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
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
"Gentlemen, you certainly have a refined sense of humor." Jovian took another sip of tea. "But I'm not exactly a brave man. I startle easily, so I'd appreciate it if you kept the jokes to a minimum.""Of course." Huxley smiled and nodded. "Just some lighthearted banter to break the ice. If we've offended you, I apologize on behalf of Mr. Prescott. Please don't take it to heart."Jovian's expression eased slightly at that.Since he had the nerve to attend this trap-laden dinner, he wasn't afraid of a few threats. He wouldn't mind sharing information with them if they were willing to have a proper conversation.But they had tried to strong-arm him. Their words were laced with veiled threats and demands as if he were someone they could push around.Naturally, that didn't sit well with him. He just didn't let it show—for now."There's no need for an apology. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," Jovian said flatly. He stood to leave and felt that continuing this conversation w
"Well… some things are better left unsaid, but I believe you understand what I'm getting at," Percival said gravely."I'm afraid I don't, Mr. Wentworth. You'll have to forgive my ignorance." Jovian's tone was measured and composed."You…" Percival's expression darkened.Judging by Jovian's demeanor when he first arrived, Percival had assumed that he was someone who knew how to read between the lines. Yet now, he was feigning ignorance, making it clear that he wasn't taking Percival seriously."Enough, Mr. Wentworth. Let me handle this."Warrick took over the conversation and got straight to the point. "Jovian, right? Let's not waste time. We know why you're here. The only question is—what have you found out?""And what kind of information are you referring to, Sir Prescott?" Jovian asked.Warrick slammed a palm onto the table, and his face darkened. "Don't play dumb with me, brat. I don't have time for games. If you don't start talking, don't blame me if I stop showing the Balla