An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

As Aldric wandered the streets, lost in contemplation, his mind was consumed by memories of his earlier duel with Dustin. Each replay brought a stark realization—the gap in their abilities was insurmountable.

Despite his relentless efforts, victory over Dustin seemed an elusive dream. No matter how many times he envisioned it, the outcome of their duel remained a bitter defeat.

As Aldric wandered through the winding streets, lost in his thoughts, the steady beat of his footsteps danced with the gentle splashes of water in the puddles. Amidst his contemplation, a feeling of unease crept over him.

Suddenly, he stopped and spotted a dark figure emerging at the far end of the road. Dressed in dark attire and carrying a long sword, the mysterious figure exuded an air of foreboding.

Even the rain seemed to avoid touching it, veering away as if repelled by an unseen force, leaving its attire miraculously dry.

Aldric's concern deepened as he confronted the mysterious figure, his brow furrowing. An eerie chill ran down his spine. "Who are you?" he asked.

The figure stayed calm, showing no emotion as it spoke. "I'm here for your life."

scoffed. "Think you

see," the figure retorted,

I can vent all this pent-up rage, and you're about

into a sharp blade in his hand. With the finesse of a grandmaster martial artist, anything

meet your end!" Aldric bellowed as he charged forward with his makeshift

figure said nothing, but their sword carved a path through the sodden earth as it gained

the Bloodfiery Rampage technique—First Stance: the Demon's

time to unleash his signature move. Leaping forward with a

as his blade descended, the mysterious figure retaliated with their own

foot, they shot upward like a shooting