Dustin didn't dodge when the three assassins attacked him. He simply lifted his foot and lightly stomped the ground.A dull thud resounded as his foot left a deep imprint in the ground.At the same time, a surge of powerful energy burst forth from his body, and it quickly formed a translucent protective shield in front of him.The three assassins swung their swords, but they struck the shield instead. A low hum filled the air, accompanied by a deep rumble.Despite their relentless efforts, the assassins couldn't breach the shield. All they managed to do was push it back by a mere three inches.Dustin's protective shield was as strong as steel wire mesh. Even when swords pierced and bent it, it remained intact."What?" The man in black's face went white when he saw his attacks weren't working.After taking a miracle cure earlier, he reached the level of grandmaster. Armed with a shadowsteel sword, he was accompanied by two elites halfway to becoming grandmasters.The man in bl
"Oh yeah? Let's wait and see who wins in the end." Dustin smiled faintly, but his eyes conveyed a chilling indifference.Though he didn't know the identity of these assassins, he could tell they were Dragonmarsh's enemies."Hmph! Kid, I hope you don't regret this!" The man in black sneered at Dustin. His expression suggested that Dustin's days were numbered.To him, Dustin was the epitome of ignorance and arrogance. He was overly dependent on his skills and prone to reckless behavior. The man in black was convinced that Dustin was unaware that there were always stronger individuals out there. After all, there was always a bigger fish in the sea. Moreover, Dustin was just a young man in his 20s. So, no matter how talented he was, the man in black knew Dustin couldn't be compared to the renowned Old Beast."Whether I regret it or not, you'll find out soon enough. But before that happens, I must deal with the three of you." Dustin slowly approached the three assassins."You… What
"Dustin, we don't know how many people there are in this assassin organization. Isn't this too risky?" Quincy appeared hesitant.Before laying the ambush, he thought there was just one assassin. Now, however, he realized there was a whole group.Handling a lone assassin was manageable since they could kill him with their numbers. But facing a group of assassins was an entirely different scenario.After all, these assassins were extremely strong, well beyond the caliber of ordinary martial artists. Moreover, as a temporary team, they had a significant skill gap.Engaging in direct combat might not tip the scales in their favor. Even if they emerged victorious, the casualties would likely be significant.So, Quincy wasn't sure whether to engage in a life-or-death struggle with this group of desperados."Elder Douglas, tonight is our best chance to uproot this assassin organization. If we miss it, it'll be hard to catch them next time," Dustin said solemnly.The assassins' strength
"They're here!" Crystal said, and soon, black figures emerged around the tavern.These figures were scattered in pairs or small groups. Some perched on rooftops, some lurked at street corners, others hid among the trees, and a few even stood on lampposts.Their movements were as quiet and nimble as stealthy cats. At the same time, their precise positioning effectively sealed off all entrances and exits.From an aerial perspective, they had inadvertently formed a large circle surrounding Dustin and the others.After all, these black figures were skilled assassins who had promptly reacted to the distress signal. In just two minutes after their arrival, they formed the encirclement. It showcased their exceptional training."Damn it! So many assassins showed up. Looks like we're in for a tough fight tonight."Miles slowly drew his sword and vigilantly looked at the surrounding black figures. Over a dozen assassins were out in the open, and he suspected more were hiding in the shado
Upon hearing the command, over a dozen assassins immediately charged forward with their swords drawn.These assassins were swift and incredibly agile. They darted and weaved in unpredictable patterns, making it difficult to track their movements.Their unpredictable footwork was honed through hellish training. It was specifically designed to counter long-range attacks and had become almost instinctual for them."Everyone! Attack!"As the assassins launched their assault, martial artists in the vicinity drew their weapons and charged into the battle."Let's take them on!" Dalen shouted, charging forward with a bladed folding fan.Crystal and the others followed closely behind. They quickly formed a flying wedge to create a simple offensive formation.The sudden ambush briefly threw the assassins into chaos, but they quickly regained control. Swiftly, they divided into two groups to attack the enemies from front and rear. The clash erupted instantly as both sides engaged in comb
Predator had reached the late-stage grandmaster. So, his strength was comparable to that of the guildmasters of major guilds in Dragonmarsh. With a single swing of his sword, the power and destructive force were so terrifying that it sent shivers down the spines of Dalen and the others.Their greatest concern was the possibility that Dustin might not be able to withstand Predator's onslaught and end up being killed.Seeing the giant sword aura descending toward him, Dustin acted without hesitation. He swiftly raised his hand and countered with an upward strike.A thick white sword aura appeared, clashing with the red sword aura.Dustin's white sword aura spanned a mere three feet, dwarfed by the Predator's red sword aura, which stretched over 30 feet.The odds seemed overwhelmingly against him, like an ant challenging an elephant.However, Dustin's white sword aura effortlessly shattered the Predator's red sword aura upon collision.A deafening blast followed as the white swor
