As Azalea stared at the overwhelming golden wave, her eyes narrowed, and her heart raced. She had expected a few more exchanges, but Kendricks's opening move was terrifying.Without hesitating, she flicked her wrist and pulled out a red paper parasol that seemed to appear from nowhere. The parasol gleamed with deep red hues, and its surface etched with mysterious runes. As light danced over its surface, the runes began to pulse and whirl as if infused with life."The Abyssal Parasol?" The spectators immediately recognized the origin of the red paper parasol.The Abyssal Parasol was a powerful defensive divine artifact known for its dark and formidable properties. It was once the prized possession of the Abyssal Legion, but it was believed to have been lost after their downfall. Surprisingly, it ended up in the hands of the Mystic Arts Order."Go!" Azalea opened the parasol and thrust it forward against the golden wave. It shot into the air and shone brightly. A layer of crimson l
The lack of strict rules at Sacred Wrym Summit allowed Abigail to set up betting pools.Caleb couldn't resist the urge to play a few rounds out of curiosity. He initially had some luck and racked up a decent win. But the tide turned, and he lost everything he had won.With the excitement and adrenaline pumping, he had nothing else to wager, so he bet with the Divine Talisman. From that moment on, it spiraled out of control.It wasn't until he lost dozens of talismans that he finally realized he was over his head and decided to give up. Hence, the talismans in Azalea's possession were a result of his reckless gambling."Where did you get a Divine Talisman?" Kendricks frowned as his expression darkened.The Divine Talisman was a hallmark of Sacred Wyrm Summit, and the lightning talisman she had used earlier was particularly rare. Kendricks found it absurd that a disciple from the Mystic Arts Order would possess the talismans."Heh… it's a secret." Azalea grinned.Before the match,
"Hmph! You got lucky this time." Kendricks glared at Azalea, then sheathed his Demonblade and left the battle ring.Even though he won, there was no thrill in it. He didn't feel proud about winning against a vulnerable woman when she had managed to injure him.Since his rise to fame, he had never felt so embarrassed. The Divine Talismans had played a part, but he couldn't deny being outmatched and humiliated. The missed chance to retaliate only deepened his frustration. Kendricks vowed he wouldn't show the Mystic Arts Order disciples mercy if he faced them again."Contestant number five is the winner in this match," Oron announced.The spectators reacted with warm applause.Azalea's stunning performance and Kendricks's formidable strength were worthy of praise. Most previous matches had been brutal, where a single misstep could cost a contestant their life.It was rare to see someone as wise as her, who knew when she was outmatched and chose to surrender immediately. Her quick
"The masters on the Legendary List are undoubtedly formidable. But it's not our style to give up without a fight at the Shadow Citadel. Given my responsibilities, I must take this chance. I hope you can understand, Jude." Dalen remained composed with a faint smile on his face."Since you're so full of yourself, bring it on. I'm eager to see what you've got." Jude stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His posture looked arrogant, almost as if he were taunting Dalen to attack. He wouldn't be so dismissive if he were facing a strong opponent. But when it came to an unknown rookie, Jude didn't see any reason to be concerned since it would only cost him a little of his time."Please forgive me," Dalen said casually. He clasped his hands before lunging forward with a palm strike toward Jude.Though the strike looked deceptively slow, it was actually astonishingly fast. The chill in the air arrived before his hand did. As the palm wind swept by, the surface of the battle ring f
Jude was struck senseless by Dalen's attack. He felt his life essence solidify within him, and his body stiffened. He was immobilized, and his internal energy couldn't flow properly.The Shadow Citadel's ultimate technique, Glacial Strike, could instantly immobilize its target. Despite Jude's strength, he was still unable to escape its effects."What the hell! Jude actually got hit.""That has to be a fluke, right? After throwing wild punches for so long, it was bound to happen eventually."The spectators were taken aback as they watched Jude get sent flying by a single blow. To them, the outcome of the match seemed clear-cut. Jude had spent the entire time toying with Dalen without launching an attack, so the hit should be a coincidence.At a glance, it seemed like Jude had carelessly thrown himself into Dalen's palm. But there was no denying that this strike changed the one-sided domination's outcome.As Jude's body went limp, Dalen seized the moment to strike. He leaped into
"Die!" the nine Judes roared in unison as they attacked Dalen. The clones flashed across the battle ring. They wove in and out, blurring the line between reality and illusion. It was impossible to tell which was the real one.With his mastery of the Spectral Sprint technique, Jude was already hard to follow. And he became nearly impossible to track when he used the Spectral Clone technique. Dalen quickly channeled his internal energy to form a white barrier around himself. Just as the shield materialized, a relentless storm of punches rained down from every direction. Each blow sent ripples through the barrier.As the punches rained like a torrential downpour, Dalen's barrier shook like a boat caught in a fierce storm and threatened to break at any moment."Do you think you can stop me? I'll rip you to shreds." Jude vented his pent-up rage as he threw more punches.As a renowned master on the Legendary List, it was embarrassing to be injured by an unknown rookie. If he didn't r
