"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
"The princess consort is right. Even though Prince Logan is formidable, he's still too young. The odds are not in his favor when faced with Julius, the cunning, sly fox," Wyatt said thoughtfully.Logan was a genius, but Julius was no ordinary opponent. After more than 20 years of cultivation, it would produce a terrifying gap between them. Hence, it was still uncertain as to who would emerge as the final victor. "I have a different view," Lincon spoke up again."Lincon, do you think Prince Logan has a higher chance of winning?" Tyrus probed. "Yes." Lincon nodded."Prince Rufus has remarkable strategic acumen and wisdom. He must be highly confident of winning this deal since he agreed to this competition. We should trust His Highness' judgment.""Although that's true, there are too many variables in a martial duel, especially between opponents of the same level. A tiny mistake can completely alter the course of the battle. "Until the last moment, no one can predict the outco
"Of course not." Lincon shook his head and added, "In fact, there's an unwritten rule for the Astonishing World List. High-ranking royal officials are not allowed on the list." "So, is Julius not strong enough to be on the list, or is he not allowed?" Wyatt questioned further. "He's not allowed on the list, and he's not qualified either," Lincoln responded. "That puts my mind at ease." Wyatt breathed a sigh of relief. "If the Astonishing World List is accurate, then Prince Logan must be stronger than Julius. As long as he doesn't underestimate his opponent, he should be able to secure a stable victory," Tyrus analyzed. "That may be true, but we should still exercise caution," Eloise murmured to herself. She felt a mix of emotions witnessing Logan's excellence. On one hand, she hoped for his victory to restore the monarchy's dignity. On the other hand, she harbored concerns.If Logan were to assume the throne, she worried he might follow in Julius' footsteps and take act
"General Caide, what do you think?" Shane probed, clear hesitation in his voice. Even though he aligned with Julius, he deeply respected Prince Rufus of West Lucozia. If Rufus were dead, he would have readily joined Julius in his rebellion. However, Rufus was alive, altering the dynamics. This forced Shane to contemplate the consequences. It was as Elijah had pointed out. He might dismiss thoughts of self-preservation, but he had to think about his family and friends. "General Gilby, we shouldn't rush into a decision until the final moment. I have faith that Grand General Rhys will emerge victorious in the battle against Logan. "If Grand General Rhys secures victory, we still have a chance for a turnaround." Everett expressed with depth."That's right! Grand General Rhys has unparalleled martial prowess. He'll surely win. How can Logan be a match for Grand General Rhys?" Shane nodded repeatedly."Sir Valor, please stop undermining the military's morale here. We're all in