Ernesta's voice rang out again, irritation evident: "Benjamin, what's the matter with you? You nearly crushed my cousin hand! Do you realize that?"The color drained from Benjamin's face. But he quickly recovered, scratching his nose: "I apologize. I felt a sudden discomfort. Perhaps I overexerted myself in recent training."Though not entirely convinced by his own excuse, he directed a sheepish smile at both ladies, conveying his regret. Without another word, he retreated to his previously arranged room, securing the door behind him.Not immediately resuming his meditation, Benjamin cautiously surveyed his surroundings, ensuring no surveillance devices. Reassured, he seated himself, gaze fixed on the door.As expected, soft footsteps sounded outside. A gentle voice soon followed: "Are you there?"Recognizing Ernesta's cousin, Tryphena's voice, his heart raced. What did she want? And how come Ernesta seemed unaware of their whispered conversation earlier?Despite his apprehensions, Be
The electric charge detonated, causing a part of the ship to erupt in chaos. The guard, who had been standing steadfast beside Ernesta, was hurled against a wall and lay motionless.The scene sent shockwaves among the remaining protectors. Meanwhile, Ernesta's complexion grew pallid.Initially, when their ship collided with a merchant vessel, Ernesta sensed something amiss. But, the realization of the gravity of their situation hit her only when she saw these masked assailants, armed to the teeth, boarding their ship.Despite having numerous skilled bodyguards by her side, the sheer number and prowess of the adversaries overwhelmed them.In the atmospheric dim of the cruise liner, the ship's burly driver, once its strongest denizen, now found himself surrounded by three mysterious figures donning enigmatic purple masks. His fate remained unknown.Upon seeing a figure of such formidable power emerging from the enemy's side, Ernesta's heart was gripped by a palpable sense of dread, a ch
A sudden gust from behind startled Benjamin, causing him to whip around."Go! And safeguard the artifact!" Before Benjamin could grasp the situation, the voice of the elderly driver reached his ears. An unseen force propelled him, catapulting him hundreds of meters away.Crash!His head spun, pain coursed through his chest, and the salty sting of the sea filled his throat, making him cough violently. Yet, the voice of the old driver once more pierced his thoughts, not from the surroundings, but directly within his mind, leaving him even more startled."Stay safe, and perhaps one day, we may meet again, War God!" The voice faded, and chaos overtook his consciousness, leaving Benjamin grappling with the sudden onset of dizziness.Was it the aftereffects of the fierce battle, or the force with which the old man had repelled him? Benjamin wasn't certain. But one thought crystallized in his mind: "Damn you, old man. I hope we never cross paths again..."His consciousness slowly faded, and
"Benjamin, I understand your anger. But it's not entirely Caroline's fault. The man in black... he's possibly a grandmaster. Moreover, they haven't harmed your sister. I believe they will contact us soon."Not long after Ancel's words, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. A military officer with the rank of Colonel quickly entered the room."Ancel, higher-ups have just issued an order. You and the Dragon Guardians team are to cease all operations. Also, Benjamin, can we talk outside?"Benjamin recognized this Colonel. He was one of the instructors invited to train the reserve Dragon Guardians for a major operation in Flower.But seeing the Colonel's formal demeanor, Benjamin's brow furrowed. Without responding immediately, he scrutinized Ancel and Caroline. Seeing their silence, Benjamin sighed and swiftly moved outside."Young Benjamin, I understand your distress regarding your sister's abduction. But you're aware of our current situation. The appearance of a relic connected to pra
Before he could finish, a loud explosion came from behind the trees. The man's face contorted in anger: "You dare deceive me, luring me out to free your sister? Well played! Just wait for her corpse."With that, he rushed away. For a moment, the trio stood stunned."Boss...""Let’s go!"Without waiting for Venn and Noam's reactions, Benjamin darted forward. He was uncertain of the situation. Yet, judging by the man's reaction, the explosion seemed to be near where his sister was held. He couldn’t take chances, knowing the danger she might be in. Like a whirlwind, Benjamin dashed at full speed.Boom! Boom!Before he could get to the explosion's source, fierce fighting sounds echoed from a nearby location. Benjamin halted abruptly, feeling a surge of powerful force rushing towards him."Ha ha ha, where do you think you're escaping to? Hand over your life to me now! Ha ha ha!”Suddenly, a middle-aged man was seen rushing toward Benjamin from in front. His demeanor was utterly menacing an
"Ximena, has he left?"In an apartment within the Grumpy complex, a woman in a black dress sat poised on a sofa, her eyes filled with complexity as she stared out of the window. Turning her gaze, she softly addressed another young woman in blue jeans and a white round-neck t-shirt.Upon hearing Olivia's question, Ximena's expression became a tad evasive. Yet, after a brief pause, she nodded, murmuring: "Yes."A shadow of melancholy crossed Olivia's face upon hearing the answer. But soon, a resolute glint shone in her eyes: "Come, let's head to the capital."Taken aback by the proposal, Ximena blinked in surprise. Yet, after a brief moment, her lips curved into a smile: "Alright, I'll accompany you!"...In the clamor and bustle of the airplane's descent, Benjamin's footsteps gracefully met the tarmac of the airstrip. His eyes darted around, taking in the surrounding sights. Almost immediately, a familiar figure emerged before him, igniting a spark of a smile on his lips.However, befo
Larry, visibly torn, likely had already made up his mind. Still, a weight seemed to press upon his heart. After all, he had trained the Dragon Guardians from their youth. Sending them on such a perilous task seemed at odds with the very purpose of their formation. They weren't mercenaries, after all.Understanding Larry's reservations, Benjamin pressed on: "I understand your hesitation. But we are under immense pressure. The artifact has vanished. This could also serve as invaluable experience for your troops. They lack the fierceness of veterans.”Before Larry could respond, a loud shout interrupted from outside: "Commander, the general is here for an inspection!”Larry's expression shifted dramatically, while Benjamin appeared equally taken aback. What impeccable timing!“The General?!” Larry's eyes darted towards Benjamin briefly before he quickly stood, heading outside.Outside, an impressive convoy of military vehicles awaited. An entourage of fully-armed soldiers surrounded two
In the Capital's Cemetery, Benjamin sat before a humble, cemented grave with no identity. It paled in comparison to the majestic tombs nearby. Yet, Benjamin lingered, an offering of fruits and burning incense set before the grave."Why did you summon me here?" A voice from behind prompted Benjamin to turn.Unexpectedly, behind him stood Roy, the renowned disciple of old man Wade: "Sit." Benjamin motioned calmly."What business do you have with me?" Roy inquired, his brow furrowed in impatience.Benjamin gently pointed at the grave: "Do you know to whom this grave belongs?"Roy glanced suspiciously, a hint of confusion evident: "This." began Benjamin: "was thought to be my resting place years ago. They believed I had perished in battle and buried my clothes here as a token. Over the years, memory of the once-celebrated War God, who nearly fell on the battlefield, has faded."Without waiting for Roy's response, Benjamin, with a wry smile, produced a cigarette: "Do you smoke?"Seeing Roy