An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Three Frost Needles streaked through the night sky, each carrying a biting cold as they targeted Dustin's upper, middle, and lower vital pressure points.

"Hmm?" Dustin frowned and immediately raised his sword to block.

The three needles struck the sword and instantly exploded into clouds of frost. Upon contact with the frost, the sword was immediately encased in ice.

Simultaneously, a biting cold followed the frozen blade, spreading rapidly along his arm. In the blink of an eye, his hand holding the sword was frozen solid.

"Frost Needle?" Dustin's face darkened as his mystical pure energy surged within him.

The icy mist around him quickly dissipated, and cracks formed on his frozen arm. With a shiver, the ice on his arm swiftly broke apart, reverting it to its normal state.

Fortunately, he managed to avoid a direct hit from the Frost Needle. If it had struck him, it would have significantly damaged his body's functions.

Despite his considerable strength, such an injury would have been severe. For someone less resilient, it could have been fatal or turned them into an ice sculpture.

It was evident that the assailant had intended to kill him.

Dustin shifted his focus away from the beastly Predator toward the direction of the voice.

On a nearby rooftop, a figure was sprinting toward Dustin. As the figure drew closer, he paused and leaped into the air gracefully, gliding like a bird before lightly landing 30 feet away from Dustin.

Dustin looked closely and saw an elderly man with white hair. The elderly man was slender and dressed in elegant attire. His eyes were sharp as a hawk and exuded an intimidating presence.

"Who are you?" Dustin asked coldly.

"I'm Acheron Wood, an elder of the Celestial Alliance," the elderly man with white hair replied. He stood proudly with his hands behind his back.

Wood?" Dustin's eyes narrowed

one of the top elders of the Celestial Alliance, ranking

for his arrogance and quick temper. Despite his strength and

of the Celestial Alliance? I didn't expect

Elder Wood on our side,

actions. It doesn't seem like he's

sparked a flurry of

Vincent's murder, it would be expected for the Celestial

from killing

over this beast to me, and you can walk away," Acheron said in a

over? Why should

frowned. "What?

elder of the Celestial Alliance,

a reason," Dustin

an elder of the Celestial Alliance, I've got some power and influence. Let's face it, I'm stronger than you. Is that reason

sounds like you're just trying to assert yourself," Dustin said with a faint

am? If you're smart, you'll hand over that beast to me. Otherwise, don't blame me for

the night was young and full of surprises. If they continued to delay, things would likely take a turn for the

really don't appreciate being threatened. If you had approached me differently, I might

at me, using sneak attacks with those Frost Needles. No matter what you say now, I'm not giving the beast to

in the face!" Acheron said. His expression hardened as he prepared to take

else, he quickly moved his sleeve. Then, three Frost

Dustin stood his ground. He raised his sword and