An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"I..."

Abigail's words left Ruby speechless, and she blushed. Ruby suddenly realized she was too naive.

Grudges and alliances often defied reason in the martial world—either kill or be killed.

If Luke intended to kill Abigail, then it was only natural for her to defend herself by retaliating against him. Her actions were justified.

Furthermore, as Abigail pointed out, those who acted solely for profit were hardly virtuous. Therefore, it was not worthwhile to advocate for justice on their behalf.

"Ruby, judging by your demeanor, you're likely new to the martial world," Abigail began. "Holding onto your good intentions is commendable, but you must choose your allies wisely. Blindly playing the role of a saint will only bring harm to yourself and others."

She offered a knowing smile. "Let's let bygones be bygones. There's no need to let tension brew between us over strangers' affairs. Come, let's continue with our drinks."

Then, she lifted her glass and nodded toward Ruby.

Ruby hesitated briefly before raising her glass and downing its contents.

As the tension dissipated after the brief commotion, the atmosphere in the tavern returned to its former merriment as if nothing had happened. Laughter and chatter resumed, accompanied by the clinking of glasses.

Meanwhile, members of the Mystic Arts Order swiftly cleaned up the aftermath outside the tavern.

With the streets littered with bodies and blood, they worked diligently to erase any traces of the night's violence. Even if their actions were in self-defense, they had to ensure no lingering consequences.

ensuring their gambling activities

morning, the

buzzed with anticipation as crowds filled every

Abigail invested a significant sum to secure a prime spot. She had set

an extensive range of wagers available, covering everything from match outcomes to timing and fighting styles,

she had arranged for crates of celestial stones to be delivered overnight from

trivial disputes on the previous day, Abigail

elite members from various major sects, gathering at

to untold wealth. She naturally

Summit had turned a blind eye to the gambling activities as long as they didn't disrupt the

perfect environment to make a profit. Thus,

Abigail busied herself with her schemes in the

than joining the crowd at Sacred Wrym Summit, he ventured alone to a secluded,

found slipped under his door that morning. The letter's content was simple. It was a request for a

such a request

a peculiar mark—a distinct emblem of

the Hall of Gods had been relentless in their efforts to sow discord and assassinate key figures within the palace. Their reason was

their audacious attempt to assassinate Rufus in Swinton, where they had

clandestine machinations. But their sudden appearance near Sacred Wrym Summit hinted at

why the Hall of Gods members sought him out before he had revealed his identity. To uncover the mystery, he

the instructions in the letter, he arrived