Chapter 2531
After a prolonged battle, Anthony and the others finally realized the gravity of the situation.
Arion wasn't just a sword master but also had unpredictable agility. No matter how they attacked, they couldn't even land a single hit. On top of that, his sword was a constant threat.
If this deadlock continued, the situation would only worsen. So, when Bailey spoke, they knew it was tfor decisive action, and there was no turning back. It was either kill or be killed.
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At that moment, Anthony, who had been holding back, finally decided to use his ultimate technique. He bit his finger and smeared the blood across his blade. His lips moved quickly as if whispering an incantation. "Snow Maiden, arise!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he swung his sword.
A white figure shot out and hovered in the air. It was a woman with fair skin and mesmerizing beauty. Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall, her dress was as white as snow, and her eyes had a sinister gleam.
The moment she appeared, the temperature plummeted as if winter had arrived. Everywhere she passed, the ground froze, buildings frosted over, and heavy snowflakes began to fall from the sky. This only added to the eerie atmosphere.
She was the Snow Maiden, a legendary demon from Kimboku, and was sealed within Anthony's demonic blade. Beautiful yet deadly, she wielded the power of ice and snow. A single breath from her could freeze an entire village, and her power was immense and overwhelming.
This demon had been passed down through the Alessandro family for generations, and Anthony had always kept her as his last resort. He would only call upon her in situations where his life was in grave danger. Each tshe was summoned, he lost ten years of his life.
But now, with everything on the line and the need to defeat Arion, Anthony had no other option. Ten years of his life seemed a small price to pay when compared to dying here.
Just as Anthony summoned the Snow Maiden, Batuul unleashed his ultimate attack.
With a thunderous roar, Batuul's eyes turned red, and veins bulged from his skin. A wave of violent energy surged upward, and a massive illusory image appeared behind him. It was nearly 26 feet tall, with a human body and an elephant's head.
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At that moment, Anthony, who had been holding back, finally decided to use his ultimate technique. He bit his finger and smeared the blood across his blade. His lips moved quickly as if whispering an incantation. "Snow Maiden, arise!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he swung his sword.
A white figure shot out and hovered in the air. It was a woman with fair skin and mesmerizing beauty. Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall, her dress was as white as snow, and her eyes had a sinister gleam.
The moment she appeared, the temperature plummeted as if winter had arrived. Everywhere she passed, the ground froze, buildings frosted over, and heavy snowflakes began to fall from the sky. This only added to the eerie atmosphere.
She was the Snow Maiden, a legendary demon from Kimboku, and was sealed within Anthony's demonic blade. Beautiful yet deadly, she wielded the power of ice and snow. A single breath from her could freeze an entire village, and her power was immense and overwhelming.
This demon had been passed down through the Alessandro family for generations, and Anthony had always kept her as his last resort. He would only call upon her in situations where his life was in grave danger. Each tshe was summoned, he lost ten years of his life.
But now, with everything on the line and the need to defeat Arion, Anthony had no other option. Ten years of his life seemed a small price to pay when compared to dying here.
Just as Anthony summoned the Snow Maiden, Batuul unleashed his ultimate attack.
With a thunderous roar, Batuul's eyes turned red, and veins bulged from his skin. A wave of violent energy surged upward, and a massive illusory image appeared behind him. It was nearly 26 feet tall, with a human body and an elephant's head.
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Chapter 2532
As the Snow Maiden attacked, Batuul's illusory Elephantine stirred into action.
With a mighty roar, it charged forward and slammed into Arion. Its tusks, sharp as spears, aimed directly at his chest.
Caught in the swirling snow, Arion couldn't avoid the attack and quickly invoked the Glow Incantation to shield himself. The tusks collided with the barrier in a deafening crash.
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The impact sent Arion flying, and the golden light surrounding him shattered like glass. Clearly, the illusory Elephantine's strength had far exceeded the Glow Incantation's limits.
As Arion was tossed into the air, the three-headed, six-armed Chimera Wrath seized its moment. With six different weapons in hand, it launched a relentless assault.
Arion swung his sword to block but was driven further back with each blow. With no solid footing in midair, his agility was useless against the onslaught.
After several exchanges, one of the Chimera's weapons struck Arion squarely in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact. A massive crater, ten yards wide, formed at the point of impact. Coughing, Arion struggled to his feet. Before he could recover, Bailey was on him with his claws aiming straight for Arion's chest.
In a desperate move, Arion brought his sword up to block the lethal strike. He barely deflected it, but the sheer power behind Bailey's attack forced him back several staggering steps.
"Go to hell!' Before Arion could steady himself, Willem seized his chance. In a flash, he appeared behind Arion, and his sharp fangs sank deep into his neck.
Arion froze and was immobilized. His skin began to wither before everyone's eyes.
Willem was greedily draining Arion's blood energy and life essence, and there was no stopping him. Within seconds, the once strong and imposing Arion was reduced to a desiccated, lifeless husk.
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After satisfying his hunger, he laughed maniacally. "Strongest man of Dragonmarsh? Guess that title doesn't mean much now." He grabbed Arion's lifeless body and yanked it with brutal force. With a loud rip, Arion was torn in half. Seeing that, everyone let out a long sigh of relief, and smiles appeared on their faces. They were glad that they had used their ultimate moves without holding back. Otherwise, defeating Arion might not have been possible. Though they had won, the victory cat a heavy cost. Everyone present was either severely injured or completely drained, with little to gain from the battle. The only consolation was that their greatest threat had finally been eliminated.
