"What? What do you mean he can't save his own ass?! What nonsense is that?" Julie glared at him crossly. She was annoyed with the way Dustin had poured cold water on her suggestion."If I'm not wrong, Terrence Stone will be fired by the Brooks Corporation today," Dustin proclaimed breezily."Bullshit!" Julie was irked by his prediction. "Our Terrence is good at his job. Why would he get fired?""Whether you believe it or not, it's all up to you. Anyway, Terrence Stone can't help us on the second challenge." Dustin shrugged."If he can't help, are you saying that you can do it? What a joke!" Julie stared at him icily, thinking that he was only a reckless man who shouldn't be bragging around."Sorry to tell you, but I can do what Terrence Stone can't." Dustin grinned at her."Oh, you're getting cocky now, aren't you?" Julie was burning with rage. "Dustin Rhys, I wanted to respect you, but if you're such an arrogant twat, I'll prove you wrong!" Then, she immediately made a call to
"Wait!" Julie ran up to the middle-aged man just as he was about to leave. "Mr. Suzman, you might not know me, but you must know Terrence Stone.""Terrence Stone?" The man lifted an eyebrow. "What do you three have to do with him?""Terrence is my boyfriend!" Julie beamed proudly. "Mr. Suzman, I believe that he has already given you a heads-up. Now, can we go to your office?""No, you can't." The man put on a frosty look. "I'll repeat: you have to make an appointment to meet with me.""What?" Julie was slightly taken aback by his attitude. "Mr. Suzman, did you not hear me? I'm Terrence's girlfriend, and I'm here to talk business.""So what?" The man snickered. "Even if it were Terrence who came to see me, he'd have to make an appointment too!""You—" Julie choked on anger and refused to believe that Mr. Suzman would shut her out. He wouldn't even budge at the mention of Terrence."Julie, it looks like name-dropping won't work around here." Dustin flashed her a half-smile. Her ey
"H—how could that be? I—impossible!" Terrence's eyes were bulging with disbelief. Although he did not put much effort into the job, at least he didn't make any mistakes. On top of that, he was carefree during his time with the company because he had the backing of the higher-ups. Given his social connections, it wouldn't make sense for him to get fired. He couldn't wrap his head around the situation."Terrence, you're fired?" Julie was bug-eyed when she noticed the change in Terrence's expression. He had promised her the business contract, but how did he end up losing his job instead?"It looks like there's trouble." Dahlia furrowed her brows and appeared pensive. She had pinned her hopes on Terrence, but he wouldn't be of any help anymore."Cole Suzman, be honest—were you playing dirty behind my back?" Terrence fixed his gaze on Cole."Why would I do so when there's nothing between us? Plus, even if I wanted, I wouldn't have the power to do that. You should look at yourself for th
For Terrence, it was an exciting moment for him to show off his authority in front of everyone. However, things changed when Cole received a text on his phone. Cole was momentarily caught off guard by the content and checked it a few times before breaking into a grin."Why are you smiling?" Terrence had a haughty look on his face. "Terrence Stone, say goodbye to your good life. I just received a company-wide notice stating that your uncle has been terminated as well. You're both on a sinking ship together. You're finished!" Cole declared boldly."Bullshit!" Terrence shot him a glare. "My uncle is the CEO. Who would have the guts to fire him?""Mr. Brooks did that, of course," Cole said righteously."Nonsense!" Terrence refused to believe it. "My uncle is one of Mr. Brooks' right-hand men. Why would he be fired for no good reason? You should stop spewing lies!""It's up to you if you believe it or not." Cole didn't want to waste time with Terrence anymore. Although he had no cl
"How could that happen?" Terrence slumped onto the ground as he grew despondent. He did not expect Roderick Brooks, his boss, to be the subject of his wrath yesterday. Not only was he fired, but he also dragged his uncle down with him as they got kicked out of the company."You brat! What are you standing there for? Come with me to apologize to Mr. Brooks now!" The man grabbed Terrence by the hair and violently dragged him out. The whole time, a cowering Terrence didn't utter even a single word of protest."What?" Julie's jaw dropped to the ground at the sight of it. It was hard to fathom how Terrence had fallen from a place of authority and honor to one of shame."He totally deserved that! It was his fault for acting like a thug!" Cole scoffed and disappeared into his office."Your dear Terrence can't even save himself," Dustin remarked with amusement."It's all because of you and your stupid predictions! He wouldn't have been fired if it weren't for you!" Julie started to lose i
Right after that, they heard a click as the door to the manager's office flung open. Then, Cole ran out in a great hurry and almost stumbled over."Who's Dustin Rhys? Is there a Mr. Rhys here?" He searched high and low with an anxious look."That's me." Dustin took a few steps forward."Mr. Rhys, I'm so sorry for not recognizing you just now. I didn't properly greet and receive you and your guests. Please forgive me." Cole jogged up, his previous arrogance wiped off as he bowed deeply at Dustin. His respectful demeanor came as a surprise for Julie and Dahlia. A while ago, Cole was acting all righteous and refused to show Terrence leniency. Why did he suddenly grovel at Dustin? They were left scratching their heads at the reason behind his abrupt change."Mr. Suzman, that wasn't necessary. Let's talk business." Dustin went straight to the point."Right, right …" Cole nodded furiously and plastered a smile on his face. "Ladies and gentlemen, this way, please.""Ladies first." Bea
