Chapter 2641
Nathaniel approached the vault and quickly knocked a few times on the door. With a deep rumble, the heavy door slowly began to open.
Inside, the treasures were dazzling-emerald pendants glowing with an otherworldly light, a bronze cauldron engraved with mysterious symbols, and tablets shimmering with a strange, eerie glow.
At the center was an ornate box encased in bulletproof glass.
Nathaniel stepped forward, entered the code, and lifted the protective cover. He opened the box lid to reveal another Dracan essence inside.
The orb, about the size of a chicken egg, shimmered faintly. Inside, a stream of dragon-shaped energy swirled continuously.
"This one's a keeper," he muttered.
Nathaniel placed the Dracan essence Dustin had given him beside the first one. He couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.
These orbs were a force capable of defying fate and a power that could turn everything around.
He'd gone to great lengths to get the first one but never imagined he'd find the second so quickly. Clearly, his luck had improved.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOnce he had all three Dracan essences, he could set up a formation to harness their power. At that point, he'd be the luckiest man in Dragonmarsh. Then, the throne would be his, and no one would dare to question it.
As he carefully stored the two orbs, he admired them for a while before reluctantly closing the box lid and lowering the protective cover.
Nathaniel walked out of the vault, then returned everything to its proper place.
He had meticulously designed the vault and this hidden chamber. It was guarded by elite fighters and protected with deadly traps and mechanisms. Anyone who tried to break in wouldn't make it out alive.
As he closed the door behind him and stepped out, Nathaniel sternly reminded the guards to remain alert and not to slack off.
Once he was sure everything was secure, he hummed a tune, clasped his hands behind his back, and returned to his private quarters.
By midnight, the sprawling mansion had fallen completely silent. Aside from a few routine patrols still moving through the grounds, nearly everyone inside had gone to bed.
In a secluded guesthouse, Dustin suddenly sat up in bed. He was wide awake.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a finely crafted compass, then channeled a trace of true energy into it. Almost instantly, the needle lit up with a faint glow. After spinning a few times, it pointed toward the southwest and stopped moving.
Dustin turned the compass to test it, but the needle still pointed to the southwest.
"It works," he muttered with satisfaction.
Grace had marked the Dracan essence with a tracking seal, which was nearly impossible for ordinary people to detect.
But with this compass, Dustin could pinpoint its exact location.
"It's about time." Dustin glanced at the sky. Then, he changed into dark clothes, put on a mask, and quietly sneaked out of the room.
Before leaving, he placed a seal inside the room as a precaution. If anyone broke in, he'd sense it immediately. He moved like a shadow and slipped silently through the mansion. Sometimes he leaped on the rooftops, and other times he vanished into the dark.
Dustin had already studied the layout and memorized the patrol routes. He could avoid the danger zones and slip by without raising any alarms.
After a thorough search, he finally found the secluded courtyard. He took a quick look around and noticed guards were everywhere. Every entrance was guarded, with no blind spots.
There was no way to reach the chamber without alerting someone. His only option was to take down the guards at the entrance and slip inside.
Dustin had cprepared. He pulled out a stick of intoxicating substance and lit it in the corner.
Once the wisps of smoke rose into the air, he used his hand to fan them. A gentle breeze carried the smoke toward the two guards at the courtyard gate.
They caught a whiff of the strange scent, and before they could react, they had already collapsed on the ground. Dustin was impressed and muttered, "This stuff is really effective."
Grace had given him the intoxicating substance. She'd claimed it coulch knock out anyone below the grandmaster level, and now, it seemed she was right. He scaled the wall effortlessly and slipped into the courtyard.
By using the smethod, he quickly took down the remaining guards with the intoxicating substance. The guards were skilled, but they let their guard down. This was why they were so easily caught off guard. None of them had expected someone to break in, especially an ultimate grandmaster whose cultivation far exceeded theirs.
After dealing with all the guards, Dustin pulled out the compass again and carefully checked the direction.
Following its guidance, he soon arrived at the house where the hidden chamber was. He held his breath and listened closely at the door. After hearing nothing out of place, he slowly pushed it open.
But after taking two steps inside, he heard a faint click beneath his feet. A split second later, dozens of poisoned arrows shot out from the walls.
Dustin's body flickered and vanished.
In a blur of movement, he dodgech every arrow and deflected them midair with a flick of his fingers.
Traps like this were nothing to him. "This room looks plain. There must be a hidden mechanism here," he muttered.
While holding the compass, he moved around the room until he stopped in front of one particular wall. Dustin examined it closely. After searching for a while, he finally found the mechanism and twisted it twice. With a rumble, the wall slid open and revealed a stone staircase leading down.
A spark of excitement flashed in Dustin's eyes. He had finally found it.
Chapter 2642
Dustin looked at the stone steps leading down. He took a deep breath and slowly descended.
The hidden passage was long, but it was. dimly illuminated. After walking for a while, the path leveled out and grew wider the farther he went.
The path ahead was quiet. There were no new traps, and nothing else seemed out of place.
Dustin followed the passage into the secret chamber. The place was spacious, and every inch was filled with rare finds-divine weapons, cultivation manuscripts, valuable herbs, and priceless artifacts.
He scanned the displays carefully but didn't see the ornate box that was said to contain the Dracan essence. His gaze drifted to the far end of the room, and he saw a solid steel door engraved with intricate runes.
Dustin took out his compass and looked at it. The needle pointed straight at the door and didn't move at all.
"It must be hidden inside this vault," he muttered.
He put away the compass and examined the heavy door. His eyes scanned the dense, cryptic runes etched across its surface.
Dustin knew these runes had to be the key to unlocking the vault. After studying it for a moment, he noticed something unusual.
Though the door was engraved with dozens of runes, only six showed faint fingerprint smudges. He could tell those six runes formed the password. If he could figure out the correct sequence, he could unlock it.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDustin fell into deep thought and carefully tried several possible patterns. As the sixth rune clicked into place, a sharp crack rang out. Suddenly, a barrage of poisoned needles shot from hidden holes in the door.
