Chapter 2631
"This..." Dustin began.
He hesitated on purpose and didn't give an immediate answer.
Upon seeing him deep in thought, Nathaniel was convinced that Dustin was weighing the pros and cons. He leaned in slightly, his smile widening with anticipation.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"You should know how much the Dracan essence means to me," he said. "If I can gather all the essences, it'd be like fate is on my side. My path to the throne would be unstoppable-and when that comes, your reward will be waiting." As he spoke, his gaze stayed on Dustin as he searched for any sign of hesitation in his expression.
Dustin looked up and met his eyes. For a moment, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.
He pressed his lips together and spoke slowly. "You're right, Your Highness. But it wasn't easy to find the Dracan essence. I went through quite a few twists and turns. Besides, if I give it to you, it might putat odds with the other two princes." He paused deliberately and left the rest unsaid. Still, the concern in his tone couldn't be missed.
"You don't have to worry about that. This stays between us, and no one else will ever find out,” Nathaniel said, picking up on Dustin's implication immediately.
Patting his chest, he promised, "Even if Tristan or Matthias somehow find out, I'll do my best to protect you. No one's going to lay a finger on you." He spoke with absolute certainty, and the look in his eyes left no room for doubt.
"With that kind of sincerity, how could I say no?" Dustin replied. After a brief pause, he added, “But I have one more question." "Go ahead." Nathaniel's eyes lit up. As long as Dustin gave him the Dracan essence, he was willing to agree to almost anything.
"How confident are you that you'll actually take the throne?!" Dustin asked plainly.
"Oh?" Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and was caught off guard. He hadn't expected Dustin to ask that.
Dustin had made it clear earlier that he had no intention of interfering in their power struggle. Now, it looked like he was thinking about getting involved.
After a moment of thought, Nathaniel replied, "If you're willing to hand over the Dracan essence, I'd say I'd have at least a 50% chance of success." Then, he added, "But if you decide to assist me, my odds go up to 80." Dustin wasn't just an ultimate grandmaster, but he also had the support of the West Lucozian monarchy. With his strength and influence, he was one of the most powerful figures in Dragonmarsh. To Nathaniel, he was more valuable than any of the ancient houses.
Nathaniel's earlier claim of an 80% chance was likely an understatement. If he gained the support of the West Lucozian monarchy, Tristan and Matthias wouldn't stand a chance against him, even if they joined forces.
Dustin didn't respond right away. Instead, he calmly picked up the teacup and took a sip, as if carefully considering Nathaniel's words.
Nathaniel grew anxious but did his best to mask it. He forced himself to stay composed and said, "Logan, you're a smart man. With civil unrest on the horizon, it'll be hard for someone in your position to remain neutral.
"Even if you don't care about your future, think about the West Lucozian monarchy. If Tristan or Matthias takes the throne, they won't tolerate its existence. Their first move will be to strip the nobility of their influence. "But I'm different. My loyalty is to the people and the nation. I understand the significant contribution the West Lucozian monarchy has made to Dragonmarsh.
"If you support me, I can promise a privileged position for you and the protection of the monarchy's future. If you don't believe me, I'll swear on it right now. 11 Nathaniel raised his hand, as if ready to swear a solemn oath on the spot.
Chapter 2632
During the meal, Nathaniel arranged for two women to accompany Dustin.
Throughout history, even the greatest heroes couldn't resist the allure of beautiful women. Sometimes, a woman of extraordinary beauty could be far more enticing than rare treasures or high status. 2 Dustin remained composed. He neither showed any enthusiasm nor did he deliberately reject it.
As for the women seated on either side of him, he treated them with polite respect. He enjoyed a drink and the easy conversation with them, but nothing beyond that.
However, Nathaniel saw it differently. To him, it seemed that Dustin was unimpressed by the women at his side. Considering Dustin's background, it made sense. A woman of ordinary beauty would never catch his attention. Nathaniel realized he would need to pull out all the stops. Perhaps, it was tto bring out his most prized companion and see how Dustin responded.
After the meal, he led Dustin to his mansion's training ground.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe midday sun blazed overhead as over a hundred soldiers, clad in full armor, practiced combat on the open training ground. Their physiques were formidable, and their skills were honed to perfection.
Their presence was commanding, and it was clear they had been handpicked and rigorously trained to be the best. Any one of them could easily be a mid-ranking officer in any army.
Dustin observed them and noticed that the strength of these elite units was on par with West Lucozia's enforcement team.
Even the lowest-ranking among them had achieved divinity, and the two leading officers were grandmaster martial artists.
However, they weren't any ordinary grandmasters.
With this kind of combat strength, they'd be unstoppable no matter where they were stationed. They could easily wipe out a powerful family.
Dustin figured this was likely Nathaniel's underlying strength.
What was visible on the surface was just the tip of the iceberg. Who knew how many more experts were hidden behind the shadow? It was clear now why he had stood out among the other princes and becone of the top contenders for the throne.
Nathaniel was not someone to take lightly.
"What do you think of my men?” Nathaniel asked with a smile. “Do they meet your standards?" He intentionally took Dustin to the training grounds to show off his strength and let him know he had a solid foundation of power. This was a subtle way of winning Dustin's support.
"Not bad. Each one of them looks like they could take on a dozen men. Their combat strength is impressive," Dustin praised.
He nodded and added, "I didn't expect Your Highness to command such a powerful force. It's truly impressive." Nathaniel chuckled. "Well, this is just something I threw together. A team assembled like that would never make it to the big leagues." "You're being modest, Your Highness," Dustin replied. "Even if you casually assembled them, it still rivals the strength of a guild with over a hundred years of history." He wasn't just saying that to flatter Nathaniel.
