Eloise executed a graceful bow and turned to depart when a sudden upheaval disrupted the calm. A resounding crash echoed through the hall as the ceiling gave way, and a shadowy figure dressed in black descended dramatically. The assassin was wielding a sharp sword."Your Highness, look out!" Quick on her feet, she immediately raised her voice to warn Rufus of the imminent danger."Rufus! Your time has come! Die!" The assassin's cry reverberated as he thrust the sword.The motion was so swift, leaving only a momentary glint of light. As the radiance faded, the assassin's sword had already punctured Rufus's chest. Rufus stood frozen, staring at the sword that had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the reality of the situation. Eloise, positioned by the doorway, watched in disbelief, questioning how an assassin had managed to breach the heavily fortified castle.The assault was meticulously timed, occurring during Albert and Jaxon's absence, as if the assassin had orchestrat

"Your Highness suggests we root out the traitor?" Jaxon inquired."No, exposing the traitor and tracking the killer is Albert's task. Your mission is even more critical," Eloise said with seriousness. She went on, "These years, the situation in West Lucozia has been unstable. With His Highness gone, the castle is vulnerable. "I've gathered you, the Draken Guardians, to protect the castle. Whoever dares to plot against it, eliminate them without mercy!""I understand!" Jaxon replied. In times of crisis, extraordinary measures were necessary. With the prince gone, the castle faced imminent challenges."General Steele, you were a trusted aide to His Highness and are a pillar of our castle. It's up to you now," Eloise said solemnly."I am willing to sacrifice everything to safeguard the castle," Jaxon declared, fully aware of his responsibility.The prince's assassination placed the blame squarely on him as the captain of the royal guards. Were it not for the castle's current st

The other girls bowed and kneeled. Their sincerity was evident in the gesture.As Dustin observed the scene, he was momentarily stunned. The words spoken by the girl in yellow carried a profound impact. He hadn't expected that, after enduring such traumatic experiences, these girls weren't merely concerned about their own situations. But they were contemplating the fate of all vulnerable groups worldwide. Their noble aspirations and heightened awareness resonated deeply, even touching Dustin deep in his heart.In alignment with Grace's earlier insight, these young women were forced into the darkness but still harbored aspirations to be the light. Their exceptional courage was genuinely commendable. Who claimed women fall short of men? In the domain of true righteousness, these female heroes stood tall, contributing noble deeds to uphold their share of the world. With such a group of virtuous fighters, how can West Lucozia not thrive? How could the world not find its equilibri

"Alright, I'll set you up with a guard's identity. But before you head in, you'll need to change your appearance," Rodrigo finally conceded. Though it came with some risk, it was better than doing nothing.…At noon, inside West Lucozia Castle, news of Rufus's death had been sealed off. But many officials still gathered upon hearing it. Some came to offer condolences with heavy hearts, while others had different motives."The Grand General of the Supreme State has arrived!""The Grand General of the Sentinel has arrived!"Two shouts echoed from the entrance. And two middle-aged men in combat gear, each leading a troop of soldiers with menacing swords at their waists, swaggered in.These soldiers looked fierce and had an evil glint in their eyes. Everett Caide and Shane Gilby, holding the ranks of Grand General of the Supreme State and Grand General of the Sentinel, respectively, entered grandiosity."Generals, you must disarm before entering the castle," a castle guard tol

Shane exclaimed loudly as he fell to his knees, bowing. His eyes welled with tears, looking like he was in pain at just having lost a loved one. Although it was an act, it was much more convincing than Everett's. "General Rhys of the Iron Stallion Cavalry has arrived!" Right then, they heard a loud announcement from the door. Following closely, a heroic-looking, middle-aged man walked in imposingly. He carried various weapons with him and was clad in golden armor. This person was none other than the Iron Stallion Cavalry's first-ranking Grand General—Julius Rhys!Julius Rhys was not only the Grand General of the Iron Stallion Cavalry but also Rufus' cousin. From a young age, he excelled in both the literary and martial arts, displaying exceptional talent in various aspects. If not for Rufus' existence, he would have been the Rhys family's most outstanding genius. Unfortunately, in the face of an unparalleled hero like Rufus, even the most formidable talents would pale in