"General Sweeney, you…" Richard stared, flabbergasted. His face hardened.

Everyone present was shocked. They hadn't expected a three-star general, a man of such power, to simply kneel before Dustin. Moments before, he'd been adamant about bombing the West family villa, determined to kill them all. The sudden shift in his demeanor was baffling.

Unbeknownst to them, Nathan wrestled with conflicting emotions.

"Nathan Sweeney, Hydrus of the Seventy-Two Constellations of Star Tower, reporting to Master Fox!" Nathan announced, saluting Dustin from the floor.

Dustin frowned. "Oh, you're part of Star Tower?" He hadn't imagined Nathan was a member of the Seventy-Two Constellations. Star Tower, while not boasting the sheer numbers of other top organizations, comprised formidable individuals, including the Seventy-Two Constellations and the Thirty-Six Nebulae.

"Thanks to my teacher's recommendation, I joined Star Tower and became one of the Seventy-Two Constellations," Nathan said fearfully. "I didn't know you were the master. I acted disrespectfully; I'm truly sorry. Please forgive me!"

He bowed low, not daring to look up. Star Tower's strict rules held paramount importance; offending a superior was the gravest sin. Nathan had threatened the master—akin to treason. Dustin could order his death. As powerful as he was as a three-star general, within Star Tower, he was merely one of the Seventy-Two Constellations, beneath the Thirty-Six Nebulae and the Four Celestial Kings. Terror gripped him.

Beside him, Richard's eyes widened in disbelief. His expression transformed drastically. As police commissioner, he knew Star Tower's power. Who in Lovellia didn't? It was a symbol of unparalleled strength and status, entry requiring exceptional qualifications—qualifications he lacked. The revelation that this seemingly ordinary young man was Star Tower's master left him reeling. He panicked, frozen in fear and indecision.

The West family members were equally stunned. They’d only suspected Dustin's exceptional nature; this far surpassed their expectations.

Silence descended upon the living room. Tension hung heavy in the air.

"Master Fox, please spare Nathan, for my sake," Howard pleaded.

Dustin raised a hand. "Sir, you needn't. Since you asked, I'll respect your request." He respected Howard, a Martial Saint. While remaining silent, he wanted to understand Nathan's importance to Howard. Had Nathan been less significant, Dustin would have killed him for threatening him and surrounding the West family villa.

"Thank you!" Howard bowed.

"Thank you for your mercy, Master Fox! Sir, thank you!" Nathan bowed to both Dustin and Howard.

Dustin declared, "You've escaped death, but you will still be punished—fifty lashes."

Nathan was immensely grateful. Fifty lashes were nothing; his training with Howard had made him an eighth-grade fighter. They would barely scratch him.

"Myst, carry out the punishment," Dustin instructed.