Paul, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up. "Mr. Doyle, there are rules that should be kept. Since your son was the one who accepted the challenge, he should accept whatever consequences there are.""But, my son—" Phil wanted to protest but stopped when he met Paul's icy glare. "Do you plan to be condemned by everyone?""No, sir." Phil gritted his teeth and lowered his head. In terms of status and power, the Doyle family was no match for Paul."Mr. Doyle, you should send your son to Stonearay Order immediately. He might still have hope if Dr. Watkins takes a look at him," Paul reminded."Hurry! Get the car ready!" Coming to his senses, Phil gathered his son into his arms and dashed out of the arena, the rest of the Doyle family members following closely behind. Receiving treatment was the most important thing right now."Hi, mind if I have a word with you?" Paul turned his attention to Dustin. "It would be my honor." Dustin nodded and followed Paul out the door.
Outside the Doyle family gates, a Maybach revved up and drove off, successfully shaking off the group of people who were chasing after them. "Thank God I moved fast, or I wouldn't even have the chance to talk to you." Paul turned around and looked at the annoyed group behind them, impressed by his foresight. "It's not that bad." Dustin was puzzled. "You don't seem to understand your value yet." Paul shook his head, chuckling. "Being able to defeat Terry Doyle has already proven how powerful and talented you are. There are less than five people in Balerno who could even be on par with you, so countless guilds are desperately trying to rope you in.""Tsk. What a bother. I should have kept a low profile." Dustin sighed. He had only challenged Terry to warn the Doyle family not to mess with him. He didn't expect them to invite so many people to watch the battle in an attempt to boost their reputation. Still, the Doyle family has shot itself in the foot since he was the one who ended
Dustin chuckled bitterly. "Alright, I'll agree to it. It's just going to be a few fights anyway." There was no fight he couldn't win when it came to using his martial arts prowess. Paul smiled. "Great. That'll be all."Dustin was curious. "Sir Paul, since you've retired, why are you still worrying about matters regarding the martial arts alliance?" Paul kept his smile. "Even though I'm not with the alliance anymore, my heart still belongs to them. Not to mention, the current leader of the alliance is my disciple. I don't see anything wrong with helping him recruit talent.""Sir Paul, I admire that you're a man of high integrity." Dustin nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright, there's no need for the flattery. Where are you going next? I'll see you off. ""Back to the Flame Dragon Dojo."…In the afternoon, inside Stoneray Valley at Mount Cloudcrest, Terry laid on an emerald bed. His complexion was pale, and he was sweating all over. A few physicians in white were carefully te
That night, in the second-floor office of the Flame Dragon Dojo."Sir Rhys, you were so cool today! Not only did you show the Doyle family who's boss, but you also made the Flame Dragon Gang famous all across Balerno! We have around a thousand members now, and they all admire you greatly!" Nelson poured Dustin a cup of coffee while he showered him with compliments; his excitement and elation were evident. He'd been worried that the Doyles would seize the opportunity and take revenge on them if Dustin lost. He didn't expect their gang leader to be so incredible. Against all odds, Dustin turned the tide and achieved a resounding victory over Terry. He had become famous through a single battle. "That's enough, you've said that a million times now. Can't you say something new?" Dustin was speechless. Ever since Dustin's return, Nelson had been flattering him in various ways, singing all sorts of praises that Dustin could think of. If people didn't know any better, they would think Nel
"Evidence? Where is it?" Dahlia was taken aback."It's with me now." It appeared that Dustin came prepared, as he took out two pieces of evidence. "These are the autopsy results. This can prove that James was poisoned to death. While this black needle is the murder weapon.""What?" Dahlia examined it curiously. Dustin added, saying, "If you don't believe me, you can get it tested personally." Although he had the evidence, it would be hard to convince her without finding the murderer. "No need for that. I believe you." Dahlia's expression was solemn. "To be honest, I know that you're not the murderer and that this has all been a misunderstanding."Dustin smiled. "I'm happy that you think that way.""I'm sorry for misunderstanding you. But please understand, I had no other choice. My brother's death has left me in pain. I feel so lost, and I don't know what to do. I'm scared … I'm scared that I will lose you too. I'm scared that we will become enemies. I'm scared of being alone,
