AN UNDERSTATED DOMINANCE (DUSTIN RHYS) Chapter 2621 To 2630

 

Chapter 2621

 

Austin's expression also turned serious as he saw the doubt in Dustin's eyes. He knew Dustin wouldn't worry over nothing.

There were many strange beings in Streuqua, including vampires, were wolves, and the like. These supernatural species were notoriously hard to kill. Even after being decapitated, they weren't necessarily dead.

Austin wasn't sure if Poseidon had that kind of ability. After all, the Hall of Gods and its so-called royal gods were still a mystery to most people in West Lucozia.

To play it safe, they needed to recover Poisedon's head for their own peace of mind.

Out on the water, Jaxon led a team of soldiers and ship crews to comb the sea in search of Poisedon's severed head.

At the docks, all eyes turned to Warrick, Mulder, and the others. They had been tied up and were now being dragged before Dustin and Austin one by one.

Warrick looked pale, but there was a certain defiance in his eyes. He knew his fate was sealed. After Dustin killed Poseidon, Warrick knew his last hope of survival had vanished.

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Mulder, on the other hand, looked terrified. His eyes were filled with desperation-he wanted to survive.

"Warrick," Austin said coldly, "you're a Major General of West Lucozia. Yet, you've slaughtered innocents, colluded with foreign enemies, and betrayed your own people. Did you really think you could get away with it?" "Victory or defeat, that's the nature of war, "Warrick replied. "If you're going to kill me, just do it. I've spent my life on the battlefield, and I've never feared death." He snorted and raised his chin defiantly, ready to face death without fear.

"Don't worry. I'll execute you." Austin sneered. "But not now. Because I plan to make an example out of your death." He intended to use Warrick's death to send a message, to strike fear into the rest of West Lucozia's officials. "As for the rest of you..." Austin turned his gaze toward Mulder and the others.

"Your Highness, please spare me!" Mulder cried.

He dropped to his knees with a loud thud and begged, "Warrick forcedinto this. I made a terrible mistake, but I beg you, Your Highness. Please show mercy and spare my life." Before Austin could respond, Axel, who was standing beside Mulder, smacked him. It was a brutal backhand that sent him toppling over.

"You treacherous bastard!" Axel roared." How dare you beg for mercy? His Highness treated you well, and you beca spy for the Hall of Gods? Scum like you deserves worse than death." "Axel, please. I made a terrible mistake, but I was forced into this. Please speak to His Highness forfor Alania's sake and ask him to showmercy," Mulder pleaded.

Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, yet he still kept begging for mercy.

"Don't you dare bring up my sister!" Axel exploded and kicked Mulder to the ground.

He drew his sword and said, "You've betrayed His Highness and West Lucozia. For that, you deserve to die. No one can save you now. Today, I will clean up this mess for His Highness." Without hesitation, he brought his sword down and severed Mulder's head.

Mulder's body convulsed. His head hit the ground with eyes still open, like he couldn't believe it ended this way. After slaying Mulder, Axel finally vented his anger. He dropped the bloodied sword and kneeled before Austin to apologize.

"Your Highness, it's my fault for not doing a good job in managing my family affairs, which led to Mulder betraying us. Please punishas you see fit." "You will be punished," Austin said indifferently. "But I need capable men right now, so I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself." He added, "I'm giving you three days to root out every last one of Warrick's accomplices. If you fail, I'll deal with your past mistakes and this one." "Thank you, Your Highness, for your mercy," Axel said.

Since Austin trusted him, Axel vowed not to disappoint him again.

Meanwhile, Jaxon and his men spent an entire night searching the seas. But despite their efforts, Poseidon's head was nowhere to be found.

Austin didn't wait around. He left half the troops to continue the search while he returned with Poisedon's body.

The sea was vast, full of unpredictable currents, and hto countless marine creatures. Searching the seabed for a single head would be no easy task.

Even if Austin stayed there, there was nothing he could do.

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Inside a majestic grand hall at Artea, the members of the Hall of Gods had gathered. The news of Poseidon's defeat struck like a blow, and everyone in the room was stunned and enraged.

"I can't believe Poseidon is so incompetent. He couldn't even om handle one simple task and nearly ore lost his life. What a disgrace to the Hall of Gods," Zeus growled, frowning. "A kid defeated him, and his body was mangled. He escaped with nothing but the tiniest fragment of his soul. What a disgrace to the title of royal god," Hera said.

She crossed her arms, and her gaze was full of contempt. An icy chill radiated from her as if it could freeze the air around her.

Just then, the Supr Leader, Satan, slowly rose from his throne. His towering figure exuded a commanding presence and was shrouded in a mysterious dark energy.

His cold gaze swept across the hall, and his voice was low but firm, m "Logan has too much potential. If we give him a few more years to grow, he'll beca major threat to us." 1 "My Lord, leave him to me. I'll make sure he doesn't walk away in one piece," Hera said confidently.

