Chapter 75

“Who are you?” Stephan’s face was frozen in terror, his body slumped on the ground. His trembling voice held no trace of arrogance. He had been soundly beaten after only three attacks, a stark demonstration of their disparate abilities. How could someone with such devastating power remain unknown in a small place like Swinton?

“I’ll be honest with you. I’m Fletcher Lawson, and Liam and Noah were my apprentices!” Fletcher said coldly.

“What? You are Mr. Lawson of Klesbridge?” Stephan was dumbfounded. Fletcher’s reputation as a martial artist preceded him. He was not only one of Klesbridge’s most prominent fighters but also a master of poison, capable of eliminating someone without a trace. His mere presence was enough to chill the blood.

“You seem to have heard of me!” Fletcher sneered.

Stephan’s face turned ashen when Fletcher revealed his identity. Had he known Fletcher was involved, he would never have accepted the task. Fletcher was not someone to be trifled with; crossing him was an invitation to death.

“Who will fight in the last round?” Edwin asked loudly.

Natasha’s men exchanged silent glances. If Mr. Chapman couldn’t land a blow, the rest would be easily annihilated. No one dared volunteer; it was a death sentence.

“Sis, what shall we do? Are we going to lose?” Ruth was fraught with anxiety. Who could possibly contend with such overwhelming power?

“Punk! Are you game to fight me?” Fletcher’s gaze, brimming with hatred and anger, fell upon Dustin.

“Why not?” Dustin replied with a careless smile.

As he started toward the ring, Ruth pulled him back. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m going to accept his challenge,” Dustin answered.

“Accept his challenge? Do you know how to fight?” Ruth asked suspiciously.

“A little,” Dustin nodded.

“And you dare accept his challenge when you’re bad at fighting? Are you attempting suicide?” Ruth exclaimed in frustration. “Do you know who that is? Fletcher Lawson is a formidable opponent. Foolhardiness will be your destruction!”

“Don’t worry, I can handle it,” Dustin smiled. He appreciated Ruth’s concern, despite her sharp words.

“Bullshit!” Ruth glared. “What’s the use of you fighting when Mr. Chapman couldn’t even defend himself?”

Stung by Ruth’s indirect insult, Stephan chimed in sarcastically, “Don’t overestimate yourself, punk! If you can’t even defeat me, fighting Mr. Lawson is impossible!”

“My defeat doesn’t mean I have absolutely no chance,” Dustin said calmly.

“Youngsters like you will be the death of me! Do you think so highly of your abilities?” Stephan was annoyed by his impudence.

“Well, just wait and see,” Dustin replied, offering no further explanation.

“Dustin, are you really sure?” Natasha spoke up.

“I think I’ll be fine,” Dustin nodded.

“Alright, give it a go, but admit defeat if you have to. Your life is of utmost importance,” Natasha smiled, granting her permission.

“Sis, are you joking? Are you really going to send Dustin to his death?” Ruth couldn’t believe her ears.

“Ms. Harmon! Your entire fortune is on the line. If this punk loses, you will lose everything!” Stephan was equally anxious.

“I believe in Dustin,” Natasha said with finality. She had complete confidence in him.

“Enough with the small talk! I’m going to send you to hell!” Fletcher shouted impatiently. He was eager to get his hands on Dustin.

Dustin ignored Fletcher’s taunts and silently approached him. Given Edwin’s request for Dustin’s presence, revenge was clearly the motive. Dustin had no qualms about fulfilling it.

“This is awful! He’s going to die!” Ruth stamped her foot in frustration.

“Ms. Harmon has been taken in by this punk’s overconfidence. What a pity!” Stephan shook his head, clearly not expecting Dustin to return unharmed.

“Punk! Was it you who killed my apprentices?” Fletcher glared with hostility.

“To be accurate, they both committed suicide,” Dustin answered carelessly. Noah had killed himself rather than provide Dustin with information. Liam, on the other hand, had attacked Dustin but died from the recoil of his own attack. It was fair to say they killed themselves.

“You still dare deny it at this last moment? Today, I exact revenge for my apprentices’ deaths!” Fletcher’s face twisted with hatred.

“Sure, that depends on your abilities,” Dustin remained unaffected by Fletcher’s threats.

“Arrogant punk! I’m going to wipe you from the face of the earth!” Fletcher roared. He concentrated his force, sprinting toward Dustin with lightning-fast speed, causing large cracks to appear on the ground.

“That’s crazy!” Stephan exclaimed in awe. Fletcher hadn’t even revealed his full strength against him earlier!

“Go to hell!” Fletcher unleashed a powerful punch at Dustin’s face. The force of the blow created a swirling torrent of energy, sending debris flying. Everyone stepped back to avoid injury.

Just when everyone thought the outcome was decided, Dustin moved. He slowly extended his arm and delivered a firm slap to Fletcher’s cheek. A loud cracking noise echoed with the impact.

Fletcher was flung several yards like a rag doll, crashing into a wall and creating a deep crater.

Silence descended as everyone stared, dumbfounded, at the extraordinary turn of events.