With a swift push, he jumped and pressed himself flat against the ceiling.
The needles flew through the air and embedded themselves deep in the opposite wall. It left behind a dense cluster of holes. Their sharpness.was unmistakable.
"Just as I thought. Something's not right." Dustin landed lightly. After focusing for a moment, he tried entering the password again.
The second attempt failed too. This time, the vault door didn't fire poisonous needles. Instead, it sprayed a burst of acrid green liquid.
However, Dustin had expected it and managed to dodge.
The spot where he had stood earlier was already pitted with corrosive holes, and they were still spreading. The corrosion didn't stop until it hit the steel reinforcement over three feet down.
If that stuff could melt solid rock, it would've stripped a man to the bone in seconds.
There was no denying that Nathaniel's hidden traps were deadly. Even a grandmaster wouldn't risk meeting these traps head-on. One wrong move and they'd be dead before they hit the floor.
Dustin didn't waste tand continued to try different combinations.
Each failed attempt triggered a new attack sometimes poisoned needles, a cloud of toxic gas, venomous insects, or bizarre and unpredictable traps.
Once, the floor lit up with a restriction formation seal. Another time, a steel cage dropped from above. Each trap was designed to kill without mercy. If he weren't as skilled and quick on his feet, he'd have been dead long ago.
He entered the code again, only to see that his attempt had failed. His impatience began to simmer. While the hidden weapons posed no immediate threat, each mistake pushed him closer to disaster.
The guards outside, knocked out by the smoke, would be awake in less than two hours. If he didn't crack the vault open by then, the mission would be a total failure.
Dustin had briefly considered smashing the door open, but that would inevitably alert Nathaniel. By the the found the Dracan essence, Nathaniel could have his men surrounding the area.
Even if he managed to escape, his identity would be exposed, and it would lead to an unavoidable confrontation with Nathaniel.
That was a worst-case scenathat Dustin had no intention of letting play out. For now, he had no choice but to keep trying and hope for the best.
Sweat began to bead on Dustin's forehead as the pressure mounted with each failed attempt. Finally, after countless tries, the vault door emitted a low hum and slowly creaked open.
"Finally," Dustin muttered, as a sense of relief flooded through him.
The series of failed codes had pushed him to his limits. He'd nearly lost control and almost resorted to forcing the door open.
But in the end, he'd cracked it. And now, all the hidden weapons in the vault had been exhausted. He stepped inside and quickly scanned the shelves of treasures.
His eyes soon landed on two ornate boxes inside a bulletproof glass. He quickly stepped forward and lifted the protective cover. As he opened the boxes, he saw the familiar Dracan essences inside.
"Just as I thought," Dustin muttered.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed his face as he slipped the two ornate boxes into his pocket. The mission had been a hassle, but it was finally over.
Just as Dustin turned to leave, a loud thud echoed as the vault door slammed shut.
Red poison smoke began to pour from hidden vents.
Then, an ear-piercing alarm blared throughout the mansion.
His frown deepened, and his expression turned grim. He had taken every precaution, yet he still failed to anticipate Nathaniel's hidden trap.
This was going to be a problem.
In a room at the opposite end of the mansion, Nathaniel slept soundly until the shrill alarm shattered his dreams like a thunderclap.
He bolted upright, leaping out of bed and rushing toward the door without even bothering to throw on any clothes.
"Guard! Someone's broken in. Follow me," Nathaniel shouted.
He quickly assembled a group of guards and sprinted toward the vault.
The alarm had been set only for the vault. If it had been the secret secret m chamber, he wouldn't have woken up. The treasures inside were valuable, but they weren't essential to him.
The vault, however, was another matter. Every single item inside was irreplaceable, and if even one thing went missing, the loss would be catastrophic.
At that moment, Nathaniel didn't care why a thief had infiltrated his m mansion. He just had to get there, capture the thief, and prevent further damage before it was too late.
Chapter 2643
Nathaniel anxiously urged the guards," Hurry up! Pick up the pace." At that moment, he couldn't help but blthe mansion for being too large because they couldn't even reach the scene fast enough.
"Your Highness, what's going on?" Just then, Lycas and Bryce arrived with a squad of elite guards. Most of them rushed in without even having tto throw on a shirt. After all, this was the first tthe alarm had ever sounded inside the mansion.
Nathaniel didn't bother to explain and quickly ordered, "A thief sneaked into the mansion. Block every exit and don't let him escape." "Hurry up and seal the entire compound," Lycas shouted and quickly led the team into action.
They'd been training for years. Now it was tto prove themselves.
"Quick! This way," Nathaniel said urgently.
He didn't stop moving and led the squad of guards forward at full speed.
But just then, a deafening boom erupted from the vault's direction. The ground shook like an earthquake, and rattled the entire place.
Roughly a hundred yards ahead, the ground gave way with a thunderous crash, and an entire courtyard collapsed. Tons of dirt and stone caved in as it swallowed the vault beneath and left a pile of rubble behind.
Dust billowed into the air, thick and fast like smoke rising from a battlefield.
Nathaniel stopped cold at the scene. His eyes widened, and he was stunned speechless.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThis wasn't what he'd expected. He thought it was just a break-in, and maybe svaluables had been stolen from the vault. The loss was still manageable.
But now, his heart ached as he stared at the ruins.
That vault held over a decade's worth of his most valuable treasures. Everything was gone and crushed beneath the rubble. The loss was staggering. It felt like someone had driven a blade straight through his heart.
"Damn it! Fucking bastard!" Nathaniel cursed. His eyes blazed with rage, and his body trembled.
"What should we do now, Your Highness?" The guards behind him exchanged uneasy glances and were at a loss for what to do.
