Chapter 184

After sending Ruth home, Dustin returned to the Peaceful Medical Center. He frowned upon entering; the place looked ransacked. It was a mess. Boxes of medicine lay scattered everywhere, and Dahlia, rushing about, was drenched in sweat.

“Diarhica… where did he put the Diarhica?” she mumbled, prescription in hand.

After searching, she spotted a box of Diarhica in a high medicine cabinet. Unable to reach it, she stepped onto a stool.

“What are you doing?” Dustin asked coldly.

Startled, Dahlia lost her balance. Dustin instinctively caught her before she fell. He felt as if he were holding something precious; a pleasant scent wafted to his nostrils. After steadying her, he immediately released her.

“You’re back already?” Dahlia asked, her expression brightening briefly before she composed herself. “Where did you go in the middle of the night? Why didn’t you answer my calls?”

“I went out for a while and didn’t check my phone. What are you doing here?” Dustin replied indifferently, assuming she wouldn't have sought him out.

“I happened to see Mr. Jones passed out at the entrance and helped him inside,” Dahlia explained.

“Passed out? What happened?” Dustin frowned.

“I heard his house was ransacked. He was severely injured fighting off the thieves. You should see him,” Dahlia urged.

Dustin immediately complied. He found Gregory Jones pale and lying on a bed. A pool of contaminated blood sat in the steel basin beneath. Checking his pulse, Dustin frowned; Gregory’s Celestial Decay was worsening, faster than expected.

“You’re back already, kid?” Gregory asked, slowly opening his eyes with a nonchalant expression. “I guess this condition’s back, but Dahlia gave me some medicine, so I should be fine.”

“What the hell happened here?” Dustin asked, his brows furrowed. He’d placed seals on Gregory to curb his Celestial Decay, but they were loosened, indicating Gregory had used his true energy.

“A few thugs arrived, blabbering about arresting you and taking the Gozoraberry. I refused, beat them up, and they fled. But I used my true energy, reopening old wounds. I really don’t know what to say!” Gregory huffed. He lamented his age; ten years ago, he could have easily dealt with them.

“Before they fled, they left a note,” Gregory added, producing a blood-stained sheet of paper.

Dustin gasped after reading it: “Meet me at the Horst Dojo at 10 pm! Bring the Gozoraberry. If you don’t show up, we’ll get rid of your entire family!”

He crumpled the paper. It was clearly the Horst family. He didn’t want trouble, but since they started it…

“Good thing Dahlia came through. I’d be in serious danger!” Gregory sighed. His internal injuries were bad; Dahlia’s treatment saved him.

“Thanks,” Dustin mumbled, looking at Dahlia with a complex expression.

“You’re welcome. Mr. Jones has always been good to me,” Dahlia replied, wiping sweat. “But I have to go. Please take care of Gregory.”

“Where are you going?” Dahlia frowned.

“To get my revenge!” Dustin declared.

That night, in the commander’s room at South City’s military headquarters, a handsome young general analyzed battle formations on a sand table. Several female lieutenants stood guard. Their gazes were filled with admiration; he was the youngest commander of Dragonmarsh, known as the rising star of the Spanner family alongside the Goddess of War, Scarlet Spanner. Not yet thirty, he commanded hundreds of thousands of troops, won countless battles, and was worthy of the title God of War. He was the “National Warrior.”

His phone rang—an unfamiliar number. He raised an eyebrow.

“Hello, is this Adam Spanner?” a familiar voice asked.

“Who are you? How dare you…” Adam froze, swallowing his words. After a pause, he managed, “Well, well, well, Mr. Troublemaker. I thought you died in a ditch. I even visited your grave every year.”

“Stop talking shit. I need you to do something,” Dustin snapped.

“Hey, watch your tone! I command an army, not some mafia character you can beat up!” Adam whispered.

“Oh, so what do you want me to do?” Dustin taunted.

“Give me more respect! When you ask, butter me up a little,” Adam said, dusting his shoulder pads. He was still arrogant.

“Forget it. I’ll find someone else,” Dustin spat, not in the mood for games.

“D-don’t hang up!” Adam said, startled, then smiled. “Can’t you take a joke? You know, you can just tell me anything!”

“You’re the commander… how could I trouble you? I’ll find someone else,” Dustin trailed off.

“No need! It would be an honor! Consider it a favor to me! Please give me a chance; I promise to do a good job!” Adam begged, panicked. He’d waited so long for this chance.

“Ha! Since you’re begging, I’ll give you a chance,” Dustin said, sensing his sincerity.

“Thanks!” Adam grinned.

The female officers stared in disbelief. Was this their stoic commander? Who was on the other end of the phone? How did they make him so meek?