his mind."Are you jealous of Dylan, dude? You're saying nonsense now because you know he's better than you," Quinton remarked."Hmph, you know you're worthless, yet you badmouth someone you're jealous of. You're just a petty bastard!" Leah could not stand petty people like Dustin."Hey, if you've got something to say, say it to Dylan's face. What's the point of talking behind someone's back?" Quinton taunted."Yeah, be upfront and confront Dylan like a real man, not a coward," Leah added.While Livia remained silent, she shook her head in frustration. She found Dustin's behavior irritating.Ignoring their remarks, Dustin picked up a wine bottle and weighed it in his hand. Then, he shouted, "Dylan Harmon!"Dylan turned to locate the source of the voice. Suddenly, a wine bottle crashed onto his
"Unbelievable!""This is outrageous!""You have the nerve to mess with the Harmon family. You must have a death wish!"The startled guests shouted and protested.The commotion drew the guards' attention, who surrounded the area.Dylan sneered at Dustin. "You've got some nerve attacking me. If your bodyguard was here, you might have a chance. But going up against me alone is just asking for death!"Despite his previous loss to Cornelius, Dylan remained confident in defeating Dustin. Among his peers, he believed only Tyler could pose a challenge."Kid, today marks my ascent as the Patriarch. I don't want bloodshed, so surrender now," Trent shouted at Dustin. He knew Dustin's skills and gangs, but it was nothing compared to the Harmon family's forces. Besides, he had the support of the Grants."Dylan's life ends today, and anyone who intervenes will die too!" Dustin proclaimed."How dare you!" Trent barked at his guards, "Grab him!""Wait!" Dylan stepped forward. "Uncle Tr
"What happened?" The sight of the unconscious Dylan shocked everyone. Nobody expected the high-ranking commander of the Dark Panther Cavalry to lose. Everyone expected him to win, but the outcome was unexpected."Is this a dream? Did Dylan actually lose?" Quinton struggled to accept reality. He had anticipated Dustin's defeat, not him winning."How can this be? It's unbelievable." Leah stared in disbelief. She couldn't understand how someone as insignificant as Dustin could defeat Dylan."Wow! Is he that strong?" Livia's eyes widened in amazement. At first, she underestimated Dustin, but now she acknowledged his skills.Trent's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, "I didn't expect this kid to be a master level." While he had seen Dustin's amazing medical abilities, he was unaware of his martial arts skills.Jacob was shocked by the sudden turn of events. "My son lost?" He could accept if Dylan lost to Tyler but not to Dustin.Amid the stunned onlookers, Dustin strode forwar
Upon receiving Trent's orders, the Harmon family guards and the elite shadow guards took action."Quick! Seal off all exits and ensure this kid doesn't get away!""Acting so boldly on the Harmon family's grounds? He must have a death wish!"The guards quickly blocked all escape routes and surrounded Dustin.As Dustin exited the reception hall, he could feel the hostile stares of the guards on him. He guessed there were around two hundred of them, including Dylan's Dark Panther Cavalry soldiers. "Rhys! Release my son now, or you'll pay with your life!" Jacob yelled angrily."You're trapped, there's no escape. Release Dylan, and maybe I'll spare you," Trent warned."I only want Dylan. The rest of you can step back!" Dustin stated firmly."You're standing at death's door and don't even realize it. Look around and see who's in charge!" Trent threatened. Trent knew Dustin could not win against so many armed guards, no matter how skilled he was."Even though this kid managed to t
Dylan was stunned and muttered, "Again?"He was worried about Trent's impulsive decisions since the previous shots had missed Dustin completely.Jacob urged. "Trent, you've got to stay calm! Dyl's life is on the line here!" He wanted to prevent Trent from losing his temper and accidentally shooting Dylan."I'm concerned about Dyl's safety too. But have you considered our family's reputation if we let this kid escape?" Trent argued."This kid isn't a pushover. We should consider bringing in the aces," Jacob whispered."Aces? Where can we find them on such short notice? I say we take him down now." Trent insisted.Then, Jacob proposed a different approach. "But before we resort to that, let me try talking to him first. It's best if we can resolve this without violence."Trent took a deep breath and yielded. "You've got three minutes.""Okay." Jacob nodded and turned to Dustin. "Listen, you need to stop right now. There's no way you'll make it out of here alive today. But if y
