An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2530

Chapter 2530

Emmett always knew Dustin was strong—but he didn’t expect this strong.

From the start of their fight, even though he had a slight edge at times, Emmett still felt like he was being overpowered. Dustin’s movements, his technique—it was clear he was holding something back.

In Emmett’s eyes, Dustin relied on martial world skills and a guerrilla-style approach, never facing him directly. That’s why Emmett believed he could only win by catching Dustin off guard, finding a weakness to exploit.

But when Dustin finally revealed his true power, Emmett realized just how wrong he’d been.

Dustin wasn’t just skilled at elusive tactics—he had been intentionally holding back, giving Emmett face and room to perform.

Once Dustin released even a portion of his cultivation strength, everything changed.

No matter what special techniques Emmett used, Dustin’s strength, speed, and reflexes were overwhelming. The gap between their cultivations was simply too vast. No amount of skill could make up for it.

And it wasn’t just Emmett who was stunned.

Except for Nathaniel, who had expected this outcome, everyone else was in shock too.

No one thought that once Dustin stopped holding back, he would defeat Emmett with a single strike.

Emmett was a seasoned martial master, known for his many battles. Among those at his level, he was a leader. It was true that his last reckless charge had drained a lot of energy, but even so, Dustin’s punch had been too sharp, too clean to ignore.

Everyone now had to admit: they had all underestimated the seemingly delicate Mr. Rhys.

“Mr. Rhys, your strength is truly incredible. I accept my defeat with full respect.”

Emmett stood up and saluted Dustin with a clasped fist. The arrogance in his eyes was gone, replaced by pure admiration.

In the military, the strong are always respected. And Dustin, with his power and youth, was a rare talent—a genius. Naturally, the admiration for him only grew.

“General Trottier, thank you for going easy on me.”

Dustin clasped his fists in return, showing no pride or arrogance.

He had only agreed to this to help Nathaniel train his men—there was no pressure at all. The result had been obvious from the start.

“Well,” Nathaniel said, scanning the group with a hint of warning in his voice, “now you understand what it means when we say there’s always someone better than you.”

He continued, “Most of you train hard, but your talent has made you arrogant. I brought Mr. Rhys here today to teach you a lesson. Remember this—moving forward, stay humble, stay focused, and keep pushing.”

“Yes, sir!” everyone responded in unison.

Seeing someone as young as Dustin with such overwhelming strength lit a fire in them. Their fighting spirit was reignited.

“Of course,” Nathaniel added with a faint smile, “if any of you still feel unconvinced, you’re welcome to challenge Mr. Rhys and test yourselves.”

Everyone exchanged glances.

Even Deputy General Trottier had been defeated effortlessly. What chance did the rest of them have? It would be like throwing themselves into a storm.

The difference in strength was too vast. They wouldn’t even be sharpening their skills—they’d just be getting beaten up.

“I’ll go!”

At that moment, a voice rang out.

It was Mateo—the one who had been itching to step up. As the commander of this elite team, his strength far surpassed Emmett’s.

Now that Emmett had lost, it was only right for Mateo to step in—whether to learn or to restore honor.

“It’s not often we get to face a master like Mr. Rhys. I’d be honored to learn from you,” Mateo said, stepping forward and clasping his fists.

Taller and more powerful than Emmett, Mateo had a commanding presence. His cultivation level was also clearly higher.

He believed that if he went all out, he’d have at least a fifty-fifty chance against Dustin.

“Brother Rhys, I’ll have to trouble you again,” Nathaniel said with a smile.

“No trouble at all. Since General Trottier is interested, I’m happy to oblige,” Dustin replied calmly.

“Mr. Rhys, we’ve already compared fists—how about we spar with weapons this time?” Mateo asked with a grin.

Weapons were his strength. It made sense for him to fight on his own terms now.

“Alright,” Dustin nodded.

“Bring me my blade!” Mateo shouted.

Two elite soldiers hurried over, carrying a heavy Guandao.

Mateo gripped the weapon and spun it in the air twice before slamming the handle into the ground.

Boom!

The earth trembled slightly under the force.

“Mr. Rhys, the armory here has dozens of weapons. Feel free to choose whichever suits you,” Mateo said confidently.

“I’m used to using a sword.”

Dustin didn’t waste words. He walked to the weapon rack, grabbed a longsword with one hand, and it snapped smoothly into his palm.

The blade vibrated slightly, letting out a soft hum.

Though the weapons in Nathaniel’s mansion were standard, this sword—made of black iron—was finely crafted. It could slice a strand of hair with ease.

That said a lot about its quality.

“Mr. Rhys, please,” Mateo said, taking his stance with the Guandao.

“Please,” Dustin replied, sword in hand, clasping his fists in return.

All eyes were on them.

On one side was the team’s commanding officer. On the other, a martial arts expert personally invited by the royal palace.

This would be a true test—a battle of weapons. And no one could say for sure who would win.