They were supposed to protect the treasure and catch the thief. But now the vault was buried, the thief had disappeared without a trace, and no one knew what to do next.
"Quick! Dig out all those treasures," Nathaniel roared.
He could accept losing the other treasures, but not the Dracan essence. If that were gone, everything he had done would be for nothing.
"Get more men down there and start digging!" The guards didn't dare hesitate. They split up, scalling for reinforcements while the others began digging through the rubble.
Just then, Lycas and Bryce arrived after hearing the commotion. One look at the wreckage ahead, and both men froze. They immediately realized how serious things had gotten.
This wasn't just about catching a thief anymore. It was becoming a serious crackdown.
The mansion had been peaceful for years. Now, disaster had struck without warning. The most likely explanation was that there was a traitor among them.
Given Nathaniel's suspicious nature, he was bound to launch a thorough investigation. Anyone remotely suspicious might end up at the bottom of the sea.
At that moment, he seemed to think of something. His expression darkened, and he shouted, "Lycas! Bryce! Bring your squads and cwith me.
Without another word, he turned and marched off in the direction where Dustin was staying.
Lycas and Bryce said nothing. With a quick gesture, they led their men and followed close behind.
They knew Nathaniel was suspicious of Dustin. Everything had been fine before Dustin arrived, and now, after just one night, this had happened. It was hard not to suspect him.
"Logan, it better not be you," Nathaniel spat through gritted teeth. His eyes burned with malice as he stormed toward the guesthouse where Dustin had been staying with lightning speed.
At that moment, the lights were still on inside the guesthouse.
Without a word, Nathaniel kicked open the gate and led a small group of his men rushing in behind him.
After hearing the noise, Dustin stepped out of the house, He was dressed casually and looked at Nathaniel with a confused expression.
"Your Highness, what's going on? Why do you look so gloomy?" he asked.
"Where were you just now? Answer me!" Nathaniel asked coldly.
"I've been in my room the whole time. I haven't gone anywhere. What's wrong?" Dustin responded, feigning his innocence.
The truth was, he had no choice but to use brute force to escape when he was trapped inside the vault earlier. If he hadn't, he would have been caught on the spot.
As a result, the courtyard collapsed, the vault was buried, and the noise was loud enough to alert everyone in the mansion. But given the situation, Dustin saw no other option. "You're sure you didn't leave your room?" Nathaniel looked at him suspiciously.
If Dustin really destroyed the vault, there was no way he would have cleaned it up that well in such a short time. Nathaniel figured he must've left strace.
"I'm sure," Dustin said. He nodded calmly without showing any sign of nervousness.
"Search him." Nathaniel signaled for his men.
Dustin's clothes were clean, and nothing stood out. But there would surely be sevidence if he were of guilty of stealing something.
Nathaniel felt a quick search would reveal it. "Hold on!" Dustin said.
Just as Lycas and Bryce approached him, he raised his hand to stop them.
"Your Highness, what is this about?” he asked with a scowl. "If I'm not welchere, I can leave. Why humiliatelike this?"
Chapter 2644
Dustin's expression darkened, and his voice cout sharper than before. If he stayed quiet and let Nathaniel search him without protest, it would only make him look suspicious.
"Logan, there's been a break-in. The whole mansion is on lockdown. For your safety, we need to search the place," Nathaniel said, his expression darkening.
He was convinced Dustin was the thief. But without solid evidence, he couldn't make a direct accusation. If Dustin resisted, Nathaniel wouldn't hesitate to act.
"Break-in?" Dustin raised an eyebrow." Really? Is that what the tremor earlier was about?" "We'll go over the details later. Right now, we can't risk letting anyone slip away. So, I must search your place," Nathaniel said.
He wasn't in the mood to explain further. Then, he waved a hand toward Lycas and Bryce and signaled them to act.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe two exchanged a glance, then stormed into the inner room with a squad of guards behind them.
Nathaniel gave Dustin one long, measured look before following them inside.
The spacious, neatly arranged room was softly lit.
In the warm glow, a woman in a red dress sat serenely. Her dark hair was pulled back in an elegant updo with a golden ornament swaying gently. The pearls on it caught the light and cast soft shadows along her face.
Her eyebrows were finely shaped, and the slight tilt of her eyes gave her a graceful, almost playful expression. The way her gaze shifted made her eyes sparkle with an allure deeper than any jewel.
Her nose was sculpted with delicate precision, and her lips, naturally red, curled into a smile that seemed as captivating as a flower blooming in the snow. Even her dimples hinted at a playful charm.
"Felicia? What are you doing here?" Nathaniel asked as he stepped through the door with his team. He frowned in surprise when he saw her. "Greetings, Your Highness," she said.
She slowly looked up and gently set down the chess piece in her hand. Rising gracefully, she gave a respectful bow and said, "I was playing chess with Mr. Rhys and was so engrossed that I didn't know what happened outside." Her voice was soft and melodic, with a hint of casual ease.
Nathaniel glanced at the chessboard. The black and white pieces were arranged in a tense standoff, as if they'd been in the middle of a heated match.
He turned to Felicia and asked suspiciously, "Have you two been playing chess the whole time?" She nodded slightly and answered evenly, " That's right. We haven't left this room at all.” Nathaniel didn't respond and looked at Dustin, who had just walked in. Yet, his suspicion of Dustin remained. "Lycas, Bryce, search the house inside and out. Look for any sign of thieves," Nathaniel ordered. "Yes, Your Highness!" Lycas and Bryce acknowledged the order and immediately began searching the yard and the rooms. They searched for a long while, but nothing unusual turned up. Not a single clue to suggest any hidden intruders. "Since a thief has infiltrated the mansion, do you want my assistance?" Dustin asked Nathaniel.
"No need. I'll handle this myself," Nathaniel replied He grunted as he motioned for his men to leave. Though he suspected Dustin might be involved, Nathaniel hadn't found any solid evidence, so he could only bury his doubts for now.