"Wha—what are you doing?" Dahlia's expression changed as she struggled to free herself. She looked more alluring as she struggled desperately."Don't you like playing games? I'll play with you until you're satisfied!" Dustin's expression was cold."You're a lunatic! Stop this at once!" Dahlia cried out angrily.Dustin commented, "You're still pretending? The skin on your face has peeled off. Haven't you noticed?""What?" Dahlia's eyes widened, and she touched her face instinctively. However, she quickly came back to her senses. It didn't matter if her face was disfigured; her actions had already given her away. "I thought my acting skills were pretty good. I didn't expect you to see through it that quickly." Once she found out she was exposed, "Dahlia" stopped the act and pulled forcefully near her ear. Soon, a human mask was peeled off. "Dahlia" was gone, and she was replaced by an unfamiliar woman. The woman looked decent, but her complexion was ghastly pale. Her gaze was
The group of masked women brandished a knife and held it dangerously close to Dahlia's neck; a thin line of blood could be seen on her skin. It was a warning that Dahlia would be killed on the spot if Dustin made any sudden movements.Dustin furrowed his brow and ultimately released his grip. He wasn't going to risk Dahlia's life with the numbers they had."That's more like it." Astrid stretched her neck. She looked triumphant as she said, "Dustin, you should feel honored that my mentor has taken an interest in you. As long as you agree, we will be a family going forward. And if you refuse, you and everyone else around you will die!" "Do you have to go to such extremes?" Dustin's expression was frosty. "This is how we do things. If we can't get our hands on a talented genius like you, you must be destroyed," Astrid responded. "Do you really think you can kill me?" Dustin retorted. Astrid chuckled as she said, "I know you're talented, but we came prepared. I added Tranqurin to
"Ugh—!'' Astrid froze. Astrid looked at Azalea, who had a smile on her face, and then down at the sword in her chest. She was filled with shock and disbelief. She never imagined that Azalea would kill her without hesitation when she was smiling cheerfully just a second ago. There weren't any signs throughout the entire situation. "What?" Dustin was also bewildered at the sudden turn of events. He had casually mentioned it without expecting anything to happen. He would never imagine that Azalea would not only take it seriously but also act without hesitation and plunged her sword straight into her senior's chest. He wondered if this woman was ruthless or just truly insane."W—why?" Astrid spat out the words with difficulty, glaring at Azalea with wide eyes. Mixed emotions flashed across her face—disbelief, fury, resentment, and defiance. But above all, confusion clouded her face. She couldn't understand why Azalea would kill her. Was it solely based on Dustin's words? "Don't
"This is interesting." Dustin smirked as the dense barrage of swords came slashing down at him. In the blink of an eye, his figure dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.A storm of sword shadows carrying the force that could split rivers and overturn seas crashed down on the fishing boat where he had just been standing. The entire vessel broke apart in an instant—some sinking into the depths while others drifted across the water."What? He dodged it?" Warrick's eyes flickered with surprise.Mulder's attack just now had been a 360-degree attack. Once caught in its range, there was no chance to dodge—only the option to endure. He couldn't understand how Dustin had managed to avoid it. Did he just teleport?"Hiding like a coward? What kind of warrior are you? Come fight me face-to-face."Frustrated after his attack missed again, Mulder grew desperate. His enhanced serum would only last for 15 minutes. If this dragged on, he'd collapse from exhaustion before Dustin even touche
"Oh? Are we going all out now?" Dustin smirked, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.Mulder, who had advanced to become a grandmaster martial artist through drugs, had a weak foundation. Even after taking the enhanced serum, he still posed no threat to Dustin. If Mulder were a hundred times stronger, he might just barely be able to fight Dustin.As the serum's effects pushed his body to the limit, Mulder suddenly let out a furious roar. His muscles swelled rapidly, and his bones cracked as they expanded. His body grew larger at an alarming rate, and his clothes tore apart under the strain.His six-foot frame stretched to nearly seven feet in mere moments as his body swelled to monstrous proportions. His face twisted fiercely, and his skin darkened as black scales surfaced.With another guttural growl, his roar turned beastlike. He grabbed his shredded shirt and ripped it away, exposing his broad chest covered in dark scales. A faint, eerie sheen flickered across their surface."D
Dustin's words made Mulder frown.Mulder knew all too well that Warrick was the kind of man who had no sense of loyalty or honor. If Warrick could kill his own personal guards without hesitation, what would stop him from killing a stranger? Mulder was certain that the moment things went south, Warrick would be the first to flee. Given the choice, he'd never willingly risk his life as Warrick's sacrificial pawn. But now, there was no turning back.With his undercover identity exposed and him helping Warrick escape, Mulder became a sworn enemy of West Lucozia. His name was now on the most-wanted list.Tonight was their best chance to escape. If they missed it, finding another way out would be nearly impossible.There was only one path left for him—kill whoever stood in his way and make it onto that escape boat."Enough talk, punk. Let's see what you're really made of," Mulder said.After weighing his options, he gritted his teeth and finally decided to draw his longsword. His fig
