"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.
Dustin glanced at the vial of poison. He hesitated briefly before nodding. "Since Mr. Styles thinks highly of me, I should show my commitment."He picked up the vial, twisted off the cap, and downed the poison in one go without leaving a drop behind. To make sure Hank could see clearly, Dustin tipped the bottle upside down to show it was empty.Dustin's body was immune to most toxins, so this tiny dose didn't concern him.Hank laughed heartily at the sight. "You're really bold!" Drinking the poison would prove Dustin's commitment to joining the Hall of Gods, and it was the only way to earn their trust. No matter how convincing his words were, they would mean nothing without that act of loyalty.While the Hall of Gods valued talent, loyalty was their top priority. Only those who proved their unwavering commitment would be granted special training.Hence, the most effective way was to put one's life in their hands. This was a reality that everyone faced, including Hank. When a mis
Dustin carefully examined the box and ensured there were no unusual markings before turning to Grace. He asked blankly, "Did you actually guess, or can you see what is inside?""Of course, I guessed it. I don't have X-ray vision, so how could I see it?" She rolled her eyes."Amazing. I'm impressed." He gave her a thumbs-up. Just from a guess, she was able to piece everything together. He couldn't help but feel a bit outmatched by her sharp wit."So, is it really the enhanced serum in there?" Grace raised an eyebrow. She was surprised that her casual guess was accurate."See for yourself." Dustin didn't bother explaining further. He opened the box to show her the two red and blue vials inside."Oh? This is an S-class serum from the Hall of Gods. They certainly hold you in high regard." Grace leaned in for a closer look, and she was genuinely surprised.The Hall of Gods' enhanced serums were ranked in five tiers—D, C, B, A, and the highest, S. Each level brought a tenfold increase
“Dustin, here is the divorce agreement prepared by Ms. Nicholson. All you need to do is sign them.”In the president’s office of the Quine Group, the secretary, Lyra Blaine, placed a piece of A4 paper on the table. A man sat opposite her, dressed in plain clothing.“Divorce? What do you mean?”Dustin Rhys was taken aback.“Do you not understand what I’m saying? Your marriage with Ms. Nicholson is over. You’re not even on the same level anymore. Your existence is nothing but a smear on the president’s reputation!”Lyra pulled no punches as she spoke.“A smear on her reputation?” Dustin frowned. “Is that how she thinks of me?”Back when they first got married, the Nicholson family was in ruinous debt. He was the one who helped them when they were at their lowest point. Now that they were rich, Dahlia Nicholson was ready to just kick him out.“Something like that.” Lyra jerked her chin toward the magazine on the table. A photo of a beautiful woman was printed on the front page. “Look at t
In the elevator, Dustin stared at the crystal necklace dejectedly. Even though he had expected it, he was still sad that his marriage had ended just like that. He had once thought that happiness was simple: meals on the table, cheerful days, and simple pleasures. Now, he found out that normalcy was a sin. It was time to awaken from this prolonged daydream.Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking him out of his trance. When he picked up the phone, a familiar voice came from the other end.“Mr. Rhys, I’m Hunter Anderson from the Swinton Group. I heard that today your wedding anniversary with Ms. Nicholson, so I’ve prepared a gift for you. I’m just wondering if you have any time today?”“Thank you for your kindness, but I’m afraid we won’t be needing the gift,” Dustin said. “Why?”Hunter was taken aback. He could sense something wrong.“Is there anything else you’d like to talk about, Mr. Anderson?”“Actually, yes, there is.” Hunter cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’ve got a friend who contrac
“Fuck off!”Those two words were enough to scare Florence motionless. She had never thought that Dustin could be so scary when he was angry. He had always been so mild-tempered around them. He now looked like he could eat her alive.When she finally got her wits back, Florence began screaming, “Help! Help! He’s murdering my son!” Soon, the Quine Group’s security guards gathered around them.“What happened, Mrs. Nicholson?” The head of the security guards recognized Florence and stood at her side immediately.“Tom! Lock this guy up at once! I want him punished for beating up my son!” Florence yelled.“Holy cow! How dare you cause trouble in front of the Quine Group? Have you lost your mind?” Tom waved his hand. All the security guards surrounded Dustin.This was their chance to kiss up to the president’s mother. If they did well now, then they might get a promotion and a raise.“What are you waiting for? Beat him up!” Just as they were about to act, a voice sounded.“What do you think
“Mom, take James to the hospital. I’ll deal with this.”After a moment’s silence, Dahlia finally made her decision.“Dahlia, you must defend your brother! Don’t let that bastard off so easily!” Florence said hatefully.“Don’t worry, I know what I should do.”Dahlia nodded, gesturing for two guards to send Florence and James to the hospital.“What do you think, Lyra?”Dahlia rubbed her temples. She felt a headache coming on.“It’s obvious, isn’t it? It was Dustin who assaulted them first. The security guards were witnesses, so that can’t be a lie,” Lyra said.“But my mother’s not exactly an honest person…” Dahlia began. She knew her mother and brother well. They were a hot-tempered and ruthless duo.“Either way, it’s still wrong for him to throw the first punch!” Lyra said righteously. “Even if there was a misunderstanding, why couldn’t he talk it out? Moreover, it was James that he beat up. Your brother! He didn’t think of how you would feel when he attacked your family. This alone is