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.”

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 competition and

contestant number six

“Finally, it’s my turn!”

the venue, and a figure in green flashed into the air.

at such a bizarre display

hell was that?

It happened so fast I

between steps and allows them

buzzed with

techniques. The outcome

The man in the green robe stood at the center of the battle ring. His hair

you waiting.” A booming

crossed 300 feet in a few light steps and landed on the battle ring.

With a

from many female spectators. Although he might not have been the strongest contestant, his

couldn’t help but be amazed. She had never seen a man with such breathtaking beauty. If he were a woman, she might have felt

you.” The man in green gave Dalen a once- over with noticeable disdain. Though

your name?”

is Leigh. Jude Leigh,” the man in

Leigh, ranked tenth on the Legendary List. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Dalen quickly realized his opponent’s

remembered Jude had fought earlier but had finished the match quickly without revealing his identity. Dalen thought he was probably trying to keep a