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.

to his feet and roared, "You disrespectful bastard!

to show some basic respect, then you're on your own." Lucian shook

and they were enjoying the

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

carefully. Otherwise, you'll

a low profile and observe if there were any conspiracies within the Hall of Gods. But as soon as he

bet you won't change your tune until you're six feet under!" Donny sneered, wasting no time as he lunged

came fast and furious,

easily caught the incoming fist just before

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

have seriously injured most ordinary martial artists. Yet,

enough to be so cocky. You really

he twisted Donny's fist, and all his

froze momentarily before releasing a

shouted and kicked him in the

sent flying several yards. He crashed into the wall, coughing

"What?"

changed as they witnessed

so formidable that he could

at the advanced-level divine martial artist stage, which made

recklessly! Who gave you the