"Well done, everyone!" Bailey said with a hearty laugh. "Once we return, the Hall of Gods will reward you handsomely." Although the effort to bring down Arion wasn't without hiccups, the result was positive. They all had given their best, and the plan was successfully executed.
"But there are still spests left to clean up. Let's finish En. Ansacredem effand Wrym Summit once and for all," Bailey commanded.
Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from above. "Hey, it's not over yet! Where do you think you're going?" Everyone reflexively looked up, and their expressions were frozen in shock.
In the night sky above them stood a towering figure. With white hairm flowing in the wind an Pan white otherworldly presence, he looked like an immortal descending to earth. It was Arion.
Chapter 2533
Arion's sudden appearance caught everyone off guard. They stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
What was going on? Wasn't Arion already dead? How could he be standing there in front of them? Could it be a ghost? They exchanged baffled looks, and their faces were filled with disbelief. They couldn't make sense of it. How could Arion possibly be alive? It was beyond their comprehension.
"You... you're not dead?" No one was more shocked than Willem.
After all his effort, he had finally found the chance to bite into Arion's neck and drain every drop of his blood.
He was certain Arion had died-there was no way he could have survived. But if Arion was dead, who was this person standing before them? "Everyone, calm down!" Bailey spoke up. "Arion's body is still over there. This person must be an imposter." At his words, everyone turned to look at the corpse lying nearby.
Bailey was right. The body was still there, and there was no way Arion could still be alive. So, the person in front of them had to be an imposter and was trying to intimidate them.
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A body?" Arion suddenly laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "To be honest, that was just one of my Papercraft Clones. I was just having a little fun. Did you seriously think it was real?" "Papercraft Clone?" Bailey frowned. " Cut the crap. Do you think you can scare us with just a few words? Dream on!" What a joke! How could a mere Papercraft Clone be so strong? Just a moment ago, more than ten elite fighters had given it their all and even used their ultimate move to kill Arion. Many of them suffered serious injuries.
Who else could push them to such extremes if they weren't fighting with the real Arion? Bailey refused to believe it was just a Papercraft Clone.
Even Willem and the others shared the sdoubt. After all, they were the strongest fighters from their respective nations. How could a mere clone require their full power to defeat? "Don't believe me? Fine. Letshow you." Without further explanation, Arion gave a casual wave of his hand. A breeze swept through, and the body on the ground crumbled into ashes. Another gust of wind carried them away, leaving no trace behind.
"A body?" Arion suddenly laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "To be honest, that was just one of my Papercraft Clones. I was just having a little fun. Did you seriously think it was real?" "Papercraft Clone?" Bailey frowned. " Cut the crap. Do you think you can scare us with just a few words? Dream on!" What a joke! How could a mere Papercraft Clone be so strong? Just a moment ago, more than ten elite fighters had given it their all and even used their ultimate move to kill Arion. Many of them suffered serious injuries.
Who else could push them to such extremes if they weren't fighting with the real Arion? Bailey refused to believe it was just a Papercraft Clone.
Even Willem and the others shared the sdoubt. After all, they were the strongest fighters from their respective nations. How could a mere clone require their full power to defeat? "Don't believe me? Fine. Letshow you." Without further explanation, Arion gave a casual wave of his hand. A breeze swept through, and the body on the ground crumbled into ashes. Another gust of wind carried them away, leaving no trace behind.
The sight left everyone stunned, and their eyes widened with disbelief.
Could it be true? Had their grueling battle with Arion only been against a Papercraft Clone? But how could this be possible? What kind of terrifying level had the real Arion reached if a mere clone was this powerful? The thought sent a chill down their spines. It suddenly dawned on them that the situation was spiraling out of their control.
"Arion, enough with the tricks! I don't believe you can't be killed!" Bailey shouted. "Don't worry, everyone! If we can kill him once, we can do it again. As long as we work together, we can make it happen." His words reignited the fighting spirit of his allies. After all, no matter how powerful Arion was, he was still a mortal. As long as they gave it their all, they could still kill him.
"Enough talking! Let's take him down together!" Willem roared. He flapped his wings and transformed into a streak of black light as he charged straight at Arion.
"Kill him!" Bailey launched himself off the ground like a missile with his claws aimed at Arion's chest. "Let's take him down!" The other fighters quickly followed suit, unleashing their ultimate moves in a coordinated assault. They had no other options left-it was a battle where their lives were on the line.
Anthony summoned Snow Maiden to use her Frostbound Technique.
Batuul invoked the illusory Elephantine and commanded it to use Elephant Deity's Fury to carry out a brutal attack.
The six-armed Chimera Wrath from Eskus leaped into the air while swinging its weapons in a storm of strikes. This coordinated teamwork had helped them defeat Arion before, and they were now repeating the stactic. Arion chuckled as he surveyed the approaching enemies from all sides. Then, he raised the Celestial Slay and casually slashed toward Snow Maiden, who was spewing a cold mist.
The white sword aura flashed by, and Snow Maiden screamed as her body exploded into countless particles of light and dissipated.
The shockwave sent Anthony flying. Blood spurted from his mouth and nose, and he was seriously injured. His demonic blade snapped in two with a sharp crack.
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Arion then swung his sword again. The white sword aura moved with blinding speed as it cut through the illusory Elephantine with a crushing force. The momentum didn't stop and continued toward Batuul. There was a thunderous explosion as his body disintegrated into a shower of blood mist that scattered through the air. Nothing was left of him.
