An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Under the intense gaze of the spectators, Thaddeus’ Voidcleaver clashed with Dalen’s folding fan. To be precise, Dalen’s fan struck Thaddeus’ blade.

A thunderous bang echoed as their weapons collided. It unleashed a powerful energy wave that radiated from the point of impact.

The shockwave swept through the surroundings, sending dust and debris flying. Spectators near the battle ring had to shield their eyes from the whirlwind of grit.

The two men were locked in a standoff on the battle ring. Dalen’s folding fan, like a sword, tapped against Thaddeus’s blade. One was striking downward, the other thrusting upward, creating a deadlock in midair.

The spectators were stunned.

“Whoa! He actually blocked it? What’s going on?”

“Father Savier’s attack had the power of a grandmaster. It was a devastating strike, yet that pretty boy managed to counter it with finesse. Impressive!”

“Damn! How is the boy toy still alive?”

The spectators buzzed with mixed reactions. Some were shocked, some were frustrated, and others were disappointed. Most of them were dissatisfied with the outcome.

Some harbored an unexplained animosity toward Dalen, while others had placed heavy bets on Thaddeus, staunchly believing in him.

initially thought the previous strike would end the

pinpointed

the others couldn’t

previously questioned why Dustin had so much confidence in Dalen. But now they understood that Dustin’s belief in him was justified. Dalen was indeed a hidden

Thaddeus frowned as he looked at Dalen, who

watching below the battle ring, Thaddeus thought he could kill Dalen. Yet, he didn’t expect Dalen to deflect

the hilt of his blade with both hands and pressed

At that instant, his blade aimed

and inflict severe injury. After all, he was an ascetic priest. His physical strength was

his blade didn’t move. He noticed he wasn’t up against just a folding fan but an

strength proved greater than

and he was taken

in his strength. Still, he couldn’t understand why he couldn’t gain any advantage over Dalen. He wondered whether Dalen was naturally gifted with

don’t believe you don’t have any weaknesses!”

changed course and slashed horizontally toward Dalen’s neck. The strike lacked overwhelming force but aimed for

of dodging or defending, Dalen countered fearlessly. His folding fan became a sword-like weapon and thrust

was a tense standoff, a potential life- or-death moment. Most