Of course, there was always the possibility that the thief was someone else.
Once outside the guesthouse, Nathaniel issued another order, "Lycas, Bryce! Mobilize all the troops and search the entire mansion. Leave no corner unchecked. Dig up the ground if you have to, but you must catch that thief." "Yes, Your Highness!" Lycas and Bryce bowed, then quickly gathered their troops and left.
Nathaniel had already taken precautions to seal off all the mansion's entrances.
If the thief was still inside, there was no way they could escape in such a to be hiding somewhere in the estate. As long as the search was thorough, they would eventually find the thief. short time. They had to be As the sound of footsteps faded away, Dustin closed the door, turned, and looked at Felicia. He asked curiously, "Why are you helping me?" After escaping the vault and returning to the guest house, he was surprised to find someone in his room. It was Felicia.
At first, Dustin thought he had been discovered, but soon realized something was off. Feligia didn't seem interested in exposing him. Instead, she had hidden his night clothes and mask within the sections of the chessboard. Before he could ask her any questions, Nathaniel arrived with his men. Felicia had quickly played her part to cover for him.
But Dustin still didn't understand why she was helping him. After all, she was working for Nathaniel.
Felicia smiled and settled back at the table. She sipped her tea before replying, "Mr. Rhys, don't worry. I'm helping you because it's in my best interest too." She set her cup down and, with a knowing smile, added, "On the surface, I'm Nathaniel's consultant. But in reality, I'm nothing more than a puppet.
"I know better than anyone that sticking with him won't end well, so I want to break free. know your position is complicated, and helping you today is my way of making sure I have a way out. "I don't want to be under his control anymore. I want freedom, and right now, you're the only one who can offer that to me."
Chapter 2645
"I see," Dustin muttered as his gaze fixed on the chessboard.
He nodded and said, “You've helpedtonight. That putsin your debt. If you ever need anything, just say the word." Dustin lived by one rule-return what was given, whether kindness or vengeance.
Felicia hadn't exposed him earlier. She had even covered for him. That was a debt he intended to repay.
"Mr. Rhys, you truly are a man of principle. I admire that," she said.
She dipped her head with a playful smile, and that gesture carried an elegant charm.
"But I'm still curious about what brought you here tonight. Did you already suspect me?” Dustin asked.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Anyone who wants to get close to Nathaniel usually wants one of three things -power, fame, or money. I can see it in their eyes, but you're different," Felicia said with a smile.
She continued, "You chere and offered the Dracan essence, but didn't ask for a title or recognition. You even turned down the company of women, which only makessuspect you have another motive. Of course, that's just my suspicion.
"Tonight, though, was purely a coincidence. I chere to learn how to play chess, but you weren't in the courtyard. It wasn't until the commotion started that I finally understood what you were truly after." "Ms. Thorns, you're sharper than I gave you credit for." Dustin had first thought Felicia was just another pretty face with little to offer. But then, he realized she was much more intriguing and capable than he'd imagined.
"I'm nothing next to you," she replied. " Still, you should be careful. Nathaniel won't let this matter slide." "As long as there's no evidence, he can't do anything to me," he replied with a faint smile.
With his strength, he knew Nathaniel would have to think twice before crossing him. But then again, Nathaniel couldn't act on any suspicions. There was no way he'd confront him head-on when things were still uncertain. "As long as you know what you're doing, that's all that matters. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave." Felicia didn't linger. After a slight nod, she turned and left.
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Nathaniel stood in the center of the courtyard. He stared at the empty hallway with a frown.
Behind him, Lycas and Bryce were reporting the situation.
"Your Highness, we've searched the mansion three times. We even combed through the pond carefully, but still didn't find any trace of that thief. Perhaps the thief... has managed to escape?" Lycas spoke cautiously, wiping the sweat from his brow. Before he could continue with his report, Nathaniel suddenly turned, cold fury flashing in his eyes.
"Impossible! I ordered the mansion sealed off before the secret chamber was breached. Even if that thief grew wings, he wouldn't have escaped." He tightened his grip on the pendant at his waist. It was a gift from Valon. But at that moment, it felt less like a symbol of power and more like a scorching brand that burned his palm.
Seeing his expression, Lycas quickly bowed and said, "You're right, Your Highness. The thief might still be hiding somewhere. I'll take my men and search again.” Without waiting for a response, he rallied the exhausted guards and led them toward a secluded storage shed. He knew deep down that searching again would be pointless. If the thief had managed to enter the mansion without a sound, they could just as easily slip away unnoticed.
But with Nathaniel in a foul mood, he knew arguing wasn't an option. All he could do was carry out the order. Glancing at the rising sun, Nathaniel's face darkened as he headed toward the ruins of the secret chamber. He knew catching the thief seemed unlikely for the tbeing. His biggest worry now was how much of the treasure in the secret chamber had been lost.
The items in the vault were especially concerning. Any theft or damage to them would have been like having his heart ripped out.
Nathaniel arrived at the ruins, where a team of people was still working hard. To avoid damaging the valuables, they started with shovels and switched to digging by hand once most of the rubble was cleared, which made the work even slower.
Over a hundred people had been working nonstop through the night. By dawn, they had barely uncovered the outline of the chamber's ceiling. Excavating the entire structure would take another half day.
Nathaniel stood at the side and stared at the growing pit. His fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palm. The hours crawled by. It wasn't until noon that the entrance to the secret chamber finally cinto view.
"Your Highness, we've broken through!" someone called out in excitement.
Nathaniel took a deep breath. He ignored the risk of further collapse and stepped into the dimly lit chamber.
The musty air, mixed with dust, hit him immediately. Holding the torch high, he scanned the room, and his expression darkened with every passing second. The once neatly arranged treasures were now scattered, many of them damaged. He briefly glanced at it, then hurried toward the vault.