Without pause, Arion delivered his third strike. The white sword aura comm sliced through the ax withoverwhelming force as it destroyed Chimera Wrath's weapons and severed all six of its arms.
The imposing figure of Chimera Wrath immediately reverted to its om original form-Vanzax, Shyvan, and Noin The twas now gravely injured and armless. They lay helplessly on the ground and were unable to move. Arion followed up with two more strikes, one aimed at Bailey and the other at Willem.
Before they could react, the sword auras were already upon them, and there was no tto dodge. They could only raise their arms to block.
Two explosions ripped through the air.
Willem's body exploded as blood splattered with severed limbs and arms scattered across the ground.
Even Bailey, known for his incredible defense, couldn't withstand the blow. His arms were shattered, and his chest was torn open with his internal organs exposed.
From the moment the attack began to its end, it took no more than a few seconds.
Arion effortlessly ended the chaotic skirmish with overwhelming force, which left his enemies no room to resist. Throughout the entire fight, they never even had a chance to retaliate.
Chapter 2534
When the dust finally settled, Arion was the only one left standing.
Bailey, Willem, Anthony, Batuul, the three elite assassins from Eskus, and several gods from the Hall of Gods were either dead or gravely injured.
Willem's body had been blasted into countless pieces. Each fragment wriggled on the ground as it struggled to piece together. Batuul fared even worse. He was utterly obliterated, leaving no trace behind, not even ashes.
Follow on sunniworlds.blogspot.comOn the contrary, Bailey and the three Eskus assassins had both their arms severed and were gravely wounded. Though Anthony's limbs were still intact, his crushed internal organs left him coughing up blood. The backlash from the demonic blade had also taken a devastating toll on his body.
He now appeared decades older, his face gaunt and hollow, his hair gray.
His frail frmade him look like a man standing at death's door.
"H-How is this possible? No... this can't be happening!" Bailey's expression was a mixture of shock and disbelief as he stared at the carnage- the severed limbs and mangled bodies littering the ground.
The people who lay there weren't just any fighters-they were the top martial artists from around the globe. Each one alone could dominate entire battlefields with ease.
But never in Bailey's wildest dreams did he imagine that these elite fighters would be unable to withstand even a single strike from Arion's blade. Or rather, Arion's strength had far surpassed anything they could have prepared for.
They had fought tooth and nail for hours and used their ultimate techniques, yet all they managed to kill was a Papercraft Clone. When the real Arion entered the fray, they didn't even have the strength to defend themselves. The difference in strength was absolute -Arion was in a league of his own. Their ambush that day was nothing short of walking straight into a lion's den.
"I've always tried to get along with others and never look for trouble. But bastards like you had the nerve to attack Sacred Wrym Summit. Tell me, who the hell gave you the guts to do that?" Arion's voice, sharp and commanding, echoed as he hovered above them.
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The sheer pressure of his presence was so overwhelming that Bailey and the few survivors could barely catch their breath.
The three Eskus elite assassins were paralyzed with fear. Gritting their teeth against the pain, they dropped to their knees and begged for mercy. They finally grasped the full terror of facing Dragonmarsh's strongest man.
To them, Arion wasn't just a man. He was like a god-powerful, fearsome, and untouchable. With no other option, they could only plead for their lives.
"Sage Foyer, I was deceived and made a foolish mistake in offending Sacred Wrym Summit. Please have mercy and forgive me. I'll give up everything I have to make amends," Anthony begged, dropping to his knees with his head down in complete submission. His tone was the most sincere he could muster.
He knew his fate lay entirely in Arion's hands. At that point, pride and honor were irrelevant-survival was all that mattered. He would do anything to stay alive.
"Amends?" Arion scoffed coldly. "Your people from Kimboku have wreaked havoc in Dragonmarsh tand tagain. If I let you go, how could I ever face the souls of the fallen because of you?" "Sage Foyer, there's a saying in Dragonmarsh that said, 'Admitting a mistake is the first step toward redemption.' I know I was wrong. If you spare my life, I swear I'll never oppose your nation again. Please have mercy." In an act of desperation, Anthony smashed his forehead against the ground. Blood trickled down his face.
"It's not that you regret your action- you just know you're about to die," Arion said coldly. "But don't worry, I forgive you. Just try not to mess up next time." Without hesitation, he raised his hand and swung his sword. A flash of white sword light shot out in an instant. "Sage Foyer, please spare me!" Anthony turned pale with fear.
Chapter 2535
After dealing with the Hall of Gods' elite fighters, Arion disappeared in a blur. When he reappeared, he was hovering above the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit.
The scene at the entrance to the forbidden ground was one of utter carnage. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, and rivers of blood flowed freely. All members of the Hall of Gods, including Hank, lay motionless on the ground.
Dustin and Willard, both covered in blood and exuding killing intent, had fought fiercely. After a long, grueling fight, they succeeded in defending the forbidden ground of Sacred Wrym Summit. They had thwarted the Hall of Gods' plan to destroy the Dracan force.
At that instant, Dustin seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up. Through the mist and darkness, he pinpointed Arion's figure hovering above. Arion smiled faintly and nodded at Dustin before disappearing again. Crossing several mountains in mere seconds, Arion arrived above the Sacred Wrym Summit's grand hall. Below, the disciples of Sacred Wrym Summit were still locked in fierce combat against the elite fighters of the Hall of Gods.
Despite their overwhelming numbers, the Hall of Gods had yet to breach their defenses. Kaden, the newly appointed sage, held the fort, while Oron led a charge alongside several other elite martial artists. After observing for a brief moment, Arion quickly formed a hand seal and pointed downward.
