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.

table. He rose to his feet and

know how to show some basic respect, then you're on your own." Lucian shook his head and

chuckled, and they were enjoying

a rookie had swaggered in, exuding the same cocky arrogance. However, in the end, he

tread carefully. Otherwise,

and observe if there were any conspiracies within the Hall

under!" Donny sneered, wasting no

furious, and the air whistled

incoming fist just before it could make contact with his

in surprise. Though he hadn't gone all out just now, he

Yet,

bold enough to be so cocky. You really don't know

of his fingers, he twisted

releasing a blood-curdling scream that

lost!" Dustin shouted and kicked

was sent flying several yards. He crashed into the wall, coughing up blood and wailing

"What?"

as they witnessed this

be so formidable that he

at the advanced-level divine martial artist stage,

Who gave