An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2499

**Chapter 2499**

“Damn you, Mulder! You’ve really messed me up this time!” Axel shouted, clenching his teeth in anger. Mulder’s betrayal not only put Axel’s sister in danger but also dragged Axel into the chaos.

Mulder had quickly risen to the position of assistant chief of the City Defenders, and Axel had supported him all the way. Now, with everything falling apart, Axel found himself in the thick of it. No matter how much he tried to explain himself, he knew he would take the blame.

“Everyone, follow me! We need to catch that traitor!” Axel called out, after finding out how Mulder had escaped. He waved his hand, leading his enforcement team out at full speed.

Axel was already in hot water for failing to capture Warrick, which was a big mistake. Now, with his brother-in-law openly rebelling, things had only gotten worse. If Axel didn’t turn this situation around and bring the traitors to justice, his time as captain of the enforcement team would be over.

After a thorough search, Axel finally found the hideout where Mulder and his accomplices had been hiding. But when they arrived, the place was empty. All that was left were a few bloodstained clothes.

“Keep searching! I don’t care if you have to tear this city apart to find them!” Axel ordered, frustration bubbling inside him.

After hitting another dead end, Axel barked out a series of commands. The enforcement team, City Defenders, and other guards jumped into action. They launched a full-scale search around the hideout.

Checkpoints were set up at every main exit out of the outer city, with extra troops sent out to help. Meanwhile, inside the castle, Austin stood in the courtyard, looking out at the chaos.

Austin was enjoying a peaceful moment alone under the night sky when he heard the news. Warrick had forced his way through the checkpoint. Without the effects of Tranqurin, capturing him would be tough for the enforcement team. Their only hope now rested with the Draken Guardians and Jaxon.

Suddenly, Austin sensed something. “Who’s there?” he called out, his ears alert. He turned to look at the rooftop behind him.

There stood a tall figure cloaked in black. The man had a strong, quiet presence, but the darkness hid his face, making it impossible for Austin to identify him.

Austin became cautious, instinctively reaching for the hidden weapon at his waist. Whoever this man was, he had slipped past all the guards and sentries without anyone noticing, which showed how skilled he was.

Then, a familiar voice broke the tension. “It’s me.”

In a flash, the figure disappeared from the rooftop and reappeared right in front of Austin. The shadows faded, revealing a strikingly handsome face. It was Dustin Rhys.

“Dustin?” Austin exclaimed, surprised for a moment before his expression brightened with joy. “When did you get here? Why didn’t you let me know?”

“I came as soon as I got your message,” Dustin replied, skipping the small talk. “What happened? Jovian just arrived in West Lucozia, and he hasn’t upset anyone. Why would someone want him dead?”

Austin quickly filled Dustin in on everything. He detailed the events from when Jovian first arrived at the castle to the city-wide lockdown, leaving nothing out.

Dustin frowned, his face turning serious. “I never expected the officials in West Lucozia to stoop this low. It’s time for a major cleanup.”

“I feel responsible for Jovian’s death too. If I had been more careful and sent someone to protect him, things might have turned out differently,” Austin admitted, feeling the weight of guilt.

“This isn’t your fault. You shouldn’t blame yourself. Blame the people who think they are above the law,” Dustin replied, trying to comfort his brother.

Dustin’s eyes were filled with anger. He had thought that once he warned Austin, Jovian would be safe on his trip. He never imagined that tragedy would strike.

“Warrick is strong and has help. He’s still on the run, and catching him won’t be easy. But I will use every resource available to track him down. Even if I have to chase him to the ends of the earth, I will bring him to justice,” Austin said with determination.

“Celestria is a big city, so hunting down a grandmaster-level martial artist like him won’t be simple. Instead of wasting time on a wild goose chase, why not lure him out?” Dustin suggested.

“Oh? Do you have a plan?” Austin asked, intrigued by the idea.

“Where do you think Warrick would go after fleeing Celestria?” Dustin asked.

“He has spent most of his life in the city. His friends and family are all in West Lucozia, so he doesn’t have many options,” Austin replied, thinking deeply.

“Going to Oakvale would be too risky for him since he wouldn’t escape pursuit there either. The north is too far, and the weather is completely different from what he’s used to in West Lucozia,” he added.

“Given his personality,…”

“He’d probably look for a place that’s both safe and wealthy—somewhere our reach can’t touch,” Dustin said.

Austin’s eyes widened as he understood. “I see it now! His first choice would be to escape to Artea in Streuqua.”

“Exactly,” Dustin replied with a nod. “The Hall of Gods in Artea has a lot of power around the world. They definitely have spies in West Lucozia. If Warrick wants to hide, they won’t refuse a grandmaster martial artist who offers their loyalty.”

Artea and Dragonmarsh had always been rivals, and it wasn’t too far from West Lucozia.

For Warrick, seeking protection from the Hall of Gods would be the best move if he found himself in a tight spot.