A massive enchantment circle materialized, spanning over half a mile and covering the entire hall. It spun and pressed down with relentless force, crashing into the enemies below like a mountain falling from the sky.
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The elite fighters of the Hall of Gods collapsed one after another. They writhed on the ground and were unable to move.
With a single strike, Arion took down nearly 90% of the enemy forces. The remaining survivors were swiftly overwhelmed by a counterattack from the disciples of Sacred Wrym Summit.
Before Arion stepped in, the battle had been intense, with neither side gaining the upper hand. But once he took action, it was over in an instant.
To Arion, the Hall of Gods' carefully laid plan seemed like nothing more than a joke. In the face of overwhelming power, every schwas bound to fail.
After neutralizing all the invaders, Arion vanished without a trace. Yet, many Dragonmarsh martial artists witnessed his incredible power.
Not far from Sacred Wrym Summit, three notable figures had gathered in a rare meeting inside a tavern-Alloy of the Celestial Alliance, Cyrus of the Sword Union, and Penelope of the Mystic Arts Order.
They had heard whispers of the Hall of Gods' planned invasion. Instead of leaving, they chose to stay hidden nearby to witness the unfolding spectacle.
The Hall of Gods had assembled the top fighters from across the globe and were determined to succeed. They assumed that even if these fighters couldn't kill Arion, they could at least injure him or force him to fight at full strength.
The reality, however, was not as they had imagined.
Throughout the battle, Arion treated them like a cat toying with a mouse.
His Papercraft Clone alone was enough to devastate the Hall of Gods' elite fighters. When he finally took matters into his own hands, the battle turned into an overwhelming one-sided massacre.
Alloy, Cyrus, and Penelope's emotions swirled as they processed what they had just witnessed. Arion's strength was far beyond anything they had imagined.
After a long pause, Aloy let out a soft sigh. "I wasn't sure before, but now it's clear-Arion really has reached the legendary realm." The terrestrial immortal was the highest realm one could aspire for, but it was unreachable-something that they could only dream of achieving.
Over thousands of years, countless experts on the Legendary List had aspired to reach this level, yet only five had ever succeeded. Their existence was recorded only in historical texts, with no living witnesses to confirm it.
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But Arion was different. He was real, and the battle earlier had proven it.
"A terrestrial immortal...” Cyrus muttered, and his face clouded with despair. “It's clear that ordinary people like us are no match for that." He used to be arrogant and even challenged Arion. Though he lost, he hadn't gained much insight from the experience.
But now, after witnessing Arion's overwhelming strength firsthand, he realized the gap between them was as vasta's a drop of water in the En ocean. It finally dawned on him that only a terrestrial immortal could easily crush an ultimate grandmaster. "Today's events taught us one thing- never cross Sacred Wrym Summit. Just that old beast alone could wipe out our entire guild,” Penelope said, shaking her head.
What they expected to be a grand spectacle, turned into a one-sided massacre. After this, it was unlikely the Hall of Gods would dare provoke Sacred Wrym Summit for at least a century.
Of course, whether Arion would leave Sacred Wrym Summit to hunt the Hall of Gods abroad was anothem matter. That would depend entirely on his mood. If he decided to act, it would be only a matter of tbefore the Hall of Gods was wiped off the map.
The night deepened, and the Dragonmarsh's governmental organization arrived at the scene with its military forces, only to find devastation everywhere. The members of the Hall of Gods were either dead or gravely injured, and the few survivors were taken into custody. Sacred Wrym Summit, not wanting to deal with the aftermath, handed all the prisoners over to the military forces.
While the conspiracy had targeted Sacred Wrym Summit, from an official standpoint, it was treated as a conflict between nations. The authorities saw it as an opportunity to negotiate better terms for the country.
This time, the Hall of Gods suffered a crushing defeat. They lost their forces and reputation.
Chapter 2536
he chaos of the night quickly settled.
By morning, as the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, Sacred Wrym Summit had regained its usual tranquility. Yet, the bloodstains across the ground and the wreckage of buildings stood as grim reminders of the previous night's violence.
The military forces summoned by Grace had already taken the Hall of Gods' prisoners into custody.
Rumors spread like wildfire, fueling gossip throughout the martial world as all the major guilds watched with keen interest. After all, very few in history had ever dared to challenge Sacred Wrym Summit, and a bold invasion aimed at destroying it was nothing short of unprecedented.
The outcwas clear to all who bore witness. After many years, the world had cto recognize the true terror of Arion. He was no mere mortal-he was almost a godlike figure.
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Inside the Hall of Gods' headquarters in Streuqua, the core members were gathered, seated in two rows on either side of the grand hall.
On the throne facing the entrance sat a man clad in golden armor, his face hidden behind a golden mask. He was unusually tall and muscular, even while seated. His guards, who stood at nearly six and a half feet tall, appeared as small as a child in comparison.
This man was Satan, the SuprLeader of the Hall of Gods and the mightiest being in Streuqua. No one knew what he looked like, nor could they gauge the full extent of his strength.
Even the n"Satan" was only known to outsiders and passed down through legend. Since the Hall of Gods was founded centuries ago, he had maintained his position as SuprLeader.
Though many had challenged his authority, the outcomes had always been catastrophic. Among those challengers were leaders from sof the most powerful factions in the underworld. Over time, his fearsreputation had been cemented in everyone's minds.
As Satan reviewed the latest battle report from his subordinates, his crimson eyes-hidden beneath his mask- narrowed with anger and deadly intent. He had never anticipated that his carefully laid plans would end in utter failure.
