"What's going on? Isn't that man supposed to be an ascetic priest? What is he doing at a Combat Tournament?""They say ascetic priests aren't interested in power or wealth. Yet, here he is, stepping into the battle ring. It's really strange.""Wait! I know him. He's the renegade among the ascetic priests, Thaddeus Savier.""What? Father Savier? Are you talking about the same guy who slaughtered an entire family in a fit of rage eight years ago?"The mention of Thaddeus' name caused a stir in the crowd. There were only a few ascetic priests in the world, and he stood out distinctly among them.No one knew what had happened. But rumors circulated that he had allegedly slain 17 members of the guildmaster's family from the Sable Order in one night eight years ago. Since then, Thaddeus had forsaken his vows entirely. He indulged in all sorts of vices—drinking, women, and money.His temper was notoriously explosive. Plus, he was quick to resort to violence at the slightest provocatio
"Number 19?" Alicia looked at Dustin with a puzzled expression. "Dr. Rhys, why do you think he can win?"Aurora commented, "Number 5 is the ascetic priest. Even though they're evenly matched, he seems almost unbeatable. Number 19 may be the successor of Shadow Citadel, but he seems inexperienced. In every aspect, he's clearly no match for Number 5."Despite Dalen's handsome appearance, he paled in comparison to Thaddeus in strength. They couldn't understand why Dustin's opinion differed so much from theirs."I know Number 19. Despite his gentle appearance, he's quite skilled. He shouldn't have much trouble defeating that ascetic priest," Dustin replied casually."Really?" Alicia raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn't anticipated Dustin knowing Dalen, let alone being so confident in his assessment."In that case, let's bet on him," she decided without hesitation.Regardless of whether Dustin was truthful or accurate in his assessment, Alicia felt compelled to respect his opinio
After the referee signaled the start of the round, the crowd was cheering and rallying enthusiastically. Most were rooting for Thaddeus due to his formidable strength and put off by Dalen's appearance."Kid, you should just give up now," Thaddeus said while sipping his drink. "Otherwise, you're going to end up with broken limbs once the fight starts."He didn't take Dalen, a guy in his 20s, seriously at all. Thaddeus' goal was to defeat the top contenders in Group A. To him, the elites in Group B were just stepping stones."Father Savier, isn't it inappropriate for a priest to enter a battle ring against younger opponents?" Dalen smiled and lightly waved his folding fan."What's wrong with that?" Thaddeus countered. "Priests are human too, with the same emotions and desires as anyone else. Those you see claiming to be above it all are just hypocrites. "Sure, they act pious, but who knows what they're up to in private? At least I'm honest about my desires. Like they say, 'live lif
"Wow! He's so charming. He really embodies the saying, 'Like a gem among men, unmatched in the world.'""Not only is he handsome, but he's also a great fighter. I'm in love.""Go, Honey! You're the best."Every move Dalen made stirred waves of excitement among the crowd. Young women were completely captivated. Their eyes gleamed with admiration as they watched him in action.If Dalen were just a pretty face, it wouldn't matter much. But his effortless deflection of Thaddeus' attacks twice demonstrated his formidable skill.His striking good looks and exceptional talent naturally drew the attention of the women in the stands."Screw that! He just lucked out dodging a few moves. What's the big deal? He's just trying to show off.""He looks like a sissy but doesn't seem to have any real skills. Once Father Savier got serious, he'd crush him in seconds!""Go, Father Savier! Take down this boy toy."The male spectators grumbled discontentedly, unlike the female fans. They questione
Amid the crowd's intense anticipation, Thaddeus' Palm of Justice finally crashed upon Dalen's head with immense force.A loud roar echoed through the arena as a tidal wave of terrifying energy erupted outward. The spectacle was awe-inspiring, and the pressure was unfathomable.A sudden gust of wind hit the spectators. It caused their hair to stand on end and forced them to squint against the unexpected rush of air.As the tension settled and silence descended, all eyes turned to the battle ring, where a startling scene unfolded.They thought Thaddeus's strike had sealed Dalen's fate unless he dodged it. To their surprise, Dalen emerged from the attack unscathed, not a hair out of place nor a mark on his pristine clothes.The sight stunned everyone as they struggled to comprehend what had transpired in that crucial moment. Why was Dalen unharmed? Could Thaddeus have held back? Such thoughts raced through their minds, even as the lingering shockwave from their clash reverberated t
Thaddeus' blade moved with blinding speed. It was so fast that it was almost a blur of blue light. Unlike the previous techniques, the Zenith Skill and the Palm of Justice, this was pure physical power—extreme speed and explosive force. The blade sliced through the air and tore it apart without making a sound."What an incredible speed," Crystal said, her eyes widening in shock. The saying "experts recognize expertise" couldn't have been more apt. Though Thaddeus' strike seemed simple, it showcased terrifying speed and power.At that moment, she truly understood the formidable nature of the ascetic priest. Thaddeus' cultivation was profound. But even his physical body was honed to perfection. He was a rare martial artist who excelled both internally and externally. Such a person could easily challenge a grandmaster martial artist.Before anyone could react, Thaddeus' blade was already inches away from Dalen. However, just as Voidcleaver was about to land, a white light flash
"Oh? Dr. Rhys, are you that confident? Does Dalen have some secret moves?" Alicia raised an eyebrow. Her curiosity was piqued."Shadow Citadel's skills aren't limited to just the Evasio Incantation. If Dalen is brave enough to enter the tournament, he must have some tricks up his sleeve. I believe that with his strength, he won't stop here," Dustin said calmly. He could tell Dalen had yet to show his full potential. Despite his carefree demeanor, Dalen was hiding his true abilities. Therefore, advancing to Group A would be effortless for him."Since you think so highly of him, let's wait and see what surprises Dalen has in store." Alicia smiled faintly and didn't press further. She didn't doubt Dustin's assessment but wondered what made him think so highly of Dalen.Meanwhile, Thaddeus continued his relentless assault in the battle ring. He swung the Voidcleaver in a frenzy. Each swing left behind a mesmerizing trail of deadly blue arcs."Kid, surrender now! Your Evasio Incantati
Under the intense gaze of the spectators, Thaddeus' Voidcleaver clashed with Dalen's folding fan. To be precise, Dalen's fan struck Thaddeus' blade.A thunderous bang echoed as their weapons collided. It unleashed a powerful energy wave that radiated from the point of impact. The shockwave swept through the surroundings, sending dust and debris flying. Spectators near the battle ring had to shield their eyes from the whirlwind of grit.The two men were locked in a standoff on the battle ring. Dalen's folding fan, like a sword, tapped against Thaddeus's blade. One was striking downward, the other thrusting upward, creating a deadlock in midair.The spectators were stunned."Whoa! He actually blocked it? What’s going on?""Father Savier's attack had the power of a grandmaster. It was a devastating strike, yet that pretty boy managed to counter it with finesse. Impressive!""Damn! How is the boy toy still alive?"The spectators buzzed with mixed reactions. Some were shocked, some
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