Leading the team were two powerful grandmaster martial artists, along with over a dozen halfway to becoming a grandmaster, and over a hundred experts who had achieved divinity. Their combat strength easily rivaled many major guilds.
What stood out most was that Nathaniel's soldiers had undergone special training. They follow orders and work together seamlessly to amplify their combat effectiveness. This force was beyond what any regular martial world forces could handle.
"Logan, my soldiers still have room for improvement. Since you're here, why don't you helptrain them? Show them what real skill looks like-remind them there's always someone better," Nathaniel said.
He took the initiative to extend an invitation. It was a chance to show off his strength and put his troops through their paces.
Though his men were experienced in battle, they had never faced top experts from the martial world. With someone like Logan to test them, Nathaniel wasn't about to let the opportunity go to waste.
"Your Highness, I don't think this is appropriate." Dustin looked a little hesitant.
These soldiers were Nathaniel's pride and joy. If Dustin hurt any of them, his plan could backfire.
Nathaniel laughed. "Con. It's just a friendly spar-no weapons. Just give them a few pointers. My soldiers have gotten a little too full of themselves lately. It wouldn't hurt for them to take a few hits and get knocked down a peg." "In that case, I'll spar with them." Dustin didn't turn him down this time.
Chapter 2633
"Your Highness, the soldiers underare trained solely in killing techniques. If they hurt your guest, things could get ugly," Lycas said.
He didn't say it outright, but the message was clear. If Dustin wasn't strong enough, he'd better stay out of the way, or he was just asking for trouble.
Bryce didn't say anything, but the look he gave Dustin was full of contempt.
How could a pampered young man like Dustin measure up to soldiers who've been through the grind? He figured Dustin was probably sheir from a prominent family who knew Nathaniel and was trying to assert his relevance.
"You guys are blind to greatness when it's standing right in front of you." Nathaniel chuckled and shook his head.
He added, "If any of you manage to land a hit on Mr. Rhys, I'll pay out a thousand gold. But honestly, I doubt any of you have what it takes." At the mention of rewards, the soldiers perked up. Their eyes lit up with excitement. They were practically itching to charge at Dustin and give him a good beating.
"If that's what Your Highness wants, I'll send a few men to test him," Lycas said with a nod.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe then turned and pointed to five of his strongest elite soldiers. "You five-step forward." "Yes, sir!" The five men answered in unison and stepped into the center of the training ground.
Years of brutal training had molded them into hardened fighters. Their eyes were sharp, and their presence was heavy with lethal intent.
Nathaniel turned to Dustin. "Sof my men can be a bit arrogant. Could you doa favor and teach them a lesson today?" he asked with a smile.
"Since you asked, I'm happy to oblige," Dustin replied, nodding.
Slowly, he walked forward and stood in front of the five soldiers. He stood with his hands behind his back, calm, but with a quiet intensity in his eyes.
These soldiers were certainly skilled. But at his current level, they wouldn't be much of a challenge unless thousands were in his way.
"Go all out, and don't embarrass His Highness," Lycas ordered.
Though he looked down on Dustin, there was no room for holding back when honor was at stake.
"Whenever you're ready," Dustin said as he extended his hand.
"The fight starts now!" Lycas commanded without hesitation.
The five soldiers didn't hesitate. They quickly moved into position and surrounded Dustin in a well-coordinated formation.
Two charged in from the left. One aimed a low sweep to trip Dustin, while the other jumped up and aimed a powerful punch straight at his face.
On the right, the other two soldiers were just as aggressive. One wielded a short baton and spun it rapidly with flashing strikes. It effectively blocked Dustin's path and prevented him from dodging to the right.
The other was quick and nimble, looking for any weakness in Dustin's defense.
Dustin didn't flinch as the five men closed in. He slipped to the side and avoided the sweeping kick from the left. Then, he casually raised his left hand to block the punch straight at his face.
The soldier felt like he'd just punched a concrete wall. Pain shot up his arm, and he let out a low grunt.
At the stime, Dustin turned sharply and did a spinning kick. His right boot accurately kicked the wrist of the soldier holding the short baton with a sharp crack.
The baton hit the ground, and the soldier's face went pale as he staggered backward while clutching his injured wrist.
Seeing this, the remaining three soldiers intensified their attack. They coordinated seamlessly while constantly changing their attack angles.
However, Dustin moved like a shadow. He glided effortlessly through their formation. In the blink of an eye, he appeared behind one of the soldiers and swiftly struck his back.
The soldier felt a sudden surge of force. His body lurched forward and slammed to the ground.
Another soldier took the opportunity to strike, but Dustin didn't retreat. Instead, he charged right at him while throwing a punch. The punch seemed ordinary, but it was delivered with lightning speed.
The soldier didn't have tto react before the blow landed squarely on his chest. The impact sent him flying backward several feet, blood spitting from his mouth.
In mere seconds, all five elite soldiers were on the ground and unable to continue fighting.
Dustin had deliberately held back his strength. Otherwise, the five soldiers would be dead or disabled.
Chapter 2634
Bryce's request for a fight heated up the atmosphere.
Soldiers around the training ground started murmuring among themselves.
"Lieutenant General Gantz is a legend in our ranks. His combat skills are no joke-he's taken down countless enemies on the battlefield. I haven't seen him in action in years," one young soldier said with awe.
"Yeah," a veteran agreed. “Lieutenant General Gantz has been through countless battles, and his strength is unmatched. If he steps in, Mr. Rhys might be in for a rough time.” After the fight earlier, the soldiers knew firsthand that Dustin was no slouch. Otherwise, he wouldn't have easily defeated the five elite soldiers.
