An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2537

The crowd murmured among themselves, eyes fixed on the broken broadsword and the stunned expression on Lycas’ face.

“That strike was insanely fast—and dead-on too,” someone remarked.

“I never imagined General Derin’s ultimate move could be defeated like that. It’s unreal,” another said.

“I really thought General Derin could turn things around for us, but he still lost,” a third added.

Everyone knew Lycas’s strength. As a fully realized grandmaster wielding a broadsword, he was considered nearly unbeatable. Yet, in the decisive moment, Dustin’s perfectly timed strike shattered his weapon.

Lycas’s defeat was abrupt and almost surreal. Some chalked it up to bad luck, believing he might have won under different circumstances. But those who truly understood what happened saw it differently.

Even with Dustin’s movement restricted and Lycas using his most powerful technique, Dustin had pierced through the opening with near-impossible timing.

That strike wasn’t lucky—it was masterful. It demonstrated not just speed and precision, but overwhelming control and strength.

Lycas was already gasping for air, while Dustin appeared untouched—as if he hadn’t even warmed up. And this was after three consecutive fights.

From start to finish, he hadn’t broken a sweat. It was clear he’d been holding back the entire time, even against Lycas.

So while Lycas was defeated, there was no shame in the loss. The expert Nathaniel had brought in was far stronger than anyone present.

Nathaniel was the first to react. He clapped his hands and let out a hearty laugh.

“Logan, your reputation is truly deserved. You’ve opened our eyes today,” he said.

The rest of the soldiers followed, erupting in applause. The doubt in their eyes had been replaced by admiration.

Dustin had taken down both Bryce and Lycas. Even after three back-to-back victories, he remained calm and composed—a living testament to his strength.

Though he was roughly their age, he was already a seasoned grandmaster. None of the soldiers had ever witnessed talent like his before.

Dustin offered a respectful salute to Lycas. Then, he raised his hand, and the longsword flew back to the weapon rack.

“Thank you for the match, General Derin,” he said.

Lycas stepped forward and returned the salute. “Mr. Rhys, your skill is truly extraordinary. I accept defeat without excuses,” he said.

Others might not have noticed, but he understood just how terrifying that final strike had been.

Dustin’s finishing blow had come so swiftly, he hadn’t even seen it. What shocked Lycas more was how Dustin had spotted the flaw in his technique in the blink of an eye.

Against a genius like that, all he could do was admire him.
Nathaniel looked at Lycas and Bryce with a knowing smile. “So, how does it feel?” he asked. “Now you finally understand what it means when they say there’s always someone stronger, right?”

“You’re right, Your Highness,” Lycas replied sincerely. “We were too full of ourselves, thinking our cultivation made us superior. But after facing Mr. Rhys, we now realize how much we still have to learn.”

“That’s true,” Bryce added. “Mr. Rhys has shown us how far we still have to go. From now on, we’ll train harder and never slack off again.”

Dustin’s skill had earned their respect.

Though he won both sparring matches, he had held back just enough to avoid humiliating them. That restraint only deepened their admiration for him.

“Alright. Carry on with your training. I still have a few things to discuss with Mr. Rhys,” Nathaniel said.

Without lingering, he quickly led Dustin away from the training grounds.

Once outside, Nathaniel chuckled and asked, “What do you think? Impressive soldiers, aren’t they?”

Dustin, an ultimate grandmaster, had clearly held the advantage. Still, Nathaniel felt proud that Lycas and Bryce had lasted as long as they did.

“They’re outstanding—better than I expected,” Dustin replied with a smile.

Nathaniel laughed and said proudly, “Well, they might not compare to you, but in Oakvale, they’re among the best.”

He had poured great effort into training his elite forces. And while this team was the face of his military strength, Nathaniel also maintained a hidden force in reserve—his secret weapon.

“You’ve built a solid foundation, Your Highness. It’s truly impressive,” Dustin said politely.

Nathaniel waved it off. “This is just the beginning. Honestly, what my team really needs is someone like you—someone who can truly take command. Only then will things feel complete.” His tone carried weight.

Dustin smiled but offered no direct response.

“Of course, I’m not trying to rush you,” Nathaniel added with an easygoing grin. “As they say, it’s not all about sealing a deal. What matters most is keeping the relationship strong, whatever the outcome.”

Dustin nodded. “Absolutely.”

“You’ve just fought three intense battles in a row. You must be tired. Go get some rest,” Nathaniel suggested, not pressing further.

“Mr. Rhys, this way, please,” one of the maids said.

Graceful and composed, the maid on the left stepped forward to guide him into the inner courtyard.

As Dustin’s figure vanished down the corridor, Nathaniel’s expression shifted slightly. He turned to another maid and spoke quietly, “Tell Felicia to keep Mr. Rhys company.”

The maid’s lashes fluttered as she nodded in understanding.

Everyone knew Felicia Thorns was Nathaniel’s favorite. So it surprised many that he would offer her company to Dustin, just to win him over.