Bailey, Willem, and the assassins from other nations were all elite fighters. Together with the elite force from the Hall of Gods, wiping out Sacred Wrym Summit should have been a given. But the results had been a crushing disappointment.
Were his subordinates incompetent, or was the defender of Sacred Wrym Summit truly that strong? "Everyone, what do you think went wrong with this mission?" There was a long silence before Satan finally spoke. His voice was hollow, emotionless, and gave no hint of joy or sorrow.
A man in a large black robe with his features hidden spoke up. "My Lord, the failure of this mission falls mostly on Grizz Lord Bailey." He continued, "With his strength, he was never fit to hold the title of God King. He didn't have the power or the leadership to handle the responsibility, which led to the mission's failure." At that moment, a woman with a seductive figure and an Erythian mask spoke up. "Poseidon, you might want to watch your words. Bailey was personally appointed by His Lordship.
Are you questioning his judgment?" "Hera, don't stir things up. I'm not questioning His Lordship's decision- I'm just saying Bailey wasn't fit to replace Hades," Poseidon countered coldly.
"At the end of the day, you still refuse to admit it." She laughed lightly." Everyone acknowledges Bailey's strength, and his appointment as God King was a unanimous decision. So, you can't just talk him down like that." "If he's so great, why did the whole plan go south? Why was the entire army wiped out?" He scoffed. "You..." Hera was momentarily silenced.
"That's enough!" A loud voice cut through the tension. The man in front of them, a broad-shouldered figure with blonde hair, spoke sharply. "No more arguing in front of His Lordship.
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Show srespect." Poseidon and Hera fell silent. It was apparent the two still held sreverence for the blonde man.
"Zeus, what do you think?" Satan turned his head slightly toward the blonde man. His crimson eyes fixed on him.
"My Lord, I believe the primary reason the mission failed was a lack of proper intelligence." Zeus analyzed the situation calmly.
He continued, "Our understanding of Sacred Wrym Summit was insufficient, and much of what we! gathered was useless. Worst of all, we severely underestimated Arion's strength. This led to Bailey's ambush failing, and in the end, everything fell apart." "Go on." Satan nodded.
Zeus' tone grew more serious. "From my investigation, it's clear that Arion's strength has exceeded the limits of a mortal. Unless you, my Lord, intervene personally, no one stands a chance against Arion." His words were filled with a respectful tone, though Zeus himself believed that even if Satan faced Arion, victory wasn't guaranteed.
"I cannot leave the Hall of Gods' territory for personal reasons. So, I must consider the mission tackilm Arion a failure" There wasn't the slightest change in Satan's tone. "While we can't destroy Sacred Wrym Summit, our plans for Dragonmarsh must continue. What do you propose next?"
"I suggest focusing on the royal family of Dragonmarsh," Zeus said, lowering his voice. "According to my investigation, their king is dying. Once he's gone, the nation will fall into chaos. If we seize this opportunity to place a puppet prince on the throne and help him secure power, the entire nation will be ours." "A sound strategy." Satan's crimson eyes glinted with interest. "Zeus, you'll lead the operation. All the resources of the Hall of Gods are at your disposal, including Hera and Poseidon. This mission will succeed-failure isn't an option."
Chapter 2537
Dustin had boarded the plane back to Oakvale. His trip to Sacred Wrym Summit had been full of ups and downs.
From the Combat Tournament to the invasion of the Hall of Gods, his journey had been perilous. Thankfully, the outcwas favorable.
He had won the championship at the tournament, acquired three Dracan essences, and ultimately foiled the Hall of Gods' plan. In every way, the mission had been nearly flawless.
After bidding farewell to his newfound allies, Dustin joined Grace on the return flight. Four of the five Dracan essences had already been gathered, leaving only one remaining.
According to Grace, the last essence had been located, and the person holding it was in Oakvale. Though their identity was still unknown, she suspected it was most likely one of the three princes.
With the position of heir to the throne still uncertain, the three princes were all eager to secure their power. Whoever obtained the Dracan essence would be blessed with fortune and have a higher chance of claiming the title of royal heir.
However, Dustin wasn't particularly concerned about that. What mattered most to him was the rumor he had heard.
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If he could gather all five Dracan essences, he would stand a good chance of breaking into the terrestrial immortal realm. For any martial artist, it was the ultimate goal in life. Of course, Dustin was no exception.
The plane landed that afternoon. After a brief farewell to Grace, Dustin got in a car and headed to Dash Corporation.
Natasha had established the company, and he had also invested in it.
Together, they made it a symbol of their love. 2 Since arriving in Oakvale, they had been apart and rarely had the chance to see each other. The truth was, there were too many problems weighing on him. From the moment he arrived in Oakvale to uncover the truth, it had been one complication after another.
He had endured Cinna's betrayal, Seth's sacrifice, the turmoil at the West Lucozian, and the hardships of searching for the Dracan essence. Deep down, his heart was already exhausted.
After leaving Sacred Wrym Summit, Dustin felt an overwhelming urge to return, and the person he longed to see most was Natasha. She was his sanctuary-the only person he could confide in and reveal his vulnerabilities to.
In the chairman's office of Dash Corporation, Natasha was dressed in a sharp, professional suit. Her long hair was casually pinned up, accentuating her flawless and stunning features.
At that moment, she was quietly reading the document in her hands. Her focused and serious expression exuded a captivating beauty that felt almost otherworldly. Even her assistant, Tanya Lamb, standing nearby, couldn't help but stare and was momentarily entranced.
