An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“I’m sorry, Ancient Sage. I misspoke earlier.” Dustin apologized with an awkward expression.

“It’s okay. I’m not bothered by it.”

Arion laughed heartily. He then waved at Kaden. “Bring out his reward.”

“Of course,” Kaden replied, then retrieved a jade box and placed it on the table beside Dustin.

“Go ahead and open it.” Arion smiled and motioned for Dustin to look inside.

Dustin nodded and carefully opened the box with both hands. Inside, he found three translucent orbs-one gold, one red, and one green.

Each orb glowed faintly, and inside, a small snake of the same color slithered.

Their movements were graceful and almost alive.

“Dracan essence!” Dustin’s eyeş widened in surprise.

He had encountered Dracan essence before and immediately recognized the orbs. But what surprised him was that Sacred Wyrm Summit had not one, but three of them. It made him wonder what kind of treasure-filled land this was.

“Well, how do you like the reward?” Arion asked with a smile.

“Ancient Sage, how did you know this is exactly what I needed?” Dustin couldn’t hide his surprise.

“My mentor’s foresight is unmatched.

The trends of the world never escape his keen eyes,” Kaden said proudly.

have nothing but respect for you,”

He hadn’t expected to receive the Dracan essence so effortlessly, much less three at once. With four of the five Dracan essences already

find the remaining

too ahead

with

Dracan essence will shape the fate of the world, and it will draw the attention

blessing and a burden. You’ll have to think carefully about whether you’re

Dracan essence is mine to protect,

seriously.

true Dragonmarsh man should have that

given me such a generous gift. I have some news

tell.” Arion

Sacred Wyrm Summit. Their target is the Forbidden Ground. I’m not sure if they’re after the Dracan essence or have other intentions,” Dustin said

of Gods?” Arion narrowed his eyes but kept his smile. “They’ve got some nerve trying

well-prepared. We can’t “Dustin afford

in the Forbidden Ground-kill

responded and

had been too many intruders around Sacred Wyrm Summit lately. It was time to put an end

you want to know what’s hidden in the Forbidden

supposed to know?”

huge secret, so I don’t mind telling

smiled and continued,

hard to stop. There

cosmic forces tied to the universe’s natural laws. It’s complicated, and I haven’t fully

to the land-its mountains, rivers, and resources. What truly influences all of this is the Dracan