An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“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.

“Ancient Sage, I have nothing but respect for you,” Dustin said with a respectful salute.

expected to receive the Dracan essence so effortlessly, much less three at once. With four of the five Dracan essences

find the remaining

too ahead of

said with a

the world, and it will

have to think carefully about whether you’re ready to take on such

out loyally. The Dracan essence is mine to protect,

seriously.

man should have that kind of spirit.” Arion

Sage, you’ve given me such a generous gift. I have some news to share with you in return.”

tell.” Arion

Summit. Their target is the Forbidden Ground. I’m not sure if

kept his smile.

afford to let our

who dares to trespass in the Forbidden Ground-kill them.” Arion smiled,

and turned to

many intruders around Sacred Wyrm Summit lately. It was time to

know what’s hidden in the Forbidden

not supposed to know?” Dustin was

secret, so I don’t mind telling you,” Arion said, taking a sip

and

been riding a wave of success that’s hard to stop. There

laws. It’s complicated, and

influences all of this is the Dracan force hidden deep underground. The strength of this force determines whether a

to the rulers of Dragonmarsh and those with special