"My Lord, letdo it. I want him to taste the wrath of thunder," Zeus said coldly.

Satan pondered for a moment, then gave a decisive command. “Just in case, both of you will go to Dragonmarsh. Eliminate him at all cost." Zeus and Hera exchanged glances before nodding in unison.

"Yes, My Lord."

 Chapter 2622

 The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.

Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.

After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.

Under Austin's iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia's government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.

The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.

Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.

Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had drained the life out of the government for so long had been rooted out by Austin, and the people of West Lucozia couldn't be happier. Austin's reputation soared in the process.

No one had expected the once-disparaged playboy to becsuch a respected leader.

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After spending three days in West Lucozia, Dustin returned to Oakvale.

Austin had planned to join him for sleisure time, but Dustin shut that idea down immediately.

With Rufus still bedridden and Eloise busy tending to him, the entire castle was Austin's responsibility now. If he left West Lucozia, who knew what kind of mess would unfold? Dustin firmly stopped Austin from shirking his duties and slipped away quietly.

After all, Austin was the future prince of West Lucozia. He had responsibilities to uphold.

Dustin, on the other hand, preferred the free-spirited life of the martial world. If Austin encountered any issues, he would have his back.

Before leaving, Dustin casually asked Austin how the castle planned to position itself in the growing power struggle within Aylka.

He wanted to know which prince the West Lucozian monarchy would support for the throne since it was a question on everyone's mind.

Austin's response was simple. "Whoever you support, we support too." That reply caught Dustin off guard. Being asked to represent the West Lucozian monarchy was no small request, and the weight of that responsibility began to sink in.a He had no interest in getting involved in power struggles. But between Natasha and the West Lucozian monarchy, it was impossible for him to stay neutral.

After all, the future of Dragonmarsh was in the hands of the new king. If they picked the right ruler, the country would thrive, West Lucozia would be secure, and Natasha and her family could rise to greater heights.

But if they made the wrong choice or backed the wrong prince, it would lead to serious consequences. Dustin knew he would need to think this through carefully.

After returning to Oakvale, he headed to the Ballard estate and handed Simon the urn containing Jovian's ashes. Simon broke down in tears, and the rest of the family was even more grief-stricken.

The past few days since the Ballards lost contact with Jovian, they had been anxious but hopeful. They assumed he might have been abducted and was still alive.

But now, with the urn in their possession, their last sliver of hope vanished. No one had expected his trip to West Lucozia would cost him his life.

"This is all my fault... I never should've let him leave Oakvale..." Simon said.

Overcwith guilt, he cried bitterly while clutching Jovian's urn before suddenly passing out.

The Ballard family was thrown into chaos.

Dustin checked on Simon's condition.

Simon had no serious ailment, but he was just overwhelmed by sorrow and rage.

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Since Simon was unconscious, Jonathan took charge and arranged a funeral for JovianXAccording to tradition, the coffin was to remain in the mourning hall for three days so others could pay their respects. During those three days, visitors cand went.

Jovian was a third-rank military officer. He wasn't considered the most influential in Oakvale, but he was still a well-respected figure in the city.

In addition to his father's status as the Duke of Lachshire, many high-ranking guests cto offer their condolences.

Jovian's wife sat beside the coffin and sobbed quietly. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. Their son and daughter, both in their early 20s, stood solemnly beside her. As each guest entered the mourning hall to pay their respects, Jovian's wife and children lowered their heads in acknowledgment.

"Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince Tristan." As the mourners were immersed in their grief and the solemn atmosphere, a voice called out from outside the mourning hall.

A tall, distinguished young man entered, accompanied by several officials. It was the eldest prince, Tristan Linsor.

His appearance immediately caused everyone to stop their actions, and their eyes instinctively turned toward him. There was a mix of surprise, respect, and curiosity in their gazes. It was rare for someone of Tristan's stature to attend such an event. His presence at Jovian's funeral was unexpected and left everyone stunned.

  Chapter 2623

"Your Royal Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said.

Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly pulled himself together and aside his grief. He led his family to greet Tristan, and they bowed in respect.

Before they could finish the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them.

"No need for such formalities," he said. "The deceased deserves our respect." He turned to Jovian's portrait, which was displayed in the mourning hall, and sighed deeply.

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Tristan continued, “Mr. Jovian's untimely passing is truly a great loss to Dragonmarsh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family during this difficult time." Jonathan's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is heartbroken over my brother's tragic death." Tristan nodded slightly. His gaze quickly swept across the hall before asking, "I've heard that Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?" Jonathan sighed and replied, "My dad was overwhelmed with sorrow, which caused a sudden strain on his health. He's fine now but still needs a few more days of rest." "He is the backbone of Dragonmarsh," Tristan said gravely. "I deeply sympathize with his condition. Please do not hesitate to letknow if he needs anything during his recovery. I will offer my full support." "Thank you, Your Highness," Jonathan said.

