"Hmph! Stop adding fuel to the fire!" Cyrus glared at Alloy. "The Celestial Alliance has had its fair share of run-ins with the Mystic Arts Order over the years. If we're talking enemies, your guild is the real thorn in their side.""It's nothing but minor skirmishes. I'm sure Madam Penelope sees the bigger picture and isn't bothered by it," Alloy said with a subtle grin.Cyrus might outmatch Alloy in brute strength, but when it came to quick-witted retorts, Alloy was the clear victor."Mr. Hadley, Mr. Marshall, you two seem to be in high spirits."The black sedan came to a stop in front of them. An elderly woman with silver hair and a slightly hunched back emerged slowly while leaning on a serpent-headed cane.This was Penelope Solace, the leader of the Mystic Arts Order. She had risen to fame long before Alloy and Cyrus, earning her place as a revered senior figure.Despite her years of seclusion and rare public appearances, her reputation was as fearsome and commanding as Allo
"Whoa! He's even busting out the Four Elements of God's Technique? Does he really need to show off?""Fenley sure knows how to make an entrance. He's showing off in style.""If I had his skills, I'd be more flashy than him."Fenley made a grand entrance, and the crowd couldn't stop talking and whispering.The Four Elements of God's Technique was a secret art of the Celestial Alliance, learned only by the guildmasters' successors. So, it was surprising when Fenley used it before the match began."Mr. Marshall, your disciple lives up to his name," Cyrus remarked coldly."Ha! Young people should be bursting with energy. If he's got the skills, why hold back?" Alloy replied indifferently."I just hope you don't let your excitement get the better of you," Cyrus warned. "Sometimes, too much joy can lead to a downfall.""You don't need to worry about it, Mr. Hadley," Alloy said with a faint smile.Regardless of the match outcome, Fenley's entrance had already outshined the Sword Unio
After George's entrance, a chilling, eerie laughter echoed through the arena. At the same time, a swirling cloud of scarlet mist rushed in from the distance.The mist was about ten feet in radius. It radiated a dark, sinister energy, and its shape constantly shifted. One moment, it morphed into a massive skull, then twisted into a devil with bared fangs and claws.The sight of this unnerving mist made the spectators gasp in alarm. They quickly scattered to clear the path. The mist's terrifying appearance signaled evil intent, and they knew that coming into contact with it could be deadly.The scarlet mist swirled over the battle ring. It deliberately circled the contestants' heads three times before crashing down with a thunderous bang.A striking Streuquan man in a sharp suit emerged as the mist dissipated. His bold features, devious grin, and undeniable charm made him impossible to ignore. The man was Bill Wolfe."I can't believe that narcissistic jerk actually showed up," Aur
"Great hit!""How dare you cause trouble at Sacred Wyrm Summit? You must have a death wish.""If the referee hadn't held back, that Stormcraft strike would have turned him into dust."The spectators cheered with applause as Bill was sent flying.A foreign contestant one who is relatively unknown here should stay low-key to avoid unnecessary trouble.But when Bill showed up, he immediately started shouting and challenging everyone. He practically asked to be beaten. Did this puny vampire think no one in Dragonmarsh could take him down?"Curse you, Dragonmarsh martial artists! How dare you ambush me? How cowardly and disgraceful!"Bill staggered to his feet and gritted his teeth as he seethed in anger. He had planned to make a strong impression and showcase the vampires' might. Instead, his plan backfired, and he was humiliated. He didn't think it was due to his own weakness; rather, Oron's sudden attack had caught him off guard. Bill was sure that he wouldn't lose in a fair fig
"Next." Oron's voice rang out, signaling the continuation of the drawing after Jermaine finished his turn."I'll go."At that moment, George stomped forward and aggressively shoved a martial artist away as he reached into the black box.The martial artist who had been shoved frowned and looked up at George's burly bear-like frame. Despite the intimidation, he suppressed his anger.Although a martial artist's strength couldn't be judged by their size, George's imposing presence was undeniable.After rummaging inside the box for a few seconds, George pulled out a glass ball. But before anyone could see the number inside, he crushed it with his powerful grip.The ball shattered with a sharp crack, and fragments scattered across the floor.He looked at the fragments in his hand and burst into laughter. His eyes glinted with malice as he turned to Jermaine. He said sinisterly, "Jermaine, huh? Unlucky bastard, you'll have one hell of a day. Look at this." He showed him the metal dis
