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.

slammed his hand on the table. He rose to his feet and roared, "You disrespectful bastard! Time to learn some manners

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

others chuckled, and they were

in, exuding the same cocky arrogance.

carefully. Otherwise, you'll regret it," Dustin

profile and observe if there were any conspiracies within the Hall of Gods. But as soon as he walked in, he encountered these

feet under!" Donny sneered, wasting no time as he lunged forward with a punch

and furious, and the air whistled

fist just before it could make contact

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

blow would have seriously injured most ordinary martial artists. Yet, Dustin effortlessly caught

skill, you're still bold enough to be so cocky. You

of his fingers, he twisted Donny's fist,

froze momentarily before releasing a

shouted and kicked him in

several yards. He crashed into the wall, coughing

"What?"

expression changed as

be so formidable that he could send Donny flying

the advanced-level divine martial artist stage, which made him quite a prominent figure in

act so recklessly! Who gave you the courage