An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Carter smirked while looking at the spear thrust toward him. With a swift motion, he faced the attack head-on with his sword.

Their weapons collided and created a shockwave of energy.

The waves rippled outward like a tide, and it caused their robes to flutter and their hair to stand on end.

Both combatants stood firm. They were locked in a tense standoff as neither was willing to back down.

Brandon gripped his spear with both hands as he channeled his true energy while he tried to overpower Carter with his strength. But no matter how hard Brandon pushed, Carter held his ground.

The spear clashed with the sword, and the two were locked in a fierce struggle.

The air crackled with bursts of energy as their weapons strained against each other.

"Hmm?" Brandon's brow furrowed with surprise.

As one of the top ten talents of the Celestial Alliance, he should have easily dominated his opponent in Group C. However, he hadn't anticipated this relatively unknown figure to match him so evenly.

"Celestial Glide!"

As Brandon realized he was losing ground, he swung his long spear and knocked Carter's sword aside. Then, he swiftly unleashed a fierce sweeping strike aimed at Carter's waist.

In the end, every inch mattered. The long spear's advantage lay in its wide-reaching attack range. It could strike before the opponent's sword closed in.

Brandon had made up his mind. Since he could not overpower Carter with sheer strength, he would rely on his marksmanship and extensive combat experience to defeat Carter.

As the spear swept toward him, Carter leaned back. He narrowly dodged the attack like a falling plank.

"Serpentine Evasion!"

initial strike missed, Brandon swiftly thrust his spear again and aimed toward Carter's chest.

react in time

As the spear came at him, he slammed his hand onto the ground and launched

ground and created a hole. As Carter regained his footing, he utilized the spear shaft

straight

eyes widened, and he instinctively took two steps back. Using his spear, he deflected Carter's attack.

at the sight.

happening? Why is

way! His opponent is just a nobody. Brandon can't be

begun. Brandon hasn't shown his true strength yet. I believe

the predictions have never failed us. Let's not freak out and just

left

watched with bated breath. They had expected Brandon's

up at a disadvantage after just a few exchanges

in this match?" Ruby asked nervously from her

all her celestial stones earlier. She knew that winning would bring a huge reward, but she also

It's just a minor hiccup and won't affect

part of being human. So, he figured Brandon might have been a little careless

defeating Carter would be a breeze once

ring, Brandon's expression turned grave. At first, he had underestimated Carter, but their recent exchange showed him that

away

I

paid the price. But I won't make that mistake again. Because

I'll be looking forward to it," Carter replied with

drew back his spear before thrusting forward with a mighty