An Understated Dominance - Chapter 304

The man looked around the room with a smug expression. “I’m Dustin. What brings you here?” He took a sip from his drink, barely paying attention.

“I’m a messenger from Boulderthorn’s Royal Valor. We challenge you to a duel. You killed Joshua Hummer, our seventh disciple, and we need to take action. My senior will come to Swinton to challenge you to a fight to the death!” the messenger announced, tossing a piece of paper towards Dustin.

As a respected guild, they believed in handling matters publicly, especially revenge. They also wanted to use this chance to display their strength.

“No thanks, I’m not interested,” Dustin replied without even glancing at the paper.

“Are you scared?” the messenger sneered. “You were brave when you killed Joshua. Why are you backing down now that my senior is your opponent?”

“I don’t even know who your senior is,” Dustin said calmly.

“Let me tell you. His name is Tatum Thunders, and he’s listed among The Heavenly Immortals. He’s one of Boulderthorn’s eight geniuses, known as the Fanatic Blade!” the messenger said with pride.

“Fanatic Blade, Tatum Thunders?” Maximus exclaimed, his face going pale.

As a disciple of Boulderthorn himself, he had heard of Tatum before.

Boulderthorn had eight subsidiary guilds: Royal Valor, Quickshields, Forsakenstriders, Shadowfall, Thundersong, Frostlanders, Boneguard, and Killingbane. Each guild had a principal disciple, expert martial artists just below the guildmaster. These disciples were often stronger than the second-in-commands of Boulderthorn, and Tatum was the principal disciple of Royal Valor.

In his early thirties, Tatum had already made his mark on The Heavenly Immortals.

“Fanatic Blade? Never heard of him. He’d better stay away if—”

“He doesn’t want to die,” Dustin thought, but he didn’t care.

“Arrogant fool!” the man scoffed. “No one has ever dared to refuse our challenge, you brat. If you won’t accept the duel, everyone around you will suffer, not just you. Think carefully about this.”

“Are you threatening me?” Dustin narrowed his eyes.

“Exactly! We’ll be waiting for you at Mount Halgue in two days. Be ready for the consequences if you don’t show up. Don’t even think about running away; we’re watching you. Instead of hiding like a coward, why not die honorably in a fight? At least then your pride stays intact, and innocent people won’t get hurt. Think about it. Goodbye.” With that, the man turned and left.

The man didn’t worry that Dustin might refuse their challenge. No one had ever escaped Boulderthorn.

“We’re in trouble now, Dustin!” Maximus said, looking serious. “Tatum is not just any fighter. He’s a legendary figure who achieved divinity five years ago. He’s way stronger than Joshua Hummer!”

“Really? He sounds strong,” Dustin replied calmly.

“I think you should take your loved ones and run far away, or you’re doomed!” Maximus warned.

“Run?” Dustin smiled softly. “He doesn’t scare me.”

“Do you have another plan?” Maximus asked, intrigued.

“There’s always a solution. Since they challenged me first, I’ll respond in kind,” Dustin said with a cold smile.

Though his mood was already bad, Tatum’s foolishness only fueled Dustin’s anger. He decided to use this challenge to relieve some of that frustration.