Willem was nothing but a bloodthirsty maniac."What's the matter? Lost your nerve?" Willem taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. He added, "I thought Glorian folks were tough. Weren't you the ones who wanted to bully others? Weren't you just boasting about taking me down? Come on, get back on your feet and face me!""I… I won't fight anymore." Jasper shook his head vigorously.He continued, "It was my mistake. I offended you, and I'm sorry. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me." With a gesture of submission, he dropped to his knees."Your apology means nothing now. You're worthless, even if you manage to survive," Willem jeered, edging closer with his nails bared and a menacing glint in his eyes."Mr. Bailey! Help me, please!" Jasper cried out, desperation evident in his voice and sweat trickling down his face. He knew pleading was futile, but Bailey was his only hope in a crowd of strangers."Mr. Jasper, I've repeatedly warned you, but you chose to ignore my advice.
Jasper, the once-mighty general of Glorian, met his demise through a fatal encounter with the Blood Devil Willem, all because of his overbearing arrogance.This tragic incident overshadowed what had begun as the gathering organized by the Hall of Gods."Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone. I'll go and freshen up a bit." Willem's lips curled into a satisfied smirk after draining Jasper off his last breath.He nodded to the assembled group before making his way to the restroom."Mr. Alessandro, could you find someone to clean up this mess?" Bailey glanced at Anthony."Sure," Anthony agreed with a nod.A team of Kimboku warriors was assembled to commence the cleanup. They swiftly buried the bodies and scrubbed away the bloodstains, ensuring everything was neat and orderly.Everyone present was a seasoned veteran and was accustomed to facing adversity. Thus, such a minor incident failed to elicit any surprise.As the Kimboku warriors diligently worked to clear the area, Anthony led
In the lively ambiance of Breezy Tavern, Dustin was immersed in a cheerful gathering with Quincy and other people. The occasion was a party organized by Quincy in honor of Dustin's victory over Marco in honor of the Celestial Alliance.Dustin's remarkable feat spread like wildfire throughout Sacred Wrym Summit. It even drew the attention of many curious and aspiring talents. Dustin's intervention in defeating Marco had averted potential humiliation for martial artists across Dragonmarsh. Thus, it was no surprise that numerous individuals were eager to meet the emerging hero."Here's to your bright future and continued success, Dustin!" Quincy exclaimed, lifting his glass in a toast.As the night wore on and the drinks flowed freely, even Dustin succumbed to the pleasant haze of merriment."Thank you, Elder Douglas," Dustin replied warmly. He raised his glass with a smile without any hint of submission."Dustin, have you truly ruled out joining our Celestial Alliance?" Quincy cha
With a swiftness that was almost impossible to track, Aldric's blade sliced through the air, leaving only a fleeting glimpse of its sharp edge. Everywhere it went, raindrops evaporated instantly, creating a void in its wake.Miles's eyes narrowed as he swiftly raised his sword to defend himself.The clash echoed through the air.Aldric's blow landed heavily against Miles's blade. It sent Miles stumbling backward, and his grip wavered for a moment."That power…" Miles' expression turned grave.Aldric's last attack had been unexpectedly strong. Miles might have been seriously injured if he hadn't reacted in time.Aldric sheathed his blade decisively, his expression cold as he spoke. "You're no match for me. Move aside," he said firmly, showing no concern for Miles' presence.Miles, undeterred, raised his sword defiantly. "Hmph! Don't get too cocky," he retorted. He added, "I'm a disciple of the Sword Union. Maybe I'm not as gifted as Dustin, but I'm no ordinary fighter. And you?