But in their minds, no matter how skilled Dustin was, he stood no chance against Bryce.
Bryce was a grandmaster not just in rank but in skill, physical strength, and battlefield experience. He was stronger than any expert from the martial world.
Nathaniel had once recruited several grandmaster martial artists to spar with them, but they were defeated by Bryce.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs far as the soldiers were concerned, Dustin wouldn't be any different.
"What's the matter? Are you worried about something, Mr. Rhys?" Bryce asked.
He stood at the center of the training ground. With his commanding posture, he radiated a majestic presence. There was no breeze, but his hair fluttered slightly, and the air seemed to tremble with his presence.
Dustin glanced at Nathaniel, who simply smiled without saying a word.
After a moment, Dustin nodded and said, " Since you're so eager, let's trade a few moves." "Good. I like your attitude," Bryce replied with a smile.
He gestured with one hand and said, " There are plenty of weapons in the training ground, Mr. Rhys. Feel free to grab one. If nothing suits you, there are other divine weapons in the store room." "No need," Dustin replied, shaking his head. “It's just a friendly spar, no need for weapons." "Fine. Let's settle this with hand-to-hand combat," Bryce said.
He slowly stretched his arms, and the joints popped with a sharp crack.
The strength Dustin had shown earlier made Bryce realize that his opponent was no pushover. It had been a long tsince he had faced a worthy opponent. Today, he was ready for a real challenge.
"Be careful, Bryce. Don't underestimate your opponent," Lycas reminded him in a low voice.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Bryce replied with a grin.
His eyes locked onto Dustin. He was primed and eager for the fight.
"Mr. Rhys, I'm ready whenever you are," he said.
"Go ahead," Dustin replied. He gestured with one hand for Bryce to make the first move.
"Here I come!" Bryce shouted.
Without hesitating, he charged forward with explosive speed. The force of his sprint sent a gust of wind swirling in his wake, leaving behind a deep set of footprints.
In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Dustin. His right fist launched like a cannonball aimed straight at Dustin's chest. The punch carried incredible force. If it landed, it could crush anything in its path.
Dustin didn't flinch. He tilted his body slightly and effortlessly dodged Bryce's attack. Simultaneously, his left hand shot out and aimed for Bryce's ribs like a sharp blade.
Bryce reacted quickly. He quickly withdrew his right fist and dodged sideways. Then, he immediately stepped forward with his left foot. He tilted his body as his left leg swung like an iron rod toward Dustin's lower body.
Dustin saw the attacks coming and quickly pushed off the ground. He leaped high into the air and effortlessly dodged Bryce's sweeping kick. In midair, he turned his body and launched a lightning-fast kick toward Bryce's head.
Bryce quickly raised his arms to protect his head, and Dustin's kick hit his arms with a dull thud. He felt a surge of force hit him, and he staggered back several steps. His arm went numb from the impact.
He frowned. But there was no tto be surprised as he immediately launched his counterattack. His hands moved rapidly and created afterimages of shadow fists that rained down on Dustin.
Each punch Bryce threw carried immense force, creating a sharp crack in the air with every blow.
Dustin moved with quick, light steps. He darted back and forth with an almost mystical grace as he effortlessly dodged each attack.
No matter how hard Bryce attacked, Dustin was always one step ahead. However, his counterattack could send Bryce stumbling back.
The fierce battle between the two had the soldiers completely transfixed. None of them had expected the fight to be this intense.
They had initially thought Bryce would easily defeat Dustin, but now it was clear that Dustin's strength was far beyond what they had expected.
Chapter 2635
Bryce knew Dustin was strong, but this was beyond anything he anticipated. Though he had gained the upper hand early on, Bryce still believed his skills matched Dustin's.
From his observation, Dustin relied on martial arts techniques and hit-and-run tactics. Plus, he didn't dare to confront Bryce head-on.
He had assumed that as long as he found an opening, he could exploit Dustin's weaknesses and defeat him. But when Dustin finally stopped holding back, Bryce realized how wrong he'd been.
It turned out Dustin wasn't just playing hit-and-run tactics. Instead, he'd held back the entire tto spare Bryce from an embarrassing defeat.
The moment Dustin stopped holding back, Bryce didn't stand a chance. Even without special techniques, Dustin's raw power, speed, and reflexes were enough to crush him.
The difference in their abilities was staggering, so much so that no amount of skill could close the gap.
And it wasn't just Bryce who was shocked. Except for Nathaniel, who had already expected this outcome, everyone else was stunned.
They hadn't anticipated that after Dustin went all out, it would take only one strike to defeat Bryce.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAfter all, Bryce was a battle-hardened grandmaster martial artist. Among his peers, he was considered one of the best.
Sure, his aggressive assault had drained him of senergy, but none of that mattered when Dustin landed his punch.
Everyone couldn't deny that they had underestimated the seemingly unassuming Dustin.
"Mr. Rhys, your strength is extraordinary. I admit defeat," Bryce said.
He rose to his feet and saluted Dustin. His earlier contempt was replaced by genuine admiration.
In the military, strength commanded respect. A talent like Dustin-young and strong-was the kind of person everyone looked up to.
"I appreciate the challenge, General Gantz, "Dustin replied with a salute. There was no hint of pride in his tone. For him, this was just a sparring session to help Nathaniel drill his men. The outchad never been in doubt. "So, what do you think? Have everyone finally realize there's always someone better," Nathaniel said. His gaze swept over his soldiers with a subtle but unmistakable warning.
