A droplet-shaped black mark marred her arm, its center spreading out into a dense network of spider-web-like lines. The darkest tendrils had even reached her shoulder."When was this Darkspawn curse placed?" Ashton asked, his gaze fixed on her.Cassia shook her head, her eyes filled with uncertainty.Ashton then turned his attention to Eleanor, Tiguno, and Tigdos. They remained silent."I am not known for my patience. I expect an answer within ten seconds." A subtle yet powerful pressure suddenly weighed on the three. The frail old woman nearly collapsed under its weight."Six months ago."Six months ago, the Murdock family sought out the Chieftain of the Dark Thunder Sect. The Chieftain began to search for a suitable host for the Darkspawn curse, a person with pure Dark Essence in her body. He chose our family, promising prosperity for fifty years once the task was completed. He also agreed to allow our family members to learn and train at Mount Dark Thunder.""So, you were rea
"What did you say?"A dangerous glint flashed in the Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain's eyes. His gaze locked onto Ashton, who was seated comfortably."If you had immediately knelt and apologized to Cassia upon entering, admitted your wrongs and offered compensation, and demonstrated a willingness to die for your cause, I might have spared the Dark Thunder Sect. But clearly, you have squandered that lone opportunity.""Who are you? Such audacity!" The Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain remained silent, but his attendant was already seething with rage."Master, he is the one who purged the Darkspawn from Cassia's body," Eleanor Andrade said, her face etched with a bitter smile."What did you say? Him? You can't even handle a mere boy. What a useless bunch you are!" The Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain's face was a mask of barely restrained fury."Heh, you old fool, a mere boy? Master Levin's skills are beyond your comprehension." Mystikk retorted mockingly."So, the scum from the Seven Kills Alli
Dark Thunder, a unique energy form, was not exactly thunder. It evolved from dark techniques like the Silver Soul Technique. As legends believed, it was the primal soul energy in a human body attacking the soul.The soul was the most challenging aspect to cultivate. Even a grandmaster was not significantly superior to an ordinary person in that regard. A single strike from the Dark Thunder could scatter the soul, resulting in instant death.That move was feared by many. One could not fight confidently without knowing how to defend against it.Despite his lack of overwhelming power, the Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain was a figure of terror. Even those of grandmaster status dared not cross him, fearing the deadly strike of his Dark Thunder. Worse still, they feared becoming his next puppet, their bodies manipulated even after death."Master Levin, tread carefully. One hit from the Dark Thunder, and it's over. It's an eerie thing!" Mystikk's voice echoed from afar, having already whisked
At that moment, Ashton seemed like a deity, shaping reality with his words.Thunder rumbled under the clear sky.In the night, a deep, intense purple hue appeared.A thunder pillar thundered toward them the next second.Ashton appeared as a war deity holding a thunder pillar; one hand plunged into the thunder. A single slash split the winery in half.At that moment, it seemed like his sword had split the underworld as well.The Dark Thunder Sect Chieftain lay burned and charred in the wreckage.Bladen, Knivo, and Mystikk emerged from the shadows. Though less affected by the energy blast, they felt their eardrums tearing, their pupils exploding, and the intense light piercing their retinas and reaching deep into their minds."This...this ..." Mystikk's hands and feet trembled, an uncontrollable chill gripped his body, and his black pupils had shrunk to a pinprick.A pit over ten feet deep and dozens of yards long appeared before everyone, its center being the winery's heart.O
"Wow!"Cassia, observing attentively from the side, gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. "It seems even more formidable and impressive than before."Ashton chuckled. "Of course, the exterior hasn't changed, but the core has.""The previous black heart was a malevolent entity transformed by Darkspawn. Now, I've replaced it with a lightning crystal. This will bring changes in his abilities and movements," Ashton said, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he admired his handiwork.He then tested the puppet control technique provided by Mystikk, issuing simple commands. He found that the Iron Guard was perfect for mass production. It was a force to be reckoned with."Once we're done here, you've got to give it a try.""Ashton..." She blushed, sensing a feeling of intimacy as she called his name. He was the man she had loved and waited for a long time."What are your plans for what comes next? If you're willing, why not stick with me? I'm on my own these days anyway." Ashton smi
Alex weighed over 400 pounds; it was a bit too robust.Pierre had no idea that Ashton had to make changes to reach that weight. If the original existed, Alex would weigh around 700 to 800 pounds. He would be over two meters tall, made of pure iron, and built solidly. Could anyone handle that?"I'll buy you a new car as compensation. How about that?" Ashton joked."You said it—I'm taking you seriously!" Pierre had been waiting for that statement.The group soon reached Golden Glow Spa. A foreign investor reportedly built the hilltop resort over two decades ago. The investor disappeared, leaving the property unclaimed until the government took it. Foreigners continued to visit it over the years. The mysterious Golden Glow Spa owner was rumored to be from abroad.As they approached the entrance, they saw a colorful array of foreigners in eccentric attire streaming in. Once inside, they found a place to eat. After a satisfying meal, Jareth presented the hot spring tickets he had prepa
"Hmph, I can't stand disgusting men thinking they're tough because they can bully a girl. Get lost! I'm in a good mood today, and I don't want to see you. If you stick around, I won't hold back my punches!"Kalliope bravely raised her fist and spoke fiercely as she stood in front of Alex.The crowd chuckled. Kalliope was indeed a character, and her bravery was commendable. However, her boldness often landed her in trouble.The men glanced warily at the figure behind her, who was even more muscular than a professional football player, and reluctantly averted their gaze. Then, one of them glared at Fiona. "Our boss has already shown you enough respect. If you don't appreciate it, think about how you'll end up."The group of men turned and walked away.Fiona remained seated, her head bowed, lost in thought.In a flash, she narrowed her eyes, revealing a smile as she turned to face Kalliope. "Thank you. It's been a while since I've encountered such warm-hearted people like you.""Yo
If it were anyone else, they would dismiss Ashton's words as the ramblings of a madman.Fiona was different, though.Everything he said aligned perfectly with her experiences.There were indeed two amulets. The other one was with her cousin, her aunt's daughter.It was strange that her cousin had good luck while her career struggled. A famous director wanted to cast her cousin in a new film after she had just entered the entertainment industry.If things continued that way, she might lose all her luck, and if she was not careful, there could be a violent accident."Ashton is quite knowledgeable, Fiona. I suggest you consider his words," Cassia said.Many people looked at Ashton with confusion, wanting to stop his rambling, but Cassia was different. She knew Ashton would not just spout nonsense. As his partner, she naturally stood unwaveringly by Ashton's side."Um, I understand." Fiona seemed slightly dazed.Just then, the men who had previously left returned, and they brought