A shiver ran down Edgar and Caden's spines as they exchanged uneasy glances. In their family, Gage had always been the golden child. Everyone favored him.The brothers couldn't help but wonder why Christopher wasn't happy about Gage's return. What caused him to put on such a stern expression even though it had been five years? Any past misunderstandings between father and son should have been cleared up long ago."Father, it's my fault for being ignorant and a fool in the past. I'm sorry," Gage said. He showed respect to his father. He continued, "I've reflected on myself over the years, and I know it's my fault. I hope you forgive me.""Hmm?" Christopher raised an eyebrow. He knew Gage's stubbornness, so he was surprised to hear him own up to his past mistakes. After years apart, he had never expected his son to apologize. Gage's change and newfound maturity shocked him."Dad, the past is the past. Gage has admitted his mistakes. Please forgive him," Edgar tried to mediate
Christopher eagerly opened the gift box. But his smile instantly vanished when he saw what was inside. The box contained no precious gift or token of affection but plain white silk.Christopher raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is this the gift you prepared?""What's the matter, Father? Don't you like it?" Gage remained calm and humble."Do you like it?" Christopher's expression grew stern. He exclaimed, "Look what you gave me!" He threw the gift box to the floor, where it cracked open, and the white silk spilled out.The guests in the banquet hall were astounded."What's going on? Why would anyone give the birthday person white cloth?""That's not a white cloth. It's a white silk used for hanging.""White silk? That's strange. Why would anyone give that?""No wonder General Murray was upset. I would be, too. What the hell is Gage thinking?"Whispers and puzzled looks spread through the room. The previously friendly atmosphere grew increasingly tense. "Why did you give this,
A gruesome sound of flesh being cut apart filled the air.Out of nowhere, Gage stabbed Edgar's chest with the knife. Blood oozed from the wound and dripped to the floor."Huh..." Edgar stood frozen, staring in disbelief at the knife lodged in his chest. He never thought his beloved brother would attack him with such ruthlessness.Everyone in the banquet hall was shocked. Who would have thought that Gage, who had been calm and smiling, would attack Edgar? This was no longer a simple drunken fight."You … how could you …" Edgar stammered. He wanted to say more, but the blood gushed from his mouth. Then, his body swayed, and he slumped to the floor."Edgar, don't worry. The blade missed your heart by just an inch. It won't take your life for now. Just lie still and don't make any trouble," Gage said calmly. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off his fingers. His demeanor was strangely calm, as if his actions didn't matter. Christopher was furious. "Bastard! How co
The Murray family had a thousand armed forces. It kept order through its formidable presence. "Where are my reinforcements? I need backup, now!" Caden shouted, but there was no response from outside."There's no need to shout. My men have infiltrated the Murray residence. Your soldiers have been defeated," Gage said with a faint smile."That's impossible! You're lying!"Caden's eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't imagine the defeat of a thousand well-trained soldiers.Gage calmly explained, "It took five years of preparation to get me here today.""So, you were prepared all along," Caden said. His face darkened as he looked at his surroundings. He continued, "Gage, you're brave and resourceful, but there's one thing you overlooked."Gage asked, "What did I overlook?""Me!" Caden replied. He slowly removed his coat, revealing his muscular physique. He went on, "I've been training for years, and now I'm a semi-grandmaster. Your subordinates won't stand a chance against me
"What?"Everyone gasped at the sight before them. They could not believe their eyes. Caden, who they had expected to dominate the fight, was now coughing up blood after only one exchange of blows."Caden!""Dad!" Lily and Sheila rushed forward to help him.Caden's face contorted in shock and disbelief as he coughed up more blood. His faith in the Soul Devouring Technique had been unshakable. Yet, he could not comprehend his sudden vulnerability. Was he weak, or was his opponent too strong?"You … who the hell are you?" Caden gritted his teeth. He couldn't accept his defeat."I am Grimshade of Eskus." The black-cloaked figure slowly lifted his hood, revealing a foreign face. His cheeks were gaunt, and his eyes were deep-set, giving off an eerie feeling."Grimshade? The grandmaster martial artist from Eskus? Why is he here?""Gage must have sunk a fortune into this. No wonder Caden couldn't keep up.""Oh my! The strength of the Murray family is crumbling. If Caden fall
Grimshade was strong, but compared to Jordan, he fell short. "Jordan? I've heard of him, but I doubt he can help you now," Gage said calmly."Jordan! Please come out!" Caden shouted in the direction of the mountain.After a long silence and no response, he raised his voice again."Caden, there's no need to shout. Jordan is already here," Gage said. He took out a cardboard box and casually tossed it on the ground. The box burst open, and a severed head rolled out. It was a bloody head with white hair, expression frozen in shock and terror."Is that … Jordan?!" Caden gasped. He backed away several steps, and his face contorted in horror.The others reacted similarly, fear and shock written all over their faces. Horror paralyzed their bodies."No, it can't be! Jordan is dead?""Jordan was a grandmaster. How could he end up like this? What happened?""Shit! It's over now. If Jordan is dead, the Murray family is in grave danger!"The members of the Murray family trembled with f