He continued, "You've all trained hard, but many of you have bectoo arrogant and proud of your abilities. I brought Mr. Rhys here today to teach you a lesson. Remember this-from now on, stay humble, be patient, and always strive to improve." "Yes, Your Highness," the soldiers responded in unison. Dustin's youth and strength had clearly sparked their motivation.
"If anyone still has doubts, feel free to challenge Mr. Rhys and test yourselves," Nathaniel added with a grin.
As soon as he said it, everyone glanced around at each other. If even Bryce had been taken down so easily, what hope did the rest of them have? Their strength difference was just too big. Challenging Dustin now felt less like training and more like volunteering for a beating.
"I'll do it!" At that moment, Lycas, who was eager to try, finally stood up. As the team's commanding officer, his strength was unquestionable and far surpassed Bryce's.
Since Bryce had been defeated, whether to learn or to redeem himself, Lycas knew it was tfor him to step in. "It's rare to meet someone of your caliber, Mr. Rhys. I'd be honored to learn from you, "Lycas said, and he stepped forward with a salute.
Not only was he bigger and stronger than Bryce, but his cultivation was on another level. He believed that if he went all out against Dustin, he had a 50% chance of winning.
"Logan, looks like I'll have to trouble you again,” Nathaniel said with a knowing smile.
"No trouble at all," Dustin replied calmly." If General Derin is eager to spar, I'm happy to oblige." "Since you've had hand-to-hand combat earlier, how about we use weapons this time?" Lycas suggested with a grin.
While he was capable in hand-to-hand combat, he was more comfortable with weapons and was eager to show off his strengths.
"Sure." Dustin nodded.
"Bringmy blade!" Lycas commanded sharply.
Soon, two elite soldiers cover carrying a heavy broadsword.
Lycas grabbed the hilt. He spun it several times in the air, then slammed the pommel on the ground.
A low rumble echoed as the ground trembled slightly under the force.
"Mr. Rhys, the training ground has a variety of weapons. Choose whatever you like," Lycas said loudly.
"I prefer using a sword," Dustin said.
Without another word, he raised his hand and made a grabbing motion. A longsword from the weapon rack landed perfectly in his hand. The sword vibrated slightly and emitted a soft hum.
The weapons in Nathaniel's mansion were far from ordinary. Even this m NO longsword, forged from darksteel, was sharp enough to slice through a hair with ease. It was a testament to the quality and history behind them. "Mr. Rhys, I look forward to our fight," Lycas said. He held the broadsword with one hand and took a stance.
"Shere," Dustin replied. He gripped the sword in a reverse hold and nodded.
Everyone stared at them, the anticipation thick in the air.
On one side stood their general, and on the other, a martial arts expert invited by Nathaniel. In a contest of weapons, it was anyone's guess who would cout on top.
Chapter 2636
Lycas gripped his broadsword with both hands and roared. The sound cracked through the air like a thunderclap.
He sidestepped sharply and charged straight at Dustin like a raging bull.
The heavy broadsword moved like it weighed nothing in his hands. He swung it with brutal speed. Each arc cut
through the air with a sharp, whistling howl, as if it could slice through anything in its path.
The broadsword ccrashing down on Dustin with bone-crushing force, like a mountain falling from the sky.
Lycas threw his full weight into the swing. As the sword descended, the force of the strike stirred up dust from
the ground. It sent plumes of dirt in every direction.
He knew Dustin was no ordinary opponent. If he wanted a chance to win, he had to make the first move and
seize the initiative.
“Nice form,” Dustin said.
As Lycas launched a powerful, aggressive attack, Dustin remained calm and unruffled. With effortless grace, he
sidestepped without the slightest rush.
The broadsword whizzed by. It grazed his clothes and sent a rush of wind in its wake.
With a swift flick of his sword, Dustin moved like a snake dodging its prey. As he avoided Lycas’ attack, he thrust
his blade toward his opponent's shoulder.
Lycas reacted instantly. After a quick slash that missed its mark, the strike abruptly changed form and slashed
out in a wide horizontal arc.
The broadsword edge glinted in the sunlight. A silver streak whipped through the air as it raced toward Dustin's
waist with blistering speed and bone-crushing force.
Lycas didn’t even try to block Dustin's strike. Instead, he was going all-in on a brutal trade.
In his eyes, a stab to the shoulder would only result in a minor injury-nothing fatal. But if his blade landed, it
would be enough to sever Dustin's torso in half.
Lycas was sure Dustin wouldn’t dare take the hit. He would definitely avoid the strike.
And that was exactly what happened.
When Lycas swung his broadsword in a wide arc, Dustin instantly abandoned his attack. He pushed off the
ground and launched into the air to avoid the deadly strike.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAt the stime, he swung his long sword. He brought it down from above in a whip-like motion and aimed at
Lycas’ arm.
The angle of the strike was tricky. Its speed was lightning-fast and was nearly impossible to defend against.
But Lycas was quick. He raised his broadsword and used the flat of the blade to block Dustin's fierce thrust.
A sharp clang rang out with sparks flying in all directions. It was like the toll of a bell echoing across the training
ground.
The force behind the collision made Lycas® arm slightly numb. He was taken aback.
He'd expected Dustin to rely on nimble, evasive tactics. But to his surprise, Dustin's explosive power was equally
impressive. He was far from ordinary.
There was no tfor hesitation. Lycas swung his broadsword and launched another brutal attack.
The broadsword was built for power, with each strike coming down heavily and relentlessly. Every swing carried
the potential to decide the outcof the fight. If he found an opening, even a light slash could seriously injure
his opponent.