The venue fell into stunned silence as all eyes were drawn to the injured and unconscious Jude. Nobody had anticipated this outcome.Just seconds ago, Jude had been dominating the match. He relentlessly attacked Dalen and was on the verge of shattering his barrier to secure victory. But suddenly, he collapsed to the ground.The sequence of events unfolded so quickly that the spectators barely had time to process what had happened."What just happened? Jude lost?""That was odd! What the heck happened a moment ago?""This match is full of surprises."After a brief moment of silence, the spectators erupted into an uproar. Jude's defeat was utterly unexpected. At first, he toyed with Dalen and underestimated him. However, his overconfidence allowed Dalen to seize the opportunity and deliver powerful blows.Furious, Jude unleashed a fierce assault that left Dalen struggling to defend himself. But against all odds, Jude lost, and Dalen emerged as the surprising victor.The sequenc
"Dr. Rhys, good luck." As Dustin stepped into the battle ring, Alicia and Aurora cheered behind him. Their enthusiasm quickly drew more spectators to join in. Soon, the venue erupted in thunderous applause, with cheers echoing from every direction.In his earlier match against Bill, Dustin demonstrated his immense strength and brought honor to his nation. After winning that match, his popularity had soared. But in this match, he was once again facing a foreign opponent.Regardless of the spectators' personal opinions, they would back him unconditionally. When faced with an outsider, Dragonmarsh's people often displayed remarkable unity. Even though internal conflicts were frequent, they united as one the moment an external threat appeared.After Dustin entered the ring, Jeremiah, contestant number nine, stepped forward. In contrast to the deceased Bill and George, Jeremiah didn't act arrogantly. Aside from the time he showcased his strength by defeating Truce, he had kept a low pr
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
"Well… some things are better left unsaid, but I believe you understand what I'm getting at," Percival said gravely."I'm afraid I don't, Mr. Wentworth. You'll have to forgive my ignorance." Jovian's tone was measured and composed."You…" Percival's expression darkened.Judging by Jovian's demeanor when he first arrived, Percival had assumed that he was someone who knew how to read between the lines. Yet now, he was feigning ignorance, making it clear that he wasn't taking Percival seriously."Enough, Mr. Wentworth. Let me handle this."Warrick took over the conversation and got straight to the point. "Jovian, right? Let's not waste time. We know why you're here. The only question is—what have you found out?""And what kind of information are you referring to, Sir Prescott?" Jovian asked.Warrick slammed a palm onto the table, and his face darkened. "Don't play dumb with me, brat. I don't have time for games. If you don't start talking, don't blame me if I stop showing the Balla
After making up his mind, Jovian no longer hesitated. He instructed the driver to make a U-turn and head straight to the meeting place.The meeting location was in a restaurant not far from the castle. It was only a ten-minute drive from where they had turned back.When Jovian and Boston walked inside, they found the place nearly empty. There were no guests in sight, just a few receptionists. It looked like the restaurant had been cleared out just for them."Sir, please follow me. Sir Prescott is waiting for you upstairs," the restaurant owner personally greeted them and led them to a private room on the second floor.Warrick, Huxley, and Percival were leisurely drinking tea inside the room. The three chatted and laughed, but their conversation stopped the moment Jovian and Boston entered. All three turned their attention to Jovian.They were quite curious about him. He had been privately invited by Austin and even stayed for dinner at the castle. It was a privilege none of them h
"An outsider? Who is it?" Percival asked urgently. "Could it be that assistant general who came in at noon?"Warrick frowned. "I've looked into that man. No background, no connections—just an old hand in the military. Been around forever, knows the ropes, but has no real pull.""It's not him—it's someone connected to him." Huxley lowered his voice. "Remember what Sir Austin said at noon? When he summoned that assistant general, he specifically mentioned the Ballard family.""The Ballard family?" Percival looked surprised. "You mean the Ballards from Oakvale? Are you saying they've already beaten us to it and met with the prince?""The prince hasn't met with them, but according to my intel, this man, Jovian Ballard, spent two hours chatting with Sir Austin today. They talked and laughed like old acquaintances. Sir Austin even invited him to stay for dinner at the castle." Huxley's face darkened. He continued, "Look, the Ballards sent someone at a time like this. They're obviously
After a brief discussion in the meeting room, Austin invited Jovian to tour the West Lucozia castle.The castle was enormous, equipped with imaginable facilities. Unfamiliar visitors could easily get lost in its vastness.Jovian prided himself on being well-traveled, yet as he toured the castle, even he couldn't hide his astonishment. Unlike the ostentatious displays of wealth seen in luxurious estates, this castle could only be described as grand, majestic, and awe-inspiring. Everything in his line of sight conveyed a sense of grandeur and majesty.What stunned Jovian the most was the House of Heroes inside the West Lucozia castle. The structure was nine stories high and looked like an ancient monument.The walls were lined with memorials of fallen soldiers. The place was packed with thousands of tablets, each engraved with the hero's name and a detailed account of their life stories for future generations to honor and remember.The Ballard family had a family tree that record