Gage's words weighed heavily on Christopher and made everyone present uneasy. All eyes were focused on Christopher, the most influential person in the Murray family. His decision would decide the fate of the entire family."You insolent bastard!" Christopher thundered, his voice trembling with anger and frustration. He continued, "You attacked your brothers and threatened the family with such disgraceful actions! And now you dare to demand an explanation from me? Are you trying to play the victim?" He had always thought of Gage as his successor. Courageous, clever, and quick-witted—Gage could have led the family to greatness. Sadly, he had lost his way and caused an irreparable rift within the family.Christopher was angry and heartbroken."Father, you must understand that my actions were a response to your own," Gage replied with surprising composure. "Had you not driven my late wife to her tragic end, none of this would have happened.""Her death may be connected to me, but
"Yes, sir!"In response, a group of thugs brandished their weapons and advanced menacingly.The members of the Murray family panicked and quickly huddled together. Soldiers had always protected them in their privileged lives. But now, faced with this dangerous situation, they were completely lost.Suddenly, a series of silver needles darted through the air, freezing the dozen or so thugs in their tracks. Their weapons remained suspended in midair. "Who did this? Who's behind this?" Gage looked around, his face tense. "It was me," Dustin replied calmly. The moment he stood up, he immediately caught everyone's attention.The Murray family was in grave danger. The guests also felt threatened and hesitated to intervene. No one expected anyone to step forward."Who are you?" Gage eyed Dustin suspiciously."I'm a guest of the Murray family," Dustin replied calmly."This matter is none of your business. You better not interfere," Gage warned.Dustin shook his head slightly."I ow
If Warrick had been at his peak, Axel might have been more cautious. But with Tranqurin coursing through his vein, Warrick had barely a fraction of his usual strength left. His power was still fading, and Axel wasn't about to waste the opportunity. He had to capture Warrick while he had the chance."Get the hell out of my way!"As the enforcers closed in, Warrick let out a furious roar and slammed his massive fist into the floor.With a loud explosion, the earth shook violently. The ground within dozens of yards cracked and caved in, splitting apart like a spiderweb. A powerful shockwave tore through the air, sending dirt flying and walls shattering. The entire meeting room collapsed into ruins.The elite enforcers, caught in the blast, were flung backward like ragdolls. They crashed to the ground, disoriented and battered. Even Axel was thrown back more than ten yards.Warrick panted heavily, his face pale and drenched in sweat. Forcing his internal energy into action had only
Austin's words were strong and commanding, each one landing like a thunderclap.Warrick felt the weight of his presence. His brow furrowed for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. He glanced at the so-called evidence on the floor, showing no sign of panic or guilt. Instead, he said indifferently, "Your Highness, these dead men were nothing more than ants. Is this really worth making such a fuss over? I doubt you haven't killed anyone before."As the old saying went, the higher one climbed, the heavier one's purse. Warrick had clawed his way up, risking his life at every step for the sake of rising above the masses. Everyone had their own desires—some sought fame, others fortune. Some were greedy for money, some for power, and others reveled in the adoration of the masses. To achieve those things, one inevitably had to engage in shady dealings. It was an unspoken rule among officials, and Warrick saw nothing wrong with it."Ants?" Austin sneered. "Without these 'ant
The ashen-faced Huxley was dragged away. With his crimes exposed, his fate was sealed. His entire family would be implicated, and their assets would be seized.Those guilty would be punished, and even those who had merely benefited from his corruption would be held accountable. To put it bluntly, Huxley's entire family was about to be annihilated.Austin issued his next order once the bloodstains were cleaned up. "Axel, it's time to bring in the mastermind."With Huxley dealt with, the next step was to confront Warrick. Unlike Huxley, Warrick wouldn't be easy to deal with. After all, he commanded a large number of troops. If backed into a corner, he could become a major threat."Understood!" Axel responded respectfully, then turned to his subordinates. "Gather more men and come with me."Warrick had earned his prestigious position through years of fierce battles. On the battlefield, he was a one-man army, a warrior capable of taking on thousands. His strength was beyond what mos
"You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?" Austin barked."Your Highness, please let me explain…" Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic."This is a lie. Someone's trying to frame me! I've always followed the law—how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?""The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still trying to weasel out of it?" Austin shot back. "Looks like you won't confess until death is knocking at your door."He raised his hand and ordered, "Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary—let's see how long he keeps up this act.""Yes, Your Highness."A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, "Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake."His voice cracked as he continued, "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my y
Night had fallen. Austin sat in the meeting room, quietly reading a book as he waited for the results of the investigation.After successfully turning Percival against his allies, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered solid evidence of Warrick and Huxley's crimes.For years, the castle had turned a blind eye to their shady dealings. After all, corruption among officials was nothing new.But this time was different. The two had secretly orchestrated Jovian's murder, a direct challenge to the authority and dignity of the royal family. Such defiance couldn't be ignored. If Austin didn't set an example, others would surely follow."Your Highness!"Axel burst into the meeting room, panting heavily. He had clearly run the whole way to avoid any delay.Austin set his book aside and asked calmly, "Well? How did it go?""Your Highness, we've completely shut down all of Warrick and Huxley's illicit operations. Every hidden network they had built over the years has also been d
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te