Tanya had been carefully selected for her looks, figure, and abilities. In any other setting, she would undoubtedly be considered a goddess. But next to Natasha, she seemed to fade into the background.
In Tanya's eyes, Natasha embodied perfection. She couldn't imagine what kind of man could possibly be worthy of someone like her boss.
"This plan looks solid. Let's proceed as outlined.” Natasha nodded approvingly after reviewing the documents. She added, "Also, remind the team to take breaks when necessary. Work-life balance is important. While overtbonuses are nice, pushing oneself to the point of burnout isn't worth it." Tanya stared blankly at Natasha's breathtaking beauty and was momentarily lost in a daze.
"Hmm? What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Seeing Tanya didn't respond, Natasha glanced up.
Tanya snapped out of her trance and swallowed nervously before shaking her head. Her cheeks flushed, and she replied, "No... no problem at all." It was hard not to be distracted, especially with Natasha's stunning appearance. Initially, she had told herself it was merely admiration. But the more tshe spent with Natasha, the more she questioned that assumption. "Is something on your mind? If you need a break, I can give you a few days off," Natasha said calmly.
"Sorry, Ms. Harmon. I just spaced out for a second," Tanya replied, looking flustered.
"It's okay. Go ahead and get back to work." Natasha didn't press the issue. After waving Tanya to leave, she returned to her paperwork.
Dash Corporation was thriving, with business pouring in nonstop. But the more successful things became, the more careful Natasha had to be-one wrong move could spell disaster, especially with Oakvale's growing instability.
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he throne, her grandfather's influence would fade, and everything would change.
That was why she had to act quickly- expanding her influence and building connections to secure her place in a city on the verge of turmoil.
Just as Tanya turned to leave, she suddenly paused when she saw a tall and handsman with a bouquet enter the room.
With sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, he exuded an exceptional charm. His muscular build was perfectly m balanced without being too lean. He was the kind of person who left a lasting impression with just one glance. He met Tanya's gaze, put his finger to his lips, and gestured for silence. Then, with a mischievous smile, he quietly approached Natasha.
Still somewhat puzzled, Tanya watched quietly and forgot to speak or react.
"What now?"
As the figure approached, Natasha e felt his presence and glanced up. Before she could process, what Was happening, a bouquet appeared in front of her. The overpowering fragrance made her frown, so she looked closely at the figure and froze. Was she seeing things? She rubbed her eyes and looked up again. The person's features were unmistakable, and he was the one she had thought about constantly.
"Dear, you're finally home!" Tears welled in Natasha's eyes as she stood up and immediately embraced Dustin. She hugged him tightly as if fearing he would disappear.
Chapter 2538
While Dustin was away, Natasha couldn't help but worry about him. She would always keep an eye out for any news about him. But no matter how much she missed him, she wouldn't call him.
She didn't want to distract or cause him to lose focus on the important matters concerning the nation's affairs. Understanding how busy he was, she kept her feelings in check and buried herself in work to keep her mind occupied.
But when Natasha finally saw Dustin again, all the emotions she had bottled up crushing out. Months of longing turned into overwhelming affection, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Her assistant, Tanya, watched in shock.
She had no idea Natasha-typically the poised, decisive, and commanding chairwoman-was in a relationship. What surprised her even more was how different Natasha seemed around Dustin. The usually unshakable "queen 11 now appeared soft and tender in his presence.
Tanya couldn't help but watch Dustin more closely. His looks and charisma were undeniable, and he could easily stand out in the entertainment industry.
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But Natasha had always been surrounded by suitors-top executives, influential heirs, even powerful political figures. Despite their perfect appearances and impeccable backgrounds, none had ever caught her eye or won her heart.
Tanya was left wondering who Dustin really was and what it was about him that made Natasha, a woman many considered out of reach, fall for him.
"Alright, enough tears. I'm back now. Look at you your face is all blotchy." Dustin lowered his head and cupped Natasha's face with both hands as he gently wiped away her tears with his thumbs.
Their eyes met, and the room seemed to fill with unspoken emotion.
Natasha stood on her tiptoes and pressed her red lips to his in a passionate kiss. Dustin froze momentarily, and his cheeks turned pink, but he didn't pull away.
When she finally pulled back, satisfaction lit up her tear-brightened eyes. Her voice carried a hint of playful reproach. "Hmph! You've been gone for so long, and you finally remember to cback? I thought you'd forgotten all about me!" "How could I?" Dustin replied with a smile. "I might forget everyone but not you. The moment I got back to Oakvale, you were the first person I cto see." "Really?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
"Of course. I swear!" Dustin said, raising his hand in a mock pledge.
"Hmph! That's more like it." Natasha smiled with satisfaction. To her, as long as she was in his heart, nothing else mattered.
"It's been a while since I last saw you. You look like you've lost weight. Things must've been hard for you out there." She cupped his slightly gaunt face, and her eyes were filled with concern.
"It was a little rough, but it's all over now. I'll be staying in Oakvale for a while to be with you," he replied.
"You'd better keep your word. No backing out!" Her eyes lit up with joy.
"If you don't believe me, let's pinky swear." Dustin wiggled his pinky.
"How childish!" Natasha rolled her eyes but still happily linked her pinky with his.
Seeing how they looked at each other so lovingly, Tanya couldn't help but smile. It was more heartwarming than anything she had ever experienced in her own love life.
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"Tanya, don't just stand there. Go bring Mr. Rhys stea," Natasha said with a wink.
