An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Ms. Aurora, don’t make fun of me. The Celestial Alliance is full of experts- there’s no way someone like me could take on a disciple,” Dustin declined with a smile. “Of course, we’re friends. If you ever want to talk about martial arts, just reach out.”

“Alright then, if I ever need advice, you’d better not turn me down,” Aurora said with a playful wink.

She was just asking to see how he would respond. After all, she wasn’t serious about wanting to become his disciple. It was more of a way to get closer to him, and now that she had an excuse to ask for his guidance, she was satisfied.

Once everyone was seated, the conversation flowed easily. They drank and talked about anything and everything.

The two Marshall sisters exchanged flirtatious glances across the table, a gesture that even the most oblivious observer couldn’t miss.

However, Dustin kept a polite smile on his face. He either ignored their advances or skillfully deflected them.

He knew exactly what they were after. With his recent victory and growing fame, the Celestial Alliance would likely try to recruit him.

Becoming the Celestial Alliance’s honorary consultant was still an outsider position. There was no strong bond between him and the guild. However, if he became an elder-or married one of the Marshall sisters- his status would change completely.

But Dustin wasn’t interested in any of that. He’d only agreed to the honorary position because of Grace. Joining the Celestial Alliance, however, was out of

the question. He wasn’t about to become just another pawn in someone else’s game.

After the feast, everyone finally left.

Dustin watched them go before returning to his room. He placed the jade box with the Dracan essence on the table.

When the figure

cups of tea and pushed one toward her. He had already hinted at their private meeting

the jade box. “Is

to take a guess?” Dustin was

be

sharp. I can never get anything past you.” Dustin was

Gods before. But now, she had immediately identified the Dracan essence in the jade box.

both know that Sacred Wyrm Summit’s Forbidden

the Dracan essence showed

Grace smiled faintly.

figured out your identity and intentions. By offering you the Dracan essence as part of the championship prize, he kills two

open it. “Dustin

opened the jade box. But when she saw what was inside, her expression froze in

right? Three Dracan essences?” Her

she never imagined there would be three.

Wyrm Summit, anyway? How could it attract three

a smirk. “I had

Grace’s eyes sparkled with

process it. With four out of the five Dracan Essences in her hands, she only needed one more to restore the nation’s glory. The progress had been so fast, and

letting out a contented sigh. With the mission nearly

If you hadn’t won the championship, who knows when we’ll