"I'm sorry. I can't answer that question because I don't know, either." Hank shook his head. He was already breaking the rules by telling them about the God King's involvement. Furthermore, disclosing the God King's identity or whereabouts was out of the question. In Dragonmarsh, even someone as powerful as the God King had to tread carefully. Any hint of their whereabouts, followed by an ambush from elites, would spell disaster."No problem. It's just a random question out of curiosity." Dustin simply shrugged it off with a faint smile."If there aren't any questions, how about we break for lunch? I've arranged a feast, and we can continue our conversation over food." Hank extended an invitation with a neutral expression."Sure." Dustin nodded."Let's go, everyone!" Hank called out before leading the group to the dining hall.Everyone was famished after waiting all morning. They immediately indulged in the feast laid out before them. Once they were full, Hank organized vari
"Sure. I'll go along with your plan." Dustin nodded.The rare treasures hidden in the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit were likely the Dracan essence.A treasure linked to the fate of the nation should never fall into the hands of the Hall of Gods. Who knew what kind of trouble that might cause?Dustin had initially braced himself to tackle this challenge alone. But now, he felt much more confident about taking on the Hall of Gods with Grace by his side.As a representative of Dragonmarsh royalty, she had the influence to rally allies and back them up.Grace said, "Okay, enough about the Hall of Gods. You need to stay focused on bringing your best at the Combat Tournament." She added, "And remember, Sacred Wrym Summit wouldn't organize something meaningless. The top three competitors are in for some serious perks and rewards.""I've already registered. I'm fully committed to giving it my all. You can count on that," Dustin replied with a smile.In fact, he was excited ab
Grace and Dustin followed a middle-aged woman into the villa.In the bedroom, a woman of striking beauty and regal presence lay unconscious on the bed. She was in her early 20s, with flawless skin and captivating features, even in her unconscious state. Her name was Alicia Marshall, and she held the fifth spot on the Beauty Ranking list.Each of the top ten women on the Beauty Ranking had a unique appeal. Alicia's beauty was like a rare alpine flower, pure and captivating, even without makeup.Aside from the unconscious Alicia, there was also a man and a young woman standing in the room.The man, around 30, dressed sharply in a suit. He was tall and handsome with a piercing gaze.The young woman, about 17 or 18, bore a strong resemblance to Alicia. She was equally beautiful and exuded a youthful energy. She was Alicia's younger sister, Aurora Marshall."Brian, Alicia's condition is worsening by the minute. When will that renowned miracle doctor you call arrive?" Aurora asked. "
"Are you telling us to leave?" Grace asked.She narrowed her eyes and added, "We're here to save Alicia, yet you're trying to drive us away. What's the matter? Don't you want her to wake up?""Ridiculous!" Brian scowled. "I'm her senior. Of course, I want her to wake up.""Then, why are you stopping us from treating her?" she countered."Because I don't trust you!" he asserted. "Who knows what your intentions are? What if you make her condition worse?""If I'm not confident, I won't do it," Dustin chimed in abruptly."Do you hear that? Regardless, let us diagnose Alicia first," Grace insisted."No! The miracle doctor I've called will be here soon. Your help isn't necessary!" Brian rejected them firmly."Aurora, what do you think?" Grace stopped arguing with Brian and turned toward Aurora instead. As Alicia's younger sister, Aurora had absolute authority in this situation. If she agreed, Grace would take action and disregard Brian's objections."How about… we let Dr. Rhys tre
"Huh?" Aurora was startled by Dustin's words.Removing the needles would mean death within three hours. Wasn't that practically a death sentence?"Hmph! I don't care about your ethereal-whatever technique. If you can't cure Alicia, you can only blame yourself for the pain you'll be in!" Brian said coldly.Dustin glanced at him and retorted, "If you can't be of any help, then please keep quiet. Your constant blabbering is getting on my nerves.""Why you—" Brian gritted his teeth but ultimately restrained himself from lashing out.If Dustin had managed to cure Alicia, Brian would have had nothing to say. But if he failed, Brian would undoubtedly teach Dustin a lesson."Dr. Rhys, what do we do now?" Aurora changed the subject."Take good care of your sister, and make sure nobody touches her. I'll go back and prepare the antidote now," Dustin said.Then, he winked at Grace before leaving the room."Aurora, remember what Dr. Rhys said," Grace reminded her before following him and e
