"Huh?" Jacob's eyes narrowed at Yoel's bold claim. "You're aware we're from the Imperial Order?"Yoel shrugged nonchalantly.Jacob's brow creased. "You know who we are, yet you're this brazen. You must have some clout. Let's hear your name.""You're not worthy of hearing our names," Yoel replied calmly.The man in black's anger flared. "You're full of it! Show me what you've got!" he bellowed, lunging at Yoel."Attack!" The ten Imperial Order soldiers behind him charged with a collective roar.In a flash, a series of razor-sharp blades sliced through the air, striking with lightning speed. The soldiers, mid-charge, were cut down at the knees.They fell, their lower legs severed, blood gushing, as they hit the ground with heavy thuds. Agonized screams echoed as they writhed on the ground."Who's there!?" Jacob's eyes went distant as he took in the carnage. Henrik, at his side, squinted into the chaos.Then, in perfect unison, footsteps approached. The Judge arrived, leading 500
"The nerve!" Henrik snorted disdainfully."Thinking you can run wild in my East District? I don't care if the Shadow Sect's got your back. Today, I'm going to show you the law and teach you just how small you really are!"The men behind him drew their weapons, pointing them at Howard and his companion."Henrik, you idiot, if you're itching to kick the bucket, go take a leap off a building. Don't drag everyone else down with you!"Right then, a furious voice cut through from the courtyard entrance. A rush of footsteps followed.A couple hundred soldiers decked out in battle gear stormed in, quickly encircling Henrik's men."Lowe... Vice-Marshal Lowe! What... What are you doing here?"Henrik's face went pale as he saw the middle-aged man at the front. He scrambled to meet him, shaking like a leaf. It was Xander, the East District's war department's second-in-command, and his arrival meant trouble.Ever since the King of the East got sidelined by an injury, Xander had been the one
He received the call from the capital yesterday, the kind that made his heart skip a beat: Young Master Howard, the big shot from the Shadow Sect, had landed in the East District.He was out on the field when the news hit, and he dropped everything, racing back with a sense of dread. He just hoped he was not too late to prevent a disaster.However, it seemed like his worst fears were coming true. Henrik, that clueless jerk, had the nerve to corner Young Master Howard with his goons. It was beyond belief!With a heavy thud, the scene left everyone in the square slack-jawed and frozen solid.The deputy of the East District's war department was bending over backward for that kid!?Even if Donovan himself were there, it was hard to imagine Xander being that deferential!Just who was that guy!?"Lowe... Vice-Marshal Lowe, who... Who is this guy?"Henrik might be slow on the uptake, but even he could tell he had stepped on the toes of someone way out of his league. Thinking back to t
"Vice-marshal Louis, it's been too long!" Xander greeted Yoel with a nod."Vice-marshal Lowe, you seem to have upped your game since we last met. Impressive," said Yoel with a light smile."You're too kind, Vice-marshal Louis. Next to you, I'm still in the minor leagues," Xander chuckled in reply.Turning back to Howard, he asked, "Marshal, what's our next move?""That's enough. You don't need to worry about what's next. Take your men and head out," Howard dismissed with a wave of his hand."Understood." Xander saluted once more, then ventured, "Marshal, when might you be free in the coming days? I'd like to drop by.""Something on your mind?" Howard asked, turning to face him."No...it's nothing big. Just wanted to extend some hospitality," Xander stumbled slightly over his words."I'll call you," Howard said, his gaze cutting through the pretense.He could always tell when someone was holding back."Sure thing," Xander nodded and made his exit.The rest of the situation wa
He could not believe his son's audacity to provoke Howard like that. Did he not understand the gravity of his actions?"You're a fool!" Yoel's voice was laced with disdain."And what right do you have to challenge the marshal? You want a fight? I'll give you one. Survive one round with me, and I'll grant you your life.""You mean it? No take-backs!" Jacob's eyes lit up with a flicker of hope. Resigned to his fate until then, hope began to take root in his heart.Jacob knew he was not quite in Howard's league, but he was not out of his depth either. Yet, as a contender for the Imperial Order's deaconship, his pride was at stake. Barely thirty and already possessing the cultivation base of a martial master, he could not fathom not holding his own against Yoel for at least one round.With a rush of energy, Jacob's presence filled the air, and he lunged at Yoel with the ferocity of a wild beast. He did not hold back, unleashing his most powerful move as a sharp whoosh cut through the
"I don't know who she is..." Terry said, shaking his head. "All I know is she's a woman. She always wears a veil when she meets us. There was something about her, a vibe. She got this allure that seems to captivate just about any man.""That's it?" Howard's voice was heavy with skepticism. "That's hardly enough to justify wiping out your entire clan.""I'm not done," Terry said, pausing for a moment before he went on. "Once, I accidentally saw a tattoo on the back of her neck.""What was it?" Howard pressed."A blood-red peony," Terry replied."And their endgame?" Howard's frown deepened."She didn't say it specifically, just said to go for it and that she'd send backup." Terry's head moved in a small, uncertain shake. "She was adamant, though. The Ziegler family had to be completely taken out. No survivors."Truth be told, if it wasn't for her, we... We wouldn't have gone on such a rampage. We were only after the Ziegler patriarch and his enforcer. If those two were gone, the Z
