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
Looking at Dahlia's familiar face from the past, Dustin took a deep breath and said coldly, "Dahlia Nicholson, I'm not being stubborn. You're the one who thinks you can never be wrong. "What makes you think everything is my fault? And why do you assume I can't afford to offend these people?" Dahlia responded with a frown, "Things have already come to this, and you're still trying to argue? I've already investigated the matter, and it's clearly your fault. "Don't think you can act arrogantly in Oakvale just because you have someone backing you. This place is full of hidden talents and influential people. It's not a place where you can run wild!""Forget it. I'm too lazy to continue this argument. Think whatever you want." Dustin shook his head, feeling tired. There was nothing left for him to complain about when she was exactly the same as she was before she lost her memory. "Dustin, what's with your attitude? I'm giving you sound advice, but you just won't listen! Will you o
"Hey, handsome, it seems like we've landed ourselves in big trouble." Lana looked worried as she watched them depart. "Dealing with the Forrest and Welch families might be manageable with Mr. Dawson backing us up, but the Moseys are a different story."Both Dahlia and Scott are not individuals we can afford to offend."She wasn't too concerned about Dahlia since she had a good reputation and usually lived up to her promises. She probably wouldn't hold this matter against them. However, Scott was different. He had a notorious reputation in the business world, known for his vengeful nature and relentless pursuit of his goals.Offending a powerful man like him would undoubtedly bring them trouble. "There's no need to worry, Ms. Camron. We're responsible for this mess. It'll likely be directed at us if they come looking for trouble. The company won't be affected," Dustin said. "Handsome, I'm not worried about implicating the company. I meant that you should stay out of the limel
Dustin answered the call. It was from Ethan. "Your Grace, I'm at the entrance of Camron Medicals. I have something important to report. Can we meet in person?" Ethan got straight to the point."Alright, I'll be right out." Dustin nodded and hung up without saying much. "Ms. Camron, please take Abigail around for a stroll. I have something urgent to attend to," Dustin said before walking out of the office. He had only assigned Ethan two tasks. One was to find the medicinal herbs for treating Cinna, and the other was to investigate the truth from ten years ago. Both matters were crucial to him.When Dustin stepped out of the building, he saw a plain black sedan parked across the street. The car window rolled down, revealing half of Ethan's face as he waved to Dustin. Dustin looked around and ensured no one noticed before entering the car. The car windows rolled up, and the car started. They began moving at a steady pace. "Mr. Ethan, what's the urgent matter that made you cal
Ten years had passed, and many things had changed. Even if Dustin was exceptionally talented, his growth was inevitably limited without the resources from the Rhys family. Anders and the rest of them, however, were different. They received only the best resources and grooming, undergoing various specialized training and polishing. They were ahead of Dustin in every aspect, and that disparity would only grow more apparent with time. Although Dustin was undoubtedly talented, he was slightly behind Anders. It would be tough to catch up on a gap of ten years. "I understand what you mean, but I've never considered fighting him. I just want his Emerald Corolla," Dustin said calmly."Your Grace, Anders sees the Emerald Corolla as a priceless possession. It would be challenging to take it from him." Ethan shook his head. He had sent someone to inquire about it from Anders but only received one word in response—Scram! "Since asking is not an option, we can resort to stealing," Dust
"Mr. Ethan, your cautious approach is truly commendable. It's no wonder you are able to navigate the treacherous political scene skillfully," Dustin teased. "Your Grace, please, spare me. My life is practically hanging by a thread with me being in constant danger," Ethan replied with a wry smile. If it became known that he was assisting the West Lucozian monarchy, he would either be dismissed from his position or have his home raided. But no matter the outcome, it would be a dead end for him.Navigating the court for so many years, he had offended numerous people. Once he lost power, countless people would surely seize the opportunity to take him down."Mr. Ethan, if I succeed in my goals, I'll consider it a debt owed to the Langfords. If you run into trouble in the future, I will back you up," Dustin assured. "Thank you, Your Grace!" Ethan's expression brightened. At least he was getting rewarded. With the support of the West Lucozian monarchy, there would still be a way o
Of course, to be safe, he had to seek assistance from someone else. …Time flew by quickly, and three days had passed. During this time, Camron Medicals became increasingly popular, with countless people coming to buy their ointments every day. Some had initially anticipated a spectacle, thinking that offending the Moseys would surely bring calamity. However, after three days, there was no movement from the Moseys, and everything remained calm and peaceful. Camron Medicals continued to thrive and made significant profits. It was worth mentioning that Harmony Healers was rebuilt, and all that was left was to renovate and add the finishing touches. Dustin only took care of the financial aspects and left the operational details to a professional team. There was nothing for him to worry about. Additionally, with the help of the person from the palace, Dustin had gotten his hands on the Iceheart Lotus without trouble. All he needed left was the Emerald Corolla, which he h
"Abigail, the Moseys' mansion is filled with elite fighters. There will also be plenty of influential figures arriving. You must be careful not to expose yourself," Dustin reminded her sternly. Even though they had disguises on, there were plenty of extraordinary individuals among the Moseys. If their identities were discovered, it could lead to trouble. Abigail, especially, was the Mystic Arts Order's Grand Sorceress. In the eyes of the court and righteous individuals, she was a condemned witch that they would gladly eliminate. So, they must be cautious. "Don't worry, Dustin. I'm not a kid. I know what to do. Relax. I won't put you in trouble." Abigail scanned the area rapidly, almost drooling at the sight of the wealthy individuals. "Relax? You must be joking!" Dustin was frustrated and knocked on Abigail's head with his knuckles. He shouldn't have brought her here. This little money enthusiast seemed to see everyone as a walking money tree. "Dustin, look! It's so live
"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
"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