An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Inside a natural cave on Embercrest Hill, Dustin hovered in midair, legs crossed, eyes closed in deep meditation.

Five glowing orbs circled him in a steady, rhythmic orbit. With every pass, they released thin streams of white energy that flowed directly into his body.

Gradually, a soft glow began to radiate from Dustin’s skin. Bathed in the light, he looked almost translucent. His body revealed a web of energy pathways crisscrossing beneath the surface.

The currents surged like streams of silver marrow, flowing again and again through his energy pathways. With each pass, the current grew stronger-its flow widening, its pressure mounting.

His muscles, flesh, and bones were changing too. Each part reshaped itself in subtle but undeniable ways. At that moment, he was undergoing a profound transformation.

As time passed, sweat began to bead on Dustin’s skin, and his face twisted in pain. A fine crack appeared on his crystal-clear skin, no thicker than a strand of hair.

At first, it was barely noticeable. But as he absorbed more of the Dracan essence, the fractures multiplied, spreading wider and deeper across his body.

hour later, the cracks covered every inch of his body. He looked like a porcelain

he drew in a slow, careful breath. He knew

Dracan essence wasn’t something he could absorb easily. Forcing it into his body in hopes of breaking through was a deadly gamble.

now. Either he broke through, or he died. There was no

more,” Dustin

himself to

matter how fast he refined it, more kept

braced himself for the

hadn’t reached full refinement, but he couldn’t hold on anymore. His body was already coming apart. If he

had. The moment he did, the cracks across his skin deepened. Blood burst from every fracture, soaking him from head

no time to worry about the pain. Gritting his teeth, he channeled every last ounce of strength, driving the raging Dracan

rumble echoed through the