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An Understated Dominance Chapter 1748
"That sounds about right." Dustin nodded."There's been a huge change in the Astonishing World List. Alaric Drakon and Seth Hughes passed away one after another. Cesar Fent is still missing, and Nestor Wilkins was killed. We lost four of the ten best fighters from last year. It's a huge loss. We're lucky to have found new and strong fighters to replace them. It's true that new talents will always replace old ones," Grace said."Do you know anything about the new people who just made it to the list?" Dustin suddenly asked."The fifth one on the list, Reagan Judd. He is the new leader of Dragon Guard. My father told you about him before. He used to go by Reston Rever. He finally got what he wanted when Alaric Drakon died.""I know Reagan Judd. What I don't understand is, he was never on the list before. How did he make it to the list after Alaric's death and how did he make it to the top five?" Dustin was slightly curious."How should I explain this? Reagan has never revealed mu
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1749
In the realm of West Lucozia, within Celestria, Dustin and Grace discreetly boarded a business car to avoid any attention after landing.Their undercover agents and guards had arrived in West Lucozia the previous night after traveling separately by plane. This added an extra layer of secrecy and safety to their journey.Grace observed the bustling scenery outside the window. She found the streets of West Lucozia quite intriguing. It was a different sight compared to the hustle and bustle of Oakvale. She seldom ventured beyond Oakvale. She found the distinct regional landscapes and cultural customs to be a source of fascination and novelty."I didn't expect West Lucozia to change so much. When I visited here as a child, most of the buildings were low. Now, in just over a decade, it's as prosperous as Oakvale," Grace remarked, marveling at the view."Yeah, the changes in West Lucozia are significant. Even I find it hard to recognize the roads now," Dustin replied with a complex exp
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1750
Nestled within an expansive 800 acre Rhys Memorial Park, or the Ancient House Memorial Park, was a scenic panorama. Wide pathways wandered beneath the cool shade of abundant trees, and the amenities were extensive. Across the changing of seasons, the park transformed with an array of flowers, plants, and trees.Spring painted a lively spectacle with blooming cherry blossoms, while summer invited a refreshing ambiance with flourishing greenery. In autumn, a mesmerizing array of cascading maple leaves took center stage, and winter cloaked the landscape in a pristine blanket of white snow.Rhys Memorial Park opened its gates to the public. It provided a final resting place not just for the Rhys family, but also as a tribute to the soldiers who were instrumental in the monarchy's prosperity. Annually, on Memorial Day and All Saint's Day, the memorial park transformed into a lively center. It attracted visitors who came to honor departed loved ones or express gratitude to fallen heroe
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1751
Dustin quietly reflected on memories of his mother as he bowed his head. With the identification of the instigator, Alaric, and the dissolution of Dragon Guard, only Reagan and Cinna remained. Once this remaining threat was eliminated, he would have avenged his mother."Mom ... I really miss you!" Dustin whispered, gazing at the stone statue before him. In his recollections, Rufus was always engrossed in state affairs, seldom returning home. It was Alba who worked tirelessly to raise him. During his rebellious childhood, Dustin often perceived his mother as being too strict. He occasionally earned a few cane lashes for minor missteps. Now mature, he understood his mother's well-intentioned discipline.As the Crown Prince of West Lucozia, born with a silver spoon, he could have easily devolved into a pampered playboy without his mother's guidance. She had nurtured him in martial arts, military strategy, medicine, and even some divine esoteric techniques. She not only gave him life
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1752
Dustin raised an eyebrow as he took in the information on the tombstone. He was surprised that the name etched on it belonged to Leo Ashen, the former Vice General of the renowned Black Dragon Army's vanguard. The vanguard army was composed of elite soldiers that were chosen with meticulous care. Attaining the rank of vice commander required an exceptional level of prowess.In Dustin's recollection, Leo was renowned for his inherent strength and ferocity on the battlefield. He had a distinguished career, and had made significant contributions to Rufus' efforts to stabilize West Lucozia. Leo's sacrifice resulted in a posthumous promotion, securing the position of vanguard army General-in-Chief. The grandeur of his funeral underscored his importance.Leo's descendants had enjoyed privileges and benefits. Hence, it was perplexing to witness the family in such dire straits. This raised the question of what had transpired.Dustin was intrigued. He approached slowly, eager to unravel
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1753
