An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

After the referee signaled the start of the round, the crowd was cheering and rallying enthusiastically. Most were rooting for Thaddeus due to his formidable strength and put off by Dalen’s appearance.

“Kid, you should just give up now,” Thaddeus said while sipping his drink. ” Otherwise, you’re going to end up with broken limbs once the fight starts.”

He didn’t take Dalen, a guy in his 20s, seriously at all. Thaddeus’ goal was to defeat the top contenders in Group A. To him, the elites in Group B were just stepping stones.

“Father Savier, isn’t it inappropriate for a priest to enter a battle ring against younger opponents?” Dalen smiled and lightly waved his folding fan.

“What’s wrong with that?” Thaddeus countered. “Priests are human too, with the same emotions and desires as anyone else. Those you see claiming to be above it all are just hypocrites.

“Sure, they act pious, but who knows what they’re up to in private? At least I’m honest about my desires. Like they say, ‘live life to the fullest.’”

“I don’t agree with your view.” Dalen shook his head and smiled. “Weren’t you once a devoted priest before you broke your vows?”

Thaddeus, an ascetic priest, had endured rigorous physical and spiritual training. Only a major provocation could shake his steadfast faith.

past is behind me, and now I see things clearly. I used to be naive and

to this realization. I’m living comfortably and enjoying life. Life is short. So, why endure hardship when we can enjoy wealth and

seems you have forsaken asceticism for a

as ever. If you insist

learn from you today,”

Have it

took a swig, and spat a mouthful of

swirled like a living creature and transformed

didn’t dodge or flinch. Instead, he calmly raised his folding fan and waved

razor-sharp blades

clash ended in a draw, with

neutralize the flaming dragon he had unleashed. He

swig of his liquor,

that

Dalen remarked. He was intrigued by the unusual blend of fire and