An Understated Dominance

“Elder Mason, you think an apology will cut it? Aren’t you letting this punk off too easy?”

“Yeah, just look at Donny. He’s coughing up blood. If we let this slide, what’ll happen to our reputation?”

“Elder Mason, this punk deserves punishment. Even if we spare his life, he shouldn’t escape justice. In my opinion, we should break his legs first!”

Everyone voiced their anger. Their eyes burned with hostility as they glared at Dustin.

“What’s wrong? Don’t my words mean anything to you?” The elder raised his head and glanced at everyone. His expression was calm yet commanding.

That single glance had the power to silence everyone present. It instilled fear in them that prevented anyone from expressing discontent.

After all, the elder was Garrett Mason, the infamous Cosmos Demons. He was a grandmaster martial artist, feared and renowned throughout the land.

He was known to be merciless, as he would wipe out entire families at the slightest provocation.

Just mentioning his name was enough to instill fear in the martial world. Hence, none dared to act out of turn when facing Garrett.

“Young man, what are you waiting for? Apologize now,” Garrett urged. His tone was plain but firm.

“Did I say I was going to apologize?” Dustin remained composed.

He added, “They were the ones who started it. I don’t see why I should apologize. If anyone owes an apology, it’s them to me.”

Dustin’s words sparked further outrage among the crowd.

How dare he strike first and then act like he was in the right? They would have taught him a lesson if Garrett wasn’t here.

“Hmm?” Garrett frowned slightly at Dustin’s response.

He appeared displeased. “Young man, I’m giving you a chance here. Without my intervention, you’d already be at their mercy. Think carefully now. Do you want to apologize?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I won’t be apologizing to them,” Dustin replied firmly.

“Hmph! Ignorant fool!” Garrett’s expression turned cold. “Since you’re so stubborn, I won’t interfere anymore. Let’s see how tough you are!”

With a nod to Lucian beside him, Garrett signaled his intent.

Lucian picked up on the subtle cue, and his expression shifted to one of aggression.

“You punk! Elder Mason tried to be civil, but you’re too arrogant to see that. Looks like you won’t learn until you’re put in your place!”

Lucian snapped his fingers. “Guys, teach him a lesson! Don’t stop until he begs for mercy!”

As soon as the command was given, several burly men exchanged glances and lunged forward with malicious grins.

They had been itching for an opportunity to put Dustin in his place, and now they wouldn’t hold back.

“You little punk! Today, I’m going to make sure you regret crossing us!”

“Arrogant kid! I’ll show you who’s boss around here!”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

The men shouted as they simultaneously launched a barrage of punches and kicks directed at Dustin.

Having learned their lesson from Dustin’s fight with Donny, they knew better than to hold back. They unleashed their full force to end the fight quickly.

“What a bunch of clowns.” Dustin scoffed.

He stood firm as the punches and kicks came his way. In an instant, his body trembled, and a surge of true energy burst forth.

There was a loud blast as a powerful wave of energy erupted from his body and slammed into his assailants with tremendous force.

“Ah!”

The men cried out in pain as they were sent flying several yards away.

They crashed onto the ground and spat out blood as their faces drained of color. They couldn’t even muster the strength to stand.

“How can this be happening?” Lucian was taken aback, and his eyes widened in disbelief.

The other martial artists were equally dumbfounded. They couldn’t comprehend what they had just witnessed.

They had thought Donny had underestimated Dustin and held back, which was why he lost.

The men Dustin faced were at the same level as Donny. They hadn’t expected that they would be gravely injured by his counterattack.

It was unbelievable. They began to ponder how strong Dustin was.

“Huh?” Even Garrett, a grandmaster martial artist, raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Dustin must be at least halfway to the grandmaster level to take down several advanced-level fighters with just one move. And considering Dustin’s young age, likely in his 20s, his potential seemed limitless.

Garrett finally understood that Dustin had the skills to back up his confidence.

“Anyone else feeling lucky?” Dustin stood confidently with his hands behind his back.

His gaze was cool and commanding. He knew he could assert his dominance against these opponents to keep them in line. If he didn’t, they’d just keep coming at him.

“Elder Mason?”

After a moment of disbelief, Lucian turned to Garrett for assistance.

Dustin’s strength had far surpassed Garrett’s expectations. He wouldn’t even fancy his chances of a fight against Dustin now. Only a grandmaster -level martial artist could hope to subdue Dustin.