Relief and gratitude washed over Edward. He had expected no less from his grandfather—an emphasis on caution and careful planning. Xavier's willingness to consider the request under controlled circumstances meant that his proposition had been taken seriously.Edward expressed his gratitude with a deep bow, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you, grandpa."Xavier's stern expression softened as he observed Edward's earnestness. "But remember that this is not a contest of dominance. It is an opportunity for growth and learning. Treat it as such, and you shall reap the benefits."Edward nodded, his determination solidifying. He understood the weight of his grandfather's words and the significance of the upcoming sparring session."Prepare yourself," Xavier continued, "In one hour's time, we'll have a sparring session in the underground training room behind Windsor Manor. Be ready."With their discussion concluded, Xavier motioned for Edward to take his leave. Edward bowed
Edward nodded, his determination shining through his eyes. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."Victoria's smile widened, pleased with Edward's response. She turned to face the group of individuals behind her, gesturing for Edward to join them. As they approached, Victoria began introducing each of them in turn."Edward, I'd like you to meet the six members of our platinum-level guard," Victoria said, her voice filled with pride. "These are the elite protectors of our family."Edward's gaze shifted to the three men standing on the right side. They stood tall, exuding an air of strength and discipline. Each had a chiseled physique and a focused gaze, instilling a sense of confidence in those they protected."They are your grandfather's trusted protectors," Victoria then pointed to the first man. "This is Will. He's been with our family for over a decade and is an expert in hand-to-hand combat. He's also a skilled strategist, always thinking several steps ahead."Next, Victoria introduced th
Jake nodded silently, recalling his role in this sparring session. He understood that his main objective was to focus on defense, showcasing his expertise in Judo. Although he underestimated Edward's strength, Jake knew he had to perform at his best, for he was being observed by the esteemed Windsor family.With the crowd's anticipation mounting, the sparing match began. Jake assumed a sturdy defensive stance, his legs spread wide in a traditional Judo posture. He braced himself for Edward's attack, his years of training honing his reflexes and defensive instincts.Meanwhile, Edward observed Jake's defensive stance and deduced that Jake wanted to test his striking power. Without hesitation, Edward unleashed a powerful punch aimed directly at Jake's chest, channeling every ounce of strength he possessed.Jake reacted swiftly, crossing his arms in front of him to form a solid barrier, intending to block Edward's punch. He anticipated the impact and prepared himself to absorb the force.
The room fell into an eerie silence. The weight of Edward's command sinking into the consciousness of everyone present. Guards exchanged incredulous glances, their eyes widening as they grappled with the enormity of the situation. Never before had they been faced with such an unprecedented order from a member of the Windsor family.Ivy, Eloise, and Victoria stood frozen in disbelief, their expressions a mixture of shock, worry, and anger. Eloise, known for her straightforward nature, was the first to regain her composure. Her eyes blazed with fury as she directed her gaze towards Edward."Edward Windsor!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with indignation. "Have you lost your mind? This is madness! You cannot expect them to attack you all at once. It's reckless and dangerous!"Ivy, usually a bundle of joy and innocence, stood beside her mother, her face pale with concern. "Please, Edward," she pleaded softly, her voice trembling. Please reconsider. You don't have to prove anything to an
As Ivy, Victoria, and Eloise continued to observe, their gazes flitted between Edward's agile movements and the guards' valiant attempts to land a blow. With each successful evasion and counterattack, Edward left the guards dumbfounded and inspired a mixture of awe and bewilderment among the onlookers.The guards, fueled by a newfound determination, pressed on, their strikes becoming more desperate yet increasingly precise. Edward met each attack head-on, his reflexes and instincts guiding his every move. His body seemed to flow seamlessly, his strikes landing with pinpoint accuracy and his defenses impenetrable.As the battle reached its crescendo, Edward's movements became more fluid, his strikes delivered with increasing speed and precision. The guards, though exhausted and disheartened by their inability to land a significant blow, continued their attacks.But suddenly, Edward executed a breathtaking series of acrobatic maneuvers, evading a barrage of attacks with unmatched grace.
Edward furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued by Victoria's cryptic statement. He leaned in closer, his gaze fixed on her face, searching for any signs of deception or hidden motives. He knew Victoria possessed a keen intellect and was a master of strategy, but he also understood the weight of the task before them."Tell me everything you know," he urged.Victoria leaned back in her chair, her posture poised and composed. She took a moment to collect her thoughts. "The engagement party will not be held at the Windsor residence as originally planned. Instead, it will take place on a secluded island, located approximately 500 miles away from our current location."Edward's eyes widened in surprise. The change of location complicated matters significantly. He had assumed that the familiarity and security of the ancestral estate would provide an advantage in dealing with Stevan Petrovich. "Why the sudden change in venue? And why such a remote location?" he asked.A faint smile danced on
Edward paused, waiting for the System to provide him with further insights into the risks and limitations of using The Silent Serpent's Kiss. The room remained silent for a moment before the System's ethereal voice returned,[Ding! While The Silent Serpent's Kiss does not have any immediate side effects or negative consequences, it operates on a unique system of usage. Every item acquired from the store, including The Silent Serpent's Kiss, can be used once without any cost. However, for subsequent uses, there will be a charge of 500 Domination Points. The cost will then double for each subsequent usage, up to a maximum of ten times. After reaching its limit, The Silent Serpent's Kiss will vanish, returning to the realm of non-existence.]Edward absorbed the information, his mind now grappling with the intricacies of the artifact's usage. All of a sudden, his footsteps came to an abrupt halt as his mind consumed by a realization that struck him like a lightning bolt. He let out a low
In a flash as swift as lightning, the Silent Serpent's Kiss shot out from Edward's grasp, propelled by an unseen force. Its minuscule size, akin to that of a needle, allowed it to pass through the narrowest gap in the window before vanishing into the vastness of space. The artifact's journey had begun, hurtling through the atmosphere with unimaginable speed.Meanwhile, in the vast and desolate Grinn Desert, hidden beneath its unforgiving sands, lay a sprawling underground weapons warehouse. The facility stretched out like a labyrinth of death, its cold, metallic corridors illuminated by flickering fluorescent lights. The air was heavy with the scent of oil, gunpowder, and the unmistakable stench of blood.The arsenal housed within the warehouse was a testament to Stevan Petrovich's sinister trade. Rows upon rows of lethal instruments of destruction adorned the shelves, each meticulously organized and labeled. There were racks of assault rifles, their sleek barrels glinting under the h