"What?" The group turned to look in the direction of the voice. They saw a group of young men and women. The group strolled into the stable leisurely. A woman led the group. She wore a black vest and black riding boots. She was beautiful and had a slender figure. But she looked arrogant, giving off a high and mighty vibe.As they entered the stable, she held a black horse by the reins. It had a shiny coat and was magnificent. "Roxanne?" Sheila frowned at the sight of the woman. Roxanne Murray was her cousin, and she always liked to challenge Sheila.Roxanne had become more daring after Caden stepped down as head of the family. Roxanne would look for trouble every day, annoying Sheila very much."Sheila, I can't stop laughing when I heard you brag about Gale. He never loses?" Roxanne mocked.She did not hold back and continued to poke fun at Sheila. "Come on, you only won in previous years because everyone lets you."Did you think you're that good? Don't be ridiculous!"
The two women glared at each other. They did not take Jayden's words seriously. Sheila and Roxanne saddled up their horses. After putting on the gears, they led their horses to the racetrack.One horse was black, while the other was white. Both were the complete opposite. Sheila's and Roxanne's friends stood on either side, facing each other. "All the best, Sheila! I know you can win this!" Vivian cheered from the sidelines. Evan was confident, too. "Gale is a seasoned champion. He can't be compared to any other horses!" "You're right! As long as he performs as usual, he can win this!" the others said. Dustin remained silent the whole time. He was actually quietly judging the horses. He could see that Gale was indeed superior to Midnight Shadow. But of course, the rider's skill needed to be considered, too. Sheila had years of experience. As long as she made no mistakes, her chances of winning were high. On the other side, Elena asked excitedly, "Dahlia, which of the
The inertia sent Sheila flying into the air. Then she landed on the grass with a loud thud.For a moment, she felt dizzy. She looked like she was in a lot of pain. "Sheila!" The sudden turn of events shocked everyone. They hurriedly ran toward Sheila to check on her. Fortunately, she wore protective gear. Moreover, the soft grass cushioned her fall. Thus, she suffered no serious injuries and only dislocated her shoulder."Sheila, are you okay? Are you hurt?" Vivian asked, looking concerned. Evan was anxious. "Doctor! Someone get a doctor!" He was worried that she had hit her head. If that were the case, it would have been bad."Let me take a look," Jayden said as he quickly approached Sheila.After examining her, he assured everyone, "It's nothing serious. She dislocated her shoulder, that's all."He reached out and pressed his hand on Sheila's shoulder. Then he suddenly twisted it. A crisp sound was heard as the bone went back into place.Sheila let out a muffled g
Jayden raised an eyebrow, having no idea what was happening. But he could see that Elena disliked Dustin. "Since when did the Murray family have such low standards? How could someone like him enter our residence?"Hearing that, Sheila quickly explained, "Jayden, Dustin is my friend.""Friend?" Jayden sized Dustin up."Sheila, you must know that with your status and identity, not everyone can be your friend." An insurance agent was part of the lower class. To Jayden, someone like Dustin was not even fit to shine his shoes. "It's hard to say whether I'm qualified to be her friend. But I know that although you're Sheila's cousin, you're clearly not a kind person," Dustin retorted. Roxanne glared at Dustin, scolding, "How bold of you to say that! Who do you think you are? "How could you accuse my brother? Bastards like you deserve to be beaten up!"As she spoke, she lifted her whip and was about to strike Dustin. But Jayden raised his hand to stop her. Then he asked coldl
"What?"Everyone exchanged glances when they saw the black needle, surprised. They had seen Dustin removing the needle from the horse's head. There was even blood on it. So, someone purposely inserted it into Gale's head. "Seriously? Could this guy be telling the truth?"Everyone turned to look at Jayden, waiting for an explanation. "Now that I've found the evidence, what else do you have to say?" asked Dustin. Then, he flicked the needle and sent it flying. It landed near Jayden's feet. "What do you mean? Are you suspecting me?" Jayden frowned. "I've no idea who did this. But I can swear that I haven't done anything to harm Sheila!" Dustin replied indifferently, "Yeah, keep up with the act. "Just moments ago, your sister admitted you were the only one who touched Gale. Who else could it be if it wasn't you?""Yes, I did touch Gale. But that doesn't mean I inserted this needle," Jayden answered. "Perhaps someone had already inserted the needle before we arrived."
