Samson had lost badly. His huge frame created a dent in the wall, and his upper body was stuck inside, rendering him utterly immobile. From a distance, he resembled a piece of artwork hanging on the wall. "What?" The crowd was dumbfounded by the scene they had just witnessed. Their eyes widened in disbelief. When Samson had charged forward, they thought the results were clear. But they didn't expect Samson to be sent flying in such a fashion. They couldn't wrap their head around the unexpected turn of events."What just happened? Samson … lost?""How is that even possible? With Samson's strength, he couldn't have lost to that kid!" "It must have been an accident!"After a momentary silence, the crowd erupted into a heated discussion. Nobody had anticipated the outcome before them. Samson was gifted and highly skilled and was known for his nearly impenetrable defense. The fact that an elite fighter of his caliber couldn't withstand a single strike from Dustin was simply
They weren't confident about taking Dustin in a one-on-one battle. However, they were certain they could defeat him if they were to join forces."Hold it!" Right then, a group of people entered the dojo. Leading the group was a tall, white-haired elderly man. He was dressed in a suit and carried himself with an air of authority that had developed through the years. There was a beautiful woman by his side. She possessed delicate facial features and an attractive figure. She carried herself elegantly like a queen. The woman was none other than Natasha, who had arrived just in time. "The audacity! Who are you people? How dare you intrude into Celestial Dojo?" one of the Fallons shouted angrily. "Silence!" Dante paled as he delivered a harsh slap to the Fallon who had spoken out. He then hurried up to the elderly man and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Duke of Lachshire.""What? The Duke of Lachshire?"The atmosphere shifted as realization dawned upon the crowd. The previ
Dustin felt pressured by Simon's scrutinizing gaze. However, he had already anticipated a situation like this and showed no outward signs of discomfort. "My Lord, I've long heard of your name, but we've never met. Perhaps you find me familiar because I possess a rather unremarkable appearance," Dustin explained humbly. Over the past decade, his height, appearance, and temperament significantly changed. Even his closest friends from the past wouldn't recognize him at first glance. "Is that so?" Simon looked him up and down again. He then replied impassively, "Perhaps that is true." "Grandfather, Dustin is an exceptional man. He excels in both the literary and martial arts and has outstanding medical expertise. He has also helped me out many times in the past. "It would be difficult to find a young talent as outstanding as he is in all of Oakvale," Natasha introduced Dustin proudly. She was always eager to highlight the merits of her man. "Haha. Don't you think you're exagg
Dante glared at Dexter as he said, "Today is a golden opportunity for you to redeem yourself. "If you manage to defeat Dustin and overcome your inner demons, your martial arts cultivation will reach new heights!" Dexter flinched. He wanted to retort but was too cowardly to do so. He could only beg, "Uncle Dante, I haven't healed from my previous injuries. Why don't you get someone else to go?" "What do you mean someone else? You just suffered minor injuries. Go up now lest you embarrass us!" Dante rebuked. "A-Alright …" Dexter looked miserable as he entered the battle ring. Why did he end up being implicated in this situation? His sole intention had been to just watch Dustin make a fool of himself. "Dexter, are you sure you want to fight me?" Dustin smiled slyly. "Dustin Rhys! The men of the Fallon family never back down from a duel. Even though I'm heavily injured, I'm not afraid of you! Give me the best you've got!" Dexter maintained a brave facade.However, he was cry
Dante gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, anger written all over his face. How could a disciple of the prestigious Fallon family flee from a fight? This was a disgrace!Most importantly, he fled in the presence of the Duke of Lachshire. If news spread out, it would tarnish the reputation of the Fallons, one of the ancient houses. "Sir Dante, your nephew is quite smart! He knows when to give in," Natasha teased. Dante's eye twitched, and his expression turned sour. This was truly humiliating! "Go and bring Dexter back here! He will suffer under the house law!" Dante shouted at the other Fallon disciples. "Yes, sir!" They didn't dare to hesitate and immediately scattered, searching for Dexter everywhere. They knew that Dexter had landed himself in big trouble this time. He would probably face severe consequences if not death. "I've always heard that the men of the Fallon family were brave and fearless. But what I've seen today has disappointed me," Simon remarked cas
Dexter's fists rained down relentlessly, and a series of punches descended upon Dustin. The force behind each punch was strong, resonating loudly."I didn't expect Dexter to have improved again. His Fiery Storm technique is now comparable to Samson's.""The Fiery Storm technique is the Fallon family's signature move and is known for its destructive power. If Dexter manages to seize the right moment, there is a chance that he could defeat Dustin."The crowd was astonished and expectant as they witnessed those swift and relentless punches. Perhaps Dexter could pull off a miracle.A suddenly thunderous crash shattered the crowds' hopes. Before Dexter's fists could land on Dustin, he was sent flying by Dustin's palm strike. He struck him so effortlessly that it looked like he had swatted a fly. With a loud thud, Dexter collided with a wall after flying more than ten meters. He lost consciousness almost immediately. The Fallon disciples sighed deeply. Even though they had expected t
Declan had a nonchalant tone, exhibiting no signs of emotion. He even casually tucked one hand in his pocket, his body language showing that he barely considered Dustin a challenge. After all, there were very few who could compel him to exert his full strength. The nobody before him clearly didn't belong to that category."Three moves? Are you sure about that?" Dustin raised an eyebrow, wearing a faint, ambiguous smile.These geniuses in Oakvale were shamelessly bragging when they couldn't even estimate their opponent's strength. Dustin wondered if they were really confident or just foolish. "What? Three moves aren't enough for you?" Declan continued calmly, "Alright, I'll give you ten moves then. If you can even touch a single strand of my hair within ten moves, it would be considered your victory." His remark drew laughter from the Fallon disciples."Hahaha! Declan is so ruthless!""He's not just underestimating his opponent by giving ten moves as a head start. He's sho
This was enough to prove that Dustin's skills were not far behind his own."What's the matter? I thought you were going to allow me ten moves? Why did you dodge?" Dustin retracted his palm, a faint smile playing on his lips."He did say that, but that didn't mean he was going to stand there and get hit!" Daphne retorted indignantly."Dustin, I must admit, you're stronger than I expected." Declan said seriously, "Honestly, I wasn't taking you seriously since I didn't think you were qualified to be my opponent. However, that strike you delivered just changed my perspective.""So?" Dustin smiled."So, from now on, I'm going to take this seriously," Declan responded as he slowly took off his coat. His once indifferent gaze grew sharp. "Take it seriously? Will that even make a difference?" Dustin was doubtful. However, Declan ignored him and stated, "It's been a long time since I've taken a duel seriously, and you're one of them. Consider yourself honored to be defeated by me!"
"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