"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
After Cornelius defeated the elderly man, he returned to Dustin's side."Rhys, today is my father's ascension as the new family head. I'm warning you to stop all this right now," Kate threatened.As Tyler's wife, she could now use the Grants Family's influence. This was the privilege given by Tyler that raised her status.Dustin retorted, "And what if I refuse? Can any of you stop me?"Suddenly, a voice came from the entrance. "What if we join forces with the Harmons?"The guests turned to look at the entrance as a group of skilled martial artists arrived. They looked strong and had their head held high.The crowd backed away in fear."It's the Hill family's martial artists!""Why are they here?""Look at that; these must be the Hill family's elite forces!"The guests chattered among themselves.They never expected the Hill family to be here. They were known for their well-trained and formidable martial artists, surpassing the Grants' elite forces."Dustin Rhys! If we join
Quinton sneered. "With these three forces against him, even the Kirin Gang won't stand a chance. This guy is as good as dead."Leah couldn't hide her satisfaction as she boasted, "Well, he deserves it for being arrogant." Her dislike of Dustin made her enjoy his misfortune."He's hopeless now." Livia shook her head, only able to watch from afar as they couldn't get close to the area.After regaining his composure, Trent warned, "Punk! Surrender now, or else."Kate, feeling victorious, added, "Rhys, I'll give you one more chance. Release Dylan immediately, or you'll regret it.""Dustin Rhys, stop this pointless fight and admit defeat!" Jacob said with a menacing tone.The Harmons were determined not to let Dustin off the hook. They had to kill him to avoid more trouble, but first, they needed to save Dylan.With a laugh, Dylan mocked Dustin, "The Kirin Gang leader? Even if you can fight, what's the use now? "Look! They are all on my side. I might spare you if you surrender no
"Honestly, we shouldn't waste time debating who's better suited to be king. We just need to figure out who's most likely to take the throne," Jensen said matter-of-factly.As a businessman, he only cared about maximizing profit. To him, it didn't matter who sat on the throne but who had the best odds. He felt that backing that person would be the wisest choice."Who's most likely depends on who has the strongest backing," Jonathan said thoughtfully."Oh, right! I forgot to ask—who are the Moseys supporting?" Jovian asked, smacking his forehead. They'd been discussing this for so long but still hadn't figured out where the Moseys stood."My guess is Prince Nathaniel." Jensen narrowed his eyes as he analyzed the situation. "He's close to Anders. With his immense potential and the king's favor, the Moseys might see him as their best bet.""Anders' personal ties can't speak for the entire Mosey family," Jovian countered, shaking his head. "Family interests outweigh personal relationsh
Even without the king's involvement, the ambitious individuals would tear the Ballard family apart and leave nothing behind.If Simon chose the right side and it prevailed, his family could enjoy a century of stability and prosperity. But if he backed the wrong prince, everything could fall apart in a single night.At that moment, he didn't know what to choose. This was a critical decision—one mistake and the entire family could be ruined."Regarding this matter, I need to think it over carefully. I can't give you an answer just yet," Simon said. He knew the stakes were too high. A single misstep could lead to disaster, so he had to be cautious."I understand," Anders replied with a faint smile. "This isn't an easy decision. Still, I hope Your Lordship can decide soon.""Your Lordship, the forces seeking a marriage alliance with the Mosey family aren't limited to your family alone," Zack added coolly. "Don't think you can afford to wait for the highest bidder. Time is running out,
"In response to Your Lordship's question, this marriage alliance between our two families isn't my decision alone—it's also my godfather's and the entire Mosey family's," Anders said with a smile."According to the established rules, marriages between royal bloodlines are forbidden. Have you forgotten?" Simon replied coolly. "Sticking to outdated rules only holds us back," Anders said, shaking his head with a smile.He continued, "Right now, Dragonmarsh is going through a turbulent time—internally and externally. I've also heard the king's health is deteriorating. There are rumors he plans to name a successor and step down soon."With that, Oakvale will likely be in turmoil. When that happens, all the powerful families—the four ancient houses, the eight great families, and other factions—will be dragged into the chaos."That's why I'm hoping our families can form a marriage alliance to navigate the coming crisis together."Simon remained calm and said, "It's natural for the king
"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked, turning to Simon."A guest has arrived, so we can't be rude. Invite them to the living room so we can discuss things properly," Simon replied calmly.Anders represented the Mosey family, and regardless of his intentions, Simon couldn't simply turn him away. As for the proposed marriage alliance, it was a matter that required thorough consideration."Understood," the butler replied promptly before leaving."Go on with your meal. I'm going to meet with Anders," Simon said, excusing himself from the table.Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian exchanged glances and, without hesitation, followed their father. They were curious to see what the Mosey family had in mind."Alright, let them handle it. Let's focus on our meal," Gemma Letcher, Natasha's grandmother, said with a smile and signaled everyone to continue eating.…Three minutes later, in the Ballard family's living room, Simon sat at the head of the table near the entrance. Jonathan and his b
