An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2304

“Next.” Oron’s voice cut through the air, signaling that it was time to continue drawing after Jermaine’s turn.

“I’ll go,” George said, stepping forward. He aggressively pushed a martial artist aside as he reached into the black box.

The martial artist frowned and looked up at George’s massive, bear-like figure. Even though he felt anger bubbling inside him, he managed to hold it back.

It was clear that George was intimidating, despite the fact that a martial artist’s strength isn’t always about size.

After digging around in the box for a few seconds, George pulled out a glass ball. But before anyone could see the number inside, he crushed it with his strong grip.

The ball shattered with a sharp crack, sending pieces flying across the floor.

George looked at the fragments in his hand and burst into laughter, his eyes glinting with malice as he turned to Jermaine.

“Jermaine, huh? Unlucky bastard, you’re in for a rough day. Check this out.” He showed Jermaine the metal disc, which read “30.”

Jermaine had drawn a 3, while George had drawn a 30. This meant they were set to fight in the third match.

“Hmph! We’ll see who’s the unlucky one,” Jermaine shot back coldly. “I’ve taken down plenty of brutes like you. All muscle, no brains. You’re just a walking pile of trash.”

Jermaine knew that being tall and bulky wouldn’t save George from his blade. Size and strength didn’t matter against his skill. Those who relied solely on power were no match for him.

“A walking pile of trash?” George laughed heartily, though his eyes showed he meant business. “We’ll see if you’re still laughing after I turn you into a meat pie.”

“Stop talking! Let’s settle this in the battle ring,” Jermaine scoffed as he turned and walked away.

George followed, eager for the fight ahead.

Oron grinned, looking like a predator eyeing its prey.

“Next,” he said, calling for the next contestant.

As long as no rules were broken and no trouble stirred up, he didn’t mind if people shouted insults or even spat at each other.

One by one, contestants stepped up to draw their numbers. Some made a big deal out of it, while others kept it low-key. Some proudly showed their numbers, while others kept them hidden. They were careful not to give away any advantages. Knowing an opponent’s number could be helpful or used against them.

The smart contestants kept their numbers to themselves after drawing. Only those who were confident in their skills would show theirs.

For instance, Glenn and Fenley, both ranked high on the Heavenly Immortals list, were likely to make it into the top eight as long as they didn’t face each other too early.

Dustin drew the number “8,” meaning he would fight in the eighth match. It was a neutral position, neither good nor bad, but he wasn’t worried about it.

According to the pairing rules, he would face the contestant with number 25. If he remembered correctly, that was Bill.

Dustin looked over at Bill, who was casually playing with a glass ball. Inside the ball was a metal disc with the number “25” engraved on it.

“Interesting,” Dustin said with a smirk. He had fought many battles but had never faced a vampire before.

He guessed that Bill, with his noble background, would be tough to beat. This was a great opportunity for Dustin to test his skills against a vampire elite and learn about their abilities. This way, he would be ready for future encounters with powerful vampires.

“Hmm?” Bill seemed to notice him. He looked up and their eyes met.

“Kid, don’t tell me you’re my opponent?” Bill’s eyes narrowed.

From a distance, Bill looked at Dustin with a sneer. “Let me just say, you’re as good as dead. And don’t think I’ll make it easy for you. I plan to enjoy every moment of your suffering.”

“Idiot,” Dustin replied calmly as he walked back to his seat. He couldn’t stand people who talked big before the fight even started.

Those types were everywhere—people who couldn’t read their opponents and only knew how to boast. It was surprising that someone like Bill was still around.

“Kid, you better watch out!” Bill’s anger grew as he watched Dustin’s dismissive attitude.

After losing to Fenley the night before and getting hit hard by Oron’s Stormcraft earlier, Bill was fuming. His frustration was at its peak, and he was ready to take it all out on Dustin. He wanted every martial artist from Dragonmarsh to see the real strength of the vampires.

“The draw is over. Contestants, please return to your seats.” Oron announced as everyone finished drawing their numbers.

He continued, “Now, I’ll explain the rules. This tournament is for martial arts sparring and skill exchange. Once you step into the battle ring, your fate is in the hands of destiny.

“There are no restrictions in today’s matches. If anyone concedes or falls off the ring, they lose.

“I advise everyone to remember that while winning is important, your life is even more valuable. If you find yourself outmatched, it might be best to concede.”

“Now, let’s get started with the first match. Contestant number one and contestant number thirty-two, please step up to the ring.”