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Chapter 2143
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An Understated Dominance Chapter 2144
Krel wasn't confident he'd win against Dustin in a head-on confrontation. However, if Dustin were severely injured by attempting to lift the 100-thousand-pound cauldron, it would turn the situation around completely.He would easily win this gamble and finally vent his pent-up resentment. "Hey, punk! Weren't you going to make me enjoy a feast? Why are you just standing there? Come on! Show some guts, and try lifting it!" Jimmy began taunting Dustin after noticing his inaction. He thought that Dustin was panicking, unsure of how to proceed in the face of the massive object. "There's no need to rush. I'm just considering where you should start from." Dustin assessed the massive cauldron from top to bottom."Hmph! You're all talk!" Jimmy sneered in disdain. "If you really have the skills, stop babbling and let your strength do the talking. As long as you can lift the cauldron, I'll devour it clean in front of everyone!""You must be really hungry." Dustin shook his head with
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2145
"Ah… I…" Jimmy was extremely flustered amidst the clamor of the crowd, sweating profusely as he retreated nervously. He had carelessly said those words since he never expected Dustin to lift the 100-thousand-pound cauldron.That was how he found himself in the current predicament, urged by the crowd to eat the massive cauldron. It was made of solid bronze! Even if it were made of chocolate, he would end up stuffing himself to death. "Everyone, what I said earlier was out of line. I spoke words I shouldn't have and have realized my mistake. Please forgive me," Jimmy said, smiling faintly as he clasped his hands together. "You've realized your mistakes? A little too late for that now, don't you think?" Miles glowered at him."To be honest, I preferred your unruly behavior more. This meekness doesn't suit you," Dalen said as he shook his head.They might as well go all out if they were going to humiliate him. "Hmph! Boulderthorn elites, my ass! You're nothing but a bunch
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2146
Dustin left. Leaving behind the massive cauldron, he casually walked away. His enigmatic silhouette faded into the distance. It left the crowd wondering if Krel and Melissa got lucky, or if Dustin had done it intentionally. The crowd leaned toward the latter. After all, how could someone capable of lifting a 100-thousand-pound cauldron make such a rookie mistake?"Thank you, Mr. Rhys!" Melissa was both moved and delighted as she watched Dustin's retreating figure. She knew that Krel had been spared. "Dustin, are you really going to just let him off the hook?" Dalen asked as he caught up with Dustin."A frightened coward is no longer a threat," Dustin said with a faint smile. "Besides, he's still a Boulderthorn disciple. Killing him would only bring trouble, and I hate trouble.""I beg to differ. Perhaps you simply have a soft spot for beauty?" Dalen smirked. Had it not been for Melissa's plea and her willingness to give up her life to protect him, Krel would have met his
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2147
Vincent's murder weighed heavily on Ruby's mind.She knew that she wasn't stronger than Vincent, so if the assassin could kill Vincent, then it would be just as easy for the assassin to kill her. "We've already discussed our plans for luring the assassin out. Coupled with Dustin's impressive performance during the test, I believe we'll soon get their attention. "Who knows, the assassin might act tonight!" Dalen said in a whisper. "The sun has set. We should start making preparations." Crystal looked up at the sky.Only twilight lingered on the western horizon, and in half an hour, the land would be shrouded in darkness. "Dustin, good luck." Dalen's expression was serious as he continued, "But don't worry, I've contacted Quincy from the Celestial Alliance. He'll fully support our plan. "Once the assassin shows themselves, we'll attack together. We won't let you bear the risk alone.""Don't worry. Since I've agreed to be the bait, I've made preparations accordingly. You jus
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2148
"Where's the target? How far are they from the tavern?"Dalen's voice raised a couple of decibels in the earpiece, evidently excited. Besides the elite fighters lying in ambush, there were also numerous scouts lurking around the tavern, with Miles being one of them.If there was any movement, they would be the first to know. "At the entrance to East Alley, about 200 meters away from the tavern," Miles' voice rang out once more, accurately pinpointing the location. "What are they wearing?" Dalen asked. "Looks like they're dressed in black with a mask. It's hard to see clearly from this distance."Since it was already dark, visibility was low, making it difficult to make out the details. "That should be the assassin!" Dalen lowered his voice. "Everyone, listen to my command. Once the assassin gets close enough, we'll surround him immediately and have him apprehended!"After a long, anxious wait, they finally caught sight of the assassin. Dustin glanced outside the wind
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2149
Dustin saw a masked man in black with a sword in both hands as he walked up the stairs slowly. "Are you Dustin?" the man in black grunted. "That's me." Dustin nodded. "You had a pretty good plan to lure us out, but unfortunately, we saw right through it."The man in black sneered. "You're all alone now without any help. Only death awaits you.""Likewise. You may not necessarily gain the upper hand in a one-on-one fight against me," Dustin remarked flatly. "Who said I'm going to fight you alone?" The man in black chuckled before clapping twice. As soon as the claps rang out, two figures suddenly leaped through the windows on either side. Two more masked assassins dressed in black had appeared. The three of them stood in formation. They weren't only dressed the same but were also similar in height and build, making it difficult to distinguish between them. "Three against one. We have the advantage now." The man in black in the middle smirked. "Who exactly are you? W
