An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Hmph! You got lucky this time.” Kendricks glared at Azalea, then sheathed his Demonblade and left the battle ring.

Even though he won, there was no thrill in it. He didn’t feel proud about winning against a vulnerable woman when she had managed to injure him.

Since his rise to fame, he had never felt so embarrassed. The Divine Talismans had played a part, but he couldn’t deny being outmatched and humiliated.

The missed chance to retaliate only deepened his frustration. Kendricks vowed he wouldn’t show the Mystic Arts Order disciples mercy if he faced them again.

“Contestant number five is the winner in this match,” Oron announced.

The spectators reacted with warm applause.

Azalea’s stunning performance and Kendricks’s formidable strength were worthy of praise. Most previous matches had been brutal, where a single misstep could cost a contestant their life.

It was rare to see someone as wise as her, who knew when she was outmatched and chose to surrender immediately. Her quick thinking had saved her life.

“Grand Sorceress, I’m sorry for disappointing you by not winning the match.” After returning to her seat, Azalea acknowledged her mistake.

“What’s important is that you’re safe. Winning or losing doesn’t matter,” Abigail replied with a smile.

She continued, “Kendricks is ranked eighth on the Legendary List, so it’s natural that you couldn’t defeat him.

“I was actually worried you might impulsively push through to the end, which would have been unwise. Besides, you performed admirably and injured him, so it’s not a total loss.”

make it to the top eight, it wouldn’t have been a huge concern if she hadn’t. After all, winning and losing were simply parts of the

number six and

“Finally, it’s my turn!”

into the air. After hovering for a second, the figure

at such a bizarre

the hell was that? Was that Spectral

It happened so fast I

distance between steps and allows them to

spectators buzzed

exceptional talents and extraordinary techniques. The outcome of each match remained uncertain until

the battle ring.

you waiting.” A

air. He crossed 300 feet in a

Dalen Shade, a disciple of the Shadow Citadel.” With

of admiration from many female spectators. Although

among the top on the Beauty Ranking, couldn’t help but be amazed. She had never seen a man with such breathtaking beauty. If he were

once- over with noticeable disdain. Though his looks

know your

with any guide. My name is Leigh. Jude Leigh,” the man in green replied

It’s a pleasure to

had fought earlier but had finished the match quickly without revealing his identity. Dalen thought he was