In the embrace of a timeless twilight, Benjamin, after what felt like an eternity of fleeing, found himself confronted by the ominous maw of a dark, looming cave. From within its depths, there emanated intermittent wisps of a chilling, black mist, thicker and more sinister than any he'd encountered before. This cave was noticeably distant from the last one where Benjamin had discovered the sinister Crimson Devil Confinement Technique.Pausing to gather his thoughts, he hesitated just before the cave's entrance. As his gaze briefly skimmed its interior, he realized that despite the day not yet surrendering to night, he could discern nothing within its shadows. Even straining his vision did not reveal the slightest hint of its contents.It was evident: some powerful seal or spell concealed the cave's mysteries. Given Benjamin's exceptional sight, it was unthinkable that he couldn't see into its heart otherwise. Moreover, the restrained ebb and flow of the dark aura oozing from within wa
"Commander, to blame them entirely would be unjust. Who could have foreseen the gravity of this situation?"After a tense pause, a tall, slender young man with a certain steely determination on his face stood up and addressed the Chief Commander, General Jeffrey Harris.But Jeffrey’s mood was hardly assuaged. His face still shadowed with a tinge of anger, he huffed: "Unforeseen? A mere oversight and they're absolved? Do you realize who those soldiers are? The future pillars of our nation! And just because you didn't anticipate, they were thrust into peril. Had it not been for Benjamin leading the squad, would we not have lost the lot?"With each word, Jeffrey's rage seemed to intensify, his glare challenging each seated officer. But they collectively averted their eyes, their collective silence speaking volumes.In the end, Jeffrey, unable to contain his frustration, finally erupted: "Enough! Reflect on your actions. Within a day, I expect remedial plans. Any further discrepancies, an
"Isabella, why are you here?"Upon realizing the occupant was not Olivia but his wife-in-name, Isabella, a sense of foreboding crept into Benjamin's heart, causing him to exclaim aloud.Yet hearing Benjamin’s cry, a look of astonishment crossed Isabella's face. She looked up, her eyes shimmering with an odd emotion."Why are you here?"At her words, Benjamin’s face stiffened. It then struck him that their marital ties remained unbroken. Though Isabella harbored no feelings for him, hadn’t she always been loyal?Hoping to clarify, he quickly explained: "I was searching for a friend. And you?""Likewise, seeking a friend."Their conversation faltered, an awkward silence enveloping the room. Eventually, unable to bear the tension, Benjamin blurted: "Isabella, where is my friend?"Locking eyes with him, Isabella replied coldly: "I don't know. She was gone when I arrived."Benjamin's brow furrowed in concern. He had distinctly instructed Venn and Noam to ensure Olivia’s well-being. Yet, th
One couldn't fault Violet for her astonishment. After all, these fruits had vanished from the world for tens of thousands of years. Witnessing such a bounty now, especially as a legendary alchemist herself, it was inevitable that she'd be overwhelmed.Observing her reaction, Benjamin fell into contemplative silence. Internally, he was filled with remorse. Had he known their immense value earlier, he would never have frivolously used them, or generously gifted one to each person as a vital essence supplement. Such prodigality was a tragic waste.Regrettably, the complete knowledge of the Phoenix legacy eluded him. And he had accessed the Celestial Palace's legacy a tad too late. As such, he now possessed only a handful of the Thousand-Year Fruit, enough to make just about a dozen potions or so.Certainly, if Violet could successfully concoct the legendary spiritual pill, Benjamin would feel profoundly fortunate for himself.After all, in one of Violet's furnaces, she could craft over a
Witnessing Ronald's demeanor, a slight furrow formed on Griselda's brow. Even Benjamin's face betrayed a hint of curiosity, his gaze inquisitively shifting towards the young man opposite."Hmph, do you believe you're worthy to even inquire about Brother Martin's title? Just so you know, he is the direct disciple of my master and the sole heir to the Lotus Palace's lordship, Michael Martin!"Upon uttering these words, the young lady's face exuded a hint of smugness, as if the person being spoken of was herself, and not the young man beside her.Hearing this revelation, the gathered guests exchanged glances, their eyes a mix of astonishment and doubt.Only Ronald, beads of perspiration forming on his brow, turned a shade paler."Martin... Young Master Michael?"Outside, many might remain ignorant of the Lotus Palace. However, Ronald, being the manager of the New Groot hotel, was particularly familiar with the lord of the Lotus Palace.Hence, recognizing the title of the young man before
Although these thoughts consumed him, Michael's gaze was locked onto Griselda. The aura of a grandmaster, formidable and rare, began emanating from him, causing Griselda's face to pale considerably.To be fair, Griselda hadn't expected this seemingly bookish youth, whose appearance gave an impression of ineptness, to be an unparalleled grandmaster, even potentially surpassing her grandfather. This revelation made her feel like she had disturbed a hornet's nest. She hastily sought Benjamin's figure, hoping for assistance.However, to her dismay, Benjamin had disappeared. Her complexion grew even more ashen, and internally, she was hurling curses at Benjamin."What's transpired here? Why are you all standing around? Why not head to the elevator for the auction?"A melodious voice, clear as a brook, suddenly pierced through from behind, diverting everyone's attention.Emerging was a ravishing figure, a young woman seemingly in her mid-twenties. Dressed simply in black trousers and a whit
