Chapter 2651
Bryce rushed into Nathaniel's quarter and stumbled as he went. His clothes were soaked with sweat, and his face still wore the pallor of fear.
At that moment, Nathaniel was seated at his desk. He stared into the dim glow of a single lamp, lost in thought. Upon hearing the sound of frantic footsteps, he frowned and looked up.
"Y-Your Highness! Something terrible has happened," Bryce stammered. He burst through the door and was too panicked to bother with formalities.
"What's wrong?" Nathaniel asked with a frown, and he looked annoyed.
The mansion was so large that the explosion of the main gate earlier hadn't alerted him.
"Your Highness, Zeus and Hera, the royal gods from the Hall of Gods, just barged in and attacked us. General Derin tried to stop them, but Zeus raised his hand and struck him with a lightning bolt. General Derin... He was killed on the spot." Bryce forced himself to calm his nerves and quickly recounted what had happened earlier. He had seen his share of battles, so he wasn't easily frightened. However, Lycas' sudden end had shaken him to his core.
In the blink of an eye, Lycas' body exploded. He was obliterated, with only a few charred scraps remaining-his bones had completely turned into ash.
The brutal scene left a deep psychological scar on Bryce. He was a powerful grandmaster martial artist, but he was as helpless as an insect in front of Zeus. The overwhelming gap in strength shattered Bryce's confidence. "What nonsense are you talking about?" Nathaniel snapped. "Why would the royal gods of the Hall of Gods cto my mansion and kill my men? You've got to be mistaken." His first instinct was to dismiss it as impossible. He had no personal conflict with anyone from the Hall of Gods. They'd even done sshady deals behind closed doors. 1 No matter how he looked at it, the Hall of Gods had no reason to target him. They even sent two royal gods his way.
These royal gods from the Hall of Gods were suprfighters with the power to change the course of a nation. They wouldn't act unless necessary, and certainly wouldn't eliminate someone without sbenefit to gain.
None of this made any sense to Nathaniel, nor could he believe it.
"Your Highness, I swear it's true. Sof General Derin's remains are still scattered outside the gates. I wouldn't dare lie to you, "Bryce said. His face was full of distress.
"How could this happen? I've never crossed them. Why would they cafter me?" Nathaniel's expression turned grim.
"It's because of Mr. Rhys," Bryce blurted.
He didn't dare to hide it and explained, " The royal gods are here for him. General Derin was killed simply for not responding quickly enough.
"If I hadn't quickly suggested we help them track down Mr. Rhys, they might have stormed the mansion and threatened your safety, Your Highness." "Logan?" Nathaniel's expression darkened even further.
He'd suffered heavy losses just to win Dustin's favor. Even though his vault was destroyed and the Dracan essence was stolen, he swallowed his pride. He wanted to leave a good impression on Dustin and set the stage for the future.
Nathaniel never imagined Dustin tangled up in such a huge mess. It was so serious that the Hall of Gods dispatched two royal gods from across the continent to kill him.
If Nathaniel protected him, he'd offend two royal gods and bring trouble upon himself. But turning him over meant betraying the West Lucozian monarchy and throwing away everything he'd invested.
No matter which option Nathaniel chose, neither was a favorable one.
"What should we do now, Your Highness?" Bryce asked, pale and sweating. "Lord Zeus has given us one day. If we don't deliver by sunset tomorrow, they'll be back-and this time, it won't end well for us." "Damn it!" Nathaniel cursed, gritting his teeth. "How did I end up in this mess?" His expression shifted between frustration and anxiety. In this situation, one wrong move could make everything worse.
After thinking for a while, he ordered, " Prepare the car. I'm going out." At times like this, the only person who could offer him genuine advice was Cynthia.
Whenever he faced a major crisis, he always turned to his mother. She was the one who could always cup with a solution, no matter how impossible the situation seemed.
With the royal gods from the Hall of Gods involved, things were far beyond his ability to handle alone. He would have to rely on his mother and the Spanner family's influence to navigate this crisis.
As night fell, Nathaniel, accompanied by Bryce and a few trusted aides, sped toward Aylka in a car.
To avoid drawing attention, he even disguised himself. Fortunately, the journey was smooth, and they soon arrived at Cynthia's royal residence.
At that moment, she was sitting by the lamp and reading a book. When Kher she saw her som arrive in in such a hurried state, she couldn't help but feel puzzled. "Nathaniel, what's going on? Why such urgency?" she asked.
"Mother, I've run into strouble," he replied. He didn't hide the truth and carefully explained the situation to her.
After hearing his story, Cynthia's expression turned serious. She motioned for Nathaniel to sit, then ordered someone to pour tea for him.
After a moment of thought, she said, "This isn't unsolvable. With the right approach, it might even turn into an opportunity." "Really? Do you have a plan?" Nathaniel asked, eyes filled with anticipation.
"You need to send someone to warn Logan. Let him know that the royal gods from the Hall of Gods are from coming for him, and he should be cautious. We can use this chance to return a favor," Cynthia said. "Mother, if that's the case, wouldn't the royal gods also cafter me?" Nathaniel asked with a frown.
"Hold on. Letfinish," she said with a faint smile.
She added, "You're investing in a favor, so Logan will owe you later. As for the Hall of Gods, just shift then blame. Find a scapegoat. That way, you won't anger the West Lucozian monarchy. You'll wash your hands of the matter completely. It's the perfect solution, don't you think?"
Chapter 2652
"Find a scapegoat?" Nathaniel asked.
He looked confused. He didn't understand what Cynthia meant. "Could you explain what you mean, Mother?" "Think about it. If your enemies are too powerful to deal with, why not let the royal gods from the Hall of Gods handle them?" Cynthia explained.
She smiled slyly and added, "Your brothers, for example. Or any other thorns in your side." Nathaniel perked up, and a glint of understanding flashed in his eyes.