The battle raged on. Dustin and Lycas alternated between offense and defense. Their movements were a blur as
they clashed with intense ferocity.
Lycas had been through enough battles to know how to play to his strengths even when the odds were against
him. That alone made him leagues ahead of Bryce.
The clash between Lycas and Dustin was a whirlwind of steel. It was too fast for most eyes to follow.
Both fighters made full use of their weapons’ strengths.
Lycas’ broadsword packed a punch and kept his enemies at a distance. Paired with his bold, sweeping strikes,
each blow landed with explosive force.
Dustin's longsword was quick and agile. It was perfect for switching up his attacks.
Combined with his unpredictable footwork, the two worked in perfect sync.
While it was still unclear who would cout on top, the fight had certainly been exciting. It left everyone
watching thoroughly impressed.
But as tdragged on, Lycas began to feel the weight of the battle pressing down on him.
No matter how hard he swung or how aggressively he attacked, Dustin deflected every blow with ease and even
countered with precision. At first, it wasn’t much of a concern, but now, Lycas could feel his stamina slipping.
His energy was draining, and the longer this continued, the more inevitable his defeat became. He needed to
find a way to break the deadlock and throw Dustin off his rhythm if he wanted any chance of winning.
Drawing a deep breath, Lycas’ eyes hardened with resolve. He knew he'd have no chance of winning today if he
didn’t use his ultimate move.
“Titan Breaker!” he shouted.
Gripping his broadsword with both hands, he lifted it above his head. A surge of raw, grandmaster-level internal
energy was channeled into the weapon.
In that instant, the blade glowed in a brilliant golden flare that shone as brightly as the sun itself.
“Slash him!” Lycas roared.
He swung his broadsword down with all his might and aimed at Dustin. The strike culminated his entire strength,
life essence, and energy.
As the blade descended, the surrounding air seemed to warp under the weight of an overwhelming force. It
created a turbulent, almost unnatural current.
q a ) q
Air surged in the blade’s wake as it stirred into a prison of currents that locked Dugtepladelt momentarily trapped him and perfectly amplified the overwhelming force of the strike.
At that moment, everyone held their breath and their eyes locked on the battlefield. They.all Kaku tis'decisive strike would be the turning point of )
the battle. If Lycas’ sword landed, victory would be his. The content is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest chapter there! Despite the overwhelming force of the attack, Dustin remained completely calm, as if this earth-shattering blow
was nothing more than a light breeze. Just as Lycas’ broadsword was about to strike his head, Dustin made his move. His longsword moved with incredible speed and angle as it carved an arc
through the air. What gepnedlikt'a casual Birike Was actually a perfectly
timed blow. It landed precisely at the q , q
point where the broadsword’s hilt connected to the blade. The content is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest chapter there!
The sword cut through the air with incredible speed and power. There was a sharp crack as Dustin's weapon cleanly snapped Lycas’ broadsword in two. The upper half dropped to the ground.
Lycas lurched forward, almost losing his balance from the force of his own strike. What he had intended as a finishing blow was effortlessly countered by Dustin.
Chapter 2637
The crowd murmured among themselves as they looked at the broken broadsword and the stunned expression on Lycas' face.
"That strike was insanely fast and dead-on too," someone commented.
"I never expected General Derin's secret move to be defeated like that. It's unbelievable," another said.
"I thought General Derin could turn things around for us, but he still lost," a third added.
Everyone knew how strong Lycas was. As a fully developed grandmaster with a broadsword, he was supposed to be unstoppable. However, at the critical moment, Dustin's strike shattered his broadsword.
Lycas' loss was sudden and almost unbelievable. Sblamed bad luck and thought he could have won if things had gone differently. But those who truly understood what happened knew better.
Even with Dustin's movement restricted and Lycas unleashing his strongest technique, he still pierced through the opening with near-impossible timing.
That strike wasn't just lucky but masterful. It was a brutal display of speed and control, and the raw proof of true strength.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLycas was already gasping for breath, while Dustin looked like he hadn't even warmed up. And this was after three back-to-back fights.
From beginning to end, he hadn't even broken a sweat. It was clear he had been holding back the entire time, even against Lycas.
So while Lycas lost, he had no reason to feel humiliated because the expert Nathaniel brought was much stronger than any of them.
Nathaniel was the first to react. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
"Logan, your reputation is well-earned. You've truly opened our eyes today,” he said.
The rest of the soldiers quickly followed, breaking into applause. Their eyes, once filled with doubt, now showed nothing but admiration.
Dustin had defeated Bryce and Lycas. Even after winning three consecutive fights, he stood calm and unshaken. It was a living testament to his strength.
Though he was around their age, he was already a seasoned grandmaster martial artist. None of the soldiers present had ever seen talent like his before.
Dustin saluted Lycas respectfully. Then, he raised his hand, and the longsword returned to the weapon rack. "Thank you for the match, General Derin," he said.
Lycas stepped forward and saluted. “Mr. Rhys, your skill is extraordinary. I accept my defeat without any excuses," he said.
Others might not have noticed, but he knew exactly how terrifying that last strike had been.
Dustin's final strike had been so fast he hadn't even seen it coming. What terrified Lycas even more was how Dustin had spotted the flaw in his technique in a single heartbeat.
Against such a genius expert, all he could do was look up to Dustin.