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2150
Dustin didn't dodge when the three assassins attacked him. He simply lifted his foot and lightly stomped the ground.A dull thud resounded as his foot left a deep imprint in the ground.At the same time, a surge of powerful energy burst forth from his body, and it quickly formed a translucent protective shield in front of him.The three assassins swung their swords, but they struck the shield instead. A low hum filled the air, accompanied by a deep rumble.Despite their relentless efforts, the assassins couldn't breach the shield. All they managed to do was push it back by a mere three inches.Dustin's protective shield was as strong as steel wire mesh. Even when swords pierced and bent it, it remained intact."What?" The man in black's face went white when he saw his attacks weren't working.After taking a miracle cure earlier, he reached the level of grandmaster. Armed with a shadowsteel sword, he was accompanied by two elites halfway to becoming grandmasters.The man in bl
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2151
"Oh yeah? Let's wait and see who wins in the end." Dustin smiled faintly, but his eyes conveyed a chilling indifference.Though he didn't know the identity of these assassins, he could tell they were Dragonmarsh's enemies."Hmph! Kid, I hope you don't regret this!" The man in black sneered at Dustin. His expression suggested that Dustin's days were numbered.To him, Dustin was the epitome of ignorance and arrogance. He was overly dependent on his skills and prone to reckless behavior. The man in black was convinced that Dustin was unaware that there were always stronger individuals out there. After all, there was always a bigger fish in the sea. Moreover, Dustin was just a young man in his 20s. So, no matter how talented he was, the man in black knew Dustin couldn't be compared to the renowned Old Beast."Whether I regret it or not, you'll find out soon enough. But before that happens, I must deal with the three of you." Dustin slowly approached the three assassins."You… What
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An Understated Dominance Chapter 2490
"Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves." Austin said with a faint smile.Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?"First, I investigated Mr. Langdon's assets and income sources," Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table. He explained firmly, "His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings. "Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask—where did all this money come from?"The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2489
"And as for the rest of you, I'll be investigating each of you one by one." Austin's gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors. He sneered and added, "You'd better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I'll handle it by the book, and there won't be any mercy."At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.Anyone who'd held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet. In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn't following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed."Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this."
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2488
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2487
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2486
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2485
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2484
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2483
After a night of chaos, some of the Red Legion's members were killed, others were captured, and the entire force had been wiped out.But the fallout didn't stop there. The Prescott estate was also raided. All embezzled wealth was confiscated, and those found guilty were thrown into prison.Anyone connected to the Prescotts was placed under house arrest and subjected to rigorous investigation.And the man behind it—Warrick—had become the kingdom's most wanted fugitive.Until he was captured, Celestria remained under lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, and patrol teams scoured every corner to ensure Warrick had no way out.Austin's crackdown sparked outrage among senior officials who didn't know the full story. They voiced their dissatisfaction, with some even gathering outside the castle gates in protest. They stomped their feet in outrage, just short of openly cursing him.To them, Warrick had made great contributions to the nation. Even if he had committed crimes, he didn't d
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2482
Austin's words were calm and almost casual. Yet, they struck like thunder and echoed in the hearts of the three assistant generals of the Red Legion.If they answered Austin's questions, there might still be a slim chance of survival. But if they refused, death was the only outcome.After all, who would willingly choose death when they had worked so hard to achieve their wealth and status? Yet, pride and dignity held them back. They didn't want to be branded as traitors.Now, they were caught in a dilemma. Which was more important—their honor or their lives? It was an impossible choice."You have ten seconds left. If you don't speak, you'll lose your chance." Austin's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.His words seemed to pierce their souls, and the three Red Legion assistant generals broke into a cold sweat.As the countdown neared its end, Auron finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness! I'll talk—I'll tell you everything."Dropping to his knees, he scrambled forward and wa
