"First, we need to find someone who actually calls the shots," said Howard calmly with a slight smile.He then caught sight of a woman in a crisp uniform not too far off."Excuse me, miss. Is there a place here where the stakes are higher than in this main hall?""Hello, sir!" The woman in uniform approached with a practiced smile. "How high are you looking to go?""What's the biggest game you've got?" Howard inquired, a playful glint in his eye."Usually, we don't cap the bets here. If a guest is ready to wager, we're ready to host," she replied professionally."Is that so?" Howard's smile widened. "What about a round for a hundred fifty million dollars?"The woman in uniform nearly sputtered in shock.In her three years at the casino, she had seen her share of high rollers, some who had bet up to 15 million dollars. 150 million in one go was unheard of!After giving Howard and his companions a thorough once-over, she asked cautiously, "Sir, are you for real?""Do I seem lik
As expected, the dice lined up perfectly, the top one showing a single pip."One point for the dealer!" the croupier called out, her eyes showing a flicker of respect."Well, Mr. Lincoln, it looks like luck's on my side today," Liliana said with a sly grin.Challenging her to dice was like handing over cash. She had not lost in years!"Hm, not too shabby," Howard replied with a detached smile."Your turn, Mr. Lincoln," Liliana said, still smiling."Here goes nothing!"Howard took the shaker, gave it a casual whirl, and slammed it down.The room filled with gasps as Howard lifted the shaker.Just like Liliana's, his dice were in a perfect line.The die wobbled and spun, finally coming to a miraculous stop, balanced on the tip of the die below.That meant Howard had rolled a big fat zero that time around.Watching Liliana and her crew's stunned faces, Yoel and the Judge smirked.Thinking they could outsmart their boss in a gamble was like bringing a knife to a gunfight. They
"I just came to scratch an itch, to have a little fun. Who said anything about causing trouble?" Howard took a drag on his cigarette."Come on, pay up. A hundred fifty million is pocket change for a joint like this, right?""You realize you're on our turf, yes?" Liliana's frown deepened. "You really think you can make a scene here without consequences?"Of course, she did not buy for a second that Howard was there just to gamble.The Judge had just witnessed a move that screamed expertise, the kind only a martial master level could execute. It was clear that the trio was planning something.Howard spoke with calm authority, "I'm on a tight schedule, so let's make this quick. Hand over the payment, or if you're not the one calling the shots, go get someone who is."Liliana's voice dropped an octave, a hint of challenge in her tone, "Alright, kid, show me what you've got. Go!"With a swift rustle, the room erupted into motion as the black-clad enforcers and the glamorous dealer la
"Mr. Hawk, you know why I'm here, don't you?" Howard cut him off.With a heavy sigh, Andrew's eyes darkened. He commanded in a low growl, "Do it. Take them down!"The order was barely out of his mouth when the four goons behind him whipped out their Desert Eagles and fired at the trio."Big mistake," the Judge muttered, stepping forward briskly, his wrist snapping back and forth. His blade danced through the air, leaving a trail of ghostly silver arcs.The bullets never reached their mark and clinked harmlessly to the floor.The room filled with sharp intakes of breath as every face painted a picture of sheer terror."Attack!"As soon as the last bullet was spent, everyone but Andrew and an older man inhaled deeply and lunged at the Judge with renewed fury.The Judge launched into action once more, his blade flashing through the void with the ferocity of lightning, carving a dozen deadly arcs that painted the air with streaks of blood.In under a minute, everyone was down, eit
Chaos erupted in the casino as the gamblers abandoned their chips and dashed for the exit. Within minutes, the room was empty except for the moans of the defeated men in black sprawled on the floor.In the private room, Howard faced Andrew. "Well, Mr. Hawk, anyone else you can call?""You're with the Shadow Sect?" Andrew's voice shook with disbelief.A man of his caliber knew all too well what that meant."If you're all alone, then let's talk, shall we?" Howard said, taking a leisurely puff of his cigarette."The debacle five years ago wasn't my doing—it was the Austins, the Francises, the Blakes..." Andrew's words came out strained."I never said it was you," Howard replied composedly. "However, I'm sure you have something you can share, don't you, Mr. Hawk?""What... What do you want to know?" A flicker of fear crossed Andrew's eyes."Why did you leave Mendorra after the Ziegler family incident?" Howard pressed."I was sick of the bloodshed, just wanted to find some peace...
"I knew they wouldn't just let it go, so I hightailed it out of Mendorra and laid low overseas for a couple of years."By the time I heard the Ziegler family had been taken out and their vendetta was settled, I figured they'd stop hunting me. That's why I risked coming back home two years ago."Howard said, "You're one lucky guy, huh? Do you remember what she looked like?""It's been too long, and it was just a quick look. The details are fuzzy," Andrew replied, shaking his head. "The only thing I can picture is the tiny mole she had right above her nose, like a little rice grain."After spilling everything he knew, he pleaded with Howard, "That's all I've got. Please, I'm begging you, spare me, Young Master Howard...""Take him and sketch whatever he can remember of the woman," Howard commanded."Got it," the Judge responded with a nod.Then, with a swift chop, Andrew's world went dark as he collapsed.10 minutes later, they were all in the car, heading back to Mendorra with t
"Got it!" the Judge responded, dialing a number and quickly relaying the orders.They all knew the stakes. If martial generals went on a rampage, it would be a massacre."Sir, you think someone's onto us being in Mendorra? Maybe they're testing the waters?" Yoel suggested, looking over at Howard thoughtfully.The fact that Howard had been wounded was a tightly held state secret, and anyone in the know was sworn to silence under threat of death.It made sense, after all. The Western Region might have been guarded by the formidable Black Shadows, hundreds of thousands strong, but the true terror for neighboring nations was the King of the West himself.Should word of his vulnerability spread, enemies would undoubtedly strike, taking advantage of his weakness to sow discord.However, it was not just the King of the west's health that was shrouded in secrecy. The well-being of the leaders of his four major legions was just as guarded with the same lethal consequences for any leaks. I
"I dropped the ball on this one, Talia. Yuffie's got a point—we need to go shopping," Howard admitted, turning to Yuffie with a grateful nod. "Thanks for the heads-up. Let's head out now, and I'll pick out a few things for you too.""For real? Awesome!" Yuffie was over the moon."I'm coming, too! I wanna get new clothes..." Riley piped up eagerly."Of course, let's all go. Riley's getting a new wardrobe too," Howard chuckled, ruffling the youngster's hair.Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins watched the lively bunch, sharing a knowing smile that spoke volumes of their contentment.Talia, seeing everyone's high spirits, decided not to protest any further.10 minutes later, they were all en route to the shopping center."Man, it's been ages since I hit the mall. This feels amazing!"They reached a bustling downtown mall half an hour later. Yuffie could not contain her excitement, turning heads as she exclaimed loudly."Yuffie, ever heard of keeping it classy?" Talia scolded with a frown."Nop
"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