"That's brilliant, Mother. I see it now." He had been so frantic earlier that he hadn't seen the bigger picture. The royal gods of the Hall of Gods arriving at his doorstep wasn't just a threat but an opportunity.
If he played it right, Nathaniel could use the Hall of Gods to eliminate his enemies. It wouldn't just resolve the crisis, but it'd also keep him on good terms with the West Lucozian monarchy.
He could let the royal gods handle the dirty work while clearing his path to the throne. This wasn't just killing two birds with one stone but a clean sweep on all fronts.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs always, his mother's advice had proven invaluable.
"No matter what happens, you must stay calm and find a way to turn the situation in your favor," Cynthia reminded him.
She went on, "I've said all I needed to say. You know what to do. Surely, you don't needto plan the rest for you?" "Don't worry, Mother. I know how to handle it,” Nathaniel said with a nod.
Now that he had a plan, it was tto implement it. His intel network and personal connections would finally cinto play.
"Before I forget, there's something else you should keep in mind," Cynthia said, as if suddenly recalling something. "You should start building a stronger relationship with Logan. He's going to be key to your claim to the throne. If you can win him over, he'll be one of your greatest assets." Nathaniel shook his head. “His connection to the West Lucozian monarchy definitely makes him valuable, but from what I've seen, he has no interest in politics. No matter what we do, I doubt it'll make a difference." To be honest, he never had a good impression of Dustin. He'd tried to win him over more than once, but Dustin never responded and didn't even bother to show the slightest courtesy.
What really got under Nathaniel's skin was how Dustin had used the Dracan essence to schagainst him. If Cynthia hadn't calmed him down, he might've already turned hostile toward Dustin.
What looked like a golden opportunity turned out to be a dead end. So, Nathaniel had no reason to keep investing in someone so useless.
"Even if Logan isn't interested in politics, there are other ways to win him over," Cynthia said. “The point is-he's a valuable asset and definitely worth the investment. No matter what, do not make an enemy out of him. Understand?" "I'll keep that in mind, Mother," Nathaniel replied. He didn't argue, but he wasn't about to make any promises either.
As far as he was concerned, Dustin might be valuable. But if he couldn't be put to use, then he wasn't worth the trouble.
Nathaniel had already gone out of his way to extend an olive branch. If the man wasn't interested, there was no point in wasting any more effort on him.
He'd tolerated Dustin's schemes and put up with the messes he brought. He had already gone above and beyond-more than anyone could expect. If Dustin still didn't get the hint, he wouldn't humiliate himself by groveling for his favor.
Nathaniel was the prince of Dragonmarsh. Why should he keep bending over backward for Dustin, who had a lower rank than him? Even if he couldn't gain Dustin's allegiance, he had no intention of making him an enemy-provided Dustin didn't provoke him first.
“It's getting late. You should go hnow. Remember, those who aim for greatness must tread carefully. Don't rush the process," Cynthia reminded him again.
"Understood, Mother. I'll take my leave now," Nathaniel said, bowing respectfully.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLooking at his retreating figure, she sighed softly and muttered, "He still has much to learn." Given her sharp insight, how could she not see through her son's thoughts? While he had taken most of her advice to heart, his feelings toward Dustin clouded his judgment.
"Prince Nathaniel is young and ambitious, so it's no surprise he's a bit heaXit Ambrose, the elderly maid standing beside her. "It's only natural for him to feel competitive with someone his own age, like Logan." Nita had been by Cynthia's side since childhood and was her most trusted confidante. Despite their status, they were as close as sisters.
On top of that, Nita was a grandmaster martial artist and Cynthia's bodyguard.
Cynthia's rise through the palace ranks among the other consorts and even outmaneuvering the queerm wouldn't have bee been possible without Nita. With her guarding every step, Cynthia never had to look over her shoulder.
Cynthia said softly, "Years ago, someone from the Regal Observatory predicted that Logan was destined for greatness. He is also the best E right-hand man for a future king.
Even though he has kept a low profile for years, he still possesses great untapped potential. "Many people focus solely on the West Lucozian monarchy backing him, but overlook that Logan himself is the real key. I just hope Nathaniel knows how to seize this opportunity." "If Logan isn't interested in politics, there's nothing Prince Nathaniel can do," Nita replied. "The wisest move is to make sure not to turn him into an enemy." Cynthia nodded thoughtfully, then changed the subject. "I need you to go to Spanner Villa and tell the two elders to protect Nathaniel discreetly, just in case anything happens." "Yes, my lady," Nita responded and vanished into the shadows.
Chapter 2653
The moonlight was veiled by thick clouds that night.
After returning to his mansion, Nathaniel was plotting how to saddle Matthias with the explosive threat posed by Zeus and Hera.
He chose Matthias over Tristan because Matthias commanded the largest power base. With his military background and strong followers, he was the perfect candidate to deal with the two royal gods from the Hall of Gods.
Nathaniel hoped they would destroy each other in a deadly struggle, allowing him to swoop in and reap the rewards.
After mulling it over, he stood up and gave his order. "Tell Bamon Niles, Wane Brutson, and Cronus Liam to meetin the study in an hour." "Yes, Your Highness," the guard at the door responded and promptly left the room.
An hour later, the three men arrived one after another. They were Nathaniel's most trusted advisors-sharp, dependable, and always ready with a plan.
"Greetings, Your Highness." The tentered together and greeted Nathaniel with practiced respect.
"Please take your seat," Nathaniel said as he gestured for them to sit.
He continued, “This is a serious matter, so I'll get straight to the point. I summoned you here to discuss something important." Nathaniel laid out everything-from Cynthia's plan to use someone else as a scapegoat to his choice to use Matthias as the target. Not a single detail was left out.
When he finished, a heavy silence settled over the room.
"Your Highness, the plan is great, but risky. If anything goes wrong, we could lose more than what we bargained for," Bamon said as he stroked his white beard with a serious expression.
