An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Aldric's gaze flickered from his blade, embedded in the sodden earth, to Dustin's calm form.

Suddenly, a wave of defeat washed over him. He had nurtured lofty ambitions of shining brightly, of making a mark at the Sacred Wrym Summit Combat Tournament. And now, it struck him hard that he had overestimated his abilities.

He understood that many others surpassed him in skill in this vast world. Despite his earnest endeavors, his modest talents and inflated ego proved futile.

The current outcome embodied this harsh truth. Despite pouring his heart into it, he couldn't land a single strike on Dustin, who effortlessly outmatched him.

This sobering realization left him struggling for composure, lost in the whirlpool of his emotions.

After a brief silence, Aldric relented, "Okay, you win. I admit defeat." He struggled to speak, the weight of his admission evident in his voice.

Dustin responded calmly, "Your skills are impressive. Among your peers, you're certainly exceptional."

Aldric had just showcased the prowess of a grandmaster martial artist, a remarkable achievement considering his age. It spoke volumes of his cultivation skill. Yet, it was clear that he and Dustin were not evenly matched.

or lose, I always accept the outcome with grace. But remember that I'll return to

he lost, his fighting spirit stayed strong. He was determined to train harder

as cocky, but you can't deny his skills. The way he handled that

for Aldric's attitude, she had to admit his

encountered Dustin. Despite

you could say he lost

entirely. Whatever he tried, Dustin effortlessly countered. They

his talent, he should be on the Legendary List, a figure of widespread

You just shared dinner, but now you're talking like Dustin's

acknowledged Dustin's strength, her previous

ideal candidate, regardless of his physical prowess or moral fiber," Crystal asserted. "We must acknowledge and

gifted as Dustin is like stumbling upon a gem. With his talent, he's sure to shine at the tournament. We're lucky to have crossed paths with him. We shouldn't let this