He understood Tristan's underlying message.

Despite being the eldest, Tristan's influence was the weakest among the three princes. He needed strong allies to ascend to the throne, and securing the Ballard family's support would undoubtedly strengthen his position in the government.

Jonathan was aware of this but couldn't openly express his thoughts at that moment.

"Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince Matthias." Just as they were conversing, the announcement near the doorway cut through it.

Everyone's gaze shifted toward the entrance, including Tristan's. A tall, sharp-eyed young man strode in, followed by several officials.

The young man had an undeniable presence-the kind typical of someone hardened by countless battles. He was none other than Matthias Linsor.

"Your Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said. He quickly led his family members to greet and bow respectfully.

"There's no need for such formalities," Matthias responded.

He raised his hand to stop them. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed Tristan standing there. Matthias frowned for a moment, but it smoothed out quickly.

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"I didn't expect to see you here, Tristan. This is quite the surprise," Matthias said with a forced smile.

"Mr. Jovian died serving the country, so I had to pay my respects. But I must say, Matthias, with your busy schedule, it's impressive you could make the tto be here," Tristan replied evenly.

"We both have our reasons." Matthias didn't continue with the conversation. He walked into the mourning hall, lit a candle, and stood quietly for a moment of respect. His movements were quick and decisive, reflecting his no-nonsense demeanor.

After offering his respects, Matthias asked Jonathan, "How is the Duke of Lachshire?" "My dad is fine. He just needs a few days of rest,” Jonathan replied with a nod.

"Death is as inevitable as the extinguishing of a flame. I hope he will take care of himself. If your family needs anything, please don't hesitate to cto me. I'll make sure you're taken care of," Matthias said confidently. Tristan couldn't help but frown at the familiar, almost rehearsed words.

Jonathan bowed his head again. "Thank you, Your Highness." Like Tristan, Matthias was keen to court the support of the Ballard family.

Matthias excelled in combat and was highly respected in the military. If he could secure the Ballard family's support, his position in the battle for the throne would be greatly strengthened.

"Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince Nathaniel." Another announcement from near the doorway.

 Chapter 2624

"Oh? I didn't expect both of you to be here, "Nathaniel said.

He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, "Hello, Tristan, Matthias." Truthfully, he wasn't surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.

The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn't about to miss the chance to make an impression.

"I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you cback," Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning.

"It wasn't anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian's passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person," Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.

He brushed off Tristan's subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects.

"Don't just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your respects to Mr. Jovian," Matthias said calmly.

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"Sure." Nathaniel nodded.

He stepped forward and set a small bouquet beneath the portrait, then lowered his head in silence. His eyes reddened, and his face was filled with sorrow.

"Mr. Jovian, your passing is a tremendous loss to us and to the entire nation. I remember how you always led from the front and never hesitated to throw yourself into the fire. You won battle after battle, not just with tactics, but with courage and sheer will.

"The peace we now enjoy in Oakvale and the safety of our people-your legacy is etched into every corner of this land. Your bravery inspired generations of patriots to rise and serve their country.

"Today, as I stand here, I am filled with deep respect and sorrow. May you rest in peace. Your achievements will not be forgotten. They will be remembered for generations and forever be part of our nation's story." Nathaniel placed a hand on the casket's edge and lowered his head in a long, solemn silence.

His words moved many of those present. No one had expected him to be so openly heartfelt. He looked like a man mourning a trusted comrade, and the grief in his voice was almost contagious.

Even the Ballards, fully aware it was all for show, couldn't help but be moved. Whatever his true intentions were, Nathaniel had made his stance clear.

"Nathaniel really knows how to put on.a show. That move made us look cold by comparison," Tristan said with a frown.

It was a classic case of one-upping. He'd already made a public appearance, offered his condolences, and said all the right things. As the eldest prince, he was already going above and beyond.

But Nathaniel had taken it to another level.

The grief in his voice, the way he looked like he was on the verge of tears-anyone watching would've thought he'd just lost his own parents.

Even if Tristan wanted to, he wasn't sure he could pull it off that convincingly.

"Hmph. All smoke and mirrors.” Matthias scoffed. “Anyone with half a brain could see he was putting on a show. The Ballards aren't naive. They know when someone's feeding them lines." "Matthias, there's a reason people say flattery always lands even when it's obvious. Sure, everyone knows it's just for show with all the nice words and theatrics, but people still eat it up. That's what makes Nathaniel so damn good at it," Tristan said thoughtfully.

Flattering words might not change the world, but they could tip the scale at the right moment.

When two people were neck and neck-one with the gift of persuasion and the other dismissing it-the one who played to the crowd always cout ahead.

As Tristan and Matthias murmured to each other, Simon stepped into the mourning hall, dressed in black, and leaned on Natasha for support.

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The moment he appeared, all eyes turned to him.

