Dustin frowned. "That meant it was the Hills that did this?" He had been kind enough to have Edmund deliver them the medicinal wine to treat Paul. Instead of being grateful, they attacked Edmund. No matter the reason, he was not going to let them go easily. Dustin felt guilty. "I'm sorry, Mr. Robinson. I put you into this mess. You wouldn't have endured such suffering if I didn't send you there."Edmund forced out a smile. "No, it has nothing to do with you. I was just unlucky.""Don't worry, Mr. Robinson. I will get revenge for you. It doesn't matter who did this to you. I will make them pay!" Dustin vowed."Mr. Rhys, the Hills are a powerful and influential family that we can't afford to offend. Please don't act impulsively." Edmund grew agitated. It was one thing for him to be beaten, but if he was the reason Dustin was harmed, he would never forgive himself. "Don't worry about me. You just need to make sure you get better. I'll deal with this matter." He took out a pill an
"What?" The rest of the guards froze at the sight of their buddy, who died with just a punch. They never imagined Dustin would be so vicious. It was obvious that he didn't have any respect for the Hills if he would kill someone over a disagreement."How dare you!""The audacity!""You must be tired of living! To actually kill someone from the Hill family!"After a momentary daze, the few remaining guards brandished their knives and yelled angrily at Dustin.Dustin stood calmly in place. His cold gaze scanning them left and right, he asked, "Did you guys also beat Mr. Robinson up?""What?" Their pupils constricted as they unconsciously took a few steps back. It felt like they had been marked by a predator. However, they soon realized the absurdity of it. They were at the Hill family residence! What was there to be afraid of when they were only up against a single person?"You punk! If you don't want to die, surrender immediately, or don't blame us for being merciless!" The guard
With the distance closing in and only a few meters left between both parties, Dustin's knees bent slightly before he stepped forcefully onto the ground. He propelled forward like a rocket, following an explosion-like noise that left a crater in its wake. What was left behind in his path were groans and splattered blood.Protected by his energy sphere, the elite guards were sent flying before they could even touch him. Some suffered broken limbs, while others died instantly. No one could put up a fight against him. Dustin was like a fierce tiger preying upon a flock of sheep—unstoppable and invincible. Within a few minutes, half of the hundreds of elite guards had collapsed to the ground."Damn it, this punk has skills!" Torben frowned as he watched Dustin go on his rampage. The Hill family's elite guards were the cream of the crop. It was a sight to see them fall one after the other. "Young Mr. Hill, if my observation serves me right, that guy should be a divine-level martial artis
Dustin looked around him and found himself completely surrounded. What greeted him was a dense crowd of the Hill family's elite. He noticed a few familiar faces among the crowd, including Autumn and Patrick, who stood out especially. "Dustin?" Upon arriving at the scene, Patrick was stunned, appearing greatly astonished. He had first thought it was someone who didn't know any better when he heard the news. He didn't expect that person to be Dustin. Autumn's expression turned dark when he recognized the person. "You brat! So it's you! That's some courage you've got! How dare you hurt my son? Release him immediately!""Release him!" "Release him now!"The elite members of the Hill family began clamoring, each one of them glowering with a murderous look on their faces. When he saw reinforcements arriving, the previously flustered Torben straightened his posture and arrogantly declared, "Hey, punk, weren't you being arrogant earlier? Why are you silent now? You aren't frighte
Torben's pain increased immensely, and he let out miserable screams."You despicable bastard! There is no animosity between us. Why did you stoop to such heinous acts!" After screaming, Autumn gradually regained his composure. However, the murderous look in his eyes only intensified. "No animosity? Why don't you ask your son what he's done?" Dustin finally looked up. "No matter what my son did, that's not an excuse for you to assault someone here!" Autumn declared fiercely. "All of you truly have the same corrupt principles. Since you can't be reasoned with, don't blame me for resorting to violence." Dustin impassively declared, "I'm giving you three days to prepare. In three days, I want to see your son apologize to the victim. Otherwise, you'll bear the consequences!""Kid, did you think you could leave safely after injuring someone here? Do you think we are at a public playground?" Autumn's rage was boiling."If I want to stay, nobody can make me leave. If I want to leave,
Three resounding tolls of bells echoed throughout the Hill family residence. This prompted a large number of key family members to swiftly gather at the meeting hall. The Hill family had a clear rule that if warning bells were sounded, it meant a major incident had occurred within the family. No matter where they were or what they were up to, they were required to head immediately to the meeting hall. "Autumn, what the hell are you doing? Who permitted you to ring the bell?" Spring had arrived with a few of his aides and strode into the meeting hall. He noticed that most of the key family members were already gathered. The family members were drawn to the meeting hall by the sound of the bell, not yet knowing what had transpired. Since the Hill family residence was enormous, surrounding an entire mountain, those residing behind the mountains didn't hear the commotion at the front gates.Autumn's expression was gloomy. "Spring! Someone had gone on a killing rampage at our resid
At that moment, many of them agreed. On a normal day, no one would dare cause a scene with them, as they were usually the bullies. Even if they were in the wrong, it didn't matter to them. Whoever was the better fighter would be the superior party."What do you plan on doing?" Spring narrowed his eyes, seemingly upset."I want to deploy the shadow guards and turn that kid into minced meat!" Autumn was seething in anger."Nonsense!" Spring shot up as he slammed the table. "The shadow guards are the foundation of our family. How can you just mobilize them like that? "I don't care! I'm getting revenge! If you don't agree, I'm asking Father!" Autumn was stubborn."Who's looking for me?" At that moment, an elderly man with a white beard and white brows slowly walked out. His hands were behind his back, and he looked calm. Even though he didn't give off a powerful air, his every step and move exuded a subtle sense of authority. "Sir Paul!"Paul's appearance had everyone on their fee
The next morning, in a ward at Pinevale Hospital, Edmund's serious condition finally turned for the better. He laid on the hospital bed, sleeping peacefully, with Abigail keeping watch beside him. Even though the father-daughter duo didn't get along well on a typical day, Abigail cared for him the most when a serious matter arose. She had been busy the entire night and hadn't gotten any sleep. "Kid, eat something." At that moment, Dustin walked in with breakfast. "Your father's condition has stabilized, and he'll get better soon. You don't need to worry.""Thank you, Dustin." Abigail forced out a smile. She took a few bites but didn't have the appetite to continue and pushed the food aside. "Abigail, we're here." Suddenly, a group of youngsters walked through the door. They were Abigail's classmates, and they all brought something with them. Some of them had flowers, some had fruits, and others brought drinks. Among the gifts, the one most eye-catching was Mike's panax root.
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