"Why are you so stubborn?" Jayden sighed tiredly, acting helpless. At that moment, Elena suggested. "Since no one can reach a middle ground, how about having a rematch?"Let's up the stakes, and the winner gets to decide. How does that sound?""I'm fine with that. Let's see if Sheila dares to have a rematch." Roxanne accepted the idea and looked at Sheila provocatively. Jayden acted concerned for Shelia. "Sheila just hurt herself. How can she ride a horse now? Aren't you making things difficult for her?""If Sheila can't do it, someone else can replace her. She has so many friends here; any one of them can help her." Roxanne lifted her head arrogantly and looked at Shelia's friends. "Hey! Which one of you has the guts to challenge me? One billion dollars for a race."You'll pay if you lose, and the winner gets to take Gale."Evan, Vivian, and the others looked at each other nervously. The stakes were high. After all, it was one billion dollars for a race. They knew their
"Am I seeing things? Dustin actually chose a pony?""He's not thinking of racing against a Thoroughbred like Midnight Shadow with this short-legged pony, right?""Oh my God! What is this guy even thinking? Is he out of his mind?"Everyone watched in shock as Dustin brought out the pony. As the name implied, a pony was a small and docile horse. They were specifically for the children or the elderly to ride. They had short and stumpy limbs and were shorter than three feet. They were primarily used for recreational activities. Meanwhile, Midnight Shadow stood at a towering 5 feet. It had long, muscular limbs, a well-proportioned physique, and ran like the wind. It outclassed the pony in every aspect. With the two horses standing together, it was like comparing a fully grown adult to a three-year-old child. There was no point in comparing them since it was clear who was the winner just looking at their size alone. "Hey, you! Are you here to make a fool of yourself? Are you
Dahlia, the ice princess, had barely said anything from the start. Her sudden statement captured everyone's attention. She had always projected an unapproachable persona, discouraging anyone from getting close. That was why her unexpected show of support for Dustin was a surprise. "Dahlia, why are you helping him?" Elena was shocked. Her actions now were clearly out of character for her usual cold personality."I'm just curious. I want to see why he's so confident of winning this race," Dahlia said indifferently. Although that was what she said, an odd sensation prickled her mind. It was like she had acted impulsively to defend this stranger. It was truly unusual."Since Ms. Nicholson is so interested, let's indulge him this once," Jayden said politely. "Out of respect for Ms. Nicholson, I'll give you a chance to lose gracefully. Now, get on your horse!"Roxanne mounted Midnight Shadow and looked down at Dustin in contempt. With ten million in the bag, she had no reaso
"Mr. Rhys, you're so generous," Felicia said. "I don't know how to repay you."She lightly ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the ornate box. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked up at Dustin gratefully."It was nothing, Ms. Thorns. Don't mention it," he replied with an indifferent smile. "Besides, this Dracan essence was always destined for Prince Nathaniel. I'm merely delivering it."Felicia smiled earnestly. "What do you want in return? If it's within my power, I'll gladly help."Dustin replied, "I'm not asking for anything. I only hope that if I ever find myself in trouble, Prince Nathaniel will be willing to help me.""I get it now." Felicia nodded.Dustin wasn't asking for treasure, but rather seeking a favor from Nathaniel. With Nathaniel's current status, his favor was more valuable than any treasure.If he ascended the throne and became king, the value of that favor would increase exponentially. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that, even if D
When Dustin heard Felicia's word, his hand briefly hesitated before he placed the chess piece. He smiled and said, "I thought you came to learn chess, but I didn't expect you to be here as a messenger."Felicia gave a light, teasing laugh. "With a mind like yours, how could you not know why I'm here?"She added candidly, "Prince Nathaniel saved my life and welcomed me as an honored guest. It's only right that I repay the favor by helping solve his troubles. I hope that it doesn't bother you.""You're frank and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?" Dustin replied with a faint smile.He had expected her to start with pleasantries or try to butter him up. So, her bluntness actually caught him off guard."To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never taken this kind of interest in anyone before," Felicia said as she placed another chess piece on the board. She smiled and continued, "I can tell he truly wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I'd like to help make
Nathaniel's mansion was huge. It was more like a maze than a home. Even with a detailed layout, Dustin had to stay sharp as he moved through the grounds. After all, blueprints never quite captured the twists and turns of the actual place.Led by a maid, he followed a winding path through the corridors for nearly ten minutes before finally arriving at a guesthouse with a garden.The place was spacious and quiet, filled with birdsong and blooming flowers. It was a secluded spot that was ideal for privacy."Mr. Rhys, you can stay here. If you need anything, just let me know," the maid said. Her gaze was warm with a hint of admiration. She had watched Dustin's performance in the training ground earlier and knew he was an important guest brought in by Nathaniel. If she could catch his attention, it could completely turn her life around.He waved her off and said, "Okay. You can go now. I don't need anyone to attend to me." "Uh… but…" The maid hesitated."Don't worry. I'll explain
