An Understated Dominance (Maria Vittori) novel Chapter 2146

Dustin left.

Leaving behind the massive cauldron, he casually walked away. His enigmatic silhouette faded into the distance.

It left the crowd wondering if Krel and Melissa got lucky, or if Dustin had done it intentionally.

The crowd leaned toward the latter. After all, how could someone capable of lifting a 100-thousand-pound cauldron make such a rookie mistake?

"Thank you, Mr. Rhys!" Melissa was both moved and delighted as she watched Dustin's retreating figure. She knew that Krel had been spared.

"Dustin, are you really going to just let him off the hook?" Dalen asked as he caught up with Dustin.

"A frightened coward is no longer a threat," Dustin said with a faint smile. "Besides, he's still a Boulderthorn disciple. Killing him would only bring trouble, and I hate trouble."

"I beg to differ. Perhaps you simply have a soft spot for beauty?" Dalen smirked.

Had it not been for Melissa's plea and her willingness to give up her life to protect him, Krel would have met his demise much sooner.

"Dustin, hold up!" Miles, who had been lagging behind, suddenly quickened his pace and caught up to them.

He took out a gold number tag and passed it to Dustin, saying, "Dustin, this is the ID tag for Group A contestants. The judge asked me to pass it to you."

"Thanks. I almost forgot." Dustin received the tag with a smile.

The front of the tag bore the Sacred Wrym Summit's mark, while the back was engraved with a bold "18". That meant that Dustin was the 18th contestant in Group A, based on the registration order.

It was already a significant achievement for people like them to have a chance to showcase their skills.

After all, the Combat Tournament organized by the Scared Wrym Summit had attracted talents from all over the country and held considerable prestige.

Making it into the top 100 would be a remarkable feat—they'd be highly sought after. Meanwhile, breaking into the top 10 was the coveted goal of various sects and guilds.

With Dustin's skills, he was guaranteed to make it into the top 100. If he was lucky, he might even have a good chance to break into the top 10.

"Let's talk about aiming for the rankings later. We have more pressing matters, and that is to deal with that assassin lurking in the shadows." Dalen steered the conversation back on track.

"That's right! If we don't root out that assassin, all of us will be in danger!" Ruby said solemnly.