In the expansive estate of the Crimson Jade family, amidst its myriad of opulent buildings, there was a particular spot that was exclusively associated with Mato, the family's eldest son."Have you recognized your error?" Mato inquired, to which the man responded in a weak, raspy voice.Displaying a domineering attitude, Mato perched arrogantly atop a man whose spirit had been thoroughly crushed, relegating him to nothing more than a human stool for the entirety of the day. The man's complexion had turned ashen, his gaze vacant, and his physique slumped in defeat under Mato's relentless dominance."Hey, are you even listening to me anymore?" Mato prodded, but the man remained silent, evidently too worn out to muster the energy to part his lips."You're worthless," Mato spat out disdainfully, his tone icy and piercing, slicing through the room's stillness. The man under him struggled to breathe, each exhalation an ordeal.Eventually, utterly drained of vitality, the man collapsed onto
Lucas had long harbored a desire to explore the White Swan Pavilion but found himself inexplicably barred from entry, the reasons for which remained a mystery to him. On this occasion, Lucas found himself in close proximity to the pavilion.The air that morning was rich with the enticing aroma of flowers, complementing the bustling sounds of the nearby streets. The pavilion itself stood out due to its grandeur and size, dwarfing even the residence of the head of the Stormwind family, a prominent household in Jade Valley city.Upon arriving at the entrance, Lucas, with a sense of nostalgia, whispered, "Ah, it's good to see them again," to the two women stationed there. These same women had previously denied him entry, though Lucas was still unaware of the reasons behind their actions. Their hesitation now was palpable.Lucas's reputation had since evolved; rumors circulated that he had slain the leader of the Ironfist clan and had recently compelled the head of the Shadowblade family to
While Lucas was still deep in thought about the half-coin Aranea had brought him, he was startled by the pavilion master's words."Lucas," she said, her voice almost a whisper, "the other half of the coin you seek is in the possession of the Ironfist Family."Lucas's eyebrow arched in surprise at her revelation. He wondered if this woman was alluding to his earlier admission concerning the Ironfist family's ties to another distinguished family."What do you mean?" Lucas inquired, his gaze probing for more information."I once saw a similar half-coin. The eldest son of the Ironfist family brought it here to flaunt before the courtesans," she explained."Do you mean Lorrick?" Lucas asked, mentioning the man he had slain first. The pavilion master nodded in confirmation.This was an unexpected development for Lucas. He had been seeking information about the "God of Mist" and its relevance to him. The piece of the coin that Aranea had retrieved appeared to hold some clues to this mystery.
Amidst the stillness of the night, punctuated only by the hissing of the wind and the occasional distant song of night insects, a hitman lurked in the shadows cast by the ancient walls surrounding the Stromwind family's home. His sharp eyes, accustomed to the dark, patiently scanned the area, focusing on Lucas, who appeared relaxed, lying on his wife's thigh in a cozy, flower-adorned corner of the backyard.The hitman scrutinized Lucas, as if verifying the rumors about him. At first glance, Lucas seemed to lack inner strength, eliciting a sardonic smirk from the observer."Weak, the Stromwind family's son-in-law is weak," he whispered softly to himself."Are all the recent rumors merely baseless?" the thought emerged in the hitman's mind as he remained concealed.The idea of ending Lucas' life right there, at his most vulnerable, consumed him. Envy flared within the assassin's heart, coveting the peace and love Lucas seemed to share with his wife."Damn it! Why does a weakling like hi
Amidst the silence, broken only by the sounds of nature, an epic event unfolded far from the world's gaze. The early morning's gray sky bore witness to a dramatic confrontation that would be forever remembered in the saga of Lucas and Mato."Mato, I'm truly sorry," stammered Mato, his voice echoing a mix of desperation and regret. Despite his numerous attempts and the deployment of various artifacts, none had proved effective against Lucas. Now, cornered and desperate, Mato faced Lucas, who was fueled by a resolve as unwavering as steel.Lucas, with eyes sharp as daggers and a heart hardened by betrayal, focused intently on Mato—the man who had dared to threaten his family. In a blur of motion, Lucas seized Mato by the neck with a grip of iron, embodying the very essence of unyielding strength."Mato's attempts to plead were choked out, "Lucas... Lucas... aghh," as he struggled in vain.Despite Mato's frantic kicks and pleas for mercy, Lucas' hold remained as steadfast as if it were c
Lucas hastened his steps towards Aline's house, driven by a longing he could no longer contain. As he neared the doorway, Aline greeted him at the threshold, her eyes shimmering with anticipation, as though she had sensed his arrival before he even reached her.Their connection seemed to transcend the ordinary, marked by a silent understanding that only deepened their bond. Aline, with a swift and deliberate motion, reached out for Lucas, her embrace firm and inviting. Lucas, in turn, wrapped his arms around her with an intensity that spoke volumes of his feelings. The reunion was passionate, their kiss a testament to the enduring connection that time and distance had failed to diminish.In a moment of vulnerability, Aline's voice, soft yet tinged with emotion, broke the silence. "You know how much I missed you, why did it take so long to come back?" Her words, laced with jealousy and longing, were emphasized by a provocative gesture that left no room for misunderstanding.Lucas had p
Lucas opened his eyes to the shy morning light filtering through the gap in the curtains, which illuminated his face, now freed from the grip of sleep. Beside him, Aline remained deeply immersed in her dreams, her steady breathing signaling profound peace. At that moment, Lucas was struck by a powerful sense of déjà vu, an acute awareness that he had been transported back in time to five days earlier, a serene period before the world teetered on the brink of apocalypse due to the catastrophic assault by the Heavenly Demon and its legion of over a thousand Heavenly Puppets."Turns out he really can send me back in time," Lucas whispered softly, awestruck by the realization that his mysterious benefactor had indeed granted him the ability to traverse the fabric of time.What had unfolded five days later bore the weight of a nightmarish reality, as the Heavenly Demon, wielding its formidable Heavenly Puppets—each possessing the formidable power of a Domain Master—launched a merciless att
In the midst of a sudden and eerie silence, a series of wooden puppets appeared, moving with an elegance that belied their deadly nature. One after another, they emerged from beneath the ground, each figure distinct in appearance and aura. However, among them, one puppet in particular captured Lucas's attention.Lucas's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions at the sight, hinting at a deep, nostalgic sensation. This wooden puppet stood out from the "Heavenly Puppet" Lucas had previously vanquished. It bore an uncanny resemblance to someone he knew: with white hair flowing gracefully, reminiscent of a waterfall illuminated by the full moon, it exuded an aura that was both familiar and haunting. It was Arane, or at least, a near-perfect replica of him."Heavenly Demon," Lucas uttered, breaking the silence. His voice carried a blend of admiration and hatred, reflecting the complex emotions stirred by the sight of the puppet.With a wide, proud smile, the Heavenly Demon raised his hand, co