The crowd murmured among themselves as they looked at the broken broadsword and the stunned expression on Lycas' face."That strike was insanely fast and dead-on too," someone commented."I never expected General Derin's secret move to be defeated like that. It's unbelievable," another said."I thought General Derin could turn things around for us, but he still lost," a third added.Everyone knew how strong Lycas was. As a fully developed grandmaster with a broadsword, he was supposed to be unstoppable. However, at the critical moment, Dustin's strike shattered his broadsword.Lycas' loss was sudden and almost unbelievable. Some blamed bad luck and thought he could have won if things had gone differently. But those who truly understood what happened knew better.Even with Dustin's movement restricted and Lycas unleashing his strongest technique, he still pierced through the opening with near-impossible timing. That strike wasn't just lucky but masterful. It was a brutal display
Lycas gripped his broadsword with both hands and roared. The sound cracked through the air like a thunderclap.He sidestepped sharply and charged straight at Dustin like a raging bull.The heavy broadsword moved like it weighed nothing in his hands. He swung it with brutal speed. Each arc cut through the air with a sharp, whistling howl, as if it could slice through anything in its path.The broadsword came crashing down on Dustin with bone-crushing force, like a mountain falling from the sky.Lycas threw his full weight into the swing. As the sword descended, the force of the strike stirred up dust from the ground. It sent plumes of dirt in every direction.He knew Dustin was no ordinary opponent. If he wanted a chance to win, he had to make the first move and seize the initiative."Nice form," Dustin said.As Lycas launched a powerful, aggressive attack, Dustin remained calm and unruffled. With effortless grace, he sidestepped without the slightest rush. The broadsword whizz
Bryce knew Dustin was strong, but this was beyond anything he anticipated. Though he had gained the upper hand early on, Bryce still believed his skills matched Dustin's.From his observation, Dustin relied on martial arts techniques and hit-and-run tactics. Plus, he didn't dare to confront Bryce head-on.He had assumed that as long as he found an opening, he could exploit Dustin's weaknesses and defeat him. But when Dustin finally stopped holding back, Bryce realized how wrong he'd been.It turned out Dustin wasn't just playing hit-and-run tactics. Instead, he'd held back the entire time to spare Bryce from an embarrassing defeat.The moment Dustin stopped holding back, Bryce didn't stand a chance. Even without special techniques, Dustin's raw power, speed, and reflexes were enough to crush him.The difference in their abilities was staggering, so much so that no amount of skill could close the gap.And it wasn't just Bryce who was shocked. Except for Nathaniel, who had already
Bryce's request for a fight heated up the atmosphere.Soldiers around the training ground started murmuring among themselves."Lieutenant General Gantz is a legend in our ranks. His combat skills are no joke—he's taken down countless enemies on the battlefield. I haven't seen him in action in years," one young soldier said with awe."Yeah," a veteran agreed. "Lieutenant General Gantz has been through countless battles, and his strength is unmatched. If he steps in, Mr. Rhys might be in for a rough time."After the fight earlier, the soldiers knew firsthand that Dustin was no slouch. Otherwise, he wouldn't have easily defeated the five elite soldiers.But in their minds, no matter how skilled Dustin was, he stood no chance against Bryce.Bryce was a grandmaster not just in rank but in skill, physical strength, and battlefield experience. He was stronger than any expert from the martial world.Nathaniel had once recruited several grandmaster martial artists to spar with them, but
"Your Highness, the soldiers under me are trained solely in killing techniques. If they hurt your guest, things could get ugly," Lycas said.He didn't say it outright, but the message was clear. If Dustin wasn't strong enough, he'd better stay out of the way, or he was just asking for trouble.Bryce didn't say anything, but the look he gave Dustin was full of contempt. How could a pampered young man like Dustin measure up to soldiers who've been through the grind? He figured Dustin was probably some heir from a prominent family who knew Nathaniel and was trying to assert his relevance."You guys are blind to greatness when it's standing right in front of you." Nathaniel chuckled and shook his head. He added, "If any of you manage to land a hit on Mr. Rhys, I'll pay out a thousand gold. But honestly, I doubt any of you have what it takes."At the mention of rewards, the soldiers perked up. Their eyes lit up with excitement. They were practically itching to charge at Dustin and g
During the meal, Nathaniel arranged for two women to accompany Dustin.Throughout history, even the greatest heroes couldn't resist the allure of beautiful women. Sometimes, a woman of extraordinary beauty could be far more enticing than rare treasures or high status.Dustin remained composed. He neither showed any enthusiasm nor did he deliberately reject it.As for the women seated on either side of him, he treated them with polite respect. He enjoyed a drink and the easy conversation with them, but nothing beyond that.However, Nathaniel saw it differently. To him, it seemed that Dustin was unimpressed by the women at his side.Considering Dustin's background, it made sense. A woman of ordinary beauty would never catch his attention. Nathaniel realized he would need to pull out all the stops. Perhaps, it was time to bring out his most prized companion and see how Dustin responded.After the meal, he led Dustin to his mansion's training ground.The midday sun blazed overhead