An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori (official version)

"Phoenix Soaring!" Under immense pressure, Emeret used every ounce of his strength. His internal energy surged like a tidal wave, and he channeled it into his silver sword. It flared with a sharp glow that was nearly blinding.

Then, he leaped into the air. He merged with his sword and transformed into a massive Sacred Phoenix. With a mighty cry, the phoenix flew toward the golden sword descending from above.

The silver phoenix, gleaming from head to tail, flapped its wings and unleashed a wind storm. Its power was overwhelming, and it seemed like it could break through the clouds and soar into the sky. After a brief pause in midair, it turned toward the golden sword.

Another loud boom resounded as the earth trembled and energy surged in every direction. The entire battle ring rumbled while the protective barrier rippled like waves. It shook violently as if it were on the verge of collapse. At the center of the explosion, the golden sword collided with the Phoenix's beak. The sword pressed down with a crushing force and relentlessly drove the Sacred Phoenix toward the ground.

With another thunderous crash, the phoenix buckled under the weight and slammed into the battle ring. Dust and debris filled the air, and the ground shook violently as huge cracks splintered across the ring like jagged scars.

When the dust settled, the scene in the battle ring left everyone speechless. The battle ring, spanning about 100 yards, was now filled with cracks that resembled a giant spider web from above.

In the center lay a gaping pit roughly 30 feet wide. Emeret was half-kneeling in that pit as he gasped for breath. His clothes were torn, his hair disheveled, and his face was covered with dust, with blood dripping from his hands. His overall appearance made him look particularly disheveled.

The once-glimmering silver sword was now broken in half and had lost its brilliance. He used the broken sword to prop himself up and struggled to stay upright.

But after a few ragged breaths, Emeret couldn't hold back anymore. He coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face as pale as paper and his strength completely drained.

In contrast, Glenn's expression remained icy and detached. He hadn't moved an inch since the match began. Emeret had lost, and it was a devastating defeat. When Glenn drew his sword, he finally grasped the true extent of the gap between them.

There were no flashy moves or elaborate techniques. Instead, it was just a downward strike that nearly cost him his life. Emeret would already be dead if it hadn't been for the surge of power that allowed him to unleash Phoenix Soaring, which absorbed most of the strike's force.

Before stepping into the ring, he was confident and believed his advanced sword skills would allow him to stand toe-to-toe with Glenn.

Now, he realized that against absolute power, any technique was meaningless. If he couldn't even block one strike from Glenn, what right did he have to challenge him? "Oh my gosh! Is this really the strength of the number one on the Legendary List? It's so terrifying!" "They're both disciples of the Sword Union, and Emeret joined the guild a. few years before Glenn. Yet, he couldn't even withstand a single strike from Glenn's sword. It's unbelievable!" "Based on what I'm seeing, there's no doubt that Glenn is going to take the champion title in this Combat Tournament!" As the spectators gazed at the imposing figure of Glenn in the battle ring, they couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Emeret wasn't weak. He had fought his way through every match to reach the top eight. This proved he was among the best of his generation.

Yet, someone of his caliber couldn't block a single strike from Glenn. This stark reality showcased Glenn's incredible strength. The gap in power between them was staggering. No one in the entire venue had exhibited such overwhelming dominance as Glenn.

"What kind of monster is that guy? He defeated his senior with a single strike. He is so ruthless!" Aurora frowned as conflicting emotions swirled within her.

She had always believed that Fenley would easily win the tournament after his breakthrough. However, Glenn's performance had shaken her confidence.

"He truly deserves the top spot on the Legendary List. He's beyond extraordinary." Alicia felt a wave of unease. Her understanding of Glenn had been based on rumors, and she hadn't gained a deep knowledge of his abilities.

His opponents weren't that strong in previous matches, and even when he won, he hadn't displayed much m destructive power power. But that last strike made her realize how deserving he was of the number one spot on the Legendary List. "He's definitely a tough opponent." Fenley narrowed his eyes, and his expression turned serious.

Before his breakthrough, he believed he was slightly weaker than Glenn, After the breakthrough, he had been confident that he could defeat him. But now, uncertainty gnawed at him.

It wasn't just the power of that one strike but also how effortlessly Glenn had won that match Fenley couldn't n even tell if Glenn had used his full strength. That uncertainty was the most terrifying part.