"Stop!" Suddenly, Dahlia rushed over and put herself in front of Dustin. She yelled, "What are you doing, Dustin? It's my mom's birthday today! How could you just start beating people up? You're disrespecting me!""This is a private matter between me and Gavin. It has nothing to do with you," Dustin responded coldly. "What do you mean it has nothing to do with me? You hit my mom and caused a scene! That's not okay!" Dahlia snapped. She couldn't believe that Dustin caused so much trouble the moment he entered. Things would become much worse if this continued. "Dahlia Nicholson, we'll talk about our issue later. For now, please step aside!" Dustin's tone was stern, revealing his annoyance. "What if I refuse? Will you hit me too?" Dahlia demanded."Don't push me!" Dustin frowned."When did you become like this, Dustin? Are you even the man I know?" Dahlia's eyes widened disbelievingly. She never expected him to reply so coldly and ruthlessly. "I've always been like this.
"Hurry up! He's going to catch up to us soon!" In a black Mercedes-Benz, Gavin urged his driver and kept looking back anxiously. It hadn't been long since he managed to escape, but he realized he was being followed.No matter what they tried, the cars tagging him refused to let up. So, he could only order his driver to drive faster. He knew that if Dustin caught him, his life would be in trouble. "That fucking retard! Why would he even chase me for killing a stupid guy? "Just wait till I'm back in Oakvale. I'll order the military to destroy that fucking gang of his!" Gavin cursed despite the cold sweat dotting his forehead. He'd never been so humiliated in his life. To think that a direct descent of the Killian family and a major general of Dragonmarsh was being chased. The worst part was he had no other option than to run since his personal guards had been killed. Even Spike, his strongest bodyguard, was still hanging on the ceiling. Now, his only choice was to flee.
Gavin was about to erupt in anger.He would die if they ran out of gas in this situation. "What should we do now, Sir?" The driver broke out in cold sweat as he glanced at the blinking gas tank indicator. There was nowhere they could hide in this desolate place. "Just hang on. Help is coming!" Gavin gritted his teeth and prayed that their backup would arrive soon. Or else, they'd be doomed. After ten minutes, the black Mercedes slowed down and gradually came to a stop by the roadside. Instantly, dozens of sedans swarmed the black car and blocked off all exits. Many Kirin Gang members rushed over with weapons in their hands. Dustin took the sword Cornelius was holding and slowly approached the Mercedes-Benz, his icy glare fixed on Gavin. "Get out. It's time for you to die.""Y—you better not mess around. My reinforcement will be here soon! Your men will all die if you hurt me!" Gavin snarled. "Burn their car," Dustin ordered."Burn it!" Cornelius waved his hand, and
"Oh, so you're apologizing now? Why didn't you think of the consequences before hurting others?" Dustin's murderous intent didn't lessen despite how much Gavin begged. "I—I got careless! I'm so sorry! Please let me go! I swear, I'll turn over a new leaf!" Gavin begged timidly.He had lost all his pride, and all he cared about was staying alive. "What makes you think you still have a chance to turn over a new leaf?" Dustin asked harshly. "I—I—I've got money. And connections! I'll do anything you want if you let me live!" Gavin tried to bargain with Dustin."I don't need anything besides your death," Dustin answered uncaringly. "D—Don't kill me! Please spare my life! I'll be very useful! I can help you obtain your goals and live a lavish life!" Gavin begged frantically, all trace of his arrogance earlier gone. "That doesn't interest me." Dustin swung his sword again, leaving a long, ragged gash on Gavin's back. Dustin wasn't in a hurry to kill the other man. Instead, he wan
A cluster of laser sights gathered on Dustin's body. "Three …"Derek raised his arm and began to count. Despite counting down slowly, there was intense pressure that followed his words. This tension was worse with the presence of all the armed soldiers. "Haha! You still didn't kill me, you bastard! As long as I'm alive, I'll be as good as new with my family's help. "But what about you? You're like a fish on the chopping board that I get to slice up however I like!" Gavin sneered. "Do you know why? Well, it's because you're nothing but a commoner! "That fact won't change no matter how much you struggle. Commoners like you should know their place. How dare you challenge someone as superior as me!" Gavin grinned madly. He regained his confidence now that Derek was here to support him. "There's some truth to what you said, but there was one thing you're mistaken," Dustin suddenly said. "What is it?" Gavin was puzzled. "I'm the one who will decide your fate."With tha
"Stop struggling! There's nowhere for you to run! There's still a chance you will live if you surrender now!" Derek snorted. The Killian family was influential in Oakvale, and it was suicidal to provoke them. "Shut up!" Cornelius slapped Derek's cheek, causing one of his teeth to fall out. Derek had no choice but to bite the rest of his words back. The helicopters flew lower. Their doors opened, and Charles and 36 death warriors hopped off. Although Charles didn't bring too many men with him, the soldiers he had were the best of the best. They would give up their lives for him if he commanded them to. "You're finally here, Mr. Killian! Save me! You have to arrest these arrogant bastards and punish all of them!" Derek shouted as soon as he saw Charles. The Killian family's death warriors were well known for being incredible warriors, so they could get rid of them easily. "Why are you being held hostage, General Lester? What about my son?" Charles frowned, a bad feeling c
Just like that, an exciting turn of events began. Charles wanted to kill Dustin, who was holding Derek hostage. While for Derek to save himself, he had no choice but to ask his men to aim their weapons toward Charles instead. Thus, the three parties froze up and didn't move. "How dare you defy me, Lester!" Charles hissed. "You forced me to do this! Since I will die anyway, let's all die together!" Derek yelled, throwing his pride aside now that he might die."Well, well. Since you seem so eager to die, let me help you!" Charles signaled to his men. "Get rid of these meddlesome soldiers first!""Yes, sir!"The 36 death warriors spun in unison and attacked Derek's soldiers. "Shoot them now!" Derek roared, and gunshots rang out as the battle began. Although Charles didn't have as many men as Derek, his men were much stronger than Derek's. The death warriors were like well-oiled fighting machines, and the soldier's bullets couldn't even graze them. After a round of fight
"What?" Derek gaped at the headless bodies in disbelief.He had witnessed how strong Charles' death warriors were and how they annihilated his men in less than two minutes. Yet, those beasts had been defeated with a single strike. That was impossible!"H—how is that possible?" Charles' eyes widened incredulously. Those had been insanely powerful fighters that his family spent a lot of time and effort training. They were invincible when they fought together. Unless someone were a Grandmaster, they wouldn't be a match for his men.Yet, Dustin had taken care of them with one swing. How was that even possible?Charles backed up in terror as the headless bodies fell to the ground with thuds. His eyes were filled with astonishment, dismay, and fear. "W—who the hell are you?" Charles paled. He didn't expect Dustin to be so strong, initially assuming he could take care of Dustin easily. "You have no right to know who I am," Dustin replied calmly. "You have two choices right
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,