"Only those who walk through fire grasp the flame," Nathaniel replied. "The two royal gods from the Hall of Gods are a serious threat, but if we use them properly, they'll becthe sharpest tools in our arsenal." At that moment, the flickering candlelight cast distorted shadows on his face.
He continued, “I plan to have the two royal gods do all the dirty work and destroy everything Matthias has worked so hard to build." Wane's face turned pale at the words. His body trembled slightly under his official uniform.
"Your Highness, Zeus and Hera are no ordinary beings," he said. "Prince Matthias also has formidable talents by his side. If they discover you're the one stirring the pot, then-" "That's why we can't leave any loose ends, "Nathaniel cut him off. "I'll send someone to arrange a meeting with Zeus and Hera at the Helvetica Club. Then, I'll send in three teams of death warriors to blend in with the crowd.
"The first team will pose as wandering mercenaries. After a few drinks, they'll casually bring up a mysterious wounded man hidden in the castle's private chamber. Just loud enough for the next table to overhear.
"The second team will impersonate Matthias's men. After a few rounds of drinks, they'll let Logan's nslip during a heated argument-enough to plant the seed.
"And the third team's job is to cause a scene. They'll knock over drinks, bump into guests, and stir things up to keep Zeus and Hera too distracted to think clearly.
"With everything set up, and knowing how the two royal gods are, they'll definitely grab someone and start questioning them. That's when our death warriors can step in and shift the blto Matthias." Upon hearing that, Cronus' eyes lit up. 11 Your Highness, that's an excellent plan. With that much misdirection, even the truth will begin to look like a lie." "If I may... How can we gain people's trust with just a few words?" Bamon asked respectfully as he voiced his doubts.
Nathaniel smiled faintly. He walked to the wall and slid open a hidden compartment. From within, he retrieved an emerald badge carved with an intricate M-the exact badge used by those in Matthias' estate.
The badge gleamed softly under the candlelight but looked like a poisoned dagger.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"This is a badge used by Matthias' guards. With this, he won't be able to argue his way out," Nathaniel said.
He tossed the badge to Cronus. "You're leading the team tomorrow night. Give this to the death warriors as proof of identity. Forge a few secret letters about Logan working with Matthias and seal them with his private wax. Make sure everything looks perfect." "Yes, Your Highness," Cronus replied with a respectful nod.
Nathaniel's gaze shifted to Bamon and Wane before saying, "As for the two of you, handle the cleanup. Every detail must hold up under scrutiny. must The more convincing the lie, the easier it is to believe." "Yes, Your Highness," they replied in unison.
They had no choice but to follow Nathaniel's lead.
For now, the plan was airtight. If they used the Hall of Gods to their advantage, removing major threats and paving the path ahead wasn't impossible.
And if they managed to undermine Matthias' power, Nathaniel, whom they supported, would have a far better chance at claiming the throne.
Should Nathaniel succeed, Cronus, Bamon, and Wane would becloyal ministers. Then, their status and influence would be elevated with a single stroke.
Despite the risks and flaws, they had to take the gamble. Win, and they'd soar. Lose and they'd still have a way out. Either way, they were the ones holding the cards.
Chapter 2654
At noon the following day, Zeus and Hera were playing a gof chess.
Suddenly, a middle-aged man hurried into the room. He bowed and said, "Greetings, Lord Zeus and Lady Hera. We've located Logan." Zeus and Hera looked up at once.
"Oh? You found him? Where is he?" Zeus asked.
"This morning, two groups of mysterious guests showed up at the Hevetica Club downtown, which is under Hall of Gods territory. During their conversation, they mentioned Logan's name. According to them, he's recovering from injuries in simportant figure's private chamber." "Injuries?" Zeus and Hera exchanged a glance and nodded.
Logan might've won his fight against Poseidon, but he must've taken a serious hit. No wonder he's been off the radar. It turned out that he had gone into hiding to recover.
"Any idea who this important figure is?" Zeus asked.
"Those people looked strong. Our scouts didn't dare get too close, so they couldn't hear everything clearly. I cto report right away to avoid tipping them off. The decision to proceed now rests with you, my lord, my lady," the middle-aged man said, head bowed.
Even as a key member of the Hall of Gods, he knew better than to act without orders. He didn't rise through the ranks by taking chances. Instead, he just kept his head down and steered clear of mistakes.
"Useless fool! You can't handle even such a small task," Zeus snapped."I'm
sorry, my lord... But Logan is an ultimate grandmaster. I'm no match
for him. Only someone like you or Lady Hera could take him down," the
middle-aged man stammered.
"Forget it. If we leave it to fools like you, nothing will ever get done. We'll handle this ourselves," Zeus said as he slowly rose from his seat.
"I think I'll sit this one out." Hera yawned. "Logan is injured, so I'm sure you can handle him alone. I doubt you'll need me." "He's not the problem. It's the old beast in Aylka. If we wake him up, I won't be able to deal with Logan alone," Zeus replied coldly.
"Fine. I'll go with you. The sooner we finish, the better. I really don't like the weather in Oakvale," Hera said lazily as she stretched.
If she were back in Artea, she'd still be sleeping at this hour.
20 minutes later, agonizing screams echoed from the second floor of the Helvetica Club. More than a dozen martial artists lay sprawled across the floor, groaning in pain. Not a single one could stand.
"Where's Logan?" Zeus asked. He planted his boot on a man's head, looking down indifferently.
"I don't know what you're talking about," the man growled through gritted teeth.
"Wrong answer," Zeus said flatly.
He crushed the man's skull with a stomp, then turned to the next person. His voice was ice cold as he demanded, "Tellwhere Logan is." "Please have mercy. I'm begging you," the man cried, scrambling to his knees. "I swear, I was just here for a drink. I don't want any part of this. Please spare me." "Pathetic fool," Zeus said.
He raised a hand and unleashed a bolt of lightning that ripped through the man's chest. It bore a hole straight through him and shattered his heart into pieces.
