The swordman's robe billowed, and he gave off an aura like no other.If a normal person saw him, they would immediately kneel and worship him.Just as the white-robed swordsman was on his way, a white sword suddenly shot up from the ground and pierced straight into the sky. Then, it blocked his path as if declaring war."Who is blocking my way?" the swordsman dressed in white asked indifferently."I've long heard that your swordsmanship is unparalleled. Thus, I've specifically come and ask for your guidance."At this moment, a handsome young man with a bare upper body slowly ascended into the air. Eventually, he stood on the sword.The person and sword faced Seth Hughes while in the air."Who are you?" Seth eyed him up and down."My name is Glenn Hadley from the Sword Union. I came all this way just to learn a few moves from you." Glenn clasped his hands together in a respectful way."Glenn? The ambassador of the Sword Union?"Seth narrowed his eyes in shock. "I've heard earl
While Glenn was challenging Seth, Adam was about a hundred miles to the east of Quandary Mountain as he led an elite force toward it.As it happened suddenly, he didn't bring many troops. He only had 500 soldiers with him.However, these 500 men were his bodyguards. Thus, they were extremely capable. Many martial experts were among them.If he put all of them together, they would not be at a disadvantage even if they faced 10 thousand soldiers."Quick! Go quicker!""Hurry up. We need to make sure we can get to Scenic Monastery as soon as possible!" Adam kept urging while sitting in the car. He seemed very anxious.When the two officials saw that, they felt a bit astonished.After all, Adam was known to be stoic. No matter what he encountered, he could handle it calmly.Thus, they wondered what had happened today for him to be so agitated. "How's Scarlet? Is there any news about her?" Adam suddenly asked."Ms. Spanner has been suddenly called on a mission by the patriarch. Th
"Kill them!" 500 elite soldiers jumped down from the vehicles and rushed forward, charging into battle.Just then, the cargo truck's compartments opened from the side. It was filled with people inside.These individuals were clad in black combat gear, wore faceless masks, and brandished steel knives. As they had a powerful aura, it was obvious they were skilled martial artists."Go!"When the man in the mask waved his knife on the top of the truck, the martial artists inside the car rushed toward Adam without hesitation.The two parties soon engaged in a violent fight.Adam had more soldiers and horses, not to mention that they were well-trained. Thus, they seamlessly executed their attacks and defenses with astonishing momentum. However, the masked assassins were also capable of fighting. There were five of them in a team. Not only did they exhibit seamless coordination, but they were also ferocious in their attacks.Both sides engaged in intense back-and-forth combat for
At this moment, roars and screams rang out at the bottom of Quandary Mountain.Dustin wielded a sword and maneuvered through the hundred thousand soldiers. His sword was unstoppable wherever it went.With each swing, a dozen or more soldiers fell into a pool of blood.However, the troops beside him didn't reduce, no matter how many he killed. Instead, it got more and more.They were like surging waves, coming one after another. By how they kept coming, they were like an endless tide.It would take several days to finish killing them even if the hundred thousand soldiers stood still and allowed themselves to be killed.However, these hundred thousand soldiers were all elite equipped with armor and shields. That made the task of slaughtering them far from easy.Although Dustin was capable, he couldn't kill a hundred thousand soldiers on his own.Humans were not robots. It was impossible for them to keep killing so intensely.Dustin would use a bit of energy every time he swung h
Not long after the female martial artists fell to the ground, a few more also fainted.Moreover, this situation was spreading rapidly and was irreversible.In the back, the soldiers standing in the back who first inhaled the white mist fell one after another like a row of toppling dominoes.A large number of soldiers displayed symptoms of poisoning. Plus, they were completely defenseless against it.It seemed like a hurricane sweeping through fallen leaves where the white mist passed. Nearly half of the hundred-thousand-strong army had collapsed in just a few minutes."What happened? Why did the people at the back fall?"The eight commanders soon noticed that something was off. They couldn't help but feel shocked."There's poison in the mist! Be careful, everyone!" a soldier yelled out. However, it was too late.More and more soldiers got poisoned and fell to the ground. There were no signs of stopping.If this continued to happen, they would be fighting a losing battle."Qui
While riding the black eagle, Abigail circled on top of everyone.Her indifferent gaze was staring at the crowd below.As Nestor had acted in time, the poison mist only managed to affect half of them.However, it was not difficult for her to poison the rest of them with her skills.The Mystic Arts Order was not afraid of human wave strategy at all."Abigail?" Dustin felt stunned when he saw the young woman riding the eagle.He did not expect her to arrive the soonest out of his other disciples."Sir, are you okay?" Abigail asked in mid-air."I'm fine. I can still hold on," Dustin answered with a smile.While saying that, he took out a tablet and ate it.He depleted a lot of energy from his battle just now. Thus, he needed to replenish his energy and stamina.Thankfully, he always had some tablets on him. That way, he could use them to replenish his lack of stamina."Young woman, who are you? How dare you stir up trouble over here?" Nestor asked while tilting his head."Are
