"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
After Thomas stood on the stilts, he suddenly turned his head to look at Dustin. "Punk, your biggest mistake is looking down on Boulderthon. I know you're powerful, but you are nothing compared to me when it comes to agility. Open your eyes and watch. I'll show you what being as agile as a hare means!" Thomas raised his head proudly.When it came to strength, he was nowhere near Devon. However, no one could compete with him when it came to agility."Ready, set, go!" The bell rang, and Thomas immediately moved.Like a dragonfly skimming the water's surface, he hopped on the stills lightly.Not to mention, he was swift. They could barely see his silhouette as he moved like a shadow. They couldn't follow his movements."Whoosh!" Suddenly, hidden weapons shot out at him, one after another.Some came from the side, while others sneaked up on him from behind.Yet, as if he had eyes on the back of his head, Thomas dodged all the weapons. He switched between moving slowly and quickl
Everyone gave him a thumbs up, acknowledging his achievement."How was that? Do you acknowledge my skills now?" Thomas turned around and taunted Dustin. "Now, do you know what agility is? You'd better learn a thing or two from me!""Punk, are you scared now? Who else can finish the test in less than a minute?" Devon said pridefully."That's right! When it comes to agility, no one here would dare claim to be better than Thomas!" Gianna boasted.The two of them chimed in one after another, using Thomas' glory to act like bullies.Dustin was speechless. "He took such a long time to cross these stilts. What's there to be proud of?"All he did was dodge a few waves of hidden weapons. How arrogant."From your tone, it seems you won't acknowledge Thomas' success. Come on then, if you have what it takes, why don't you try? I want to see what you can do!" Devon mocked."Hmph, you sure know how to talk big Then get up there! Why are you hiding at the back? You're just like a turtle hidin
"T—that's impossible! How on earth did you do that?" Gianna stuttered, utterly shocked. She didn't have time to process everything since it happened too quickly. "Are you going to accuse me of cheating again?" Dustin retorted. "I—" Gianna didn't know what to say. Earlier, Dustin might have cheated by using internal energy. But, using internal energy was allowed in the agility test. Anyone who safely got through the row of stilts naturally passed. There was no way she could accuse him of cheating anymore. Still, she couldn't accept it. "Hmph! So what if he's fast? He only passed because he used underhanded tricks!" Desmond grumbled dismissively. "The internal energy test is up next. I doubt you'll pass!""He's right! Internal energy determines a martial artist's strength. No matter how fast you are, you're useless if your internal energy is weak!" Gianna echoed stubbornly. "Hey, kid! I dare you to compete with Desmond and see who has stronger internal energy! The winner get
"Come on! You can do it!" Many people began to cheer for Desmond. Nearly half of the crystal ball had turned golden. He needed to hold out a little longer, and the crystal would turn fully golden. "Aargh!" Desmond gritted his teeth and continued channeling his internal energy into the crystal ball. His strength was draining fast. His face beaded with sweat.Seconds later, the crystal ball hummed as it turned fully golden. Desmond collapsed onto the ground. He was relieved and exhausted. "Hooray! He did it!""Good job, Desmond!"Everyone cheered excitedly. "You sure are strong. Well, congratulations! You get to advance to the next level!" The alliance staff praised with a smile. Few people could turn the crystal ball gold in one shot. "What now, punk? Do you accept the outcome yet?" Devon sneered. "Did you see that? That's how powerful Desmond is. He easily surpassed the limit and advanced to the next level. Can someone like you do that?" Gianna gloated. "What's the
Everyone was stunned when the crystal ball shattered into pieces. Their smiles disappeared and were replaced by looks of dismay and astonishment. Everyone had assumed Desmond would win since he had turned the crystal ball golden. They never imagined that beyond turning golden; it could turn red. What shocked them more was that Dustin had channeled so much excess internal energy after turning the crystal ball red that it exploded. Just how much internal energy did he have to do that?Everyone was speechless. Desmond, who had been full of confidence, was also shaken. He didn't expect his internal energy, which he had been so proud of, to be so weak compared to Dustin. "Is this considered cheating?" Dustin smiled mockingly. "Uh …" The crowd was at a loss for words. They weren't blind. They had all seen how Dustin had easily passed all three tests. It was one thing to excel in one category, but Dustin had performed outstandingly in all three tests, which meant that he was
Desmond lowered his voice. "I admit that he's powerful, and his speed, strength, agility, and internal energy are on the next level. Still, no one in the world is perfect. "He must have a weakness. Just think about it. Why is he so quick and agile? It's simple—he's trying to make up for his weakness!"He continued, "If my guess is correct, defense must be his weak point! I'm sure he's quick and agile since his defense isn't as strong. "The fourth test will test his defense. Among us, Dominic's defense is the strongest. He's already reached the seventh level of Adamantine Body Arts, and nothing can penetrate his body. "I'm sure that with Dominic around, we'll be able to target that guy's weakness and take him down!"Everyone's spirits began to perk up after hearing Desmond's words. Just because Dustin was quick and strong didn't mean his defense was good. They'd win if they used the Adamantine Body Arts in this test."Desmond's right. No one is perfect. I'm sure that guy's we
After one minute, the metal doors of the pressure machine opened, and Dustin walked out calmly. He seemed so relaxed no one could have guessed that he had withstood such high pressure. "Sir, I get to advance to the next level, right?" Dustin asked."O—of course!" Getting over his shock, the staff nodded frantically. He couldn't believe that Dustin could withstand level-100 pressure for a minute. Was Dustin made of darksteel? This was unbelievable!"Damn, he's a monster." Georgia was in awe as well. Dustin excelled in all four tests—strength, speed, internal energy, and defense. It was like he was perfect. Usually, people would struggle to pass even a single test. Yet, Dustin managed to pass them with flying colors.Was he a monster?"I knew Dustin was strong." A rare smile appeared on Scarlet's face, who was proud of Dustin's achievements. "I guess Terry Doyle lost for a reason," Patrick mumbled. He had known that Dustin was strong, but he never expected Dustin to be so
While Dustin was away, Natasha couldn't help but worry about him. She would always keep an eye out for any news about him. But no matter how much she missed him, she wouldn't call him. She didn't want to distract or cause him to lose focus on the important matters concerning the nation's affairs. Understanding how busy he was, she kept her feelings in check and buried herself in work to keep her mind occupied.But when Natasha finally saw Dustin again, all the emotions she had bottled up came rushing out. Months of longing turned into overwhelming affection, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.Her assistant, Tanya, watched in shock. She had no idea Natasha—typically the poised, decisive, and commanding chairwoman—was in a relationship. What surprised her even more was how different Natasha seemed around Dustin. The usually unshakable "queen" now appeared soft and tender in his presence.Tanya couldn't help but watch Dustin more closely. His looks and charisma were u
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