The doctors gathered around to reprimand Dustin."Young man, may I know from whom you learned your skills? How dare you brag in front of everyone?" Malcolm gave him a once over, obviously displeased.In all the years he practiced his medical skills, he had never once been doubted. Much less by a rascal who was still wet behind the ears!"Hah! You overestimate yourself! How dare you put on airs in front of Dr. Shane? You’re really asking for it!" Xavier said in a hostile manner."Young man, I do not know where you got the confidence to doubt Dr. Shane, but I would like you to please leave now. Do not disrupt him from saving my daughter!" Caden spoke sternly with an annoyed expression. How dare this fellow tried to take advantage of his benevolence?"There’s no need to drive him out. Let him stay and watch. Since he doubts my skills, I’ll show him what I’m capable of!" Malcolm stood with his hands behind his back. "As expected of Dr. Shane! He carries himself with such dignity and confi
"What?"Everyone turned to look.Sure enough, they found her just as Lily said. Sheila, whose condition seemed to have improved a while ago, now looked much paler than before, and more frost had formed on her brows and hair.From the way things looked, not only had her condition not improved, it even worsened."Dr. Shane, whatever is going on?" Caden’s brows knitted together tightly, his expression stern."This is most peculiar. Technically speaking, she should be fine after the coldness has been expelled." Malcolm found Sheila’s condition very strange. She had been fine just a while ago; how did her condition worsen in just the blink of an eye?"What do we do now, Dr. Shane?" Caden questioned persistently."Don’t be anxious. Let me give it another try." Malcolm didn’t give up just yet. He used the same technique to rid Sheila of the coldness within her.But the results were the same. In just under three minutes, Sheila’s condition went back to square one. It was as though the coldness
Everyone watched wide-eyed as Dustin administered the fiery beetle.The moment it entered Sheila’s body, the effect was immediate. The cold air around her began to dissipate, and in less than three minutes, her body had gone from icy cold to being at a regular temperature.She gained color in her cheeks, and her breathing steadied.Then, under the disbelieving gaze of the crowd, she whimpered and came around."She’s awake?" Astonishment was evident on the crowd’s faces.The fact that a rascal like Dustin was able to cure Sheila of her condition when even Dr. Shane was unable to was beyond them.It was shocking indeed!"H—How is this possible?" Xavier’s eyes widened, bewildered.How could an unknown doctor possess such skills?"How did he do it?" Claudia was equally amazed and terrified.She struggled to come to terms with how something she had always thought was evil had healing properties."I never knew that the mystic arts had such amazing effects!" Malcolm’s eyes lit up as he marvel
Caden gestured to the butler, who immediately got the message."This way, please, Mr. Rhys.""Sure." Dustin nodded and followed the butler to the lounge. He took a seat and waited. It was a long wait.It wasn’t until he finished his third cup of tea that Caden appeared with several men in tow."I really appreciate you saving my daughter, young man. Here’s a ten-million-dollar check. Consider this your pay." Caden sat down and motioned to one of his men, who presented a check to Dustin."What? Thank you for your kind intentions, Mr. Murray, but this isn’t what I want." Dustin stared at the check, puzzled. "It doesn’t matter whether you want it. What matters is that this is what I’m paying you for a job well done." Caden sipped on his tea."What’s that supposed to mean?" Dustin’s eyes narrowed."Don’t you get it? The Gozoraberry isn’t yours. All you’re getting is the money." Caden spelled it out in plain words."Mr. Murray, we had a deal. I cure your daughter, and you give me the Gozora
"Hahaha!" Dustin was so infuriated that he laughed out loud when he saw the guards rush in.Anyone would have assumed that such a prestigious family would at least put in some effort to uphold their reputation. Who would have guessed that they would act so shamelessly?Not only did they go back on their word, they even betrayed someone who had offered them help in their time of need! And now that things didn’t go their way, they resorted to violence and threats. How tyrannical and despicable!"Caden Murray! Are you about to repay kindness with ingratitude?" Dustin’s gaze frosted over, and an imposing air came over him."Young man, you’d be smart to back off now. Ten million dollars is enough to last you a lifetime. You better not get greedy!" Caden warned.People in his position were only interested in what benefited them. Naturally, he would place connections with the Horst family above an unknown doctor like Dustin."Am I being greedy, or are you the one taking advantage of me? Do yo
