Hank felt a chill run down his spine when he glanced at Jeremiah, the man who killed without mercy.Even the formidable Dusk Titan and Shadow Prince showed signs of caution around Jeremiah, and it was clear why. If they were regarded as beasts, then Jeremiah, known as The Dust of Angel, was the ultimate beast.With someone of Jeremiah's caliber involved, the martial artists of Dragonmarsh would likely face an unprecedented calamity."Hank, are you satisfied with these three allies?" Bailey asked, grinning."Satisfied? I'd say more than that! With their support, victory in the Combat Tournament is practically guaranteed!" Hank replied confidently.He used to have doubts because he recognized the exceptional talents of Dragonmarsh. But now, his confidence was on the rise.After all, the Hall of Gods, the Coven of Blood Eclipse, and the Holy Sovereign Church had deployed their strongest elites. They had effectively united forces from several nations to suppress Dragonmarsh. With thi
"Dr. Rhys is right. You really really shouldn't drink," Grace said earnestly. "You're already not thinking straight without alcohol. Who knows what'll happen if you do drink?""Faith, I know I'm wrong. Please talk to him and let me have just one drink." Alicia clung to Grace's arm and pleaded. She craved alcohol so much that even a day without it made her feel restless."Come on, Alicia. Just hang in there for a few more days. Dr. Rhys is doing this for your own good," Aurora said with a smile."What? I still have to endure a few more days!" Alicia's face fell, and she slumped over the table, looking defeated. "How am I supposed to survive without a drink? This is torture!""It's okay. If you can't drink, I'll do it for you," Fenley said with a slight smile. He took her glass and downed it in one gulp."Fenley! You—" Alicia pouted and was on the verge of crying. She felt like everyone around her was ganging up on her."Miss, it's just a drink. Let me buy you one," came a deep, re
Aurora's eyes were icy, and her expression was hostile. Bill had gone from flirting to harassment, and it was making her sick. She wouldn't hesitate to teach him a lesson if he kept pushing."You're not going to be polite, huh?" he sneered. With a menacing grin, he added, "What's the matter? You want to have a long, wild night with me in bed? I'm more than happy to arrange that.""Bastard! You're asking for trouble!" she fumed, grabbing the skewers on the table and throwing them at him. The skewers flew toward his arms from both sides with a sharp whoosh. Aurora was halfway to becoming a grandmaster, so she threw them with bullet-like force.Bill merely sneered and casually waved his hand. A powerful gust of wind surged forth and deflected the skewers. They flew into a pillar 15 feet away and embedded just under an inch deep into the wood."Hmm?" Aurora frowned, and her expression turned serious.She had gone all out in her previous attack and aimed to cripple him as a punis
"Arrogant jerk! How dare a pathetic vampire like you come here and act so boldly? Do you think no one in Dragonmarsh can take you down?" Aurora fumed.Just when she was about to take action, Fenley raised his hand to stop her. He understood that vampire aristocrats were formidable opponents. Given Aurora's current strength, she stood no chance against them."I'm guessing this is your first time in Dragonmarsh, right?" Fenley's voice was calm, but his gaze was icy."So, what if it is?" Bill lifted his chin defiantly."You must be clueless. It seems your elders didn't tell you that once you're in Dragonmarsh, you must keep a low profile, or you might end up dead." Fenley slowly stood up, radiating a murderous intent.As long as the Strequans behaved in Dragonmarsh, they were generally left alone. But Bill's reckless and provocative behavior was like signing his own death warrant."End up dead?" Bill laughed mockingly. "Do you and your little group think you can take me on?""Let's
"Fenley, watch out!" Aurora and Alicia shouted in unison. They were shocked by the sudden turn of events. They hadn't expected Bill to have such a bizarre ability. After being turned into a cloud of scarlet mist with a single punch, he reformed and launched a surprise attack. Defending against such a deadly move the first time would be nearly impossible.Vampire's fangs carried a paralyzing toxin, and bites from aristocratic vampires were even more potent. Even a grandmaster martial artist would struggle to resist a single bite."Pathetic trick!" Fenley didn't bother to turn. He shook his body, and a huge divine shadow briefly flickered behind him. Suddenly, a powerful shockwave erupted. His hair stood on end, and his robe billowed out. The shockwave hurled Bill, who was attacking from behind, several feet away. He slammed into the wall and fell in a daze, looking utterly disheveled."That was a close call!" Aurora and Alicia sighed in relief after seeing what happened. They
