The next morning, Dustin drove to Swinton after making arrangements at Zephyr Lodge. Now that he finally got his hands on the Cherusia, he had all the herbs he needed. Everything was set.
He didn’t know how long Gregory could hold up with the Celestial Decay. He had to produce the Longevitum as soon as possible so as not to have to worry about him.
It took Dustin about half a day to reach Peaceful Medical Center. All was quiet and peaceful in the medical center. Gregory lay on an easy chair, drunk, as usual. He stank of alcohol.
Caitlyn busied herself around the place, wiping the chairs and tables, doing the laundry, and cooking. She kept the medical center clean and in order.
As for Maximus, the sword fanatic, he focused on training in the yard.
While he used to be known as Lightning Blade, he now focused on slowing down. Though it didn’t look much, his every move was restrained yet powerful.
He changed his way of wielding his sword and reached a new level of swordsmanship. It was obvious that he had improved a lot within the time that Dustin was away. While Maximus was focused on training, a silver needle suddenly flew at him. It was aimed at his chest.
Maximus’ gaze zeroed in on it as he turned around and struck the needle with his sword. He sliced off the tip of the needle. The needle was sent flying to the ground.
“Who is it? Show yourself!” Maximus stared at a large tree in the yard, pointing his sword at it. “You’ve improved so much in the few months I’ve been away.” Dustin slowly emerged from behind the tree, smiling. Deflecting his needle wasn’t something any other divine-level martial artist could do.
“Dustin?” Maximus was first taken aback before he broke out into a grin. ” You’re finally back!” Then, throwing his sword aside, he rushed up to Dustin and hugged him tightly.
“Alright, alright, that’ll do. What would people say if they saw two grown men hugging like this?” Dustin said awkwardly.
“Caitlyn! Come on out! Look who’s back!” Maximus shouted.
“Mr. Rhys!” Caitlyn came running, surprised to see him. “When did you return, Mr. Rhys? Why didn’t you inform us beforehand?”
“I just got back.” Dustin smiled. “How have you both been?” “We’ve been great. Every day has been peaceful, and we have all we need.” Caitlyn smiled. This peaceful life was all that she’d ever wished for.
“Dustin, I’ve reached a new level within just three months. And with Gregory’s guidance, I’m improving daily!” Maximus said proudly.
“I can see that.” Dustin nodded, looking very pleased. Though Maximus had just reached the divine level, his true ability was on par with those martial artists who had long since reached the divine level. He was truly a genius swordmaster.
“How’s Gregory?” Dustin asked. “Same old. He still drinks himself into oblivion every day.” Maximus sounded helpless.
“I’ll go check in on him.” Dustin chuckled as he made his way into the medical center. Gregory laid haphazardly on an easy chair, disheveled and reeking of alcohol. He even had drool running down the corner of his mouth.
He was the perfect example of a drunkard. “Gregory, wake up, Dustin’s back.” Maximus approached and tried to shake him awake, but Gregory remained motionless.
“Gregory. Gregory?” Maximus shook him even harder, but he still didn’t respond.
“Here, let me do it.’ Dustin crouched and whispered to Gregory, “Gregory, someone stole your vodka.”
Gregory’s eyes shot open immediately as he sat right up. “Who did it? Which bastard stole my vodka?” he roared. Then, his gaze swept around the place, giving off a killing intent.
