"Hey! Where are your manners? How can you all just cut in line like that?" A young martial artist who was pushed aside immediately expressed his dissatisfaction. He had waited in line for a long time. Naturally, he was unhappy to be just cut in line like that. "Why not?" With a cold smirk, a chubby woman slapped the young martial artist. She declared, "I can because I'm capable!" Her arrogant and overbearing attitude would make anyone furious. "You … How dare you slap me?" The young martial artist was stunned. Then, his anger flared. "You bitch! Take this!" He raised a fist, ready to attack. But before he could hit the woman, a muscular man quickly stood in front of her. He blocked his attack. With a loud thud, the forceful punch from the young martial artist landed solidly on the muscular man's chest. The muscular man remained completely unfazed. However, the force of that punch sent the young martial artist stumbling back. His arm hurt from the impact. He felt as
"Hah! Guess you won't cry till you see death in the eyes!" Gianna glared at the young martial artist. She said haughtily, "Devon, since this guy won't respect us, let's teach him a lesson!""Alright!" With a smirk, Devon stepped forward. He lifted the young martial artist off the ground and above his head. "Let me go!" The young martial artist struggled wildly, but it was in vain. Compared to the muscular Devon, he seemed like a weak chick. He was absolutely powerless."Don't want to give in? Well, I'll make sure you will with my fists!"Devon held the young martial artist tightly with both hands. He spun him around a few times before moving to slam him down forcefully. If the young martial artist was lucky, he would only sustain serious injuries the moment he hit the ground. "He's done for!" Many in the crowd looked on sympathetically. Just as the young martial artist was about to meet his end, a hand appeared and caught him gently. It skillfully neutralized the force o
"Ahh!" Devon screamed in despair, seeing the sword coming at him. He never could have expected the charming woman to act so ruthlessly out of nowhere. It was evident she held absolutely no regard for Boulderthorn. "Stop!" "No!" The unexpected turn of events shocked the Boulderthorn disciples. However, it was too late for them to stop her."Don't kill him, kid," Dustin said just in time. There was a sharp whistle as Scarlet's blade stopped mere inches from Devon's throat. A thin line of blood formed as it grazed his skin. Had Dustin spoken out a second later, Devon would have been lying in a pool of his own blood. Devon gulped. His face turned pale. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. The terror in his eyes never went away. He had very nearly met his end. Just where did this crazy bitch with such hatred come from? They weren't even enemies. It was scary. "Do that again, and I will send you to hell," Scarlet said icily. Devon shivered involuntarily. A wave o
"Now, who is going first?" "Me!" Gianna approached the strength tester machine confidently. The strength tester machine was made from metal. It had a flexible punching pad right in the middle designed to absorb and measure the force of the strike. Upon delivering a punch, the display screen would present the amount of strength."Guys, I'll try it out for you first." Gianna took a deep breath before delivering a powerful punch, smashing the punching pad. With a heavy thud, the punching pad slammed into the tester machine. At the same time, the red digits on the display screen fluctuated rapidly and settled at 1250."No way! A woman punched 1250 pounds of force? That's stronger than me!" "She's impressive to hit those numbers without internal energy." Whispers and murmurs spread among the crowd, expressing their surprise. It was impressive to achieve those numbers as a young lady not older than 18. "See that? This is what I am capable of!" Gianna chuckled proudly. She eve
The crowd was silent as they stared at the red number. Looks of astonishment replaced the smiles on their faces. No one expected Dustin to have such terrifying strength. His punch was over ten thousand pounds of force! It was incredible!"Fuck! Who is this guy? How can he be so strong?""And I thought five thousand pounds was the limit. This guy broke through ten thousand!""Damn it! He's a freaking monster!"The martial artists present began discussing among themselves and expressed their surprise.The Steeljaws Fellowship disciples were in shock, unable to believe it. Desmond had exerted his full strength only to achieve five thousand pounds of force. While Dustin easily surpassed ten thousand pounds of force. Dustin completely crushed them with that display of strength. It was humiliating! "How was that possible? How could this skinny guy have such incredible strength? Did he use internal energy?" Gianna questioned. "If he used internal energy, the machine would have
After a short silence, the room erupted in cheers.Everyone looked at the numbers displayed on the screen with wide eyes. They were in disbelief.Dustin's ten thousand pound record was already terrifying. He could get promoted to the next level with that.Who would've thought that another more frightening monster would show up?Fourteen thousand pounds completely replaced the previous record!It was simply horrifying!"Hahaha. Devon is just impressive!" Gianna burst out laughing and jumped around in joy."That's God-given talent!" The other disciples were also overjoyed. They could also share some of this glory thanks to Devon's achievement."You're insane! You broke the record with just one punch!" The martial arts alliance staff's wide eyes were filled with admiration."Hmph, that was nothing. I was just warming up. Now I'm getting serious!" Devon clenched his fists, stretching his neck from side to side. Then, he gestured for the crowd to make way for him.He exhaled. Then
Everyone was stunned as they watched the strength tester machine fly over 30 feet away.They were rooted to the spot and didn't react for half a minute.Their eyes were as wide as saucers. Their mouths opened wide in disbelief that an egg could fit in there.They never expected that something like this could even happen. The entire strength tester machine broke down from just a punch.Was he even fucking human?!"My eyes aren't playing tricks on me, right? He sent the strength tester machine flying?""What the fuck? Where did the monster come from?!""This is completely out of this world! Nothing like this has ever happened before!"After a short silence, the crowd whispered among themselves.They all looked at Dustin like they had seen a ghost. Their shock was written all over their faces.It wouldn't have been such a big deal if Dustin had scored higher. Devon would just grit his teeth and accept it.But now, Dustin destroyed the machine with his fist. How could he accept
"Well …" The staff was in a dilemma.Since the machine was already broken, they couldn't verify whether he had cheated. Of course, they could not just invalidate the results.Not to mention, Dustin's first punch had reached ten thousand pounds. He could already get promoted with that. Thus, whether he cheated during the second punch was unimportant.After thinking for a moment, the martial arts alliance staff finally decided. "I'll investigate this thoroughly, but there will be no changes to the promotion target. Please proceed with the next test." "Hmph, you got lucky!" Although Devon was unhappy, he knew he couldn't do anything to Dustin without evidence."You cheated in the first test. Let's see how you pass the second one," Gianna said unkindly."Let's move on to the second test. We'll find out whether he cheated or not." Desmond gestured for the others to follow him to the next test venue.The second test was called the agility test.The candidates had to cross a row of s
Night had fallen. Austin sat in the meeting room, quietly reading a book as he waited for the results of the investigation.After successfully turning Percival against his allies, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered solid evidence of Warrick and Huxley's crimes.For years, the castle had turned a blind eye to their shady dealings. After all, corruption among officials was nothing new.But this time was different. The two had secretly orchestrated Jovian's murder, a direct challenge to the authority and dignity of the royal family. Such defiance couldn't be ignored. If Austin didn't set an example, others would surely follow."Your Highness!"Axel burst into the meeting room, panting heavily. He had clearly run the whole way to avoid any delay.Austin set his book aside and asked calmly, "Well? How did it go?""Your Highness, we've completely shut down all of Warrick and Huxley's illicit operations. Every hidden network they had built over the years has also been d
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