"What happened?" Mark woke up to find everyone acting strangely and questioned Timothy.

With a grim expression, Timothy gestured toward the pathway. Mark looked and was shocked by the person at its end. "He… made it?" he asked Timothy incredulously.

Timothy could only nod helplessly. He'd sent word to Mark's family, who'd dispatched him. He hadn't expected much; he simply wanted Dustin to fail in his attempt to break his record. Mark himself hadn't even managed the fifth step, falling short of his family's initial record. Timothy had spread the word to attract strong martial artists, hoping to prevent Dustin from mastering Apollo's ultimate technique. Yet, against all odds, Dustin had succeeded.

Timothy's face burned with indignation. They were roughly the same age, but before Dustin's feat, Timothy's genius status had been a joke. A long silence ensued.

Dustin stood at the pathway's end, eyes half-closed. Completing the path had significantly improved his skills. Apollo's markings contained profound martial arts techniques, allowing Dustin to learn his ultimate technique. Howard was visibly pleased.

Metal Mask glanced at Ace. Dustin's success and Metal Mask's failed ambush meant they needed to leave. Understanding the implication, Ace immediately attacked Howard. Howard easily deflected the attack, but Metal Mask used the opportunity to flee.

Dustin's face hardened. With a whoosh, he charged after Metal Mask like a cannonball, vowing not to spare him. Metal Mask, a Martial Saint, might be a key figure in the Fox family's destruction.

Even after Dustin disappeared, the martial artists remained stunned, discussing his achievement. Howard's face darkened as he pursued Metal Mask.

From the floor, Mark took a pill, regaining his color. Standing, he declared to Timothy, "The surviving Fox descendant insulted our pride. We must kill him!" and departed. Timothy sneered. Even if Dustin was talented, he was still young and not that strong. Mark, he was sure, would kill him.

Metal Mask and Ace fled toward the mountains beyond the Sorensen family villa. Dustin followed slowly. Days of practicing the Fox family's martial arts had elevated his abilities beyond those of a typical martial artist, his speed exceeding the two men ahead. However, he didn't rush to intercept them; he trailed them, aiming to locate their organization and eliminate them all at once. Despite Lucas's warning in his letter about the Fox family's powerful enemies—enemies even Lucas felt helpless against—Dustin was determined to try.

Metal Mask seemed to anticipate Dustin's plan and spoke to Ace. They split up.

Dustin narrowed his eyes. Without his Hell Guards, he couldn't effectively pursue both. He chose to ignore Ace and continue chasing Metal Mask.