An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Dustin smiled, looking unfazed in the face of Krel and Jimmy's provocation. He readily agreed to the challenge, "Want a bet? Sure. I'll play along."

"Great! You've got guts. I can't wait to see you defeated!" Jimmy cackled aloud.

Dustin could have backed down. It might be humiliating, but at least he wouldn't have to risk his life. Jimmy couldn't believe that Dustin had agreed to the challenge—he essentially had a death wish.

"Dustin, don't!" Melissa's face fell when Dustin risked his life for the challenge. She advised, "A 50- thousand-pound cauldron is no joke. You'll be crushed if you can't support it. Please think it over!"

Dustin might look intimidating, but he was nothing more than an amateur who didn't hail from any established guild or sect. His capability would certainly fall short of Krel's. Taking on the challenge against Krel was just an act of self-destruction.

All she wanted was to befriend Dustin. Never had she thought that she'd get him into such trouble.

"Melissa, don't bother with him! He's too full of himself. Imagine challenging Krel! He's asking for it," Jimmy sneered.

"We're all martial artists here. We can always iron out any disagreements through discussion. Why do we have to resort to fighting?" Melissa shook her head with a tight frown.

from fighting if it was a friendly competition, which was commonplace in

to stop any form of fighting that involved the risk of death. Any

we got to teach arrogant guys like him a lesson! He deserved what

"But—"

raised his hand and cut her off, "Enough, Melissa. You're from Boulderthorn. You shouldn't speak up for an outsider. Since

a worried look at Dustin in an attempt to

worries for Krel. A 50-thousand-pound cauldron is a huge challenge for him," Dustin remarked with an unbothered

ignorant fool. Lifting a 5-=thousand-pound cauldron is a piece of cake for Krel. Open your eyes

lifting a 50-thousand-pound cauldron, but he believed that Krel could do it. After all, Krel wasn't appointed the chief

I'll make you regret your decision today,"

announced loudly,

to you." Unlike before, the judge didn't attempt to talk Krel

as an insider, the judge could tell that Krel was the real