When Dustin returned to Peaceful Medical Center, he found a silver Bentley parked right at the entrance.He walked in to see a lady with a beguiling face. Her shapely figure and enchanting temperament, matched with her bewitching smile, made her nothing less than a top-tier seductress."What brings you here, Ms. Harmon?" Dustin was slightly startled. Though they were already familiar with each other, he still found her stunning every time he saw her."Why to see you, of course. You're such a busy person, and you rarely ever come to see me. Surely you can't forbid me from coming here to meet you?" Natasha said begrudgingly."That's not what I meant. Right, how's it going with Immortunol? Are its effects as expected?" Dustin changed the topic awkwardly. "It's much better than expected! I've come here especially to thank you. Immortunol has way better effects than Eternumax. I believe that once Immortunol is launched, the big bucks will start rolling in in no time." Natasha smiled."Is t
Dustin ran his fingers over his lips, savoring the fragrance that still lingered. He blushed.How embarrassing to have a kiss stolen in broad daylight!"Hmph!" A disdainful scoff came from the door.When Dustin looked up, all he saw was a familiar figure walking away indignantly.After she got in the car, Dahlia stepped on the gas and disappeared down the road in the blink of an eye."Was that…Dahlia?" Natasha asked teasingly."Looks like it." Dustin nodded blankly."Aren't you going after her to explain what she just saw?" Natasha lifted a brow."What's there to explain? We're divorced! It's not like I'm cheating on her." Dustin stood his ground."You've got a point there." Natasha smiled."You're mine now, why would you need to explain to anyone else?" She thought to herself.As they were conversing, another car pulled up at the entrance.The car door opened, and in came a paunchy man. It was Malcolm Shane. He took in his surroundings as he entered."Hey, isn't this Dr. Shane? Why is
Malcolm was surprised that Natasha actually accepted the needles so readily. Was she not going to at least act modest by declining his offer?"Before I forget, Dr. Shane, since you have a keen eye for valuables, I have something I'd like you to help me evaluate," Natasha requested after accepting the golden needles."Oh? What is it? Please let me have a look," Malcolm said confidently."Here." Natasha showed him a green pill.Malcolm took the pill from her and nodded with satisfaction after having a good look at it. "This crystal clear pill has a bright luster to it, and it gives off a distinct fragrance. From the looks of it, it's quite remarkable!""What good judgment, Dr. Shane!" Natasha gave him a thumbs up. "This pill is called Immortunol. It can enhance a person's beauty, promote longevity, and has anti-aging effects. If you're not worried that we've spiked it, you may give it a try, Dr. Shane.""So what if it's spiked? What fear have I of poison?" Malcolm smiled proudly and swa
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
"This…" Dustin began.He hesitated on purpose and didn't give an immediate answer.Upon seeing him deep in thought, Nathaniel was convinced that Dustin was weighing the pros and cons. He leaned in slightly, his smile widening with anticipation. "You should know how much the Dracan essence means to me," he said. "If I can gather all the essences, it’d be like fate is on my side. My path to the throne would be unstoppable—and when that time comes, your reward will be waiting."As he spoke, his gaze stayed on Dustin as he searched for any sign of hesitation in his expression.Dustin looked up and met his eyes. For a moment, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.He pressed his lips together and spoke slowly. "You're right, Your Highness. But it wasn't easy to find the Dracan essence. I went through quite a few twists and turns. Besides, if I give it to you, it might put me at odds with the other two princes."He paused deliberately and left the rest unsaid. Still, the concern