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.

yet to uncover any

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

emergence of this mysterious

His ongoing struggles with Matthias and Nathaniel

also presents an opportunity. If we handle the situation wisely, it

Tristan raised an eyebrow. “Tell

severe disadvantage. If this competition proceeds along normal lines, your chances of victory

sides. Those who would support Prince Matthias have already done so. The same goes

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

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

force 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

calmly as he laid out his

Tristan felt his spirits lift

by the rules, defeat was certain. Better to take this risk and

is our chance, and we must seize

fists as

you wish to make contact, we should wait for the