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
Reagan's eyes glowed with intensity, bloodshot and aflame with defiance. "Nonsense! If they aren't from the Dragon Guard, are they from your West Lucozia castle?" he bellowed."Yes, they're under my command," Dustin admitted bluntly. He went on, "While you were busy ambushing us, my forces had infiltrated, capturing your base. Now, this place belongs to me.""Cut the crap, Logan!" Reagan retorted fiercely.He went on, "Even though I brought out many elites this time, there are still at least 30 thousand troops in the base. "With diverse defensive measures in place, taking it over without an army exceeding a hundred thousand is unfeasible!"He added, "I've kept a close eye on your Black Dragon Army in West Lucozia. Mobilizing such massive troops wouldn't escape my notice!" "Who said I mobilized the Black Dragon Army?" Dustin responded indifferently. He continued, "Whatever crosses your mind, I've already considered. So, to eliminate your remnants, I deliberately sought ext
"Reagan, your actions have brought disaster upon the nation. The gravity of your offenses demands immediate capture. "Failure to comply will result in your execution without leniency!" Grace declared sternly, her tone authoritative. At that instant, she clutched a gold badge representing imperial authority.She and Dustin had left Oakvale to deal with the remnants of the Dragon Guard. Hence, she was thoroughly prepared for the task. The gold badge, personally granted by Valon, played a crucial role in calling for reinforcements when needed. Thankfully, it enabled her to swiftly mobilize 200 thousand troops from the White Tiger Army across provinces.Reagan staggered backward, his face etched with despair, questioning, "Why is this happening?" The sense of distress deepened as black blood continued to flow from his mouth and nose."Reagan, it's over. The tide has turned, and today marks the end of the Dragon Guard. You and your kind, hidden in the shadows, will finally face
After the collision, Reagan was propelled more than ten yards backward, coughing out blood. His entire arm was shattered, causing the Inferno Fury Spear to be hurled away, ultimately leaving him sprawled on the ground, struggling to breathe."Are you alright, Your Highness?" Albert quickly advanced, assisting the trembling Dustin."I'm fine ..." Dustin sensed a rush of blood and vitality coursing through him, his arm tingling, and he struggled to maintain a steady grip on his sword. Despite Reagan being in critical condition, Dustin couldn't overlook the potency of his recent forceful attack—it had compelled Dustin to spit out blood. Fortunately, Reagan's body had already succumbed to the Deicide Venom. Otherwise, the fight's outcome might not have been in Dustin's favor.Reagan sprawled on the ground and let out a feeble growl. "Why? I refuse to accept defeat!" His hands clawed into the soil, marking it with deep imprints. His already fierce visage took on an even more mena
Reagan was dead, and the Dragon Guard's base lay in ruins. The entire organization had been eradicated, leaving only the scattered remnants with minimal threat potential. Despite this, Dustin remained vigilant, having issued pre-emptive orders. Anyone linked to the Dragon Guard was now on his wanted list. Surrendering offered an opportunity for leniency, while resistance meant facing a grim fate.Adam stepped forward and kicked Reagan's lifeless body. Upon confirming Reagan's demise, Adam smiled. "Hey, Bro, we finally got rid of this trouble. Congratulations!""Thanks to your 200 thousand White Tiger Army troops, which effectively blocked Reagan's escape. "Without that, this guy might have had a shot at survival." Dustin conveyed his appreciation for the support.Ending Reagan's life had been daunting, and Dustin staked his own life. Still, Dustin was fortunate that he ultimately succeeded."I didn't contribute significantly. If you feel grateful, express your thanks to Her
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
After a night of chaos, some of the Red Legion's members were killed, others were captured, and the entire force had been wiped out.But the fallout didn't stop there. The Prescott estate was also raided. All embezzled wealth was confiscated, and those found guilty were thrown into prison.Anyone connected to the Prescotts was placed under house arrest and subjected to rigorous investigation.And the man behind it—Warrick—had become the kingdom's most wanted fugitive.Until he was captured, Celestria remained under lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, and patrol teams scoured every corner to ensure Warrick had no way out.Austin's crackdown sparked outrage among senior officials who didn't know the full story. They voiced their dissatisfaction, with some even gathering outside the castle gates in protest. They stomped their feet in outrage, just short of openly cursing him.To them, Warrick had made great contributions to the nation. Even if he had committed crimes, he didn't d
Austin's words were calm and almost casual. Yet, they struck like thunder and echoed in the hearts of the three assistant generals of the Red Legion.If they answered Austin's questions, there might still be a slim chance of survival. But if they refused, death was the only outcome.After all, who would willingly choose death when they had worked so hard to achieve their wealth and status? Yet, pride and dignity held them back. They didn't want to be branded as traitors.Now, they were caught in a dilemma. Which was more important—their honor or their lives? It was an impossible choice."You have ten seconds left. If you don't speak, you'll lose your chance." Austin's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.His words seemed to pierce their souls, and the three Red Legion assistant generals broke into a cold sweat.As the countdown neared its end, Auron finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness! I'll talk—I'll tell you everything."Dropping to his knees, he scrambled forward and wa
Axel swallowed hard, shock written all over his face. He had always known the Draken Guardians were formidable, but he had never expected them to be this lethal.He had pushed himself to his limit just to hold his own against Connor and Dave, only to end up seriously wounded. Yet, when the Draken Guardians arrived, they wiped them out—along with several dozen Red Legion soldiers—without losing a single man.If Axel hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that the Red Legion, a force renowned for its elite soldiers, could be so easily crushed. Or perhaps it wasn't that the Red Legion was weak, but that the Draken Guardians were far stronger than anyone had imagined.Even their most ordinary members were strong enough to become a mighty general. As for those at the level of captain, their strength was far beyond Axel's. The lethality of a team made up of such skilled experts had reached the point of being an overwhelming force."Mr. Cruz, please arrange some
"Damn it! This punk's tougher than I thought. We're in real trouble if this keeps up," Connor said, swinging his twin blades relentlessly. Every strike was aimed at Axel's vital points.But Axel was quick. He weaved in and out of reach and avoided direct confrontation. It was obvious he was just stalling for time."Sir Prescott should be far enough by now. There's no point dragging this out. Let's fall back."Sensing the futility of their efforts, Dave considered retreating. He didn't fear death, but he wasn't about to waste his life for nothing.Since Warrick had escaped, their interception mission was also completed."You guys hold him off. The rest of you, fall back with me."Connor was decisive. Realizing they weren't making any progress, he quickly ordered a retreat and left a few decoys behind to buy time.They had barely run a hundred yards when a wave of soldiers suddenly appeared at the alley's entrance. Hundreds, maybe even thousands, filled the narrow space and comple