Everyone was stunned by Dustin's rapid-fire answer. He was too fast. So fast that they weren't able to react in time. Their brains seemed to crash, and they lost any remaining competitive spirit they had left. What was supposed to be a competitive riddle contest became Dustin's one-man show. Even Keanu broke out in a sweat as he watched Dustin's performance. These riddles were drawn at random and varied widely. Even if Dustin were an expert in the subject, he shouldn't have been able to answer so quickly and accurately. Regal Court had gone to great lengths to maintain confidentiality. If not for that, Keanu would have suspected Dustin of having access to the correct answers and memorizing them all. "Here's the l-last riddle." Keanu gulped before reading from the card. "A word, four letters, a puzzling feat. Read it forward, back, or flipped, so neat. In all directions, its meaning stays in sight. Left to right, it spells the same …""Noon," Dustin said casually. "Yo
"Rhys.""Mr. Rhys, congratulations on your win." Carrying the box containing Enchanting Elegance, Keanu walked respectfully toward Dustin.With a smile, he said, "Allow me to present you this priceless treasure, Enchanting Elegance, on behalf of Regal Court.""Let me inspect it first." Cody was the first to receive the box from Keanu. Upon opening it, his eyes lit up."What a precious item!" After confirming its authenticity, Cody finally noticed he was out of line. After all, Dustin was the one who earned the prize. If he kept it for himself without any explanation, he would undoubtedly be criticized for it.The best course of action was for Dustin to offer it up to him voluntarily. That way, he could accept it graciously and gain both the treasure and recognition. It would be the perfect plan!"Dustin, although I've long admired Enchanting Elegance, it is your rightful win. I won't take what belongs to you." Cody put on a pained expression as he spoke. While he was givi
"Y-You! What nonsense!" Harper exploded in anger."Am I wrong? If it wasn't for this handsome man, you'd have gone bankrupt. But here you are, bickering away. Are you really that dumb?"Lana folded her arms and pouted. She even gave Dustin a flirtatious look when she was done. "Right, handsome?" She drew out the word handsome, making it sound flirtatious. "Oh wow! So you two were a team!" Harper looked between them with a look of realization. "No wonder you two were so cozy with each other. It turns out that you've been colluding secretly!""Idiot." Lana rolled her eyes at her, having no words. How stupid could Harper get? She always spoke without thinking. "Let it go, Harper. Dustin was the one who won Enchanting Elegance. We have no right to meddle in what he decides to do with it. " Cody patted Harper on the shoulder.Despite maintaining a calm front, his gaze turned icy. This brat clearly couldn't read the room. If Dustin had handed over the painting, it might have ea
Lana finally got to the point. "Handsome, you seem like a talented man. Why don't you be a follower of the Camron family?"Other than the Swansons and the Welches, no other family will dare touch you here in South City.""You aren't inviting me because you have your eyes on Enchanting Elegance too, are you?" Dustin probed. "Enchanting Elegance?" Lana smiled."Even though it's a treasure, I'm not short on wealth. It holds little value to me.""Oh? Then why are you helping me, Ms. Camron?" Dustin was intrigued. "Even though I'm not short on wealth, I'm short on men." Lana extended a finger and tapped Dustin's chest. She was practically glowing when she said, "You look thin but are surprisingly muscular. I didn't misjudge you after all. I wonder, would you be interested in being my 108th boyfriend?""Huh?" Dustin frowned and instinctively took two steps back. He thought she was after the painting, not him. That was something he didn't expect. What a flirt. Was she trying to g
Dustin quickly noticed a few hostile gazes upon leaving Regal Court. With a swift glance, he identified at least two groups of people that had their eyes on him. It seemed like Lana was right. Enchanting Elegance was a valuable treasure, and it attracted a lot of unwarranted trouble. Ordinary folks were not necessarily able to hold on to such a treasure even if they happened to get their hands on it. Luckily, Dustin was far from ordinary. "Since you have targeted me, let's see if you have what it takes to take it from me." Dustin snorted. Without a sound, he moved toward a secluded area. The two groups followed him discreetly from the left and right side. After about ten minutes of walking, Dustin turned into a deserted old alley."This is a great chance! Follow him!" More than a dozen black-clad men armed with knives rushed after Dustin into the old alley. But soon, they were in shock. And that was because they realized they were in a dead-end, and Dustin was nowhere to
This meant that the mastermind behind his assault didn't see him as a big threat. It could also mean that the person didn't hold considerable power. Dustin dusted off his clothes and put the box away. He was just about to leave when a few black SUVs pulled up at the opening of the old alley. The car doors flung open, and a group of muscular men dressed in fighting gear charged out. Every one of them was armed and surrounded Dustin as soon as they got out of the car, leaving him with no chance of escape. "Move aside!" At that moment, a burly man strolled confidently toward him with a cigar in his mouth. He had a scar on his face and an imposing presence. It was clear that he had bad intentions. "It's you?" Dustin narrowed his eyes slightly, recognizing the man.It was none other than Ziggy, who had caused trouble in Harmony Healers earlier that day. "Brat, we meet again!" Ziggy puffed on his cigar. With his bulging belly and hands on his hips, he was clad in a faux mink c
Seated by the window on the second floor of Regal Court, Lana swirled her wine glass. Her gaze was fixed on the tranquil night outside. The moon and stars were mirrored in her beautiful eyes. It made her appear exceptionally charming. "Ms. Camron." At that moment, a bodyguard dressed in a suit approached her. He whispered, "We had an incident earlier. The target you asked us to keep an eye on has disappeared.""Disappeared?"Lana raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?""The target is quite strong. He took down dozens of people with his bare fists. Then, he disappeared without a trace," the bodyguard replied with his head lowered."Oh? Doesn't that mean he's an excellent fighter?" Lana smiled, her expression betraying her growing interest in him."I thought he was just good-looking, but it seems like he's got some skills. Have someone investigate him and find out about his background. If he's on the right side, try to bring him over.""Understood!" the bodyguard replied and l
"Master Brooke, Dustin, we've found you." At that moment, Cody and Harper walked in through the door."Hmph! You're here to take advantage of us again!" Harper grimaced and shot Dustin a scornful look. She couldn't shake off the events from last night. Her resentment toward Dustin and his collusion with Lana was still fresh in her mind. "Dustin, I heard you were almost robbed last night. Are you alright?" Cody asked with a concerned look."Thank you for your concern, Mr. Ostrower. They were just a bunch of petty thieves. I didn't take them seriously," Dustin replied.Dustin suddenly changed the topic and asked, "By the way, Mr. Ostrower, how did you know I was almost robbed?""Huh?" Cody's expression froze, but he swiftly regained his composure."Oh, I have a well-informed network. In this part of South City, hardly anything can happen without me getting wind of it.""I see." Dustin chuckled with a knowing look.He had been wondering who might have taken an interest in Encha
"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