"Are you going to back down or not?" Paul stood proudly and imposingly. "Tyler, that's enough." Keith stepped forward as well, standing next to Paul. He alone might not be able to hold Tyler back, but with Paul's power in the martial world, it should be enough to make Tyler wary. He believed that Tyler would be smart enough to back down. "Looks like Tyler is about to be forced to submit." "Who can stand against two highly influential figures when they come together?""I didn't know the Harmons held such influence. They were actually able to force Tyler into a tough spot." Taking in the sight of both parties at the height of their confrontation, the crowd couldn't help but murmur among themselves. Tyler was an undeniably outstanding individual with a formidable background. No one dared to confront him, even when he publicly stirred up trouble at the Harmons' birthday celebration. However, no matter how excellent or talented he was, he still had to show deference in the face of
Paul responded calmly, "It's two against two. We're not exactly at a disadvantage.""Sir Paul, I'm afraid it's two against one. You should ask Sir Moran if he's still willing to open this can of worms," Roger spoke profoundly. "Hmm?" Paul turned to Keith and realized he seemed upset. It appeared like he had decided to back out with his silence. Keith was able to go up against Tyler alone, but with Roger backing him, it was a different story. After all, he wasn't too acquainted with the Harmons. There was no need to jeopardize his career over this. The Harmons feel dejected by Keith's silence. Once he backed out, it would be hard for the Harmons to escape the situation unscathed. "Mr. Harmon, I was indeed taken by surprise by your planning. Sadly, it isn't enough. So, what is your decision?" Tyler looked up slightly, his gaze directed at Hector. With Roger's army, Paul alone wouldn't be able to save the Harmons. Hector furrowed his brow, his expression solemn. Was he to give i
"Lord Xenos! It's Lord Xenos!""Damn, even Lord Xenos has shown up! The world is turning upside down!" "Who was able to bring forth Lord Xenos?" The crowd broke out into a frenzy at the sight of the distinguished man. Lord Xenos was no ordinary man; he was the viceroy! The influential figure who held control over the entire military and government of Southern province! He was an official of the first rank and a true authority figure! A single action of his could shake up Millsburg in its entirety. Sir Leinonen and General Lionheart were mere shadows compared to him. "Why is Lord Xenos here? Did Tyler invite him?" "It's over. It's all over … There's no one to save us now!""He's the most powerful official in all of Southern province. Who else can compare to him?"The Harmons were shaken, their faces filled with fear and despair. Given their status, it was evident that they weren't the ones to invite the viceroy. So there was only one possibility—he was on Tyler's side. At t
"Oh? Is that so?" George glanced at Hector. Hector spoke truthfully, "They were indeed engaged in the past. But there were some problems recently that warranted further discussion regarding the engagement." "Problems should be solved round the table. Why be so hostile?" George expressed his dissatisfaction. "I'm open to discussion, but the Harmons are not respecting me," Tyler responded. "Marriage should be based on mutual consent. It's criminal behavior for you to force my hand in marriage by publicly deploying your army!" Natasha suddenly cried out. "She's right," George agreed. "A marriage should be between two willing parties. If one party is unwilling, you shouldn't force it." Tyler frowned slightly at his words. It appeared as if George was adamant about standing with the Harmons."Lord Xenos, what did the Harmons promise you? I'm willing to pay tenfold," Tyler unexpectedly said to George."How dare you!" George's expression darkened, and he bellowed, "Tyler Grant!
Hector was astonished at the thought. He turned his head and looked toward Dustin, finding him calm and collected. It appeared as if he were an outsider in the situation. However, that was exactly what made him indiscernible. Upon deep reflection, Hector realized that the Harmons' situation had taken a turn for the better when Dustin started challenging Tyler. Was this young man in front of him really the person who turned the tide? It would be frightening if that were the case! "Mr. Hector, I'm needed elsewhere, so I'll be taking my leave first." George left after saying his goodbyes. He didn't expose Dustin's identity as he was worried about making things complicated for him. Some things were better left untold."Guess there's no more fighting. I'll be leaving too." Paul gave Dustin a knowing look before leaving with his head held high. "Mr. Hector, see you next time." Sir Moran shook his hand and left as well.As the influential figures departed, the ballroom livened up even
Kate snorted. "You sure are jealous of Dylan, even when you are talentless. How petty is that? If you are unhappy about Dylan, tell me, who else is better than him?"Kate's remark caught Natasha off guard. Dylan was indeed the best among other family members in their generation because of his government ranks. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Is it that hard to admit that Dylan's better than you?" Kate sneered at her. "Natasha, you dodged a bullet today, all thanks to me! You'd better show some gratitude," Dylan chimed in, much to Natasha's dismay. He and Kate seemed to be working together to bring her down. "All thanks to you? How?" Dustin did not like it when they laughed at Natasha. "Lord Xenos is a viceroy, and you're just a colonel. You're nowhere near his level, so why did you think he showed up for you?" "Are you claiming that he showed up for you?" Dylan scoffed. "You guessed right. He came here because of me." Dustin nodded, much to everyone's surprise. But
"I thought you guys love to laugh at others. Why aren't you laughing now?" After Dustin displayed his Consultant Badge, he openly confronted those who had looked down upon him.Dylan, Kate, and Natasha's friends gaped at the sight of the silver Consultant Badge on the table. They were smiling no more. After all, a Consultant Badge from the Hill family was a rare treasure coveted by many. With that badge in hand, one would have the backing of the Hill family, which also came with the perks of accessing and utilizing the family resources. It was not an understatement to describe the badge as priceless!However, it raised another question—how did the badge end up in Dustin's possession? Was he telling the truth when he said that he had saved Sir Paul's life? At the thought, everyone looked at Dustin differently."T-that's impossible! Why would you have the Consultant Badge from the Hill family?" Kate was still reeling from the shock, even though she was rather doubtful."I explained i
"That's right! The Hill family's Consultant Badge is as hard as steel. Only a counterfeit would be that brittle!" Kate supported Dylan's claim, and everyone else nodded in realization."So, it's a fake after all. That gave me a good shock.""This guy knows no shame! I can't believe he created a counterfeit badge just for show. He's too much!""Hmph! It's fortunate that Sir Dylan was smart enough to see through him. Otherwise, we'd all have been fooled!" Most of the crowd started berating Dustin. They trusted a wealthy son more than a lowly commoner. It was ironic how a successful person could blabber nonsense, and it would be taken as the absolute truth. While that same person, before becoming successful, could tell the absolute truth, and his words would be treated as garbage. Dustin spoke to Dylan coldly, "Dylan Harmon, have you thought of the consequences of destroying the Consultant Badge and distorting the truth in public?" "The consequences? Ha! You're the one tricking p
Poseidon scoffed. "You're so full of yourself." The surrounding seawater surged violently. It transformed into countless razor-sharp water spikes and whistled toward Dustin. The deadly edges glinted under the sunlight. Like a silver rainstorm, the barrage swallowed every inch of space around him.Dustin's sharp gaze locked onto the incoming strikes. With a light swing of the Celestial Blade, a streak of black sword aura shot out. Every water spike in its path shattered into mist and rained down in a cascade of droplets.However, Poseidon refused to relent. His attacks came in endless waves, an unbroken torrent.He gripped his trident with both hands and spun it, creating several blue energy rings. Each one expanded rapidly and surged toward Dustin like crashing waves.Dustin's figure flickered and vanished from his spot. The next second, he reappeared just outside the energy rings.Hovering in midair, he spun at incredible speed. The Celestial Blade in his hand turned into a b
"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