"Greetings, Duke of Lachshire." Everyone bowed respectfully.

Even the three princes followed suit and offered the gesture as expected from juniors to a respected senior. In the government, they were royalty. But here, they were simply guests paying their respects. "Thank you all for coming to honor my son," Simon said hoarsely as he nodded to the gathered crowd. "I truly appreciate it." "You honor us, Duke of Lachshire," Nathaniel said.

He was the first to step forward. His voice was low and tinged with sorrow as he continued, "Mr, Jovian gavel everything for this country. It's only right that we cto honor him. And if your family ever needs anything in the future, I will do everything in my power to help." Tristan and Matthias exchanged glances, then stepped forward to say their piece. Their words differed little in substance.

They could afford to keep up appearances around most people, but not in front of Simon. As a senior figure and a duke of the highest rank, Simon's status far outweighed that of Jonathan and the rest.

Whether any of the three princes had a real shot at the throne would depend heavily on where Simon cast his support.

"Your Royal Highnesses, it means a great deal that you cto pay your respects.

But as you can see, my house is in disarray. We may not be the best hosts today, and I ask for your understanding," Simon said with a sigh.

Polite as it sounded, there was a clear subtext. His family was going through a delicate tand wasn't interested in getting involved in the power struggle at the moment. Any matters could be addressed later.

 

Chapter 2625

Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren't fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.

Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family's support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they'd at least make a good impression.

The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn't pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.

Tristan spoke first. “You're being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We've always admired Mr. Jovian's loyalty and courage. We're simply here to pay our respects-nothing more." Matthias added, “That's right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you're not as young as you used to be, so don't wear yourself out over this. We won't take up more of your ttoday." He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave.

"Duke-" Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. "That's enough, Nathaniel. The Duke is tired, so let's not overstay our welcome. Let's go," he said.

There was no way he'd let Nathaniel keep talking. His brother could talk a mile a minute, so smooth with words that he'd probably raise the dead to join his cause. Give him another minute, and he'd have the Ballards on his side for the throne.

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If Tristan couldn't secure the Ballards' support, he naturally wouldn't let Nathaniel have a shot at it.

"Con. I've got something to tell you. Let's talk outside." Matthias said.

He didn't bother with subtlety. He slapped a hand on Nathaniel's shoulder and dragged him out. Whatever Nathaniel had planned to say died on his lips.

"Duke of Lachshire, please accept our condolences. We'll take our leave now," Tristan said with a nod before following the others out of the mourning hall.

Tristan and Matthias were on the spage. They needed to get Nathaniel to shut up before he caused any more trouble.

With his hand still planted on Nathaniel's shoulder, Matthias steered him out of the Ballard estate.

Matthias grinned, all easy charm, while Nathaniel's face was twisted with frustration.

"Matthias, that's enough." The second they stepped outside, Nathaniel shrugged off Matthias' hand. He snapped, "You're the one who wanted to leave. Why dragalong?" "Nathaniel, the Ballards are in mourning. This isn't the tto push your agenda. People are already side-eyeing you. I'm just looking out for you," Matthias said.

"Hmph! Who knows what you're really up to?" Nathaniel muttered.

"You heard what the Duke of Lachshire said earlier. He just lost his son and is in no shape to handle political matters. Why push him?” Tristan said evenly.

Nathaniel shot back, "Fair. But tellhow's what you're doing any different from what I want to do?" They were all just playing the politeness game. None of them had good intentions. And none of them had any right to call the others out.

Tristan spoke calmly. "I just don't want to see you go down the wrong path." Nathaniel didn't even try to hide his irritation. "Whether I do or not is none of your business. Goodbye." With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and walked away without another word.

Valon's health was getting worse by the day. It wouldn't be long before he named a successor. The power struggle between the three princes was already out in the open.

One path led to power, and the other to destruction. If one of the princes succeeded, he'd claim the throne and rule the nation. But if they failed, there'd be no coming back.

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None of them could afford to hold back now. They had to give everything they had and play as dirty as it took.

As Nathaniel's figure disappeared into the distance, Tristan muttered, "Among the three of us, he's always been the one Father favors most." Matthias nodded. "Yeah. Father's had his eye on him since he was a kid." Tristan's tone sharpened. "If-and I mean if-he ends up on the throne, what do you think happens to us?" Matthias narrowed his eyes. "Nathaniel's not the forgiving type. He holds grudges. If he takes the crown, you and I won't end well." Tristan gave a knowing sigh. "Yeah. With Nathaniel's personality, there's no way he'd tolerate us.”

As brothers and rivals, they knew Nathaniel's character all too well. He wore a friendly face but deep down, he was petty, vengeful, and never forgot a slight. Anyone who crossed him rarely met a good end. "You know me, Tristan. I'm loyal to a fault. Anyone who helps me, I'll repay them a hundredfold," Matthias said.

