An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“What?” Dustin became worried when the furnace exploded. He was so close to success. Why? Why had the furnace exploded? Had all his previous efforts gone to waste now?

“No… That’s impossible!” Dustin shook his head, sweat dripping uncontrollably. He was unwilling to believe he failed and refused to accept this outcome. He began to comb around the debris of the exploded furnace. He went through every piece and every fragment.

He searched through them like a wolf, searching for its prey, hungry and wild. Suddenly, he paused. Under all the debris and residue, he saw a hint of gold.

The shiny gold color shone through the residue surrounding it like a ray of light in the dark. It was eye-catching. After a brief pause, Dustin slowly reached out to dust the residue around it away.

Bit by bit, inch by inch, he removed every piece of debris and residue from it with his heart in his mouth. Finally, a perfect gold pill appeared before his very eyes.

The gold pill was crystal clear, and it shone beautifully. It sparkled like pure gold and had a pleasant, refreshing scent.

Dustin’s eyes

had succeeded in making the Longevitum. All the effort he had put in to collect all the herbs had

door open and held the Longevitum with both hands preciously. He walked out with a spring in his step. “Check this

downing several drinks, turned back to look at Dustin when he

the Longevitum could cure a person of Celestial Decay, it was just

he had little hope since the start. But now, looking at the golden pill in Dustin’s hands,

that we have the Longevitum, you should be cured of the Celestial Decay in no time. Try it.” Dustin handed

not rush things. Such a momentous event must be

hands together gleefully before rushing to the garden behind the medical center. With a hoe in

some time, he dug out three tightly-sealed bottles. Those were his treasured vodka that he had kept

“My precious, you have all waited long, haven’t you?” Gregory chuckled in delight as

bottles, a strong aroma of alcohol filled the room.