"Damn! What the heck are these things? Why are there so many of them?""I can't kill them all! It's like a relentless wave, one after another.""We have to find a way out. If we continue like this, we'll exhaust ourselves and die here!""The fog is everywhere. I can't even see which way to go, and these shadows just keep coming. How can we find a way out?"Chaos engulfed the Dragon Guard members, transitioning from disdain to shock and fear. Ultimately, it descended into despair. The issue wasn't their incapacity to defeat the shadows but the absence of hope for survival. With each shadow they vanquished, two more emerged, steadily increasing in numbers. As their comrades fell in each assault, the attrition pushed them closer to total annihilation. To them, escape seemed impossible."Elder Reed, the situation is worsening. What should we do now?" The black-clad man, fending off enemies, sought assistance from the red-robed elder beside him.The black-clad man had to fend of
"It's still uncertain," Dustin replied with a serious expression. He added, "There are only two potential scenarios in this situation. First, Julius might not have earned the Dragon Guard's trust. Alternatively, Reagan could have sent this team to test Julius.""And the second?" Austin asked."The second possibility is that Julius betrayed us. It could be a trap orchestrated by the Dragon Guard, using a decoy team to draw us out and setting up a full-scale ambush," Dustin replied.He solemnly added, " Julius is the only one at risk in the first scenario. As for the second scenario, we might have walked into an enemy trap."Austin quickly analyzed the situation and ordered, "Stay alert, everyone!"The castle's elite forces promptly scattered, staying on high alert.At that moment, laughter resonated through the sky, causing a disturbance that sent countless birds into flight. "It's too late to be on guard now!"Shortly afterward, a formidable force of soldiers and horses emer
The elite warriors of the castle clashed fiercely with the numerically superior Dragon Guard, escalating the battle into a brutal confrontation. Austin led the castle forces, while Cinna commanded the Dragon Guard.In the midst of the chaotic battle, Dustin and Reagan faced each other in a standoff. They cautiously observed without taking immediate action.The ongoing combat hindered Dustin from strategically deploying formations. Both the fog formation and octagram array attacked indiscriminately. The earlier planted bombs appeared useless unless the situation reached a critical juncture where mutual destruction became the only choice.After a brief observation, Dustin issued a decisive command, "Austin, the ambush plan failed. Retreat with your men now!" As he gauged the situation, he observed that the castle's elite warriors, though brave and individually skilled, faced a roadblock in advancing further. Despite each warrior's capacity to handle three to five opponents, ac
"My strength may not measure up to Uncle Seth's, but it's still more than enough to take you on!" Dustin asserted."Take me on? Do you really have what it takes?" Reagan sneered.According to the information Reagan acquired, Dustin had recently attained the status of an ultimate grandmaster, mastering some unique techniques. However, Dustin was currently at the mid-stage of ultimate grandmaster, whereas Reagan was approaching completion. The gap between them was almost two levels, resembling a significant divide. This posed a considerable challenge for Dustin to overcome, even with his exceptional talent."You'll see soon if I've got what it takes," Dustin replied. He lifted his sword, and the Celestial Blade smoothly slid out from its sheath on his back, firmly held in his grasp."Fine! If you're that confident, I'll let you challenge me today!" Reagan waved his hand, conjuring a fiery-red spear into existence—the Inferno Fury Spear. It was ranked third on the Divine Weapon
"I'll have to admit that you've got the skills," Reagan remarked, wielding his spear with an imposing presence.He continued, "Not many can block my 'Desert Mirage,' and it seems you're one of the few. With time, you might even surpass me."In the previous strike, Reagan put in at least 50% of his strength. He sensed that Dustin had only slightly lagged after displaying his power in the direct confrontation earlier. However, Reagan felt that Dustin still had a long way to go to catch up."I expected someone holding the fifth rank on the Astonishing World List to be more impressive. Guess I overestimated you," Dustin commented, a tinge of disappointment evident in his expression."What did you just say?" Reagan shot him a cold glare. He couldn't fathom how Dustin would dare to underestimate him."What? Did you not catch that? Allow me to repeat." Dustin raised his voice. "Your strength is pathetic, way weaker than I anticipated!"Upon hearing this, Reagan instantly boiled with a
"Sneak attack? You honestly believe that'll succeed?" Reagan roared. He deftly maneuvered his spear and iron palm, and both were enveloped in a fiery red aura. The attacks were aimed at Dustin and the massive golden palm shadow above Reagan's head.Two thunderous sounds echoed. The force of the spear attack propelled Dustin backward, and Reagan's assault shattered the golden palm shadow in the sky like fragile glass, dispersing it into scattered golden light.Albert, hidden within the golden palm shadow, was thrown high into the air. Upon landing, he retreated more than 30 feet away.In contrast, Reagan quickly stepped back to readjust his stance following the unexpected assault. He retained the advantage even when facing two opponents, showcasing his impressive strength.Even though they were top-notch grandmasters at the pinnacle of their field, Dustin and Albert observed Reagan effortlessly handling them. They noticed Reagan displayed no signs of tiredness.Standing besid
The Ironfist Statue and Albert held their imposing stance, both exerting immense pressure on Reagan. In the colossal shadow of the Ironfist Statue, Reagan appeared minuscule—like an ant, seemingly vulnerable to a gentle touch that could effortlessly crush him."Sevenbane!" As Albert launched his attack, Dustin swiftly sprang into action. His eyes were filled with rage and energy concentrated within the Celestial Blade. Stepping forward, Dustin fused with his sword, transforming into a black streak aimed unerringly at Reagan's heart."Noble Force!"Witnessing Albert and Dustin going all out, Reagan couldn't afford to take any risks. He immediately activated his defensive technique. His body trembled, and a white energy burst forth, creating a circular force field around him.Albert's Adamantine Wisdom Palm clashed with the force field above Reagan's head, creating a loud noise. Ripples coursed through the force field, resembling flowing water, and the cryptic runes on its su
The Deicide Venom, a projectile with a range of ten feet, was almost a sure hit when launched unexpectedly. So, when Julius produced the projectile from behind and executed a surprise attack, the poisoned needle, carrying the Deicide Venom, effortlessly pierced Reagan's body."Finally got it done." Julius let out a long breath as if accomplishing some crucial task.On the other hand, Reagan was left bewildered. He turned around, staring at Julius with disbelief, shock, confusion, and deep suspicion."W-Why?" Reagan's eyes widened, his face reflecting shock, bewilderment, and an undeniable sense of betrayal. He couldn't comprehend why Julius, who had already cut ties with West Lucozia castle and joined the Dragon Guard, would betray him."Sir Judd, I'm sorry. I'm still a member of the Rhys family. I can't stand idly by while my family falls." Julius smirked. He went on, "Besides, Logan is my nephew. How could I bear to harm him?""So, right from the start, it was all an act?