Under Elena's command, the two groups of guards rushed in through the door. One group was the Forrest family guards, while the other was the Welch family guards. Both groups consisted of carefully selected elite guards and outnumbered Julie's guards. They surrounded the Camron Medical guards as soon as they appeared, turning the situation around instantly. Onlookers retreated when they saw the standoff for fear of getting implicated in the conflict. No one dared to involve themselves in a confrontation with imposing forces consisting of two elite families and one ancient house. "It seems like you came prepared with the number of guards you have." Dustin narrowed his eyes, unafraid even as he was surrounded. "Dustin, considering our previous friendship, I can ask Elena to spare you as long as you apologize and grovel before us," Eleanor suddenly said. The more arrogant Dustin acted, the more she wanted to crush him beneath her feet and humiliate him thoroughly! How dare a n
Although they weren't sure what was going on, it was clear that the poison was extremely potent. "What is going on?" Eleanor, Elena, and Julie exchanged puzzled looks, their brows furrowed. The hall was filled with people, yet only their guards were affected. It was astonishing to think that the poison could differentiate between friend and foe. "Rhys! Are you responsible for this?" Julie was quick to conclude. "Don't blindly accuse me. I didn't do anything." Dustin shrugged. "You still dare deny it? You clearly did this, you rotten bastard!""Rhys! You'd better hand us the antidote! Otherwise, if anyone dies here, I will send you with them!" Elena yelled.The guards she brought today were from the elite ranks of the Forrest family. They weren't only skilled but also extremely loyal. The Forrest family had invested considerable resources in training these elite guards. She would be held accountable if they all died here upon her return. She might even be punished by house
Abigail looked just like the girl next door. However, Eleanor, Elena, and Julie felt a chill run down their spines as they gazed at her, breaking out in cold sweat. Despite her harmless appearance, the words that came from her lips were horrifying. She poisoned them yet was telling them to endure it. What a psycho!"Who are you? How dare you poison us?" Elena screamed fiercely. "That's not important. The issue now is, what will you choose?"Abigail smiled. "You only have two options. Either you succumb to my poison, or you apologize to Dustin and pay reparations.""We'll never apologize!" Elena declared indignantly. However, as soon as she spoke, her headache intensified, and she groaned."I don't care who you are! Hand over the antidote right now! Otherwise, you'll suffer the consequences!" Eleanor attempted to continue with her threats."Consequences?" Abigail squatted down with a smile and looked at Eleanor quietly. She then said, "Your last name is Welch, right? If … I
"The antidote … Give me the antidote!""I was wrong. I'll apologize! Give me the antidote!"Tormented by the pain, Elena couldn't take it any longer and started to cry for mercy. Abigail remained squatted, her hands supporting her chin. She showed no signs of reaction."My head is killing me! I can't take it anymore either! I'm willing to apologize and pay reparations! Now give me the antidote!" Julie gave in as well. Suffering humiliation was nothing compared to losing their lives. It wasn't the first time, anyway. Abigail continued looking at Eleanor without any reaction. "Eleanor! H-Hurry up and apologize! This woman is insane! If you don't apologize, we're going to die here!" Elena panicked and shouted in desperation. "If you don't speak soon, your friends are going to die," Abigail said with a smile. "Eleanor! What the hell are you doing? Just apologize already! Even if you want to die, don't bring us down with you!" Elena roared at her. Why did she insist on
"She's so beautiful and dignified!""Who is this beautiful woman? Why haven't I seen her before?""Just look at her posture and presence. She must be ranked high on the Beauty Ranking."Dahlia's appearance caused quite a stir. Regardless of gender, everyone was captivated. Even though there were many beautiful women in the refined and sophisticated city of Oakvale, which was filled with talented individuals, a woman of her allure was a rare sight. Her cool and noble temperament appeared almost otherworldly. It was as if she had just stepped out of a painting. "Dahlia!" Upon seeing the newcomers, Julie's face brightened as if she had encountered her savior. She immediately went up to greet them."I asked you to come here to discuss business. Instead, not only did you fail, but you also ended up having to pay 100 million for the damages. What exactly happened?" Dahlia asked coldly. "I—" Julie found herself at a loss of words. She couldn't admit that she had flaunted the Mosey
"So, what you mean is that only they can bully us, but we aren't allowed to retaliate? So powerless people like us can only ever be terrorized and humiliated by powerful people like you? "Is it a sin to even think about protecting ourselves?" Dustin mocked. Despite losing her memories, Dahlia remained the same. She was still prejudiced and self-righteous. She never got the situation straight before jumping to conclusions. "I don't understand what you mean." Dahlia frowned slightly."My people came today to discuss business. As a shareholder of Camron Medicals, you should treat them with courtesy instead of resorting to threats." "We would naturally welcome them if they were guests. But if they are enemies, don't blame us for being rude," Dustin retorted. "What? You've made a mistake and stirred up trouble, yet you don't feel any remorse?" Dahlia frowned."Ms. Nicholson, this was a misunderstanding." Lana suddenly stepped up and smiled apologetically. "Ms. Amberson here in