Driving away one challenger would only invite others to take their place. Hence, this would only create an unending cycle. Dustin disliked pointless duels and chose to yield rather than be pulled into endless fights. He was willing to forgo the glory of defeating Marco if it meant avoiding continuous conflict.Aldric's demeanor soured. "Do you take me for a beggar?" His tone chilled. "For me to win, it must be an honest victory, with you admitting defeat unequivocally. There can be no room for uncertainty!"His pursuit of fame spurred him on and fueled his determination to achieve victory solely through merit. As a swordsman, he took great pride in this endeavor."What if I decline the duel?" Dustin asked.Aldric's face contorted into a menacing expression. "If you don't make a move, then I'll kill everyone around you. Let's test your resolve then!"Dustin furrowed his brow at the threat. He thought, "This man knows no bounds. Seems there's no escaping this confrontation today
Aldric grunted and staggered. The force of the impact almost caused him to lose hold of his blade.He looked down at his shoulder and saw a bloody hole, feeling the warmth of blood seeping through his raincoat. The rain mixed with the blood as it trickled down, creating a chilling sight.A water droplet turned into a sword that effortlessly breached his defenses, showcasing Dustin's unexpected strength. It was more than Aldric had bargained for."Nice shot!" Miles cheered after seeing Aldric wounded. He felt his pride was redeemed after the previous humiliation."Hmph! You're tough, but one strike from Dustin, and you're reeling. Looks like the so-called tough disciples of the Bloodfiery Legion aren't living up to their reputation." Ruby scoffed, her tone laced with mockery."Ruby, don't underestimate those Bloodfiery Legion members," Dalen cautioned, his gaze steady.He continued, "Once they're in the thick of battle, they only get tougher, especially when wounded. They'll push
"Bloodfiery Rampage technique—Fourth stance: the Godslayer!" "Bloodfiery Rampage technique—Ultimate stance: the Skyfire!"Aldric's voice boomed, echoing through the area as he declared his stances one by one. With every swing of his blade, he showcased the culmination of his lifelong training.He understood that Dustin posed the greatest challenge he had ever faced. To have any hope of victory, Aldric resolved not to hold back. Each strike he delivered was imbued with a fierce intensity that sent waves of destructive force toward Dustin. The spectators, gripped by fear, could feel the sheer force emanating from Aldric's attacks, even from afar.His strength was undeniable as each swing carried an unstoppable momentum that seemed to shake the ground. It was evident to all watching that only a genius like Dustin could match him.Despite the fierce onslaught, Dustin remained composed. "Your technique shows promise but lacks finesse," he remarked with a faint smile. He pointed his
Aldric's gaze flickered from his blade, embedded in the sodden earth, to Dustin's calm form. Suddenly, a wave of defeat washed over him. He had nurtured lofty ambitions of shining brightly, of making a mark at the Sacred Wrym Summit Combat Tournament. And now, it struck him hard that he had overestimated his abilities.He understood that many others surpassed him in skill in this vast world. Despite his earnest endeavors, his modest talents and inflated ego proved futile.The current outcome embodied this harsh truth. Despite pouring his heart into it, he couldn't land a single strike on Dustin, who effortlessly outmatched him.This sobering realization left him struggling for composure, lost in the whirlpool of his emotions.After a brief silence, Aldric relented, "Okay, you win. I admit defeat." He struggled to speak, the weight of his admission evident in his voice.Dustin responded calmly, "Your skills are impressive. Among your peers, you're certainly exceptional."Aldric
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
The next morning, Nathaniel was inside a lavish mansion. He was in his study, flipping through an ancient manuscript. One of his most trusted aides hurried in and lowered his voice, "Your Royal Highness, word just came in. Another trace of Dracan essence has been found."Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and closed the manuscript. "Where?""Our investigation shows it ended up in the hands of Logan Rhys," the aide replied."Logan Rhys?" Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly and was surprised by the name.He had tried to win Logan over before and spared no expense, but never received a response. Later, he discovered that Tristan and Matthias had done the same.Fortunately, Logan still hadn't picked a side. He might be holding out for the best offer, but at least he hadn't shut the door on Nathaniel.With the Dracan essence in his hands, Logan had become an even more valuable target. In addition to the West Lucozian monarchy, Logan was an ultimate grandmaster, which made him worth recrui
"Give me a moment to think," Dustin said.Grace's words sent him into deep thought.After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what came with it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.Not that he had many options.Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter."I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first."Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the