These gangsters wore black with red headbands. They had a mythical beast emblem on their chest, representing the disciples of the Kirin Gang. "Secure the area!" Cornelius ordered as he led them into the Harmon family residence.Just like that, the Kirin Gang had outnumbered the Harmon family's guards. When the Kiring Gang arrived at the Harmon residence, the crowd scattered to avoid getting caught up in the mess."Who the hell are you? How dare you enter the Harmon family residence!" Trent yelled as they were surrounded."They're from the Kirin Gang!" someone from the Harmon family exclaimed."The Kirin Gang?!" The mention of the Kirin Gang caused various reactions among the crowd.The Kirin Gang had earned a terrifying reputation in Millsburg, surpassing even the famous Fabulous Five in power and influence."Who dares disrespect Sir Rhys?"With the guild leaders and disciples, Cornelius stood by Dustin's side. Their intimidating presence was proof of Dustin's influence."W
"Rhys, don't be too cocky!" Jacob snapped at Dustin, "You think being the leader of the Kirin Gang means you're all that? Don't forget, my son is a high-ranking commander of the Dark Panther Cavalry!"Dylan chimed in defiantly, "That's right! Dark Panther Cavalry supports me, and I am the subordinate of Scarlet Warrior. Your actions will have consequences.""Stop it right there, punk. If you let Dylan go, we can put this matter behind us. But if you insist on fighting, the Harmon family won't yield," Trent stated solemnly.While the Kirin Gang held power, the Harmon family was no pushover. They had a long history and many allies. They would receive help if they asked."I don't care about your allies or your family's influence. Dylan must die today!" Dustin grabbed Dylan by the neck and lifted him, thinking, "If I can't get him out, I'll have to kill him right here.""Ugh!" Dylan's face turned red as he struggled to catch his breath. The fear of death began to consume him.S
"So what if I am? And what if I push even further?" Dustin's smile slowly faded. "If you don't like it, do something about it."There was no reasoning with tyrants like Warrick."Punk, are you really willing to risk your life against me? Have you ever considered what happens if you lose?" Warrick's face turned grim as a wave of killing intent spread from him.He had already taken a step back to avoid unnecessary trouble. If Dustin refused to back down, there was no choice but to fight."Cut the crap. You wanna fight, fight." Dustin didn't bother with more words. With a flick of his wrist, a silver needle shot out and aimed toward Warrick's forehead—silent, unassuming, but deadly."Hmm?" Warrick's brow furrowed as he instinctively raised his arm. Sparks flew as the needle deflected off his arm and buried into the ground."Oh? You've mastered the Adamantine Body Technique?" Dustin narrowed his eyes. At that instant, he saw through Warrick's technique. Not only was he halfway
Mulder's body trembled, and he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. His energy drained, and his entire being seemed to collapse.Dustin's finger flick had not only shattered his sword but also injured his internal organs. With the effects of the enhanced serum wearing off, Mulder was now back to his original state and completely spent.His once-powerful frame now shrank like a punctured balloon. He looked as if he had aged ten years in an instant. Mulder could no longer fight. Even standing up was a challenge."He's finished," Dustin said coolly, then looked at Warrick. "Now it's your turn.""Hmm?" Warrick frowned, and his expression turned serious.Dustin's display of strength earlier had made him feel a sense of crisis. If they fought head-on, there was no telling who would come out on top.But Warrick was just one step away from escaping West Lucozia, bound for Artea and a life of freedom and luxury. He had no intention of risking his life in battle unless he absolutely
"This is interesting." Dustin smirked as the dense barrage of swords came slashing down at him. In the blink of an eye, his figure dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.A storm of sword shadows carrying the force that could split rivers and overturn seas crashed down on the fishing boat where he had just been standing. The entire vessel broke apart in an instant—some sinking into the depths while others drifted across the water."What? He dodged it?" Warrick's eyes flickered with surprise.Mulder's attack just now had been a 360-degree attack. Once caught in its range, there was no chance to dodge—only the option to endure. He couldn't understand how Dustin had managed to avoid it. Did he just teleport?"Hiding like a coward? What kind of warrior are you? Come fight me face-to-face."Frustrated after his attack missed again, Mulder grew desperate. His enhanced serum would only last for 15 minutes. If this dragged on, he'd collapse from exhaustion before Dustin even touche
