"What's this? You want to do this the hard way?" Dustin scanned the Welch family members and smirked. "I've saved your daughter, handed over the formula, and pulled Mr. Welch Senior from the brink of death, all for the Welch family. And yet, you're turning on me now. "If word gets out, what will that do to your family's reputation?"His words sent a shiver down Alistair's spine, and the others squirmed. Alistair had orchestrated the poisoning to protect his family's reputation as a backup plan in case things went south. But with Feiver dead, openly confronting Dustin posed a risk of leaving themselves vulnerable. The reputation of the Welch family would be tarnished if it became known that they had committed murder and repaid kindness with enmity. After careful consideration, Alistair ultimately chose to step back for the time being"Joanne, what's running through that mind of yours? Dr. Rhys has done us a great favor. How can you be ungrateful?" Alistair scolded his wife
"Call for help right now! I'm on my way!" Dustin said urgently before hanging up the phone. He floored the gas pedal and raced toward Harmony Healers.With no time to waste, he ran the red lights, zipping like a lightning bolt. A drive that usually took 20 minutes became a ten-minute drive instead.When he arrived at the scene, the fire department was still on its way. Harmony Healers stood engulfed in a furious blaze. The first floor was gone, and the flames were creeping up to the second floor. Despite neighbors helping with water buckets, their efforts felt like a drop in the ocean. At this rate, the fire would reach the third floor in less than five minutes!"Quick! We need more help!" Brooke shouted, holding a fire extinguisher in his hand and spraying it frantically. His clothes were in tatters, his face smudged with soot, and he had burns on his skin. He looked absolutely worn out."Dr. Busch! Is Mr. Shaffer safe?""Cinna is still inside, and the fire has gotten out of
Engulfed in flames, Dustin leaped high into the air before landing heavily on the ground. The resounding impact left several deep cracks under his feet. A gust of wind swept over him, extinguishing the flames that had clocked his body. They could see white mist rising from his skin; it looked straight out of a movie. "What in the world?" The crowd stood in utter shock at the incredible scene they had just witnessed. Even the firefighters were rendered speechless. No one had expected a person to emerge unscathed from the raging fire, especially not after jumping from the third floor. His crazy and daring actions left everyone astonished. "Am I seeing things? The guy that went in actually made it out alive?""Not only did he survive, he even rescued someone!" "Oh my God! Who the hell is this guy? Even fire can't harm him. This is out of this world!"After a brief moment of silence, the crowd commented excitedly over the scene. Everyone looked at Dustin as if he were some sort
Brooke never even charged a penny for treating the poor. He believed he had a clear conscience before God and his patients. He could never have imagined that the good deeds he had done all his life would lead to this. It was disheartening to think how half of his life's work had been reduced to nothing but ashes by someone."Dr. Busch, even though I can't be completely certain, I do have a suspect in mind," Dustin suddenly said. "Who is it? Which evil person did such a thing?" Brooke's blood boiled. "The Swansons," Dustin spat out coldly."The Swansons?" Brooke was taken aback, appearing deep in thought. Although they had no proof, Dustin's accusation was not baseless. In order to gain control of Harmony Healers, they employed various means, including coercion and bribery, to achieve their goal. Even Ziggy, who caused a scene at Harmony Healers two days ago, was sent by the Swansons. The Swansons was the prime suspect in setting the fire. "They destroyed Harmony Healers
"What?" Eleanor's expression turned ugly as she watched the check burn. It was one thing to reject her offer, but setting the check ablaze was just an act of disrespect and humiliation toward her."Hey, Rhys! What's the meaning of this?" Ezra was upset by Dustin's actions. He yelled, "Eleanor was generous enough to give you money. Don't be ungrateful!""So just because you gave me money, I should accept it? What do you take me for? A beggar?" Dustin scoffed. His opinion of the Welch family had taken a nosedive. From the way Eleanor used him yesterday to the way the Welchs tried to kill him today, he finally realized the true nature of these people. "Hmph! Just look at your behavior; it's no different than a beggar." Ezra looked at him in disdain. "Another derogatory word from that mouth of yours, and I'll beat you up." Dustin's gaze grew colder. "You—!" Ezra was about to rip him a new one when Eleanor raised her hand to stop him.She stared at Dustin in silence; her eye
"Dr. Busch, selling Harmony Healers would be the wisest decision. Besides, aside from us, nobody else will buy it," Eleanor advised in a gentle tone. The Welchs and the Swansons controlled the entire South City. Who would dare take over Harmony Healers without their permission? "I'm not selling! Not over my dead body! Don't even think about taking Harmony Healers away from me!" Brooke yelled in frustration.He had dedicated more than half of his life to building Harmony Healers into what it was today. How could he bear to sell it, especially to these power-hungry individuals?He could tell that Harmony Healers would become nothing more than a money-making machine if it fell into their hands. That would completely tarnish its reputation!"You're not selling?" Ezra scoffed."Dr. Busch, it would be best for you to reconsider before answering. It wouldn't be wise to reject us.""I've lived long enough! My life is worthless anyway. I'm not afraid of you people!" Brooke screamed ag
