An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori (official version)

The lack of strict rules at Sacred Wrym Summit allowed Abigail to set up betting pools.

Caleb couldn't resist the urge to play a few rounds out of curiosity. He initially had some luck and racked up a decent win. But the tide turned, and he lost everything he had won.

With the excitement and adrenaline pumping, he had nothing else to wager, so he bet with the Divine Talisman. From that moment on, it spiraled out of control.

It wasn’t until he lost dozens of talismans that he finally realized he was over his head and decided to give up. Hence, the talismans in Azalea’s possession were a result of his reckless gambling.

“Where did you get a Divine Talisman? “Kendricks frowned as his expression darkened.

The Divine Talisman was a hallmark of Sacred Wyrm Summit, and the lightning talisman she had used earlier was particularly rare. Kendricks found it absurd that a disciple from the Mystic Arts Order would possess the talismans.

“Heh... it's a secret.” Azalea grinned.

Before the match, Abigail had given her three Divine Talismans. Azalea had already used one with impressive results. If she played her cards right with the other two, there might still be a glimmer of hope to win the match.

“Hmph! Do you think you can defeat me with the Divine Talisman? Dream on.” Kendricks tossed his golden saber to the ground, where it sank deep into the battle ring and left the hilt sticking up. He then slowly unsheathed a black blade from his back.

It was a broken sword, entirely black and seemingly unremarkable. Yet the moment he unsheathed it, his entire demeanor changed dramatically. He exuded a chilling intensity, fierce and filled with commanding power.

The golden light that had surrounded him vanished. Then, a swirling black mist appeared, and he looked like a demon who emerged from the underworld.

EENGDY EEE TENT wl ERS “Holy crap! Kendricks is going all out.” “That blade he’s holding looks strange. It feels like it's been corrupted by dark energy.” “If 'm not mistaken, that must be the legendary Demonblade, which was once the top of the ten famous swords in the world. It was broken by a mysterious elder and sealed away. | can’t believe it ended up in Kendricks’ hands. It still possesses world- shattering power even if it was broken.” “With the Demonblade and the Bloodfiery Rampage technique, he’s like supercharging a beast. That Mystic Arts Order disciple doesn’t stand a chance.” The spectators couldn't help but feel a chill as they watched Kendricks enveloped in dark energy.

It was rare to find the Demonblade, but wielding it was even more difficult. Most swordsmen couldn't even draw the blade. Even if they managed to do so, the demonic energy within could easily drive them to madness.

But Kendricks seemed unfazed, which showed he had completely mastered the Demonblade and become its new master.

“You've forced me to draw the Demonblade. Consider it an honor to die by its edge.” As the words left his lips, he unsheathed his blade.

With a single, fluid motion, he swung the Demonblade in a simple and unembellished slash. But the moment the blade moved, a dark blade aura erupted from its edge.

At that instant, the world seemed to plunge into darkness. The inky blackness seemed ready to consume everything in its path. Wherever it swept through, the ground withered, and the air felt thick and heavy. Though silent, it was filled with lethal intent.

“Abyssal Parasol!” Azalea acted without hesitation and quickly activated the seal.

The once-dim parasol soared into the air and radiated a fierce crimson light. It formed a towering wall between her and the incoming dark blade aura.

The dark blade aura pierced through the towering wall and shattered the Abyssal Parasol. The defensive divine artifact exploded and proved ineffective against Kendricks’ attack.

Panicking, Azalea retreated while frantically unleashing a barrage of hidden weapons. But no matter how she attacked or defended, her poison darts disintegrated when they touched the dark blade aura.

Seeing no way to evade or block the attack, she shouted desperately, “I concede! | give up!” As soon as she said that, a bolt of blue lightning struck down from the sky and hit the dark blade aura. The explosion echoed as the lightning shattered it.

As the black energy dissipated, Oron stood protectively before Azalea in the battle ring.

“You!” Kendricks’s anger surged at the sight. He was just moments away from decapitating her to ease his frustration. To his dismay, Oron’s quick intervention had neutralized his attack.

“Contestant number 12 has already conceded. There's no need for unnecessary killing,” Oron said calmly.

The tournament rules were straightforward. Contestants had to fight to the death, get knocked out of the ring, or surrender voluntarily.

Since Azalea had already surrendered, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Additionally, he was motivated by the fact that she possessed a Divine Talisman, which might be connected to one of the disciples of Sacred Wyrm Summit. This was why he acted immediately to protect her.

“Thank you, Master Oron, for your timely rescue,” she said. She was still shaken from the terrifying blow she had narrowly avoided.

If Oron hadn’t used Stormcraft to deflect the dark blade aura, she wouldn't have been able to withstand such power.

Azalea realized that the gap between her and the masters on the Legendary List was still too great. They couldn’t make up for that difference, even with all her divine artifacts.

Fortunately, she had the wit to concede in time. Otherwise, today could have been her last.