The steel door was bent and ruined, and half of it had caved in. A gaping hole in the ceiling made it look like smonstrous beast had clawed its way out.
Ignoring the filth, Nathaniel squeezed through the twisted gap in the steel door. But with and look inside, his But vision went dark, and he nearly lost his footing. The ornate box that once contained the Dracan essence was missing, and so were the two orbs.
Half of the treasures were missing, and the rest were damaged beyond repair.
"No... no, this can't be happening. My... My treasures..." The shock was too much for Nathaniel. He let out a desperate cry, collapsed to the ground, and lost consciousness.
Chapter 2646
When Nathaniel finally regained consciousness, it was already evening.
Outside his room, Lycas and Bryce stood vigilantly with a team of elite guards.
Nathaniel's mother, Cynthia Spanner, stood anxiously at his bedside alongside several imperial doctors. As soon as she heard that her son was unconscious, she rushed over with the doctors.
Nathaniel was her only son. She had devoted herself entirely to raising him, giving him the best of everything. And fortunately, he had lived up to her expectations. He stood out among the other princes and had earned the right to compete for the throne.
Cynthia had been making plans for Nathaniel's future recently. But just as everything seemed to finally ctogether, this sudden crisis left her shaken.
Thankfully, it wasn't anything serious. He had only fainted from the stress.
"Nathaniel, how are you feeling? Are you alright?" Cynthia asked.
When her son opened his eyes, she moved quickly to his side, concern written on her face.
"Mother, what are you doing here?" he asked. He rubbed his throbbing head and slowly sat up.
"I heard something happened here, so of course I had to and check on you," Cynthia replied.
She took the medicine from the maid and carefully brought it to Nathaniel's lips. " Drink this. It will help you to recover." He nodded and drank it in one go.
"Even the most priceless treasure isn't worth risking your life over," Cynthia said, trying to comfort him. "If you want it, I'll have someone find another one for you.
What matters now is your health." "I know," Nathaniel replied. "It's just that everything happened so suddenly, and in the heat of the moment..." His words trailed off as he clenched his fists, and his face darkened. After years of collecting those treasures, he lost most of them in a single night. It was enough to make anyone snap.
"I already know.what happened," Cynthia said. "You don't need to worry about it anymore. Leave the rest to me." "What? Have they caught the thief?" Nathaniel asked, his eyes narrowing.
She shook her head. “No one was caught, and we're not in a position to pursue them.
"Mother, what do you mean?" He frowned.
"You were set up," Cynthia said with a sigh. "You rushed in and were blinded by ambition. That's why you fell into their trap. Consider this a lesson." "Set up?" Nathaniel's frown deepened. " You mean Logan setup?" He might not have had proof, but he wasn't naive. His vault was broken into right after Dustin gave him the Dracan essence. No matter how he looked at it, all signs pointed to that man.
The place was loaded with traps and heavy. security. Nathaniel was convinced that only someone of Dustin's caliber could have triggered the alarms and escaped without a trace.
But even if he suspected Dustin, he couldn't take action against him without evidence.
"He's just the muscle. There's someone else pulling the strings behind him," Cything said, her voice becoming serious.
"Then, who is it? Who's targeting me?" Nathaniel growled.
He gritted his teeth as fury burned in his eyes. At this point, only Matthias and Tristan stood in his way. If either of them were scheming against him, he swore they'd pay for it.
But Cynthia seemed to read his thoughts and shook her head. "It's not Matthias or Tristan. If I'm not mistaken, your father is behind this." "Father?" Nathaniel froze, disbelief written on his face. “That's impossible. He's always favored me. Why would he send someone after me?" Cynthia let out a weary sigh. "Nathaniel, your father always puts the nation first. The Dracan essence is tied to the fate of the entire nation. It's not something you should be involved with.
"If you had handed it over, you might have left a good impression on him. But now that you intend to keep it for yourself, you've committed a grave mistake.
"You're not the crown prince, so you're not qualified to bear the burden of the nation's destiny. That's why he had to take the Dracan essence back." "Even so, he could have just told me. Why do it like this?" Nathaniel frowned.
He couldn't understand why Valon had gone to such extremes. If his father wanted the Dracan essence, he could have just sent someone to inform Nathaniel.
"The king's mind is hard to read," Cynthia replied. "Your father has his reasons. For now) drop the matter. Just pretend it never happened, do you understand?" "Mother, what if you're overthinking this? What if he doesn't even know about it?" Nathaniel asked. He still couldn't accept his mother's explanation.
"Nothing in Oakvale slips past your father. Without his order, who would dare to steal from your mansion?" Cynthia reasoned.
While Nathaniel was unconscious, she'd already sent people to investigate. Since only@handful of people knew he possessed the e Dracan essence, she thought it would be easy to trace where the leak had cfrom. But her efforts yielded no results. Even with the influence of the Spanner family, she couldn't uncover a single solid lead.
All she found was that whoever was behind this had an intelligence om network far stronger than her family. And in Dragonmarsh, only the royal family had the means to overshadow the Spanners. Grace oversaw the royal family's intelligence network and only took orders from Valon. This meant the king implicitly endorsed everything she did.
That was why Cynthia urged Nathaniel not to investigate further and act like nothing had happened. Otherwise, going up against Valon would only end badly.
The will be updated first on this website. Cback and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!
Chapter 2647
"But... I still can't accept this," Nathaniel said. He clenched his jaw, and his eyes burned with fury.
He was only one step away from success, so why would Valon choose to interfere with his plan now of all times? Did this mean his father had never intended to nhim crown prince? Had all that past favoritism been nothing but an act? "If you want to accomplish something great, you need patience. You can't afford to rush things," Cynthia said earnestly.
She continued, "One setback doesn't mean the end, and a few lost treasures aren't worth worrying over. As long as you're still standing, there's always another chance. I'll be here for you, and so will the Spanner family." Nathaniel's expression finally softened.