At first, no one bought into the news. It sounded like some kind of sick international prank.The three major families had been a cornerstone of Mendorra for a hundred years, commanding respect from all corners of society and boasting serious muscle. Who could have had the clout and firepower to bring them down overnight? Surely not even Kenny, the big-shot chairman of the Oceania Group, the current talk of the town, could have pulled off such a feat.However, some noisy parkers uploaded photos of the three families' compound from that very morning, showing the wreckage and desolation. Once those images hit the net, the rumors turned into stark reality for everyone.The three major families of Mendorra crumbled in a single night, and the rumors were true.Curiosity buzzed through the city like wildfire, sparking a new question: What in the world happened? Who was the perpetrator?Intrigue spread, and whispers traveled through the grapevine as every faction used their connections t
"Mr. Holt, now that the three major families are on the ropes, all those families and players sitting on the fence are gonna start making moves," Samuel mused before adding, "Should we get ahead of this?""Indeed! Looks like Mendorra's heading into a season of chaos!" Layton remained noncommittal.After one last puff of his cigarette, he rose and headed for the door. "Come on, let's go see Mr. Carter!""Okay!" Samuel, caught off guard, hurried to keep up.At the same time…Howard and Yoel pulled up at the Talia residence."Hi, Howard. Did you catch the news? Last night, Mendorra was rocked by a major event!" Yuffie exclaimed with the excitement of someone sharing a juicy secret as they walked in."What's the scoop? Fill us in!" Howard asked, grinning."You haven't heard?!" Yuffie's voice was loud with disbelief. "Since dawn, it's all anyone in Mendorra can talk about!""You still haven't spilled the beans." Howard chuckled."I can't believe you guys are out of the loop on th
"And look at that bracelet, it's stunning! Oh, and the compact has such a unique charm! Should we get one of each to decorate our homes?""Yuffie, you're still in school. How can you afford all this?" Talia chided gently. "You have a hundred fifty-dollar budget. Spend more, and it's coming out of your allowance.""What? Only a hundred fifty dollars? You're being too tight-fisted, sis!" Yuffie's complaint was lighthearted as she playfully turned to Howard. "Howard...""Don't even think about it. His wallet is in my hands!" Talia cut her off, fully aware of her little sister's ploy."Fine..." Yuffie's pout was all in good fun."Haha! It's not every day we get to do this, honey. If Yuffie finds something she loves, let's get it for her. Who knows if it'll be here next time?" Howard chuckled."Yay! You're the best, bro-in-law!" Yuffie cheered, her face lighting up with joy."You're just making her more spoiled!" Talia gave Howard a playful eye roll and turned her attention away from
Howard's willingness to visit the antique market was not solely to assist the sisters in their quest for a legendary blade. Such weapons were treasures often stumbled upon by chance, rarely found by those who sought them.His real intent was to immerse the sisters in the rich culture of the martial arts clans they were then a part of. More exposure to the ways of the warrior guilds could only benefit them on their chosen path.The following morning, Howard's group of five set off in the direction of Nathanael. Talia and Yuffie buzzed with excitement throughout the journey, their minds alive with wonder.Nathanael, nestled in the mountains to the northeast of Mendorra and a couple hundred kilometers away, awaited them.By 10 a.m., they arrived, parking at the gates of a sprawling estate on the city's outskirts—the site of the famed market.Stepping out, they were greeted by a lively throng at the estate's entrance, many adorned in traditional robes, weapons hanging from their belts
"And that's not all. They might even be a bona fide king-level warrior." Howard's brow furrowed with uncertainty."It looks like The Dark World is a whole lot more tangled than we thought," Yoel mused aloud.Then, turning back to Howard, he inquired, "Sir, did the old man ever share anything with you about The Dark World?""Not a word," Howard replied, shaking his head."Sir, do you think our mystery person could be from one of the elite families or sects, maybe just there on some errand?" Mystical Chubby chimed in.His speculation was not unfounded. Most of the king-level warriors from Rackaham were known to hail from the secretive clans and sects."It's unlikely." Howard dismissed the idea with another shake of his head. "From what Sabertooth described, our guy seems to know The Dark World like the back of his hand.""Who's that supposed to be?" Mystical Chubby scrunched his brow in confusion."Let it go for now. We'll head back to The Dark World in a little while," said Howa
