The middle-aged man hadn't dared to imagine it, yet the mere possibility thrilled him. Watching Dustin approach, Ignatius felt a chilling terror.

"Members of the Martial League! Will you stand by while the Harmon family is slaughtered?" he cried. The middle-aged man sighed and stepped forward. "Dustin Fox, stop right there!"

The shout commanded the room's attention.

"Hmm?" Dustin turned, raising an eyebrow as he surveyed the middle-aged man and his companions. The man possessed an exceptional bearing, standing apart from the typical fighters. His entourage, too, exuded unusual power. They were clearly exceptional.

"Who are you?" Dustin asked icily.

"I am Zion Larson, Grayvale's Martial League branch leader," the middle-aged man replied. "Dustin Fox, you murdered Patrick Harmon, the Harmon family's grandson, and now you threaten to kill others at Mr. Harmon's birthday banquet. You've violated one of Lovellia's Martial League's Ten Sins. As Grayvale's branch leader, I cannot allow this," Zion declared righteously. "It is the sacred duty of the Martial League to uphold justice and peace in Grayvale!"

Zion's intervention reassured the guests; Ignatius breathed a sigh of relief. Zion, one of Grayvale's few ninth-grade fighters, held significant power as branch leader. He was the highest authority present and could likely defeat Dustin.

Seeing the self-righteous Martial League members, Dustin's face hardened. He regarded them mockingly.

"Defending justice and peace, huh?" he scoffed, erupting into laughter. "Where were you twenty years ago when Ignatius Harmon stormed the Fox family villa, slaughtering everyone? Where were you when my family's blood flowed like a river, when our home was destroyed, when dozens died violently? Where were you when those same murderers seized our villa and desecrated the remains of my family?"

Dustin's words stunned them.

"You..." The Martial League members paled, speechless. Zion looked shocked.

"The Fox family tragedy remains unsolved. If any leads emerge, we will investigate and keep you informed," he stammered, unsure what else to say. He knew the case's complexities; he'd wanted to investigate but had been overwhelmed by a flood of increasingly high-ranking orders, culminating in a royal decree. He'd been forced to abandon the investigation.

Dustin remained impassive. He'd never trusted these so-called defenders of justice.

"Dustin, you cannot kill Ignatius Harmon," Zion said gravely. "If the Harmon family is harmed, the General of the West will be furious and attack Grayvale. You cannot withstand the consequences!"

Dustin smirked disdainfully, seizing Ignatius by the neck, prepared to kill him.

"Hmph! We won't allow this!" Zion attacked, his strike powerful, a gust of wind ruffling Dustin's hair and clothes. The Martial League was tasked with controlling fighters, and the Harmon family's standing demanded his intervention. He felt confident he could resolve the situation.

Dustin's gaze turned cold and impatient.

"Get lost!"

Before Zion could react, Dustin moved, his strike leaving Zion reeling from the impact.