"Of course, even though these folks seem tough, we aren't afraid of them," Emily continued. "But the real concerns are Boulderthorn, the Combat Priests, the Zen Order, and the Soul Reapers. Oh, there's another person we must be careful of!""Who?" Abigail asked curiously. "The young genius who recently gained fame after winning against Sir Augustus Kline!" Emily gushed. "What?" Abigail blinked in surprise. Emily was referring to Dustin, right?Abigail looked at Dustin subtly. He replied by shaking his head discreetly. They needed to lie low during their journey to avoid being targeted. "Ms. Hoyles, have you ever met him?" Azalea smiled mischievously. "Of course not. But I've heard plenty of stories," Emily replied dreamily. "Rumors say he's handsome and has a strong sense of justice. More importantly, he's only in his early twenties but is already a grandmaster. "He's one of Balerno's rare talents and desired by many female martial artists!"Emily's eyes glimmered
"What?" Nathan was caught off guard by the sudden attack. He touched his forehead, and blood coated his fingers. Without his energy armor, his body was slightly stronger than average. "Who the fuck did this?" Nathan spun around and shouted angrily. "Damn it! How dare someone hurt Nathan!" Azure Mist's disciple stood up furiously. "Me." A man wearing flashy sunglasses arrived with two martial artists in tow. His calm demeanor suggested he didn't care about anyone else. "Do you know who I am? How dare you attack me!" Nathan snapped. "Well, I have no idea. Who are you?" The other man smiled, seeming amused. "Listen up! I'm Nathan Hoyles, one of Lester's Supreme Ten! I'm also known as the Little Dragon!" Nathan stated confidently. "Lester's Supreme Ten? The Little Dragon?" The man in sunglasses blinked before chuckling. "Big reputation you have there. I'm terrified."The two martial artists with him laughed simultaneously. "How dare you!" Angry, Azure Mist's disciple
"Sure, but I've got a condition," Ken answered, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?" Emily asked with a smile. "I want you and the two other girls to come and drink with me. I'll let this slide if you make me happy." Ken smirked. Girls like them weren't ordinary, much less three. There was no way Ken would miss this chance. "But …" Emily's smile froze. She knew what he wanted. It would be hard for them to get away after drinking with him."Why? Are you going to refuse?" Ken's face turned hard as he warned, "I don't like being rejected, so you'd better think carefully.""It's an honor to drink with Mr. Shonde, so you'd better not refuse!" one of Ken's lackeys warned. "I'll join you, Mr. Shonde, but the other two ladies should sit this out." Emily bargained, wanting to avoid getting others involved. "Are you telling me what to do?" Ken snapped in annoyance. "I said all three. You better serve me tonight!""Hey, don't push it!" Abigail was unable to hold herself back and
Everyone was astonished to see Ken being thrown back. Nobody expected Dustin to be so bold. After all, this was Ken Shonde, the son of Regalswords' leader, and hitting Ian Shonde's son was risky. "Are you crazy? How could you hit Mr. Shonde?" Nathan sprung up, shocked. He had endured all the humiliation just now, yet Dustin slapped Ken without care. This would bring trouble to all of them. "Shit! This is bad!" Emily paled. She'd warned Dustin, hoping he would hold himself back, but he didn't. They'd be in trouble if Regalswords retaliated."How dare you hit Mr. Shonde! We'll kill you!" The two furious Regalswords martial artists began attacking Dustin. "Let me handle this!" Abigail grabbed her metal club and fought them. Her natural talent and Dustin's training made her far stronger than her opponents, especially when she used the staff combat technique. Soon, the two men, who had climbed the ranks through flattery instead of actual skill, fell to the ground. They were
The slaps disfigured Ken's face, leaving him unrecognizable. There was a bigger issue now. Ken was highly regarded as the son of Regalswords' guildmaster and was well-feared. So, how could Dustin hit him? Was Dustin out of his mind?"Stop right now!" Emily finally stepped in. At this point, Ken had already been reduced to a bloody, unconscious mess. "You've gotten us into trouble now, Mr. Rhys!" Emily exclaimed, helping Ken up. She began administering medication and other techniques to wake him up. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that if anything were to happen to Ken, Azure Mist would also be doomed. "Damn it, we shouldn't have sat with you! You only bring disaster!" Nathan shouted anxiously. Why the fuck did they have to cross paths with a maniac like Dustin, who didn't give a shit about Ken's status or Regalswords' authority? Dustin must be crazy!"You'll be in trouble now that you beat Ken up, so you need to run away. "Hurry, or it'll be too late!" Vanessa
"I'm in trouble now!" A wave of unease washed over Ian, the strongest martial artist in Lester, as he met Dustin's cold gaze. Ian couldn't help being worried about getting beaten up. "What are you waiting for, Dad? Tear him to pieces! "You have to teach him a lesson!" Ken seethed. "Shut up!" Ian slapped his son angrily. Ken staggered backward, his remaining teeth flying away as well. His eyes widened in disbelief as he asked, "W—why did you hit me, Dad?" He couldn't understand why he'd been smacked. His father usually wouldn't speak harshly to him, so what was happening? How could Ian slap him in public?"Don't you deserve to be disciplined after ruining Regalswords' reputation by bullying others? "I should teach you a lesson for embarrassing me!" Ian snapped, delivering another two slaps. "Pissed, he began kicking his son as well. Ken's pained screams filled the air under Ian's relentless attack. Ian was so violent that outsiders might have mistaken the two of
Emily, Nathan, and the rest looked surprised and at a loss.That was Ian Shonde, the great leader of Regalswords and the best martial artist in Lester! A person like him had apologized to them? Were they imagining this?"Sir Shonde, you better teach him a good lesson once you return. It'll be too late if he gets into bigger trouble," Dustin said.Everyone was rendered speechless and stared at Dustin in disbelief.Damn it! Has the bastard gone mad? How dare he openly lecture Ian? Was he not afraid that he'd be killed? How bold!"Hey! Do you have a death wish? Shut your mouth!" Nathan was so shocked that he almost cursed at Dustin.It was good enough that Ian did not blame him for beating Ken. But this bastard was going overboard!How dare he criticize Sir Shonde in front of so many people? He didn't know what's good for him."Dustin, apologize to Sir Shonde immediately!" Emily signaled at him furiously from the side.She felt a headache coming due to Dustin's reckless act
Dustin and the rest of them set out for the Black Forest early the next morning.Due to the terrible road conditions, driving was not an option. They could only walk there.Many martial artists had entered the forest since the day before. They were there to try their luck.However, the Black Forest was so huge that they lost all sense of direction when they entered. Most of them just walked around aimlessly, so it was difficult for them to find the treasure.About half an hour later, Dustin and the group finally got to the entrance of the Black Forest. They could see many people making their way in, one after another."Ms. Hoyles, do you know where the tomb is located?" Dustin asked."Well, I have no information about that yet."Emily continued dejectedly, "Everyone is just trying their luck now. Whoever finds the treasure first is the lucky one."Though it was a wild goose chase, they had no other choice.Their only advantage was that they were locals. Hence, they were more f
"You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?" Austin barked."Your Highness, please let me explain…" Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic."This is a lie. Someone's trying to frame me! I've always followed the law—how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?""The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still trying to weasel out of it?" Austin shot back. "Looks like you won't confess until death is knocking at your door."He raised his hand and ordered, "Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary—let's see how long he keeps up this act.""Yes, Your Highness."A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, "Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake."His voice cracked as he continued, "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my y
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