"What's your plan?" Grace arched her eyebrow."First, we need to find a way to dispel the witchcraft from Alicia's body. Then, we'll use her as bait to lure out the mastermind," Dustin replied succinctly.Once they pinned down the culprit, they wouldn't have to do anything more. The Celestial Alliance members would handle it. After all, Alloy wouldn't just let those who hurt his daughter off the hook."What do you need me to do?" Grace asked."I need you to gather some medicinal herbs for me as quickly as possible. I plan to use poison to counteract the dark energy and force it out of Alicia's body."Dustin quickly jotted down a prescription and handed it to her.She glanced briefly and nodded. "No problem, I'll gather everything within three hours."With the power of Dragonmarsh royalty, she would have no trouble getting her hands on rare medicinal herbs.After Dustin and Grace left the lakeside villa, they got busy with their respective tasks.Just shortly after the two departed,
"What? Alicia will die?"Kenan's words sent shivers down Aurora's and Brian's spines. They hadn't anticipated the severity of the situation."That damned bastard! How dare he harm Alicia? I'll get someone to bring him in right now!" Brian immediately pulled out his phone to make a call.Assassinating the Celestial Alliance's guildmaster's daughter was like inviting death."Dr. Quake, what do we do now? Can my sister be saved?" Aurora panicked as she processed the news.She had turned to Dustin out of sheer desperation and hoped for a miracle since she had no other options.However, she regretted her decision after hearing Kenan's assessment. Comparing a nobody to a highly skilled doctor in the martial world, Kenan was the obvious choice."If it were anyone else, your sister would be beyond saving. But fortunately, I'm here today. As long as she's still breathing, I can bring her back from the brink," Kenan said confidently."Then, please, Dr. Quake, save her immediately. We'll
Aurora's eyes widened in shock. She touched the blood on her face and looked over at Alicia on the bed, who was coughing up blood.Kenan and Brian were equally shocked by the sudden turn of events. No one anticipated that after drinking the Enigma Mist, Alicia's condition would deteriorate."Dr. Quake! What… What's going on?" Brian asked anxiously."Dr. Quake! You assured us that the Enigma Mist would bring my sister back from the brink. Why is she coughing up blood now?" Aurora was frantic."Don't worry. It's just a minor setback. Let me check her again," Kenan reassured them.He quickly approached Alicia to take her pulse and frowned. "This is unexpected. Her pulse is weak, and her blood circulation is poor. "These symptoms suggest poisoning. The Enigma Mist should have detoxified her. But why isn't it working?"The Enigma Mist was supposed to cure any poison and extend life. Just a sip should have stabilized Alicia's condition. But this unforeseen reaction left him perplexed
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W
The sounds of battle echoed under the streetlights. Shouts of pain mixed with the clash of weapons could be heard. Five figures were locked in a deadly struggle, and blood splattered across the ground.The fight raged for nearly half an hour until the noise gradually subsided. The five figures lay motionless in pools of blood.Under the dim glow of the streetlights, three of the black-clad assassins were confirmed dead. One's neck was snapped, another's chest pierced, and the last had bled out from a fatal wound.Jovian and Boston were in no better condition.Boston was soaked in blood. His body was riddled with deep cuts, some so severe they exposed the bone beneath.Jovian wasn't much better. His abdomen and shoulder were slashed. His right arm had been severed, and he was left in a pitiful state.Boston coughed. After taking down the last assassin, he collapsed to the ground. He gasped for air as blood poured from his mouth. His chest and abdomen were torn open, and his orga
"Jovian, listen to me. West Lucozia's trouble runs deep. You won't be able to handle it. You need to get out of there," Boston urged.When Jovian remained silent, Boston couldn't hide his growing concern. After all, they were comrades, and he didn't want to see his friend die on the street."You're right. I'm not afraid if they come at me head-on. What worries me is if they come at me from behind."After hesitating for a moment, Jovian nodded. "Alright, Boston. Take me back to the hotel. I'll pack my things.""Now that's more like it." Boston sighed in relief. "As they say, there's always a chance as long as you're alive. The most important thing is to stay safe.""Thanks, man. I'll buy you a drink next time." Jovian smiled.Without Boston's constant advice, Jovian might have taken a chance. But if things went south, he'd regret it too late.Back at the hotel, Jovian wasted no time. He packed quickly, then hopped into Boston's car to head to the airport. With the burden lifted,