Nathaniel looked at Lycas and Bryce with a knowing smile. "So, how does it feel?" he asked. "Now you finally understand what it means that there's always someone stronger, right?" "You're right, Your Highness," Lycas replied earnestly. "We were too full of ourselves and thought we were above everyone because of our cultivation. After facing off against Mr. Rhys earlier, we now realize how much we still have to learn." "That's true," Bryce chimed in. "Mr. Rhys has shown us just how much we have left to learn. From now on, we'll work harder and never slack off again." Dustin's skill had won their respect.
Though he won both sparring matches, he held back enough not to make their losses too hard to swallow. This action only made them respect him even more.
"Okay. Continue with your training. I still have sthings to discuss with Mr. Rhys, “Nathaniel said.
He didn't linger in the training ground and quickly led Dustin away.
Once outside, Nathaniel chuckled and asked, "What do you think? My soldiers are impressive, huh?" Dustin was an ultimate grandmaster.
Nathaniel couldn't help but feel proud seeing Lycas and Bryce last that long against him.
"They're the cream of the crop and even better than I anticipated," Dustin replied with a smile.
Nathaniel laughed and said proudly, "Well, they might not match up to you. But in Oakvale, they're among the best."
He had invested a lot of effort into training his elite soldiers, but this this team was just the visible part of his strength. He also kept a hidden force that no one knew about in reserve as his secret weapon. "You have built an impressive foundation, Your Highness. It's truly admirable," Dustin said politely.
Nathaniel replied, "This is nothing.
Honestly, what my team needs is someone like you. We need someone who can an truly take charge. Only then Will it feel like everything's complete." His tone was heavy with meaning. Dustin smiled but didn't answer directly.
"Of course, I'm not trying to pressure you into making a decision right now. Take your time," Nathanjel addedn with a carefree smile. "As they say, it's not all about the deal. What matters most is that we've kept things good between us, no matter how it turns out." Dustin nodded. "Of course." "You've fought three tough battles back-to-back, so you must be exhausted. Go and get srest," Nathaniel suggested. He didn't push the matter any further.
"Mr. Rhys, please cthis way," one of the maids said.
The maid on the left, graceful and discreet, stepped forward to lead him into the inner courtyard.
As Dustin's figure disappeared down the corridor, Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly. He turned to another maid and said quietly, "Inform Felicia to keep Mr. Rhys company." The maid's eyelashes fluttered as she nodded.
Everyone knew Felicia Thorns was Nathaniel's favorite. They were surprised to hear that he would offer her to Dustin just to win him over.
Chapter 2638
Nathaniel's mansion was huge. It was more like a maze than a home.
Even with a detailed layout, Dustin had to stay sharp as he moved through the grounds. After all, blueprints never quite captured the twists and turns of the actual place.
Led by a maid, he followed a winding path through the corridors for nearly ten minutes before finally arriving at a guesthouse with a garden.
The place was spacious and quiet, filled with birdsong and blooming flowers. It was a secluded spot that was ideal for privacy.
"Mr. Rhys, you can stay here. If you need anything, just letknow," the maid said. Her gaze was warm with a hint of admiration.
She had watched Dustin's performance in the training ground earlier and knew he was an important guest brought in by Nathaniel. If she could catch his attention, it could completely turn her life around.
He waved her off and said, "Okay. You can go now. I don't need anyone to attend to me." "Uh... but..." The maid hesitated.
"Don't worry. I'll explain it to Prince Nathaniel. You won't be in any trouble," Dustin reassured her.
"Mr. Rhys, please rest well. I'll take my leave now," she said.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHer voice was tinged with regret as she reluctantly turned to leave. She considered herself quite attractive. No matter who she interacted with, they always took a second glance at her.
At times, Nathaniel even relied on her beauty to win over influential officials. But today, she couldn't help but notice that her charm seemed to have no effect on Dustin. He hadn't even looked her way.
It made her wonder if she had grown older or if her once-bright radiance had faded.
After the maid left, Dustin went into his room. He closed the door and pulled out the blueprints he kept with him at all times.
Even though he was already familiar with the floor plans, he chose to review them again. He wanted to be thorough and double-check against what he had observed earlier.
"Mr. Rhys..." A sudden, clear voice from outside his room broke through his focus.
Dustin frowned. He had told the maid to leave earlier, so who was it this time? He stood and opened the door to find a woman, dressed in a pastel pink dress, standing in front of him.
She was graceful, with fair skin and eyes that gleamed with sharp intelligence. Her beauty was undeniable.
It was Felicia Thorns, who was ranked eighth in the Beauty Ranking.
"Mr. Rhys, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Felicia Thorns. I've heard so much about you and couldn't resist paying a visit. If I've been too forward, I hope you'll forgive me," she said. Her smile was soft, like spring sunlight-disarming, but measured.
"The pleasure is mine, Ms. Thorns. Please cin," Dustin said. He smiled politely and gestured for her to enter. The room had a light floral scent. Now, it mixed with her subtle perfand gave the space a gentle and inviting charm.
"I've heard that you're exceptionally skilled in martial arts. Seeing you in action today, it's clear the rumors were true," Felicia remarked.
She sat at the table and took a delicate sip of tea before continuing, "I don't know much about martial arts, but I genuinely admire your skill and bravery." "You flatter me. My skills are just mediocre. But you're different. You're famous on the Beauty Ranking for your remarkable beauty and exceptional talents, "Dustin said with a smile.
Though he had never met her, he had heard of her reputation.
Felicia was a courtesan kept by Nathaniel.
She was known for her exceptional talents in music and art. Her beauty was said to be unmatched and a rare sight for most.
Whenever distinguished guests visited Nathaniel, he arranged for her to perform music to entertain them. But this was the first the had ever sent her to someone. It seemed Nathaniel was willing to invest heavily this time.
