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?
The Deicide Venom, ranked as the most lethal among the top ten toxins, was deemed insurmountable within the realm of terrestrial immortals. Simply put, aside from Arion of Sacred Wrym Summit, no one in the world was resilient enough to withstand this venom's effect.Hence, Reagan's demise was inevitable, making it imperative to avoid hasty decisions at this juncture."Sir Judd!" The three grandmaster-level elders were visibly alarmed when they saw Reagan poisoned. Without missing a beat, they hurried forward, prepared to step in."Get out of the way!" Reagan shouted, sweeping his Inferno Fury Spear sideways. The force, comparable to a massive weight, propelled the three Dragon Guard elders into the air. Each of them spat up blood, sustaining serious injuries. Teetering on the brink of madness, Reagan harbored distrust for anyone approaching following Julius's earlier sneak attack. So, he regarded anyone who approached him as his enemy. "I'll kill every one of you!" Reaga
"Almost there! Just a little further!" Fueled by survival instincts, Reagan sprinted desperately ahead, leaving a trail of blood and vomit. There was no indication of him slowing down. In a frenzied sprint, he eventually glimpsed the towering walls of the base.He understood that once he passed those walls, safety awaited him. The base held the promise of an antidote among its stockpile of elixirs and remedies. A spark of hope lingered, and the prospect of survival felt attainable."Open the gates! Hurry, open the gates!" Reagan staggered to the base of the towering wall, his resolve on the brink of collapse. Every fiber of his being trembled with instability, and the toll of his struggle manifested prominently on his face.Black blood oozed persistently from his mouth and nose.As his plea reverberated, a multitude of ballistae released a storm of hefty bolts from the fortress walls. Each ballista packed formidable power and had the potential to inflict substantial damag
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
"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