The black mist bomb that Abigail had just dropped was way more potent than the white mist she had created.The white mist was a slow poison. Once one was poisoned by it, their limbs would go weak, and they would faint. If they managed to get help in time, there was still a chance for them to live.However, the blast mist was different. It had a potent erosion effect. It could turn a human being into a corpse in just seconds.Plus, it would be the disfigured and bloody type of corpse."What a troublemaker!" Anders gritted his teeth when he saw Abigail in the air.A poisonous bomb that could kill soldiers within a 300 feet radius—it was terrifying how lethal the bomb was.Nobody would be able to survive if she threw a couple more down."So? Do you know how capable I am now? Oldie, get away now if you know what's good for you. Otherwise, I promise you'll be dead meat once I throw a few more down!" While riding the eagle, Abigail yelled from above.While saying that, she took out a
After stabilizing everyone, Nestor's gaze turned to the sky. "Brat, I don't believe that the poison in your hand can kill everyone here. If you're really that capable, go ahead," he sneered."What? You don't even care about your subordinate's lives?" Abigail furrowed her eyebrows.She did have different kinds of poison with her. However, she didn't have much of each.She only had three of the corrosive poison she had thrown down just now. Even if she dumped all of them, she couldn't eliminate all the enemies.That was why she threw out different kinds of threats to make them back off.However, she didn't expect Nestor to be so vicious. He didn't care about his subordinates' lives at all."All of them are brave soldiers who aren't afraid of death. I'm sure they'll be willing to sacrifice themselves just to complete the mission," Nestor replied calmly."That's right! What a troublemaker! You'd better not poke your head into this. If you know what's best for you, you should leave i
"An outsider? Who is it?" Percival asked urgently. "Could it be that assistant general who came in at noon?"Warrick frowned. "I've looked into that man. No background, no connections—just an old hand in the military. Been around forever, knows the ropes, but has no real pull.""It's not him—it's someone connected to him." Huxley lowered his voice. "Remember what Sir Austin said at noon? When he summoned that assistant general, he specifically mentioned the Ballard family.""The Ballard family?" Percival looked surprised. "You mean the Ballards from Oakvale? Are you saying they've already beaten us to it and met with the prince?""The prince hasn't met with them, but according to my intel, this man, Jovian Ballard, spent two hours chatting with Sir Austin today. They talked and laughed like old acquaintances. Sir Austin even invited him to stay for dinner at the castle." Huxley's face darkened. He continued, "Look, the Ballards sent someone at a time like this. They're obviously
After a brief discussion in the meeting room, Austin invited Jovian to tour the West Lucozia castle.The castle was enormous, equipped with imaginable facilities. Unfamiliar visitors could easily get lost in its vastness.Jovian prided himself on being well-traveled, yet as he toured the castle, even he couldn't hide his astonishment. Unlike the ostentatious displays of wealth seen in luxurious estates, this castle could only be described as grand, majestic, and awe-inspiring. Everything in his line of sight conveyed a sense of grandeur and majesty.What stunned Jovian the most was the House of Heroes inside the West Lucozia castle. The structure was nine stories high and looked like an ancient monument.The walls were lined with memorials of fallen soldiers. The place was packed with thousands of tablets, each engraved with the hero's name and a detailed account of their life stories for future generations to honor and remember.The Ballard family had a family tree that record
"Your Highness! Please mind your words," Jovian quickly cautioned. He glanced around nervously, as if afraid someone might be eavesdropping.Speculating on Valon's fate in private was an act of grave disrespect. If someone with a hidden agenda spread this information, a ruined reputation would be the least of their concerns—what came after would be far worse."Relax, Mr. Jovian. We're in West Lucozia, not Oakvale. Here, we can say whatever we want without worry." Austin smiled faintly, showing no concern.These were well-known facts, so what was the harm in saying them out loud? Keeping quiet wouldn't change a thing, anyway. What a joke."Ahem… perhaps I was overthinking it." Jovian let out an awkward chuckle. He knew Austin wasn't wrong, but his cautious nature kept him from discussing Valon's affairs too openly."Honestly, a lot of people have been showing up in West Lucozia lately. There's a whole group standing outside right now, and they're all here for the same reason as you
