An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2512

Chapter 2512

“Oh? You figured it out?” Dustin smirked. “Now that you know who I am, the choice is yours.”

If Warrick chose to surrender, Dustin would simply seal his pressure points and leave him to Austin’s judgment. But if he resisted, Dustin wouldn’t hesitate to cripple him.

“Haven’t you renounced your title as prince? Why did you come back? Are you here to compete with Austin for the throne?” Warrick asked.

A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face before he continued, “If that’s your goal, I can help you. Spare me today, and I guarantee you’ll become the next Prince of West Lucozia.”

Power was a seductive force. History was full of tales of brothers turning on each other, and fathers killing their sons, all for power.

To Warrick, Logan’s quiet return to West Lucozia could mean only one thing—he was after the throne.

“Guarantee?” Dustin scoffed. “And what exactly are you offering? You’re a cornered rat. You can barely keep yourself alive—how could you possibly help me?”

Instead of taking offense, Warrick felt a thrill of hope. Dustin’s tone hinted he might be considering the throne. If so, things could turn in his favor.

“Your Highness, I may be down now, but I’ve spent years building my influence in West Lucozia. My roots run deep,” he said, full of conviction.
“Give me a chance, and I’ll return stronger. When that day comes, I won’t just stand beside you—I’ll be the blade that cuts down your enemies.”

“Come back stronger? Do you really think you’re capable of that? And why should I trust you?” Dustin narrowed his eyes.

“Your Highness, I’ve fought countless battles. When I give orders, soldiers obey without hesitation. I have many disciples too. When the time comes, they’ll be your fiercest supporters, helping you seize power,” Warrick persisted.

He wasn’t bluffing. Though lacking in political clout, his military influence was substantial. With the right strategy, he could easily sway elite troops.

Dustin smiled. “Now this is getting interesting.”

“So… does that mean you agree?” Warrick’s heart pounded with anticipation.

Against a supreme grandmaster, he stood no chance in combat. But if he could persuade Dustin with words—maybe, just maybe, it would work.

If successful, he wouldn’t need to flee to Artea. He could become Dustin’s most trusted aide and bask in a life of power and prestige.

“Agree? And what, exactly, would I be agreeing to?” Dustin asked calmly, his expression unreadable.
Warrick was taken aback. “Aren’t you interested in reclaiming the throne and becoming the ruler everyone bows to?”

“Not at all.” Dustin shook his head solemnly. He was doing everything he could to avoid the throne—why would he willingly take on that burden?

“You…” Warrick was stunned.

He still believed Dustin was simply being stubborn, unwilling to admit what he truly desired.

After all, what man didn’t dream of power and glory? Who wouldn’t want to be the one everyone bowed to?

“I know you have doubts, but you can trust me. Austin and I are already enemies. In other words, we’re on the same side now,” Warrick insisted.

“Who said I was on the same side as you?” Dustin shot him a look as if he were speaking nonsense. “I was just playing along. You didn’t actually believe that, did you?”

“What?” Warrick’s face twisted in disbelief. “You… you were messing with me?”

He had thought Dustin was finally taking him seriously, but instead, he was just being mocked.

“So what if I was? Is that a problem?” Dustin replied nonchalantly.

“You… That’s it. I’m done with you!”

Warrick’s fury boiled over. With a sharp twist of his blade, he knocked Dustin’s hand aside and lunged, aiming straight for his chest. The strike came in a flash, powered by all the energy he had stored.

Even while talking, Warrick had never let his guard down. The ambush had always been his backup plan.

If words failed, he would kill Dustin—and now was his chance.

Dustin let out a quiet chuckle. He didn’t even try to dodge, standing perfectly still as the blade struck his chest.

A sharp metallic clang echoed. Warrick’s sword met something hard as steel and couldn’t penetrate even an inch.

A keen observer might’ve noticed a faint shimmer on Dustin’s skin—a barely visible layer of true energy, acting like an unbreakable shield.

“I gave you the chance to surrender, but you threw it away,” Dustin said calmly. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He slowly raised his index finger. Under Warrick’s stunned gaze, Dustin lightly tapped his own chest.

The gentle touch triggered a thunderous explosion.

Warrick’s body was hurled like a ragdoll, soaring dozens of yards through the air. Blood sprayed from his mouth before he slammed into the ground.

The protective armor energy he once relied on—strong enough to block blades and bullets—shattered like paper under that single touch. It offered no resistance at all.

From a distance, Mulder could only watch in horror.