An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Outside the tavern, the martial arts experts led by Luke lay sprawled on the ground. Many were either dead or wounded.

Amidst the aftermath, only Abigail stood unscathed.

The effectiveness of the Phantom Blooms had surpassed her expectations. She even contemplated further trades with the Dawson Clan for additional hidden weapons.

After all, traded weapons often held unexpected surprises.

Luke, sprawling on the ground, struggled to speak. "Troublemaker! You... you're despicable!"

His resilience was remarkable despite being pierced by countless poisoned needles.

"You're still alive?" Abigail raised an eyebrow and was surprised that he survived.

He was just three feet away when the Phantom Blooms unleashed its barrage of poisoned needles. At that range, he should have been gravely injured.

For anyone else, it would have likely been a fatal blow. Yet, despite his severe injuries and immobility, Luke displayed astonishing resilience.

"Without your cowardly ambush with hidden weapons, would you even stand a chance against me?" His tone dripped with bitterness and defiance.

"Even on death's doorstep, your defiance remains. I can't help but wonder what thoughts swirl in your stubborn head." Abigail approached and looked at him condescendingly.

She added coldly, "In the past, you would have met your end by now. But today, I'm feeling generous. I'll offer you a chance. Kneel before me, beg for mercy, and perhaps I'll consider sparing your pathetic life. What do you say?"

Luke spat in response, and the glob landed on her clothes. "Whether you aim to kill or maim, it's your call. But if I hesitate today, they won't see me as their hero anymore!"

Abigail glanced at the spittle staining her clothes. She frowned briefly before regaining her composure. "If death is what you seek, then I'll grant it."

the air and landed

my wrath!" Luke's final words

with his eyes wide open and his face frozen in a

the survivors. Before she could speak, they fell to their knees

Grand Sorceress,

it for the money. We have no vendetta against the Mystic Arts Order.

were battered, and their movements were sluggish

of survival was to beg for mercy. Otherwise, they could

completely clueless." Abigail nodded in satisfaction. "Now get lost, and don't let me catch

We'll leave now!" They scrambled to their feet and bolted

they thought they had cheated death, they felt a sudden wind swept

soaring overhead. With

they were shocked that the figure in white blocking their path

Grand Sorceress? Go to hell!" After the outburst,

into a dark phantom, which pounced

has promised to

could finish explaining, the dark phantom lunged forward and tore them apart with a single ferocious swipe. Limbs were torn

Arts Order's guardian wielded the might of a grandmaster, rendering the entry-level

After taking care of the few remaining individuals, he immediately

"Make sure this place gets

Grand Sorceress," the guardian

she lifted her head to glance at Ruby

Ruby, that smile