Without missing a beat, he changed the topic and continued, "If Nathaniel takes the throne were both done for. You should backinstead. I won't forget it when I becking."

Tristan's eye twitched at that, but then he smiled. "You've already got the Moseys behind you. Do you really E think you still need me?” Between his two brothers, Matthias might've been the lesser evil, but only by a hair.

Matthias and Nathaniel were the skind of predator-ruthless, calculating, and always ready to exploit someone when it suited them.

There was no way Tristan was falling for that sugar-coated pitch. And really-who didn't want the crown? He'd spent half his life waiting in the wings. Now that it was finally within. reach, there was no chance he'd just let it slip away.

 

 

Chapter 2626

"You're wrong, Tristan," Matthias said with a meaningful look.

He continued, "Sure, I've got the Moseys to back me, but I'm still far from securing the throne. Nathaniel's got strong backing too, and this won't be an easy win. But if you were to support me, I'd say my chances shoot up to 80%." In his eyes, Tristan's support was worth more than the Ballard family.

If he could win Tristan over, his odds would jump from 60% to nearly 80%. The only question now was whether Tristan would be willing to shelve his own ambitions and place his bet on Matthias.

"You know me, Matthias. I've never been one for ambition or glory. This kind of power struggle just isn't for me. I hope you can understand that," Tristan said.

After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally turned his brother down. He knew his chances of winning were slim, yet he couldn't let go.

Tristan was the eldest legitimate son, the rightful and undisputed heir to the throne. Aside from his poor health, he had no real shortcomings.

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Every move he made had been carefully calculated. He'd spent years waiting in silence just to make it this far. There was no way he'd give up now.

Even if he only had a few years left to live, or if he only got to be the king for one day, he would still fight for it with everything he had.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Tristan, but it pays to know your own limits," Matthias said with an insincere smile.

He continued, "If you're not interested in the throne, you can live comfortably with your title, and no one will bother you. But once you get caught up in this mess, walking away won't be so easy. I hope you give it sthought." Matthias could tell Tristan still had ambition, even if he didn't have the backing to match it. A man like that wasn't a real threat unless he got in the way. And if that happened, things would get complicated. So he laid it out-not just to make things clear, but as a subtle warning.

"You're absolutely right, Matthias. I understand," Tristan replied. He returned the smile, though his eyes held a glint that didn't quite match.

"Well, I've said what I needed to. If you ever have time, stop by my place. It's been a while since we shared a drink like old times,” Matthias said, still smiling.

"Yeah. Next time." Tristan nodded, but he didn't refuse the invitation.

"Tristan, I've got things to take care of. I'll be going now." With that, Matthias walked away.

Tristan narrowed his eyes and stood there for a long time. His expression shifted as thoughts churned behind it.

Of the four ancient houses, the Moseys had already pledged their support to Matthias. The Spanners-the strongest of them all-stood behind Nathaniel. The Fallons were closely aligned with the Moseys, which meant they'd likely follow suit.

That left only the Ballards, the last neutral family, and Tristan's final hope.

Without the backing of any ancient house, he couldn't count on a handful of scattered gentry to secure the throne. He had to win the Ballards over, no matter what.

After the three princes left, the Ballard estate received another distinguished guest -Princess of Ariella, Grace Linsor.

As always, she wore a veil, and her features were hidden. Yet, her presence was still unmistakably noble- something words alone couldn't capture.

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Unlike the three princes, each with their own motives, Grace had csimply to mourn Jovian. That alone eased Simon's heart a little.

It seemed not everyone from the royal family was cold and calculating. At the very least, she was different. Valon had often confided that if Grace had been born a man, he wouldn't have had to worry about choosing an heir. With her ability, she was more than capable of taking on the role.

But the throne had always passed from father to son, not daughters. Even if Valon wanted to change that, he couldn't go against the will of his ancestors.

After offering her condolences, Grace left quietly. She didn't stay long enough to draw attention. Before she left, she looked at Dustin like she had something to say.

Not long after, his phone vibrated. She had sent a message, and it read, "Important. Meetat Soluna Hall tonight." Dustin stayed at the Ballard family's funeral hall the whole day. Once night fell, he found an excuse to slip away.

Outside the estate, he took a cab and headed to Soluna Hall.

About 40 minutes later, he arrived at the meeting spot Grace had mentioned.

Soluna Hall wasn't well-known in Oakvale. Most days, the place was m dead quiet. But despite the lack of O foot traffic, it raked in serious money because she had turned it into an intel hub.

Anyone with the right connections could buy or sell information there. The selection covered almost everything, but the price was the only downside.

Still, it was worth every penny for the high rollers who relied on good intel. The information from Soluna Hall often proved to be a lifesaver at critical moments. The will be updated first on this website. 

  

 Chapter 2627

 

Soluna Hall had one rule-they wouldn't accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted.

Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those cwith an additional fee.

When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his nand being verified by the guards, they let him through.

Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room.

"This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please cin," the female attendant said with a smile. "She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously.

"She had something cup, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling.

"Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.

The room was spacious, with a vintage yet elegant design that gave it a distinct charm. A subtle fragrance lingered in the air, refreshing and uplifting.

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Cut-up fruit, snacks, and warm tea were already on the table.

Dustin glanced around, and his eyes landed on a bookshelf against the wall.

The shelf held a variety of rare books, each one unique and covering a range of subjects. He scanned the collection and eventually chose a book titled "The Legends of Extraordinary People." As the title suggested, the book chronicled legendary figures from throughout history. Shad ruled the regions, others had accomplished feats of incredible power, and shad becunbeatable in their time. A thousand years ago, a swordsman stood alone to guard a city, and no army of 100,000 dared to enter. There were also stories about beings who could move mountains, calm rivers, subdue monsters, and stem the tide of disasters.

Besides that, there was also a beggar who laughed three times. He took one step through heaven's gate and vanished into the clouds at high noon.

Every person who appeared in these tales was nothing short of legendary.

As Dustin flipped through to more recent timelines, his eyes landed on the nArion Foyer, the sage of Sacred Wrym Summit. His nwas prominent and was listed first in the Champ-Tier List.

Many years ago, the Era of Demon Banishment sent shockwaves throughout the martial world. The three major demon sects, once at the peak of their power, were completely wiped out overnight. To this day, not a single trace of them remains.

Since then, Arion had held the top spot on the Champ-Tier List, and no one was able to challenge his position. This book contained much more about Arion and his story.

Before the Era of Demon Banishment, Arion was virtually unknown. He spent his days lazing about, wasting time, and showing no interest in cultivation. He either slept or wandered aimlessly and was never once dedicated to training.

But this unremarkable man, upon learning that his mentor had been killed by the demon sect, went berserk. In a fit of rage, he single-handedly wiped out the entire sect with just a sword and left no survivors.

Dustin sat down and was intrigued as he flipped through the pages. Each legendary story felt almost like a myth that stirred something deep within him. He wondered if, one day, he would have the chance to be recorded in a book like that.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." At that moment, Grace, wearing a veil, finally walked in. She glanced at the book in his hands but said nothing. Instead, she sat across from him and poured two cups of tea.

"I just got here too," Dustin replied. He placed the book back on the shelf, then smiled and asked, "Why did you askout so urgently? What's going on?" "I just received snews that concerns your safety. I've had to pay quite a price to verify it," she said meaningfully.

"You're not planning to chargefor this, right?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Of course I am. And it's going to be double," Grace said confidently.

"Are you serious? We've been through life-and-death situations together.

m Chargingfor this? That feels a little too formal between us, don't you think?" Dustin looked genuinely exasperated.

"Business is business," she said with a smile. “Out there, we're friends. But here at Soluna Hall, everything runs by the book. No personal favors, and those are the rules." "So you calledover just for this?" Dustin sighed. He looked like he was regretting making the wrong friend.

"Well, that's how business works." Grace shrugged. "But since we're friends, I'll give you a discount." "I don't care about discounts since I've got nothing to give." Dustin raised his hands in defeat.

"No problem, you can owe me. Payback when you have the money," she said bluntly.

"Didn't realize you were so money-hungry.

"He rolled his eyes.

"It's not easy keeping a big business running without making money. Besides, money is nothing to you," Grace teased with a playful smile.

"Alright, alright, I'll owe you. Now, tell me, what's this news about?" Dustin sighed and reluctantly gave in.

"What you did in West Lucozia recently has already caught the attention of the higher-ups at the Hall of Gods." Grace's smile faded, and her expression turned serious.

She continued, "From what I've gathered, they're worried about your potential and your threat to them. So, they plan to kill you. Two royal gods are already on their way, and they'll be here in Oakvale soon." 

 

Chapter 2628

 "Royal gods? And two of them?" Dustin frowned at the news.

His battle with Poseidon in West Lucozia had shown him firsthand that the Hall of Gods didn't send weaklings into the field.

One royal god had already pushed him to his limit. If two cat him together, winning wasn't even the question. He'd be lucky just to make it out alive.

"That's right," Grace said solemnly. "The royal gods, Zeus and Hera, have crossed the border. They're even stronger than Poseidon. If they ambush you together, your chances are slim." She knew Dustin was strong, but he was still young.

Moreover, Zeus and Hera weren't just anyone. They were world-class powerhouses. Surviving a fight with them would be next to impossible.

The Hall of Gods had probably figured out how dangerous Dustin could become. If they had given him a few more years to grow, they might not have been able to stop him.

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"Well, that complicates things." Dustin rested his chin in one hand with a thoughtful expression.

Two royal gods, and both were stronger than Poseidon. They were far beyond what he could handle right now. "I've got two suggestions," Grace said suddenly. "Do you want to hear them?" "Oh?" Dustin raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it." "First one-lay low. Find a place to hide for now," she suggested.

