An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

At that moment, Predator transformed into a terrifying bladestorm with his giant sword. Wherever the storm swept, man or object would be torn to shreds without mercy.

The two warring parties, previously locked in fierce combat, were scattered and forced to stop fighting in the face of the relentless onslaught.

This indiscriminate attack showed no mercy, sparing neither friend nor foe. Anyone caught in its path was doomed to certain death, a fate everyone desperately avoided.

With each passing moment, the bladestorm intensified, growing larger and swirling faster as it approached Dustin.

"Hmm?" Dustin's eyebrow arched in surprise.

Predator's move unleashed devastation that surpassed Dustin's cultivation. If used on the battlefield, it would be a deadly weapon capable of wreaking havoc.

Even in one-on-one combat among the grandmasters, only a few could withstand such an attack. Dustin couldn't help but admit that Predator was indeed skilled.

"Cross Slash!" Dustin immediately raised his hand and countered the howling bladestorm with two strikes.

Two white sword auras shot out simultaneously, converging to form a cross-shaped attack aimed at the bladestorm.

With a deafening explosion, energy surged, and sword aura scattered. Upon impact, Dustin's crossshaped sword aura exploded into a shower of sparks.

At that moment, powerful shock waves radiated outward in all directions, resembling a tidal wave. Darkness enveloped the sky as sand and stones were sent flying.

The martial artists and the black-clad assassins were forced to retreat as neither side dared to draw near.

Soon after, the storm gradually subsided, leaving the area within a 100-foot radius in ruins. The once solid rocky ground had been transformed into a funnel-shaped crater.

At that moment, Dustin stood stoically at the edge of the pit. His pristine white clothes were dust-free, and he radiated a suave charm like a dashing gentleman.

In contrast, Predator stood raggedly within the pit and panted heavily. The giant sword in his hands remained defensive in front of him. It trembled slightly from the residual energy from the earlier encounter.

Unexpectedly, a cross-shaped bloodstain marred Predator's chest. The wound was deep, nearly exposing bone, with blood flowing from it.

Predator had been defeated, and his injuries were severe after the last clash.

"What? How is this possible?" The man in black's eyes widened in disbelief.

Predator wasn't just the leader of The Fangs. He was one of the top assassins in the organization and ranked among the top five in terms of strength.

The man in black had anticipated that Predator's deadly bladestorm move would kill Dustin. However, Dustin's "Cross Slash" technique shattered the bladestorm and inflicted severe wounds on Predator.

Despite this outcome, the man in black couldn't comprehend how someone in their 20s like Dustin could possess such incredible strength. Even the toughest beasts on the Legendary List paled in comparison to Dustin.

At that moment, shock spread beyond the man in black to the other assassins. They all wore expressions of utter disbelief. They never imagined their undefeated leader would lose so miserably.

"Haha! Well done!" Miles exclaimed, breaking the brief silence with an unusually enthusiastic expression.

These formidable black-clad assassins proved to be tough opponents. Despite outhumbering them, Miles knew they were at a disadvantage in the battle.

Fortunately, Dustin's remarkable skills prevailed and led to the defeat of the assassins’ leader. This victory boosted the morale of the martial artists.

"As expected of Dustin, he has never let us down." Dalen sighed in relief.

"I have to admit, this kid has some serious skills." Ruby nodded approvingly. Her initial disdain for Dustin had gradually turned into admiration.

"Hold on! Did any of you notice something off about the assassins’ leader?" Crystal's expression turned serious as if she'd caught onto something important.

"Off? What do you mean?" Ruby seemed puzzled.

"With that deep wound across his chest, it's obvious something is off. That guy's practically hanging on by a thread now." Miles shrugged it off.

"No." Dalen's eyes narrowed as he observed keenly. "Crystal is right. He's behaving strangely. Instead of weakening after receiving such heavy injuries, his energy keeps getting stronger.” Typically, one's energy would diminish significantly after enduring severe injuries. However, Predator was defying the norm. His energy didn't weaken but appeared to intensify, suggesting he was on the brink of unleashing something explosive.

Suddenly, Predator burst into laughter.

His voice deepened as it grew wild ni ' . .

and raucous. "Kid, I'll give you credit - , Nn where it's due. You'se ghyorig, © 0 NA : sfropgehtifan anyone I've ever faced.

Under normal circumstances, | f 3 wouldn't stand a chance against [1 : you." As he spoke, he ran his fingers through his disheveled golden curls. Slowly, he smoothed them back into a slicked-back style, revealing a mixed-race face.

With ruggedly handsome features, he exuded a hint of devilish charm in his demeanor.

He continued, "Now, consider yourself lucky to witness my other form. As a sign of respect, I'll drop the pretense and unleash my full power for a no-holds-barred showdown with you!" Predator grinned wickedly as his eyes underwent a sinister transformation. His original blue irises quickly turned into yellow beast-like eyes that looked ferocious and bloodthirsty.

Upon witnessing this scene, the martial artists from Dragonmarsh, remained unfazed, Hdwbvér, re black aD Skins began to retreat from the battleground as if facing a formidable enemy.

While outsiders might be unaware, the assassins knew too well that their leader would soon reed ad om [ Gt | ; exceedingly ter ying side. In the aftermath, the battleground would descend into chaos, and many lives would be lost. "What's going on? Why are those assassins running away?" "Are they scared? Maybe they know they're outmatched, so they're trying to make a run for it?" "This doesn't feel right. Something seems off." As the assassins fled the scene, the martial artists exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain of what was happening.

However, at that moment, something shocking happened.