"Goodbye, my love …"Despite being unconscious, Dustin heard a familiar voice speaking to him. He wanted to open his eyes, but he couldn't no matter how hard he tried. It felt like his body had fallen into a bottomless pit and was still falling. Fear and despair washed over him in the dark world.He didn't know how long he'd been in this state. A year? Ten? Or maybe even a hundred?Just as Dustin was about to break down, he saw a burst of light in the distance.Like a drowning man yearning for air, he swam desperately toward the source of the light. He got closer and closer until the light engulfed him. Suddenly, Dustin woke up on the hospital bed with a gasp. Air filled his lungs, and his heart began picking up pace. It felt as if he had been reborn.He took a moment to check himself and realized that the poison had miraculously disappeared from his body!Although he felt slightly weak, his life was no longer in danger. "Mr. Rhys, you're finally awake. I thought you
From agonizing pain to reaching death, Linden carefully watched the entire process. He felt that Dustin needed to know how far Natasha would go for the person she loved. Dustin was dumbstruck after hearing Linden explain the event. He never imagined that Natasha was willing to sacrifice herself to save him. At this moment, he finally understood his feelings for her. Still, there was no way he could accept her feelings for him if it led to something like this. "Mr. Rhys, Ms. Harmon left this letter for you. Please read it." Conflicted, Linden cautiously passed Dustin a letter. No one had ever impressed him as Natasha did. After all, even grandmasters might not be able to handle the unbearable pain. Yet, an ordinary woman could withstand the pain without complaining and did so without regret. She was fearless.Linden couldn't imagine how much Natasha must love Dustin for her to go so far. Linden had already given up on Dustin.But Natasha made him realize that, sometimes, e
Natasha's peaceful expression was like a knife stabbing Dustin's heart. He hated himself for causing her to end up like this, and he hated himself for being unable to save her. If he could turn time back, he would switch things around. "Hang on! Switch?" Dustin perked up when he thought of something. He looked at Linden and asked, "Dr. Watkins, do you have any Resurgothorn left? I want to save her by exchanging our lives!""Don't be foolish!" Linden scolded him, frowning. "Do you think Resurgathorn is food? It's not readily available. "Besides, Ms. Harmon sacrificed herself for you. The least you could do to make her sacrifice worthwhile is to live properly!""I don't want her to sacrifice herself. I just need her to be alive!" Dustin roared with bloodshot eyes. "I don't care what I must do and what price I must pay. I just need her to come back to life!"Dustin begged, "Please, Dr. Watkins. You're the best doctor I know. Please help me save her!" He fell to his knee
Five decades ago, Linden had barely started gaining fame while Iris was already a household name. He had the honor of meeting that impressive woman once."Iris Meskill? Jade Maiden Sisterhood?" Surprised, Dustin asked, "Dr. Watkins, do you know where her tomb is?""That's why I said this is impossible," Linden sighed. "Since her death, many have searched for her tomb, yet no one has succeeded. It basically doesn't exist!""Just because no one could find it doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Dustin answered firmly. "I'll find a way to find the Shadowbloom. If I fail, I'll have no choice but to break into the Mystic Arts Order!""Are you crazy? You'd be walking into the lion's den!" Linden paled. "That's nothing compared to Natasha sacrificing her life to save mine." Dustin had a determined gaze."But …" Linden was at a loss for words. "Dr. Watkins, how much longer can Natasha hold on for?" Dustin asked."That's hard to tell. I'd say anywhere from three days to half a month.
