Chapter 175

Complete silence descended upon the Cain family villa. Dustin and Metal Mask's brutal, intense combat had shaken everyone to their core. When Dustin's ferocious strike sent Metal Mask flying, the crowd shuddered. That punch, had it landed on any of them, would have been instantly fatal.

Metal Mask lay motionless amidst the rubble. Dustin, his face impassive, sprinted from the villa. He swept his palm across the debris burying Metal Mask, scattering it with ease, only to find the space beneath empty.

"I released the suppression; I couldn't control my strength… I let him escape," he muttered in displeasure. Metal Mask was clearly connected to the assassins who had slaughtered the Aquila family—a sovereign-grade assassin, a key figure. His capture and interrogation would have yielded invaluable information. Dustin hadn't expected his opponent to flee so readily upon realizing he was outmatched.

"They'll surely come again," he thought. He knew the organization was powerful and relentless. This wasn't the end.

After a brief pause, he returned to the courtyard. The elite martial artists glared at him with hostility and judgment.

"You've got nerve coming back!" one accused, sneering. "Why didn't you run?"

They had expected him to flee.

"Didn't you want to judge me?" Dustin retorted, his voice sharp and mocking. "What more tricks do you have? Bring them on."

He looked at Victor. "Strongest fighter in Lannopolis, huh? Weren't you going to make a move? Come on then!"

Victor's face paled.

"This brat's arrogance is boundless! Teach him a lesson, Mr. Cain!" someone roared.

"Exactly! If he isn't punished, all martial artists in Lannopolis will be humiliated!"

"He's a criminal with blood on his hands! Justice demands his downfall! Mr. Cain, please punish him!"

The elite martial artists clamored for Dustin's blood, demanding Victor crush him. Victor's face darkened with each accusation.

Chapter 175 (Continued)

Inwardly, Victor cursed these self-righteous elites. Hadn't they witnessed the terrifying battle? His villa had nearly been destroyed! These sub-sovereign martial artists couldn't comprehend the power displayed, but Victor saw it clearly. Those two fighters were far beyond anyone he'd ever encountered. He could dominate Lannopolis, but against them, his martial arts were meaningless.

That single punch that sent Metal Mask flying… had it struck Victor, he would be dead.

He stood silently, his face stony.

"Mr. Cain, you are a paragon of virtue and strength, a pillar of righteousness in Lannopolis. If you stand idly by, the vengeful spirits of the Aquila family will never find peace!" Bianca cried, her voice heavy with grief. Her words were a thinly veiled attempt to manipulate Victor.

Victor glared at Bianca, silencing her fear. He then turned to Dustin.

"The Aquila family massacre is no trivial matter," he said gravely. "We must uncover the truth. No innocent person shall be wronged, nor shall any criminal be spared." The crowd murmured agreement.

"Dustin," Victor continued, "the evidence points to you. But surely you had your reasons. Speak. Tell me why you did what you did." The crowd froze in shock.

Was he… giving Dustin a chance? It seemed reasonable, yet oddly out of place.

Dustin smirked, his mocking gaze fixed on Victor.

(The "Today's Bonus Offer" section should be removed as it's not part of the text to be cleaned up.)