An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2378

Chapter 2378

Although Briggs lost, his popularity didn’t fade at all. His female fans were still cheering wildly, calling out his name. No other contestant had experienced anything like it.

Good-looking people always seem to get special treatment.

“Mr. Either, are you okay?” Halle asked Briggs with concern as he returned to his seat.

“It’s just a minor injury. I’m fine,” Briggs said with a smile, though there was a hint of sadness and regret in his eyes. He had entered the competition not just for fame but to prove he was as good as anyone else.

Reaching the quarterfinals was a decent result, but he had hoped to go further. It was disappointing to fall just short of the semi-finals. Still, he accepted his defeat to Fenley.

“Mr. Either, you’re already amazing. Many students from prestigious schools don’t even come close to your level. Don’t let this get to you,” Rivka said, trying to comfort him.

“Yes, Mr. Either, you’re much better than me. I didn’t even make it to the top 16. Look at you now—you have a great reputation and so many supporters. You’re incredible,” Sullivan added. He was still recovering from his injuries, half of his body wrapped in bandages.

Compared to Sullivan, Briggs had already made a name for himself.

Meanwhile, in another part of the arena:

“Brother Fenley, you were awesome! You won so easily,” Kassidy said, delighted.

“My opponent was tough, but I had an advantage because of my higher skill level. If we were on equal footing, it would’ve been a hard fight,” Fenley replied humbly.

Fenley had previously faced weak opponents, but today was a real challenge.

“Either way, you won and made it to the top four. Just two more wins and you’ll be the champion!” Kassidy said confidently.

“The path to the championship won’t be easy,” Fenley said, glancing over at Glenn Hadley, who was resting with his eyes closed. Glenn was his biggest rival, and beating him was the key to winning the title.

After the first match, there was a break. The pace of the event was relaxed, with performances between matches to entertain the crowd and give contestants time to prepare.

Following a song and dance performance, the second match was announced.

Orion Foster returned to the stage and said loudly, “The second match is between contestant No. 2, Glenn Hadley, and contestant No. 7, Miguel Lai!”

The crowd buzzed with excitement. Glenn and Miguel were both members of the Sword Union, making this a showdown between teammates.

“Oh dear, Master Hadley, it looks like your Sword Union is in a tough spot. It’s a shame they have to face each other,” Alloy Marshall said with a smirk.

He had been annoyed by Cyrus Hadley earlier, and now was his chance to get even.

Even when teammates compete, they don’t hold back. With the stakes so high, no one would throw away their chance to win.

“Humph! Our Sword Union just had some bad luck, but your Celestial Alliance isn’t strong enough. Even if we lose one contestant, we still have a shot at the title. Unlike you—entering the finals seems like a distant dream!” Cyrus Hadley shot back.

He had been pleased to have two Sword Union members in the top eight, hoping both could advance. But seeing them face off so early was disappointing.

“Heh… You should worry more about your two disciples fighting to the death than whether our Celestial Alliance reaches the finals,” Alloy Marshall said with a grin. “It’d be a waste if one of them got hurt.”

“Life and death are a matter of fate, and fortune is in God’s hands. When you step onto that stage, you must be ready for anything. If you’re not strong enough, then you deserve to lose,” Cyrus Hadley replied coldly.

“Wow, Master Hadley, you’re so cold-hearted,” Alloy Marshall said, shaking his head.

“Enough, both of you. The match is starting. Let’s focus on the game,” Penelope interjected.

Cyrus Hadley and Alloy Marshall exchanged glares but went silent, turning their attention to the stage.

Glenn Hadley stepped up first, carrying his sword case, his expression as cold as ever. He stood like a drawn sword, radiating intensity.

Miguel, in contrast, had a calm and gentle presence, with a warm smile that put others at ease.

Glenn was like ice from the deepest winter, while Miguel was like a comforting sun on a cold day.