Strangely, no blood flowed from the wound, which was instead seared into blackened char.
The sight left everyone frozen in fear, cold sweat pouring down their faces.
"If anyone knows Logan's whereabouts, I will spare his life. Speak now, or die," Zeus threatened, voice like steel.
He was known for his brutal methods and had no patience for negotiations. Anyone who dared to defy him would be killed without a second thought.
After watching two men die in an instant, the others quickly realized that speaking up was their only chance of survival.
"I'll count to three. Once I'm done, you're all dead." Zeus slowly raised his hand, and lightning crackled around his fingertips.
A wave of terrifying pressure swept through the place and crushed the air out of everyone's lungs.
"Three..." "Two..." "One..." Just as Zeus was about to wipe out everyone in the room, one man in a green outfit finally cracked under the pressure." Fine. I'll talk. I know where Logan is," he blurted.
"Good." Zeus gave a satisfied nod.
With a flick of his finger, a streak of lightning shot out like a serpent land weaved through the remaining martial artists at blinding speed. When the last body hit the floor, the lightning serpent snapped back to Zeus's hand. It danced and flickered between his fingers.
Now, only the man in green was left standing. He stared in horror at the piles of blackened ash around him.
He hadn't expected Zeus to be this ruthless. Even as a death warrior, he couldn't stop the fear crawling up his spine.
"Talk. Where is he?" Zeus asked. There wasn't a hint of emotion in his voice.
The man swallowed hard.
"I-I'm Prince Matthias' guard. Last night, a mysterious guest showed up at His Highness mansion. I believe ΕΠ his nwas Logan Rhys." "Matthias?" Zeus narrowed his eyes. "How do I know you're not lying?"
"This... this should be enough to prove my identity," the man said He fumbled inside his pocket and pulled out a badge carved with an intricate M. Zeus snatched the badge from his hand and passed it to one of the key members of the Hall of Gods beside him.
"Yes. This is the authentic guard's badge from Prince Matthias' mansion," the key member confirmed as he nodded repeatedly.
"Head to Matthias' mansion and bring Logan to me," Zeus ordered.
With that, he raised his hand, killed the man in green, and disappeared.
Chapter 2655
At dusk, Matthias and Seamus sat across from each other in the Mosey mansion. They were locked in an intense gof strategy. The terrain model between them had beca battlefield, and each move was met with a calculated counter.
Anders stood beside them as he silently observed their gwithout interrupting.
Eventually, the gended after Seamus placed a white flag in the terrain model and conceded defeat.
"Your Highness, your grasp of warfare is truly remarkable,” he said. "Your tactics are sharp, unpredictable-almost otherworldly. There's simply no defending against them. I've always considered myself a strategist, but clearly, I'm nowhere near your level." He chuckled and shook his head, then took the white towel the maid handed over and slowly wiped his fingers. "You flatter me, Uncle Seamus. It was just a lucky break, that's all," Matthias replied humbly.
Though he was born into royalty, Matthias never dared to assert himself in Seamus' presence.
After all, Seamus was the primary backer of his ascension to the throne. He didn't just provide financial backing, but he also helped Matthias build alliances and clear the many obstacles in his way.
With that backing, Matthias finally had the edge to challenge Tristan and Nathaniel in the fight for the throne. "You're truly gifted. You excel in intellect and warfare. Given time, you will undoubtedly beca ruler remembered throughout history," Seamus complimented him generously.
"It's too soon to say that. The crown prince title is still undecided. There's no guarantee who will claim it," Matthias replied and shook his head.
Though confident he could beat Tristan and Nathaniel, Matthias wasn't taking any chances. He knew better than to relax until the throne was firmly within his grasp.
"With my godfather's support, along with the Fallon family, the ancient houses, and all the major powers behind you, your claim to the throne is almost guaranteed," Anders said with a smile.
"That may be true, but everyone knows my father has always favored Nathaniel. If he insists on supporting Nathaniel, what should we do then?" Matthias asked, narrowing his eyes.
Seamus calmly took a sip of tea and didn't respond.
Anders glanced at Seamus, then lowered his voice.
"If it comes to that, Your Highness must be ruthless. You may have to take a page from the Boulderthorn betrayal," he said.
Matthias' smile faltered. He looked at Seamus and then back at Anders.
"Anders, watch your words. Do you think I would ever resort to killing my brothers for the sake of power?" he snapped.
"Your Highness, you're kind and righteous, but that doesn't mean your brothers share the svirtue. While you're concerned about brotherhood, they could be plotting behind your back," Anders advised.
"I think this is something that requires careful consideration. What do you think, Uncle Seamus?" Matthias redirected the discussion toward Seamus.
Anders knew he couldn't act without Seamus's approval. If betrayal was on the table, it would need Seamus' support.
"I will follow your lead. Whatever decision you make, I will fully support you," Seamus replied calmly.
"Thank you, Uncle Seamus,” Matthias said with a faint smile. "By the way, any news from the West Lucozian monarchy?" Throughout the empire, only the West Lucozian monarchy held enough power to sway the outcof the succession to the throne. With 300,000 Black Dragon troops under their command, their backing could tip the balance.
"I've gathered sintel. They've got problems of their own. Right now, they're purging their ranks and have no tto worry about Oakvale.
"Plus, Rufus doesn't have much tleft.
If they don't want more trouble on their hands, the smart move is to lay low and pretend nothing's happening," Anders said.
"That's a relief," Matthias replied with a relaxed smile.
As long as West Lucozia didn't stir up any trouble, everything was under control.
"Your Highness! Something's happened back at the mansion." While they were conversing, Neville, Matthias's private guard, ccharging in.
"Why the rush? Can't you see I'm talking to Uncle Seamus?" Matthias snapped. He frowned and looked irritated at the interruption.
After all, a seasoned general like Neville shouldn't be panicking over something minor.
