Florence and the others present were stunned into silence as they took in Dustin's righteous speech. Their faces were etched with disbelief. How dare he humiliate the highly respected third matriarch of the Nicholsons in public!“You … insolent brat! You? Teach me a lesson? Do you know I can bring your family to ruins with just one word?" Gloria cradled her burning face as she screeched in anger, losing her previous dignified elegance. "You can try." Dustin showed no signs of fear. "Hah!" Gloria exclaimed in anger before dissolving into scornful laughter. "Oh, Florence, what a great family you have. I came all the way here to Swinton just to elevate your family to a higher status. And yet, you're not only ungrateful, but you dare rebel against me? I believe this letter of appointment would have better use for another person! Since you're not interested in assuming the role of Chairman at Cardinal Group, I'll have the family patriarch revoke the appointment." As Gloria pulled out
Dahlia frowned, for it wasn't a small amount. In the whole of Swinton, there were only a few individuals who had one billion in liquid assets to withdraw from. "Of course, if you're unable to secure the investment funds needed, please step aside and make way for someone more deserving. We don't want you hindering the company's development." Gloria sneered. In truth, she was the one who set the conditions for a one billion investment fund, not the family patriarch. She didn't wish for an outsider to hold that much authority. That was why she came up with the idea to make her step aside on her own accord. She would also be able to give a good explanation when questioned by the family patriarch. "Why are you silent? Don't tell me you can't even manage such a small matter?" She taunted on purpose."Hmph! If you can't do it. I'll take on the role of chairman instead." Dakota raised her head arrogantly. With her connections and Gloria's help, one billion wouldn't be hard to secure.
Dustin walked out of Nicholson Villa and was about to make a call when his phone rang. It was from Roderick Brooks.Dustin answered, "Hello, Mr. Brooks, I was just about to go look for you. It's such a coincidence that you called first.""Oh? Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Rhys?" Roderick was taken aback."I have a friend who got into some trouble and needs a sum of money. Would it be possible for me to borrow money from you?" Dustin asked."Phew, you scared me. I thought it was something serious. It turns out you just need money. Of course. I might not have much of anything else, but I definitely have money. How much does your friend need?" Roderick breathed a sigh of relief."One billion.""No problem. I'll send it to you tomorrow.""Thank you, Mr. Brooks.""No need to be so polite, Mr. Rhys. You were the one who treated my recurring illness!""Congratulations again. Right, is there a reason you called me?" Dustin changed the subject. "Mr. Rhys, didn't you have
"Don't believe me? Let's see what happens!" The woman in the baseball cap pursed her lips in disdain, while Dustin and Roderick only smiled back in response. As time went on, the auction neared its end, and the remaining highly prized items were brought up on stage. Among them, was the long-awaited thousand-year green lotus everyone coveted. "Ladies and gentlemen, our next item on auction is an extremely rare, precious herb that has thrived for a thousand years. This item is known as the thousand-year green lotus!"With a wave from the auctioneer, a wooden box was brought forward with great care. As the box opened, one translucent and gleaming green lotus was revealed. While its petals were colored green, its core shimmered gold. It appeared to be the epitome of perfection, resembling a delicate work of art as its beauty captivated everyone present. Under the illumination of lights, its colors shone brilliantly. It was truly a sight to behold. "It really is the thousand-year g
"Tyler Grant?!" The crowd erupted in an uproar with her reveal.Everyone in Southern Province knew of Tyler Grant. He was the rising new general of Dragonmarsh. A true prodigy, he had recorded numerous military achievements at a young age and was given the nickname General Lionheart, holding the third-highest rank in the military. Among the younger generation in the entire Southern province, he stood as the leader.Some influential figures even proclaimed that his achievements in the future would rival those of the God of War, Adam Spanner! The Grant family was already known for being part of the Tremendous Three, and now, with his status as the exceptional genius of the family, his name soared to even greater heights. For the past few years, he had been someone everyone did not dare cross.When Jayla revealed her identity, everyone present was stunned. The man from Stoneray Order especially looked upset, but he was unable to utter another word. Although Stoneray Order possessed sig
Even as the daughter of the Grant family, two billion dollars in cash was a stretch. Any more than that, and she would need to ask for money from the family."2.1 billion dollars." Roderick was calm.Jayla exclaimed with gritted teeth, "2.5 billion!" She had a murderous gaze. Even if she had to borrow money, she would regain her dignity today!With a smile still plastered on his face, Roderick raised the bid, "2.6 billion." His nickname, Big Buck Brooks, was not merely a nickname. The sum of money truly held no significance to him."Three billion!" Jayla was seeing red. She looked like a lioness about to tear into her prey."Three …" Roderick raised his paddle, about to continue bidding when Dustin pulled his hand down."Forget about it. Just let her have it.""What?" Roderick was surprised. "Mr. Rhys, isn't this item something you need? Why are you giving it up? If it's because of the price, there's no need to worry. I can deal with it.""It has nothing to do with money."
"That gem!" Dustin was full of excitement at the appearance of the red gemstone. He had resigned himself to leaving empty-handed today, but as luck would have it, he chanced upon another treasure. "Hmph, what a country bumpkin. What's so exciting about a red gemstone?" Taking in the excited look on Dustin's face, Jayla looked at him in contempt. "I've got plenty of those at home. Only a country bumpkin like you who hasn't seen the world will think it's special."Dustin ignored her and focused his gaze on the red gemstone on stage. Its surface was colored a blood-like deep crimson, and its shape was similar to a calabash. On the surface, it looked ordinary. However, its desirability lay in its size, and after some processing, it would undoubtedly turn out to be invaluable. In the eyes of a professional jeweler, this was definitely the finest red crimson. Roderick was confused. "Mr. Rhys, do you like it?" Dustin didn't seem like someone who would covet precious stones, especially wi
Roderick continued bidding."One billion." Jayla showed no signs of letting up. As she was deliberately targeting the gem, the price of the red gemstone hit the billion-dollar mark, which had far exceeded the valuation of the gemstone. It would be a great loss for the winning bidder. "It seems like they've come head-to-head with each other.""I have a bad feeling something is going to happen to Big Buck Brooks for offending Ms. Grant.""He's just wealthy. How does he have the guts to challenge such a prominent family?"The crowd pointed and gossiped fervently, clearly enjoying the farce. "1.5 billion dollars." Roderick raised his paddle again, boldly increasing the bid by 500 million dollars. "1.6 billion dollars." Jayla continued challenging him head-on. "Two billion dollars!" Roderick then told her in an impassive tone, "Ms. Grant, if you raise it again, I'll let you have it."Jayla was about to raise it when she froze. She wasn't interested in the red gemstone. It woul
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
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