An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2396

Chapter 2396

A sudden bang echoed as golden light exploded, releasing a surge of powerful energy.

In an instant, the sky rumbled, and fierce winds swept through the battlefield.

Dustin, along with his sword, was thrown several meters back. He regained his footing only after taking a few steps back.

When he looked up, he saw Abigail cloaked in golden armor that shimmered with brilliance and authority.

It was a magical artifact.

The Mystic Arts Order, established over centuries, was known for its deep resources and powerful treasures. As their saint, Abigail naturally possessed artifacts for her protection.

Dustin wasn’t shocked, but he was impressed by the armor’s power. Not only did it shield her, but it also countered attacks. Moments earlier, his strike had been absorbed and reflected back at him. This armor had a unique ability to counter damage: the stronger the attack, the more force it returned.

“Mr. Rhys, surprised, aren’t you? My treasure armor rebounds any attack. The stronger the hit, the more powerful the response,” Abigail said with a confident smile.

“I see that,” Dustin replied, then added, “But even the best armor is just an object. Relying on it too much can be dangerous. Underestimating an opponent can lead to disaster.”

A true warrior’s strength comes from within. External aids are just enhancements. Depending on them too much weakens growth and opens up vulnerabilities.

Dustin’s words were meant as a warning to Abigail.

“Think you can capsize my ship, Mr. Rhys?” Abigail said with a smirk.

She discarded her saber and picked up a red sword. With the awakening of her phoenix blood, she had gained the memories of the Ninth Saint, making her proficient in many weapons.

“You handle a sword too?” Dustin raised an eyebrow.

“Try me and find out,” Abigail said, rushing forward and thrusting with precision.

Her attack was fast, sharp, and came from an unexpected angle. Mastery at this level couldn’t be achieved without years of intense training.

“Oh?” Dustin’s expression showed surprise.

An expert could recognize true skill with a single move, and it was clear to Dustin that Abigail’s swordsmanship was exceptional. Such skill could not be honed in just a few years—it had to be innate or inherited through the power of the phoenix bloodline.

There was no time to ponder. Abigail’s sword was already upon him, and Dustin met her strike with a precise thrust of his own.

Clang!

Their sword tips collided, locking in place and sending ripples of light outward. The energy from the clash wasn’t overwhelming but carried a sharp, intense edge.

Locked in a duel, their swords became conduits for their true energy, colliding and wrestling like armies on a battlefield. Waves of energy pulsed outward, one after another.

Abigail’s breathing grew faster, sweat glistened on her forehead, and her grip trembled. Meanwhile, Dustin stood firm, calm and unyielding.

Despite her many artifacts and mystical abilities, Abigail’s cultivation level was lower. In this test of raw energy, she was clearly outmatched.

At last, she relented, flicking her wrist to break the lock and retreat. But Dustin seized the moment, lunging forward and striking her golden armor.

Clang!

The impact sent a shockwave back at Dustin’s sword. Instead of resisting, he used the recoil to his advantage and struck again.

Clang!

The armor shuddered, releasing an even stronger reaction. Dustin continued to harness the recoil, launching rapid, relentless strikes.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

His Celestial Blade rained down like a storm. Abigail was forced back step by step, unable to hold her ground. Each time she tried to counter, Dustin’s perfect timing thwarted her.

Strike after strike landed, and Abigail found herself defenseless. Without the protective armor, she would have been severely wounded by now. At that moment, she realized just how refined Dustin’s swordsmanship was. His seemingly simple strikes were impossibly effective, leaving her no opening.

Each blow came faster and harder than the last. After dozens of strikes, her armor began to dim, and cracks appeared in the metal.

The battle was clearly nearing its end. Even the best armor has limits, and this one was no exception.

Clang!

With one final blow, Dustin shattered the armor, and the golden glow around Abigail vanished.

The momentum carried his blade toward her throat. Abigail’s eyes widened, unable to react as the Celestial Blade halted just half an inch away. She could feel its sharpness so vividly that the hairs on her skin stood on end.