Truthfully, all present were aware that despite the Vessel's historical significance, its energy had long since waned. Its practical use was minimal. Yet, seeing the two magnates fervently outbidding each other, the audience was thoroughly entertained.Sitting amidst the crowd, Benjamin wore an enigmatic expression. He gazed at the Octagonal Melodious Vessel placed upon a wooden tray, lost in a tumult of emotions."Intriguing. Do you desire to contest in this bidding war alongside them?" Griselda's velvety voice whispered, almost lost amidst the hum of conversations around them. She glanced surreptitiously at Benjamin, her eyes searching his face for a hint of his intentions."Hmm?" His eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. Meeting her gaze, he replied with a hint of incredulity: "It's merely a commonplace bowl. Why would I squander my resources on such a triviality, even if I had the wealth?"Her face revealed a shadow of doubt: "If they were to overhear your disdain, I wonder, would the
Beholding Mr. Knight's demeanor, the young man couldn't help but unleash a hearty laugh. Yet, in the very next breath, his gaze turned earnest, fixing Mr. Knight with a direct stare."By all accounts, I'm known as the 'War God' to many, but my true name, sir, is Benjamin Arnold.""What? Come again?"As the young man proclaimed his identity, a ripple of shock coursed through those present. Although many there did not recognize Benjamin per se, the moniker 'War God' was far from unfamiliar to them.Notably, several young lads and lasses held the legendary War God in the highest esteem."Heavens! Could he be the fabled War God?”“Ha ha! A hero emerges in his youth, he still appears so young! Were there a chance, I'd seek his autograph."The buzz of excited whispers filled the hall. Mr. Knight's eyes shimmered with a mix of caution and disbelief. However, famed or not as a terror of the seas, he soon composed himself, leveling a disdainful gaze at the young man."Hmph, but a stripling! Wh
Benjamin, unbeknownst to him, was oblivious to the demonic prince's frenzy over the armor. He held in his hand a command token, under which lay a somewhat tragic corpse. However, a familiar energy emanated from the token, causing his brows to furrow deeply, for a voice resounded urgently within his mind."Chirp chirp!"Deep in thought, Benjamin was roused by Alan's voice. The creature, now the size of a sparrow, perched gracefully upon his shoulder.Recognizing the intention behind the creature's head rubbing against him, a tender smile graced Benjamin's lips: "You did wonderfully." he praised."Chirp chirp!"In response, Alan regurgitated an ancient ring which landed deftly in Benjamin's palm. As it touched his skin, the ring transformed into a golden glow, wrapping around his finger. It was the space ring Benjamin had discovered in the Dragon Palace. Although the spirit inside was dormant, its basic functions remained accessible.Earlier, Benjamin had entrusted this ring to Alan to
Instantly, his face became grave. Only now did he discern the fading form of Alan, with even the flames upon it having waned by more than half. Yet, what was most alarming was the emanating ominous aura from the Demon God's heart, causing Benjamin to jolt and hurriedly shout,"Elder!""Hm?!"Hearing Benjamin's call, an ethereal figure suddenly appeared outside the central region of the altar. Its gaze locked onto the sealed space above the altar."Ha ha ha, foolish humans, my true form is almost here. Once it arrives, I'll reduce the both of you to mere ashes!"Sensing the familiar aura steadily nearing the altar, the Demon God's heart laughed triumphantly.However, a languid voice suddenly intervened,"Quiet!"Following which, an overpowering force, emanating from Benjamin, suddenly descended, shattering the very core of the heart."AHH!"A scream echoed from within. Simultaneously, an ethereal figure, eyes filled with disbelief, turned towards the altar."What is this force?!"Feeli
Boom!Boom!Several blows in succession, and Benjamin had lost track of time. But at this moment, cracks began to appear on the wall before him. They spread and widened until finally, with a full-force punch, the wall collapsed. A vast space revealed itself, stretching out before his eyes.Here, Benjamin beheld a huge sacrificial altar, filling almost the entire space. Above the altar hung a heart. Though he could not ascertain from what creature it was taken, its appearance allowed him to sense an incredibly evil energy, pervading the entire space.Moreover, this evil energy made his mind reel slightly. Were it not for his strong will, Benjamin feared he would have been bewitched by the heart.Instantly, his face marked with caution, he retreated a few steps."This is truly bizarre? How could such an altar appear here?"But just then, stepping back some twenty meters, a sound of great astonishment suddenly came from behind him.Startled, Benjamin quickly turned to see the people who
