An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

The saber hit the ground before its owner even appeared. Its edge gleamed with a fierce, intimidating light.

“This saber looks so familiar. I think I’ve seen it before.”

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s the Inferno Saber of the Bloodfire Legion leader.”

“The leader of the Bloodfire Legion? Even someone like him is competing in the tournament? Isn’t he too old for this?”

“From what I know, the Bloodfire Legion leader has passed the Inferno Saber to his most prized disciple, Kendricks Lang, who is ranked eighth on the Legendary List.”

Amid the murmurs, a dark figure suddenly shot into the air. He landed on the battle ring just as the golden saber crashed down with a thunderous boom.

The figure was a man dressed in black with a cold and formidable presence. He appeared to be in his 30s, tall and upright, with a piercing gaze. A black, broken sword was slung across his back, which added to his unapproachable demeanor.

He was Kendricks Lang, ranked eighth on the Legendary List. Though many had never seen him in person, he was widely recognized. His extraordinary skills and blade mastery had earned him a stellar reputation, and he had remained undefeated since his rise to fame.

“Such bad luck. I can’t believe I have to face this guy,” Azalea murmured as she looked at her numbered ball. With a resigned sigh, she rose from her seat and walked toward the battle ring.

Despite the treasures Abigail had given her, Azalea still felt uncertain. While those items might be effective against ordinary grandmasters, their usefulness against great legends like Kendricks was questionable.

he was her opponent, she wouldn’t give up easily. She was determined to perform at her best. Her goals were to avoid disappointing Abigail and to uphold the honor of the

at

a formidable opponent from the Legendary List, not an unknown woman. To him, defeating her didn’t seem like an achievement worth boasting

the Mystic Arts Order,” Azalea introduced as she stepped onto the ring. With a gentle

in the stand perked up, and their hearts raced

own right, but Azalea was particularly striking. There was something almost ethereal about her,

a woman. Just surrender,” Kendricks said flatly. His

He would rather spend

never let me live it down. Please go easy

to hold back.”

set on fighting me, I’ll just have to

remained indifferent, but the male spectators were spellbound. Their

have surrendered without hesitation if they were in Kendricks’ shoes. Who could bring themselves to harm such a fragile beauty? After all,

match starts now,” Oron announced once both

we begin?” Azalea asked politely. Her calm demeanor didn’t signal she was hurrying

With a swift motion, he reached out,