"I just received news that Zeus, the royal god from the Hall of Gods, stormed into the mansion. He's M kitting people people indiscriminately and even took Her Highness hostage. The entire mansion is in chaos," Neville reported urgently. "What? Zeus?" Matthias sprang to his feet, his expression darkening.
"How could this happen?" he asked.
"I've never had any conflict with the Hall of Gods. Why would the dignified zeus break into my mansion and start slaughtering my men?" As far as he knew, there was no bad blood between them. If anything, they'd always kept things cordial. This sudden aggression made no sense.
"I don't know the full details, but our guards have suffered heavy om casualties We urgently need reinforcements. Please give the order at once," Neville said respectfully. "Damn that Hall of Gods! They killed my men for no reason. This is unforgivable," Matthias growled, his eyes burning with fury.
"Neville, listen closely. Rally the troops and surround every one of those Hall of Gods' bastards. They will pay." "Understood, Your Highness," Neville responded promptly before leaving.
In Oakvale, only a few individuals had the power to mobilize a troop, and Matthias was one of them.
Chapter 2656
Neville sprang into action after receiving the order. He quickly rallied his troops toward Matthias' estate for rescue and backup.
Matthias wasn't in the mood to continue chatting. His face was grim as he strode toward the exit.
"Your Highness, please stay," Seamus called out suddenly.
"Uncle Seamus, something urgent has happened at home. Whatever it is, it'll have to wait," Matthias said impatiently.
Whoever dared to start a massacre in his estate wasn't walking away alive.
"Calm down. I'm sure you don't want to walk straight into a trap," Seamus warned.
"A trap?" Matthias frowned. "What do you mean by that?” "Think about it. You have no feud with the Hall of Gods, so why would they send their royal god to cause chaos in your estate? Don't you find that strange?" Seamus said evenly.
"I'll get my answers after I capture Zeus," Matthias spat, gritting his teeth.
"Your Highness, I must warn you that apart from the elusive Suprleader of the Hall of Gods, Zeus is the undisputed number one powerhouse in Strequa. And with all due respect... your troops aren't enough to capture him," Seamus reminded him.
"Zeus might be strong, but he's only one man, and I command thousands. I can crush him with numbers," Matthias said, refusing to back down.
His forces were packed with elite fighters, including grandmaster martial artists. If they attacked together, he didn't think Zeus was unbeatable.
And with 30,000 elite soldiers as his backup, what did he have to fear? "Regardless of whether your men can take him down, a victory would still cat a heavy price. Is that something you're willing to face?". Seamus asked.
"Then, what do you expectto do?" Matthias scowled. "Just stand there and let Zeus wipe his boots on me? If I keep hiding like a coward, who the hell's going to respect me?" Seamus shook his head. “I don't know what's happening, but something feels off. It looks like someone is trying to stir up trouble. I suggest avoiding a direct clash with Zeus. Otherwise, you'll just lose your elite troops for nothing." "I understand the implication. But now I'm in a dilemma and have no choice but to take action.” Matthias's expression hardened.
If his estate were raided and he did nothing, it would be a huge blow to his pride as a prince.
Seamus suddenly said, "I've got a plan that could get you out of this mess, but it all comes down to how well you handle it." "Uncle Seamus, please tellwhat I should do." Matthias snapped to attention.
"Instead of going head-to-head with Zeus and losing your troops, let someone stronger handle him," Seamus said, calmly sipping his tea.
"What do you mean?" Matthias asked, confused.
"A powerhouse like Zeus needs someone even stronger to take him down. I've heard the chief overseer of the Regal Observatory, Ezekiel Hawke, is a man of near-immortal ability. If you can convince him to step in, your crisis could be resolved," Seamus explained, his voice laced with meaning.
Ezekiel might not have been listed in the Astonishing World List, but those who knew him claimed his strength rivaled the living god Arion. Plus, he was a cornerstone of Dragonmarsh's enduring stability.
"Ezekiel Hawke of the Regal Observatory?" Matthias' frown deepened. "I've heard Father mention him before. Mr. Hawke is indeed strong, but he's been in seclusion for years and stays out of worldly affairs. If even Father couldn't get him to act, what chance do I have?" "There's no such thing as impossible if you're truly determined," Seamus remarked.
He took out a round pendant and handed it to Matthias.
"Years ago, I saved Ezekiel's son. They gavethis pendant as a token of gratitude. Take it to the Gilded Chamber. His son will know what to do. But I can't guarantee if it will work." Matthias' face lit up with delight. "Thank you, Uncle Seamus." The pendant was like holding a promise. It was far more valuable than gold or jewels.
While it didn't guarantee Ezekiel would intervene, at least there was a chance.
If the pendant was used at the right time, it could be a life-saving card. But now, Matthias was already reluctant to use it.
He could save it as his ultimate trump card and turn the tide when it mattered most, like when ascending the throne by force. With Ezekiel at e his side, no throne would be out of reach and no enemy could stand in his way. "Your Highness, don't get ahead of yourself," Seamus said. He seemed to have read his thoughts and offered a timely reminder.
He added, "Ezekiel doesn't involve himself in politics. There's a chance he might save your life, but supporting your claim to the throne is out of the question."
Ezekiel only acted when the fate of the entire nation was on the line. To Q.
m him, political struggle and the fight N for the throne were simply survival of the fittest and natural shifts in the balance of power. "Fine. Let's focus on getting through this crisis," Matthias said.
Though disappointed, he put those ambitions aside for now. Gripping the pendant tightly, he turned and made his way toward the Gilded Chamber.
If Matthias could convince Ezekiel to help him, he planned to use that m opportunity to crush the Hall of Gods' influence and boost his reputation. With that kind of victory, more allies were sure to follow. The will be updated first on this website. Cback and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 2556 Tip: You can use left, right keyboard keys to browse between chapters
Chapter 2657
The Gilded Chamber stood in the heart of the inner city. It sold valuable items such as panaceas, artifact weapons, and rare martial arts manuscripts.
