An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Dustin, I understand your concerns,” Hank said with a smile.

“But I can promise you, as long as you stay loyal and don’t betray the Hall of Gods, you won’t be in danger. We highly value talent like yours. Honestly, the poison is just a safeguard to keep our secrets safe. I’m sure you understand.”

Without taking the poison, there was no way to exert control, which meant trust would always be in question. This wasn’t much of an issue with disposable operatives, but loyalty had to be guaranteed when the Hall of Gods counted on someone for critical positions.

“Mr. Styles, I understand what you’re saying, and the Hall of Gods sounds intriguing. But we’ve just met, and it’s hard for me to put my complete trust in you right now.” Dustin shook his head again.

He thought, “Do they really think they can make demands without offering anything in return? Do they take me for a fool?”

“Trust can be built. Just take a look at this…” Hank reached into his coat and pulled out a small, ornate box. He slid it across the table toward Dustin.

“What’s this?” Dustin opened the box and saw two vials. One was red, and the other was blue. At first glance, they didn’t seem extraordinary. However, upon closer inspection, he could feel a powerful and unique energy within them.

“To be honest, these are enhanced serums specially crafted by the Hall of Gods. They’re incredibly rare. Only those at the god level or higher have the privilege of using them,” Hank explained.

He gestured to the vials and continued, “The red serum primarily boosts physical attributes like speed, strength, defense, and reflexes. The blue serum significantly enhances internal energy. In Dragonmarsh terms, it’s like spiritual essence, which is something you can absorb directly.”

“Oh? Is it really that impressive?”

raised an

serum research. Unlike the martial artists in Dragonmarsh, who trained tirelessly, the Strequan could quickly

their abilities, faced shorter lifespans, and had to take the serum regularly. Without

people were drawn to this path. It was a tempting shortcut to strength that

you saw it during the tournament match, right? George and Jeremiah used those

a genius like you, I’m sure you noticed how much stronger they got. The downside is that their natural

serums, you can be the champion of this Combat Tournament. What do you

martial artist, one had to embrace a mindset centered on growth and self-improvement. Strength was the ultimate goal for those who sought power, and no

but… are there any side effects?” Dustin studied the two vials with

contain our most

or the effects

nearly perfect. With just one dose a year, you can maintain its effects long-term.” Hank spoke candidly without sugarcoating his

you don’t need to worry about a thing. Once you join the Hall of Gods, the supply

thoughtfully, yet his mind was

serums promised to enhance strength, but anyone who took them would fall under the Hall of Gods’ control. If anyone dared to

Hall of Gods cleverly used these addictive substances to keep powerful martial artists

Hall of Gods and