"Oh? Are we going all out now?" Dustin smirked, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.Mulder, who had advanced to become a grandmaster martial artist through drugs, had a weak foundation. Even after taking the enhanced serum, he still posed no threat to Dustin. If Mulder were a hundred times stronger, he might just barely be able to fight Dustin.As the serum's effects pushed his body to the limit, Mulder suddenly let out a furious roar. His muscles swelled rapidly, and his bones cracked as they expanded. His body grew larger at an alarming rate, and his clothes tore apart under the strain.His six-foot frame stretched to nearly seven feet in mere moments as his body swelled to monstrous proportions. His face twisted fiercely, and his skin darkened as black scales surfaced.With another guttural growl, his roar turned beastlike. He grabbed his shredded shirt and ripped it away, exposing his broad chest covered in dark scales. A faint, eerie sheen flickered across their surface."D
Dustin's words made Mulder frown.Mulder knew all too well that Warrick was the kind of man who had no sense of loyalty or honor. If Warrick could kill his own personal guards without hesitation, what would stop him from killing a stranger? Mulder was certain that the moment things went south, Warrick would be the first to flee. Given the choice, he'd never willingly risk his life as Warrick's sacrificial pawn. But now, there was no turning back.With his undercover identity exposed and him helping Warrick escape, Mulder became a sworn enemy of West Lucozia. His name was now on the most-wanted list.Tonight was their best chance to escape. If they missed it, finding another way out would be nearly impossible.There was only one path left for him—kill whoever stood in his way and make it onto that escape boat."Enough talk, punk. Let's see what you're really made of," Mulder said.After weighing his options, he gritted his teeth and finally decided to draw his longsword. His fig
"You had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next," Dustin said.With a slight squeeze of his fingers, the steel blades clamped between them shattered with a sharp clang.Before the two Hall of Gods members could even react, Dustin waved his hand.The two men were sent flying as if they'd been hit by a truck, hurtling over 30 feet through the air. Blood sprayed from their mouths and noses before they hit the ground. They were critically injured and on the verge of death.Dustin slowly turned his head and looked at the man who had just tried to ambush him.The man glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then at Dustin, who looked utterly unfazed. He hesitated for a split second—then bolted.With a powerful leap, he dove straight for the sea. He knew Dustin's strength was on a completely different level. There was no chance of outrunning him on land, so the only hope was to disappear into the water.It might have worked—if not for what happened next.Just before he hit
"You're not a fisherman? Who the hell are you?"Mulder's guard shot up the moment he got a clear look at the young man's face.Fishermen who spent their days at sea were usually tanned from the sun, but this one had a fair complexion. It felt a little strangeNoticing something was off, the men behind Mulder drew their blades and fixed their sharp gazes on the fisherman.The so-called fisherman standing guard wasn't just anyone—it was Dustin, who had been waiting for them all along.Since his plan was set in motion, he'd been stationed there from morning until midnight. After what felt like an eternity, his targets had finally arrived."Isn't it obvious? I'm here to capture you."Dustin rose from the deck and rolled his shoulders before speaking in an even tone. "If you don't want to die, surrender now. Otherwise, it'll be too late.""Watch out! It could be an ambush." Mulder swiftly pulled out his dagger. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any sign of hidden troops.
As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.Nearly two hours passed before Mulder's scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest."Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications." Warrick said. He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture. There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he
After a hearty meal, the burly Warrick sprawled lazily onto the bed and dozed off. He slept soundly till dusk, lost in a deep dream. When the sky was painted in brilliant hues of the setting sun, only then did he wake up leisurely.The exhaustion from the previous day seemed to have melted away. He felt invigorated, refreshed, and in high spirits.At that moment, Leigh had already set the table in the hall with quiet efficiency. Compared to the first meal, this spread was far more lavish.At the center of the table sat a whole roasted pig. Its golden-brown skin glistened with a rich, crispy sheen. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making it impossible not to crave a bite.Warrick had never been one for formalities. The moment he saw the feast, he didn't hesitate. He strode over, took a seat, and started digging in. He ate with zero restraint without sparing a single thought for Mulder, who was still out gathering intel.After a while, half of the roast pig was gone. His fac