"What the heck? Didn't Brian just land a blow? How is that man still standing?""He's too fast. Brian's sword seemed to hit, but it only struck the man's afterimage.""Damn! Who is this guy? Pulling off moves like some ghost."The Celestial Alliance disciples were stunned to see Shadowcloak emerge unharmed.Brian was a master martial artist, and his strikes were incredibly swift. Yet, he didn't even graze Shadowcloak, which bewildered them.They had never witnessed such fluid movements. It was as if he was teleporting, which made it impossible to track."Alicia, can you decipher that elderly man's techniques?" Aurora asked with a deep frown, and her expression turned serious. She prided herself on keen observation, yet she struggled to follow Shadowcloak's movements."He's too fast, and I couldn't see clearly." Alicia shook her head. Then, she said somberly, "It looks like Brian has met his match today."Even among grandmaster martial artists, there were differences in skill.
"Come out! Get out here now!" Brian's fury intensified as he repeatedly missed his target. His eyes blazed with rage as he swung his halberd wildly. Blade aura shot out from his weapon and shredded everything within a 65-foot radius.The Celestial Alliance disciples were terrified and instantly retreated to avoid being caught in the mayhem.Brian had lost control as he attacked indiscriminately and disregarded the potential harm to anyone nearby. Those in close proximity were at serious risk of being hit by mistake."Argh! Show yourself, coward!" he yelled. His eyes were ablaze with fury as his attacks grew more frantic."Young man, you're too sluggish. You can't even discern my true form. How do you expect to challenge me?"Shadowcloak’s laughter echoed all around, shifting in direction and distance, which made it impossible to pinpoint his location. The taunting laughter only fueled Brian's fury and drove him to the brink of madness.Suddenly, Shadowcloak appeared ten yards
Dustin's method was quick and effective, but the approach was unexpected.Alicia wanted Brian to swiftly regain composure to prevent him from succumbing to exhaustion. She understood that if Brian were incapacitated, no one would be able to confront Shadowcloak.However, she hadn't anticipated Dustin would knock Brian unconscious. While it resolved the immediate issue, it left Alicia pondering the implications."Brian!"After a moment of stunned silence, the Celestial Alliance disciples hurried to lift the unconscious Brian and move him away. Despite their attempts to rouse him by shaking and calling out to him, Brian remained sound asleep."Dr. Rhys, you knocked him out. So, who is going to deal with the assassins now?" Aurora frowned and felt a headache coming on."You only asked me to calm him down quickly. You didn't say that he had to stay conscious." Dustin shrugged."Uh… well, can you wake him up?" Alicia asked."Sure." Dustin nodded."We'd be grateful if you could wake
"Well, thank you," Dustin replied, annoyed.He had initially come to cure Alicia, but now he had to fight as well. After an exhausting day of hard work with no reward, he felt completely shortchanged."Don't be so grumpy. Show off your heroic side in front of these two beauties. Who knows, you might win their hearts," Grace teased in a low voice."Yeah, right. These two are nothing but trouble. I want no part of it." He rolled his eyes."Hey! What are you two whispering about?" Shadowcloak couldn't stay silent anymore and declared, "I'm giving you two options: surrender now, or I'll kill you.""Kill me? You sure talk big." Dustin stepped forward and stared at him.He continued, "You might be fast, but your strength is laughable. The guy lying there could defeat you easily if he were a bit smarter.""Arrogant brat! What the heck are you talking about?" Shadowcloak snarled."Drop the act. You may fool others, but I can see right through you," Dustin said with a straight face.He
"What's going on? Did Dr. Rhys just block that strike?""Oh my God! He took the grandmaster's attack head-on without a scratch! This is unbelievable."The Celestial Alliance disciples were in awe and disbelief after witnessing Dustin block the attack like it was nothing. After all, Brian couldn't even defeat Shadowcloak. So, when the alliance's disciples saw Dustin step forward, they didn't hold much hope at first. Some even thought he was walking into a death trap. But they never anticipated that Dustin had such profound cultivation."Faith, could it be that Dr. Rhys is a grandmaster?" Alicia was also surprised by Dustin's skills. Although Grace had mentioned it before, she still had doubts.After all, possessing extraordinary medical skills was already quite rare. Many doctors spend their careers without achieving half of Dustin's expertise.What truly distinguished Dustin was he was knowledgeable in both medical skills and martial arts. Alicia had never encountered a dual-skilled
"Now it makes sense."Alicia and Aurora nodded.After all the fuss, Shadowcloak was just a fraud. Despite his intimidating facade, he crumbled under pressure, which revealed his cowardice. He could intimidate the vulnerable, but his bravado faltered when confronted with a powerful opponent.The sisters finally understood why he never made a move against Brian earlier. It wasn't due to his supposed strength but rather his weakness and fear of taking action."Kid, this is your last chance. Get down on your knees and surrender. Perhaps I'll spare your life. But if you resist, I'll crush you right now." Shadowcloak's voice thundered with menace.At that instant, his imposing demeanor looked like that of a grandmaster martial artist."Stop your blabbering, and let's fight. I want to see what else you've got up your sleeve." Dustin smirked and eyed him disdainfully.Shadowcloak's performance was impressive, even though his facade had already been exposed. It was easy for those unaware
What happened? Just moments ago, Shadowcloak was boasting and swaggering with bravado. But now, he scattered like a mouse at the sight of a cat.Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events.One moment, he was acting all high and mighty, but the next second, he was hightailing it at unbelievable speed. With several figures darting off, it was hard to tell which one was actually him."Huh?" Dustin was shocked by Shadowcloak's sudden retreat. He thought the man was going to rely on his agility to continue the fight. The quick exit after just two strikes caught Dustin off guard."He's quite cunning." He chuckled and acknowledged Shadowcloack's sharp instincts.His swift departure showed a keen sense of trouble and adaptability without concern for his reputation. He was fortunate to have run away. Otherwise, Dustin would defeat him.Moreover, thriving in the martial world through deceitful means demanded a certain level of skill and cunning tricks."Fine. I'll let you off ton
"Um… Brian, you were drugged earlier. Thank goodness Dr. Rhys saved you. Otherwise, you might be in grave danger." Alicia quickly spoke up to break the awkward silence."What? He saved me?" Brian looked at Dustin in disbelief. "Are you sure about that? I don't remember any of this.""You lost your senses because you were drugged and almost caused a disaster. If Dr. Rhys hadn't intervened, the consequences would have been unimaginable," she said earnestly."Yes. You should thank Dr. Rhys," Aurora chimed in with a nod. "Hmph! Who asked him to save me? He's just sticking his nose where it doesn't belong!" Brian scoffed and glared at Dustin disdainfully."I'm tired. I'm heading back to my room to rest," he added coldly before leaving.He had looked down on Dustin since meeting him. Hence, it was a blow to his pride when he learned that Dustin had saved him. Naturally, Brian couldn't accept this outcome, and apologizing to Dustin was out of the question."Dr. Rhys, I'm sorry about B
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,