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.

and Dustin from fighting if it was a friendly competition, which

any form of fighting that involved the risk of death.

like him a lesson! He deserved

"But—"

speak up for an outsider. Since he's agreed to the bet, he'll either live

a loss for words. She cast a worried look at Dustin

your kind advice, Ms. Yondels, but save your worries for Krel. A 50-thousand-pound cauldron

is a piece of cake for Krel.

that Krel could do it. After all, Krel wasn't appointed the chief senior disciple

regret

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

you." Unlike before, the judge didn't attempt to talk Krel out of it. Instead, he

insider, the judge could tell that Krel