Austin smiled brightly as he ushered Jovian into the meeting room with surprising enthusiasm.Jovian looked confused and somewhat unprepared. Before entering, he had already imagined many possible scenarios for their meeting. He had mentally prepared for a range of reactions from Austin—whether he would be ignored, faced with cold indifference, or dealt with arrogance. He was ready for any of those. After all, the rumors about Austin painted him as a "hellraiser" who did whatever he pleased.But, to his surprise, Austin didn't give him any trouble at all. Instead, he was giving him a warm reception, which left him utterly confused.Something felt off. He couldn't make sense of Austin's sudden warmth, and he had no idea what game he was playing."Bring the tea!" After inviting Jovian to sit, Austin gestured for the attendant to serve the tea. The drink was a rare specialty from West Lucozia, a premium elixir tea not sold to the public but reserved for high-ranking officials. Its
After stepping into the castle, Boston felt a knot in his stomach. He had been here before, but only for official matters.He was always escorted by guards or attendants, but this time, Austin himself had led him inside. Boston felt both honored and somewhat overwhelmed. Since when had he earned such treatment?Austin had brushed off higher-ranking officials, so why was he showing him so much attention? Was it because his shiny bald head made him stand out? He had no answers, only a growing curiosity as he followed Austin into the meeting room. "Sit." After Austin sat at the head of the table, he raised his hand and gestured for Boston to do the same."No… no need. I'll just stand." Boston smiled awkwardly."Just sit down. Why are you so nervous? I won't bite," Austin said in a dismissive tone. "Y-Yes, Your Highness." Boston didn't dare refuse again and obediently took a seat. He was six feet three inches tall, yet he looked like a startled rabbit. He sat up straight and didn't
When the castle's gate swung open, every eye turned toward the entrance. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Austin strode out with his two guards. His posture exuded confidence and authority."Your Highness!"The gathered officials instantly rushed forward to greet him. Grins spread across their faces as if they couldn't wait to please him. Whether it was Huxley, Percival, or Warrick, all wore the same ingratiating expression.After all, Austin was the infamous hellraiser. Though he had reined himself over the past two years, his past reputation still loomed over them.At least Rufus could be reasoned with. But Austin? He was a wild card—utterly unpredictable, like a ticking time bomb. Every last one of them had suffered his wrath before.Percival approached with a flattering smile. "Your Highness, you finally come out. I have something important to discuss with you. If you'd be so kind as to listen—"Before he could finish his sentence, he was dismissed by Austin, who found h
"Get lost! I'm not in the mood for anything right now. If you want to eat, go on your own." Warrick snapped, looking annoyed."I'm not going either," Percival refused flatly. "I'm on a health regimen these days—only tea, no alcohol.""Fine. If you're going to wait, then keep waiting. I won't be sticking around." Huxley forced a smile and acted like he was about to leave.But as he turned, he almost bumped into Boston, who was approaching from the other direction."Sorry, Sir Thatcher! I hope I didn't startle you." Since he was surrounded by so many high-ranking officials, Boston was already on edge. He had momentarily spaced out and almost caused a mishap by running into Huxley, which left him flustered and a bit tongue-tied.Unlike the other generals, Boston didn't come from an influential background or have any powerful connections. He had worked his way up from the bottom, and the last thing he wanted was to offend Huxley and risk losing everything he had fought so hard for.
After parting ways with Boston, Jovian checked into a nearby hotel to await the good news. Boston wasted no time. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, he headed to the castle to deliver a letter of introduction. But when he arrived, he was stunned by what he saw.The gates of the West Lucozian monarchy had already gathered quite a few people, and among them were several figures he immediately recognized. These included Huxley Thatcher, the Commander of the Militia; Warrick Prescott, the Major General of the State Guard; and Percival Wentworth, the Chancellor of the National Academy.These three were first-ranking officials. In West Lucozia, they were nothing short of kingmakers who wielded immense power and influence. Warrick, in particular, was two ranks above Boston. Hence, he felt the need to be cautious in his presence and was eager not to make a bad impression.Alongside these three prominent figures, several second- and third-ranking officials also stood in line at
The following morning, Jovian stood at the entrance of West Lucozia Airport, wearing a sharp suit.Before the trip, he had contacted his comrade with whom he had fought side by side in the military. After earning military merit and with the Ballard family's influence, he was fortunate enough to stay in Oakvale and secure a decent position.His comrade, on the other hand, had moved to West Lucozia to carve out a life for himself. Years of hard work had paid off—he was now a third-rank general with considerable power, influence, and a strong network of connections. Jovian's meeting with the Prince of West Lucozia would depend entirely on his comrade's connections.Just then, the roar of an engine cut through the air as a military jeep pulled up beside him. The window rolled down, and the first thing that came into view was a bald head gleaming in the sunlight like a lightbulb. The glare nearly blinded him.Under that shiny dome was a face that looked ordinary at first glance. But w