Edmund quickly greeted Natasha. "Ms. Natasha," Abigail greeted her too.Back when her father used to work for the Harmons, Abigail had her fair share of interactions with Natasha. She found her to be a thoughtful, caring, and gentle person who would occasionally give her gifts. It wasn't until Natasha went to Swinton to further her career that the two rarely met anymore."Abigail, I haven't seen you in two years! You've grown up into such a beautiful young lady!" Natasha praised with a light-hearted chuckle. "You're the beautiful one, Ms. Natasha. There are countless ladies in Millsburg who envy your beauty." Abigail looked at her with admiration. Few could match Natasha's beauty and elegance in the whole of Balerno, much less Millsburg."How sweet." Natasha tapped Abigail's nose adoringly before looking back at the ruins behind them. "It seems like your house has been completely torn down. Why don't you go back with me to the Harmon estate and stay there for a few days? It'd be
"How do you plan to deal with this, Mr. Harmon?" Dustin asked."Since the Dark Lord is drawing near, I'll have to make arrangements in advance. Just to be prepared, I'll spare no expense to hire skilled martial artists to guard the house," Hector declared in all seriousness.Not only was the Dark Lord exceptionally skilled in martial art, but he was also accomplished in the mystic arts. The Harmon family's shadow guards alone were no match for him, so he would need to hire backup. Not only will this strengthen their forces, but it would also minimize potential losses for the Harmons. "Mr. Harmon, the Dark Lord will not act alone. He has many disciples, and each one of them possesses remarkable skills. You will have to consider that too," Dustin reminded."Yes, I'll take note of that. The Harmon family will be under strict security measures for the next few days to prevent any unwanted visitors." Hector nodded."Dad, I remember Grandfather saying that we have a trump card. What is
"Alright, you're the leader of the family. It's your decision." Natasha didn't voice much of her opinion. It was true that they shouldn't play their trump card, Michael Robinson, so easily. The best outcome would be to resolve the crisis and eliminate the Dark Lord of their own means so that not only will they still be in possession of their trump card, but it would also boost the entire family's morale."Mr. Harmon, I'm curious. What grudge the Dark Lord holds against the Harmon family?" Dustin suddenly questioned."Well …" Hector seemed to hesitate for a moment."Mr. Harmon, I asked because I'm curious. If you don't feel like telling me, don't stress about it." Dustin smiled. He knew better than to probe if it involved any of the family's secrets."Dad, there's no harm in spilling the truth. Dustin isn't an outsider," Natasha coaxed. She, too, didn't know much about the grievances between her family and the Dark Lord."Alright then, if you must know, I'll tell you." After some c
"The sole survivor?" Dustin and Natasha exchanged a look of surprise. It was truly astonishing to them that the Dark Lord was also a Harmon! And not only that, but one from the same ancestry! No wonder he knew so many of their secrets. "The three branches stemmed from the same ancestry, but due to the Dark Lord's selfishness, he went so far as to harm his kinsmen. How inhumane!" Natasha slammed her hand on the table out of frustration. She was even more irked after learning about the truth. She could have been more understanding if their current predicament had been caused by some deep grudge between both parties, but to think it was all because of a treasure map? The Dark Lord actually assassinated members of the Harmon family for so many years, all for a mere map? He was extremely deranged!"Men's greed is endless. The temptation of the treasure is immense, and the Dark Lord will never back off till he gets his hands on them," Hector said."One of the three branches has already d
As expected of the number one bombshell on the Beauty Ranking!"Maria Dunham, second disciple of the Invisible Guardians, at your service, Mr. Harmon!""Ivy Dennis, third disciple of the Invisible Guardians, at your service, Mr. Harmon!"The two girls in white also introduced themselves. "Alright, alright. You've all come at the right time. Come have some tea." Hector smiled gently, motioning for Jack to serve the tea and pastries."Mr. Harmon, we heard you're in trouble, so we're here on our master's orders to lend a hand. If you need anything, just let us know. We promise to help you handle it with ease!" Caleus said confidently. "The three of you must be exhausted from such a long journey. Please get some rest first. We can discuss this tomorrow. Oh, by the way, why haven't I seen your master?" Hector asked, changing the subject.Just three disciples from the Invincible Guardians were obviously not enough. It was best if a few elders or even the leader stepped in. "Don't
"Get lost!" Natasha's answer was simple and direct.The smile on Caelus' face froze. He had never thought she wouldn't even try to spare his feelings. After all, he was the senior disciple of the Invincible Guardians and a universally acknowledged martial arts genius. No matter where he went, people kissed the ground he walked on, and no one dared look down on him. But today, of all days, when he tried to ask for someone's hand in marriage, all he received in response was a simple "Get lost!" His reputation was going down the drain."Natasha, don't be rude!" Hector chastised. He then said regretfully, "Caelus, my daughter impulsively spoke out of turn. Please don't take it to heart."Caelus was the senior disciple of the Invincible Guardians, after all. He had to show him some form of respect. "Mr. Harmon, I consider myself a handsome and exceptionally talented man. I don't think it's a tall order to become your son-in-law. Now, I'm sincerely proposing to your daughter, and thi
"Please follow me." Jack bowed and escorted them out. "You got lucky today, punk. However, you won't be this lucky next time." Caelus shot Dustin a cold glare before leaving with the two young women. "Dad, why do I feel like you've invited wolves into our house?" Natasha said meaningfully."These are special circumstances. Let's put the interests of the whole above anything else. Now, we need the power of the Invincible Guardians, so let's not turn them against us," Hector reminded them."If he doesn't get on my nerves, there won't be a problem." Natasha arched an eyebrow."You …" Hector shook his head helplessly. "Enough. You two should head out. I still have things to attend to." The two nodded. They quickly said their goodbyes without saying much.After leaving the study, Natasha specially arranged a luxurious guest suite for Dustin, complete with a hot bath. To put it nicely, a private bodyguard would get special perks.Dustin wanted to turn it down at first, but he co
"A fight?" Upon hearing that, Hector got to his feet. "Is the Dark Lord here?""Perfect timing! Everyone, come with me to kill the enemy!" Dylan shouted with vigor."Kill!"The Harmon family members all slammed the table in front of them and hopped to their feet, aggression rolling off of them."You've got it wrong!" The Harmon family guard quickly explained, "It's not the Dark Lord; it's the martial artists we invited. They got into a conflict and are now fighting in the ballroom.""Huh?" When everyone heard that, they frowned. They had all thought that the great enemy had descended on them, but it turned out to be an internal fight amongst their own. All their excitement and vigor had been for nothing.What a waste of emotion."Come, let's go take a look!" Without another word, Hector led everyone out of the conference room. If internal conflicts were not handled properly, it could very likely end in greater disaster.At present, the Harmon family home's ballroom was filled
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
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