"Where are they?" The chill in Benjamin's voice was bone-piercing.The taxi driver trembled ever so slightly but remained resolute. He pointed weakly towards a section within the store, murmuring: "They hide within."Listening to the words, Benjamin's eyebrows involuntarily furrowed, casting a shadow over his sharp features.However, he continued in the direction indicated by the outstretched arm of the taxi driver.His steps, meticulously careful, neared the conspicuously empty shelving barricading the pathway ahead."There it is!"The taxi driver's voice rose timely, echoing through the dimly lit surroundings.Contemplating this revelation, Benjamin hesitated momentarily before placing his hand on the shelf and, with a surge of strength, pushing it aside.A cacophony of grinding noises ensued, causing Benjamin's eyes to momentarily ignite with a curious spark."Could there possibly be a mechanism hidden here?"For a fleeting moment, excitement coursed through him, prompting him to h
"Father-in-law? What is he doing here?"Indeed, one of the masked figures standing behind the fiery giant was none other than Isabella's father and Benjamin's father-in-law, Bahjat."It's been a while, son-in-law."Seeing Benjamin's shock, Bahjat not only remained composed but also cheerfully removed his mask, greeting Benjamin with a nonchalant wave and a smile.The unfolding scene left Benjamin dumbfounded. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine encountering Bahjat under such circumstances, especially here and now."Enough of this prattle." said the man with fervor."Order him to hand over both pieces of the jade pendant. If he agrees to join our order, we might just spare him this once."There was a hint of impatience in the voice of the second masked figure, prodding Bahjat for a decision. But hearing the opponent's demand, Bahjat simply shook his head, not uttering a word in response. Instead, his gaze fixated intently on Benjamin. After a thoughtful pause, Bahjat finally bro
Witnessing Bahjat's audacity in blocking the creature to pave a way for Benjamin's escape, the masked man couldn't help but snort in disdain.He then gestured to his followers: "Go! Seize that whelp for me. I care not if he lives, just secure his vital essence. The Grandmaster shall reward us generously."Hearing this chilling directive, Bahjat's face momentarily betrayed his shock.Standing alone against this humanoid monstrosity, even Bahjat felt the immense pressure.Nevertheless, his hope rested on Benjamin finding his own path.Upon hearing their superior's order, the church's operatives, as if possessed, lunged aggressively towards Benjamin.Yet, a subtle narrowing of Benjamin's eyes was observed.Drawing upon the full extent of his strength, he unleashed all the mystic energy absorbed by the two amulets within him.BOOM!A violent sonic blast emanated, the force radiating from Benjamin, accompanied by a fearsome aura.Those who had just approached were instantly repelled, as if
Relying on Benjamin's agility, he managed only to sidestep its full force, but not without consequence. A deep gash now marred his left shoulder.A sharp pain shot through him, compelling Benjamin to draw a deep breath involuntarily.Twisting around to gauge the threat, he was met with a horrifying sight. Behind him stood a humanoid monster. Its left hand raised, dripping with fresh blood.Clearly, this very creature had just launched that covert strike.But wait, wasn't this monster supposedly detained by his father-in-law?This thought barely settled when Benjamin's eyes darted around frantically.Yet, upon taking in the scene, his face turned deathly pale.Because now, his father-in-law was nowhere to be seen, and the mysterious masked elder of the church had vanished too.There could only be one chilling conclusion.His father-in-law had been defeated and was now being pursued relentlessly.But why hadn’t this humanoid monster followed suit, choosing instead to ambush him?As this
As the thought crossed his mind, a sharp pain throbbed in Benjamin's temples.Simultaneously, he silently cursed Bahjat under his breath.However, before Benjamin could devise a strategy, sudden footsteps echoed from outside.Immediately after, the young woman's movements froze.At the same time, she subtly turned her head towards the door.Yet, as her gaze flickered to a corner of the room, her complexion turned ghostly pale. Her expression was one of sheer disbelief and terror, as she let out a shrill scream."Ah!!!""Who... who are you? How did you get in here?!"After a brief moment of panic, Ernesta Mentos regained her composure.With a guarded glance, she looked directly at Benjamin.This mansion of the Mentos family, after all, was guarded with utmost rigor.Moreover, surveillance cameras adorned every corner.For an ordinary person, even trying to scale the walls and sneak into the yard seemed an impossible task.And yet, here was Benjamin, boldly intruding her bedroom.Benjam
"Grandfather... Why are you standing here?"Ernesta's face drained of color the moment she stepped out and saw Master Mentos. Right behind her, Benjamin's eyes narrowed, feeling the overwhelming aura directed menacingly at him."What's this? Why can't I stand here?"The elderly Lord Mentos didn't answer his granddaughter's inquiry.Instead, his eyes narrowed slightly, a mischievous smile playing on the corner of his lips.Seeing his demeanor, Ernesta's cheeks flushed with even more vigor, her countenance becoming utterly flustered."Grandfather, I... I..."Caught off guard, Ernesta was at a loss for how to respond to him.Moments before, having seen this young lady exuding such confidence in the room, Benjamin had thought her to be a formidable spirit.Yet now, seeing her awkward state, Benjamin had to suppress the urge to chuckle.However, before he could bask in that amusing sight for long, the patriarch's gaze had shifted back to him."My dear, aren't you going to introduce this yo
Fortune favored him. At that exact moment, Ernesta's gaze shifted backward. There was a tinge of impatience in her demeanor as she waved her hand dismissively and remarked: "Why are you lagging so behind? Hurry up!"The countenance of the middle-aged man instantly softened, a stark contrast to the menacing expression he wore just moments before.And Benjamin, sensing a reprieve, hurriedly distanced himself from the somewhat peculiar man.Upon departing the Mentos' residence, Ernesta took him on a tour around the city of Kistna. This city stood over a hundred kilometers to the northeast of the capital. Interestingly, it was located on a peninsula, separated by a wide sea channel spanning fifty to sixty miles.How did he end up in such a remote place, especially in the young lady’s room of the Mentos family? The Mentos clan held more than half of the city's assets, and the family's wealth was unimaginably vast. Even though Ernesta never disclosed the exact figures, Benjamin's guesstimat
Before Walter could craft a response, the old lady's wrathful voice thundered once again, which seemed rather surprising to Benjamin, who had always thought of her as a gentle, approachable soul. However, witnessing this confrontation, a stiff expression gradually settled on his face."Grandmother, please, calm your anger!" he attempted to mediate: "We spoke yesterday of our concerns for your health. If you wish to walk outside, Linda can accompany you. She even mentioned some delightful places in the city!"Yet, as the young girl named Linda tried to calm the waters, her words only seemed to pacify the old lady slightly, her gaze still bitterly cold as it landed on her son."Hmph, what do you know, child? I've frequented those places you speak of. What truly captivates me is wandering the world, admiring its wonders, and witnessing humanity's marvels. Not the cheap amusements you think can appease me. And most of all, I relish observing the fates of others. Their life's ups and downs