An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Hmph! Stop adding fuel to the fire!” Cyrus glared at Alloy. “The Celestial Alliance has had its fair share of run- ins with the Mystic Arts Order over the years. If we’re talking enemies, your guild is the real thorn in their side.”

“It’s nothing but minor skirmishes. I’m sure Madam Penelope sees the bigger picture and isn’t bothered by it,” Alloy said with a subtle grin.

Cyrus might outmatch Alloy in brute strength, but when it came to quick- witted retorts, Alloy was the clear victor.

“Mr. Hadley, Mr. Marshall, you two seem to be in high spirits.”

The black sedan came to a stop in front of them. An elderly woman with silver hair and a slightly hunched back emerged slowly while leaning on a serpent-headed cane.

This was Penelope Solace, the leader of the Mystic Arts Order. She had risen to fame long before Alloy and Cyrus, earning her place as a revered senior figure.

Despite her years of seclusion and rare public appearances, her reputation was as fearsome and commanding as Alloy and Cyrus’. Her name evoked both awe and trepidation.

“Madam Penelope.” As the host, Kaden stood first and gave a respectful nod to her.

“It seems the Ancient Sage has passed the mantle to you. Good,” she acknowledged with a neutral expression.

“Madam Penelope, it’s been a while. How have you been?” Alloy stood, nodded in greeting, and smiled warmly.

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Marshall. I’m still in good health and plan to stick around for a few more years,” she replied calmly.

“That’s great,” Alloy said with a smile.

impassive and

Kaden gestured

that, the leaders of the three major guilds were

seeing Penelope, Abigail, who had been busy, immediately went

She kept a low profile because she was

too much attention since so many high-profile figures were in attendance. After all, being too conspicuous could lead to losses

lately. You must have raked in quite a bit of money,

much. It’s just a bit,” Abigail replied with a

let that distract you from today’s matches. We need to make sure the Mystic

trained hard, and I’m confident I’ll be in the top three,”

she didn’t face Dustin in the early rounds, she knew the other minor challengers were

be looking forward to it.” Penelope

bloodline and was now a rare Dark Phoenix. Combined with the Mystic Arts Order’s legacy, her

and had high hopes for

more time. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can

Kaden said with a smile. After seeing Alloy and Penelope

walked to the center of the battle ring. “Today, 32 contestants will compete for a spot in the top 8. To keep things fair, we’ll draw lots

he finished, the crowd

of the 32 finalists were grandmasters, with a few still halfway to becoming grandmasters. Each had been through

contestants would