A few minutes later, a middle-aged man with blonde hair and glasses, holding a laptop, arrived looking somewhat harried and sleep-deprived. He looked toward Red, placed his hand over his chest, and rapidly spoke.“Prince Red, why have you summoned me here? My research is on the brink of completion, needing only one final step. If there's nothing urgent, I would like to return and continue with my work.”After speaking, the middle-aged man seemed incredibly impatient, ready to turn and leave.Seeing this, Red felt slightly annoyed but did not show anger. Instead, his face bore a placating expression, and he hastily replied.“Mr. Steven, I genuinely have a very important matter that requires your assistance. Agat and Orange are in trouble in New Braum, and I want you to go there and bring them back. What do you think?”Red's attitude was extremely humble, a stark contrast to his earlier arrogance and pride.However, Steven seemed not to care, his eyes sweeping the control room in a glan
However, Steven seemed uninterested, his eyes sweeping the control room before he spoke, a little annoyed.“Your Highness Red, such a trivial matter, and you call me here? If you feel overly bored, I can help you with some training time. Within the next twenty-four hours, I assure you that the time spent will not be wasted at all!”Hearing this, Red's eyes showed a hint of fear.Although the man was just a human, his strength was not particularly great. However, Steven's status in the kingdom was very special. He was a scholar, and his creativity was terrifying.Hundreds of years ago, when the kingdom of Autuman was just a small tribe on the planet Namec, their king, then a young man, luckily rescued a human, and this human was the middle-aged man before him, Steven.Harnessing the terrifying breadth of Steven's intellect, in less than a decade, Autuman evolved from a minor tribe, nestled in the wilderness of planet Namec, into a mighty empire. They conquered the entirety of Namec, an
Boom!Boom!Boom!Blood painted the sky, and countless pieces of metal debris littered the ground.A smirk formed on Benjamin's lips. He hadn't expected that after such a long slumber, its power had grown so immense.However, the sight of the scattered armor shards pained him.Such high-quality armor pieces, capable of enhancing a warrior's strength and providing incredible defense, were now in ruins. For someone of Benjamin's caliber, these armors might not pose much challenge, but if equipped by his soldiers, they would have been invaluable assets, exponentially amplifying their combat prowess.Although he felt a twinge of regret, Benjamin didn't blame Alan. Instead, he commended him."Alan, you did splendidly!""Chirp, chirp!"As Benjamin's praise graced his ears, a rush of exhilaration surged through Alan. In mere moments, his form swiftly contracted, taking on the delicate guise of a sparrow, which alighted on Benjamin's shoulder, its chirps melodious and relentless.Witnessing s
"Ha ha ha, I was merely jesting with you." he laughed with ease, his eyes dancing mischievously: "No need to take it so seriously. Anyway, feel free to examine it. It's now mine, and even if you wish, you cannot claim it."With a boisterous laugh, Benjamin, brimming with amusement, effortlessly tossed a ring towards her.Catching a glimpse of his action, a pang of surprise coursed through Fidelma. Still, she reached out, catching the item.Holding the ornate ring in her hand, she felt a strange force emanating from within. The intricate designs adorning it suggested an ancient aura. Fidelma could confidently deduce that this was a space treasure. Its grade was undoubtedly high, surpassing any artifact she had previously encountered in the annals or in the treasury of the Moonlight Religious Sect."Done examining?" His voice hinted at impatience: "If so, kindly return it."Watching Fidelma cradle the ring, almost reluctant to release it, a twitch of amusement played on Benjamin's lips.
Now, even though its headpiece had been severed, it was still far more complete than the other armors.Without hesitation, he approached, with a mere thought, his storage ring's light flared. The entire armor, along with the leader's corpse, was drawn into it.He then surveyed the surroundings once more, detecting no anomalies. Benjamin then proceeded towards Dermot's wooden house atop the hill."Boss, you're not hurt, are you?" asked Azaria, eyeing Benjamin's bloodstained appearance with a hint of concern.Benjamin glanced at him and shook his head."I'm fine; go rest. Tonight, there may be more to do. I'll handle it myself." he said, continuing straight to Dermot's bedroom.Upon seeing Benjamin's bloodied state, Irina suddenly rushed over, her face filled with alarm. She hastily grabbed his hand, her expression fraught with concern."You...you're alright?" she stammered.Seeing her worry, Benjamin merely shook his head without verbally responding. Meanwhile, Dermot emerged from the
Although puzzled, Benjamin refrained from questioning her outright. Instead, his gaze swept the room. Aside from scattered clothing and discarded food on the floor, nothing seemed amiss. It was logical. After all, someone fleeing in a hurry wouldn't leave traces behind."Where did the woman who was in your room go?" he inquired, his sudden question startling Irina, making her let out a soft gasp.At her reaction, Benjamin's eyebrows furrowed, his gaze growing wary: "What did you ask?" she stammered, fear evident in her voice.Reiterating his query but with more firmness, he watched as Irina visibly shrank back, finally murmuring: "She...she said she had something to do and left. Can...can you not look at me like that? I'm truly scared."Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, every word dripping with fear. Benjamin felt a pang of confusion but, before he could react, she threw herself at him, gripping him tightly: "Please don't go. I'm truly terrified. This place... I can't bear to