An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Under the watchful eyes of the audience, Dustin and Glenn stepped onto the battle ring. They stood about 30 feet apart, and their eyes locked across the distance. Their gazes met like sparks, and they could feel the weight of the other’s stare.

“Are you Logan?” Glenn asked, breaking the silence.

He had heard the rumors about this dark horse before stepping into the ring, but now that he was facing him, he wasn’t sure.

“Who I am doesn’t matter. What matters is who wins this fight.” Dustin didn’t confirm or deny it, but his words left Glenn with no doubt.

Both men were at the top of the Legendary List and held equal rank on the Champ-Tier List. Until they fought, no one could say who was the stronger of the two.

“I heard you’re Seth’s disciple, so I’m really looking forward to this.” Glenn’s gaze sharpened.

Many years ago, his mentor, Cyrus, was defeated by Seth. That loss had always haunted Cyrus ever since. Now, with the disciples of both men about to face off, Glenn was determined to settle the score.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing the sword skills of your Sword Union, ” Dustin said with a grin.

The opponents he had faced so far including Abigail-hadn’t really forced him to go all out. But Glenn was different. He could already tell that Glenn was a real challenge and someone who could push him to his limits.

None of Dustin’s peers had come close to matching his skill. If he didn’t go all in in this match, he wouldn’t stand a

chance.

“Are both contestants ready? Then, let the final match for the Combat Tournament championship begin!”

Oron’s voice rang out, and the crowd erupted into applause.

chanting Dustin’s name, while the other half was shouting for

the undefeated top-ranked expert on the Legendary List, and the other was a dark horse who had already knocked out the second-ranked Abigail and

edge? No one could say for sure. It was the uncertainty

me what you’ve

a hand and made a quick, commanding gesture. The Celestial Blade flew through the air and landed firmly in his

Red Tempest! Go!” Glenn also

and three divine swords shot out from the sword case. They hovered

his previous fight with Fenley, he had held back.

more men

masters from Sacred Wyrm Summit and positioned them at each corner to help

The destructive power unleashed by Dustin and Glenn was far greater than anything seen in the earlier

grandmaster swordsmen weren’t careful, a single misstep could cause the defensive formation to break. And if that happened, the spectators would be caught in the

“Activate it now!”

the forefront, the Sacred Wyrm Summit masters channeled their energy in unison to activate

pale blue shield appeared and wrapped around the entire ring like

defensive formation solidified, Dustin and Glenn seemed to share a tacit understanding. Then,

“Attack!”

three divine swords of different colors shot toward him from all directions. Each sword picked up speed and force as it flew, as the pressure mounted with each strike. The sheer

“Perfect timing!”

grinned and swung his Celestial

shot forward and collided with the divine

shook the air, and waves of energy rippled outward in all directions. The shockwaves slammed into the blue barrier with the force of a crashing

sword auras didn’t stop the divine swords, but they slowed their advance. He seized the opportunity and blurred into a streak of black lightning as