The Immortunol formula would definitely be his soon."You're mistaken. I don't mean it that way." Roderick uttered calmly."Huh?" Phineas was puzzled. "What do you mean, then?""Both of you are here to borrow my money, aren't you?" Roderick asked back instead of answering.Phineas let out a sheepish laugh. "Our family ran into some trouble recently, and we need some money to turn things around. That's why we've come to you, Mr. Brooks.""How much do you need?""About three billion dollars?""Three billion!" Roderick raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, but no can do.""What?" Phineas' shock quickly turned to dismay. "Mr. Brooks, three billion is nothing to you. Why can't you lend us the money?""Technically, I've already lent the money to Mr. Rhys, so you'll have to beg him for the money," Roderick replied with a sarcastic smile."What? You lent it to him?" The father-son duo was stunned, unable to believe their ears.There was no way Roderick would have lent that useless punk three billion doll
"Mr. Brooks, why on earth are you willing to go against our family for him?" Phineas demanded with a threatening glare. He had approached Roderick confidently but never expected this outcome."To tell you the truth, Mr. Rhys is my savior and honored guest. If you have a problem with him, that means you have a problem with me! So, you either beg for his forgiveness, or your family is over!" Roderick declared; the aura he exuded was overwhelming."You want us to apologize to that asshole? In your dreams!" Matt yelled angrily."Then, get lost! I wonder how long your family can last." Roderick kicked them out."Roderick Brooks, life has its ups and downs, so don't look down on a broke man! You'll regret it one day!" Matt forced through gritted teeth and stormed away."Mr. Brooks, you've incurred the wrath of the Laney family. I doubt my family can't borrow merely three billion dollars elsewhere!" Phineas glared at Roderick before following his son."Arrogant fools!" Roderick sneered.No on
"How did it go, Dad? Is anyone willing to help us?" Matt asked tentatively."Fuck those bastards! They come wagging their tails as soon as they have something they want and call themselves my friends, but the moment they find out that our family is in trouble, they start running away! Those fucking fakes!" Phineas' face contorted with rage. He never thought that he, the head of the Laney family, would end up like this."Dad, everyone always says that misfortune shows you those who are not your real friends. Stop hanging out with them from now on. I'll make them regret their choice after we pull through." Matt swore solemnly."Matt, my contacts are useless now. You're the only one I can rely on." Phineas suddenly thought of someone. "Aren't you close with Edwin Hummer's daughter? Why don't you ring her up and see if she can lend us some money?""Oh, right! I nearly forgot! The daughter of the wealthiest man in Swinton should be able to spare us three billion dollars easily. I'll call he
"Hello? Hello!" Matt held his phone by his ear with a dumbfounded expression. All he did was mention Dustin's name. Why did Tina sound so frightened? Matt had no idea that Tina was still traumatized from the time Dustin slapped her. What's worse was that instead of getting her revenge, she had been forced to grovel for Dustin's forgiveness, which was nothing less than an utter embarrassment and a terror for her.Although she was bitter about it, she couldn't lay a hand on Dustin because her family didn't dare seek revenge before her brother returned. Dustin was someone who could defeat a martial arts master like Mr. Milfroy with ease. If someone like him were to go crazy, he could destroy the entire Hummer family in a heartbeat! Because of this, they didn't dare seek revenge, and Tina shook in fear every time someone mentioned Dustin."What did Ms. Hummer say, Matt?" Phineas saw his son in a daze and asked. "Fuck! That bitch is terrified of Rhys. There's no way she'll lend us money.
