"It wasn't that much. They cut me a deal because of a friend," Howard said, interrupting her with a smile. "Plus, we're family now! No need for formalities."It was only later, when he glanced at the charge notification on his phone, that he saw Cingen had only billed him 1.5 million dollars. He had thought about just giving Jayden a call and wiring the money back, but he knew deep down that Jayden would not take it.Thus, he left it in Kenny's hands. Whatever Kenny decided to do with it was not his problem. He trusted Kenny got the message loud and clear."Howard…" Talia's voice trailed off, her eyes flickering with words she could not quite bring herself to say."What's up?" Howard prompted."I…" Talia inhaled deeply. "My parents have been talking to me a lot lately, about you and me.""Oh?" Howard gave a slight nod. "What about us?""They've been talking about our future." Talia paused, collecting her thoughts. "They want us to…""Talia, would you be willing to let me take c
Howard had not figured out the perfect way to do it yet. It was going to take some serious creativity."Think it over, because if I'm not happy, I won't say 'I do'!" Talia said with a playful grin."Really? That's a tall order!""Have a little faith in yourself!""..."After a bit of banter, Howard pulled into the restaurant's parking lot.He casually took Talia's hand, and they made their way inside. They soon reached a private room on the second floor. Opening the door, they found two men and two women already there.The women were around Talia's age, both striking in their own right. Though not quite on Talia's level, they were undeniably gorgeous.The men were decked out in designer gear, exuding confidence with an air of arrogance that seemed to come naturally to them. Their eyes brightened at the sight of Talia, a spark of admiration flickering in their gaze."Talia, you're finally here! Come sit!" exclaimed the more curvaceous of the women."Sorry for the delay, we hit
"Giovanni!" Tracy frowned slightly before turning her gaze to Howard. "Please, Mr. Lincoln, don't mind Giovanni. He didn't mean any harm, really...""I meant every word!" Giovanni cut her off sharply. "I can't stand people who strut around, all show and no substance!"What's this nonsense about not having a rank? Every soldier, except the greenest recruits, has one. That's just basic knowledge!"And he's obviously no rookie. How could he not have a rank?""Mr. Habeck, watch your tone!" Talia's voice held a note of irritation. "If my husband says he doesn't have a rank, then he doesn't. He has no reason to lie to you!""Talia, I'm just looking out for you!" Giovanni turned to her, insistent. "Every soldier has a rank. If he doesn't, then he's not really a soldier. Don't let him fool you!""Giovanni, what's gotten into you? Can't you hold back your words?" Tracy's expression was one of awkward discomfort, her voice becoming distant.She then addressed Howard and Talia, "Please, do
"I bet there are loads of women who'd give up ten years of their lives for a single day with Brilliance Beyond."Talia grinned again. "You can't be serious?"After a brief pause, she turned back to Ava curiously. "Ava, we were having a good time. What made you think of Brilliance Beyond all of a sudden?""Oops, I totally spaced on what we were talking about!" Ava slapped her forehead, remembering."In just a few days, the glitzy Brilliance Beyond's third world tour would light up Mareno City. Hey, are you up for some fun at Mareno City?" she asked with a hint of excitement in her voice."I'll pass. You two have a blast," Talia replied, her smile not quite reaching her eyes."Don't be like that. It'll be a blast with all three of us together!" Ava chimed in, trying to sway her."Even if we can't get into the actual event, we can soak up the buzz right outside!" she added with a wink."Why can't we get in?" Talia's curiosity piqued. "Is it an invite-only kind of thing?""Exactly
Howard did not even glance back as he strode toward the parking lot."Hey, I'm talking to you, did you hear me?" Giovanni, seething with rage, hurried after him."Get lost!" Howard's voice was a low growl."You're so full of yourself!" Giovanni's brow furrowed in anger. "Today, you're going to learn your lesson!"He swung his arm, ready to hit Howard—Screech! The sharp sound of brakes filled the air, and four rugged jeeps rolled to a stop nearby.A group of men in casual clothes stepped out, each one looking stern and tense."Dad!" Giovanni's voice boomed as he recognized the leader."What are you doing here?" The man was none other than Giovanni's father, Diego Habeck."Dad, perfect timing. We've got a fake soldier over here." Giovanni walked over to his father, pointing at Howard."I asked him his rank, and can you believe it? He said he didn't need one!"Diego's gaze snapped to Howard, his body tensing, a look of utter astonishment on his face.Without wasting a moment,
"Do you now believe what I've been saying?" Howard asked, his voice calm and detached."We believe, we do..." They nodded incessantly."Stand here for three hours and think about what you've done," Howard commanded. "Next time I hear you've been throwing your weight around, the consequences will be far more severe."And keep my identity a secret from Talia and her friends. You know what to do, right?""Yes, of course!" They nodded vigorously once more."You two good-for-nothings, show some gratitude to the Marshal for letting you off the hook!" Diego barked."T... Thank you, Marshal, for your leniency..." They bowed deeply."What brings you here?" Howard turned away from them and addressed Diego."Sir, a criminal from beyond our borders has slipped through the eastern defenses, wounding more than thirty of our men," Diego reported with due respect. "We've been on his tail for three days and nights. Just half an hour ago, we got word he's holed up in this restaurant. We've got e
"Die!" Howard commanded, effortlessly lifting his hand and sweeping it across, the sound of the wind tearing apart.Boom!A dull thud rang out, and a blood mist burst in the air, leaving nothing behind. The saber snapped in two, clattering to the ground.Gagging noises filled the air as diners heaved up their meals in disgust. Even Diego's crew was petrified, shivering from head to toe.A martial master major mastery stage, squashed like a bug!Howard was too powerful!"Tell Xander to beef up the Eastern defenses. If this happens again, he'll answer me!" With that, Howard was already stepping out of the restaurant."Understood!" Diego bowed and turned to carry out the order.Minutes later, Howard slid into his car and hit Kenny on his cell."Master Howard," Kenny answered the phone after a single ring."Ever heard of Brilliance Beyond?" Howard's voice came through the line.He had been puzzled over the perfect engagement gift for Talia before the dinner party. The conversati
Seeing Talia, they felt an almost uncontrollable urge to leap at her.Tired of the usual dolled-up women they encountered, Talia's natural beauty was like a breath of fresh air. She irresistibly drew them in."We don't know you, and we'd like to keep it that way. Please leave us alone!" Ava spoke up, her voice firm and her brow furrowed in frustration."Knowing us isn't necessary. A drink together, and we're all friends," Yafe said with a sleazy grin, licking his lips."Keep it up, and we're calling the cops!" Tracy snapped, her patience wearing thin."Heh, you're gonna call the cops?" Yafe chuckled with a sneer. "What're you gonna tell them? That we invited you for a drink and you felt the need to dial 911?""Ava, Tracy, we're leaving!" Talia said, rising to her feet once more."Right!" Ava and Tracy stood up in unison."Hey, why the hurry, gorgeous? It's fate we met. Let's be friends," Yafe said, stepping forward to block Talia's path."Listen here. My husband will be here a
"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