After leaving Dash Corporation, Dustin and Natasha headed to the mall, where they picked out gifts for every member of the Ballard family. From the eldest to the youngest toddlers, no one was left out. Later, they stopped by an antique shop and chose a beautiful calligraphy painting as a special gift for Simon.By evening, Dustin had everything ready for his first visit to the Ballard estate, located in the heart of Oakvale's city center. The estate was a sprawling courtyard mansion built on a large plot of land.Simon, the Duke of Lachshire, had three sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Jonathan Ballard, was a third-ranked official in the government. The second son, Jensen Ballard, was a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry in Oakvale, with billions in assets. Meanwhile, the youngest son, Jovian Ballard, had made a name for himself in the military and was now a third-ranked general.Simon's youngest daughter, Jessica—Natasha's mother—was highly favored with
While Dustin was away, Natasha couldn't help but worry about him. She would always keep an eye out for any news about him. But no matter how much she missed him, she wouldn't call him. She didn't want to distract or cause him to lose focus on the important matters concerning the nation's affairs. Understanding how busy he was, she kept her feelings in check and buried herself in work to keep her mind occupied.But when Natasha finally saw Dustin again, all the emotions she had bottled up came rushing out. Months of longing turned into overwhelming affection, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.Her assistant, Tanya, watched in shock. She had no idea Natasha—typically the poised, decisive, and commanding chairwoman—was in a relationship. What surprised her even more was how different Natasha seemed around Dustin. The usually unshakable "queen" now appeared soft and tender in his presence.Tanya couldn't help but watch Dustin more closely. His looks and charisma were u
Dustin had boarded the plane back to Oakvale. His trip to Sacred Wrym Summit had been full of ups and downs. From the Combat Tournament to the invasion of the Hall of Gods, his journey had been perilous. Thankfully, the outcome was favorable. He had won the championship at the tournament, acquired three Dracan essences, and ultimately foiled the Hall of Gods' plan. In every way, the mission had been nearly flawless.After bidding farewell to his newfound allies, Dustin joined Grace on the return flight. Four of the five Dracan essences had already been gathered, leaving only one remaining. According to Grace, the last essence had been located, and the person holding it was in Oakvale. Though their identity was still unknown, she suspected it was most likely one of the three princes.With the position of heir to the throne still uncertain, the three princes were all eager to secure their power. Whoever obtained the Dracan essence would be blessed with fortune and have a higher c
The chaos of the night quickly settled.By morning, as the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, Sacred Wrym Summit had regained its usual tranquility. Yet, the bloodstains across the ground and the wreckage of buildings stood as grim reminders of the previous night's violence.The military forces summoned by Grace had already taken the Hall of Gods' prisoners into custody.Rumors spread like wildfire, fueling gossip throughout the martial world as all the major guilds watched with keen interest. After all, very few in history had ever dared to challenge Sacred Wrym Summit, and a bold invasion aimed at destroying it was nothing short of unprecedented.The outcome was clear to all who bore witness. After many years, the world had come to recognize the true terror of Arion. He was no mere mortal—he was almost a godlike figure.…Inside the Hall of Gods' headquarters in Streuqua, the core members were gathered, seated in two rows on either side of the grand hall.On the thr
After dealing with the Hall of Gods' elite fighters, Arion disappeared in a blur. When he reappeared, he was hovering above the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit.The scene at the entrance to the forbidden ground was one of utter carnage. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, and rivers of blood flowed freely. All members of the Hall of Gods, including Hank, lay motionless on the ground.Dustin and Willard, both covered in blood and exuding killing intent, had fought fiercely. After a long, grueling fight, they succeeded in defending the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit. They had thwarted the Hall of Gods' plan to destroy the Dracan force.At that instant, Dustin seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up. Through the mist and darkness, he pinpointed Arion's figure hovering above. Arion smiled faintly and nodded at Dustin before disappearing again.Crossing several mountains in mere seconds, Arion arrived above the Sacred Wrym Summit's grand hall. Below, the discipl