Before going on his mission, Nelson had texted his wife. However, Cecilia became worried when he didn't pick up the phone, so she rushed over with their daughter. The sight of blood at the door only made her even more uneasy. "Nelson? Where are you?" Cecilia cried out worriedly.All Kirin Gang members remained silent, their heads lowered. The entire manor was quiet. "Nelson?"When Cecilia finally arrived at the meeting room, she was stunned. Was that bloody corpse on the floor, her husband?She stumbled forward in disbelief. Reality sank in when she saw the man's face, and she threw herself over the body and began to weep. "Wake up, Nelson! Wake up! Please open your eyes! Oh, why did this happen?" Tears streamed down Cecilia's face. Haley was crying as well. She ran over to Nelson and kept pushing his body. "Daddy, wake up! Weren't we going to celebrate my birthday? You promised me you would bring me to the theme park! "Wake up! Y—you broke your promise. Bad daddy! I
Felix was lying on the sofa with a cigarette in his mouth in a lavish mansion in Eastville. He had one of his legs propped up on a coffee table with a bloody hand firmly attached to it. Two of his men crouched beside the table as they carefully tried to pry the hand off. Because of how firm Nelson's grip was, his nails had already dug into Felix's skin. "Damn it, be careful!" Felix hissed with a frown, kicking one of the men to the floor. "Give us a second. We're almost done." His subordinate smiled apologetically. Finally, they managed to get Nelson's hand off. "What the fuck is wrong with that asshole? He just wouldn't let go! Why did he have to go so far for that bastard?" Felix cursed. He had been waiting for his chance since the Kirin Gang was established. Although he had finally become a guildmaster and lived a much better life than before, he refused to obey someone else's command. He had always been greedy, so he kept his eyes glued to the leader's position. A
"We might want money. But we want your death more. Sir Rhys will forgive us if we take you down." The rugged leader shook his head. "Run, Sir! We'll take care of them!" Felix's loyal subordinates went forward and blocked the Charging Tiger Guild disciples. "Good job, men! Stand strong!" Felix patted one of their shoulders. He grabbed his wife, turned around, and ran. "Kill them!"The rugged man lifted his sword and charged toward Felix's men. Although Felix's subordinates tried their best, they were no match for the guild disciples and were quickly defeated. "After him!" The rugged man chased after Felix. "Ouch!" Just then, Felix's wife tripped and fell. "Honey, I sprained my ankle! Carry me on your back!" she cried out. "You're such a nuisance!" Felix was about to help her when he spotted the men approaching them. He retracted his hand and spun around to run. "Honey? Honey!" The woman exclaimed, but Felix never turned around. There was no way that woman's life was m
Inside one of the black sedans, Dustin rested his head against his headrest with his eyes closed. Despite how calm he looked outside, his murderous glint was exposed when he opened his eyes.Suddenly, his phone began to ring. Cornelius was calling him. "Sir, as you ordered, we've cut Felix apart and left his head untouched.""Alright," Dustin answered emotionlessly. "Sir, we've captured Felix's wife and son. What should we do about them?" Cornelius asked. "Kill them." "Yes, sir," Cornelius responded. "That reminds me." Dustin suddenly changed the topic. "Tell someone to look into Gavin Killian's whereabouts.""Sir, he's quite a powerful man. Are you sure you want to do that?" Cornelius hesitated. "I don't care who he is. Anyone who kills my friend deserves to die. Get it done at once!" Dustin snapped."Yes, sir!" Cornelius instantly responded. The Kirin Gang had many disciples, so it was easy for them to collect information. They found out where Gavin was in less th
"Why can't you see how wonderful your life would be if you married Mr. Killian? You'd have the whole world wrapped around your finger!" Florence was exasperated."If I want power, I can get it with my hands. I don't want to get it through marriage." Dahlia shook her head."Dahlia …" Florence sighed resignedly. "Alright, alright. I guess the fruits of her labor will taste sweeter." Victoria intervened, but she was secretly happy. Since Dahlia didn't like Gavin, Julie might have a chance. "Look, it's Mr. Killian!" Julie exclaimed. Everyone turned toward the door and saw Gavin entering confidently. Wearing a suit, he was followed by a group of men.The other guests automatically opened a path for them when they walked by. Their intense aura instantly made them the center of attention."What brings you here, Mr. Killian?" Florence and several others greeted enthusiastically. "It's your birthday, Mrs. Nicholson. It's only natural that I send my wishes." Gavin gestured with a
The noise made everyone turn to look. A man dressed in mourning attire walked in, surrounded by a murderous air. His expression was so cold it sent shivers up people's spines. "Dustin? What's he doing here?" Florence frowned. She was sure she didn't invite him, so he'd better not be here for the free food."He must be crazy. How could he wear mourning clothes at a birthday banquet? Ugh!" Victoria and Julie were disgusted at Dustin's choice of attire."Speak of the devil. I guess he does have a death wish." Gavin smirked coldly. He initially planned to take care of Dustin a few days later, but Dustin had approached him first. "Dustin?" Dahlia lit up and rushed over to greet him. She'd been worried that he was too angry at her to show up, so she was happy to see him. It proved that she was important to him. "I knew you'd come, Dustin. I …" Dahlia's words faltered when she met Dustin's cold glare. She was instantly rooted to the spot. She had never seen Dustin with such a
Florence registered what happened and roared, "Hey, grab that asshole!" Soon, dozens of security guards charged into the hall and surrounded Dustin, holding stun batons. "Get him!"The guards rushed toward Dustin, who sent needles flying with a flick of his wrist. Immediately, the guards fell to the floor before they reached him. They held their stomachs as their faces concerted in pain. The terrifying sight made the guests shrink back in fear. Even Florence kept silent. It was easy to see that Dustin was no longer the same person they knew. "You're going to die today, Gavin. And no one can save you." Dustin turned, and his deadly stare fell on Gavin. "Insolent brat!" The long-haired man jumped up, meeting Dustin's glare with a defiant one. "And who are you?" Dustin narrowed his eyes. "I'm the Gloomster, Spike Floyd!" the long-haired man announced, causing an uproar. "Oh, my God! Spike Floyd the Gloomster? What's he doing here?""Who's Spike Floyd? Is he powerful?
Everyone was shocked to see Spike hanging from the ceiling. Their jaws dropped in disbelief. None of them expected things to turn out like this. After all, Dustin's opponent was Spike the Gloomster!Shouldn't such a powerful individual have easily won? So why was he defeated with a single punch? Why was he stuck in the ceiling, unable to escape?This Spike must be an imposter, or there'd have been no way he'd lose like that. "Is this for real? S—Spike Floyd was defeated?""Holy shit! Who the hell is he? Even the Gloomer was no match for him!""That's impossible!"The whole hall erupted into a frenzy after a silent pause. Everyone looked at Dustin like he was a monster. "I—impossible! There's no way Spike would lose!" Gavin's smile disappeared. He looked stunned. He knew how strong Spike was. Spike had even used his signature move, so Dustin should be dead by now. Why did things turn out like this?What on earth just happened?"He knocked Spike out with a single pun
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,