As long as Zeus and Hera couldn't track him down, he'd stay safe.

"Oakvale isn't huge, but it's not exactly small either," Dustin replied. "With the Hall of Gods' influence, even if I go into hiding, it's only a matter of tbefore they find me." The Hall of Gods has eyes everywhere, and their intel network is one of the best. Clearly, hiding wasn't the solution.

"You're right." Grace nodded. "It's not hard for them to find you. But if you hid in Sacred Wrym Summit, and even if they knew where you were, they wouldn't dare get close." She smiled faintly.

With a terrestrial immortal like Arion guarding the place, even the Hall of Gods wouldn't dare step out of line. The battle at Sacred Wrym Summit had cost them dearly. Bailey-their newly crowned royal god-and a squad of top-tier elites from several nations had all been wiped out by Arion alone.

Since then, the Hall of Gods had blacklisted the region and declared it off-limits. They wouldn't be foolish enough to try again.

"Hiding out at the summit might keepsafe, but I can't stay holed up forever. I'm not going to spend the next few years burrowed away like a coward." Dustin shook his head.

"The Sacred Wrym Summit had Dracan force. With your talent, you'd only need three to five years to reach a full breakthrough. Once you reach that level, you won't have to fear the Hall of Gods anymore," Grace said.

"Any other options?" Dustin asked while avoiding a direct response.

To him, hiding for years wasn't something he wanted unless it was absolutely necessary. And even if he managed to hide, what about his friends and family? If Zeus and Hera can't find him, they might pursue those close to him, which could turn into a real problem.

Grace seemed to have anticipated his response and didn't try to persuade him further. Instead, she got straight to the point.

"The second option is riskier and involves the Dracan essence," she said. "I've mentioned before that the Dracan essence is tied to the nation's fate. Once it's collected, it can stabilize the government.

"But beyond that, it can also help martial artists with their training. If you absorb all five sources of the Dracan essence, your cultivation will improve tically. At that point, you might even have a shot at reaching the level of terrestial immortals." "Absorb the Dracan essence?" Dustin frowned slightly.

He had heard of this before, but still had sreservations. Would this affect the fate of the nation? Could it bring ruin to Dragonmarsh? He wasn't a saint, but he wouldn't do something to harm the people.

"You don't need to worry too much." Grace seemed to sense his hesitation and smiled.

She added, "The Dracan essence can't be refined. Once you absorb it, Dragonmarsh won't be affected m negatively On the contrary, it will not only boost your cultivation but also significantly enhance your luck. As long as you're alive,. Dragonmarsh will be fine." "So, you mean I'd be carrying the entire nation's fate on my shoulders?" Dustin's face turned serious.

"That's one way to look at it." She nodded.

"That sounds too risky." He frowned. That was a huge burden, and he wasn't sure he could carry it.

"If it were anyone else, I'd say no. But I trust your character. Putting the fate of the nation in your hands-it's the right choice. For me, for you, and Dragonmarsh," Grace said earnestly.

She was a disciple of the Regal Observatory and skilled in the art of Astral Gazing. In her eyes; Dustin was destined for greatness. Every step he took shifted the tides of Dragonmarsh's fate. When the nation's destiny passed into his hands, it would give him strength in critical moments. And as he absorbed its power, Dragonmarsh wouldn't just endure -it would flourish.

In other words, it was a win-win situation. For personal and political reasons, she believed the risk was worth it. 

 

Chapter 2629

 "Givea moment to think," Dustin said.

Grace's words sent him into deep thought.

After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what cwith it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.

He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.

Not that he had many options.

Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter.

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"I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first." Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the full force of the Dragonmarsh's fate.

"You're right." Grace nodded. "I already arranged for people to locate the last piece. We're pretty sure it's in Nathaniel's hands. But we still haven't figured out exactly where he's keeping it." Her intelligence network was strong, but she couldn't fully infiltrate the royal family. Digging up even this much had already pushed the limits.

After all, spying on royals was risky business. One leak could create a chain reaction no one wanted to deal with. "Nathaniel?" Dustin narrowed his eyes slightly. "Yeah, that could be a problem.” Nathaniel was a master of both strategy and combat, cunning and calculating. In addition to his noble status and the vast power behind him, getting the Dracan essence back from him would be no small feat.

"I might have an idea, but it's risky. I'll need your help to pull it off," Grace said.

"Oh?" Dustin raised an eyebrow. "What is it?" "Nathaniel is a greedy man," Grace said with a knowing smile. “One Dracan essence isn't enough for him. If he wants to ascend the throne, he'll need at least three to maximize his power. We can use that advantage and set up a diversion." "Diversion?" Dustin looked confused.

"He wants Dracan essence, right? Then, let's give him one. We'll bait him with what we have to draw out the one he's hiding. When the time's right, we'll take all of it,” she said.