"Oh, right." Tanya snapped out of her daze and quickly excused herself.
"It's almost dinnertime. Why don't you cover to my place? My grandparents are eager to meet you," Natasha said with a smile.
"Huh? That soon? I wasn't expecting this at all." Dustin felt an unexpected wave of nervousness. It looked like he was about to meet her parents.
"It's just a simple family dinner," she reassured him. "Don't worry. Mym grandfather might have a big reputation, but he's easygoing. You don't need to stress over it." She assumed Dustin was intimidated by Simon's commanding presence since only a few people in Oakvale outranked him.
"Alright, but we should pick up a gift. What do your grandparents like?" Dustin asked.
"No need for that," Natasha replied, shaking her head. "We're family. No need to be formal."
"It's my first tmeeting them, and I don't want to show upempty-handed. Ewant to make a good impression, especially with your grandparents," he insisted. 3 "You're right." She nodded thoughtfully. "Okay. Let's head out and pick something nice for them.” "What about your work?" Dustin glanced at the documents on the desk.
"Work can wait. You're way more important. Let's go,” Natasha said with a sweet smile. She linked her arm with his and held a bouquet in the other hand. As they walked out of Dash Corporation, all the employees watched in stunned silence.
Chapter 2539
After leaving Dash Corporation, Dustin and Natasha headed to the mall, where they picked out gifts for every member of the Ballard family. From the eldest to the youngest toddlers, no one was left out.
Later, they stopped by an antique shop and chose a beautiful calligraphy painting as a special gift for Simon.
By evening, Dustin had everything ready for his first visit to the Ballard estate, located in the heart of Oakvale's city center. The estate was a sprawling courtyard mansion built on a large plot of land.
Simon, the Duke of Lachshire, had three sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Jonathan Ballard, was a third- ranked official in the government.
The second son, Jensen Ballard, was a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry in Oakvale, with billions in assets.
Meanwhile, the youngest son, Jovian Ballard, had made a nfor himself in the military and was now a third- ranked general.
Simon's youngest daughter, Jessica- Natasha's mother-was highly favored within the family.
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As a result, Natasha was the family's golden child. She was treated like a precious gem that everyone wanted to protect. Her success with Dash Corporation wouldn't have been possible without the support of her grandfather and uncles.
So, when the Ballard family heard Natasha was bringing her fiancé home, they made sure to prepare well in advance. Simon rushed home, and her three uncles cleared their schedules to meet her fiancé.
When Dustin stepped into the living room, he was surprised by the sight.
The room was packed with people- four generations of the Ballard family. It seemed like everyone who could make it was there.
The intense stares made him feel a little uncomfortable. This was supposed to be a simple family dinner, yet it felt more like a grand event.
Dustin looked at Natasha, who winked mischievously at him and gave him an innocent look.
Everyone eyed him closely as they whispered among themselves.
"Is this Natasha's fiancé? He certainly looks like a fine young man." "He looks good, but I wonder about his abilities. I hope he's not just a little boy toy." "Don't worry. Natasha's got great taste. She's the type who wouldn't be impressed by someone like Anders, the Chosen One." Simon cleared his throat, and the chatter died down. It was impolite to gossip when the guest was right there. "Dustin, this is my grandfather, my grandmother, my uncles-Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian-and their wives, plus my cousins." Natasha smiled as she introduced her family.
Dustin politely greeted them all.
Turning to Simon, she said, " Grandfather, this is Dustin Rhys. I told you about him before. You met him once in Balerno." "Ah, yes. He's a fine young man." Simon nodded in approval.
He had already had someone investigate Dustin's background. He turned out to be a rare talent- intelligent and capable-a match that barely met Simon's high standards for his granddaughter.
As for Dustin's true identity, however, there was a bit of mystery around him. Even with Simon's connections, he hadn't been able to uncover much in such a short time. But the more elusive Dustin seemed, the more it confirmed that he was no ordinary man.
"Grandfather, since this is Dustin's first visit, he brought gifts for everyone. "Natasha waved her hand, and a group of housekeepers quickly entered, carrying large bags.
She and Dustin began handing out the gifts, starting with the oldest family members. Luckily, they had prepared enough for everyone. 1 After distributing dozens of gifts, there were still a few left. Instead of keeping them, they gave the extra ones to the younger kids.
"Hey! You didn't have to bring all these gifts-you're too generous!" "Yeah, Dustin. We're going to be a family soon. No need for all the formalities." "Con, don't just stand there. Sit down." Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian were brimming with enthusiasm. After pulling Dustin into a seat, they immediately bombarded him with questions. They asked about his age, his occupation, and where his parents were from.
Each of them took a turn asking questions, and their curiosity got the best of them. Dustin smiled and answered each one politely.
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Watching her uncles grill Dustin, Natasha couldn't help but feel exasperated. They had only just met him and were already digging into his life like they were conducting a census.
Wasn't that a bit rude? Seeing that Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian wouldn't stop, she gave Simon a pleading look for help.
"Okay, that's enough from all of you. It's almost tto eat. Let's continue the conversation over dinner," Simon said, and his three sons finally stopped talking. Everyone made their way to the dining hall. Such gatherings usually only happened during holidays or special events, but that day was an exception.
Inside the dining hall, two large round tables were packed. As the guest of honor, Dustin sat beside Simon at the head of the table.
As everyone was about to dig in, the Ballard family's butler hurried ler hurried in and whispered to Simon, "My Lord, Anders from the Mosey family has arrived." "Anders Mosey? What's he doing here? "Jonathan frowned.