It was afternoon when Dustin arrived at the Harmon estate in a hurry after getting the news. He was greeted by the sight of armed soldiers surrounding the compound. Hundreds of armed men from the elite forces of the Harmon Family guarded the entrance in what appeared to be a standoff, and both sides weren't about to back down."Harmons, I will make myself clear—hand over the suspect, or we'll subject everyone to the same punishment!" The commander-in-charge bellowed, his full voice echoing through the compound. Behind him, the soldiers stood stiffly while holding their guns. Once the commander gave his orders, these soldiers would shoot mercilessly."What's all this about?" Dustin frowned at the violent confrontation. He wondered how the Harmons got involved with the military."Sir, what calls for the mobilization of these forces?" Dustin went up to him and questioned."I was ordered to capture the suspect. Unrelated personnel, please leave the grounds right now!" The commander bar
"Dad, did you do anything else than drink?" Natasha pressed on."What do you mean?" He was puzzled by her questions."Dad, think carefully! You can't make a mistake here!" She was dead serious."I think I blacked out from drinking. I can't remember a thing. What happened?" Hector frowned softly. Natasha finally dropped the bomb. "Dad, Sir Moran's daughter was dead!""She's dead?" He was stunned by the news. "How did that happen?""We don't have the details yet, but rumors had it that you were the murderer!" Natasha informed him."Did they say I was the murderer?" He was completely lost. Eyes bulging, he shook his head vehemently. "No, that's impossible! No matter how drunk I am, I would not kill someone!" He might be a lightweight, but he was a well-behaved drunk. Normally, he'd be dead asleep after he was drunk and never made a scene."I don't believe them either, but witnesses claimed they saw you murder her. Sir Moran's forces are at our door, and they will force their way
"Logan, I have to admit that you're stronger than I thought. I never expected you'd push me this far," Poseidon said.His arms slowly spread wide, and his blue eyes glowed with murderous intent. "As a mark of respect, I will give it everything I've got. You'll witness the true extent of my power."With a flick of his hand, he made a grabbing gesture. His trident, which had fallen to the bottom of the sea, shot back up through the water and landed firmly in his grasp.Compared to his earlier arrogance, Poseidon now stood with a newfound seriousness. It wasn't just Dustin's strength that had him on edge but his terrifying potential.At only 20, Dustin already possessed this level of strength. If he continued to grow, he would become a serious threat to the Hall of Gods. Hence, Poseidon resolved to eliminate him today."Watch closely," he said.Poseidon slowly raised his trident and gripped it like a javelin. While channeling his energy into the weapon, it pulsed with an intense blu
Dustin was Dragonmarsh's elite prodigy, while Poseidon was the famous royal god of the Hall of Gods.Every move they exchanged unleashed destructive power. Within moments, the area within a 300-foot radius was reduced to wreckage.Dustin wielded his true energy-infused longsword. Each swing unleashed a blinding flare of light as if it could split the sky apart with the Celestial Blade.On the contrary, Poseidon's trident commanded the winds and rains. Each strike could summon huge rolling waves as if he were a god reigning over the forces of nature.Sword aura clashed against walls of water and plunged the entire area into chaos.Warrick and the others watched with rapt attention. Their eyes were locked on the battle ahead as they tried to make sense of the chaos.But Dustin and Poseidon were moving so fast that their actions were almost impossible to follow. Their movements blurred together, and they could only catch flashes of two figures constantly clashing. Their strikes ca
"Let me correct you," Dustin said.As his hand slowly tightened into a fist, a white longsword formed from his true energy. "In Dragonmarsh, there is no 'God. ' We only have the Lord of the Dead."The moment the words left his mouth, a tempest of sword aura exploded outward. Within a radius of several dozen yards, the winds howled, sand and stones were sent flying, and the waves along the shore grew even more violent."Such overwhelming pressure. That sword aura is insane. Is this Logan's actual strength?"Feeling the surge of energy, Warrick and the others couldn't help but turn pale. It was then they realized that Dustin hadn't been fighting seriously before. Or perhaps, with their strength, they hadn't even earned the right to make him fight for real. They figured only someone of Poseidon's caliber could force Dustin to go all out."Interesting… truly fascinating." Poseidon suddenly laughed. "I thought you were just a pup, but it turns out you're a hungry wolf. Now, this is s
