“Oh? You guessed it?” Dustin smirked. ” Now that you know who I am, it’s up to you to decide what to do.”
If Warrick chose to surrender, Dustin would simply seal his pressure points and leave him to Austin’s judgment. But if he resisted, Dustin wouldn’t hesitate to cripple him.
“Haven’t you given up your title as the prince? Why did you return? Are you going to compete with Austin for the throne?” Warrick asked.
Uncertainty flickered across his face before he continued, “If that’s your intention, I can help you. Spare me today, and I guarantee you’ll become the next Prince of West Lucozia.”
Power was a tempting beast. History was filled with stories of brothers turning against each other and fathers murdering their sons for it.
In Warrick’s mind, Logan’s quiet return to West Lucozia meant one thing-he was after the throne.
“Guarantee?” Dustin scoffed. “What guarantee are you offering?” His voice was dripping with disdain. “You’re a cornered rat now. You’re barely holding on to your life-how could you help me?”
Warrick, far from being offended, felt a surge of excitement. From Dustin’s tone, it was clear he was considering the possibility of taking the throne. If so, things would be much easier to manage.
“Your Highness, I may be at a low point now, but I’ve spent years building my foothold in West Lucozia. My influence runs deep,” he replied.
He added with absolute conviction. “Give me a chance, and I’ll come back stronger.
When that happens, I won’t just stand by your side I’ll be the blade that cuts down your enemies.”
“Come back stronger? Do you really think you have what it takes? And why should I trust you?” Dustin narrowed his eyes.
“Your Highness, I’ve been through countless battles. When I give an order, the soldiers follow without question. I also have many disciples. When the time comes, they will be your strongest supporters arid help you rise to the top,” Warrick persisted.
He wasn’t lying. Although he wasn’t respected in the government, his authority was unquestioned in the military. With the right moves, he could easily sway some elite troops.
Dustin smiled. “This is getting interesting. 11
“So, does that mean you agree?” Warrick’s heart raced in excitement.
Confronted by an ultimate grandnfaster, he had no confidence in being able to defeat Dustin. But if Warrick could sway him with words, who knew-maybe it would work.
If successful, he wouldn’t have to flee to Artea. He could become Dustin’s most trusted aide and enjoy years of glory.
“Agree? What exactly would I be agreeing to?” Dustin looked indifferent.
Warrick was taken aback. “Aren’t you interested in reclaiming your throne and becoming the ruler everyone bows to?”
“Not at all.” Dustin shook his head solemnly. He was trying to avoid the throne at all costs, so why would he willingly assume that responsibility?
“You…” Warrick was stunned.
He still believed Dustin was simply stubborn and unwilling to admit what he wanted.
After all, what man didn’t dream of power and ambition? Who wouldn’t want to be the one everyone bowed to?
“I know you have doubts, but you can trust me. After all, Austin and I are already enemies. In other words, we’re in the same boat now,” Warrick insisted.
“Who’s on the same boat as you?” Dustin gave him a look as if he were talking to a fool. “I was just messing with you. You didn’t actually believe that, did you?”
“What?” Warrick’s face twisted in disbelief. “You… you’re messing with me?”
He had thought that Dustin was finally taking him seriously, but it turned out he was just being ridiculed.
“What’s wrong with that? Is there a problem?” Dustin replied casually.
“You… That’s it. I’m done with you!”
Warrick’s fury boiled over. With a ‘sharp twist of his blade, he knocked Dustin’s hand aside and drove the weapon straight toward his chest. The strike was lightning-fast, which was charged with the energy he had built up.
Though he had spent the time trying to convince Dustin, he had never let his guard down. The ambush had always been his backup plan.
Warrick would kill Dustin on the spot if words failed, and now was the perfect moment.
Dustin chuckled softly. He didn’t even try to dodge and simply stood there as the blade drove straight into his chest.
A sharp metallic clang rang out. Warrick’s blade hit something like a steel plate and failed to penetrate even an inch.
A keen observer might have noticed the faint shimmer coating Dustin’s skin-a thin, nearly invisible layer of true energy. It was powerful, like an impenetrable suit of armor.
“I gave you the chance to surrender, but you didn’t value it,” Dustin said. “Now, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
He slowly raised his index finger. Under Warrick’s astonished gaze, Dustin lightly tapped his chest.
The light touch unleashed a deafening explosion.
Warrick’s body was sent flying like he’d been hit by a speeding train and flew dozens of yards away. Blood spewed from his mouth before he crashed to the ground.
His once impenetrable protection armor energy, strong enough to deflect blades and bullets, had crumpled like paper under that single touch. It shattered without any resistance.
Mulder, watching from a distance, could only stare in horror.
