Frederick shrugged indifferently. "It doesn't matter. We'll see what happens when we get on stage."When everyone saw that Wayne was going to be Frederick's opponent, the scene exploded into excited chatter."Holy crap! That's Wayne Sowle!""I bet Frederick's in for a rough time!""Defeating Steven with just a slap shows some skill, but there's always someone better. Wayne is on a whole different level of extraordinary!"No one had any faith in Frederick winning. Some even started secret betting pools, with overwhelming odds favoring Wayne.Jasmine couldn't help but worry. "Wayne is so powerful. Will Frederick be okay?"Meanwhile, Douglas silently cursed in his heart. He hoped both would perish in the match, ending his grievances once and for all!Finally, it was time for them to take the stage.Wayne strolled in with a relaxed yet commanding stride. He narrowed his eyes slightly and declared, "Let this arena become the epitaph of heroes!"His words immediately became memorab
The leader struggled a while more on the ground before he breathed his last."He's dead!"The whole scene erupted into chaos. It was a complete mess!With just a few words, the formidable Savant Grandmaster had perished in such a miserable manner.It was terrifying!Now, Garo walked confidently up to Frederick and examined him closely."Good heavens. Sir, I have no personal grievance with you. I'm simply obliged to repay the Gallagher family for their long-term support. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to die!""Looks like you're showing your true colors now, huh?" Frederick replied with a smirk.So, the Gallaghers were behind this. That explained everything!Cameron and Steven, who had been injured before, headed to the spectator stands. Even Wayne, who was still dripping with blood, did the same.Normally, enemies meeting would lead to fierce animosity. But now, these three met and found their emotions surprisingly complex.Wayne forced a smile. "I think we all have a c
"Because I'm serious now!" Garo tore off his black robe, revealing a brown Venomsteel Plate underneath. It was crawling with many poisonous creatures.Everyone assumed Garo's strength lay in combat prowess. But as a witch doctor, his specialty was actually in curses and hexes. Close-quarter combat was, in actuality, his weakness."Now this is my true power! Repent for your earlier disrespect! You've already missed your chance for a painless death!" Garo snapped his fingers, and immediately, dark clouds gathered in the sky.Ordinary witch doctors relied on blood sacrifices and rituals to invoke their powers. Each curse required a significant setup time. But with the Venomsteel Plate, Garo could cast curses anytime, anywhere, at will! His swollen face twisted into a sinister grin as he screamed, "Go to hell!"This was the first time someone had slapped him away in such a manner. The blow had enraged him thoroughly. He was determined to tear the limbs off this young upstart with
"Also, nature mysticism is the natural nemesis of witchcraft!"The crowd gasped in awe."This kid actually knows the lost art of Ethereal Heights' nature mysticism!"Frederick approached Garo calmly, and demanded, "If you want to live, spill all the secrets of the Gallaghers’ plot."Looking hideous, Garo cursed, "Damn it! When did I say I lost? I haven't lost yet!"He suddenly roared and spat out a mouthful of blood, then plucked out one of his own eyeballs and crushed it in his palm.In an instant, his entire body transformed into a gigantic python. It opened its bloody jaws wide, and swallowed Frederick whole in one gulp."Ugh!"The entire arena erupted in uproar once again.Wayne was the first to react. Grinning maliciously, he said, "Hahaha! I know this move! It’s the serpent transformation in witchcraft! Once swallowed by Garo, he'll be corroded and digested by the stomach acid inside. He'll turn into a pile of rotting flesh in no time!"Cameron said in a gloating tone,
The judges' platform exploded into chaos, with insults flying in every direction. Frederick stood with his hands behind his back, leaping from the arena to confront them directly."Are you sure?" he asked as he scrutinized them from above. In an instant, the ground beneath them collapsed several meters.The judges, who had just been indignant moments before, fell silent. They were as pale as ghosts. They felt the palpable threat emanating from him.Then, they came to a startling realization—this was the man who had just beaten Garo to a pulp!"I..."Someone still had the courage to try and protest, but Frederick's gaze petrified him into silence, their tongues tied in fear."I have no objections...""No objections? Good, I'll take that as unanimous agreement!" Frederick chuckled, and walked away. Next, he approached Wayne and his companions."Didn't you guys enjoy barking like dogs just now?" Frederick taunted. "Let's hear it again!"Wayne and the others turned pale, as if
Liana needed to tell Frederick the truth behind his father's murder.As Frederick left with the Yarboroughs, Jasmine felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders. She had a mix of emotions. Never had she imagined Liana would treat Frederick so well. It was unbelievable!Meanwhile, Douglas's face was dark with anger as he stood up. "Jaz, you should stay away from that guy from now on. I know you like him, but Liana Yarborough has her eyes on him now. She's the princess of the Northern Frontier, and she's dangerous. That kid's in for a rough time."Jasmine was stunned. "Grandpa... What are you talking about? Ms. Yarborough treats him really well! You're just being biased."When Frederick was in danger, Liana stepped in to protect him several times with her domineering strength.Douglas gave her a knowing look. "You're too young to understand. Even if I was biased against him, seeing him defeat the formidable Garo earned my respect."Before this, Liana saw Frederick as a harmless lit
Frederick's lip twitched. "Ms. Yarborough, are you serious? You're actually trying to force me into a corner? I've done everything you asked, and this is how you repay me. Seems a bit unfair, don't you think?"Liana's voice turned icy. "Enough of your nonsense! You've become a threat to me. For the Yarborough family, it's simple—you're either a friend or an enemy. Make your choice!"She had thought Wayne was already a big problem. But then, a terrifying witch doctor like Garo had shown up. What shocked her more was that Frederick had defeated him so easily!Frederick's power was way beyond her control. He was dangerous—very dangerous!"What if I choose neither?" Frederick said with narrowed eyes."Do you think you have a choice?" Liana sneered. "Why don't you think about the situation you're in now?"Heroes throughout history have struggled against the allure of a beautiful woman. So what if Frederick was powerful? He would still fall for her charms eventually!"You mean this ic
"So, they colluded with the Lesters in secret and created a disaster."After listening to Liana's explanation, Frederick finally understood. He recalled how his father Cyrus had taken Selene to the hospital to change her birthdate before he died. It made sense now. It was to protect her from this disaster!Because of his father's dying wish, Selene was sent to live with relatives far away when she was just three years old, only returning home a few times a year. Even now, as an adult and a college student, her visits home were still rare.Could all this be connected?Frederick took a deep breath. "Who was that noble from the Imperial Capital?"Liana shook her head frantically. "I honestly don't know. I got this bit of information when I overheard from some uncles visiting the Northern Frontier from the Imperial Capital. They were drunk at that time."The incident was so old, reopening the case would be nearly impossible.Frederick sighed. "Alright. Your senses will return to y