An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“H-Hold on! I-I surrender!” Abigail said urgently. With the sword inches away from her throat, she decisively raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.

She didn’t expect herself to win the match. Her goal was simply to take this opportunity to test Dustin’s strength and also gauge her own progress. But now, it was clear that there was still a sizable gap between them.

“You’ve done well. In a few more years, I might not even be able to keep up with you.” Dustin smiled and lowered his Celestial Blade. His words weren’t flattery; he genuinely saw potential in Abigail.

The dark Phoenix flames carried a corrosive power that even his mystical pure energy couldn’t resist. In other words, Abigail’s black flames were the bane of any martial artist.

Her journey in the martial world was still short-barely two years. She hadn’t unlocked the full potential of her Phoenix bloodline yet. But with more training and experience, the sky was the limit for her.

“Don’t try to console me, Sir. I’m nowhere near your caliber.” Abigail shook her head.

Her current strength was due to her Phoenix bloodline. While her potential was sky-high, she still lagged behind Dustin, a peerless prodigy. She knew that, as she continued to train, there was no way he would stop improving either.

“Sir, next up is the final match. You’ve got to give it your all!” Abigail gave a quick fist pump before turning and walking off the battle ring. She had given it her all, so losing didn’t leave her with any regrets.

“Congratulations to Dustin Rhys for winning the second match of the semi- finals!” Oron announced.

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.

Before the match, few had expected Dustin to win. After all, Abigail was the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order, ranked second on the Legendary List, and far stronger than Fenley.

so far, he wasn’t from a prestigious guild. Despite his impressive strength, everyone had placed their bets

horse, Dustin, to break records and advance to the finals. He had easily defeated

strong. He even defeated the Grand Sorceress of the

within reach now.” Ruby’s face was filled with surprise. She never

underestimated his strength. Turns out he’s been hiding it all along.” Crystal couldn’t hide her amazement. She had once thought about catching up to him, but now she had to

simply on

were interested in joining the Sword Union, we’d have a true powerhouse.”

“Guess I was right.

first meeting, He had sensed Dustin

back then, but now he had confirmed his

a storm of thunderous applause, Dustin slowly walked

Abigail without a fight. All that was left was

out Dustin’s true identity,

the air was palpable. Since

to make a quick profit, she quietly set up a

started, Alloy, who had left earlier, returned to his seat.

odds were slim-at least there was some hope. Regardless of

Sword Union or the Mystic Arts Order. If that happened, Celestial Alliance’s chances of rising to the top