Chapter 961 An Understated Dominance

Chapter 961 

But Dustin’s attitude only stirred Vanessa’s competitive spirit. 

“Hey, can’t you be a little friendlier?” Vanessa pouted teasingly. 

“It’s polite to return kind gestures. I’ll lose sleep if I don’t repay you.” 

“You’ll be fine with a couple of sleeping pills. Goodbye,” Dustin replied curtly before walking away. 

“Wait, mister!” 

Vanessa tried to catch up to him but stumbled after a few steps. As she fell, her torn clothing. revealed her voluptuous figure. 

Dustin paused briefly to remove his coat and tossed it to her. 

“Thanks!” Vanessa quickly covered herself with the coat, feeling genuinely grateful. 

“Vanessa!” 

A man and woman approached. Their elegant fashion tastes made it easy to tell that they held a higher status than ordinary citizens! 

“I’m here!” Vanessa waved at them, her spirits lifting. 

“Where did you go, Vanessa? 

“Why didn’t you inform us? We were so worried!” The woman in red feigned annoyance. 

“What happened to you, Vanessa? And why are you dressed like this? Did something bad happen?” The man in black was puzzled. 

“I encountered some thugs earlier. But thankfully, this young man saved me!” Vanessa recounted, 

fear still in her voice. 

“I see.” The man in black studied Dustin doubtfully. 

“Thank you for saving Vanessa,” said the woman in red. 

She nodded respectfully before continuing, “I’m Emily Hoyles, and I belong to Azure Mist. 

“This is my senior, Nathan Hoyles. Mind if I ask for your name?” 

“My surname’s Rhys.” Dustin nodded politely in return. 

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Rhys.” Emily smiled. 

“Judging from your accent, you’re not from around here, right? Are you here to search for Iris 

Meskill’s tomb?” 

“Hmm?” Dustin raised an eyebrow, surprised. 

“How did you know?” 

“Just a hunch.” Emily smiled. 

“Lester’s been lively today, and even Azure Mist received news about it, too. So, other than tourists, 

“Good intuition. I’m impressed,” Dustin complimented. 

“Since we’re all after the treasure, why don’t we team up for safety? What do you think?” Emily offered. 

Most adventurers who came today were capable, so working together would benefit everyone. 

“I’m used to traveling alone, so I might slow you guys down,” Dustin declined politely. 

“You saved Vanessa, so it’s only fair we repay the favor. 

“You’ll even get a share of the treasure once we find it.” Emily insisted. 

When she saw Dustin hesitate, she added, “The Black Forest is dangerous and filled with poisonous mist. 

“People who don’t know their way around that place will get lost easily. However, we’re locals, so it’ll be safer for you to travel with us.” 

“Emily/let’s not force someone.” Nathan’s tone held some annoyance. 

Others would have jumped at the chance to travel with them, yet Dustin was still hesitating 

What a fool! 

“The Black Forest is dangerous. It’ll be safer if you travel with us,” Vanessa said. 

She was grateful for what he’d done for her, so she didn’t want him risking his life in vain. 

Dustin gave it some thought and agreed. “I’ll accept your offer since you insist.” 

He wasn’t familiar with the Black Forest, so having a guide would save a lot of trouble. 

“Alright. Let’s meet at the hotel’s restaurant tonight.” Emily and the two walked away. Before leaving, Vanessa glanced at Dustin. 

Chapter 962 

At 7:00 pm, Dustin, Abigail, and Azalea arrived as planned at the resort’s restaurant. 

The restaurant was spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people. 

Dustin noticed that there were already groups of people sitting together, chatting lively. 

While there were a few tourists, most of the guests were martial artists who came for the treasure. 

“Over here!” Vanessa called out as she waved at them energetically. 

Dustin nodded in acknowledgment and led the others to her table. 

“I’m glad you could make it. Please take a seat,” Emily greeted warmly. 

Nathan, who had appeared aloof earlier, perked up upon seeing Abigail and Azalea. He 

straightened up and tried to strike a handsome pose. 

“Allow me to introduce my friends, Abigail Robinson and Azalea Larson. 

“I hope you also don’t mind having them, Ms. Hoyles.” Dustin made a brief introduction. 

“Of course not. The more, the merrier. Please, have a seat.” Emily smiled and gestured for them to 

sit. 

“Thank you.” Dustin nodded before settling into his seat. 

He noticed several unfamiliar faces besides Emily and her friends. Judging from their clothes, they were also most likely from Azure Mist. 

Even the weakest fighter among them was a low–level martial artist. They were stronger than ordinary martial artists. 

But they were still no match for major guilds who would also be competing for the treasure. 

“Mr. Rhys, have you prepared to enter the Black Forest?” Emily started the conversation. 

“What preparations?” Dustin asked curiously. 

“The forest is full of poisonous creatures and ferocious beasts, so it’s dangerous. You should carry antidotes, antivenoms, and other medicines before entering ” Emily explained. 

“Things like insect repellents, compasses, and specially designed tents are also needed. They could be life–saving during emergencies.” 

Abigail was bewildered. “Do we need all of that? We didn’t bring any.” 

They had rushed over, so they only had a few personal belongings. 

“It’s more like you’re here for a vacation, not a treasure hunt.” Emily teased. 

Then she added, “But don’t worry. I’ve prepared all that for you. We won’t run out of supplies.” 

“Really? That’s great! Thank you so much!” Abigail lit up, touched by the considerate gesture. 

“However, these supplies are just a small part of the trip since the Black Forest won’t be our main 

concern. 

nale, we need to be cautious of our compenois. Cy stone grew serious. 

She glanced at a group nearby. “See those people on the left? They’re from Ironfists and are known for their defense. 

“All of them are powerful and claim to be immune to external injuries. We’ll be in trouble if we have to fight them.” 

“Ironfists?” Dustin, Abigail, and Azalea turned to look at the muscular men enjoying their meal. The light reflected off their metal–like skin. 

“Now, look to your left. That’s Skycrane, a major guild from Yuston. 

“They often win battles with their clever tactics. So they’re also formidable opponents,” Emily explained. 

“Behind me, you should see a bald man with tattoos on his head. 

“He’s a ruthless killer known as the Skullsplitter. Few dare to provoke him. 

“And do you see the blind elderly man in front of us? Don’t underestimate him just because he’s blind 

“He’s far stronger than he seems. All of them are our competitors, so we must avoid fighting them until we locate the treasure.” 

Emily provided detailed insight into the major guilds and powerful fighters. This helped Dustin and his friends avoid potential danger. 

Dustin couldn’t help feeling impressed by her extensive knowledge.