An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2528

Chapter 2528

“Your Highness, I’ve trained these soldiers to be lethal. If they injure this distinguished guest, the consequences could be serious.”

Though Mateo’s words were indirect, his message was clear—If you’re not strong enough, don’t get involved. You’ll only end up humiliated.

Emmett stood silently beside him, but the look he shot Dustin was full of disdain.

How could a young man with such soft, delicate features possibly compare to these battle-hardened elites?He likely came from a noble family and knew the prince, now trying to prove himself in front of others.

“You all really don’t know what’s important,” Nathaniel said with a slight shake of his head and a smile. “If any of you can land a hit on Mr. Rhys, I’ll reward you with a thousand gold coins. But honestly, I doubt any of you can manage that.”

The mention of such a large reward immediately fired up the soldiers. Their eyes lit with excitement, eager to charge forward and put Dustin to the test.

“Since Your Highness has said so, I’ll assign a few men to give this guest a challenge,” Mateo replied. He turned, pointed at five of his strongest soldiers, and barked, “You five, step forward!”

“Yes!” the soldiers responded in unison, stepping into the center of the training arena.

Years of intense training had shaped them into intimidating figures. They radiated a fierce aura, and their eyes were sharp, like tigers ready to pounce.

“Brother Rhys, my men can get a bit arrogant,” Nathaniel said with a lighthearted tone. “Let’s have you teach them a lesson today.”

“If Your Highness requests it, I’m happy to oblige.”Dustin nodded and walked calmly to the center, standing across from the five soldiers.

He was composed and grounded, his gaze steady and unreadable.

These men were indeed elite, but given his current level, they posed no real threat. Unless they had an army of thousands, they were no match for him.

“Do your best—don’t embarrass His Highness!” Mateo ordered sternly.

He might have looked down on Dustin before, but now that it was a matter of honor, he wouldn’t allow his men to hold back.

“Please, go ahead,” Dustin said, motioning politely.

“Begin!” Mateo shouted.

The soldiers sprang into action immediately.

They moved as a unit, surrounding Dustin in a wide arc. Two soldiers rushed from the left—one aimed a sweeping kick at Dustin’s legs, while the other leapt into the air, swinging a heavy punch toward his face.

On the right, one soldier charged with a short stick, striking rapidly to cut off Dustin’s escape. Another moved with eerie speed, circling like a ghost, looking for an opening in Dustin’s defense.

But Dustin remained calm.

He shifted his body slightly, dodging the sweeping kick, and lifted his left leg just enough to block the incoming punch—effortlessly.

The soldier’s fist slammed into what felt like a brick wall. A sharp pain shot up his arm, and he let out an involuntary grunt.

Without missing a beat, Dustin turned and kicked his right leg like a spinning whip. His heel struck the wrist of the soldier holding the stick with pinpoint accuracy.

Crack.The stick flew from the man’s hand. He went pale, clutched his wrist, and stumbled back.

The remaining three charged harder, their attacks fast and coordinated. But Dustin moved like a shadow—quick, silent, untouchable.

In a blink, he appeared behind one of the soldiers and gave him a light tap on the back.

The soldier was instantly thrown off balance and flung forward, hitting the ground hard.

Another came at him from the side. This time, Dustin didn’t dodge. He rushed forward, meeting the man head-on, and delivered a clean punch to his chest.

It didn’t look like much—but it struck like lightning.

The soldier couldn’t react in time. The force lifted him off the ground, and he crashed backward, spitting blood.

In moments, all five elite soldiers were down—completely defeated.

And this was with Dustin holding back. Had he gone all out, these men might have ended up seriously injured—or worse.

“How is that possible?!”

The watching soldiers were stunned, eyes wide in disbelief.

The arrogance they once had vanished, replaced by awe and fear.

Even Mateo and Emmett were speechless. They had never imagined that this seemingly frail man could possess such overwhelming strength.

Five elite fighters—defeated in mere seconds.

“I didn’t expect you to be this strong,” Mateo said, frowning in frustration.

Emmett, too, had a serious look on his face. The way he looked at Dustin had completely changed.

Nathaniel, meanwhile, stood off to the side, smiling with satisfaction.

This was exactly the effect he wanted.

“Brother Rhys, that was incredible!” Nathaniel clapped his hands in admiration. “My men have gotten overconfident lately. I think they’ll be much more humble after today.”

“Your Highness flatters me,” Dustin replied modestly. “They’re strong soldiers, but they’ve never fought someone trained in martial arts. I simply took advantage of that gap in experience.”

Though Dustin had clearly won, he chose to give them face.

Just then, Deputy General Emmett stepped forward. Without a word, he removed his outer uniform, revealing a muscular frame. His eyes burned with fighting spirit.

“Mr. Rhys,” he said firmly, “we failed to recognize your strength. Now, I would like to ask you for a few moves. I hope you’ll honor me with your guidance.”