Hearing her, Ronald, the hotel manager, turned ashen, his face drained of color.However, despite the dire circumstances, he responded swiftly, rallying against the chaos."Hurry, ensure the young lady's safety!"Yet, the surrounding guards, at their peak, were only mere beginners in martial prowess. Before they could even spring into action, a shadowy figure, swift as the wind, darted towards the auction podium. His target was not just anything; it was the command seal Sophie was holding."Hmph!"However, much to this shadow's surprise, just as he was inches away from the command seal, the ground beneath him suddenly sprung forth an iron cage, encircling the entire auction podium. Even Sophie, at that moment, found herself safely ensconced within this iron haven.Crash!Unable to steal the seal from Sophie's grasp, the shadow, with resolute determination, promptly threw a smoke grenade and tried to make his escape.Yet, from behind, a soft, chilling voice echoed: "Where do you think
Hearing this, and seeing Sophie's genuflection, the man's demeanor softened slightly, but he remained vigilant. His gaze drifted to a secluded corner of Sophie's office, filled with inscrutable intent: "Fine, considering your honesty, I'll entrust these crystals to you. However, ensure that my desired items reach the specified location on time."With that, he tossed the remaining crystals to Sophie and, before her very eyes, vanished, leaving behind only fleeting streaks of light.As the remnants of their encounter faded, Sophie whispered to herself: "Finally, that ordeal is over."Stepping outside the hotel, the figure previously known as the man in the black cloak, now revealed to be Benjamin, removed his outer cloak, allowing himself a moment of relaxation. He quickly scanned his surroundings, ensuring no prying eyes followed him. Assured of his privacy, he discarded his clothes into a nearby bin, retaining only the attire he had worn earlier at the auction with Griselda.After set
Yet, to his astonishment, the officer from the Tiger Guardian squad seemed utterly dismissive of him. In fact, the man displayed an overt arrogance, waving his hand dismissively."I care not if you are Benjamin or who. If you have no business here, then step aside promptly. And don’t let this rabble stand before me. My patience does have its limits."Hearing such blatant disrespect, the soldiers behind Benjamin seethed with anger, especially Noam. Outraged, Noam broke rank, pointing a threatening finger at the officer and shouted vehemently,"Just so you know, my leader merely intended to show you a modicum of respect. You think that shiny colonel badge gives you dominance? Spit on it, if today you don't get a taste of my fury, I'm not Noam!"With burning rage, Noam lunged forward, intending to teach the insolent officer a lesson. Unexpectedly, Benjamin quickly grasped Noam by the collar and gently cast him aside.Then, with an unhurried gaze, he settled on the opposing officer, murmu
Boom!Boom!The resonant crash echoed not once, but twice.With an ear-splitting noise, the pillar above was swiftly shattered by Abner's robust figure, leaving behind an eye-catching, man-shaped hole. Were it not for Abner's stature as a grandmaster, enduring such relentless shockwaves would have undoubtedly left him grievously injured, if not dead.However, being the grandmaster that he is, even after being momentarily dizzied by Benjamin's onslaught, Abner hurriedly crawled out from the debris. His eyes, now tainted with a touch of rage, locked fiercely onto Benjamin.But just as Abner saw Benjamin's figure beginning to fade away, he couldn't help but cry out in haste: "Stop... hold on. I agree to your terms. Both sides will choose ten fighters, and whoever wins more than five matches emerges victorious. What do you say?"Hearing Abner's plea, Benjamin momentarily paused. Yet his gaze briefly swept over Abner's ragged form, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips, amused: "Very w
Hearing Abner's description, a spark of intrigue ignited in Benjamin's eyes. Hastily, he held up the jade, examining it closely. At first glance, the stone indeed appeared mundane. But upon closer scrutiny, a peculiar sensation enveloped Benjamin, causing a jolt of surprise.Still, outwardly, Benjamin retained his composure, not betraying a hint of the strangeness he felt. A slight frown played on his lips as he addressed Abner."Captain, my pill is of immense value. Do you truly believe this jade is an adequate wager? Isn't this a tad stingy on your part?"Hearing Benjamin's words, Abner inwardly cursed. However, he understood that persuading Benjamin to accept the jade alone as a bet would be an uphill task. Especially when Abner was convinced he'd be claiming all the items eventually.After a moment's hesitation, Abner produced a list, offering it to Benjamin."I've heard your team has been searching for an international criminal organization. This list contains names of those you
Seeing all this unfold, Benjamin couldn’t help but lightly slap his forehead in exasperation.Normally, these rambunctious lads genuinely feared him more than any beast, never daring to utter a word in his presence. Almost forgetting, he remembered these were young men, around nineteen or twenty, filled with bubbling energy. Moreover, the rigorous daily training didn’t allow them any moment to express their personalities, lest they might break. Therefore, even if he felt a tad amused inside, he displayed a calm demeanor, turning his attention to the second bout of the competition.With the second match proving even more intense than the first, the atmosphere was palpable. Yet, the results remained the same. Thanks to his agility and robust defensive skills, Terry Byner efficiently sent his opponent out of the arena in no time.By now, Abner could hardly contain himself. He could accept the first loss, considering they were caught off-guard. But the second defeat, despite his soldier's
On the thundering arena, the battle between Basil and Randy was still unfolding with fierce intensity. However, at this point, the duel had entirely tilted to one side. Although Basil's demeanor remained extremely steadfast, the gap in strength between the two sides was too vast.Therefore, at this time, apart from enduring the onslaught, Basil had no way to counterattack. Moreover, whether intentionally or not, Randy from beginning to end had no intention of knocking Basil down from the arena. In fact, he was exceedingly cunning, merely knocking Basil precisely towards the boundary of the arena.Of course, if Basil had not been so stubborn, with no intention of surrendering from the start to now, this duel would have probably ended sooner.However, seeing the atmosphere in the arena becoming more tense by the minute, with a likelihood of a murder taking place, the referee controlling the duel couldn't help but cast his eyes towards the stands, intending to seek instructions from Abne
"Ha ha ha, you whelps! Scuttle off the arena!"An uproarious laughter cut through the air. Immediately, a member of the Tiger Guardians leaped into the formation of the Dragon Guardians. A palpable energy emanated from him, revealing him to be of a much higher martial realm than even the strongest of the Dragon Guardians.Seeing this, the expressions of the Dragon Guardians shifted drastically as they hastily yelled: "Danger! Hold him back!"But their reaction was a tad late. The Tiger Guardian soldier unleashed a powerful punch directed at the strongest of the Dragon Guardians.The punch, brimming with an unparalleled force, pushed the Dragon Guardian soldier several steps backward, even though he had tried to shield himself. A choking sensation welled up within him."Argh!"Blood spewed from his mouth."Ha ha ha, formations mean nothing in the face of sheer power!"After pushing one Dragon Guardian back, the formidable Tiger Guardian soldier quickly lunged at another, throwing anoth
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