Only dignitaries and martial arts experts ever stepped through its doors. Ordinary people couldn't afford to glance at the price tags, let alone buy anything.
Inside, Cassius Hawke, an elderly man with gray hair, lounged comfortably in a reclining chair as he listened to music. He held a small metal flask in one hand and occasionally took a sip.
At that moment, a luxury car screeched to a stop at the entrance, leaving long black streaks across the stone pavement.
Before the vehicle had even stopped, Matthias opened the door and jumped out. The second he walked into the Gilded Chamber, he started issuing commands.
"Get your chief out here! I have something important to discuss,” he barked.
"Looks like no one told you how things work around here," Cassius said coolly, not even looking at him.
He stayed reclined in the chair with his eyes half-closed.
"If you want to buy something, you need to make an appointment," he added. "We don't take walk-ins." "I'm Prince Matthias Linsor. I need to see your chief now. Delay me, and you'll answer for it," Matthias snapped, flashing his gold badge to verify his identity.
"Oh, it's Prince Matthias. Please forgive my disrespect," Cassius said.
He gave a mock bow but stayed comfortably lying down. It was obvious he didn't plan to get up.
He continued, “Still, rules are rules. No appointment, no service." "What kind of attitude is that? You think I don't dare to tear down your chamber?” Matthias growled.
Anxiety gnawed at him, but Cassius was unfazed, showing him no sign of respect. With his temper, Matthias would have made a move long ago if he hadn't cfor help.
"Tear the place down if you want. My answer won't change," Cassius replied without batting an eye.
"You..." Matthias was so furious his scalp tingled, and he almost snapped. Then, he suddenly remembered the pendant Seamus had given him. He took it out and held it in front of Cassius.
"Look closely, old geezer," he said. "This is a pendant from your chief, and it guaranteesa favor at no cost." "Hm?" When Cassius saw the pendant, his expression finally changed. He quickly stood up and leaned in to examine it carefully. After confirming it was authentic, he frowned.
"Where did you get this?" he asked. " Wasn't this supposed to be in Sir Mosey's possession?" At the mention of Seamus' name, Matthias realized something. "So, you recognize it? Then, you must be the chief of the Gilded Chamber." Few knew about this pendant. If Cassius knew Seamus' nimmediately, his background clearly wasn't simple. "That's right. I'm the chief of the Gilded Chamber," Cassius said. Then, his expression turned serious. "Tell me, Your Highness-did Sir Mosey give the pendant to you?" "He did." Matthias nodded. "I'm in trouble, and my uncle toldto chere with the pendant. He said you were the only one who could help me." "Sir Mosey once saved my life, so I owe him. But Your Highness, you're skilled in strategy and strong in your own right. You also have powerful allies at your back. If someone like you can't sort out this trouble, I doubt someone likecan do much," Cassius replied with a shake of his head.
Whatever was troubling Matthias had to be a major problem.
"Others can't help me, but you can," Matthias said urgently. "I need Mr. Hawke to step in, and you're the only one who can convince him." He didn't hold anything back and briefly explained the situation.
Cassius frowned. "I didn't expect the royal gods of the Hall of Gods to act with such blatant disregard for order. Do they really think Dragonmarsh has no one who can stand against them?" "Sir, I was desperate earlier and might have been out of line. Please don't take it personally," Matthias said respectfully." But now I must ask-would you be willing to go in person and ask Mr. Hawke to intervene? Only he has the power to protect Dragonmarsh from this evil threat.
11 Cassius sighed. “My father has been in seclusion for years. He no longer concerns himself with worldly affairs. Convincing him to get involved would be next to impossible." "Even so, please give it a try. Right now, he's our only hope," Matthias said earnestly.
"Fine. I'll give it a try, but don't expect too much." "Thank you." "Please wait here, Your Highness. I'll be back shortly." With that, Cassius turned and disappeared into the back.
Matthias paced restlessly outside the door. He had no idea what was happening back at the estate. If Zeus had already killed everyone and left, convincing Ezekiel out of seclusion might be pointless. After nearly half an hour, Cassius finally returned.
Matthias quickly stepped forward and asked, "Well? Did Mr. Hawke agree to help?
"My father said he doesn't interfere in mortal disputes," Cassius replied, "But in honor of the pendant, he's willing to offer you a sachet. He says it will be enough to get you through this danger." He took out a white sachet and handed it over.
"A sachet?"
Matthias frowned and looked disappointed. What kind of trickm could a a sachet hold that would scare off the royal god, Zeus? Was this skind of joke?
Chapter 2658
Matthias still held onto a sliver of hope, but his mood soured instantly when he heard that Ezekiel had no intention to intervene.
What good was a sachet against Zeus? They were facing one of the strongest beings in the world.
Zeus was also an ultimate grandmaster at the peak of his strength. He could crush a missile with his bare hands or cleave a destroyer in half with a single strike.
What chance did they have of reasoning with someone like that? Cassius caught the doubt in Matthias' eyes but didn't comment. Instead, he smiled and said, "Whether it's useful or not, you will know once you open it, Your Highness.
Matthias scowled. "Let's see what makes this sachet so special." He quickly unwrapped it and found a red talisman inside. After pulling it out, his frown deepened.
It was a red talisman, but its runes were outlined in golden script. He could barely make out the word "Inferno" on the front.
"What is this?" Matthias asked, confused.
He'd never seen anything like it, but could sense the energy pulsing from within. There was no doubt that this talisman was anything but ordinary.
Cassius looked proud and even a little smug. "My father spent ten years creating this Divine talisman. It's called the Celestial Inferno," he said.
"Celestial Inferno?” Matthias frowned slightly. He prided himself on his knowledge, but that ndidn't ring a bell.
"Most people only know how powerful the talismans from Sacred Wrym Summit are. But the truth is, my father's talisman mastery is just as good as the Ancient Sage's," Cassius said proudly.