At that moment, Predator transformed into a terrifying bladestorm with his giant sword. Wherever the storm swept, man or object would be torn to shreds without mercy.The two warring parties, previously locked in fierce combat, were scattered and forced to stop fighting in the face of the relentless onslaught.This indiscriminate attack showed no mercy, sparing neither friend nor foe. Anyone caught in its path was doomed to certain death, a fate everyone desperately avoided.With each passing moment, the bladestorm intensified, growing larger and swirling faster as it approached Dustin."Hmm?" Dustin's eyebrow arched in surprise. Predator's move unleashed devastation that surpassed Dustin's cultivation. If used on the battlefield, it would be a deadly weapon capable of wreaking havoc.Even in one-on-one combat among the grandmasters, only a few could withstand such an attack. Dustin couldn't help but admit that Predator was indeed skilled."Cross Slash!" Dustin immediately rais
Suddenly, Predator let out a thunderous roar that echoed throughout the entire battleground. But what was truly unsettling was that it sounded more like a beast's growl than a human.Then, a shocking scene unfolded before everyone's eyes.Predator's body began to bulk up. His muscles bulged and tore through his ragged clothes and shoes.With another deafening roar, he propped his limbs on the ground and arched his back high. Thick, coarse black fur sprouted from his skin and soon covered his entire body.At first glance, Predator resembled a giant black bear but there was more to his transformation.As the black fur continued to grow, his facial features underwent a drastic change. The area below his eyes rapidly protruded while his teeth sharpened into pointed fangs. His hands and feet morphed into claw-like appendages that completed his terrifying transformation.When Predator roared for the third time, he had fully transformed into a ferocious beast.This beast defied classif
When Dustin heard Felicia's word, his hand briefly hesitated before he placed the chess piece. He smiled and said, "I thought you came to learn chess, but I didn't expect you to be here as a messenger."Felicia gave a light, teasing laugh. "With a mind like yours, how could you not know why I'm here?"She added candidly, "Prince Nathaniel saved my life and welcomed me as an honored guest. It's only right that I repay the favor by helping solve his troubles. I hope that it doesn't bother you.""You're frank and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?" Dustin replied with a faint smile.He had expected her to start with pleasantries or try to butter him up. So, her bluntness actually caught him off guard."To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never taken this kind of interest in anyone before," Felicia said as she placed another chess piece on the board. She smiled and continued, "I can tell he truly wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I'd like to help make
Nathaniel's mansion was huge. It was more like a maze than a home. Even with a detailed layout, Dustin had to stay sharp as he moved through the grounds. After all, blueprints never quite captured the twists and turns of the actual place.Led by a maid, he followed a winding path through the corridors for nearly ten minutes before finally arriving at a guesthouse with a garden.The place was spacious and quiet, filled with birdsong and blooming flowers. It was a secluded spot that was ideal for privacy."Mr. Rhys, you can stay here. If you need anything, just let me know," the maid said. Her gaze was warm with a hint of admiration. She had watched Dustin's performance in the training ground earlier and knew he was an important guest brought in by Nathaniel. If she could catch his attention, it could completely turn her life around.He waved her off and said, "Okay. You can go now. I don't need anyone to attend to me." "Uh… but…" The maid hesitated."Don't worry. I'll explain
The crowd murmured among themselves as they looked at the broken broadsword and the stunned expression on Lycas' face."That strike was insanely fast and dead-on too," someone commented."I never expected General Derin's secret move to be defeated like that. It's unbelievable," another said."I thought General Derin could turn things around for us, but he still lost," a third added.Everyone knew how strong Lycas was. As a fully developed grandmaster with a broadsword, he was supposed to be unstoppable. However, at the critical moment, Dustin's strike shattered his broadsword.Lycas' loss was sudden and almost unbelievable. Some blamed bad luck and thought he could have won if things had gone differently. But those who truly understood what happened knew better.Even with Dustin's movement restricted and Lycas unleashing his strongest technique, he still pierced through the opening with near-impossible timing. That strike wasn't just lucky but masterful. It was a brutal display
