Faced with the black blade slicing toward him, Dustin stood firm. He didn't flinch or evade. Instead, he simply extended two fingers and clamped down on it.As soon as the blade met his fingers, it stopped and emitted a faint hum as it glimmered ominously in the light."Huh?" Jeremiah's eyes widened as he watched Dustin catch the blade between his fingers. With that strike, he had unleashed at least 80% of his strength, and the modified blade was sharp enough to cut through steel effortlessly. It was a force capable of slicing through anything—even a tank.But Dustin had stopped the attack, and he had done so with just two fingers. Was he also some kind of genetically enhanced beast?Jeremiah's shock quickly turned to resolve as he tried to withdraw his blade. But before he could muster the strength, Dustin's fingers twisted slightly, and with a sharp crack, the blade shattered.Jeremiah frowned. Though he was surprised, he didn't hesitate as he swung another blade toward Dustin
Jeremiah exuded a whole new intensity after transforming into a demon. Blood energy coiled around him, and his face twisted into a menacing snarl. Yet, his eyes remained as cold as ice and devoid of emotion. He loomed above the masses like a god looking down upon mortals; his presence was indescribable. Even from a distance, the spectators felt the crushing pressure deep within their souls. The sensation was so overwhelming that many couldn't suppress the urge to worship him."You've managed to force me into my third form… that's quite an achievement." As Jeremiah transformed into his demon form, his voice grew hoarse and deep.He slowly raised a finger and pointed at Dustin. What had once been a blade transformed into a withered, sharp claw. His crimson eyes locked onto Dustin and sized him up as if he were nothing more than an ant."You look intimidating, but I'm curious about how you fight." Dustin scrutinized him impassively. He had faced many fearsome opponents and would fi
Dustin expertly countered every strike from Jeremiah while launching his attacks in the battle ring. However, despite landing punches and kicks, his efforts only inflicted minor injuries on Jeremiah.The red scales covering Jeremiah were several times tougher than the previous black ones. Combined with his monstrous physique, he almost seemed to embody an Adamantine body.When Dustin's fists and feet struck the scales, the loud thuds echoed. Aside from the noise, it was nearly impossible to inflict any damage.Even when Dustin targeted Jeremiah's weak spots and managed to shatter a few scales, he still couldn't gain the upper hand. Jeremiah's regenerative abilities were astonishing. Even with a hole pierced through his chest, he could fully heal in just a few breaths. To him, minor wounds were hardly a concern. He was indeed an indestructible beast with such formidable defense and incredible recovery.Dustin realized that continuing down this path would spell his downfall. If he
As Jeremiah dove downward, Dustin smoothly assumed a sword-holding stance. Instantly, he swung the weapon with blinding speed.A black sword aura shot forth as it sliced through the air with the power to tear the very sky apart. It carried an overwhelming momentum that crashed toward Jeremiah."What?" Jeremiah's expression changed as an instinctual sense of danger sent shivers down his spine.The sword appeared ordinary, but with his heightened perception, he sensed the destructive energy contained within. He understood that if this attack struck his vital point, it would likely be fatal.Jeremiah quickly abandoned his offense and flapped his wings to dodge in midair. His reflexes were quick, but the black sword aura was even faster.Just as he sidestepped, the sword aura passed through him. Blood sprayed out and painted half the sky crimson."Ah!" Jeremiah let out a horrified scream.The sword aura had torn half of his shoulder, along with his arm and wing, and blood poured dow
"Interesting. It looks like this match won't be boring after all." From his seat at the Sword Union, Glenn narrowed his eyes. A rare spark of interest broke through his indifferent demeanor. As a swordsman, he thrived on the challenge of facing strong opponents. The more formidable his rival, the more it ignited his excitement. Watching an elite swordsman in action only intensified his desire to fight.Of course, ordinary fighters wouldn't capture his attention. But Dustin's earlier performance had drawn him in. Those two quick, fierce strikes showcased a sharpness of sword aura that was truly impressive. Glenn realized that an elite like Dustin would be an excellent sharpening stone for his skills.Glenn wasn't the only one who noticed. Dustin's impressive win over Jeremiah had left everyone in awe, and they began to see him as a dark horse in the tournament.While most might not consider him a contender for the championship, they recognized he had the strength to break into th
"According to the investigation, Dusk Titan was killed by the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order, while the Shadow Prince and The Dust of Angel were taken down by someone named Dustin Rhys." Hank didn't mince words as he detailed the entire incident.Losing those three elite fighters was a serious blow to the Hall of Gods. They had planned a two-pronged attack.To claim the championship title in the Combat Tournament and shatter the spirit of Dragonmarsh's martial artists while secretly raiding their treasures to block their fortunes.But before they could even get started, Plan A was already a bust. They had lost their top elites and suffered a major hit to their reputation."I know about the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order, but where did this Dustin Rhys come from?" Bailey's expression darkened as he spoke.He had researched Abigail, the second-ranked master on Dragonmarsh's Legendary List. It wasn't surprising that George had died in her hand.But Bailey had nev
"Dustin, I didn't realize you had such hidden talent. It's surprising that you could defeat our elites." Hank studied Dustin for a moment before breaking into a smile. He continued, "But I can't blame you. The fault lies with Bill and Jeremiah for not being strong enough. As the saying goes, the victor takes all. It's only natural they met such an end due to their lack of skill. I'm not here tonight to point fingers or hold you accountable.""Well, that's reassuring." Dustin breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Since you're not here to cause trouble, what's this visit about?""Honestly, your performance has caught the attention of the God King. He wants to formally invite you to join the Hall of Gods and help us accomplish our grand vision." Hank smiled as he extended the invitation."Join the Hall of Gods?" Dustin was taken aback. He said hesitatingly, "Mr. Styles, that doesn't seem right. I'm just a nobody from the mountains. How could I possibly be worthy of joining the Hall
"Dustin, I understand your concerns," Hank said with a smile."But I can promise you, as long as you stay loyal and don't betray the Hall of Gods, you won't be in danger. We highly value talent like yours. Honestly, the poison is just a safeguard to keep our secrets safe. I'm sure you understand."Without taking the poison, there was no way to exert control, which meant trust would always be in question. This wasn't much of an issue with disposable operatives, but loyalty had to be guaranteed when the Hall of Gods counted on someone for critical positions."Mr. Styles, I understand what you're saying, and the Hall of Gods sounds intriguing. But we've just met, and it's hard for me to put my complete trust in you right now." Dustin shook his head again.He thought, "Do they really think they can make demands without offering anything in return? Do they take me for a fool?""Trust can be built. Just take a look at this…" Hank reached into his coat and pulled out a small, ornate box.
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
"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