"Even if I can't handle it, isn't the Prince of West Lucozia there for such matters? Their influence can't possibly overshadow the West Lucozian monarchy, can it?" Dustin asked.Lucas wore a mournful expression. "It's not as straightforward as you might think. Those bullies have deep ties with high-ranking officials and the West Lucozian monarchy. It's not just socially but their interests also intertwine. No one is brave enough to touch them."Dustin frowned. "Shouldn't the prince take action against such individuals?"Considering Rufus' character, it was highly unlikely that he would tolerate such incidents.Lucas shook his head. "The prince is overwhelmed with his duties, and these corrupt officials cover up such ugly deeds. The prince is unlikely to be aware, let alone have the chance to seek justice for us.""I never imagined West Lucozia would deteriorate to this extent," Dustin remarked, his expression darkening. As the Crown Prince of West Lucozia, Dustin found him
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1754
Dustin's pledge stirred a deep sense of gratitude within Lucas. Lucas said, "If you can genuinely assist in rescuing my sister and seeking retribution for my mother, I will forever be in your debt. I'm more than willing to repay your kindness in any way possible." He felt overwhelmed and instinctively inclined to bow.Interrupting the gesture, Dustin earnestly declared, "Mr. Ashen, there's no need for such formality. When faced with injustice, it becomes our duty to step in. No resident of West Lucozia would stand idly by in the face of such wrongdoing.""Mr. Ashen, this isn't the place for discussion. There's a coffeehouse outside the memorial park. Let's head there to strategize," Grace suggested."Alright." Lucas nodded.Lucas used a cane for support as he left the memorial park with Dustin and Grace. They arrived at a coffeehouse named Aroma Haven Cafe.The coffeehouse had two bustling floors. The first was a hub of activity—coffee, entertainment, and music. It created a
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1755
"Alright." Lucas nodded, acknowledging the reality of his ailing leg. Joining the action in his current condition would be more of a hindrance than help. He'd end up a liability."By the way, Mr. Ashen, do you have a photo of your sister? Let us take a look to avoid any confusion," Dustin said."Sure, here it is!" Lucas swiftly retrieved his phone and presented a photo of him and his sister. Dustin nodded. Unquestionably, Lucas's sister possessed beauty—fair skin, a charming visage, and a radiant smile that exuded vibrancy and cheerfulness. Perhaps it was her striking beauty that drew the unwanted attention of bullies like Russo and his gang."Mr. Rhys! Be cautious of Russo's subordinates. They are formidable!" Lucas earnestly warned. As the son of a general, Lucas had received martial training from a young age, boasting significant strength. Handling ordinary individuals, even 100 at once, was a manageable feat. However, when faced with Russo's subordinates, he couldn't e
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Chapter 2536
Lycas gripped his broadsword with both hands and roared. The sound cracked through the air like a thunderclap.He sidestepped sharply and charged straight at Dustin like a raging bull.The heavy broadsword moved like it weighed nothing in his hands. He swung it with brutal speed. Each arc cut through the air with a sharp, whistling howl, as if it could slice through anything in its path.The broadsword came crashing down on Dustin with bone-crushing force, like a mountain falling from the sky.Lycas threw his full weight into the swing. As the sword descended, the force of the strike stirred up dust from the ground. It sent plumes of dirt in every direction.He knew Dustin was no ordinary opponent. If he wanted a chance to win, he had to make the first move and seize the initiative."Nice form," Dustin said.As Lycas launched a powerful, aggressive attack, Dustin remained calm and unruffled. With effortless grace, he sidestepped without the slightest rush. The broadsword whizz
Chapter 2535
Bryce knew Dustin was strong, but this was beyond anything he anticipated. Though he had gained the upper hand early on, Bryce still believed his skills matched Dustin's.From his observation, Dustin relied on martial arts techniques and hit-and-run tactics. Plus, he didn't dare to confront Bryce head-on.He had assumed that as long as he found an opening, he could exploit Dustin's weaknesses and defeat him. But when Dustin finally stopped holding back, Bryce realized how wrong he'd been.It turned out Dustin wasn't just playing hit-and-run tactics. Instead, he'd held back the entire time to spare Bryce from an embarrassing defeat.The moment Dustin stopped holding back, Bryce didn't stand a chance. Even without special techniques, Dustin's raw power, speed, and reflexes were enough to crush him.The difference in their abilities was staggering, so much so that no amount of skill could close the gap.And it wasn't just Bryce who was shocked. Except for Nathaniel, who had already
Chapter 2534
Bryce's request for a fight heated up the atmosphere.Soldiers around the training ground started murmuring among themselves."Lieutenant General Gantz is a legend in our ranks. His combat skills are no joke—he's taken down countless enemies on the battlefield. I haven't seen him in action in years," one young soldier said with awe."Yeah," a veteran agreed. "Lieutenant General Gantz has been through countless battles, and his strength is unmatched. If he steps in, Mr. Rhys might be in for a rough time."After the fight earlier, the soldiers knew firsthand that Dustin was no slouch. Otherwise, he wouldn't have easily defeated the five elite soldiers.But in their minds, no matter how skilled Dustin was, he stood no chance against Bryce.Bryce was a grandmaster not just in rank but in skill, physical strength, and battlefield experience. He was stronger than any expert from the martial world.Nathaniel had once recruited several grandmaster martial artists to spar with them, but