Lycas gripped his broadsword with both hands and roared. The sound cracked through the air like a thunderclap.He sidestepped sharply and charged straight at Dustin like a raging bull.The heavy broadsword moved like it weighed nothing in his hands. He swung it with brutal speed. Each arc cut through the air with a sharp, whistling howl, as if it could slice through anything in its path.The broadsword came crashing down on Dustin with bone-crushing force, like a mountain falling from the sky.Lycas threw his full weight into the swing. As the sword descended, the force of the strike stirred up dust from the ground. It sent plumes of dirt in every direction.He knew Dustin was no ordinary opponent. If he wanted a chance to win, he had to make the first move and seize the initiative."Nice form," Dustin said.As Lycas launched a powerful, aggressive attack, Dustin remained calm and unruffled. With effortless grace, he sidestepped without the slightest rush. The broadsword whizz
Bryce knew Dustin was strong, but this was beyond anything he anticipated. Though he had gained the upper hand early on, Bryce still believed his skills matched Dustin's.From his observation, Dustin relied on martial arts techniques and hit-and-run tactics. Plus, he didn't dare to confront Bryce head-on.He had assumed that as long as he found an opening, he could exploit Dustin's weaknesses and defeat him. But when Dustin finally stopped holding back, Bryce realized how wrong he'd been.It turned out Dustin wasn't just playing hit-and-run tactics. Instead, he'd held back the entire time to spare Bryce from an embarrassing defeat.The moment Dustin stopped holding back, Bryce didn't stand a chance. Even without special techniques, Dustin's raw power, speed, and reflexes were enough to crush him.The difference in their abilities was staggering, so much so that no amount of skill could close the gap.And it wasn't just Bryce who was shocked. Except for Nathaniel, who had already
Bryce's request for a fight heated up the atmosphere.Soldiers around the training ground started murmuring among themselves."Lieutenant General Gantz is a legend in our ranks. His combat skills are no joke—he's taken down countless enemies on the battlefield. I haven't seen him in action in years," one young soldier said with awe."Yeah," a veteran agreed. "Lieutenant General Gantz has been through countless battles, and his strength is unmatched. If he steps in, Mr. Rhys might be in for a rough time."After the fight earlier, the soldiers knew firsthand that Dustin was no slouch. Otherwise, he wouldn't have easily defeated the five elite soldiers.But in their minds, no matter how skilled Dustin was, he stood no chance against Bryce.Bryce was a grandmaster not just in rank but in skill, physical strength, and battlefield experience. He was stronger than any expert from the martial world.Nathaniel had once recruited several grandmaster martial artists to spar with them, but
"Your Highness, the soldiers under me are trained solely in killing techniques. If they hurt your guest, things could get ugly," Lycas said.He didn't say it outright, but the message was clear. If Dustin wasn't strong enough, he'd better stay out of the way, or he was just asking for trouble.Bryce didn't say anything, but the look he gave Dustin was full of contempt. How could a pampered young man like Dustin measure up to soldiers who've been through the grind? He figured Dustin was probably some heir from a prominent family who knew Nathaniel and was trying to assert his relevance."You guys are blind to greatness when it's standing right in front of you." Nathaniel chuckled and shook his head. He added, "If any of you manage to land a hit on Mr. Rhys, I'll pay out a thousand gold. But honestly, I doubt any of you have what it takes."At the mention of rewards, the soldiers perked up. Their eyes lit up with excitement. They were practically itching to charge at Dustin and g
During the meal, Nathaniel arranged for two women to accompany Dustin.Throughout history, even the greatest heroes couldn't resist the allure of beautiful women. Sometimes, a woman of extraordinary beauty could be far more enticing than rare treasures or high status.Dustin remained composed. He neither showed any enthusiasm nor did he deliberately reject it.As for the women seated on either side of him, he treated them with polite respect. He enjoyed a drink and the easy conversation with them, but nothing beyond that.However, Nathaniel saw it differently. To him, it seemed that Dustin was unimpressed by the women at his side.Considering Dustin's background, it made sense. A woman of ordinary beauty would never catch his attention. Nathaniel realized he would need to pull out all the stops. Perhaps, it was time to bring out his most prized companion and see how Dustin responded.After the meal, he led Dustin to his mansion's training ground.The midday sun blazed overhead
"This…" Dustin began.He hesitated on purpose and didn't give an immediate answer.Upon seeing him deep in thought, Nathaniel was convinced that Dustin was weighing the pros and cons. He leaned in slightly, his smile widening with anticipation. "You should know how much the Dracan essence means to me," he said. "If I can gather all the essences, it’d be like fate is on my side. My path to the throne would be unstoppable—and when that time comes, your reward will be waiting."As he spoke, his gaze stayed on Dustin as he searched for any sign of hesitation in his expression.Dustin looked up and met his eyes. For a moment, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.He pressed his lips together and spoke slowly. "You're right, Your Highness. But it wasn't easy to find the Dracan essence. I went through quite a few twists and turns. Besides, if I give it to you, it might put me at odds with the other two princes."He paused deliberately and left the rest unsaid. Still, the concern