Chapter 161

"My father's skull?" Dustin stared at the skull in the wooden box, his face darkening. He hated nothing more than others using those close to him as leverage, even if it was the remains of family from long ago. He couldn't believe it. His father had died over twenty years ago, his body never found. How did Brennan Aquila, patriarch of the Aquila family, possess his skull?

"You don't believe me?" As if expecting Dustin's reaction, Brennan produced several photographs and tossed them at him. Dustin caught them. The pictures depicted a decapitated corpse, its face strikingly similar to his own—angry, shocked, eyes wide open. Dustin felt a gut punch. He never imagined his first glimpse of his father would be his mutilated remains. Rage surged.

"That's how your father died!" Brennan sneered. "Beheaded by a highly skilled swordmaster. The cut was clean, bloodless—only the most skilled in Lovellia could achieve it. With your sharp eyes, you can confirm if the skull's cut matches the photograph."

Dustin seethed. Brennan was right; a single glance confirmed the match. It was his father's skull.

"Brennan, why do you have Mr. Ash's skull? Where's the rest of his body?" Lucius demanded.

Brennan ignored him, fixing his gaze on Dustin. "Dustin Fox, last heir of the Fox family—you've accomplished much. No one expected a lone survivor to rise so high!" His tone turned venomous. "But avenging the Fox family is a fool's dream! I have your father's skull. Obey me, or I'll crush it, ensuring his body remains forever incomplete!" Brennan laughed. He hadn't felt confident, but Dustin's murderous glare confirmed his assumption: Dustin desired his father's body to be whole.

"Brennan, you despicable bastard! Ungrateful thug! May you burn in hell!" Lucius roared.

Chapter 161 (continued)

"Every man for himself! Look what your foolish loyalty did to the West family! Think you can rise again clinging to Dustin? Pathetic! Keep dreaming!" Brennan mocked. Lucius's face reddened with rage. "Dustin, cripple yourself, send your sovereign-grade fighter away, then await my punishment!" Brennan snatched the skull from the box, shouting, "Don't even try to take it! No matter how fast your fighter is, I can destroy this skull faster!"

The West family members were furious, but Brennan was right. No sovereign-grade fighter could outrun the laws of physics.

Dustin's face was an icy mask as he stared at Brennan.

"Well? Don't do it, and I'll crush your father's skull!" Brennan threatened.

"You have a death wish…" Dustin said indifferently, advancing towards him.

"What are you doing?! Stay back! One more step, and I crush this skull!" Brennan panicked.

Dustin ignored him, continuing his advance. Brennan's face darkened; he hadn't expected this.