"You had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next," Dustin said.With a slight squeeze of his fingers, the steel blades clamped between them shattered with a sharp clang.Before the two Hall of Gods members could even react, Dustin waved his hand.The two men were sent flying as if they'd been hit by a truck, hurtling over 30 feet through the air. Blood sprayed from their mouths and noses before they hit the ground. They were critically injured and on the verge of death.Dustin slowly turned his head and looked at the man who had just tried to ambush him.The man glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then at Dustin, who looked utterly unfazed. He hesitated for a split second—then bolted.With a powerful leap, he dove straight for the sea. He knew Dustin's strength was on a completely different level. There was no chance of outrunning him on land, so the only hope was to disappear into the water.It might have worked—if not for what happened next.Just before he hit
"You're not a fisherman? Who the hell are you?"Mulder's guard shot up the moment he got a clear look at the young man's face.Fishermen who spent their days at sea were usually tanned from the sun, but this one had a fair complexion. It felt a little strangeNoticing something was off, the men behind Mulder drew their blades and fixed their sharp gazes on the fisherman.The so-called fisherman standing guard wasn't just anyone—it was Dustin, who had been waiting for them all along.Since his plan was set in motion, he'd been stationed there from morning until midnight. After what felt like an eternity, his targets had finally arrived."Isn't it obvious? I'm here to capture you."Dustin rose from the deck and rolled his shoulders before speaking in an even tone. "If you don't want to die, surrender now. Otherwise, it'll be too late.""Watch out! It could be an ambush." Mulder swiftly pulled out his dagger. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any sign of hidden troops.
As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.Nearly two hours passed before Mulder's scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest."Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications." Warrick said. He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture. There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he
After a hearty meal, the burly Warrick sprawled lazily onto the bed and dozed off. He slept soundly till dusk, lost in a deep dream. When the sky was painted in brilliant hues of the setting sun, only then did he wake up leisurely.The exhaustion from the previous day seemed to have melted away. He felt invigorated, refreshed, and in high spirits.At that moment, Leigh had already set the table in the hall with quiet efficiency. Compared to the first meal, this spread was far more lavish.At the center of the table sat a whole roasted pig. Its golden-brown skin glistened with a rich, crispy sheen. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making it impossible not to crave a bite.Warrick had never been one for formalities. The moment he saw the feast, he didn't hesitate. He strode over, took a seat, and started digging in. He ate with zero restraint without sparing a single thought for Mulder, who was still out gathering intel.After a while, half of the roast pig was gone. His fac
"Who is it?" Warrick's grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade. His eyes, sharp and alert, were like those of a startled predator—full of caution and menace.For the past few days, he had been on edge, like a cornered animal. He barely slept and was constantly on high alert, fearing danger would strike at any moment.The door slowly creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside with a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.Before he could even register what was happening, a flash of cold steel appeared, and Warrick's blade was at the elderly man's throat.The elderly man trembled with fear. The tray slipped from his grasp, and fruit and pastries scattered on the floor."Easy, Sir Prescott. He's one of us." Mulder stepped forward and pressed down on the flat of Warrick's blade with a finger. He smiled and explained, "His name's Leigh Houston. He's mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He keeps watch over this tunnel entrance and has never slipp
"Here's the problem—even if we know Warrick's intentions, how do we stop him?" Austin asked.Right now, Warrick had already disappeared without a trace. Austin's team hadn't even come close enough to get a hold of him, so there was no way to track him down.West Lucozia's vast territory and resources made it impossible to seal off every exit route completely. While it might be manageable in the short term, prolonging such an operation would significantly impact West Lucozia's economy. Wasting resources on a single fugitive wasn't a wise move."Warrick is a wanted man across the entire city. There's no way he's leaving through official channels. He'll have to sneak his way out," Dustin analyzed. He continued, "According to the maritime charts, if he's traveling from West Lucozia to Artea, he'll have to go through Thaloria. That's our lead. Get someone on it immediately—find out how many smuggling routes there are from West Lucozia to Thaloria.""Got it. I'll get it done right away