He nodded slowly. "It's a bold move, but like you said, it's risky." Grace's plan was simple, at least on paper. Lure the wolf out with bait, then take it down. If it worked, they'd hit the jackpot. If not, they'd walk away with nothing.

"For the sake of the Dracan Essence and the future of the Dragonmarsh, this risk is worth it. As long as you follow the plan, I'd say there's at least a 70% chance of success," Grace said confidently.

"Oh? And what exactly do you needto do?" Dustin asked.

She explained, "It's simple. I need you to pretend to switch sides. Then, you offer Nathaniel one of the Dracan essences to win his trust. I'll embed a special mark in it.

"Once you're inside and the timing's right, you'll retrieve it. If luck's on your side, you might be able to steal the one Nathaniel's already holding too." Since the Dracan essence had to be stored in a special container, chances were Nathaniel would keep both together. That meant once Dustin retrieved the marked Dracan essence, he'd also have a shot at grabbing Nathaniel's.

It was essentially baiting a trap. Whether it worked or not was 30% luck and 70% skill.

Nathaniel's mansion wasn't easy to break into. Even if Dustin managed to locate the vault getting inside and retrieving the Dracan essence without a hitch would all depend on whether he had the skill to pull it off. "I get it." Dustin nodded. "When do we start?” "The two royal gods from the Hall of Gods have already crossed the border. They'll be in Oakvale soon. You don't have much time. Ideally, you should act tomorrow," Grace said.

Twas running out. The sooner Dustin got the Dracan essence, the better his odds of surviving what was coming.

"All right. Tomorrow it is." He didn't hesitate.

"I'll leak a little information, just enough to let Nathaniel know you've хочи got one of the Dracan essences.

hell the Then, he'll cto you," Grace said.

"That'll make it look more convincing."

Then, her tone shifted slightly. "But be careful. Nathaniel's paranoidm Gaining his trust won't be easy. Once you're inside, watch for your moment, and don't make any reckless movies." "Thanks for the heads-up. I know what I'm doing," Dustin replied with a faint smile.

He'd been inside Nathaniel's mansion once and knew the layout well enough. Besides, he was stealing, not robbing at gunpoint. It wasn't like anyone had to die over it.

The real challenge was pulling it off without raising suspicion afterward. Now that was something worth thinking through. He needed a way to keep himself out of the picture entirely.

Chapter 2630

    

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 cin. 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.

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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 becan even more valuable target. In addition to the West Lucozian monarchy, Logan was an ultimate grandmaster, which made him worth recruiting.

If Nathaniel could get him on his side, it would be a game-changer.

"Where is he now?" Nathaniel asked.

"According to our investigation, he's checked into the Delight Hotel," the aide replied.

"Go there right away. And make sure you invite him over. I don't want any rough tactics." "Yes, Your Highness." The aide quickly bowed and was about to leave when Nathaniel stopped him again.

"I said to invite him. Don't forget that." "Understood." With another respectful nod, the aide turned and headed out.

Around noon, a luxury car pulled up at the front gate of the mansion. The door opened, and Dustin stepped out. He was soon led inside by Nathaniel's personal guards.

Nathaniel's mansion was understated yet luxurious. It was heavily guarded and appeared ordinary at first glance. But beneath that facade, it hid something much more secretive.

As they entered, Dustin casually surveyed the surroundings while mentally noting every detail. Even though Grace had already managed to get the mansion's blueprints for him to study, he preferred to verify things for himself. At least the layout matched the blueprints

The only issue was that Nathaniel had set up several hidden lookout points. The moment Dustin stepped inside, he could feel the weight of at least a dozen pairs of eyes scanning him.

It was clear that navigating the mansion freely wasn't an option without someone leading the way. Given Nathaniel's resources, it was a given that there were skilled fighters stationed within, and any slip-up could give him away.

With a sharp awareness of the situation, Dustin followed the guards. They walked through a carefully manicured garden filled with artificial rocks. Finally, they reached the reception room.

Nathaniel was already waiting at the door. When he spotted Dustin, his face lit up with a welcoming smile.

"Logan, it's been a while. I've missed you," he said. "Cin, cin." Nathaniel was full of warmth. He grabbed Dustin's hand and led him into the room. Once inside, he ushered Dustin to sit beside him and said, “Bring the tea out!" Soon, several young and pretty maids entered, carrying tea and pastries.

"This is a special tea I've been saving. You've got to try it." Nathaniel gestured for Dustin to take a sip.

Dustin nodded, picked up his cup, and took a drink. "Sweet and smooth, with a lasting aftertaste. It really is fine tea." Nathaniel chuckled and complimented, "You've got great taste." He gave him a thumbs up and continued, " This tea's reserved for special guests like you. If you like it, feel free to take shwith you." "Your Highness is too kind. Then, I won't hold back." Dustin smiled and didn't hesitate.