“I was surprised I managed to bring the Dragon essence back so smoothly. I was ready to go head-to-head with Nathaniel if it came to that,” Dustin said.
Grace raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, “Oh? What happened?”
He didn’t hold back and recounted everything in detail-from Nathaniel’s unexpected gesture of goodwill to Felicia covering up for him and her subsequent allegiance.
He shook his head and asked, “So, what do you think Nathaniel is up to? He was suspicious of me before, and we nearly got into a fight.
“But the next day, he was like a completely different person. He was warm and had an overly friendly demeanor. He even sent me a top beauty from the Beauty Ranking. It doesn’t make sense at all.”
“I think this is likely connected to his mother, Lady Spanner,” Grace replied.
She paused for a thought, then added, 11 Lady Spanner is a shrewd and calculating woman. She probably realized Nathaniel can’t take you head-on. Rather than continuing to oppose you, she’s trying to win you over.
“Sending Felicia to you serves two purposes. First, it’s a way to extend an olive branch. Second, they want to keep her by your side. She could be of use to Nathaniel if the situation allows for it.
“But whether Felicia is truly a spy is hard to say. Given his shrewdness, if he really intended to use her as an informant, sending her to you so openly would be far too obvious.”
Dustin rubbed his chin as he pondered her words. “That may be true, but you can never be too careful. Something about this still feels off.”
“In that case, why not keep Felicia close?”
Grace suggested. “I can help you make the arrangements. If she really is up to something, there’s no way she can pull anything under our watch.
She added with a mischievous smile, ”
Besides, beauties on the Beauty Ranking don’t come around often. If you miss your shot now, you might regret it later.”
He rolled his eyes at her words. “Stop teasing me. I’ll keep an eye on her for now. If she turns out to be harmless, I’ll figure out a place for her. Anyway, let’s get back to business.”
Grace’s smile faded, and her expression turned serious.
“Now that all five Dragon essences are gathered, you should be able to break through. But first, I need to make some preparations.”
She couldn’t just inject the five Dragon essences into Dustin. First, she had to merge them, set up the formation, and wait for the right time and place.
“Do you need my help?” Dustin asked.
“No, I’ve got it,” she replied, shaking her head. “Just stay here today and rest. Meet me at Embercrest Hill tomorrow night. It’s around 50 miles west of the city. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Got it. I’ll leave it to you then,” Dustin said with a nod.
The sun dipped below the horizon and cast a blaze of red and gold across the sky.
Deep within a hidden stronghold of the Hall of Gods in Oakvale, two figures sat side by side-Zeus and Hera. Even their mere presence commanded respect.
Zeus was tall and muscular, with long golden hair that fluttered in the breeze. His presence was commanding, and his gaze was sharp and piercing, as if he could see through everything.
Beside him, Hera was dressed in a flowing gown. She was stunning, yet carried an air of majesty, nobility, and an almost sacred grace.
Standing before them were more than a dozen individuals, all of whom were key members of the Hall of Gods hidden in Oakvale. Each one was a grandmaster martial artist.
This was the Hall of Gods’ most formidable force left in the city. They were spread across various regions and rarely crossed paths. But today, they had gathered for one purpose to eliminate Dustin and reassert the Hall of Gods’ prestige.
“It’s been three days and still no sign of Logan Rhys?” Zeus asked.
Sitting on a makeshift throne, he snorted coldly. His immense pressure immediately filled the room.
Everyone felt an intense pressure weighing them down. Their shoulders slumped, and their legs trembled uncontrollably.
A hulking man, over six and a half feet tall, lowered his head and reported, “Lord Zeus, we’ve deployed all available scouts. We should have news soon.”
He was built like a bear, but in front of Zeus and Hera, he appeared like a mouse.
“You have one more day. If you don’t find Logan by then, I’ll pick one of you to sacrifice to the gods daily until he is found, “Zeus growled.
Everyone turned pale. Cold sweat poured down their faces, but no one dared to say anything. They all knew Zeus wasn’t making idle threats. If they failed, death was the only thing waiting for them.
“Lord Zeus! Lady Hera! We have news.’
A blonde woman in a black leather suit strode briskly into the hall.
“Hmm?”
Zeus and Hera looked up simultaneously and asked, “Have you found him?”
“According to my informants, he’s been staying at Prince Nathaniel’s mansion for the past two days. It looks like he’s planning to seek asylum,” the blonde woman said.
Zeus scoffed. “He thinks hiding behind Nathaniel will keep him safe? What a joke.”
If Logan had sought refuge in the palace with the Regal Observatory’s elder still guarding it, Zeus might’ve hesitated. But some second-rate prince? It was hardly worth his attention.
“Lead the way,” Hera said flatly.
At that instant, a wave of killing intent surged from her.
