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.

unfolded too quickly. Our people have yet to uncover any trace of who might be responsible,” Milton

the mansion’s intelligence network had been working at full capacity. But given the scope of this mysterious force’s capabilities, uncovering the truth would clearly be no simple

think this emergence of this mysterious force is a blessing or a

events spiraled beyond his control. His ongoing struggles with Matthias and Nathaniel were already taxing enough. Adding

opinion, while this mysterious force poses a threat, it also presents an opportunity. If we handle the situation

raised an eyebrow. “Tell

two brothers. In fact, we are at a severe disadvantage. If this competition proceeds along normal lines, your chances of victory are slim. I estimate it to

would support Prince Matthias have already done so. The same goes for

impossible to shift these allegiances now. Under such circumstances, any attempt to turn the tide would be like trying to

uprooting the Hall of Gods’ hidden

would gain a significant advantage over your

he laid out

Tristan felt

play by the rules,

got a point. This is our chance, and we must

into fists as fire ignited in

even if you wish to make contact, we should wait for the investigation results,” Milton said calmly. “Otherwise, how can