8 This is reality.

The sky was covered with lightning so no one could clearly see what had exactly happened but when the lights dimmed out everyone was shocked to see Dallum breathing heavily while holding his arm trying to close the wound.

Martin gulped his saliva, "that was Dallum's arm, but how?"

Dallum was angry right now he had never thought that he would face such an injury that too from someone with a lower prowess level than him.

The arm wasn't a big deal there were many ways to regenerate it maybe through prosthetics or magic pills but in the end, these external means would just hinder his path to the peak. As one of the essences of achieving greater strength was harmony. If his new arm couldn't perfectly harmonize with him the path to the peak would only become more difficult for Dallum.

Dallum gritted his teeth, "Matthew looks like we all underestimated you"

Martin was fearful right now, he had sensed a change in Matthew's aura, "has he..he.. achieved a breakthrough"

Martin's speculation was on point Matthew had indeed achieved a breakthrough mid-battle but there was no sign of happiness on Matthew's face after all the result after using the taboo skill was the destruction of one's core, meaning he would not only lose his prowess levels but at that point, his life force would also weaken. The taboo skill would last an hour more at the best so Matthew knew he had to act fast.

He quickly prepared to charge towards Dallum. But before he could martin shouted, "stay your hand, Matthew"

Just then a vehicle approached near Martin. Two figures with their hands tied were dragged out from it. It was Remy and Alex. Matthew's expression turned to that of shock and then to anger.

"Martin believe me if you do even a single bit of harm to them I will tear open all you alive"

Martin started laughing as soon as Dallum and Matthew's first clash ended Martin had got the news that his men had captured Matthew's family, Martin was just waiting for the perfect opportunity to use this trump card and he had found that moment.

Martin didn't give an answer to Matthew but just went and dragged Remy across the ground by holding her hair. Matthew was enraged he quickly rushed towards them but Dallum quickly blocked him and used a fire spell on Matthew, Matthew was in such a hurry that he didn't even care about dodging he went right through the fire covering himself with a defensive layer of lightning.

Martin on the other hand brought out a knife and thrust it towards Remy's neck. Matthew had never been so fearful before so much so that he used all his powers just to reach Remy to stop Martin but in his haste, he forgot about Dallum.

Boom!

Just before Matthew could reach Remy Dallum punched a hole through his chest. Matthew fell down on his knees on the ground gasping for air. Martin stopped the knife just before it nicked Remy's neck. Remy and Alex's mouths were closed with a mask all one could hear was muffled voices coming from them.

Remy's eyes were red, tears were gushing out of them continuously while Alex's eyes were lifeless he was as if in a dazed state of mind. He couldn't believe whether he was in a dream or reality.

Matthew sighed after seeing Remy was fine,

"Martin spare them and I will spare you lives" It was all a façade Matthew was in no shape to fight there was still some time left for the taboo skill to end but his vitality had diminished too much for him to even move.

Dallum flashed right behind Matthew and kicked him in the knees.

Crack Matthew's knee cap was crushed.

Dallum them placed his foot on Matthew's head, "Mathew, however talented you maybe it is, the shrewd, who always wins"

He then kicked Matthew making Matthew roll like a rag doll on the ground.

Martin started laughing like he was thoroughly enjoying the show. Matthew gathered his strength before speaking "Martin spare them and I will do anything you want."

Courage, Valour, Determination, Pride is not something one could show when their own loved ones are in danger of dying. Matthew was willing to do anything for the people he loved the people he wanted to protect even if that meant becoming someone else's dog. This was what it meant to live in reality.

But before Matthew could even finish a sentence more, Martin pierced the blade in his hand inside Remy's heart from behind.

No one was expecting this. Remy's eyes widened she wanted to speak but the mask on her mouth won't let the voice come out, in the end, she just struggled to the last bit to keep her eyes open to see Alex and her husband as long as possible for one last time.

Remy was no more!