As night fell deeper, the snow fell heavier. Meanwhile, Hector and the others stood outside the Harmons' meeting room, waiting in silence. They occasionally stole glances inside, where Michael and Dustin were engaged in a hushed conversation. Half an hour earlier, Michael had asked everyone to leave so he could speak to Dustin privately."Mr. Rhys, that's the gist of what happened. I concealed my identity to hide from the enemy and protect Abigail from harm." Michael poured his heart out, finally releasing all the feelings he had bottled up. "I never expected that Abigail's mother would turn out to be the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order." Dustin was shocked. The Mystic Arts Order was known as the most formidable dark faction in existence, composed of talented individuals and high-level experts. The position of Grand Sorceress was prestigious. Dustin had always been curious about the protective seal inside Abigail. With her mother's identity as the Grand Sorceress reveal
The Harmons were naturally curious since Dustin and Michael's conversation went on for some time."Nothing much. Mr. Robinson just requested that I take care of Abigail in the future," Dustin replied."That's all? That can't be." Trent was suspicious."Yeah." Dustin shrugged. He knew that Abigail's identity as the Grand Sorceress shouldn't be made known for her safety. "Alright, let's set aside other matters for now. Our priority is to capture the Dark Lord. As long as he is alive, the Harmons will be in danger." Hector changed the subject. "Jacob has gone after him with some of his men. I wonder how he's doing." Trent was slightly worried. Although the Dark Lord was severely injured, he was still a Grandmaster martial artist. It would be a challenge to capture him. "Mr. Hector …" At that moment, the butler rushed into the meeting room, holding a square gift box. "What's wrong?" Hector looked over at him. "Mr. Hector, someone outside just passed us a gift earlier, asking
Inside the chairman's office at Nicholson Corp., Dahlia stood before the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing pensively at the falling snow. The city shimmered with vibrant lights, yet she was there alone. Her mother had returned home yesterday while she remained in Millsburg to settle pressing work commitments. On one hand, she truly had matters to attend to, but on the other, she was hiding. She didn't know how to explain James' death to the family. Until the real culprit was caught, Dustin remained the prime suspect. While she was lost in her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang. She was surprised to see that it was a call from Regulus Nicholson, the Nicholson family patriarch."Hello, Grandpa Regulus. How can I help you?" Dahlia was quick to greet him."Dahlia, I heard from your grandpa that you won't be spending New Year's at home and will be working overtime at the office instead?" Regulus asked in concern. "I have pressing matters to attend to at work. It's more co
Regulus chuckled heartily. "All right, as long as you agree! I'll arrange a family meeting tomorrow morning and officially announce you as the new head of the Nicholson family!"The surprising news came without warning, leaving Dahlia in a daze even after Regulus had hung up. She hadn't achieved much, yet she was suddenly the Nicholson matriarch, dramatically elevating her status. It felt unbelievable. Although Dahlia believed she had the talent, she lacked the confidence to lead such a prominent family at this time. However, she also realized that this was an opportunity for her to rise, and she shouldn't let it slip away. She had to give it a try, regardless of whether she was prepared. … The next morning, the heavy snowfall had stopped, and it was finally the New Year. Dustin had just returned to the Flame Dragon Gang when he saw Nelson approaching him happily. "Sir Rhys! I have good news!""What? Did your wife give birth?" Dustin asked curiously."It's better news than tha
In a luxurious private room at Ibiza Club, Hank was enthusiastically entertaining a bald man in glasses. A few alluring hostesses were by their sides, providing attentive service. "Mr. Niles, thank you for traveling all the way here. This is our show of sincerity. We hope you like it." Hank took out a check and placed it on the table, sliding it forward. The bald Niles only glanced at it before ignoring it, and he continued to drink with the beautiful women beside him. "Oh, look at me. I almost forgot to pass you a welcoming gift as well." Hank caught on immediately and took out another gift box, passing it to him with both hands. Niles opened the box and saw a gold bar that weighed a few kilograms. It was worth around one to two million dollars.Niles chuckled gleefully. "Hank, that's so generous of you. There's no need for such extravagant gifts between us," he said as he put them away nonchalantly. "Considering you traveled from Stonia, these are nothing." While Hank smiled p
"You dickhead! I don't think you realize the gravity of the situation!" Nelson was furious and was about to smack Hank again when Dustin stopped him. "You mean the Nicholsons were involved in this?""Why, are you finally scared?" Hank sneered. "That's more like it. You'll be offending the Nicholsons if you offend me. Now, get out of here!""I'm giving you one last chance. Confess and surrender yourself to the authorities, and I'll let you go." Dustin's expression was cold."What a load of crap!" Hank glared at Dustin. "Don't think I'm afraid of you just because you're the leader of the Flame Dragon Gang! Your small gang is nothing compared to the aristocratic Nicholsons! They could exterminate you in seconds!""It seems like you won't talk without a lesson. Slice his hand off!" Dustin cut through the nonsense."Yes, sir!" Nelson smirked. He ordered two of their henchmen to pin Hank to the table."Wait! I'm warning you, don't you dare touch me! The Nicholsons will not let you ge