Meanwhile, at Peaceful Medical Centre, Dustin was reading a book in silence when a Maybach pulled up at the door. The car door opened, and Phineas came out holding some gifts."Mr. Rhys." Phineas entered the building with a smile, no longer carrying the arrogance he had when they first met."Do you need me for something?" Dustin glanced at the other man indifferently. "Mr. Rhys, I'm really sorry about today's incident. Please forgive us for being so ignorant." Phineas smiled apologetically.He finally understood that there was more than meets the eye when it came to Dustin, who had the support of the Harmon family and the friendship of Big Bucks Brooks. If Phineas wanted to borrow three billion dollars, he had to first get Dustin's forgiveness."How could a nobody like me make the Laney family apologize?" Dustin replied, unconcerned."What are you talking about, Mr. Rhys? You're young but talented. We admit defeat proudly. Please give us a way out." Phineas bowed his head. However, Du
"Huh?" Phineas covered his cheek with a hand, dumbfounded.…Meanwhile, inside a room in Estelle Hotel, Dahlia was lying strewn across the bed, nearly unconscious, her head heavy and her body weak.Matt stood next to her, grinning wickedly as he admired her voluptuous figure."Dahlia, I have to admit. You sure are a beauty." He tsked. "Your looks and figure are perfect. I've fucked countless women, but none were as charming as you. Naturally, I'm the perfect man for you. How dare Dustin Rhys try to claim you as his! But don't worry, you'll be mine after tonight."Sneering, Matt began to unbutton his shirt before remembering something. He pulled out his phone and panned the camera toward Dahlia."I nearly forgot to record our wonderful night. I promised Dustin that I'd send him a video of us making love. Men don't break promises." Matt grinned excitedly."You despicable, shameless bastard! I'll throw you to jail if you touch me!" Dahlia seethed feebly."If you don't mind others seeing
Bang!As the room door was kicked open, the lightbulbs in the room exploded simultaneously, shattering into pieces of glass, and an ominous chill blanketed the room."Who the fuck is it? Who's ruining my fun?" Matt spun around, scowling. He was unable to identify the person due to the sudden darkness in the room."Matt Laney, you have a death wish!" An icy voice growled as the shadow approached.The moonlight peeked through the window, and Matt saw the other person's face. It was Dustin!"It's you!" Matt's expression changed, and he hastily pulled out a handgun from the bedside drawer. He yelled, "You imbecile! I haven't paid you back for ruining my plans so many times, yet you approached me first!""Dustin? Hurry up … and go. Don't care about me …" Dahlia cried out weakly. When she saw Dustin, she thought she'd finally be saved, but she never expected that Matt would have a gun, so she instantly panicked."Weren't you talking so big, dipshit? Ha, you still have to admit defeat to our
"You fucker!" James got up and was about to spew insults when he realized that Dustin was already gone. "Damn it! That kid's lucky he got away, or I'd have taught him a lesson!""He can't run away forever! After doing something like this, I'll make sure he stays in jail for the rest of his life!" Florence gritted her teeth."That's right! You can't let him go!" Julie and the others quickly agreed. Dustin had gone too far!"Hmm …" Just then, Dahlia began to wake up."You're finally awake!" Florence lit up. "How do you feel?""What are all of you doing here, Mom?" Dahlia rubbed her aching temples, her memory was a mess."Lyra called and told us that you might be in danger, so we hurried here. Thank God we made it in time, or Dustin would have raped you!" Florence got angry again."Dustin?" Dahlia frowned, seeming to have recalled something. She asked, "Where is he?""Don't worry. We chased him away." Florence reassured Dahlia. "That's right. We called the police too. We'll catch that a
"This is interesting." Dustin smirked as the dense barrage of swords came slashing down at him. In the blink of an eye, his figure dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.A storm of sword shadows carrying the force that could split rivers and overturn seas crashed down on the fishing boat where he had just been standing. The entire vessel broke apart in an instant—some sinking into the depths while others drifted across the water."What? He dodged it?" Warrick's eyes flickered with surprise.Mulder's attack just now had been a 360-degree attack. Once caught in its range, there was no chance to dodge—only the option to endure. He couldn't understand how Dustin had managed to avoid it. Did he just teleport?"Hiding like a coward? What kind of warrior are you? Come fight me face-to-face."Frustrated after his attack missed again, Mulder grew desperate. His enhanced serum would only last for 15 minutes. If this dragged on, he'd collapse from exhaustion before Dustin even touche
"Oh? Are we going all out now?" Dustin smirked, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.Mulder, who had advanced to become a grandmaster martial artist through drugs, had a weak foundation. Even after taking the enhanced serum, he still posed no threat to Dustin. If Mulder were a hundred times stronger, he might just barely be able to fight Dustin.As the serum's effects pushed his body to the limit, Mulder suddenly let out a furious roar. His muscles swelled rapidly, and his bones cracked as they expanded. His body grew larger at an alarming rate, and his clothes tore apart under the strain.His six-foot frame stretched to nearly seven feet in mere moments as his body swelled to monstrous proportions. His face twisted fiercely, and his skin darkened as black scales surfaced.With another guttural growl, his roar turned beastlike. He grabbed his shredded shirt and ripped it away, exposing his broad chest covered in dark scales. A faint, eerie sheen flickered across their surface."D