Two copper basins were soon brought as Edith ordered. One contained water, while the other had burning charcoal."Let's try it out." Edith took a deep breath before tossing the scripture into the water. Everyone observed the scripture, waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.Apprehensively, Edith fished the scripture out. Still, nothing seemed to have changed."See, Madam Edith. I told you it wouldn't work!" Brittany complained. "Let's try again!" Edith gritted her teeth and raised the scripture again. "Madam Edith!" Brittany quickly stopped Edith. "We can let it dry if it's wet. But if we burn it, we'll never get it back. Please think this through!""I've memorized all its contents anyway, so there's no need to keep it!"Edith brushed Brittany's hand away and threw the scripture into the fire.A puff of green smoke swirled around the basin as the scripture erupted in flames. It quickly turned into a pile of ash. "Madam Edith, I see something inside!" Nikki'
Taken aback, Nikki forced a smile. "Madam Edith, I've got good eyes. I might be useful.""No thanks!" Edith frowned in annoyance. "Having Brittany around will be enough. Leave.""But—" Nikki stopped talking when Edith glared at her. The older woman snapped, "What? Are you going to defy me?""Of course not." Nikki lowered her head and bit her lower lip. "Get out!" Nikki was irritated."I'll take my leave." With a nod, Nikki left reluctantly. Her gaze showed her discontent and resentfulness. She couldn't believe that despite all her contributions, Edith still didn't trust her. It was as if Nikki was an outsider. Yet, without her, Edith wouldn't have obtained the scripture and discovered its secrets.Nikki couldn't understand why Edith would not acknowledge her hard work and favor her.Worst, instead of receiving Edith's thanks, all Nikki got was Edith's anger thrown at her. Nikki gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, displeased. Once she left the villa, she grab
"Iris Meskill's tomb? Are you sure?" Dustin grabbed Nikki's wrist. Nikki winced as Dustin's strong grip numbed her arm. "I saw it with my own eyes," Nikki ignored the pain and answered firmly. "Where's the tomb? Tell me!" Dustin demanded frantically. Although he intended to find out about Iris' tomb through the Jade Maiden Sisterhood, he didn't expect to get a lead so soon. "You're hurting me!" Nikki pulled herself free with a frown. "I don't know its exact location since Madam Edith chased me out before I could study the map. I only remember vaguely seeing the 'Black Forest'.""The Black Forest?" Dustin frowned. "Where's that?""From what I found, the Black Forest is located in Lester. It's a primitive forest filled with dangerous swamps. "Due to its treacherous terrain, people rarely go there, and it's never been developed," Nikki explained. "That's not what I want to know. I just need its location," Dustin retorted icily. The forest was huge. Searching for a hi
Apparently, the location of Iris Meskill's tomb had finally been found. It was rumored to be in the Black Forest. When the news got out, many martial artists rushed to Lester to try their luck. After all, such opportunities were rare.Meanwhile, in a sedan heading toward Lester, Dustin stared out the window, lost in thought. Abigail sat beside him, chatting nonstop. "Dr. Watkins told you to take care of yourself and take your medicine on time. Remember not to use your true energy, or it could mess you up inside," she said. "Also, I have no idea who leaked news about Iris Meskill's tomb, but many people are going after the treasure now. So, the competition's going to be tough."Oh, and one more thing. Last night, some skilled person broke into the alliance's prison and rescued Spring Hill. "The alliance sent people to catch him, but no luck so far," Abigail reported as she scrolled through her messages.Dustin, who had been zoning out, finally responded, "Spring Hill escaped?
"This is interesting." Dustin smirked as the dense barrage of swords came slashing down at him. In the blink of an eye, his figure dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.A storm of sword shadows carrying the force that could split rivers and overturn seas crashed down on the fishing boat where he had just been standing. The entire vessel broke apart in an instant—some sinking into the depths while others drifted across the water."What? He dodged it?" Warrick's eyes flickered with surprise.Mulder's attack just now had been a 360-degree attack. Once caught in its range, there was no chance to dodge—only the option to endure. He couldn't understand how Dustin had managed to avoid it. Did he just teleport?"Hiding like a coward? What kind of warrior are you? Come fight me face-to-face."Frustrated after his attack missed again, Mulder grew desperate. His enhanced serum would only last for 15 minutes. If this dragged on, he'd collapse from exhaustion before Dustin even touche
"Oh? Are we going all out now?" Dustin smirked, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.Mulder, who had advanced to become a grandmaster martial artist through drugs, had a weak foundation. Even after taking the enhanced serum, he still posed no threat to Dustin. If Mulder were a hundred times stronger, he might just barely be able to fight Dustin.As the serum's effects pushed his body to the limit, Mulder suddenly let out a furious roar. His muscles swelled rapidly, and his bones cracked as they expanded. His body grew larger at an alarming rate, and his clothes tore apart under the strain.His six-foot frame stretched to nearly seven feet in mere moments as his body swelled to monstrous proportions. His face twisted fiercely, and his skin darkened as black scales surfaced.With another guttural growl, his roar turned beastlike. He grabbed his shredded shirt and ripped it away, exposing his broad chest covered in dark scales. A faint, eerie sheen flickered across their surface."D
