An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori (official version)

“H-Hold on! I-I surrender!” Abigail said urgently. With the sword inches away from her throat, she decisively

raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.

She didn’t expect herself to win the match. Her goal was simply to take this opportunity to test Dustin's strength

and also gauge her own progress. But now, it was clear that there was still a sizable gap between them.

“You've done well. In a few more years, | might not even be able to keep up with you.” Dustin smiled and

lowered his Celestial Blade. His words weren't flattery; he genuinely saw potential in Abigail.

The dark Phoenix flames carried a corrosive power that even his mystical pure energy couldn't resist. In other

words, Abigail's black flames were the bane of any martial artist.

Her journey in the martial world was still short-barely two years. She hadn't unlocked the full potential of her

Phoenix bloodline yet. But with more training and experience, the sky was the limit for her.

“Don’t try to console me, Sir. I'm nowhere near your caliber.” Abigail shook her head.

Her current strength was due to her Phoenix bloodline. While her potential was sky-high, she still lagged behind

Dustin, a peerless prodigy. She knew that, as she continued to train, there was no way he would stop improving

either.

“Sir, next up is the final match. You've got to give it your all!” Abigail gave a quick fist pump before turning and

walking off the battle ring. She had given it her all, so losing didn’t leave her with any regrets.

“Congratulations to Dustin Rhys for winning the second match of the semi- finals!” Oron announced.

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.

Before the match, few had expected Dustin to win. After all, Abigail was the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts

Order, ranked second on the Legendary List, and far stronger than Fenley.

While Dustin had performed admirably so far, he wasn’t from a prestigious guild. Despite his impressive

strength, everyone had placed their bets on Abigail.

Yet, nobody had expected this dark horse, Dustin, to break records and advance to the finals. He had easily

defeated Abigail, the second-ranked on the Legendary List. It was only then that people truly realized his

terrifying potential.

“I didn’t expect Dustin to be this strong. He even defeated the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order.

Looks like winning the tournament is within reach now.” Ruby's face was filled with surprise. She never imagined

that a stranger she had met along the way would make it to the finals.

“We really underestimated his strength. Turns out he’s been hiding it all along.” Crystal couldn't hide her

amazement. She had once thought about catching up to him, but now she had to abandon that idea.

They were simply on two different levels.

“What a shame! If only Dustin were interested in joining the Sword Union, we'd have a true powerhouse.” Miles

shook his head regretfully.

Dalen smirked and murmured to himself, “Guess | was right. You're really Logan Rhys.”

From their first meeting, He had sensed Dustin was no ordinary person.

He wasn’t entirely sure back then, but now he had confirmed his suspicions. He knew only Logan could defeat

Abigail and reach the finals.

Amidst a storm of thunderous applause, Dustin slowly walked off the ring.

Since Fenley had forfeited, third place went to Abigail without a fight. All that was left was the championship

showdown between Dustin and Glenn.

By now, many had figured out Dustin's true identity, and the crowd was anticipating the final match.

During the break, the tension in the air was palpable. Since Abigail always

looked for a way to make a quick profit, she quietly set up a betting pool, and gamblers eagerly rushed to place

their bets.

Three minutes before the match started, Alloy, who had left earlier, returned to his seat. Despite Celestial

Alliance’s earlier defeat, he couldn't miss the final match for the championship.

He was rooting for Dustin, even if the odds were slim-at least there was shope. Regardless of the outcome,

he planned to recruit Dustin after the match.

He couldn't let Dustin join the Sword Union or the Mystic Arts Order. If that happened, Celestial Alliance's

chances of rising to the top would disappear for good.

“Mr. Marshall, | didn’t expect you'd show your face again. Thought you'd be

too embarrassed to stick around,” Cyrus said sarcastically.

“Victory and defeat are all part of the game. No point in making a fuss over it. We may have lost this time, but

there's always a chance to turn it around next time,” Alloy said calmly.

“Next time?” Cyrus scoffed, and his lips curled in a mocking smile. “You really think there'll be a next time? Your

prized disciple’s got a mind plagued with doubt now. He'll probably never get past this.”

“Not necessarily,” Alloy replied firmly. “Speople only get stronger with each setback. I'm confident Fenley

will be right on Glenn's heels someday.”

“Dream on.” Cyrus sneered.

“Alright, gentlemen,” Penelope interjected. “The match is about to begin.”

Only then did the two rivals stop their banter and turn their attention to the ring.

After a short break, the final match began.