Chapter 2532
An Understated Dominance
During the meal, Nathaniel arranged for two women to accompany Dustin.
Throughout history, even the greatest heroes couldnât resist the allure of beautiful women. Sometimes, a woman of extraordinary beauty could be far more enticing than rare treasures or high status. 2
Dustin remained composed. He neither showed any enthusiasm nor did he deliberately reject it.
As for the women seated on either side of him, he treated them with polite respect. He enjoyed a drink and the easy conversation with them, but nothing beyond that.
However, Nathaniel saw it differently. To him, it seemed that Dustin was unimpressed by the women at his side.
Considering Dustinâs background, it made sense. A woman of ordinary beauty would never catch his attention.
Nathaniel realized he would need to pull out all the stops. Perhaps, it was time to bring out his most prized companion and see how Dustin responded.
After the meal, he led Dustin to his mansionâs training ground.
The midday sun blazed overhead as over a hundred soldiers, clad in full armor, practiced combat on the open training ground. Their physiques were formidable, and their skills were honed to perfection.
Their presence was commanding, and it was clear they had been handpicked and rigorously trained to be the best. Any one of them could easily be a mid-ranking officer in any army.
Dustin observed them and noticed that the strength of these elite units was on par with West Lucoziaâs enforcement team.
Even the lowest-ranking among them had achieved divinity, and the two leading officers were grandmaster martial artists.
However, they werenât any ordinary grandmasters.
With this kind of combat strength, theyâd be unstoppable no matter where they were stationed. They could easily wipe out a powerful family.
Dustin figured this was likely Nathanielâs underlying strength.
What was visible on the surface was just the tip of the iceberg. Who knew how many more experts were hidden behind the shadow?
It was clear now why he had stood out among the other princes and become one of the top contenders for the throne.
Nathaniel was not someone to take lightly.
âWhat do you think of my men?â Nathaniel asked with a smile. âDo they meet your standards?â
He intentionally took Dustin to the training grounds to show off his strength and let him know he had a solid foundation of power. This was a subtle way of winning Dustinâs support.
âNot bad. Each one of them looks like they could take on a dozen men. Their combat strength is impressive,â Dustin praised.
He nodded and added, ââI didnât expect Your Highness to command such a powerful force. Itâs truly impressive.â
Nathaniel chuckled. âWell, this is just something I threw together. A team assembled like that would never make it to the big leagues.â
âYouâre being modest, Your Highness,â Dustin replied. âEven if you casually assembled them, it still rivals the strength of a guild with over a hundred years of history.â
He wasnât just saying that to flatter Nathaniel.
Leading the team were two powerful grandmaster martial artists, along with over a dozen halfway to becoming a grandmaster, and over a hundred experts who had achieved divinity. Their combat strength easily rivaled many major guilds.
What stood out most was that Nathanielâs soldiers had undergone special training. They follow orders and work together seamlessly to amplify their combat effectiveness. This force was beyond what any regular martial world forces could handle.
âLogan, my soldiers still have room for improvement. Since youâre here, why donât you help me train them? Show them what real skill looks like-remind them thereâs always someone better,â Nathaniel said.
He took the initiative to extend an invitation. It was a chance to show off his strength and put his troops through their paces.
Though his men were experienced in battle, they had never faced top experts from the martial world. With someone like Logan to test them, Nathaniel wasnât about to let the opportunity go to waste.
âYour Highness, I donât think this is appropriate.â Dustin looked a little hesitant.
These soldiers were Nathanielâs pride and joy. If Dustin hurt any of them, his plan could backfire.
Nathaniel laughed. âCome on. Itâs just a friendly spar-no weapons. Just give them a few pointers. My soldiers have gotten a little too full of themselves lately. It wouldnât hurt for them to take a few hits and get knocked down a peg.â
âIn that case, Iâll spar with them.â Dustin didnât turn him down this time.
With his sharp instincts, he could easily see through Nathanielâs intentions. He had to admit that the prince was shrewd and calculating. Even now, he wasnât going to let an opportunity slip to make use of Dustin.
âExcellent,â Nathaniel replied.
He smiled faintly, then stepped forward and clapped his hands lightly.
The soldiers, who had been engaged in intense combat drills earlier, immediately stopped sparring.
âGet in position!â a burly, bearded general bellowed.
Within seconds, the previously scattered soldiers instantly formed a perfect line. Each one stood tall, and their eyes were sharp and focused. They radiated a sense of raw power and unshakable confidence.
âThe one leading them is General Lycas Derin,â Nathaniel said, gesturing toward the burly, bearded man. Then, to the slender, spear-wielding man beside him. â And the one next to him is his second-in-command, Lieutenant General Bryce Gantz.
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Lycas stepped forward with a firm stride and saluted. âAt your service, Your Highness. What are your orders?â
âThis is Mr. Rhys,â Nathaniel introduced. â Heâs one of the best in his field. Pick a few of your top men and let them spar with him.â
âHuh?â
Lycas raised an eyebrow. His gaze narrowed as he turned to Dustin. There was a hint of skepticism in his eyes.
He didnât take Nathanielâs description of Dustin seriously. How could a kid who looked like they couldnât even lift a sword possibly be a match for his elite soldiers?