"You flatter me, Mr. Rhys," she said. "I'm just trying to get by and doing what I can to make a living with sbasic skills. But you've accomplished so much at such a young age. I wonder how you usually spend your free time?" She covered her mouth and chuckled.
"I occasionally play chess. It's a good way to clear my mind," Dustin replied with a grin.
"What a coincidence. I enjoy chess too. It's not every day I get to meet someone like you. Would you mind if Challenged you to a game?” she Umind asked. Her gaze was warm and affectionate. Felicia knew she was a woman Nathaniel had shaped for one purpose. Sooner or later, she'd be expected to play her part, whether she wanted to or not.
But compared to the portly, unattractive officials, she'd rather offer herself to someone as handsand well- mannered as Dustin.
"Since you're interested, I'd be happy to play," he said with a nod.
Dustin couldn't refuse outright.
Otherwise, this would raiseNathaniel's suspicion. If he wasn't there for money, fame, or women, what else could he be after? "Bring my chess set," Felicia instructed the maid behind her.
The maid nodded and soon returned with an exquisitely crafted set. The black-and-white pieces glistened in the sunlight.
Dustin and Felicia sat down and began their game.
She took the white pieces and made the first move. Her actions werem graceful and poised. At first glance, her strategy looked casual, but there was more to it than met the eye. He remained calm and responded without revealing any emotion. His move was steady and precise without showing any sign of uncertainty.
"I've heard that Prince Nathaniel holds you in high regard. Have you considered joining him?” Felicia asked without looking up from the board.
She continued, "With your skill, joining forces with him would surely open up many opportunities for you here in Oakvale." The will be updated first on this website. Cback and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!
Chapter 2639
When Dustin heard Felicia's word, his hand briefly hesitated before he placed the chess piece.
He smiled and said, "I thought you cto learn chess, but I didn't expect you to be here as a messenger." Felicia gave a light, teasing laugh. "With a mind like yours, how could you not know why I'm here?" She added candidly, “Prince Nathaniel saved my life and welcomedas an honored guest. It's only right that I repay the favor by helping solve his troubles. I hope that it doesn't bother you." "You're frank and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?" Dustin replied with a faint smile.
He had expected her to start with pleasantries or try to butter him up. So, her bluntness actually caught him off guard.
"To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never taken this kind of interest in anyone before, "Felicia said as she placed another chess piece on the board.
She smiled and continued, "I can tell he truly wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I'd like to help make that happen. If you agree, just say the word. Whatever your terms are, I'll agree to them.” When she finished speaking, she slowly raised her head. Her eyes gleamed with a brilliance that carried an indescribable allure.
The top ten on the Beauty Ranking were not about appearance. What truly set them apart was their status, influence, and talent.
Felicia was ranked eighth on the Beauty Ranking. Her looks and figure left little room for criticism.
Her eyes brimmed with warmth and invitation. It was framed by arched brows the color of ink.
Her nose was small and straight. It was sculpted with such precision that it gave her features a striking definition.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHer lips were naturally rosy. When she smiled, shallow dimples formed-subtle, but disarmingly gentle.
Her skin was fair and flawless, with a pearly sheen under the sunlight that gave her a quiet, refined elegance, like a figure drawn straight from a painting. She was beautiful enough to make it hard to look away.
Even Dustin, who'd seen his share of beauties, was momentarily dazed when their eyes met.
She wasn't only beautiful, but her every movement carried a natural, disarming charm.
Dustin knew this was a classic honey trap, yet he didn't find it off-putting at all.
Felicia spoke earnestly. She was so sincere that it was almost convincing. He had to admit that Nathaniel had played this hand masterfully.
"Mr. Rhys, look at the board," she said with a warm smile.
She deliberately changed the subject without pressuring him to respond immediately.
She went on, "Black and white may compete, but only by working in tandem can they create a truly brilliant match. It's the swith you and Prince Nathaniel. If the two of you joined forces, you'd have the upper hand in this ever-changing situation." "Life is like chess. If you make a wrong move, you will lose the whole game," Dustin remarked with a smile.
"There's nothing wrong with being cautious," she replied. "But if you're too cautious, you might miss your chance, and that would be a shame." Felicia began placing her pieces faster. Her strategy turned aggressive. With each move, she laid careful traps as she tried to corner Dustin.
"I've always been cautious," he replied evenly. "I'd rather do nothing than make the wrong move." But he navigated every crisis with precision and counterattacked her moves at just the right moments. Slowly, the tide began to turn.
Felicia, who had been attacking him, suddenly realized she was the one at a disadvantage.
"Well played," she said.
She smiled as she watched Dustin move his piece.
Felicia had always prided herself on her chess skills, but he had outplayed her. In just a few moves, he had completely turned the garound and trapped her.
His technique was nothing short of masterful.
"Mr. Rhys, your chess skills are truly impressive. I must admit, I'm outmatched, "Felicia said.
She placed her chess piece down and nodded at him. Her gaze was filled with admiration.
At first, she thought Dustin was just a talented martial artist, but now, she saw him as a genius with both brains and brawn. She finally understood why Nathaniel valued him so highly.
"You flatter me. It was just luck," Dustin said modestly.
"If you're interested, I'd be happy to have another match tonight. I promise, it'll be an experience you won't forget," Felicia said with a flirtatious smile.
Her words were no longer subtle hints but an open invitation.
Dustin cleared his throat and said, “I don't usually play chess in the evening." He purposely pretended not to understand her implication.
"Mr. Rhys, you really don't know how to take a hint."
