Chapter 109

After Dustin's identity was revealed, Duane ceased resisting. His eyes were lifeless, as if his soul had departed. Duane knew he was doomed; no one would, or dared, save him.

"Take him away!" Hunter ordered his men to bind Duane. Despite knowing the truth, Duane could never leave Azkaban; the only way out was to be carried out for cremation after death.

"Stop! What are you doing? Leave that man alone!"

At that moment, Oliver appeared with two female bodyguards, approaching aggressively. He hadn't initially intended to intervene, but Duane's incompetence—how could he lose the fight?—forced Oliver's hand. Duane was still useful; Oliver had to ensure his safety before acquiring the gemiphen.

"This is none of your concern. Don't interfere," Hunter warned coldly.

"Too bad, I insist. What are you going to do about it?" Oliver swaggered, hands in his pockets, toward Dustin.

"Are you one of Duane's men?" Dustin asked nonchalantly.

"Duane? With his abilities, he's merely my underling! However, I have a business deal with him. Without my permission, no one takes him. Release him immediately, while I'm still being nice!" Oliver retorted proudly, nose in the air.

"And if I refuse?" Dustin asked.

"Refuse? Punk, don't you know who I am? Who my father is? How dare you talk back to me? Are you looking for death?" Oliver glared contemptuously.

"I couldn't care less about you or your father. Best you stay out of this and let us deal with Duane," Dustin replied nonchalantly.

"You've gone mad! Emma, Anna! Break this punk's legs! Let's see if he can maintain that condescending tone while kneeling!" Oliver smirked.

"Yes, sir!" The two bodyguards rushed toward Dustin.

Flanking him, they poised to strike his knees, intending to incapacitate him. They hesitated not in carrying out Oliver's orders. But Dustin didn't hold back. He moved first, slapping both women across the cheek. They staggered back, stunned by the force of the blow.

"You!" Cradling their swollen cheeks, they tried to draw their swords. Before they could, Dustin kicked them in the stomach and slapped them on the other cheek. The bodyguards teetered, stars circling their heads.

"Punk, you'll be taught a lesson! How dare you sneak attack?" Oliver burned with anger, rushing forward to punch Dustin. He was clearly a martial artist; his fists were fast, precise, and accurate. However, Dustin was unimpressed. He caught Oliver's fist, twisting it. Oliver's arm dislocated with a scream. Before Oliver could recover his breath, Dustin punched him in the abdomen. Oliver was thrown back several feet, landing heavily on his back, vomiting.

"Sir!" Seeing Oliver injured, the bodyguards anxiously rushed to defend him.

"Kill him! Kill him now!" Oliver roared, clutching his stomach, his face ferocious.

"No mercy for those who hurt our boss!" The bodyguards drew their swords, preparing to attack.

"Nobody moves!" Hunter shouted, drawing his gun. The bodyguards froze, startled, not daring to move.

"Bastard! Don't you know who I am? How dare you point a gun at me?" Oliver stood, face livid. "I'm Oliver Williams, a member of the Boulderthorn Guild. My father is the second-in-command!"

"Boulderthorn Guild?"

Hunter's expression turned serious at the revelation. As the best guild in the South, Boulderthorn held significant influence in Swinton. Even Edwin, Swinton's wealthiest man, was only a regular member, showcasing the guild's power.

"Scared?" Oliver cackled mockingly as everyone remained silent. "Now that you know who you're up against, kneel and beg forgiveness! Otherwise, I'll slaughter you and your entire family!"

What use were guns or fighting skills compared to the Boulderthorn Guild's backing? A single word could crush them like ants—the power of influence and authority.

"Boulderthorn, is it?" Dustin remained unfazed by Oliver's threat. "What if I kill all three of you right now? No one would know what happened."

"Kill me? How dare you!" Oliver's eyes widened. "If you touch a hair on my head, your body will be blown to pieces!"

"Since you threatened my family, what's to fear? An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," Dustin shrugged nonchalantly.

Dustin's words made Oliver recoil in fear; he was unprepared for a fight and the possible consequences.

"I'll remember this, punk! I'm not done with you!" With the situation unfavorable, Oliver and his bodyguards fled. A wise man didn't fight when the odds were stacked against him; his noble status wasn't worth risking his life.

"Mr. Anderson, what do you know about Boulderthorn?" Dustin asked, gaze following them.

"The Boulderthorn Guild has expanded rapidly. Their martial arts reputation makes them the best guild in the South. Their members are widespread, allowing for far-reaching influence. I heard they plan to open a branch in Swinton, and Mr. Williams was sent as a representative," Hunter reported quietly.

Dustin nodded, turning to leave. That person must have had something to do with the Boulderthorn Guild.