Dustin's words made Mulder frown.Mulder knew all too well that Warrick was the kind of man who had no sense of loyalty or honor. If Warrick could kill his own personal guards without hesitation, what would stop him from killing a stranger? Mulder was certain that the moment things went south, Warrick would be the first to flee. Given the choice, he'd never willingly risk his life as Warrick's sacrificial pawn. But now, there was no turning back.With his undercover identity exposed and him helping Warrick escape, Mulder became a sworn enemy of West Lucozia. His name was now on the most-wanted list.Tonight was their best chance to escape. If they missed it, finding another way out would be nearly impossible.There was only one path left for him—kill whoever stood in his way and make it onto that escape boat."Enough talk, punk. Let's see what you're really made of," Mulder said.After weighing his options, he gritted his teeth and finally decided to draw his longsword. His fig
"You had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next," Dustin said.With a slight squeeze of his fingers, the steel blades clamped between them shattered with a sharp clang.Before the two Hall of Gods members could even react, Dustin waved his hand.The two men were sent flying as if they'd been hit by a truck, hurtling over 30 feet through the air. Blood sprayed from their mouths and noses before they hit the ground. They were critically injured and on the verge of death.Dustin slowly turned his head and looked at the man who had just tried to ambush him.The man glanced at the broken sword in his hand, then at Dustin, who looked utterly unfazed. He hesitated for a split second—then bolted.With a powerful leap, he dove straight for the sea. He knew Dustin's strength was on a completely different level. There was no chance of outrunning him on land, so the only hope was to disappear into the water.It might have worked—if not for what happened next.Just before he hit
"You're not a fisherman? Who the hell are you?"Mulder's guard shot up the moment he got a clear look at the young man's face.Fishermen who spent their days at sea were usually tanned from the sun, but this one had a fair complexion. It felt a little strangeNoticing something was off, the men behind Mulder drew their blades and fixed their sharp gazes on the fisherman.The so-called fisherman standing guard wasn't just anyone—it was Dustin, who had been waiting for them all along.Since his plan was set in motion, he'd been stationed there from morning until midnight. After what felt like an eternity, his targets had finally arrived."Isn't it obvious? I'm here to capture you."Dustin rose from the deck and rolled his shoulders before speaking in an even tone. "If you don't want to die, surrender now. Otherwise, it'll be too late.""Watch out! It could be an ambush." Mulder swiftly pulled out his dagger. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any sign of hidden troops.
As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.Nearly two hours passed before Mulder's scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest."Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications." Warrick said. He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture. There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he
After a hearty meal, the burly Warrick sprawled lazily onto the bed and dozed off. He slept soundly till dusk, lost in a deep dream. When the sky was painted in brilliant hues of the setting sun, only then did he wake up leisurely.The exhaustion from the previous day seemed to have melted away. He felt invigorated, refreshed, and in high spirits.At that moment, Leigh had already set the table in the hall with quiet efficiency. Compared to the first meal, this spread was far more lavish.At the center of the table sat a whole roasted pig. Its golden-brown skin glistened with a rich, crispy sheen. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, making it impossible not to crave a bite.Warrick had never been one for formalities. The moment he saw the feast, he didn't hesitate. He strode over, took a seat, and started digging in. He ate with zero restraint without sparing a single thought for Mulder, who was still out gathering intel.After a while, half of the roast pig was gone. His fac
"Who is it?" Warrick's grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade. His eyes, sharp and alert, were like those of a startled predator—full of caution and menace.For the past few days, he had been on edge, like a cornered animal. He barely slept and was constantly on high alert, fearing danger would strike at any moment.The door slowly creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside with a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.Before he could even register what was happening, a flash of cold steel appeared, and Warrick's blade was at the elderly man's throat.The elderly man trembled with fear. The tray slipped from his grasp, and fruit and pastries scattered on the floor."Easy, Sir Prescott. He's one of us." Mulder stepped forward and pressed down on the flat of Warrick's blade with a finger. He smiled and explained, "His name's Leigh Houston. He's mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He keeps watch over this tunnel entrance and has never slipp
"Here's the problem—even if we know Warrick's intentions, how do we stop him?" Austin asked.Right now, Warrick had already disappeared without a trace. Austin's team hadn't even come close enough to get a hold of him, so there was no way to track him down.West Lucozia's vast territory and resources made it impossible to seal off every exit route completely. While it might be manageable in the short term, prolonging such an operation would significantly impact West Lucozia's economy. Wasting resources on a single fugitive wasn't a wise move."Warrick is a wanted man across the entire city. There's no way he's leaving through official channels. He'll have to sneak his way out," Dustin analyzed. He continued, "According to the maritime charts, if he's traveling from West Lucozia to Artea, he'll have to go through Thaloria. That's our lead. Get someone on it immediately—find out how many smuggling routes there are from West Lucozia to Thaloria.""Got it. I'll get it done right away