Dustin's words made Mulder frown.Mulder knew all too well that Warrick was the kind of man who had no sense of loyalty or honor. If Warrick could kill his own personal guards without hesitation, what would stop him from killing a stranger? Mulder was certain that the moment things went south, Warrick would be the first to flee. Given the choice, he'd never willingly risk his life as Warrick's sacrificial pawn. But now, there was no turning back.With his undercover identity exposed and him helping Warrick escape, Mulder became a sworn enemy of West Lucozia. His name was now on the most-wanted list.Tonight was their best chance to escape. If they missed it, finding another way out would be nearly impossible.There was only one path left for him—kill whoever stood in his way and make it onto that escape boat."Enough talk, punk. Let's see what you're really made of," Mulder said.After weighing his options, he gritted his teeth and finally decided to draw his longsword. His fig
"You had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next," Dustin said.With a slight squeeze of his fingers, the steel blades clamped between them shattered with a sharp clang.Before the two Hall of Gods members could even react, Dustin waved his hand.The two men were sent flying as if they'd been hit by a truck, hurtling over 30 feet through the air. Blood sprayed from their mouths and noses before they hit the ground. They were critically injured and on the verge of death.Dustin slowly turned his head and looked at the man who had just tried to ambush him.The man glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then at Dustin, who looked utterly unfazed. He hesitated for a split second—then bolted.With a powerful leap, he dove straight for the sea. He knew Dustin's strength was on a completely different level. There was no chance of outrunning him on land, so the only hope was to disappear into the water.It might have worked—if not for what happened next.Just before he hit
"You're not a fisherman? Who the hell are you?"Mulder's guard shot up the moment he got a clear look at the young man's face.Fishermen who spent their days at sea were usually tanned from the sun, but this one had a fair complexion. It felt a little strangeNoticing something was off, the men behind Mulder drew their blades and fixed their sharp gazes on the fisherman.The so-called fisherman standing guard wasn't just anyone—it was Dustin, who had been waiting for them all along.Since his plan was set in motion, he'd been stationed there from morning until midnight. After what felt like an eternity, his targets had finally arrived."Isn't it obvious? I'm here to capture you."Dustin rose from the deck and rolled his shoulders before speaking in an even tone. "If you don't want to die, surrender now. Otherwise, it'll be too late.""Watch out! It could be an ambush." Mulder swiftly pulled out his dagger. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any sign of hidden troops.
As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.Nearly two hours passed before Mulder's scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest."Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications." Warrick said. He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture. There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he
After a hearty meal, the burly Warrick sprawled lazily onto the bed and dozed off. He slept soundly till dusk, lost in a deep dream. When the sky was painted in brilliant hues of the setting sun, only then did he wake up leisurely.The exhaustion from the previous day seemed to have melted away. He felt invigorated, refreshed, and in high spirits.At that moment, Leigh had already set the table in the hall with quiet efficiency. Compared to the first meal, this spread was far more lavish.At the center of the table sat a whole roasted pig. Its golden-brown skin glistened with a rich, crispy sheen. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making it impossible not to crave a bite.Warrick had never been one for formalities. The moment he saw the feast, he didn't hesitate. He strode over, took a seat, and started digging in. He ate with zero restraint without sparing a single thought for Mulder, who was still out gathering intel.After a while, half of the roast pig was gone. His fac
"Who is it?" Warrick's grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade. His eyes, sharp and alert, were like those of a startled predator—full of caution and menace.For the past few days, he had been on edge, like a cornered animal. He barely slept and was constantly on high alert, fearing danger would strike at any moment.The door slowly creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside with a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.Before he could even register what was happening, a flash of cold steel appeared, and Warrick's blade was at the elderly man's throat.The elderly man trembled with fear. The tray slipped from his grasp, and fruit and pastries scattered on the floor."Easy, Sir Prescott. He's one of us." Mulder stepped forward and pressed down on the flat of Warrick's blade with a finger. He smiled and explained, "His name's Leigh Houston. He's mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He keeps watch over this tunnel entrance and has never slipp
"Here's the problem—even if we know Warrick's intentions, how do we stop him?" Austin asked.Right now, Warrick had already disappeared without a trace. Austin's team hadn't even come close enough to get a hold of him, so there was no way to track him down.West Lucozia's vast territory and resources made it impossible to seal off every exit route completely. While it might be manageable in the short term, prolonging such an operation would significantly impact West Lucozia's economy. Wasting resources on a single fugitive wasn't a wise move."Warrick is a wanted man across the entire city. There's no way he's leaving through official channels. He'll have to sneak his way out," Dustin analyzed. He continued, "According to the maritime charts, if he's traveling from West Lucozia to Artea, he'll have to go through Thaloria. That's our lead. Get someone on it immediately—find out how many smuggling routes there are from West Lucozia to Thaloria.""Got it. I'll get it done right away