A resounding crash was heard as the doors to the center were busted open. Without hesitation, seven masked assassins swarmed into the center. "Shit! They caught up to us!" Claudia cursed. They were ambushed by these assassins, who wiped out their team of bodyguards. Only Claudia and Sheila managed to break through the siege and escape. Claudia thought that they had shaken off the pursuit. Unfortunately, the assassins were relentless. "Sheila, I’ll hold them back. You have to escape through the back door!" Claudia whispered. "If I escape, you will definitely be killed. I am their target, so they will not hurt me. I’ll let them take me as a hostage." Sheila’s face was pale. "Sheila! As your personal bodyguard, my duty is to ensure your safety. Listen to me!" Claudia stood in front of Sheila resolutely, protecting her. "There’s no need to argue. We will be taking the both of you!" A bald man laughed evilly as he walked in. Unlike the other assassins, this man wasn’t mask
After catching his breath, Thor wheezed. "Punk, you have some guts! It’s been a long time since I last saw a reckless fellow like you!" "Shut up and pay up already!" Dustin demanded impatiently. His mood was already ruined. These men needed to be taught a lesson for creating a mess on his property. "You really have a death wish! Boys, break his limbs! Let’s see whether he dares to talk back after this!" Thor smirked and gestured to his men."Yes, boss!" Without a second thought, the assassins swung their weapons at Dustin, with the intent to harm him. "Hey! You said you would let him go!" Sheila shrieked. "Ms. Murray, I did agree to not kill him. However, he seems to be dissatisfied with us. It would be rude to not teach him a lesson!" Thor had a cunning smile on his face. Suddenly, they were interrupted by the cries of pain from the assassins. Before the assassins could rush up to Dustin, they fell over one by one, as if they had been struck by lightning. All of the ass
"Venomous curses? How could you be certain? Are you familiar with curses?" Claudia asked, puzzled. "I know a little." Dustin nodded. "Only shady, wicked characters would learn the art of venomous curses. As expected, you are not a good person! Speak up, who are you?" Claudia lifted the sword and pointed it at Dustin. "Claudia! What are you doing? He is our savior!" Sheila quickly stood in front of Dustin to protect him. "Sheila, get out of the way. This man is being suspicious. I must investigate him thoroughly." Claudia’s eyes glittered. "Before you investigate me, I recommend that you get your head checked." Dustin rubbed his temples. "Don’t you know that curses can be used to heal? Of course, many nefarious villains use curses for their own benefit. However, not everyone is as bad as you imagine. It depends on the user’s character. Besides, the martial arts families aren’t as innocent as you make them out to be. Crimes such as pillaging, corruption, and rape are rampan
The next morning, Dustin was awakened by someone knocking on his door. He opened the door to see Hunter at his door."Mr. Anderson, what brings you here so early in the morning?" Dustin yawned."Good news, Mr. Rhys!" Hunter exclaimed with excitement. "The rare herb that you’re looking for, the Gozoraberry, I know where we can find it!""Gozoraberry? Are you sure?" Dustin’s interest was piqued. The Gozoraberry was rare and hard to come by. As with all other rare herbs, it was invaluable. If he could get his hands on the Gozoraberry, then he would only need three more precious herbs to make the Longevitum!"Of course, I’m sure! The Gozoraberry used to be a treasure from Stoneray Valley, but recently, someone bought it at an exorbitant price. And that person happens to be staying at Fallridge Haven!" Hunter nodded. "Oh? Who is it?" Dustin raised a brow."It’s Caden Murray!" Hunter said."Caden Murray? What does he need the Gozoraberry for?" Dustin’s eyes narrowed. He had never met Caden
"What? How did this happen?" Caden’s expression clouded over as he leaped up instantly."I—I don’t know! I found her out cold when I went to wake her up this morning." The maid was in an anxious mess.Before she could finish her sentence, Caden and Lily had already bolted out the door and rushed to their daughter’s room. However, the sight that greeted them when they entered frightened them.Sheila laid unmoving on the Sunburst emerald bed, which originally radiated heat off its surface, but was then covered in a thin sheet of ice.Her face was completely devoid of any color whatsoever, her limbs were cold and rigid, and there was frost building up on her brows and hair. There were even wisps of white mist coming off her body.At first glance, she looked like she had just been brought out of an ice cave of some sort."Sheila!" Lily panicked and threw herself on her daughter, rubbing her arms and breathing warm air on her in an attempt to warm her up."This is bad!" Caden’s expression w
After getting to know the whole situation, Claudia was not the only one who was surprised. Even Lily was astounded too.Had she known Dustin’s identity, she would not have let Caden drive him away so easily. After all, he had helped her daughter!"It’s fortunate that nothing serious happened. Had we thrown the pill away, Sheila would have been in grave danger!" Lily shuddered to think of what could have happened.She considered herself lucky that she still had the pill with her, or the consequences would have been unimaginable."Sheila is safe for the time being, but the coldness within her has yet to be completely eliminated."After checking on Sheila, Caden ordered, "Claudia, go to the medical center and get Dustin here.""But Uncle Caden, you don’t really believe that the fellow can cure Sheila, do you?" Claudia’s expression was one of disbelief. She had a preconceived notion that Dustin wasn’t a trustworthy person."I’d just like to see what treatment plans he has to propose," Cade
"Stop whatever you’re doing!" The voice bellowed.Xavier Horst strode in imposingly and shouted, "Uncle Caden, we do not know this man! We cannot let him put Sheila’s life at risk!""I understand that you’re worried for Sheila, Xavier. But we do not have any better alternatives now. He is our only hope." Caden shook his head."Who says we have not got any better alternatives? See who I brought!" Xavier gestured dramatically and directed everyone’s attention to the entrance.In came a podgy old man dressed in a loose green robe. He made his way in confidently."Dr. Shane?" There was an instant uproar when everyone caught sight of him.The doctors’ seemed to have transformed into eager fanboys who met their idols. Their level of excitement was off the charts. This was, after all, the world-renowned miracle healer, Dr. Malcolm Shane!His expertise in acupuncture was one of a kind, and all these experts and professors were considered nothing compared to him."Dr. Shane?" Caden and the res
The doctors gathered around to reprimand Dustin."Young man, may I know from whom you learned your skills? How dare you brag in front of everyone?" Malcolm gave him a once over, obviously displeased.In all the years he practiced his medical skills, he had never once been doubted. Much less by a rascal who was still wet behind the ears!"Hah! You overestimate yourself! How dare you put on airs in front of Dr. Shane? You’re really asking for it!" Xavier said in a hostile manner."Young man, I do not know where you got the confidence to doubt Dr. Shane, but I would like you to please leave now. Do not disrupt him from saving my daughter!" Caden spoke sternly with an annoyed expression. How dare this fellow tried to take advantage of his benevolence?"There’s no need to drive him out. Let him stay and watch. Since he doubts my skills, I’ll show him what I’m capable of!" Malcolm stood with his hands behind his back. "As expected of Dr. Shane! He carries himself with such dignity and confi
"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