The people who emerged from the fog wore masks that hid their faces, but each had the Hall of Gods emblem on their bodies. Among them was a small group led by Dustin.
After sensing a battle nearby, Dustin had deliberately left his team behind to investigate alone. He hadn’t expected another group to lead them out of the fog formation.
“What’s going on? Why are there so many bodies scattered around?”
“Looks like they ran into a strong enemy. Stay sharp, everyone!”
The sight of scattered corpses put everyone on edge. Their eyes darted between Dustin and Aven.
“Dustin, what are you doing here alone? “The leader of the group recognized him immediately.
The Hall of Gods had recruited several teams, each marked by different colored masks, with team leaders wearing a distinctive emblem.
“Hank?” Dustin narrowed his eyes as he recognized the voice.
“What happened here?” Hank asked tentatively.
“I don’t know. I just stepped out of the fog formation.” Dustin shook his head.
“Really?” Hank eyed him skeptically. ” Then, why did you leave your team behind and come here alone?”
“The formation was confusing, and I got lost,” Dustin explained.
“But that’s not what your team said, ” Hank countered.
“Oh? And what did they say?” Dustin raised an eyebrow.
“They think you ditched them on purpose and left them trapped in the formation,” Hank said bluntly.
“That’s just one side of the story.”
Dustin smiled faintly. “I’m sure you don’t believe that, right?”
“Of course not. I trust you, Dustin.”
Hank’s tone was warmer, but it quickly shifted to something colder. “But to clear up any doubts, I think you should prove your loyalty.”
“How do I prove that?” Dustin asked.
“That elderly man must be the guardian of the forbidden ground.”
Hank pointed at Aven. “He looks badly wounded. Why don’t you show your loyalty by finishing him off?” He believed actions spoke louder than words.
“I’m a man of mercy, not a killer. I’ll pass,” Dustin replied impassively.
“If you won’t kill him, how can I trust you?” Hank’s smile faded.
“I can’t help it if you don’t trust me.” Dustin shrugged.
“Looks like you’re not one of us after all.” Hank’s eyes narrowed, and his right hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword. Bailey had warned him before, but he hadn’t taken it seriously. Now, Dustin’s defiance made him start to wonder.
“Since you’ve figured it out, there’s no point hiding it.” Dustin shrugged again. “I’m not with the Hall of Gods. We’re on opposite sides. Since you plan to invade Sacred Wrmy Summit, I’m here to stop you.”
Hank’s expression darkened. “Dustin, have you forgotten you’ve taken my specially crafted poison? Without the antidote, you won’t last three days. Aren’t you afraid of dying?”
“Of course I am. But sorry to disappoint, your poison doesn’t work on me,” Dustin replied with a smirk.
“You neutralized my poison? That’s impossible!” Hank frowned.
His poison had never failed before, not even to antidote masters. That was why he was so certain Dustin wouldn’t betray him.
“If your poison worked, do you think I’d still be here talking to you?” Dustin shot back.
Hank fell silent. If Dustin had been poisoned, he wouldn’t dare act so boldly against the Hall of Gods. The fact that he stood there, calm and unaffected, meant the poison had failed, and that left Hank baffled.
“So, you’ve decided to oppose us?”
Hank’s eyes flickered with cold fury.
“Cut the chatter. If you want to enter the Sacred Wyrm Summit, you’ll have to go through me first.” Dustin slowly raised his sword with the tip aimed at Hank.
“Fine! Since you’ve made your choice, don’t expect mercy from me,” Hank growled with a chilling glare. “Listen up, everyone! Whoever kills him will get double the reward!”
The crowd behind him murmured excitedly. Knuckles cracked as their eyes gleamed with greedy anticipation. The chance to earn a fortune by killing Dustin was far more appealing than the danger of infiltrating the forbidden grounds of Sacred Wyrm Summit.
“You dare to oppose the Hall of Gods? Today’s your last day, punk!”
A burly man with a broadsword couldn’t wait any longer. Eager to be the first to claim glory, he charged at Dustin like a predator, and his speed was almost blinding.
“Let’s kill him!”
The others weren’t about to be left behind. Everyone drew their weapons and charged forward in a frenzied, unstoppable wave.
After all, these were ruthless assassins. The promise of a double reward made murder an easy choice-be it one man, ten, or even a hundred.