Chapter 2533
"Your Highness, the soldiers under me are trained solely in killing techniques. If they hurt your guest, things could get ugly," Lycas said.He didn't say it outright, but the message was clear. If Dustin wasn't strong enough, he'd better stay out of the way, or he was just asking for trouble.Bryce didn't say anything, but the look he gave Dustin was full of contempt. How could a pampered young man like Dustin measure up to soldiers who've been through the grind? He figured Dustin was probably some heir from a prominent family who knew Nathaniel and was trying to assert his relevance."You guys are blind to greatness when it's standing right in front of you." Nathaniel chuckled and shook his head. He added, "If any of you manage to land a hit on Mr. Rhys, I'll pay out a thousand gold. But honestly, I doubt any of you have what it takes."At the mention of rewards, the soldiers perked up. Their eyes lit up with excitement. They were practically itching to charge at Dustin and g
Chapter 2532
During the meal, Nathaniel arranged for two women to accompany Dustin.Throughout history, even the greatest heroes couldn't resist the allure of beautiful women. Sometimes, a woman of extraordinary beauty could be far more enticing than rare treasures or high status.Dustin remained composed. He neither showed any enthusiasm nor did he deliberately reject it.As for the women seated on either side of him, he treated them with polite respect. He enjoyed a drink and the easy conversation with them, but nothing beyond that.However, Nathaniel saw it differently. To him, it seemed that Dustin was unimpressed by the women at his side.Considering Dustin's background, it made sense. A woman of ordinary beauty would never catch his attention. Nathaniel realized he would need to pull out all the stops. Perhaps, it was time to bring out his most prized companion and see how Dustin responded.After the meal, he led Dustin to his mansion's training ground.The midday sun blazed overhead
Chapter 2531
"This…" Dustin began.He hesitated on purpose and didn't give an immediate answer.Upon seeing him deep in thought, Nathaniel was convinced that Dustin was weighing the pros and cons. He leaned in slightly, his smile widening with anticipation. "You should know how much the Dracan essence means to me," he said. "If I can gather all the essences, it’d be like fate is on my side. My path to the throne would be unstoppable—and when that time comes, your reward will be waiting."As he spoke, his gaze stayed on Dustin as he searched for any sign of hesitation in his expression.Dustin looked up and met his eyes. For a moment, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.He pressed his lips together and spoke slowly. "You're right, Your Highness. But it wasn't easy to find the Dracan essence. I went through quite a few twists and turns. Besides, if I give it to you, it might put me at odds with the other two princes."He paused deliberately and left the rest unsaid. Still, the concern
Chapter 2530
The next morning, Nathaniel was inside a lavish mansion. He was in his study, flipping through an ancient manuscript. One of his most trusted aides hurried in and lowered his voice, "Your Royal Highness, word just came in. Another trace of Dracan essence has been found."Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and closed the manuscript. "Where?""Our investigation shows it ended up in the hands of Logan Rhys," the aide replied."Logan Rhys?" Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly and was surprised by the name.He had tried to win Logan over before and spared no expense, but never received a response. Later, he discovered that Tristan and Matthias had done the same.Fortunately, Logan still hadn't picked a side. He might be holding out for the best offer, but at least he hadn't shut the door on Nathaniel.With the Dracan essence in his hands, Logan had become an even more valuable target. In addition to the West Lucozian monarchy, Logan was an ultimate grandmaster, which made him worth recrui
Chapter 2529
"Give me a moment to think," Dustin said.Grace's words sent him into deep thought.After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what came with it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.Not that he had many options.Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter."I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first."Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the
Chapter 2528
"Royal gods? And two of them?" Dustin frowned at the news.His battle with Poseidon in West Lucozia had shown him firsthand that the Hall of Gods didn't send weaklings into the field.One royal god had already pushed him to his limit. If two came at him together, winning wasn't even the question. He'd be lucky just to make it out alive."That's right," Grace said solemnly. "The royal gods, Zeus and Hera, have crossed the border. They're even stronger than Poseidon. If they ambush you together, your chances are slim."She knew Dustin was strong, but he was still young. Moreover, Zeus and Hera weren't just anyone. They were world-class powerhouses. Surviving a fight with them would be next to impossible.The Hall of Gods had probably figured out how dangerous Dustin could become. If they had given him a few more years to grow, they might not have been able to stop him."Well, that complicates things." Dustin rested his chin in one hand with a thoughtful expression.Two royal god
