An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Soluna Hall had one rule-they wouldn't accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted.

Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those cwith an additional fee.

When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his nand being verified by the guards, they let him through.

Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room.

"This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please cin," the female attendant said with a smile. "She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously.

"She had something cup, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling.

"Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.

The room was spacious, with a vintage yet elegant design that gave it a distinct charm. A subtle fragrance lingered in the air, refreshing and uplifting.

Cut-up fruit, snacks, and warm tea were already on the table.

Dustin glanced around, and his eyes landed on a bookshelf against the wall.

The shelf held a variety of rare books, each one unique and covering a range of subjects. He scanned the collection and eventually chose a book titled "The Legends of Extraordinary People." As the title suggested, the book chronicled legendary figures from throughout history. Shad ruled the regions, others had accomplished feats of incredible power, and shad becunbeatable in their time. A thousand years ago, a swordsman stood alone to guard a city, and no army of 100,000 dared to enter. There were also stories about beings who could move mountains, calm rivers, subdue monsters, and stem the tide of disasters.

Besides that, there was also a beggar who laughed three times. He took one step through heaven's gate and vanished into the clouds at high noon.

Every person who appeared in these tales was nothing short of legendary.

As Dustin flipped through to more recent timelines, his eyes landed on the nArion Foyer, the sage of Sacred Wrym Summit. His nwas prominent and was listed first in the Champ-Tier List.

Many years ago, the Era of Demon Banishment sent shockwaves throughout the martial world. The three major demon sects, once at the peak of their power, were completely wiped out overnight. To this day, not a single trace of them remains.

Since then, Arion had held the top spot on the Champ-Tier List, and no one was able to challenge his position. This book contained much more about Arion and his story.

Before the Era of Demon Banishment, Arion was virtually unknown. He spent his days lazing about, wasting time, and showing no interest in cultivation. He either slept or wandered aimlessly and was never once dedicated to training.

But this unremarkable man, upon learning that his mentor had been killed by the demon sect, went berserk. In a fit of rage, he single-handedly wiped out the entire sect with just a sword and left no survivors.

Dustin sat down and was intrigued as he flipped through the pages. Each legendary story felt almost like a myth that stirred something deep within him. He wondered if, one day, he would have the chance to be recorded in a book like that.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." At that moment, Grace, wearing a veil, finally walked in. She glanced at the book in his hands but said nothing. Instead, she sat across from him and poured two cups of tea.

"I just got here too," Dustin replied. He placed the book back on the shelf, then smiled and asked, "Why did you askout so urgently? What's going on?" "I just received snews that concerns your safety. I've had to pay quite a price to verify it," she said meaningfully.

"You're not planning to chargefor this, right?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Of course I am. And it's going to be double," Grace said confidently.

"Are you serious? We've been through life-and-death situations together.

m Chargingfor this? That feels a little too formal between us, don't you think?" Dustin looked genuinely exasperated.

"Business is business," she said with a smile. “Out there, we're friends. But here at Soluna Hall, everything runs by the book. No personal favors, and those are the rules." "So you calledover just for this?" Dustin sighed. He looked like he was regretting making the wrong friend.

"Well, that's how business works." Grace shrugged. "But since we're friends, I'll give you a discount." "I don't care about discounts since I've got nothing to give." Dustin raised his hands in defeat.

"No problem, you can owe me. Payback when you have the money," she said bluntly.

"Didn't realize you were so money-hungry.

"He rolled his eyes.

"It's not easy keeping a big business running without making money. Besides, money is nothing to you," Grace teased with a playful smile.

"Alright, alright, I'll owe you. Now, tell me, what's this news about?" Dustin sighed and reluctantly gave in.

"What you did in West Lucozia recently has already caught the attention of the higher-ups at the Hall of Gods." Grace's smile faded, and her expression turned serious.

She continued, "From what I've gathered, they're worried about your potential and your threat to them. So, they plan to kill you. Two royal gods are already on their way, and they'll be here in Oakvale soon."