He added, "I'm not overstating it. The Celestial Inferno's power matches my father at full strength. It should be enough to deal with that so-called royal god, Zeus.
"This is incredible. As expected of a rare treasure." Matthias couldn't hide his excitement.
If the rumors were true, Ezekiel was already halfway to becoming a terrestrial immortal. He was just a level below Arion.
If the Celestial Inferno truly held the force behind Ezekiel's full-strength attack, then it was nothing short of deadly. It could take down an ultimate grandmaster, and even a powerhouse like Zeus would be seriously injured.
Matthias had expected to leave empty-handed, so getting such a powerful talisman was an unexpected bonus. "Your Highness, forgivefor adding a word of caution. This Celestial Inferno is no ordinary talisman, and it's one of a kind. Use it wisely," Cassius reminded him.
"Thank you for the reminder. I won't use it unless there's no other choice," Matthias said with a nod.
Celestial Inferno packed immense power and was one of a kind. Once used, it was gone for good. Treasures like this were meant to be a last resort.
Matthias wasn't reckless enough to waste something like this. And as for Zeus... he had other plans in mind. "Your Highness, I know you're busy, so I won't keep you any longer. Please give my regards to Sir Mosey and let him know that the favor has been returned," Cassius said evenly.
"Of course," Matthias replied with a faint smile before turning to leave.
That night, fully armed elite soldiers had surrounded the grounds outside Matthias' estate in tense formation.
Neville stood at the gate, and his face was twisted in rage. Lying before him were more than a dozen mangled corpses.
This was Zeus' doing.
Every half hour, he would execute someone from within the estate and hurl the body out as a provocation. Among the victims were Matthias' close friends and family members.
No matter how furious he was, Neville couldn't launch an attack without the order. All he could do was stand there and watch.
Just then, another body was thrown out from inside. It landed hard on the ground after sailing several hundred feet. The bones cracked on impact, and blood splattered across Neville's uniform.
Judging by the lavish clothing, the victim had been someone close to Matthias. But their face was smashed beyond recognition.
"General Elrod, the Hall of Gods has gone too far. They're spitting in our faces," one soldier said.
"He's right. A warrior can be killed, but not humiliated. Just give the word, Just give and we storm in and kill those bastards," another chimed in. "Give us the order, General Elrod! Let's kill every last one of those Hall of Gods monsters!" The sight of another corpse being tossed out pushed the soldiers outside the gate to their breaking point.
One by one, they stepped forward with fury in their eyes. They begged attack for the order to attack and were desperate to tear people from the Hall of Gods apart. "Silence!" Neville roared. "No one moves without His Highness' command. Anyone who disobeys dies where they stand." The men were instantly silenced.
Neville's eyes were already bloodshot, glistening with unshed tears. His wife was amo victims Ninyong the m he saw her lifeless form thrown out like garbage, every part of him screamed to charge.
inside and butcher Zeus. But as a soldier, he had to follow orders. No matter how deep the grief or how sharp the rage, he had to hold back.
He had to wait for Matthias to return and give the order to attack. Only then would he make Zeus pay with blood, even if it cost him his life
Chapter 2659
Neville's roar silenced the soldiers. They all stared at their general, whose eyes were bloodshot and his entire body trembling with fury. For a moment, no one dared to speak.
They understood his pain and shared his rage. That was why they'd lost control earlier.
But they had to control themselves. After all, it was a basic military discipline. No matter how deep their hatred, they had to hold it in until they received the order to attack.
Still, their silence didn't mean their anger had cooled. If anything, it burned hotter with every second, growing heavier and more dangerous as it waited for release.
Just then, the tense silence was broken by three black sedans speeding toward the compound and stopping at the main gate.
When the soldiers saw the license plate on the lead car, they immediately cleared a path.
Matthias had finally arrived.
When the car door opened, the prince stepped out, followed closely by five elderly men in suits.
They varied in shape and stature-tall, short, thin, stocky-but all wore matching attire and radiated overwhelming energy. None of them made the slightest effort to hide it.
Even standing still, they exuded intense pressure, like mountains looming over everyone around them.
These were the five masters that the force backing Matthias meticulously cultivated. Four of them had reached the level of developed grandmaster, while the leader, a tall, lean man, was an ultimate grandmaster.
One ultimate grandmaster, and four developed grandmasters. No matter where they stood, this was a force capable of dominating an entire region.
Besides Sword Union, Celestial Alliance, and Mystic Arts Order, no other guild in the country could simultaneously call on so many top-tier experts. Even then, Sacred Wrym Summit was an exception.
In terms of military strength, Matthias was without question the most formidable of the royal heirs. His confidence in vying for the throne centirely from the forces behind him.
As soon as Matthias stepped out of the car, Neville rushed over to ask for orders. His fury had already reached the boiling point.
"Your Highness, Zeus is still inside. Every half hour, he kills another hostage. Should we launch our attack now?" he asked.
"A frontal assault would be reckless. Lock down every entrance and wait for my orders," Matthias said grimly. He'd already seen the mangled corpses at the gate. With his usual temper, he would've stormed in by now. But Seamus' warning echoed in his mind. He reminded Matthias to avoid a direct clash with Zeus at all costs. Otherwise, he would lose his elite troops for nothing.
"Mr. Galen Frost,” Matthis said, turning to the tall, lean elder. “To prevent anything from slipping through, I need the five of you to set up a formation and seal off the entire estate." "Yes, Your Highness." Galen nodded, then quickly instructed the other four experts. " Finnian and Sylas, north and south. Valerius and Corwin, east and west. I'll take the center. Let's show the bastards inside what our formation is capable of." "Got it." The four elders answered in unison. They shot off in four directions like a blur, and stopped midair above each quadrant of the estate.
Galen didn't stay idle, either. He launched himself straight above the estate.
"Begin formation!" With a low shout, the five men formed hand seals in unison, and their bodies emitted bursts of blood-red light.
