Chapter 254
"Wait here, and don't run off," she said coldly. "I don't want you to cause us any trouble. Understand?"
"They have highly skilled fighters among them," Dustin responded flatly. "Your men won't be able to handle them."
"Ha! What a joke!" she scoffed, her expression growing colder. "I've fought in countless battles and seen it all. A nobody like you will never understand how strong we are."
"Having confidence is commendable, but don't be too blind," he reminded her. "Always remember there's someone better out there."
"Shut your nonsense!" she shouted coldly, joining the fray. "Stay here as I told you. I won't forgive you if you ruin our operation!"
Dustin narrowed his eyes, staring silently at Fletcher. Seated behind him were several martial artists in eccentric clothing. From their breathing patterns, Dustin judged them to be mostly low-level, with two already at a high level.
"So, he has backup," Fletcher mused, amusement in his expression despite his men falling. "No wonder he dared to be so bold." He wasn't anxious; they were merely cannon fodder. The real fighters sat behind him—few in number, but all ranked among The Hundred Immortals.
Especially the twin brothers, Darkwrath and Lightwrath, seventh and eighth on The Hundred Immortals, respectively. They practiced dark arts, and their moves were terrifyingly lethal. Individually, they comfortably ranked in the top ten; together, their power doubled.
Besides the twins, another highly skilled martial artist, Judge (ranked third on The Hundred Immortals), was hidden in the villa. Judge's presence always meant death followed.
Regardless of how many fighters the Harmon family sent, they were all destined to meet their demise. After a brutal fight, hundreds of the Harmon family's fighters lay on the ground. The Harmon family's shadow guards, however, had suffered only one casualty and five injuries—relatively minimal losses.
"Hmph! You dare kidnap Ms. Harmon with these pitiful weaklings?" Istrid stood proudly, a swift downward flick of her sword sending droplets of blood splattering. She looked gallant and imposing.
"Impressive!" Fletcher applauded with a smile. "The Harmon family's shadow guards are indeed impressive."
"Since you're aware of our skills, why aren't you releasing the hostage?" Istrid pointed her sword, commanding attention. "The person you're looking for is in this cage. Come save her yourself, if you have the guts."
Fletcher overturned the dog cage with a kick. The woman inside trembled, her disheveled appearance obscuring her features.
"Ms. Harmon?" Istrid's expression hardened. She rushed forward with her men, drawing her sword and severing the cage's chains with a resounding clang as they approached. "Ms. Harmon! Are you okay?"
Istrid opened the metal door, about to save the woman, when the woman flashed an evil grin. With a wave of her hand, she threw out a barrage of highly toxic yellow powder. Contact would be fatal to anyone ordinary.
Istrid's pupils constricted. She immediately stepped back, covering her mouth and nose to avoid inhaling the dust.
"Hah… You reacted quickly," the woman chuckled, pushing her hair aside to reveal a pale, unfamiliar face. "You almost fell into my trap."
"Who are you?" Istrid's brow furrowed. She was fortunate to have dodged; otherwise, she would have been in trouble.
"That's not important," the woman replied, launching another attack. "What's important is how much your head is worth." She thrust her knife forward.
"Hmph!" Istrid's longsword quivered, severing the woman's arm and piercing her chest with lightning speed.
"So fast…" The woman's eyes widened as she toppled backward.