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Chapter 1750
Kaugnay na kabanata
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
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1756
Half an hour later, an SUV pulled up outside Russo Lounge. Dustin and Grace, adeptly disguised, emerged confidently. They were indifferent to the risk of their covers being blown.Russo Lounge, boasting a substantial size, had a line forming outside. Fortunately, Dustin and Grace navigated smoothly with the assistance of the undercover agents. They gained entrance without a hitch. Inside, the ambiance was raucous. It was illuminated by dazzling lights. A crowd of people danced enthusiastically to the music, unleashing their fervor. Dustin's expression soured. He wasn't one to relish in such a raucous setting."Why? Is the bar scene not your usual haunt?" Grace teased."I can only say that this place isn't my preference," Dustin replied. He'd prefer the serenity of home with a good book over the ordeal of such a locale."You should give it a shot sometime. Look at how joyously they dance," she suggested with a smile."The vibrant nightlife is but a fleeting spectacle. If ever
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1757
Dustin wordlessly ascended the stairs. Then, he sat across from Russo with his legs casually crossed. Russo's irritation flared at this unabashed display. "Hey! Kid! Who do you think you are? Did I invite you to sit?" He glared at Dustin, visibly annoyed."Are you Russo?" Dustin inquired straightforwardly, pouring himself a drink."Outrageous!""Bold!""How dare you address Mr. Vern directly? Are you out of your mind?" The entourage erupted in protest before Russo could respond. There were the sons of officials. They formed their own Hero Alliance. They often acted recklessly with a reputation that discouraged any challenges."I'm asking you, are you Russo?" Dustin was unfazed. He took a sip and repeated the question."You little ..."Anticipating a reaction, Russo raised his hand to halt his companion.He then sneered, "Kid, do you know who you're talking to? Calling me by my name—do you have a death wish?""It seems that you are Russo." Dustin nodded, placing his
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1758
The room echoed with a thunderous crash as Dustin forcefully drove Russo's head beneath the shattered remnants of the glass table. Blood adorned Russo's face, and his cries of pain reverberated through the room.A wave of surprise seized everyone. They were taken aback by the audacious assault on Russo. They tried to process the events. They wondered if Dustin possessed a death wish by taking on Russo.Russo, a scion of the great family with immense influence, commanded utmost respect. Even a slight disrespect risked catastrophic consequences. They thought that this kid was undoubtedly audacious."I'll ask again, where is Lisa?" Dustin demanded. His grip on Russo was unwavering. An ominous air enveloped him. Russo's face was adorned with glass shards. He winced in pain, rendering his ordinary features even more grotesque. "Damn it! How dare you touch me? Do you know who I am? Do you know who my dad is?" he bellowed. His voice was strained and furious. "Bastard! I warn you.
Pinakabagong kabanata
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance 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
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2527
Soluna Hall had one rule—they wouldn't accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted. Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those came with an additional fee.When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his name and being verified by the guards, they let him through.Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room."This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please come in," the female attendant said with a smile."She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously."She had something come up, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling."Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.The room was spacious, with a vintag
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2526
"You're wrong, Tristan," Matthias said with a meaningful look.He continued, "Sure, I've got the Moseys to back me, but I'm still far from securing the throne. Nathaniel's got strong backing too, and this won't be an easy win. But if you were to support me, I'd say my chances shoot up to 80%."In his eyes, Tristan's support was worth more than the Ballard family.If he could win Tristan over, his odds would jump from 60% to nearly 80%. The only question now was whether Tristan would be willing to shelve his own ambitions and place his bet on Matthias."You know me, Matthias. I've never been one for ambition or glory. This kind of power struggle just isn't for me. I hope you can understand that," Tristan said.After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally turned his brother down. He knew his chances of winning were slim, yet he couldn't let go.Tristan was the eldest legitimate son, the rightful and undisputed heir to the throne. Aside from his poor health, he had no real shortco
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2525
Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren't fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family's support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they'd at least make a good impression. The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn't pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.Tristan spoke first. "You're being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We've always admired Mr. Jovian's loyalty and courage. We're simply here to pay our respects—nothing more."Matthias added, "That's right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you're not as young as you used to be, so don't wear yourself out over this. We won't take up more of your time today."He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave."Duke—"Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. "That's enough, Nathani
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2524
"Oh? I didn't expect both of you to be here," Nathaniel said.He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, "Hello, Tristan, Matthias."Truthfully, he wasn't surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn't about to miss the chance to make an impression."I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you came back," Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning."It wasn't anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian's passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person," Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.He brushed off Tristan's subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects."Don't just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your re
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2523
"Your Royal Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said.Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly pulled himself together and aside his grief. He led his family to greet Tristan, and they bowed in respect.Before they could finish the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them. "No need for such formalities," he said. "The deceased deserves our respect."He turned to Jovian's portrait, which was displayed in the mourning hall, and sighed deeply.Tristan continued, "Mr. Jovian's untimely passing is truly a great loss to Dragonmarsh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family during this difficult time."Jonathan's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is heartbroken over my brother's tragic death."Tristan nodded slightly. His gaze quickly swept across the hall before asking, "I've heard that Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?"Jonathan
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2522
The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.Under Austin's iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia's government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had dr
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2521
Austin's expression also turned serious as he saw the doubt in Dustin's eyes. He knew Dustin wouldn't worry over nothing.There were many strange beings in Streuqua, including vampires, werewolves, and the like. These supernatural species were notoriously hard to kill. Even after being decapitated, they weren't necessarily dead.Austin wasn't sure if Poseidon had that kind of ability. After all, the Hall of Gods and its so-called royal gods were still a mystery to most people in West Lucozia.To play it safe, they needed to recover Poisedon's head for their own peace of mind.Out on the water, Jaxon led a team of soldiers and ship crews to comb the sea in search of Poisedon's severed head.At the docks, all eyes turned to Warrick, Mulder, and the others. They had been tied up and were now being dragged before Dustin and Austin one by one.Warrick looked pale, but there was a certain defiance in his eyes. He knew his fate was sealed. After Dustin killed Poseidon, Warrick knew his