"Rise!" Once the formation was set, they pointed toward the sky.
Five beams of blood-red energy shot up and converged about 300 feet above to form a glowing sphere. It grew rapidly and expanded nearly 15 feet across in just a few seconds, but it didn't stop there.
Once the energy was full, the five men, led by Galen, bit their fingers. They formed hand seals again, then simultaneously pointed at the sphere above
"Five Sanguine Elemental Seals-Activate! "they said in unison.
The next second, the blood-red sphere erupted in a blinding surge of crimson light, Actranslucent red En barrier burst outward from its core and expanded rapidly in all directions.
Within five seconds, the entire estate was sealed inside this blood-red barrier. At first glance, it looked like a giant blood-red eggshell.
Once the formation was completed, the shield gradually faded until it vanished completely, as if it had never existed.
Of course, that was only the surface. The shield would reappear instantly when any of the five willed it. This was their signature move-the Five Sanguine Elemental Seals.
The formation was both offensive and defensive, and it even boosted m the power of its users. Most importantly, the five masters could share their cultivation strength through the formation. No attack weaker than ten times their combined strength could break through.
"Your Highness, the formation is complete. You may proceed without worry. As long as the five of us stand, no one can harm you." Galen's voice rang from above, calm and confident. "Thank you," Matthias said, bowing to each of the five men before stepping into the estate with Neville.
Chapter 2660
Matthias dared not enter the estate to confront Zeus until the Five Sanguine Elemental Seals were activated.
As a grandmaster martial artist, he was no match for a royal god like Zeus, an ultimate grandmaster. If a fight broke out, Matthias knew he wouldn't last more than three exchanges.
Even with the Celestial Inferno that Ezekiel had given him, he wasn't sure he'd survive long enough to use it. That was why he had called on his five masters to set up the Five Sanguine Elemental Seals.
Galen, Finnian, Sylas, Valerius, and Corwin were nearly unbeatable inside that formation. If Zeus made a move, they'd stop him instantly.
Matthias' expression was grim as he followed the blood-stained cobblestone path through the courtyard. He didn't stop until he reached the main hall.
Inside, two blond, blue-eyed foreigners-one man and one woman-sat at the main seats in the hall.
The man on the left radiated raw power and arrogance. His smile had a cruel curve, and Matthias instantly recognized him as Zeus.
The woman to his right was stunning with a curvy figure. She was half-reclined in her seat like she was barely awake.
She was harder to read, but anyone sitting beside Zeus had to be a big shot. She had to be someone of equal standing-most likely Hera, the only female among the Hall of Gods' four royal gods.
Matthias frowned at the sight. He'd thought only Zeus would show up and didn't expect Hera to be there. Challenging two royal gods head-on wasn't just reckless, it was suicide. Even though Matthias had five elite martial artists backing him, he didn't dare to act rashly.
Besides the two royal gods, a few elite fighters from the Hall of Gods stood nearby. And kneeling on the floor were dozens of Matthias' household members-relatives, wives, children-all taken hostage.
"Help us, Your Highness." "Your Highness, these bastards are slaughtering innocent people. You have to stop them." The moment Matthias entered, the hall erupted with wails and desperate pleas.
These were nobles, pampered from birth and sheltered by status and power. Nothing in their lives had ever cclose to this kind of disgrace.
Now, they were being trampled like dogs, and their lives were at someone else's mercy. The shand rage were unbearable.
Matthias ignored their pleas, and his eyes locked on Zeus.
"I've never crossed the Hall of Gods," he said coldly. "So, why did you break into my estate and slaughtering my people?" "You must be Matthias Linsor," Zeus said. He sat there like he owned the place as he sized up Matthias.
"I am." Matthias' eyes narrowed. "Now answer me." "They were just ants, so I crushed them. What are you going to do about it?" Zeus sneered.
Arrogant to the core, he had never cared about the so-called dignitaries of Dragonmarsh. To him, killing a few of them was no different than squashing bugs.
"Don't push your luck, Zeus!" Matthias growled. "You're surrounded. If you don't want this to end in a bloodbath, back off now." "Oh? You sound like you still think you have power here," Zeus said as he leaned forward with a sneer.
He continued, "Even if I kill every last one of your people, what can you do? You think that bullshit formation outside can trap me? How naive." He had already sensed the Five Sanguine Elemental Seals outside but didn't bother to care.
"The formation may not trap you," Matthis replied, "but what about this?" With that, he pulled out a fiery red talisman -the Celestial Inferno.
"Hm?" Zeus frowned in surprise when he saw it.
He wasn't sure what kind of talisman Matthias had, but a wave of danger hit him. He knew that even if it didn't kill him, it would tear him apart.
At that instant, he finally recognized Matthias as a threat. He finally realized Matthias wasn't to be underestimated, and the other party had a talisman that could threaten him.
"So? Do you still want to fight to the bitter end?" Matthias asked. He finally calmed down after sensing Zeus' wariness.
"I may have underestimated you," Zeus remarked.
He slowly sat upright and said calmly, "I respect those who arem strong. I'll give you a fair fair deal. Just tellwhere Logan is, and we'll leave immediately." "Logan Rhys?" Matthias frowned. "How would I know where he is?" "We're past the point of playing dumb. Or are you refusing to talk?" Zeus's gaze sharpened.
"I've met him before, but I have no idea where he is now. And tell me, what made you so certain I'd know where to find him? "Matthias shot back.
"Hmph. Take a look for yourself." Zeus raised his hand, and a beam of white light shot forward.
Neville's pupils contracted. He stepped in front and caught the incoming beam of white light The. impact sent him staggering back three steps, and his arms went numb from the force. Looking down, he saw a guard's badge carved with an intricate M. "One of your men toldLogan is hiding here. Are you trying to deny it?" Zeus asked sharply.
"He's hiding here?" Matthias froze. As soon as realization hit, he snapped, "Fools! You've been deceived. It's obvious someone is trying to frme.
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