Felicia was exasperated. She rarely encountered a handsand m talented young man who excelled in both martial arts and intellect like Dustin. It felt like a waste to just let him slip away.
Who knew when she'd meet someone like him again? Instead of handing herself ovex to spompous old man, why not give her first tto Dustin? At least then, she'd enjoy it. "Ms. Thorns, since you've call this way, I can't let you leave empty-handed," Dustin said.
He pulled out a delicate ornate box and placed it on the table with a smile.
He continued, "Inside is the Dracan ce essence that Prince Nathaniel needs. Please deliver it to him for me. As for the matter of loyalty, I still need to give it sserious thought." "Dracan essence?" Felicia's eyes lit up at the mention of it.
She had two missions-to obtain the Dracan essence and to persuade Dustin to join their cause.
Felicia had expected it to take time. But now that half the job was done, she could return and report to Nathaniel.
Chapter 2640
"Mr. Rhys, you're so generous," Felicia said. "I don't know how to repay you." She lightly ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the ornate box. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked up at Dustin gratefully.
"It was nothing, Ms. Thorns. Don't mention it," he replied with an indifferent smile. “Besides, this Dracan essence was always destined for Prince Nathaniel. I'm merely delivering it." Felicia smiled earnestly. "What do you want in return? If it's within my power, I'll gladly help." Dustin replied, "I'm not asking for anything. I only hope that if I ever find myself in trouble, Prince Nathaniel will be willing to help me." "I get it now." Felicia nodded.
Dustin wasn't asking for treasure, but rather seeking a favor from Nathaniel.
With Nathaniel's current status, his favor was more valuable than any treasure.
If he ascended the throne and becking, the value of that favor would increase exponentially. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that, even if Dustin were guilty of a heinous crime, this favor could spare his life.
Felicia had to admit that it was undeniably a smart move.
"It's getting late, so I'll let you get srest," she said.
She stood and gave a polite bow, then smoothly changed the subject. "If you're interested, I would be honored to match wits with you over a gof chess." Seeing the startled look on Dustin's face, Felicia smiled knowingly and turned to leave. Her pastel pink dress fluttered gently in the breeze and gradually disappeared from view from the courtyard gate.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"She's such a bewitching temptress," he muttered and shook his head.
Dustin considered himself to have good self -control, but he nearly lost it under Felicia's teasing smile and subtle glances.
Now that he had handed over the Dracan essence, all that was left was to wait for the outcome.
After leaving the guesthouse, Felicia briskly walked toward Nathaniel's study. She gently knocked on the door. Upon hearing the invitation, she stepped inside gracefully.
"How did it go? Any update?" he asked.
Nathaniel gestured to her to sit as he poured her a cup of tea. He regarded her more as an esteemed consultant than a subordinate. After all, she had proven herself worthy of his respect.
"Your Highness, I have completed the task. I have obtained the Dracan essence,” Felicia said as she respectfully presented the ornate box.
"Oh?" Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, then eagerly took the box and opened it with care.
When he saw the faintly glowing Dracan essence inside, his eyes lit up with joy. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Excellent! Felicia, you've done an outstanding job this time." He gripped the ornate box tightly, as if it were a priceless treasure.
Nathaniel had expected this task to take more effort, but everything had gone so smoothly. He knew sending Felicia was the right decision.
"It's my honor to serve, Your Highness." She bowed her head slightly and spoke humbly.
Though Nathaniel treated her as a consultant, Felicia knew better than to take liberties with her position.
"Logan has already handed over the Dracan essence. Has he made any decision regarding his allegiance? Does he plan to join me?" he asked.
She replied, "Mr. Rhys said he still needs tto think it over. This isn't something that can be rushed. He asked for your patience, Your Highness.
"With his intelligence, I'm sure he understands your sincerity. But since this concerns his future, it's only natural he'd be cautious." Nathaniel didn't press the matter. "It doesn't matter since I've already obtained the Dracan essence. Whether he joins us or not, we'll figure that out later. You may leave now. Go get srest." With his insight, he could tell Dustin was still observing the situation and waiting for the right moment to act.
To put it bluntly, Dustin might offer support when things were already in their favor. However, he wasn't someone who'd step in during hard times.
Regardless of whether or not he chose to fully commit, he deserved to be treated with the respect he was due. Even his support from the sidelines was already worth a great deal.
Night had fallen like a heavy curtain over the mansion. Moonlight broke through the clouds and cast a cold, muted glow.
Nathaniel tucked the Dracan essence close to his body and walked toward a secluded courtyard with two guards. The courtyard was surrounded by thorny bushes, and its high walls towered above.
Two imposing experts with piercing gazes stood at the entrance. Each Ane had a longsword and vigilantly scanned their surroundings. "Your Highness," they greeted and bowed in unison as Nathaniel approached.
He also nodded and spoke in a low voice. " Open the gate." With a deep, grating creak, the heavy doors swung open.
Nathaniel stepped inside and followed a narrow, shadowy path until he reached a small, nondescript house.
Two more guards stood watch at the door.
After confirming his identity, they let him through.
The room was dimly lit, with just a few oil lamps casting flickering shadows along the walls.
Nathaniel approached a bare section of the far wall and turned a smallh hidden lever. With a heavy rumble, the wall began to shift and revealed a stone staircase leading underground. He descended, and each step brought him deeper into silence.
At the bottom, he entered a spacious chamber filled with rare and ancient artifacts-jewels glittered with M dazzling Night, ancient weapons gleamed with a cold sheen, and priceless manuscripts were neatly arranged on the shelves. At the far end of the chamber was a massive, solid steel vault door engraved with intricate runes.
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