Even without the Dracan essence to strengthen his claim to the throne, he still had his mother, the backing of the Spanner family, and the network he'd carefully built over the years. With all that behind him, he had what it took to challenge Matthias and Tristan.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"What's done is done. Don't dwell on it," Cynthia said. “Logan has great potential, and there's a good chance he might be the next Prince of West Lucozia. Your father holds him in high regard.
"Even if he has crossed you, you must act as though nothing happened, for the greater good. Show goodwill. Try to bring him to your side. Tolerance is a key quality for a crown prince." Nathaniel took a deep breath to calm himself, then nodded. "I understand, Mother. Thank you for your advice. I know what to do now." "You've always been smart. As long as you're willing to put in the effort, there's nothing you can't achieve," Cynthia said with a faint smile.
Her son had everything-wisdom, strength, and exceptional talent. But his only flaw was his lack of tolerance. If he could overcthat, he would have a better chance of becoming crown prince.
The next morning, Nathaniel brought Felicia along when he visited Dustin. His expression was no longer gloomy like the day before. Instead, his face was bright with a warm smile.
He walked briskly into the courtyard. When he saw Dustin, he bowed respectfully and said, "Logan, I apologize for my behavior yesterday. I hope you won't hold it against me." Dustin was caught off guard. He quickly set his book aside and stepped forward to stop Nathaniel. His face filled with confusion.
"Your Highness, what is this about? I'm sure your actions yesterday were meant to ensure the safety of your mansion. How could I possibly hold a grudge?" Nathaniel straightened up and looked at him sincerely. He sighed and said, "I acted rashly yesterday and nearly made a grave mistake. That's why I've ctoday to apologize and ask for your forgiveness." Then, he motioned for Felicia to step forward and added, "I've brought Felicia along to apologize. I know she is quite talented. If she stays with you, she could help keep you company." Dustin quickly waved his hands and refused, "Your Highness, I can't accept this. Ms. Thorns is your consultant. I couldn't possibly take someone so close to you?" He was even more confused now. Just yesterday, Nathaniel looked ready to kill him, so what had caused this drastic change? Was there a hidden agenda? "No need to be polite," Nathaniel said. "I have plenty of talented people at my disposal. Even if she left, it wouldn't make any difference. But if she serves you, that's where her talents will truly be put to use." He pushed Felicia forward, and his smile grew even wider.
She kept her head down and gripped the hem of her sleeve so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Felicia cautiously lifted her gaze and cast a pleading look at Dustin. Her eyes were filled with a mix of hope and anxiety as if she silently expressed her desperate desire to break free from her current life.
Dustin's heart softened at the vulnerable look on her face. Thinking of how she had helped him before, he reluctantly nodded.
"If Your Highness insists, it would be rude ofto refuse," he said.
Nathaniel laughed heartily. "Excellent! I knew you'd agree. If you ever need anything, just say the word and I'll do everything I can to help." Dustin kept his expression neutral, but his doubts only deepened.
He had expected Nathaniel to hold a grudge over the stolen treasure, or perhaps seek revenge instead, he he not only let the matter slide but even went so far as to offer Felicia to him. There had to be something more going on here. "I'll take my leave, then. Treat Ms. Thorns well." Nathaniel gave a parting salute and left with his entourage.
Once they were gone, Dustin turned to Felicia and whispered, "What's going on with him?"
"I'm not sure," she replied, shaking her head. "He draggedhere early this morning to apologize and insisted on offeringto you." "Is this skind of honey trap?" Dustin narrowed his eyes.
He couldn't make sense of it. Was Nathaniel trying to do him a favor and thought he was interested in Felicia after last night? "Whatever he's planning, this arrangement doesn't seem too bad for either of us," Felicia said with a sly smile.
If Dustin accepted her, her status would instantly rise-no more faking smiles or enduring humiliation. And even if he didn't, she had gained her freedom now. With the wealth she had accumulated, she could live comfortably for the rest of her life.
Chapter 2648
Dustin agreed with what Felicia had said.
He had expected Nathaniel to use the situation as an excuse to make things difficult for him. Or perhaps put him under house arrest and keep him from leaving.
But to his surprise, Nathaniel did nothing. He even offered Dustin one of the top beauties on the Beauty Ranking. It was clear that he was trying to establish a friendly relationship. Whether there were other motives behind this gesture didn't matter for now. As far as Dustin was concerned, this outcworked in his favor.
"Forget it. Let's talk about it later, " Dustin said.
He didn't dwell on it and left the mansion with Felicia. Twas running out, and he couldn't afford any delays. He had to follow Grace's plan and use the Dracan essence to boost his cultivation before the two royal gods of the Hall of Gods arrived.
Dustin leaned against the plush seat of a sleek luxury car. His gaze was fixed on the blur of scenery outside the window with a tense expression.
Felicia, dressed in red, gracefully sat beside him. She tilted her head slightly and looked at him with hesitation and expectation.
"Mr. Rhys," she said softly, "I have nowhere to go now. From now on, I'll follow you." Dustin frowned upon hearing that and glanced at her.
She had lowered her head, and her long lashes cast shadows over her face. Her rosy lips were pursed in an almost pitiful expression.
He rubbed his temples.
Felicia was sharp and calculative. Yet, he still had no idea what Nathaniel's real goal was..
Dustin knew bringing her along on a whim might complicate things. But then he remembered how she'd helped him before, and he just couldn't bring himself to turn his back on her.
He shook his head and said, "Ms. Thorns, someone likeis always on the move. I've made more enemies than friends. Staying by my side would only put you in danger. I don't think it's a good idea.
"Are you trying to sendaway?" Felicia asked. "It may look like I have a good life at Nathaniel's mansion, but I was trapped like a bird and bound by rules.
"I finally escaped that torment and was thrilled to follow you. But I never expected you to be so cold." She raised her head, and her eyes glistened with tears as she looked at Dustin. Her voice trembled with emotion, and she looked so pitiful.
