At that moment, Timothy was utterly exhausted, devoid of energy. "What a terrifying knife!" he muttered, still reeling from fear. He finally understood the horror and danger of the pathway.

"It's your turn, kid," Howard said.

Dustin walked onto the path with confidence. Elisa and Timothy watched his feet, hoping to see him scream and suffer a fate as bad, or worse, than Timothy's. Yet, Dustin moved steadily, showing no distress. He took a first step, then a second, and a third.

Timothy gritted his teeth, his nails digging into his palms. The difference between their experiences was stark. He, so conceited, had been repelled and injured after a single step, while Dustin had easily taken three. They were clearly not on the same level.

Howard observed Dustin's progress with approval. After three steps, Dustin frowned slightly, but continued to his fourth, fifth, and sixth steps. He paused only at the seventh, standing halfway across.

Timothy's anger overwhelmed him; he fainted. Hidden in the darkness, Victor was astonished. "Seven steps... He actually made it to seven steps!" His emotions were in turmoil. He himself had been flung from the pathway after only two steps, much like Timothy. He knew that reaching the third step was a feat only achieved by the greatest sovereign-grade fighters; those who went further were in a league of their own. Dustin had taken seven!

Victor knew that if this news spread, Lovellia's martial world would be shaken. Seven steps didn't seem to be Dustin's limit; the ease with which he'd taken them suggested he could reach the eighth. Beyond that, no one knew.

"Sir, may I ask the greatest number of steps anyone has ever managed?" Dustin asked, turning back.

"Ten. Only one person has ever achieved it," Howard replied with a smile.

Dustin nodded, then let out a low sound. He could go further, but sensed danger. He immediately turned back, showing no hesitation. Howard and Victor were both surprised.

"Why didn't you try to go further?" Howard asked, confused.

"I'm not in the best condition today; I've used much of my pure energy healing someone. I'll try again in three days, after the treatment is complete," Dustin replied calmly. He had already obtained the ingredient he sought.

"In that case, I welcome you back in three days," Howard said, beaming. He sent someone to retrieve the ingredient from the Sorensen family's stores.

After receiving it, Dustin left without another word, unhindered by the Martial League's men. Timothy lay in a coma, and Elisa, having no choice, took him home to recover.

"We might witness a miracle in three days!" Howard mused, anticipating the day to come.