"What?"Seeing Tyler severely wounded on the ground, the Grants were stunned. It was as if they had been struck by lightning.They had thought that with Wildemor, Tyler could reverse the situation and win. Who'd have thought all it took was one punch from Dustin to defeat Tyler? And Tyler was so terribly defeated!Dustin had destroyed the sword with just a single punch and heavily wounded Tyler. The latter had been entirely crushed!"Oh no. No way … We're done for now!"Tyler's legs gave way, and he slumped to the ground lifelessly. Despair could be seen on the faces of the Grants as they lost all hope.They had thought too highly of Tyler and underestimated Dustin. The two were of entirely different levels.The genius they took so much pride in was nothing compared to Dustin, the Kirin. Even when he had given his all and fought to the death, it was only a futile attempt."Is this all you've got? You can't even go up against Adam Spanner if this is all you can do. How dare you
Tyler stood out among his peers.What others worked their ass off for years to achieve, he could easily attain it without breaking a sweat.He had always believed himself to be the chosen one, born to be king, a supreme one to rule over all humanity. It wasn't until this moment that he finally understood that there was always someone better and more talented.His talent and achievements, which he had always taken pride in, amounted to nothing in Dustin's presence."How ignorant I have been." Still reeling from the shock of defeat, a bitter smile spread out on Tyler's face. At that moment, something within him collapsed, and he lost every last bit of his fighting spirit. He was left with nothing but despair.He had led a life of constant success. This was his only defeat. But this defeat had totally crushed him."You've lost. Hand me the treasure map." Dustin walked up to him and looked down at Tyler.Tyler was silent as he lay on the ground, looking up at the vast, blue sky.
Once everything was settled, Dustin led his men back to Zephyr Lodge.Natasha and Ruth were still unconscious, and Dustin did not wake them.Now that Hector and Trent were dead, the Harmon family was in shambles. This would undoubtedly have a huge impact on Natasha, and she would have difficulty coming to terms with things.All Dustin could do now was to make proper arrangements for Hector's funeral to reduce Natasha's burden. Her father was dead, and no one could truly understand her pain. She would have to get through it herself."Do not touch any of the Harmons' businesses for now. The family has suffered a great impact and will need a thorough reorganization."As for those who changed their allegiances to benefit themselves, detain them. We'll deal with them after Natasha comes around."Also, make sure Trent's funeral is carried out according to the highest standards. Nothing should go wrong …"Dustin gave his orders in the meeting room, and the disciples of the Kirin Gang
"Is that so? Well, what if it's something to do with the upheaval in Aylka ten years ago?" Dustin asked suddenly."What?" Austin's expression froze over as he fell silent. He reflexively looked over at his mother.The upheaval in Aylka was a taboo in their family. In fact, it was a taboo in the whole of Dragonmarsh.Ever since it happened, it has been a topic that no one dared to discuss. He hadn't expected Dustin to bring it up now suddenly."Logan, what's in the past should be left in the past. What happened ten years ago is over and should not be brought up again." Eloise shook her head lightly."Over?" Dustin lifted his head slowly."I do not know why or how my mother died; my personal guards were all sacrificed. What do you mean it's over?""It hurts me to think about your mother's death, too. But the people behind it have already been executed. Everyone that deserves to be executed is already dead. "It's time to let go of your resentment," Eloise coaxed gently."They ha
"Help me?"Surprised to hear that, Dustin appeared skeptical. "With your identity, Your Highness, I reckon it'd be better if you stayed out of it."It was clear that the upheaval in Aylka a decade ago could not have happened without royalties backing the mastermind up. And Eloise was royalty herself. Dustin found it hard to believe that she'd help him."What? Do you think I'm incapable of helping you, or do you simply not trust me?" Eloise asked."I'm just afraid of troubling you," Dustin answered vaguely."I understand where your concerns are coming from, Logan. But I'm sincere in offering my help."Eloise looked at him earnestly as she said, "I am no longer the eldest princess of Dragonmarsh. I am now the Princess Consort of Theswe, your stepmother. "We are a family, and what you do affects me too. I think you understand what I'm saying.""I get it, but I'm just curious how exactly you plan on helping me?" Dustin asked."We have been secretly looking into what happened al
Though the Prince of Theswe was influential, they could not do as they wished. Besides, this was taboo to begin with, so they could not openly help Dustin with it."I understand. Thank you for your help, Eloise."Dustin stood up and bowed in gratitude.The information that Eloise had provided him with was essential. Not only to figure out the truth but, more importantly, it also meant that he now had another confidant to turn to."We're family. There's no need to be so courteous."Eloise quickly reached out to Dustin, gesturing for him to straighten up. Then, she gave him some sincere advice."Logan, I'm not stopping you from getting the revenge you seek. But I hope you understand that your thoughts define your actions, and your actions define who you are. "Do not lose yourself in your search for revenge, and do not let the people around you down.""I will keep your advice in mind, Eloise." Dustin nodded. "If there's ever anything I can help with, just let me know, Logan! I
After sending everyone off that evening, Dustin called all the guildmasters of the Kirin Gang into the meeting room for a board meeting."It's been a long day today. Thank you for your hard work." Dustin sat at the main seat as he gestured for everyone to take their seats."I have gathered everyone here this evening because I have two things to announce. "The first thing is that I have decided to appoint Cornelius as the assistant leader of Kirin Gang. He will assist me in handling affairs of the gang."All the guildmasters stood up and cheered for Cornelius when they heard that. "Congratulations, Sir Adler! "Great news for you, Sir Adler!"Cornelius was capable, and he was a senior among them. He was also loyal to the Kirin Gang and a decisive confidant of Dustin's. It only made sense for him to become the assistant leader, and nobody questioned the decision."Thank you for trusting me with the position, Sir Rhys! I promise I'll do my best!" Cornelius said earnestly.He ha
A clamor broke out in the meeting room. All the guildmasters were excited to hear that.It would be a lie to say that they weren't envious of Cornelius for receiving the Gerandium. After all, it wasn't every day that they came by such a rare and precious pill.But Dustin's promise turned their envy into surprise.So it turns out that all of them had a part in it! No one would be left behind. Dustin's fairness gained him the respect and admiration of everyone present.“Thank you, Sir Rhys!""From now on, we will do our best to serve you!"All the guildmasters bowed to Dustin respectfully."We're all brothers. There's no need to be so polite."Dustin then gestured for everyone to straighten up. "There isn't much I can offer. "But if there's one thing I can promise you, it's that in the future, we will always have each others' back. We'll share each others' joys, and help each other through tough times!"Dustin's simple declaration lifted everyone's spirits. They felt that
"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