The spectators erupted into thunderous applause as soon as Oron finished speaking.Under the spotlight of a thousand eager eyes, contestant number one rose from his seat and walked to the battle ring. He was a monk clad in gray robes. The towering figure, who had a muscular build, was in his 30s. He gripped an iron staff, and his smooth, bald head gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.The spectators quickly recognized him. "I can't believe the first contestant is Venerable Truce from Aureate Monastery. This is going to be a great match."Contestant number one was a revered monk from Aureate Monastery called Truce Heart. He was known by the moniker "Venerable Banisher".Despite his young age, his cultivation was beyond measure, especially his Ironfist Technique, which he had mastered to perfection.He was said to be impervious to blades, bullets, fire, and water. Any attack launched against him barely left a mark.But Truce wasn't just renowned for his incredible defense. His Ban
While facing Truce's powerful strike, Jeremiah remained calm. He didn't even flinch and raised his arm to block the blow.The shadowsteel staff crashed down with a resounding impact on his arm. Instead of the expected scene of broken bones and a flying body, the staff only made his sleeve flutter. He didn't suffer any injuries.Jeremiah stood still with a smile on his face."Huh?" Truce's eyes widened in shock. If the earlier thrust had been just a test, this sweeping blow was delivered with full force.He would have understood if Jeremiah had used grandmaster-level internal energy. But Truce didn't feel any energy fluctuation from him. In other words, Jeremiah had relied purely on his physical strength to withstand the blow.Could this seemingly frail priest be a grandmaster of body refinement? If so, a tough battle lay ahead. After all, Truce was also a grandmaster of body refinement."I didn't expect that skinny priest to catch Venerable Truce's staff barehanded. He's got some
"What? The guy isn't dead? How is that even possible?""He's not only alive, but he's completely unscathed. This is insane!""How can this be? Is he wearing some kind of armor?""Even if he was, there's no way he could survive Venerable Truce's strike without a scratch!"The spectators stared in disbelief as Jeremiah stood there with a seemingly indifferent expression. Truce's previous strike was devastating, unstoppable, and could split mountains and rivers.Under normal circumstances, given Jeremiah's build, he should've been left crippled even if he survived. But he was completely unscathed. This was a sight that defied everyone's understanding and logic.Even Truce was left questioning this reality. The Drakon Banisher, a signature move of the Banisher Technique, was known for its unmatched power. Once unleashed, it was nearly impossible for anyone to block, and it had never failed to deliver its intended result.Truce was certain his strike had hit Jeremiah, but he couldn
"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
"Gentlemen, you certainly have a refined sense of humor." Jovian took another sip of tea. "But I'm not exactly a brave man. I startle easily, so I'd appreciate it if you kept the jokes to a minimum.""Of course." Huxley smiled and nodded. "Just some lighthearted banter to break the ice. If we've offended you, I apologize on behalf of Mr. Prescott. Please don't take it to heart."Jovian's expression eased slightly at that.Since he had the nerve to attend this trap-laden dinner, he wasn't afraid of a few threats. He wouldn't mind sharing information with them if they were willing to have a proper conversation.But they had tried to strong-arm him. Their words were laced with veiled threats and demands as if he were someone they could push around.Naturally, that didn't sit well with him. He just didn't let it show—for now."There's no need for an apology. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," Jovian said flatly. He stood to leave and felt that continuing this conversation w