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.

it’s done?” Dustin’s eyes

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

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

back to look at Dustin when he heard that. He

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

But now, looking at the golden

should be cured of the Celestial Decay in no time. Try it.” Dustin handed Gregory

things. Such a momentous event

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

out three tightly-sealed bottles. Those were his treasured vodka that he had kept hidden away. He

you have all waited long, haven’t you?” Gregory chuckled in

of alcohol filled the room. Gregory took