It was actually his self-confidence that took a real hit."Dustin Rhys, let me remind you, a camel that starved to death is still bigger than a horse. The Dragon Guard might have been destroyed, but the remnants of this organization are still powerful. You have to be very careful." Grace sounded very serious."I know that." Dustin nodded. "I have learned my lesson. I'll never allow this to happen again.""I hope so," Grace replied."Anything special happened in the three days that I was unconscious?" Dustin asked."You reminded me of something!" Grace suddenly thought of something and exclaimed."According to the information I received from the royal family, the remnants of Dragon Guard appear to have left Oakvale. They even shut down all of the secret businesses they owned.""They left Oakvale? Where did they go?" Dustin continued asking."I can't say for sure. But according to the information gathered from all over, the Dragon Guard remnants might have moved on to West
"You?" Dustin was surprised to hear that as he looked Grace up and down.He said, "Your Highness, you're a very cherished princess. You mustn't put yourself at risk, and I can't involve you in this.""What? You don't think I can do it?" Grace smiled and waved her hand. Suddenly, a sharp and white light shot out the window. It destroyed the artificial mountain in the garden.There was a loud explosion. The artificial mountain was blown to ashes."The internal energy of a grandmaster?" Dustin's pupil constricted. "You're actually a grandmaster martial artist?" Female grandmasters were very rare. It was hard for women to undergo the training to become a grandmaster due to their bodily limitations.Dustin really had no idea that Grace was actually a grandmaster because she looked so fragile. The most important point was that he had failed to realize this despite spending so much time with her, even with all his experience. He thought that this woman was very good at hiding h
"Fourth, the Snow Breeze Sword which belongs to Cyrus Hadley."Fifth, the Almighty Dagger which belongs to Alloy Marshall."Sixth, the Starshine Sword which belongs to Frost Bane."Seventh, the Thunder Blade which belongs to Taylor Quinton."Eighth, the Hell Sword which belongs to Glenn Hadley."Ninth, the Celestial Blade which belongs to Dustin Rhys."Tenth, the Storm Needles which belongs to Sam Dawson." Grace read the information available on the list aloud. The Divine Weapon List was quite complete as it included the names of the weapons as well as their respective owners."I don't know if I should be happy or sad. I had no idea that I would own two of the ten weapons listed on the Divine Weapon List." Dustin shook his head when Grace finished reading the list. To be on the Divine Weapon List might be something to be proud of, but it also spelled danger for the bearer of the weapon.As the old saying went, a man's possession would be his own ruin by causing another's gr
"Regardless, for Taylor Quinton to be number three on the Legendary List, he must have his edge. You can get to know him if an opportunity presents itself. After all, you and him are family," Grace said jokingly."I don't even know if he's a friend or foe. I never liked the Quinton family," Dustin said calmly. His mother was such a gentle and kind person. Yet, she was kicked out of her own family. She didn't talk about it even after so many years.From that alone, it was obvious that the Quinton family was no good Samaritan. As far as Dustin was concerned, he and Taylor Quinton had nothing to do with each other. However, it must be said that the Quinton family did have their own special way of nurturing talents."Oh, right. Your Highness, with your ability, shouldn't you be on the Legendary List as well? Why isn't your name listed?" Dustin suddenly asked."This is a list for the martial world. The royal family isn't taken into consideration." Grace smiled. "Actually, although
"That sounds about right." Dustin nodded."There's been a huge change in the Astonishing World List. Alaric Drakon and Seth Hughes passed away one after another. Cesar Fent is still missing, and Nestor Wilkins was killed. We lost four of the ten best fighters from last year. It's a huge loss. We're lucky to have found new and strong fighters to replace them. It's true that new talents will always replace old ones," Grace said."Do you know anything about the new people who just made it to the list?" Dustin suddenly asked."The fifth one on the list, Reagan Judd. He is the new leader of Dragon Guard. My father told you about him before. He used to go by Reston Rever. He finally got what he wanted when Alaric Drakon died.""I know Reagan Judd. What I don't understand is, he was never on the list before. How did he make it to the list after Alaric's death and how did he make it to the top five?" Dustin was slightly curious."How should I explain this? Reagan has never revealed mu
In the realm of West Lucozia, within Celestria, Dustin and Grace discreetly boarded a business car to avoid any attention after landing.Their undercover agents and guards had arrived in West Lucozia the previous night after traveling separately by plane. This added an extra layer of secrecy and safety to their journey.Grace observed the bustling scenery outside the window. She found the streets of West Lucozia quite intriguing. It was a different sight compared to the hustle and bustle of Oakvale. She seldom ventured beyond Oakvale. She found the distinct regional landscapes and cultural customs to be a source of fascination and novelty."I didn't expect West Lucozia to change so much. When I visited here as a child, most of the buildings were low. Now, in just over a decade, it's as prosperous as Oakvale," Grace remarked, marveling at the view."Yeah, the changes in West Lucozia are significant. Even I find it hard to recognize the roads now," Dustin replied with a complex exp