"My ears hurt." Dustin's expression turned frosty. Without hesitation, he sent Niles flying with a brutal kick. "What?" Nelson and their men were dumbfounded at the sight. Hank couldn't believe his eyes either, and he momentarily forgot about his pain. Nobody expected Dustin to act so ruthlessly without uttering a single word.He had just kicked the Killian family's butler and a prominent figure from Stonia! One simple word from him could end their entire lives. Most importantly, the butler represented the Killians. Humiliating their butler was akin to humiliating the family themselves. How could Dustin be so daring and seemingly unconcerned about his own life?"Y—you … You dared harm Mr. Niles? Do you know what you just did?" Hank was scared and furious as he cried out."He's just the Killians' servant. What's the big deal?" Dustin turned his attention back to Hank and warned coldly, "You, on the other hand, will be in big trouble if you don't start talking."After meeting Dusti
Dahlia was going over some documents while drinking coffee. Suddenly, her office door was pushed open. Florence and Julie rushed in energetically, their expressions filled with happiness. "Mom? Didn't you go back to Swinton already? Why are you back so soon?" Dahlia was confused."Dahlia, tell me truthfully, have you been chosen as the next matriarch?" Florence asked with a sense of urgency."How did you find out?" Dahlia was surprised."Hahaha … It is real!" Florence was extremely excited. "Last night, your grandfather told me you were going to be the matriarch of the Nicholsons. I didn't believe him at first, but I can't believe you've come this far! This is amazing news!""Congratulations on your achievement, Dahlia! From now on, you are the queen of the aristocrats!" Julie flattered. While she was jealous and unyielding toward Dahlia in the past, it has now been replaced with flattery. The Glenstead Nicholsons were the most wealthy and influential aristocratic family, and D
Dustin had boarded the plane back to Oakvale. His trip to Sacred Wrym Summit had been full of ups and downs. From the Combat Tournament to the invasion of the Hall of Gods, his journey had been perilous. Thankfully, the outcome was favorable. He had won the championship at the tournament, acquired three Dracan essences, and ultimately foiled the Hall of Gods' plan. In every way, the mission had been nearly flawless.After bidding farewell to his newfound allies, Dustin joined Grace on the return flight. Four of the five Dracan essences had already been gathered, leaving only one remaining. According to Grace, the last essence had been located, and the person holding it was in Oakvale. Though their identity was still unknown, she suspected it was most likely one of the three princes.With the position of heir to the throne still uncertain, the three princes were all eager to secure their power. Whoever obtained the Dracan essence would be blessed with fortune and have a higher c
The chaos of the night quickly settled.By morning, as the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, Sacred Wrym Summit had regained its usual tranquility. Yet, the bloodstains across the ground and the wreckage of buildings stood as grim reminders of the previous night's violence.The military forces summoned by Grace had already taken the Hall of Gods' prisoners into custody.Rumors spread like wildfire, fueling gossip throughout the martial world as all the major guilds watched with keen interest. After all, very few in history had ever dared to challenge Sacred Wrym Summit, and a bold invasion aimed at destroying it was nothing short of unprecedented.The outcome was clear to all who bore witness. After many years, the world had come to recognize the true terror of Arion. He was no mere mortal—he was almost a godlike figure.…Inside the Hall of Gods' headquarters in Streuqua, the core members were gathered, seated in two rows on either side of the grand hall.On the thr
After dealing with the Hall of Gods' elite fighters, Arion disappeared in a blur. When he reappeared, he was hovering above the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit.The scene at the entrance to the forbidden ground was one of utter carnage. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, and rivers of blood flowed freely. All members of the Hall of Gods, including Hank, lay motionless on the ground.Dustin and Willard, both covered in blood and exuding killing intent, had fought fiercely. After a long, grueling fight, they succeeded in defending the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit. They had thwarted the Hall of Gods' plan to destroy the Dracan force.At that instant, Dustin seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up. Through the mist and darkness, he pinpointed Arion's figure hovering above. Arion smiled faintly and nodded at Dustin before disappearing again.Crossing several mountains in mere seconds, Arion arrived above the Sacred Wrym Summit's grand hall. Below, the discipl