"Dustin, did you hear that? Get on your knees and apologize to me. Then, pay me 300 million in compensation for my mental distress. "Otherwise, I'll make sure you stay in prison forever!" Julie's hands were on her hips, appearing domineering. With her cousin backing her, she had nothing to fear. Julie might be a fake heiress, but her cousin was Sir Mosey's favored god-daughter. He had entrusted over half of his businesses to her. Dahlia's current status was no less than that of Dragonmarsh's princess. Everyone had to treat her with respect. Dustin might be capable, but he was nothing in front of Dahlia."Rhys! Dahlia is a prominent figure among the Moseys. You'd better think about your situation carefully!" Elena sneered, looking pleased with the turn of events. Once Dustin apologized, she would take the opportunity to humiliate him. If he resisted, that would be even better. Because once he angered Dahlia, there would be no way out for him!Dahlia wouldn't even need to tak
Julie subconsciously swallowed. After she realized what had happened, she immediately pushed a finger down her throat in an attempt to vomit the pill out. However, no matter how hard she heaved, it was useless. The moment the pill went into her mouth, it had already dissolved.At that moment, her expression shifted, and her voice trembled, "W-What … did you just give me?""Nothing, just some supplements," Abigail replied with a smile."You're lying! It's obviously poison!" Julie panicked."Oh hey, it seems like you've guessed it. Sorry." Abigail's smile never faltered. "You witch! Give me the antidote!" Julie roared."I'd advise you to calm down since getting agitated would only speed up your death. Oh, by the way, this poison won't take effect immediately. "It will slowly torment you until your intestines rot and you perish," Abigail explained. "What?" Julie's legs went numb. "Dahlia … save me!" "You witch! How dare you harm a Mosey? You must have a death wish!" Scott
"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
"Who is it?" Warrick's grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade. His eyes, sharp and alert, were like those of a startled predator—full of caution and menace.For the past few days, he had been on edge, like a cornered animal. He barely slept and was constantly on high alert, fearing danger would strike at any moment.The door slowly creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside with a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.Before he could even register what was happening, a flash of cold steel appeared, and Warrick's blade was at the elderly man's throat.The elderly man trembled with fear. The tray slipped from his grasp, and fruit and pastries scattered on the floor."Easy, Sir Prescott. He's one of us." Mulder stepped forward and pressed down on the flat of Warrick's blade with a finger. He smiled and explained, "His name's Leigh Houston. He's mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He keeps watch over this tunnel entrance and has never slipp
"Here's the problem—even if we know Warrick's intentions, how do we stop him?" Austin asked.Right now, Warrick had already disappeared without a trace. Austin's team hadn't even come close enough to get a hold of him, so there was no way to track him down.West Lucozia's vast territory and resources made it impossible to seal off every exit route completely. While it might be manageable in the short term, prolonging such an operation would significantly impact West Lucozia's economy. Wasting resources on a single fugitive wasn't a wise move."Warrick is a wanted man across the entire city. There's no way he's leaving through official channels. He'll have to sneak his way out," Dustin analyzed. He continued, "According to the maritime charts, if he's traveling from West Lucozia to Artea, he'll have to go through Thaloria. That's our lead. Get someone on it immediately—find out how many smuggling routes there are from West Lucozia to Thaloria.""Got it. I'll get it done right away
"Damn you, Mulder! You've really screwed me over this time." Axel gnashed his teeth as rage boiled inside him. Mulder's betrayal hadn't just implicated Axel's sister, but it had also dragged Axel himself into the mess.Mulder had climbed the ranks to assistant chief of the City Defenders in just a few years, and Axel had played a major role in backing him.Now that this mess had blown up, Axel was right in the middle of it. No matter how he tried to explain, he was going to take the fall for it."Everyone, follow me! Let's capture that traitor."After learning Mulder's escape route, Axel waved his hand and led his enforcement team out at full speed.He had already messed up by failing to capture Warrick, which was a serious lapse in duty. Now, with his brother-in-law openly rebelling against them, things had only gotten worse.If Axel didn't turn this situation around and bring those traitors to justice, his days as an enforcement team captain were numbered.After a thorough s