He quickly explained, "You've misunderstood me. I'm not trying to drive you away. The situation right now is complicated, and I'm dealing with my own problems. I don't want to drag you into this mess.” Felicia's eyes flickered with a mischievous gleam, but she kept up the act of being vulnerable as she leaned toward Dustin.
She said in a low voice, “Mr. Rhys, I'm not afraid of getting into trouble. When I first saw you, I could tell you were different from the other men. There's something about you-a kind of drive, a purpose.
"I'm willing to follow you, share your troubles, and ease your burdens, even if it means putting myself in danger." Her voice was gentle and melodious, with a subtle charm. Her warm breath brushed against his cheek, making the moment feel almost intimate.
Dustin leaned back and quickly distanced himself, clearing his throat twice.
"Ms. Thorns, it's not as simple as you think. The troubles I'm dealing with are much bigger than what Nathaniel has going on.
"Of course, I won't forget what you've done for me. I'll help you find a place to settle and ensure you're well taken care of, with enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life.” Seeing Dustin's reaction, Felicia didn't press any further. She nodded and replied, “I'll do as you say, Mr. Rhys." She knew trying to force her intentions would only drive him away.
Although she had a crush on an outstanding young man like Dustin, they were ultimately strangers who had only just met.
Felicia wasn't the type to chase after someone with desperation. With her looks and intelligence, finding a promising match wouldn't be hard.
Still, if the opportunity to get closer to Dustin arose, she wouldn't pass it up. After all, only a few young talents in Oakvale could command Nathaniel's attention.
Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a luxury.hotel-one of Grace's properties, backed by government connections.
It was ideal to let Felicia stay at the moment as it could minimize any unnecessary trouble. A woman with her looks, especially one ranked on the Beauty Ranking, was bound to draw unwanted attention. Without someone powerful backing her, she'd be an easy target for spoiled rich kids. Once she was settled in, Dustin returned to the car and made his way to Soluna Hall. He and Grace agreed to meet there after his mission was complete.
Around 15 minutes later, the car arrived at the entrance.
Everything had been arranged in advance, so Dustin walked in without a hitch. He made his way across the lobby and stepped into the rear garden.
He walked toward the sroom as before. Inside, Grace was already waiting.
He pushed the door open and noticed she was sipping tea. Then, he raised his hand and placed two ornate boxes containing the Dracan essence on the table. "Mission accomplished. I've retrieved the item," Dustin said.
"I thought it would take you three days at least. Honestly, I didn't expect you to finish so quickly. That's worth celebrating, "Grace replied with a smile. She poured him a cup of tea and slid it across the table. It was still warm, just the right temperature to drink.
Now that all five Dracan essences were gathered, they could proceed with their plan.
Chapter 2649
"I was surprised I managed to bring the Dragon essence back so smoothly. I was ready to go head-to-head with Nathaniel if it cto that," Dustin said.
Grace raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Oh? What happened?" He didn't hold back and recounted everything in detail-from Nathaniel's unexpected gesture of goodwill to Felicia covering up for him and her subsequent allegiance.
He shook his head and asked, "So, what do you think Nathaniel is up to? He was suspicious ofbefore, and we nearly got into a fight.
"But the next day, he was like a completely different person. He was warm and had an overly friendly demeanor. He even senta top beauty from the Beauty Ranking. It doesn't make sense at all." "I think this is likely connected to his mother, Lady Spanner," Grace replied.
She paused for a thought, then added, 11 Lady Spanner is a shrewd and calculating woman. She probably realized Nathaniel can't take you head-on. Rather than continuing to oppose you, she's trying to win you over. "Sending Felicia to you serves two purposes. First, it's a way to extend an olive branch. Second, they want to keep her by your side. She could be of use to Nathaniel if the situation allows for it.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"But whether Felicia is truly a spy is hard to say. Given his shrewdness, if he really intended to use her as an informant, sending her to you so openly would be far too obvious." Dustin rubbed his chin as he pondered her words. "That may be true, but you can never be too careful. Something about this still feels off." "In that case, why not keep Felicia close?" Grace suggested. "I can help you make the arrangements. If she really is up to something, there's no way she can pull anything under our watch.
She added with a mischievous smile, " Besides, beauties on the Beauty Ranking don't caround often. If you miss your shot now, you might regret it later." He rolled his eyes at her words. "Stop teasing me. I'll keep an eye on her for now. If she turns out to be harmless, I'll figure out a place for her. Anyway, let's get back to business." Grace's smile faded, and her expression turned serious.
"Now that all five Dragon essences are gathered, you should be able to break through. But first, I need to make spreparations." She couldn't just inject the five Dragon essences into Dustin. First, she had to merge them, set up the formation, and wait for the right tand place.
"Do you need my help?" Dustin asked.
"No, I've got it," she replied, shaking her head. "Just stay here today and rest. Meetat Embercrest Hill tomorrow night. It's around 50 miles west of the city. I'll take care of the rest." "Got it. I'll leave it to you then," Dustin said with a nod.
The sun dipped below the horizon and cast a blaze of red and gold across the sky.
Deep within a hidden stronghold of the Hall of Gods in Oakvale, two figures sat side by side-Zeus and Hera. Even their mere presence commanded respect.
Zeus was tall and muscular, with long golden hair that fluttered in the breeze. His presence was commanding, and his gaze was sharp and piercing, as if he could see through everything.
Beside him, Hera was dressed in a flowing gown. She was stunning, yet carried an air of majesty, nobility, and an almost sacred grace.
Standing before them were more than a dozen individuals, all of whom were key members of the Hall of Gods hidden in Oakvale. Each one was a grandmaster martial artist.
This was the Hall of Gods' most formidable force left in the city. They were spread across various regions and rarely crossed paths. But today, they had gathered for one purpose to eliminate Dustin and reassert the Hall of Gods' prestige.
