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?”

an eyebrow,

significant strides in genetic serum research. Unlike the martial artists in Dragonmarsh, who trained

their abilities, faced shorter lifespans, and had to take the serum regularly.

despite these downsides, countless people were drawn to this path. It was a tempting shortcut to strength that didn’t require much

you saw it during the tournament match, right? George and Jeremiah used those serums to boost their

their natural abilities are limited, so

that if you take these two vials of serums, you can be the champion of this Combat

to embrace a mindset centered on growth and self-improvement. Strength was the ultimate

there any side effects?” Dustin studied the

worry. These two vials contain our most advanced formulas. They’re expensive to make,

serum requires long-term use, or the effects

nearly perfect. With just one dose a year, you can maintain

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

thoughtfully, yet his mind was

took them would fall under the Hall of Gods’ control. If anyone

those who used the serums would likely become addicted. The Hall of Gods cleverly used these addictive substances to keep powerful martial artists under their thumb. It was a clever scheme,

what’s your decision? Do you want to join the Hall of