An Understated Dominance

At the drill ground of a military base. Dustin had been chained to a pillar by several thick chains made of darksteel, which was extremely malleable yet also durable. The blazing sun shone down on him, and he was surrounded by a troop of armed forces. They scrutinized his every action warily.

Dustin didn’t seem bothered by it. He merely allowed himself to remain chained, looking poker–faced. His calmness surprised the soldiers–any ordinary person would’ve peed their pants long ago. It seemed there was something special about him.

“So, you’re Dustin Rhys?” At this moment, a man in a deputy general’s uniform walked over with a troop of soldiers behind him. He had a beer belly and a round face.

“Don’t tell me you captured me without even knowing who I am,” Dustin said coolly.

“Cut the crap! Answer the general’s question!” one of the military officers roared.

“Fine. Yes, I’m Dustin Rhys.”

“Good, good. The man nodded. “Since we didn’t get the wrong guy, let’s start by giving him 50 military whips. It’ll also act as a deterrent to others like him.”

The military officers with him subconsciously winced at his words. Military whips weren’t the same as normal whips–an ordinary person would faint from three to five military whips; ten were enough to make one feel like one had a foot in the grave. If one were fortunate enough to survive 20 whips, they’d probably have to spend the rest of their life in a wheelchair. As for 50 whips. No one had survived it thus far. It looked like he was out for Dustin’s life!

“Hold on,” Dustin suddenly said. “You’re a

whip me without asking a single question?”

general, aren’t you? Don’t you think it’s a little against protocol to

The round–faced man gave him an arrogant look. “My words are the only protocol to follow here–I’m the one who calls the shots over your life and death, you peasant. You don’t even have the right to say no.” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“I suppose that means you’re gonna abuse your power.” Dustin narrowed his eyes.

“So what if I am? I have hundreds of guns aimed at you. Do you think you stand a chance against them?” The round–faced man scoffed.

“Quality over quantity. Having that many guns doesn’t actually mean anything.” Dustin shook his head.

The round–faced man sneered. “Putting up a brave front, are we? You’ll regret this when you’re on the brink of death! Whip him!” He waved a hand.

Before long, a burly man walked over with a steel whip in hand. Salt water dripped from it–it would make the wounds burn even more.

‘T’ll ask you one last time before you do anything else–who sent you here?” Dustin asked.

“I did!” Someone walked out from behind the round–faced man and lowered her hood. It was Jade. “I bet you didn’t expect to end up in my hands, Rhys!” She sneered, “You were so obnoxious last night, but so what? You’re nothing but my prisoner now!”

“What happened last night was between me and the Hummer family. I’d advise you to stay out of it,” Dustin

said coolly.

Jade snorted. “Joshua’s my fiancé: I want nothing more than to skin you alive for crippling him!”

“Joshua deserved what he got. You shouldn’t do anything to jeopardize yourself.”

Jade laughed derisively. “I don’t think you understand your predicament. Your life and death are in my hands- how dare you threaten me!”

“Believe what you may. I just hope you don’t regret this.” Dustin didn’t want to waste his breath.

“Keep this up. I’d like to see whether you’ll still be this arrogant when you’re bruised and battered!” Jade looked at him like he was already dead to her.

“Alright, that’s enough talking. Jade, don’t waste your breath on him. Let’s just sit and watch the show.” The round–faced man waved a hand. Soon, some military officers brought a table and two chairs over. The round- faced man gestured for them to be placed in the shade. Then, he and Jade sat down. “Well, what are you waiting for? Whip him with all you’ve got!‘

With that, the burly man got to work and started whipping.