How dare Dustin kill Martial League members and defy a prime-level arrest warrant, even destroying the Bones family's Dragon Pendant! The news sent shockwaves through the assembled headquarters personnel.

"Such blatant disrespect for Mr. Bones! His arrogance...his confidence!" they whispered, aghast.

Timothy's rage boiled over. "He wants to die! Ten times over!" he spat.

"Mr. Snow, gather the branch's best fighters immediately. We proceed to the West family villa. I will personally capture Dustin Fox!" Timothy snarled, his teeth clenched. A sizable troop quickly assembled and marched toward the villa.

Outside the West family villa, Timothy signaled his men. "Surround the property. Prevent escape!"

The elite fighters fanned out, encircling the villa. Timothy and several others approached the entrance, where Lucius and his family awaited, seemingly expecting their arrival.

"I am Timothy Bones, Martial League Overseer. Where is the criminal, Dustin Fox? Hand him over!" Timothy bellowed.

"He's left," Lucius replied calmly.

Timothy and Elisa exchanged grim glances. "He escaped?" Elisa exclaimed, "He may escape this place, but not Lannopolis. The West family is close to Dustin. Round them all up and torture them; he'll return soon enough!"

"He hasn't escaped," Lucius corrected. "He's gone to the Sorensen family villa, west of the city. He said anyone looking for him could find him there."

Timothy frowned. "The Sorensen family villa?"

"A small, insignificant family in the west," someone added.

"What trick is he playing?" Timothy's face darkened, hesitation evident.

"Why fear him? We can flatten the Sorensen family villa!" Elisa urged, stoking the flames of Timothy's anger.

Timothy agreed, immediately ordering a move westward, leaving a contingent to seal off the West family villa, promising to settle the score later.

Meanwhile, at the Cain family villa, Victor received the news with unease. "What? The Sorensen family villa?" he questioned, muttering, "Dustin...using the Sorensens? I must see this. Perhaps that Fox kid can work miracles!"

That night, Dustin traveled westward, needing seven special ingredients to cure Irene. Using Hell Hall's influence, he'd procured five. He was personally collecting the sixth, located with the Sorensen family.

"The Sorensens are small, low-profile. Little is known about them, other than a long history here," a Hell Guard reported.

"They run a reputable apothecary, selling aged herbs, though their source remains unclear," the Guard added.

Dustin frowned. The Sorensens seemed unremarkable.