Poseidon hovered in the air with his trident in one hand and radiated a commanding presence. He stood like a god, and his figure was so intimidating that it struck fear into those who beheld him.With a wave of his hand, an invisible energy struck Warrick and expelled the three silver needles from his body. Feeling sensation returned to his limbs, Warrick's face lit up. He quickly rose to his feet and clenched his fist to his chest in salute."Thank you, Lord Poseidon, for saving me. I will never forget this kindness!" he said."No need for formalities, Sir Prescott. Now that you've pledged yourself to the Hall of Gods, it's only natural that I ensure your safety," Poseidon replied with a faint smile as he descended gracefully."Your timely arrival was a blessing," Warrick said as he bowed his head slightly in deference. "Otherwise, we would have perished tonight."The Hall of Gods' royal gods were figures he could only look up to. Everything about Poseidon, from his power to hi
Mulder knew Warrick had been on the battlefield for years, and his physical strength was unmatched. On top of that, he was already halfway to becoming an ultimate grandmaster. Even if Warrick couldn't defeat the prodigious Logan, Mulder figured the difference wouldn't be too big. But he never expected Logan to take down Warrick with a single finger, leaving him severely injured and unable to stand. The difference in their strength was far beyond anything Mulder could have imagined.In other words, Logan had been toying with them from the start and didn't take the fight seriously. If he had, they would've all been dead.Warrick clutched his chest and coughed up blood as he staggered to his feet. His chest was a charred ruin, the flesh torn open and slick with blood. It was an awful, gory mess."I didn't expect you to be this strong. I underestimated you," he growled.He slowly raised his head, and his face twisted with a menacing look. "Guess I was just unlucky to fall into your
"Oh? You guessed it?" Dustin smirked. "Now that you know who I am, it's up to you to decide what to do."If Warrick chose to surrender, Dustin would simply seal his pressure points and leave him to Austin's judgment. But if he resisted, Dustin wouldn't hesitate to cripple him."Haven't you given up your title as the prince? Why did you return? Are you going to compete with Austin for the throne?" Warrick asked.Uncertainty flickered across his face before he continued, "If that's your intention, I can help you. Spare me today, and I guarantee you'll become the next Prince of West Lucozia."Power was a tempting beast. History was filled with stories of brothers turning against each other and fathers murdering their sons for it.In Warrick's mind, Logan's quiet return to West Lucozia meant one thing—he was after the throne."Guarantee?" Dustin scoffed. "What guarantee are you offering?" His voice was dripping with disdain. "You're a cornered rat now. You're barely holding on to you
"Warrick's blade technique is terrifying," Mulder mumbled. "This should be the finishing blow, right?"Watching from a distance, he was awestruck by the dazzling blade aura. Only now did he truly grasp the sheer gulf between Warrick and Dustin.Warrick's strike descended with such overwhelming force that it seemed to split the earth and obliterate everything in its path. Even from 300 feet away, the pressure rolling off it sent a chill down Mulder's spine.Under Mulder's stunned gaze, Warrick brought his full weight down, with blade and body merging into a single force that swallowed Dustin whole.The instant they clashed, an incandescent explosion of light erupted. It was so blinding that Mulder couldn't even open his eyes.A split second later, a deafening blast erupted, and a shockwave shot outward like a tidal surge. The force flattened the waves and overturned several fishing boats docked at the pier.Even Mulder, more than 300 feet away, was caught in the blast and tumbled
"So what if I am? And what if I push even further?" Dustin's smile slowly faded. "If you don't like it, do something about it."There was no reasoning with tyrants like Warrick."Punk, are you really willing to risk your life against me? Have you ever considered what happens if you lose?" Warrick's face turned grim as a wave of killing intent spread from him.He had already taken a step back to avoid unnecessary trouble. If Dustin refused to back down, there was no choice but to fight."Cut the crap. You wanna fight, fight." Dustin didn't bother with more words. With a flick of his wrist, a silver needle shot out and aimed toward Warrick's forehead—silent, unassuming, but deadly."Hmm?" Warrick's brow furrowed as he instinctively raised his arm. Sparks flew as the needle deflected off his arm and buried into the ground."Oh? You've mastered the Adamantine Body Technique?" Dustin narrowed his eyes. At that instant, he saw through Warrick's technique. Not only was he halfway
Mulder's body trembled, and he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. His energy drained, and his entire being seemed to collapse.Dustin's finger flick had not only shattered his sword but also injured his internal organs. With the effects of the enhanced serum wearing off, Mulder was now back to his original state and completely spent.His once-powerful frame now shrank like a punctured balloon. He looked as if he had aged ten years in an instant. Mulder could no longer fight. Even standing up was a challenge."He's finished," Dustin said coolly, then looked at Warrick. "Now it's your turn.""Hmm?" Warrick frowned, and his expression turned serious.Dustin's display of strength earlier had made him feel a sense of crisis. If they fought head-on, there was no telling who would come out on top.But Warrick was just one step away from escaping West Lucozia, bound for Artea and a life of freedom and luxury. He had no intention of risking his life in battle unless he absolutely