"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
The muscular men at the back began to poke fun. All of them were behaving brazenly, leering at them."Ms. Natasha, why don't we leave for now? These people look difficult," Edmund advised quietly, shrinking into himself."Why are you panicking, Dad? This is the Harmons' home. What kind of trouble are they capable of kicking up here?" Abigail glared. She'd always looked down on her father's cowardly tendencies, always recoiling at the most minor things. Was he even a man?"You'd better get out of my sight while I'm not angry yet," Natasha said, her expression cold as ice. "Oh, you're pretty feisty! I like it." The bearded man rubbed his chin. "Unfortunately, beautiful, those two wusses next to you can't be your knights in shining armor." As he spoke, he glanced at Dustin and Edmund. One was a much younger man, and another was a wrinkled old geezer. They were nothing to fear. "Just me alone is enough to fight you!" Abigail said, slamming her palm into the table and jumping to her
"The White Stag Trio? Heh, you're nothing but clowns," the bearded man said disdainfully. He kicked the three of them and sent them flying. "Huh?" All the martial artists were shocked to see the three of them severely hurt and coughing up blood. Although they weren't exactly top dogs, they were still well-known in the martial world. Otherwise, the Harmons wouldn't have invited them.However, even with the three's combined forces, they couldn't withstand a few moves from the bearded man. It was far from anyone's expectation. This clearly proved how powerful he was."Just who are you?" The White Stag Trio were both surprised and afraid."Listen up, I am the Glenstead Hoodlum, Marlon Cobb!" the bearded man said arrogantly."Marlon the Hoodlum?!" Everyone was shocked to hear that, especially the White Stag Trio.Marlon was a divine-level martial artist. He was extremely well-reputed in Glenstead. Because of his strength and ruthlessness, he gained the nickname "Hoodlum." Peopl
Maria and Ivy gave it their all. In the end, after almost thirty exchanges, Marlon still found a chink in their armor and dealt a blow to each of them. The two women staggered back from the impact, and blood came out of their mouths. Instantly, they couldn't even muster any internal energy."Not bad!" Marlon grinned. He looked like he was still riding the high."You're shameless!" The two humiliated women flew into a rage. They wanted to attack again, but Caelus raised a hand to stop them."That's enough. You two are no match for him. Allow me.""Caelus, this asshole is utterly shameless. You need to teach him a lesson!" the two women said indignantly."Don't worry. Leave it to me." Caelus leveled a cold gaze at Marlon. He slowly unsheathed the sword on his back. Maria and Ivy bit back their anger and stood off to one side."Punk, you want to play the hero and save those damsels in distress? Are you capable of doing that? Don't regret it when I smash all your teeth in," Marlo
"Marlon!"When Marlon knelt on the ground, his lackeys all seemed aggrieved. Although Caelus was very strong, if they all fought him together, they would have a shot at winning.They couldn't understand why their leader would kneel in front of everyone. If this incident got out, their reputation would be done for."Don't let me see you all again. Get lost!" Caelus snorted coldly."Let's go!" Marlon said nothing more and immediately fled with his lackeys. He didn't dare stay a second longer."Amazing! What an amazing fight!""As expected of the senior disciple of the Invincible Guardians. He's truly impressive!""In less than ten moves, he defeated Marlon the Hoodlum! It's truly admirable!"All the martial artists in the hall began to clap and cheer.Marlon had a notorious reputation. After seeing him pick on women today, they were furious at him. It was just that none of them dared to fight him due to his strength. Now that Caelus had taken down Marlon the Hoodlum, they rejo
The burly man's expression changed drastically. His body began involuntarily moving toward the pale man at high speed, as if there was an invisible rope pulling him forward. All his struggles were in vain. Finally, his throat ended up in the pale man's grasp."You—" The burly man was terrified. He opened his mouth, but before he could get a word out, the pale man clenched his fist.There was a crack. The burly man's head fell to the side, and he died instantly. "Ah!" Everyone was horrified by the gruesome sight. The pale man had simply grabbed a man and killed him. That move was frankly frightening."Don't panic, everyone. With Caelus here, no one would dare act out of line!" Maria said, trying to calm everyone down. "What unorthodox magic is this? How dare you act so boldly here?!" Caelus took two steps forward. His gaze was sharp and aggressive. The sword on his back began to vibrate slightly, as if ready to spring free from its sheath at any moment. "I am the senior d
When everyone saw that Caelus had gotten sent flying from a punch, they were stunned.This was none other than the senior disciple of the Invincible Guardians, a highly powerful martial arts genius. The same person who defeated Marlon the Hoodlum with just a few moves. However, Gray Ghoul defeated a strong warrior like him with a single punch. It was unthinkable! "How could this be? Caelus lost?" "Who would've thought that Gray Ghoul would be so formidable? He defeated the senior disciple of the Invincible Guardians in one move. That's horrifying!""Shit, if even Caelus is no match for Gray Ghoul, would any of us be able to hold against him?"Right now, everyone was shocked and afraid. They all began to back out. Caelus was already extremely strong, but Gray Ghoul was even more terrifying.More importantly, he wasn't alone. He had so many lackeys, and none of them was ordinary. There was no way around sheer force in numbers. Ivy's and Maria's snapped out of their daze,
Instantly, everyone turned to look. "How dare you kill Nightshade's disciples!" Gray Ghoul glared at Dustin. "If you stop now, I'll let you die in one piece," Dustin replied. His calm words ticked everyone off. "Who the fuck does he think he is?""Does he have a death wish? How could he openly challenge Gray Ghoul?""He's just an idiot trying to show off."The martial artists sneered at Dustin disdainfully. Gray Ghoul was notorious for being so strong that even Invincible Guardians was no match for him. So, where did a nobody like Dustin find the balls to challenge that man? "You better not act tough, Dustin. Even Caelus lost to him. What makes you think you have a winning chance?" Ivy jeered."She's right. Your skills are pathetic!" Maria echoed."Just because he lost doesn't mean I will. Piss off." Dustin snorted. "What?" His words irked Caelus. "Who the fuck do you think you are, Rhys? How dare you look down on me! I might have lost to Gray Ghoul, but I can still beat
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
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,