"Someone! Take him down!" Julius finally issued a command in the face of Dustin's unrelenting assault. While it would have been best to recruit such a highly skilled individual, Dustin's refusal made him a potential threat that had to be eliminated since there was the risk of him joining the enemy. "Charge!" Everett and Shane both signaled with a wave of their hands. Instantly, hundreds of elite warriors surged toward Dustin. These were the Black Dragon Army's generals who possessed exceptional strength. As they attacked in unison, their combined power exceeded multiple-fold. "Halt!" Suddenly, a black shadow descended from the sky like a shooting star, crashing into the crowd with unparalleled speed.Following the thunderous impact, the ground shattered, and debris scattered. A powerful shockwave emanated from the point of impact, forcing those in its path to stagger back and almost lose their footing. "Who is that?" The crowd looked closely and saw that 50 feet ahead, an
If Julius allowed Albert to continue his speech, it could potentially affect the army's morale. The generals of the Black Dragon Army exchanged hesitant glances.Albert had once been the Grand General of the Black Dragon Army, and his reputation was second only to Prince Rufus. After suppressing the West, he had decided to retire from the frontline. Yet, some of the older generals remembered his illustrious legacy and held great respect for him."What’s the matter? Have you all lost your hearing? Or are you planning to defy orders?" Julius took out the Marshal's military insignia and brandished it high above his head as he spoke. He shouted, "I have the insignia with me! Who dares disobey me?" When the generals saw the military insignia, they no longer hesitated. They swiftly drew their swords and surrounded Albert.However, Albert just stood there with his hands behind his back, projecting an air of indifference and fearlessness. "I'm right here! Who dares make a move?" S
Julius found himself thoroughly unsettled. Despite his meticulous planning and calculated moves, Rufus's return alive was an unforeseen twist he found difficult to accept. In fact, it wasn't Julius alone who was unsettled. Elijah and the other generals were equally stunned, their faces drained of color. The only reason they found the courage to join Julius in his rebellion was due to Rufus' death. They would never have dreamed of committing such treasonous acts if Rufus had been alive. "What a lively day. There's so many familiar faces in the crowd," Rufus remarked as he took his time walking out of the gates. The crowd instinctively made way for him. "Rufus! But you—!" Eloise struggled to find words, her expression a mix of bewilderment and disbelief. She had personally witnessed Rufus being impaled through the chest with a sword and saw him take his last breath. She had even arranged his funeral. She couldn't understand how a dead man could come back to life!"Don't
"Julius, we're family. As long as you put down your sword, I will spare your life.""Why? Why didn't you just die? You're clearly gravely ill and on the brink of death. Why are you still occupying the throne?" Julius gritted his teeth as his eyes turned bloodshot. He looked somewhat frightening. "Julius, I know you all too well. While you're extremely talented in both the literary and martial arts, you lack a compassionate heart. You're also ruthless in your ways. "That is why you are not suited to be the Prince and also the reason you will never be the Prince," Rufus explained bluntly. "Nonsense!"Julius suddenly roared, "You've been the Prince for decades! Once you die, it'll be my turn next! Who else is more fitting than me throughout West Lucozia?" "I've already decided the next-in-line for the throne, and it isn't you." Rufus shook his head."You've decided?" Julius laughed manically.Julius scoffed with arrogance, "Austin is just a childish brat! How can he compare
"A fair competition?" Everyone exchanged surprised glances. They never expected Rufus to agree to Julius' idea. Rufus had already turned the situation around. All he had to do was command the generals of the Black Dragon Army to capture Julius and put an end to this crisis. Instead, he offered Julius a chance to turn the tables, leaving everyone confused."Rufus—" Eloise was about to say something when Rufus raised a hand to stop her."It's fine. I know what I’m doing.""Rufus, are you really going to allow your son a fair competition against me?" Julius was taken aback. He had been ready to fight to the death, but he never expected Rufus to allow him a fair fight. What was this bastard up to? "Since you want a fair fight, I'll give it to you. I'm going to make you accept defeat on your own terms," Rufus said calmly."You've said it!" Julius' eyes narrowed slightly with a touch of satisfaction. He continued, "In West Lucozia, we value martial prowess. To become the Prince
If Julius did that, it would be akin to walking into his own demise. "Hmph! At least you're self-aware."Julius sneered and continued, "Rufus, your youngest son has already admitted defeat. So, where is your eldest son?" "Logan, you've hidden long enough. Don't you think it's time to reveal yourself?" Rufus spoke loudly. Although he hadn't laid eyes on Logan, he sensed his presence. In the previous case involving Russo, it was Logan's tip-off that provided him the opportunity to eliminate the pests. Now, with such a significant incident happening in the monarchy, given his son's character, he would definitely not stand by idly."I can't believe you not only deceived Julius but also all of us, you sly fox. And now, you're even having me serve as your scapegoat. Is this really appropriate?"After a brief moment of hesitation, Dustin finally removed his prosthetic mask. With Rufus still alive, the monarchy remained in power. Dustin had no choice but to reveal himself in the c
"You rascal, you've been back for a while but never showed yourself. How could I have drawn you out if not through some clever means?" Rufus grumbled. "Alright, enough of the small talk. We'll settle the matter of your fake death later. Let's first address the current issue." Dustin's sharp gaze shifted toward Julius. Rufus' assassination attempt was the work of the Dragon Guard remnants. After the attempt, Julius swiftly rebelled and sought to seize power. For Dustin, this hinted at a likely connection between Julius and the Dragon Guard. Whether it was planning the rebellion or colluding with the remnants of the Dragon Guard, both were grave crimes in his eyes."Logan Rhys! " After the initial shock, Julius' expression darkened. It dawned on him that he had been manipulated. Rufus was undoubtedly aware of Dustin's presence among them, hence his quick agreement. It was also his way of acknowledging Logan's strength. He had to admit that although he hadn't seen Logan in te
"You insolent brat!" Julius glared at Dustin. "Even though we're both ultimate grandmasters, I refuse to believe that a brat like you will defeat me when I have decades of experience!""Since you're so stubborn, don't blame me for disregarding seniority. Please!" With a single outstretched hand, Dustin made a gesture for him to strike first. "Behold my blade!" Without hesitation, Julius propelled forward with a tap of his feet, launching a fierce assault.Julius' swordplay exhibited swiftness and strength, with each strike aiming at vital points with deadly precision. Despite the lack of elaborate techniques, it was highly practical, leaving no vulnerabilities. Julius was blessed with innate talent. With his years of battlefield experience and the integration of various refined sword techniques, Julius could be described as having mastered all schools of martial arts.Having shed all imperfections, he had forged a unique sword technique of his own. His approach was based on sp