"30 million?" Everyone present was stunned. They only realized it was Dustin who spoke out when they looked up at the source of the voice. "Bastard, what did you just say?" Ezra tilted his head, thinking his hearing had failed him.Eleanor was also frowning, looking extremely upset. "Dr. Busch, I'm willing to purchase Harmony Healers for 30 million."Not only that, I'll make sure that Harmony Healers will be rebuilt as is. You will continue to be the head doctor and oversee the management."Brook was stunned into silence, understanding the implications behind Dustin's words. This proposition allowed Harmony Healers to maintain its current glory while he continued its benevolent mission.Though he would forfeit any claim to its profits, that sum of money was insignificant in comparison to preserving the clinic's reputation and his own peace of mind. "D-Dustin, are you being serious?" Brooke was doubtful. "Absolutely." Dustin nodded firmly. "Harmony Healers exists to help
Dustin shook his head as he chuckled. Instead of explaining, he took out a red card. The front side of the red card featured a golden dragon that appeared powerful and intimidating. On the back of the card were two words in gold: Royal Empire. "This is the Royal Empire Card from Langford Bank. Only those with assets exceeding a billion are worthy of this card. "With this card alone, I can withdraw 50 million of cash from any bank in Dragonmarsh. So why don't you tell me? Am I able to afford Harmony Healers? Am I able to produce 30 million?"Dustin displayed the red card in his hands clearly, looking at them mockingly. "What? The Royal Empire Card from Langford Bank?" Everyone widened their eyes in disbelief. Langford Bank was Dragonmarsh's largest bank backed by the national treasury. It had multiple tiers of clients. They had executive-tiered clients, gold-tiered clients, platinum-tiered clients, black-tiered clients, diamond-tiered clients, and the highest-tiered, royal
"Damn it! This punk's tougher than I thought. We're in real trouble if this keeps up," Connor said, swinging his twin blades relentlessly. Every strike was aimed at Axel's vital points.But Axel was quick. He weaved in and out of reach and avoided direct confrontation. It was obvious he was just stalling for time."Sir Prescott should be far enough by now. There's no point dragging this out. Let's fall back."Sensing the futility of their efforts, Dave considered retreating. He didn't fear death, but he wasn't about to waste his life for nothing.Since Warrick had escaped, their interception mission was also completed."You guys hold him off. The rest of you, fall back with me."Connor was decisive. Realizing they weren't making any progress, he quickly ordered a retreat and left a few decoys behind to buy time.They had barely run a hundred yards when a wave of soldiers suddenly appeared at the alley's entrance. Hundreds, maybe even thousands, filled the narrow space and comple
"This punk's a real pain in the ass!"Connor glanced over his shoulder and noticed Axel was still hot on their trail.The squad he had sent to intercept Axel was completely outmaneuvered, and they couldn't get anywhere near him.To Connor's dismay, Axel kept shooting off signal flares as he pursued them. Each flare gave away their position. At this rate, it didn't matter which direction they ran—they were bound to be intercepted."Connor! Dave! Make a move and swat that damn fly," Warrick ordered decisively."If we leave, who's going to protect you?" Connor hesitated.Warrick was in bad shape. Without them guarding him, a single attack from an expert could be fatal."If you don't take out that fly, I'll be in even more danger. Get moving now!" Warrick snapped."Yes, sir!"Connor and Dave exchanged a glance before splitting up with their squads to surround Axel.They both knew what was at stake. If they didn't take Axel down quickly, their entire force would be stranded and do
"Kill them all!"At Warrick's command, the Red Legion charged without hesitation. Blades flashed as they stormed toward the elite enforcement unit.This time, nearly a thousand Red Legion soldiers arrived. With their sheer numbers, they launched a pincer attack from both flanks, leaving the enemy with no way to fend it off."Form the Shield Formation!" Axel shouted upon seeing the dire situation. His men immediately sheathed their blades and raised their shields to form a defensive line. Their pursuit had cut them off from the main force. Since they were up against an enemy ten times their size, forming a defensive line was their best option.If they could stall for even a moment, reinforcements from the castle would arrive, and the tide would turn in their favor. Once that happened, the thousand-strong Red Legion would be the ones on the defensive.After a brief charge, the two forces collided.Warrick had personally trained the Red Legion. He selected only the most loyal and
Axel had no time to hesitate. He lunged forward and grabbed the overturned Dragon-Binding Net. Then, he used every ounce of his strength to pin Warrick down again."Get over here! We have to keep him restrained."As the net strained under Warrick's sheer power, Axel let out a roar and pushed his cultivation to the limit. His veins bulged and blood pounded in his ears. He threw every last bit of strength into holding Warrick down.For now, he managed to pin Warrick down, but the elite enforcement unit on the other side wasn't faring well. Warrick thrashed wildly, sending more than a dozen men swinging through the air. Some slammed into trees, while others crashed into walls. Within moments, the Dragon-Binding Net flipped over again.Several elite enforcement units tried to rush in and help, but they barely got close before getting hit by their own airborne comrades and sent flying.Against Warrick's Divine Strength, they were utterly outmatched. The regular guards didn't stand a
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