"It's been three days and still no sign of Logan Rhys?" Zeus asked
Sitting on a makeshift throne, he snorted coldly. His immense pressure immediately filled the room.
Everyone felt an intense pressure weighing them down. Their shoulders slumped, and their legs trembled uncontrollably.
A hulking man, over six and a half feet tall, lowered his head and reported, "Lord Zeus, we've deployed all available scouts. We should have news soon." He was built like a bear, but in front of Zeus and Hera, he appeared like a mouse.
"You have one more day. If you don't find Logan by then, I'll pick one of you to sacrifice to the gods daily until he is found, "Zeus growled.
Everyone turned pale. Cold sweat poured down their faces, but no one dared to say anything. They all knew Zeus wasn't making idle threats. If they failed, death was the only thing waiting for them. "Lord Zeus! Lady Hera! We have news.' A blonde woman in a black leather suit strode briskly into the hall.
"Hmm?" Zeus and Hera looked up simultaneously and asked, "Have you found him?"
"According to my informants, he's been staying at Prince Nathaniel's mansion for the past two days. It f looks like he's planning to seek asylum," the blonde woman said. Zeus scoffed. "He thinks hiding behind Nathaniel will keep him safe? What a joke."
If Logan had sought refuge in the palace with the Regal Observatory's elder still guarding i Zeus might've hesitated. But ssecond-rate prince? It was hardly worth his attention. "Lead the way," Hera said flatly.
At that instant, a wave of killing intent surged from her.
Chapter 2650
That night, two figures hovered silently above Nathaniel's mansion. They looked down and took in every detail of the mansion below.
It was none other than Zeus and Hera.
"This is the place." They exchanged a brief glance before turning into two streaks of light and slamming down in front of the gates. With a single strike, they knocked out the two guards.
Zeus then casually raised his hand. The main gate exploded in a violent roar and crumbled to dust in an instant. Suddenly, a surge of immense energy flooded the entire mansion.
"Who dares break into Prince Nathaniel's mansion?" The noise drew the attention of Lycas and Bryce, two of Nathaniel's personal guards. They stormed out with a squad of soldiers and quickly surrounded Zeus and Hera, who had just entered the compound.
But when they felt the crushing pressure radiating from the intruders, Lycas and Bryce felt a chill run down their spines. Their expressions grew darker by the second.
"Where's Logan Rhys?" Zeus demanded.
He stood with his hands behind his back. His voice was cold and dismissive, as if the guards around him didn't exist.
"I don't care who you are," Lycas snapped. "Leave now, or suffer the consequences!" "You have no idea who you're dealing with, "Zeus said.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWith a scoff, he casually tapped his finger in the air.
A thick bolt of purple lightning shot forward and slammed straight into Lycas' chest. The next instant, his body exploded.
"What?" Everyone reeled in shock at the sight. Their faces turned pale in disbelief.
Lycas was the strongest among them. His strength was nearly at the developed grandmaster level. In Oakvale, he was considered one of the top experts.
Yet, none of them had expected someone to eliminate him with a single move. He hadn't even gotten the chance to fight back.
“Letask you one more time. Where is Logan Rhys?” Zeus asked coldly.
Sparks of lightning danced between his fingertips and crackled with barely restrained power. With his level, killing an ordinary martial artist was as easy as swatting a fly.
"Are you Zeus, the royal god of the Hall of Gods?" Bryce asked.
He recognized the man mainly because of his Strequan features and the deadly lightning crackling in his hand. No one else could command that kind of power.
Zeus sneered. “At least you're not completely clueless. Since you know who I am, you'd better answer my questions honestly. If not, none of you will walk out of here alive." "Lord Zeus, Logan is not here. He had already left the mansion," Bryce answered.
"He left?" Zeus frowned. "Where did he go? 11 "Logan comes and goes without notice. We don't know where he is," Bryce replied, shaking his head.
"You don't know?" Zeus's expression darkened. “Then, you're of no use to me." With that, he raised his hand, ready to strike.
"Wait!" Bryce's knees nearly buckled in fear as he quickly blurted, "We may not know where he is right now, but we can track him down. We've got informants all over Oakvale. It won't take long to locate him." Zeus slowly lowered his hand.
The Hall of Gods had members stationed in Oakvale, but there were places they couldn't move freely without stirring up trouble. If Nathaniel's men were willing to help with the search, it'd make finding Dustin a lot easier and could avoid unnecessary trouble.
"You have one day. If I don't get the information by tomorrow, I'll burn this place down," Zeus threatened.
"Yes, of course." Bryce nodded frantically.
When facing a world-class ultimate grandmaster like Zeus, he knew there was no room for negotiation. If Bryce so much as refused, he'd be struck by lightning and die in an instant. Survival was his only priority. He'd agree to anything just to stay alive. Whatever cnext would be Nathaniel's problem to sort out.
"Let's go," Zeus said.
With a sharp push off the ground, he shot into the sky and disappeared into the night.
Meanwhile, Hera turned to Bryce and the others. She blew softly in their direction, and a cloud of black, deathly mist surged into their bodies.
"Don't even think about running. If you screw this up, you're all dead," she said.
With a sneer, she transformed into a wisp of smoke and disappeared.
Once they were gone, Bryce's legs buckled. He collapsed onto the ground, drenched in cold sweat.
The other soldiers weren't in much better shape. Their faces were pale, as if they had just narrowly escaped death.
The pressure from Zeus and Hera had been overwhelming. The image of Lycas' body exploding still haunted them. It was a traumatic sight that would stay with them for life.
After sitting in stunned silence for a stoped while, Bryce finally snapped out of his daze. He quickly stood up and rushed toward the courtyard where adaze.
Nathaniel was staying. This wasn't something a second-in-command like him could handle alone. He needed to report it to Nathaniel immediately.
If possible, they'd need to call in the elite guards from the palace-assuming even they could hold the line.
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