"Um..." Blood Rakshasa nodded, the woman's earlier words still ringing in her head."Sir... Sir, was what you said earlier true?" Blood Rakshasa asked Sabertooth, her voice barely above a whisper."What did I say?" Sabertooth looked puzzled for a moment."You said... You said next time, we'd go back home together to get married..." Blood Rakshasa's cheeks turned a soft pink."Hehe, absolutely," Sabertooth chuckled, his smile warm and genuine. "The boss gave me the order, and I've given my word."Blood Rakshasa's smile was shy but filled with joy.Soon after, Qemal strode in."Sabertooth, I've tracked down the hideout of the Slaying Heaven Palace," Qemal announced upon arrival."Is that so?" Sabertooth's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Tell the crew to take a two-hour breather, then we move out!"The Slaying Heaven Palace's goons had nearly wiped out them today. Payback was due.With the Palace's top fighters gone, the rest were hardly a threat. It was time to cross the Slay
"Shadow Demon Shrine?" The woman's brow creased for a moment, but she quickly dropped the subject.She then turned to Sabertooth and observed, "You and your group have the vibe of soldiers. You're not originally from The Dark World, are you?""Speaking to our savior," Sabertooth gave a respectful nod, "we were part of the Rackaham Western Region's military before we came here."He was open with the woman who had saved over a hundred of his comrades."The Western Region's military?" The woman paused, a hint of recognition in her voice, "You're with the Blood Shadow Force?""That's us," Sabertooth confirmed with another bow."Is your leader the King of the West, Master Howard?" she inquired further."You know my boss?" Sabertooth looked surprised."Not personally, but I've heard the name," the woman replied with a shake of her head. "What's he got you doing in The Dark World?""Over the past couple of years, the world's heavy hitters have been funneling their muscle and resource
"You'll live to regret this, Dark Demon Lord!" Blood Rakshasa declared, locking eyes with her adversary. "Kill us, and Master Howard will avenge us by wiping out every last one of you in your cursed palace...""Ha! That Master Howard of yours better think twice before stepping into The Dark World again, or it'll be his grave!" The Dark Demon Lord mocked with an icy laugh."You're the fool!" Sabertooth growled. "No one in The Dark World has been born who can take down our boss. Your time's coming!""Is that so?" The Dark Demon Lord sneered with disdain. "You're clueless, all of you. You have no idea how powerful the Shadow Demon Shrine truly is!""Enough babbling. Time to end this. I'll send you both to join your boss," he declared, his presence intensifying as he prepared to strike them down."I love you," Blood Rakshasa whispered, her eyes closing."No, don't!" Qemal and others shouted in despair.Then there was a thunderous boom.However, the expected tragedy did not unfold.
Sabertooth sneered, watching the man's futile efforts. "You're such a fool!"He then declared solemnly, "Blood Shadow Technique, second form, Sky Slash!"With those words, he summoned all his strength, his saber carving a fierce arc of light through the air, striking like thunder at his foe.The Blood Shadow Technique was known for turning the tides against stronger adversaries.The white-haired elder's eyes narrowed in alarm. Caught mid-leap, he desperately wanted to dodge but could not. The saber's light bore down on him, a chilling aura of death shrouding him completely.In that instant, a wave of energy crashed through the air like a tidal wave, bringing a howling gale with it.Crash!Suddenly, Sabertooth was hurled away like a shell fired from a gun, blood spraying from his mouth as he flew, before he slammed into the earth, leaving a huge crater and falling silent."Sabertooth!" Blood Rakshasa's shout pierced the chaos as she spun and dashed to his side.She barely made
The man in black was sent hurtling through the air, slamming into the ground with such force that he lay there motionlessly, struggling to rise. A gaping wound, carved by the relentless sword, oozed blood profusely from his abdomen."What in the world is that sword technique?" he gasped after a torturous effort to stand, his face ashen.He had underestimated Blood Rakshasa's swordplay. Since her breakthrough to a higher echelon of mastery, her blade's might had surged, utterly dominating her seasoned adversary."The Sword Without a Name," Blood Rakshasa declared icily.Without wasting another second, she launched another assault. Sabertooth was in dire straits, and she was determined to aid him.Her blade danced again, weaving a web of sword energy that shot toward the white-haired elder, ensnaring him in an instant.The old man's eyes narrowed in a flash of panic, realizing he was trapped with no way out."This is it!" he snarled, brandishing his blade and lunging forward.How
With a thunderous explosion of energy, Blood Rakshasa's power surged, forcing the old man before her to stagger back in disbelief."Impossible! Have you broken through?" he gasped, steadying himself, his face a mask of astonishment."You bet I have!" Blood Rakshasa's face lit up with triumph.She had done it, just as the old man had surmised. Amid her swordplay, she felt a dormant core energy within her erupt, catapulting her to the zenith of martial knight at peak mastery stage.Master Howard's words rang in her head. The core energy left in her by a once-mighty warrior was too much to absorb at once. Back in that cave, she only managed a minor mastery in martial knight. However, Howard had predicted further advancements, and he was right."Let's see if you can handle a few more of my strikes!" Blood Rakshasa challenged, her spirit soaring not just from her newfound strength but also from a deeper connection to her swordsmanship."Bring it on!" the old man bellowed, his blade re