An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Me?” Dustin froze momentarily, then quickly waved his hands to indicate his refusal. “Ancient Sage, you’ve got to be kidding. I’m not qualified to guard the Dracan force. You’d better find someone else.”

He knew taking on such a monumental responsibility was out of the question. Guarding the Dracan Force wasn’t like watching over someone’s garden. A single mistake could endanger not only Sacred Wyrm Summit but all of Dragonmarsh. The pressure was simply overwhelming.

“Don’t be so quick to refuse,” Arion said with a smile.

He continued, “Guarding the Dracan force has its perks. For one, it’s a spiritual entity. If you can connect with it, your cultivation will soar, and your lifespan will extend dramatically. With its power behind you, you’ll be

unbeatable. No one in the world could stand in your way.”

Arion wasn’t exaggerating. Being recognized by the Dracan force as its guardian granted access to its vast energy and created a resonance with the natural order. It was what people called the realm of terrestrial immortals.

If Alaric had fought Seth a year ago near the Dragon Guard, the outcome of that battle might have been entirely different.

“To be honest, I’m not cut out for responsibilities like that. I’ve always preferred a more carefree life. As for advancing my cultivation or extending my lifespan, I’m really not that interested,” Dustin declined.

With great power came great responsibility, and that was a burden he wasn’t willing to shoulder. He

valued his freedom and didn’t want to be tied down.

wasn’t ready for that kind of sacrifice, nor was he the type to give up everything for

worry about it. If you’re really not interested, I won’t push you. But if you change your mind, come find me

choose a guardian for the

to press the matter. Some things were just a matter of timing- everything would fall into place when the

quiet sigh of relief. He had been genuinely worried that his refusal might provoke Arion into taking back the three Dracan

of Arion’s caliber, who had long transcended worldly concerns, wouldn’t stoop to threats or coercion-that

you’re not busy, stay here tonight. I’ve got some things to take care

Ancient Sage.” Dustin immediately lowered his

of overt superiority or intimidation, an invisible pressure had kept Dustin on edge.

even in his

the world’s only terrestrial immortal was far from ordinary, no matter how

the Dracan essence, Dustin decided to leave. He’d already given Sacred Wyrm Summit a heads- up, so he was confident they would be ready even if the Hall

he still planned to reach out to Hank and see

Wyrm Summit, he found Grace waiting for him. She even arranged a feast and invited several

all came from different guilds, they were

performance and claimed the championship.” Dalen was the