An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Like a passing storm, it came and went in the blink of an eye. From the moment Dustin and Grace returned to Oakvale, it took only a single night for the entire underground faction structure to be completely reshuffled.

All previous forces of the Hall of Gods, including their vassals, were uprooted entirely. Hidden masters died without anyone knowing how or when.

Before Dustin, now a terrestrial immortal, any disguise or resistance proved futile and meaningless. The great purge they launched together struck fear into foreign powers while sending domestic factions into panic.

No one had anticipated such rapid escalation. Many major forces received no advance warning at all. The entire operation struck like a bolt from the blue.

This was a critical moment when Tristan was scheming to claim the position of crown prince. The mysterious emergence of such formidable power naturally inspired wariness.

In an instant, factions and intelligence agencies began mobilizing to investigate the truth behind these events.

Within the walls of an understated yet luxurious mansion, Tristan sat with a book in hand. He appeared to be reading, but his attention was elsewhere as he waited for news.

Beside him stood a plainly dressed middle-aged man named Milton Dyer. He served as both Tristan’s steward and his most trusted advisor. Whenever important matters arose, Tristan would invariably summon him to discuss them.

“Milton, I’ve heard that the Hall of Gods’ operatives throughout Oakvale have been completely uprooted by some mysterious force. Even our business interests have been affected. Have you given any thought to where this mysterious force might have originated?”

Despite his attempts to read, Tristan found himself unable to concentrate. The uncertainty gnawed at him.

to uncover any trace of who might be

mansion’s intelligence network had been working at full capacity. But given the scope of this mysterious force’s capabilities, uncovering the truth would

then asked, “Do you think this emergence of this mysterious force is a

more uncomfortable when events spiraled beyond his control. His ongoing struggles

this mysterious force poses a threat, it also presents an opportunity.

an eyebrow. “Tell

we hold no advantage in this struggle against your two brothers. In fact, we are at a severe disadvantage. If this competition proceeds along normal lines, your chances of victory

would support Prince Matthias have already done so.

circumstances, any attempt to turn the

has presented us with an opportunity. Any group capable of uprooting the Hall of Gods’ hidden strongholds throughout Oakvale in a single night

to our cause and forge an alliance with them, we would gain a significant advantage over your brothers. From a strategic standpoint, the appearance of this force represents our best possible

he laid

Tristan felt his spirits lift

to fear? His position was already at risk. If he continued to play by the rules, defeat was certain. Better to take this risk and see if

This is our chance, and we must

into fists as

contact, we should wait for the investigation results,” Milton said calmly. “Otherwise,