An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2418

Chapter 2418

Emerging from the dense fog, the figures were all masked, their faces hidden, but every one of them bore the emblem of the Pantheon.

Among them was a small group led by Dustin, though he had intentionally left his team behind in the fog array to investigate the commotion on his own. Unexpectedly, another group emerged from the fog alongside him.

“What happened here? Why are there so many dead bodies?”

“It seems we’ve encountered a powerful enemy. Stay alert, everyone!”

The sight of corpses scattered across the ground instantly put the newcomers on high alert. Their eyes darted between Dustin and the gray-robed old man.

“Mr. Rhys, why are you here alone?” the leader of the group asked, recognizing Dustin.

The Pantheon employed many teams, each distinguished by differently colored masks. Captains wore more prominent badges to signal their rank.

“Mr. Houle?” Dustin’s eyes narrowed as he identified the speaker.

“Mr. Rhys, what happened here?” Tyson Houle asked cautiously.

“I’m not sure. I just stepped out of the fog array myself,” Dustin replied, shaking his head.

“Really?” Tyson’s gaze was skeptical. “Then why did you leave your team and come here alone?”

“The fog array was too disorienting. I got separated from them,” Dustin explained.

“That’s not what your team said,” Tyson countered.

“Oh? And what did they say?” Dustin asked, raising an eyebrow.

“They believe you abandoned them deliberately, leaving them trapped in the array,” Tyson said bluntly.

Dustin chuckled. “That’s quite the assumption. Surely, Mr. Houle, you don’t take such one-sided claims seriously?”

“Of course not. I trust you completely, Mr. Rhys,” Tyson replied with a smile before his tone shifted. “However, to clear up any doubts, I believe you should prove your loyalty.”

“And how exactly should I do that?” Dustin asked, his expression calm.

Tyson pointed to the injured gray-robed old man. “That man seems to be the guardian of the forbidden area. Judging by his condition, he’s severely wounded. Kill him to demonstrate your allegiance.”

Actions speak louder than words.

Dustin’s demeanor remained composed. “I’m not one for needless killing. I’ll pass.”

“If you won’t kill him, I’ll have no choice but to doubt your loyalty,” Tyson said, his smile fading.

“If you don’t believe me, that’s beyond my control,” Dustin replied with a shrug.

Tyson’s eyes narrowed, his hand moving toward the hilt of his blade. “Mr. Rhys, it seems you’re not one of us after all.”

Dustin sighed lightly. “Now that you’ve figured it out, I won’t hide it. You’re right—I’m not with the Pantheon. In fact, I stand against you. Since you’re planning to invade the Sacred Wyrm Summit, it’s my duty to stop you.”

Tyson’s face darkened. “Have you forgotten that you ingested my special poison? Without my antidote, you won’t survive more than three days. Are you truly unafraid of death?”

“Of course I fear death,” Dustin said, smiling faintly. “But your poison doesn’t work on me, so I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.”

“What? Impossible!” Tyson’s expression twisted in disbelief.

“I wouldn’t be standing here calmly if your poison had any effect,” Dustin pointed out.

Tyson was momentarily speechless. It was true—if Dustin had been poisoned, he wouldn’t dare betray the Pantheon. Yet Tyson couldn’t fathom how Dustin had neutralized the toxin.

“So, Mr. Rhys,” Tyson said coldly, “you’ve made up your mind to oppose us?”

“Enough talk. If you want to set foot in the Sacred Wyrm Summit, you’ll have to get through me first.”

With that, Dustin raised his sword, its tip pointed directly at Tyson.

“Fine,” Tyson said, his voice icy. “If you’re so determined, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Listen up! Anyone who kills this man will receive double the reward!”

The promise of a huge reward sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. Greed shone in their eyes. Killing one man for such riches was far more appealing than venturing into the forbidden area.

“Fool! Opposing the Pantheon is a death sentence!” a burly man roared, charging at Dustin with a massive blade. He moved with the speed and ferocity of a cheetah, eager to claim the prize.

“Brothers, attack!” another voice shouted, rallying the group.

Weapons drawn, the others surged forward, their eyes burning with greed. These were hardened criminals, accustomed to bloodshed. For the promise of such wealth, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill—not once, not a hundred times.