"F-Father, you're right. I'm injured and need to rest. Please, let me go." Bill was in so much pain that he immediately begged for mercy.In Strequa, strength reigned supreme. Those who were powerful and had a strong presence earned widespread respect, and their words carried considerable influence. Simply put, they could force a person if "Mr. Wolfe, I take back what I said earlier. You're a smart man." Jeremiah kept a neutral expression and maintained his smile.Bill's eyes twitched in frustration, but he held his tongue and stepped back. He was reluctant to admit defeat against Fenley and believed he could still fight. Yet, he had no choice but to submit to Jeremiah's authority."Father, if Bill can't handle this, let me step in." George suddenly rose from his seat. His massive, towering figure was intimidating.His strength and physical prowess were superior to Bill's. In a direct confrontation, he was like an unstoppable human tank."Why does this guy look like a gorilla?"
"No way! That priest looked ordinary and didn't seem like a threat," Aurora said, puzzled.Given Fenley's skills, he was among the best in Dragonmarsh. So, she figured he had no reason to be afraid of those three Strequans."You can't judge a book by its cover. Among those three, the priest is the strongest. If you ever run into him, avoid him at all costs," Fenley warned earnestly. If he had been alone earlier, he wouldn't have been concerned. But with Aurora and Alicia by his side, he had to be cautious and couldn't fight freely.He knew Jeremiah could distract him if they fought while Bill and George captured the Marshall sisters. With the sisters' lives as leverage, the other party could turn the situation in their favor. So, Fenley decided to let the matter slide for the sisters' safety and stop pursuing the matter."Okay, I understand." Seeing how serious he was, Aurora nodded."Fenley, those people mentioned about competing in the Combat Tournament tomorrow. You might f
"Corpse?" Bill scoffed dismissively.He continued, "Father, aren't you exaggerating? Vampires are immortal. Even the most skilled martial artists from Dragonmarsh wouldn't be able to kill me."He didn't mention that the Holy Sovereign Church's holy laws, while effective against vampires, wouldn't be enough to stop him. Even Jeremiah wouldn't be able to catch him if he chose to escape. "Mr. Wolfe, your vampire gene is impressive, but you're not immortal. If you were, the Coven of Blood Eclipse wouldn't be a vassal of the Hall of Gods," Jeremiah said calmly.He continued, "Also, don't underestimate Dragonmarsh's martial artists. We've clashed with them multiple times over the years and haven't come out on top. If you keep being arrogant and complacent, you're bound to face consequences."Bill, being an inexperienced aristocrat, had no idea how dangerous Dragonmarsh could be. His earlier encounter with a group of young elites had been relatively easy by comparison.However, if they
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,
"Gentlemen, I've done my part and had my tea already. I still have things to take care of, so I'll leave now. Farewell!" Jovian said.When no one responded, he didn't say another word. He nodded respectfully, stood up, and exited the room.When the door opened, Warrick's face darkened, and his hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, Huxley gently touched his arm and shook his head.Jovian noticed something was off and paused at the doorway before stepping out.Boston, who was standing by the door, let out a quiet sigh of relief as he watched Jovian leave without a scratch. His relief was short-lived, though, when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the three men inside.It was clear that the meeting hadn't gone well. Fortunately, nothing too serious had happened. Otherwise, Boston would have much explaining to do to both sides."Why did you stop me? That arrogant brat clearly doesn't respect us. He'll think we're pushovers if we don