"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
The following morning, Dustin left his room and went to the villa's garden to appreciate the lush scenery.He and Grace accepted Alicia's invitation to stay at the villa overnight to ensure the sisters' safety after the recent assassination attempt. Plus, Grace wanted to catch up with Alicia. Thankfully, the rest of the night passed without any disturbances.Alicia's condition remained stable. She showed no adverse effects due to her good foundation.Dustin strolled through the garden and noticed the villa's gate opening. A convoy of luxury cars drove in and came to a stop. Then, a group of uniformed Celestial Alliance disciples quickly exited the vehicles.Unlike the regular disciples, these were the elite enforcement team. They were specially selected for their exceptional skills and loyalty.The team was seldom deployed as they were reserved exclusively for dire circumstances at the discretion of the guildmaster and the elders. Their appearance always signaled the seriousness o
Upon hearing Fenley's words, Alicia and Aurora glanced at him before shifting their gaze to Dustin. Curiosity and confusion etched across their faces as they pondered whether Fenley and Dustin knew each other."Sir Hudson, you're quite a notable figure. How could someone like me ever cross paths with you? If you think I look familiar, it's likely because I have a common face," Dustin replied calmly, though his heart was racing.His current appearance was a skillful disguise through Face-Changing Art that made him look different from his usual self.Upon encountering Fenley, Dustin consciously suppressed his energy waves and ensured no anomalies were revealed. Yet, he didn't expect Fenley to be so perceptive and sensed something amiss with just a glance.After scrutinizing Dustin, Fenley smiled. "It seems I've mistaken you for someone else. But you're certainly not just anybody. You must possess remarkable talent to garner such acclaim from the Marshall sisters."After all, there a
Brian's face darkened at Fenley's words. He hadn't anticipated Fenley's ruthlessness, which lacked respect for Brian's seniority within the guild."Fenley, you've crossed the line!" Brian's expression turned grim. "I hold the seniority in this guild, so watch your tone!""I've extended enough courtesy to you. You better not put me in a tight spot," Fenley said icily."Putting you in a tight spot? You're just out for revenge!" Brian's tone turned hostile."Brian, there's no use in dragging this out. You need to make a decision today." Fenley remained unfazed."What if I refuse to go with the enforcement team? What will you do, huh?" Brian narrowed his eyes."Then, I will have to take action against you," Fenley retorted coldly."You dare?" Brian's anger flared instantly. "Just because you're strong doesn't mean you can throw your weight around. If we really fought, I might not lose to you!""You're welcome to try," Fenley said impassively."You're going too far!" Brian gritted
Fenley's recording captured every word between Brian and Hank, the god of the Hall of Gods, including their elaborate schemes, with remarkable clarity.Upon hearing that, Alicia and Aurora were stunned as their eyes widened in disbelief.Brian felt as if he had been hit by lightning, which left him rooted to the spot. He didn't expect his conversation with Hank from the previous night to be recorded.He briefly entertained the idea that Hank might have betrayed him. But he quickly dismissed it, considering their shared interests and Hank's lack of motive for betrayal.Brian's expression alternated between worry and panic. Alongside his confusion, he was flooded with alarm. With the proof of his betrayal revealed, he pondered his next course of action."So, what do you have to say now?" Fenley asked coldly.Celestial Alliance had been suspecting Brian's unusual behavior and had preemptively installed a bug on him, just in case. It turned out their suspicions were correct when they
"What more is there to discuss? Back off! Everyone, just back off!" Brian's voice boomed as he motioned for everyone to retreat.He decided not to return to the Celestial Alliance and confess his wrongdoing. His sole recourse now was to keep Alicia captive and seek sanctuary at the Hall of Gods."Brian, there's no escaping this. Release Alicia and I assure you, I'll find a solution." Fenley's expression grew solemn.He was confident that he could swiftly defeat Brian in a direct confrontation. However, with Alicia held captive, Fenley hesitated and was reluctant to take the risk. If anything were to happen to Alicia, he'd be the one to blame."Brian, it's not too late to repent. Stop making one mistake after another," Alicia pleaded, her voice strained with anguish. "If you stop now and confess willingly, I can plead with my dad to be lenient in his judgment.""Mistakes? Where have I gone wrong?" Brian snarled. "Survival of the fittest is the rule of nature. Everything I've undert
Just as Alicia was about to be struck down by Brian's deadly palm strike, a silver needle suddenly hit his wrist with precision.The force of the impact caused him to stagger backward several steps. Then, a wave of excruciating pain surged through his arm. His body trembled uncontrollably and left him momentarily incapacitated."Crap!" Brian cursed. He quickly yanked the silver needle out from his wrist, which eased his pain slightly."Alicia, run!" Aurora shouted.Freed from his grasp, Alicia snapped out of her daze and bolted at full speed."Where do you think you're going?" Brian, now recovered from the pain, refused to give up.With a sudden burst of speed, he transformed into a blur and lunged toward her. Even if he was going to die, he was determined to take her down with him."Bastard! How dare you!" Fenley's eyes widened in fury upon seeing that. He immediately propelled himself into the air, then delivered a palm strike toward Brian from above.The air erupted with a t
Brian was dead. The enforcement team stood indifferent to the scene before them and showed no sympathy for his fate. His headless body slumped to the ground, and blood started to pool around it.Brian was the elite disciple of the Celestia Alliance. But his fate was sealed when he colluded with the Hall of Gods and betrayed the guild. He had even tried to harm Alicia.Given his accumulated crimes, his death was inevitable. Even if Fenley hadn't killed him, the guild would have punished him."Brian got what was coming to him." Aurora grimaced as she looked at his lifeless body and spat on the ground.She had regarded him as a brother and a decent person. Yet, she never anticipated he would turn out to be such a hypocrite and involved in all sorts of misconduct for his own gain.He had even colluded with the Hall of Gods and betrayed the Celestial Alliance. When confronted, he showed no remorse and even tried to hold Alicia hostage.Aurora believed someone like him deserved to di
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,