"Last time, the Moseys talked about marriage alliance. Do you think he's here to propose?" Jensen asked suspiciously.
"Hmph! A playboy like him wants to marry into our family? Dream on!" Jovian said coldly.
It was clear that none of the three had a favorable opinion of Anders.
Sure, Anders was one of Oakvale's many many way four princes-successful in every way and the king of man many women dreamed of. But his character left much to be desired.
Chapter 2540
"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked, turning to Simon.
"A guest has arrived, so we can't be rude. Invite them to the living room so we can discuss things properly," Simon replied calmly.
Anders represented the Mosey family, and regardless of his intentions, Simon couldn't simply turn him away. As for the proposed marriage alliance, it was a matter that required thorough consideration.
"Understood," the butler replied promptly before leaving.
"Go on with your meal. I'm going to meet with Anders," Simon said, excusing himself from the table.
Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian exchanged glances and, without hesitation, followed their father. They were curious to see what the Mosey family had in mind.
"Alright, let them handle it. Let's focus on our meal," Gemma Letcher, Natasha's grandmother, said with a smile and signaled everyone to continue eating.
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Three minutes later, in the Ballard family's living room, Simon sat at the head of the table near the entrance. Jonathan and his brothers took seats to his left, arranged in order of age.
The butler soon returned, and he led several people inside.
At the front was a young man with striking features and a commanding presence. His sharp eyes gleamed with a cold intensity. This was Anders Mosey, one of Oakvale's four princes, also known as the "Veros Warrior". Behind him was an elderly man with white hair, accompanied by two broad- shouldered middle-aged men. The elderly man was around Simon's age. Though his face was weathered, his energy was unmistakable. He walked with a deliberate, almost regal gait. His hands were clasped behind his back, exuding an air of authority. This was Zack Mosey, Seamus' uncle and Anders' granduncle. Zack commanded immense respect within the Mosey family, and no one dared to cross him. Even Seamus had to treat him with deference.
As for the two middle-aged men behind Zack, they were grandmasters and consultants for the Moseys. Though their ranks were significant, they currently served as bodyguards.
"Greetings, Duke of Lachshire, and Mr. Jonathan, Mr. Jensen, and Mr. Jovian." Upon entering, Anders greeted them with a polite nod. His warm smile and effortless charm immediately created a favorable impression.
"Why didn't you inform us beforehand that a distinguished guest like you was visiting? Had we known, we would have prepared a proper welcome.” Simon smiled faintly.
"I apologize for the unannounced visit, Your Lordship. I hope you'll forgive me, "Anders replied.
He immediately understood Simon's subtle hint, but instead of playing the fool, he responded calmly and apologetically.
The three Ballard brothers were taken aback by his change in demeanor. From what they know of Anders, he was a proud and haughty man. At such a young age, he held great power, with an army at his command, and had a reputation for being difficult to deal with.
He wasn't exactly arrogant, but he was undeniably confident and assertive. Yet today, he was nothing like the forceful figure they knew. It seemed as if he had becmore composed and reserved.
Had he becmore thoughtful? "Mr. Mosey, may I ask what brings you to my home?" Simon got straight to the point.
"Before I get into that, allowto introduce someone." Anders stepped aside and gestured toward the elderly man. "This is my granduncle, Zack Mosey. He's a highly respected member of our family but tends to stay out of the public eye." "Ah, Mr. Zack. I've heard so much about you," Simon said as he stood up and gave a respectful nod.
He had heard of Zack, the third elder of the Mosey family. While Zack wasn't as famous as his two older brothers, he still held significant influence within the Mosey family.
"It's been a while, Duke of Lachshire.
You're as sharp as ever-your reputation certainly precedes you," Zack said with a polite gesture in return.
However, there was no smile on his face, just a stiff, almost forced expression. Deep down, he didn't take Simon seriously at all.
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In Oakvale, the Mosey family was second only to the royal family in power among the four ancient houses. The Ballard, Fallon, and Spanner families lagged far behind them- especially the Ballard family, who was the weakest.
Although Simon held a high position, Zack viewed him as an old man with just a few years to live. Once Simon passed away, the Ballard family would only grow weaker by the day. By then, they wouldn't even be worthy of serving the Mosey family.
"You flatter me, Mr. Zack," Simon said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He could tell from Zack's cold attitude that something was off.
He turned to Anders and added, "Since you brought Mr. Zack along, I'm guessing there must be something important on the agenda."
"Your Lordship, your insight is truly remarkable. I am in awe." Anders offered a compliment before om continuing, "I'm here on behalf of the Mosey family to discuss a marriage alliance with your family." "A marriage alliance?" Simon raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
"Yes," Anders replied with a smile.
Throughout history, marriage " alliances have been the best way to strengthen ties and maintain power. Both the Mosey and the Ballard families are among the four ancient houses. If we could form a union, it would surely make both families stronger." "Is this your idea or Sir Mosey's?" Simon asked tentatively.
A marriage alliance among two ancient houses-the descendants of the royal bloodlines-was never an simple affair. If it were a side branch of the family, it might not raise concern, but a union between the direct lines could easily provoke suspicion from the royal court. A powerful subordinate could overshadow their superior. Once two ancient houses united and joined forces, they could potentially threaten the throne.
The four ancient houses and the royal family had always understood this delicate balance. No one had ever crossed that line-until now. Anders's sudden visit hinted that he was testing those boundaries.
Simon needed to figure out if Anders was acting on his own or if Seamus was starting to harbor his own ambitions.
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