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.

fighting if it was a friendly competition, which was

to stop any form of fighting that involved the risk of death. Any slip-up would cost them

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.

for words. She cast a worried look at Dustin in an attempt to convince him

A 50-thousand-pound cauldron is a huge challenge for

5-=thousand-pound cauldron is a piece of cake for

but he believed that Krel could do it. After all, Krel wasn't appointed the chief senior disciple of Forsakenstriders for

I'll make you regret your decision today,"

made his way to the 50-thousand-pound cauldron and announced loudly, "I will take up the challenge of lifting the 50-thousand-pound

judge didn't attempt to talk Krel out of it. Instead, he merely nodded with a

an insider, the judge could