Nestled within an expansive 800 acre Rhys Memorial Park, or the Ancient House Memorial Park, was a scenic panorama. Wide pathways wandered beneath the cool shade of abundant trees, and the amenities were extensive. Across the changing of seasons, the park transformed with an array of flowers, plants, and trees.Spring painted a lively spectacle with blooming cherry blossoms, while summer invited a refreshing ambiance with flourishing greenery. In autumn, a mesmerizing array of cascading maple leaves took center stage, and winter cloaked the landscape in a pristine blanket of white snow.Rhys Memorial Park opened its gates to the public. It provided a final resting place not just for the Rhys family, but also as a tribute to the soldiers who were instrumental in the monarchy's prosperity. Annually, on Memorial Day and All Saint's Day, the memorial park transformed into a lively center. It attracted visitors who came to honor departed loved ones or express gratitude to fallen heroe
Dustin quietly reflected on memories of his mother as he bowed his head. With the identification of the instigator, Alaric, and the dissolution of Dragon Guard, only Reagan and Cinna remained. Once this remaining threat was eliminated, he would have avenged his mother."Mom ... I really miss you!" Dustin whispered, gazing at the stone statue before him. In his recollections, Rufus was always engrossed in state affairs, seldom returning home. It was Alba who worked tirelessly to raise him. During his rebellious childhood, Dustin often perceived his mother as being too strict. He occasionally earned a few cane lashes for minor missteps. Now mature, he understood his mother's well-intentioned discipline.As the Crown Prince of West Lucozia, born with a silver spoon, he could have easily devolved into a pampered playboy without his mother's guidance. She had nurtured him in martial arts, military strategy, medicine, and even some divine esoteric techniques. She not only gave him life
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
"Grandfather, I understand why you sent Uncle Jonathan and Uncle Jensen to the Spanner and Fallon families to gather information," Natasha began. "But West Lucozia is thousands of miles away."She shook her head slightly. "They've always stayed out of the government's political matters. Sending Uncle Jovian there wouldn't achieve anything. He'd likely just be turned away." Oakvale and West Lucozia were worlds apart. The fight for the Oakvale throne didn't really affect the West Lucozian monarchy. Both sides had long adhered to an unspoken agreement to avoid meddling in each other's affairs."I know, but it'll be different this time. The royal throne is at stake, and every faction will do whatever it takes to secure West Lucozia's support. If the West Lucozian monarchy picks a side, the balance we've maintained for years will collapse. That's why I need to be ready for whatever happens," Simon replied.It would be best if the West Lucozian monarchy stayed out of the political strug
At the Ballard estate, Dustin was warmly welcomed to stay after dinner. This was the first time Natasha had brought her boyfriend home, so the Ballards made a big deal of it.Simon personally accompanied the young couple and invited them to the study to chat over tea. With his sharp eye, Simon could tell Dustin was no ordinary martial artist. His manners, speech, and broad knowledge set him apart from most people."Dustin, I fully support your relationship with Natasha. Your background or status doesn't matter. What matters most is that you two are happy together." Simon paused and said earnestly, "I want you to understand that she's been pampered all her life and hasn't faced much hardship. Now that she's with you, I hope you'll take good care of her.""Don't worry, Mr. Ballard. I would never let her down," Dustin replied sincerely.Though they had known each other for some time and hadn't yet taken their relationship to the next level, they had already made their feelings clear
After hearing Nathaniel's words, Tristan's expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.It seemed he had underestimated the situation. He had assumed it was just a simple rivalry between brothers; he hadn't anticipated Seamus seizing the chance to further his own agenda.Seamus already wielded considerable influence. Under the guise of supporting Matthias' ascension to the throne, he had been forming alliances and recruiting talents. His influence had grown to rival the royal family's.If Seamus really supported Matthias' ascension, he'd overshadow the king, and no one would be able to stop him. The worst-case scenario would be Seamus using Matthias as a puppet to overthrow the House of Linsor."Nathaniel, is everything you said true?" Tristan frowned."Absolutely. Every word," Nathaniel replied solemnly. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate.""I believe you. But… taking down Seamus won't be easy. Do you have a plan?" Tr
An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise.Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time."Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile."No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink—this wariness had become second nature."You asked to meet me on short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point."Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling."Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then.""Given how things
In another luxurious mansion in the Inner City, a female spy dressed in black, cloaked in a hood, was reporting the results of her investigation to Nathaniel."Your Highness, the Moseys have been particularly active recently and are rallying allies. Many of the eight great families and other influential factions have already allied with them. If left unchecked, they'll pose a serious threat to us," she said, kneeling with her head lowered slightly."So the Moseys are backing Matthias, huh?" Nathaniel sat quietly, his expression unreadable."The Moseys have grand ambitions. While they claim to support Prince Matthias, they're merely setting him up as a puppet to rise to power and expand their own influence," she revealed.She had been infiltrating the Moseys' mansion for years and had gained a deep understanding of their operations, from the smallest details to the key players.Though Seamus appeared as a benevolent philanthropist, it was all a façade. Behind closed doors, he was r