An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"Huh?" Dustin was taken aback by the sudden outburst and felt a bit bewildered.

He glanced around the living room and noticed the intense glare from the burly man, Donny Zedd. Then, he asked tentatively, "Are you talking to me?"

"Who else would I be talking to?" Donny shot back.

He glared at Dustin and shouted, "Don't you have any manners? You waltz in here without so much as a 'hello' and plop yourself down like you own the place. Do you have no respect for us?"

"Manners?" Dustin arched an eyebrow skeptically.

He replied icily, "Do we even know each other? Why should I bother with pleasantries? And even if I don't hold you in high regard, what's it to you?"

"Hey! Are you looking for trouble, kid?" Donny bristled with anger, ready to throw a punch, but was intercepted by a man in white, Lucian Whitman, with a sly grin.

"Easy there, don't get all worked up. This kid just seems clueless about etiquette. Let's show him the ropes. No need for violence, especially with the host around. We wouldn't want to cause any awkwardness."

Lucian motioned for Donny to take a seat, then turned his gaze to Dustin with a friendly smile." You must be new around here. Let me fill you in on the customs.

"You know, in these circles, it's customary to show a little respect to your elders. A nod, a greeting, nothing too demanding, right?"

Dustin responded calmly, "If you truly are martial world veterans, a simple greeting would suffice. But your actions lack the dignity one would expect. The way you intimidate others, one might mistake you for bandits."

Lucian's smile faltered at Dustin's words, and a glint of annoyance flickered in his eyes.

hand on the table. He rose to his feet

you don't know how to show some basic respect, then you're on your own." Lucian shook his

chuckled, and they were enjoying the

the same cocky arrogance. However, in the end, he was unceremoniously

advise you to tread carefully. Otherwise,

conspiracies within the Hall of Gods. But as soon as he walked in, he

tune until you're six feet under!" Donny sneered, wasting no time as he lunged forward with a punch aimed

furious, and the air whistled

He easily caught the incoming fist just before it could make contact

Donny's eyes widened in surprise. Though he hadn't gone all out just now, he had still put about 70 percent of his

most ordinary martial artists. Yet,

you're still bold enough to be so cocky.

fingers, he twisted Donny's fist, and all his

Donny froze momentarily before releasing a blood-curdling scream that

Dustin shouted and kicked him in

crashed into

"What?"

changed as they witnessed this

Dustin to be so formidable that he could send Donny flying with just

martial artist stage, which made him quite a prominent figure

so recklessly! Who gave you