Chapter 174

Dustin's surprise was mirrored by a drastic shift in Metal Mask's expression. This was no ordinary man; he was the Master of the Order of the Divine Hall. Their eyes met; the air crackled with unspoken tension.

"Beyond sovereign grade," Metal Mask uttered coldly.

"Likewise," Dustin replied with equal indifference.

Metal Mask frowned, reeling in disbelief. As the Order's Master, he transcended the sovereign grade—a realm beyond the dreams of others. He'd been startled enough to intervene personally when he first learned that Lucas's sole student had reached the sovereign grade. But this reality was far more terrifying. Dustin hadn't merely achieved the sovereign grade; he had surpassed it! This level at this age… this has never happened in three centuries of Lovellia's martial arts history! Metal Mask thought, a suffocating wave of killing intent surging through his chest.

Lucas's student was far too dangerous. Who could predict his power in a few short years? For the first time, Metal Mask felt true fear. He couldn't let Dustin live.

"I'll kill you!"

With that single word, Metal Mask charged, his murderous intent palpable. But Dustin remained unfazed, meeting the charge with a spiteful glare. He noted a familiar aura surrounding Metal Mask—the same as the assassins who had targeted Hansel and the Torell siblings two days prior. There was no doubt: this man was from the organization that had destroyed the Fox family. Their feud would be settled here.

Boom!

Their clash in the courtyard sent shockwaves rippling like a storm, forcing the surrounding elite martial artists to scramble back in panic. It was carnage unlike anything they'd witnessed; even the aftershocks made their legs tremble uncontrollably.

Victor, eyes glued to the fight, was drenched in cold sweat. The raw power left no doubt: either combatant could crush him like an ant. "I've only been out of the martial world for a few years… how did it come to this?" Victor murmured, his face ashen.

Two fighters of unparalleled power had emerged, one of them a young boy.

"That masked man looks strong," Bianca murmured, hope gleaming in her eyes as she watched the battle. Killing Dustin would be perfect; even crippling him would suffice.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

In the courtyard, Dustin and Metal Mask retreated a few paces, evenly matched once more. Dustin frowned, rolling back his sleeve to reveal a hoop on his wrist. He'd removed the hoop from his other hand when he killed Lord Barbenheim. It was time for this one to come off as well.

"Dad… forgive me," Dustin muttered quietly before removing the hoop.

The hoop fell to the ground.

Boom!

A sound like a boulder smashing into the earth echoed, leaving everyone stunned and numb. "What… what's that?" one of the elite martial artists stammered, trembling.

A nuclear weapon?

Terror gripped Victor's heart. Moments ago, he'd almost dared to challenge this young man.

Metal Mask's eyes narrowed in shock. Was this still not Dustin's limit?

Before he could contemplate further, a gust of wind roared.

Whoosh!

Dustin moved like lightning, instantly before Metal Mask. Before the latter could react, Dustin's fist hurtled toward him. Metal Mask barely managed to raise his arms in defense.

A thunderous explosion followed as Metal Mask was sent flying backward, crashing through a massive tree and into the Cain family villa's high walls, disappearing into the rubble.

The elite martial artists of Lannopolis were frozen, mouths agape in disbelief. Dustin, killing intent surging, strode forward without hesitation.