When the dust finally settled, Arion was the only one left standing.Bailey, Willem, Anthony, Batuul, the three elite assassins from Eskus, and several gods from the Hall of Gods were either dead or gravely injured.Willem's body had been blasted into countless pieces. Each fragment wriggled on the ground as it struggled to piece together. Batuul fared even worse. He was utterly obliterated, leaving no trace behind, not even ashes. On the contrary, Bailey and the three Eskus assassins had both their arms severed and were gravely wounded. Though Anthony's limbs were still intact, his crushed internal organs left him coughing up blood. The backlash from the demonic blade had also taken a devastating toll on his body. He now appeared decades older, his face gaunt and hollow, his hair gray. His frail frame made him look like a man standing at death's door."H-How is this possible? No… this can't be happening!" Bailey's expression was a mixture of shock and disbelief as he stared a
Arion's sudden appearance caught everyone off guard. They stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed. What was going on? Wasn't Arion already dead? How could he be standing there in front of them? Could it be a ghost?They exchanged baffled looks, and their faces were filled with disbelief. They couldn't make sense of it. How could Arion possibly be alive? It was beyond their comprehension."You… you're not dead?" No one was more shocked than Willem. After all his effort, he had finally found the chance to bite into Arion's neck and drain every drop of his blood.He was certain Arion had died—there was no way he could have survived. But if Arion was dead, who was this person standing before them?"Everyone, calm down!" Bailey spoke up. "Arion's body is still over there. This person must be an imposter."At his words, everyone turned to look at the corpse lying nearby.Bailey was right. The body was still there, and there was no way Arion could still be alive. So, the person in front o
As the Snow Maiden attacked, Batuul's illusory Elephantine stirred into action. With a mighty roar, it charged forward and slammed into Arion. Its tusks, sharp as spears, aimed directly at his chest.Caught in the swirling snow, Arion couldn't avoid the attack and quickly invoked the Glow Incantation to shield himself. The tusks collided with the barrier in a deafening crash. The impact sent Arion flying, and the golden light surrounding him shattered like glass. Clearly, the illusory Elephantine's strength had far exceeded the Glow Incantation's limits.As Arion was tossed into the air, the three-headed, six-armed Chimera Wrath seized its moment. With six different weapons in hand, it launched a relentless assault.Arion swung his sword to block but was driven further back with each blow. With no solid footing in midair, his agility was useless against the onslaught.After several exchanges, one of the Chimera's weapons struck Arion squarely in the chest, sending him crashing to
After a prolonged battle, Anthony and the others finally realized the gravity of the situation.Arion wasn't just a sword master but also had unpredictable agility. No matter how they attacked, they couldn't even land a single hit. On top of that, his sword was a constant threat.If this deadlock continued, the situation would only worsen. So, when Bailey spoke, they knew it was time for decisive action, and there was no turning back. It was either kill or be killed.At that moment, Anthony, who had been holding back, finally decided to use his ultimate technique. He bit his finger and smeared the blood across his blade. His lips moved quickly as if whispering an incantation."Snow Maiden, arise!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he swung his sword. A white figure shot out and hovered in the air. It was a woman with fair skin and mesmerizing beauty. Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall, her dress was as white as snow, and her eyes had a sinister gleam.The moment she appe
"How many tricks does this old geezer have?"The impact of the divine talisman explosion left everyone both shocked and enraged. No one had expected that Arion would still manage to unleash such a powerful supreme divine power even after the Glow Incantation was broken and the lightning strikes failed to cause any harm.The impact of the thousands of divine talismans exploding at once was terrifying. Only the strongest fighters—Willem, Bailey, and Batuul—could withstand it. The rest of the group was severely injured. At that moment, they finally realized the terrifying strength of Dragonmarsh's strongest man."Impressive," Willem said, landing smoothly after being thrown back. His withered skin was now covered in cracks, and blood oozed from it.Most of the shockwave from the explosion had hit him directly. Despite his impressive defense, he still took some damage. However, these injuries were nothing to him. His wounds had already healed within a few seconds, as if nothing had hap
Willem's wings, black as night with a metallic sheen, erupted from his back. Fully extended, they stretched over 30 feet. With a gentle flap, a storm of wind and eerie howls swept through the air. The sheer force was intimidating to behold.His appearance had also undergone a drastic transformation. Willem's once-handsome face was now gaunt, his skin wrinkled, and his cheekbones jutted out. Fangs protruded from his mouth, and two sharp horns sprouted from his head. He had grown taller, but his body was unnaturally thin, with his ribs and sternum visible beneath his skin. From a distance, he looked like a towering, monstrous skeleton. It was an unsettling sight that sent a chill down anyone's spine.This was Willem's ultimate form. After the transformation, his speed, strength, defense, and reflexes were greatly enhanced. His thirst for blood grew even more intense, turning him into a bloodthirsty demon.The gods, who had expressed dissatisfaction moments ago, now stood paralyzed