Just yesterday morning, Yuffie was lounging in bed when that headline hit her like a ton of bricks. Brilliance Beyond was coming to Mendorra, and not a dime for the pleasure was charged. It was enough to make her heart skip a beat.She was just as buzzed to find out which lucky lady would snag the ultimate prize—a marriage proposal gift nothing short of legendary.After they finished breakfast yesterday, she picked up the phone and dialed Howard, wondering if he could pull some strings at Mendorra Tower for a prime viewing spot.Howard was all in, thrilled that things were playing out just as he had hoped.The Holdens and Talia were against the idea. They could picture the swarms of people, and with little Riley to think about, it seemed like a hassle.However, Howard had a card up his sleeve. He sent word through Yuffie, telling them to ditch their worries. He would snag them a VIP spot, far from the madding crowd.That settled it. The Holdens agreed to go, if only to soak up th
"Dad, Mr. Louis..." Riley spotted them and dashed over."Look at you, Riley, such a sweetheart! Come here for a big hug!" Howard chuckled, lifting Riley into his arms.They exchanged pleasantries with Holden's family before Yuffie approached, a hint of urgency in her voice."Howard, we really should get going. If we wait any longer, I'm afraid we won't make it in time.""Don't worry, it's still early. We've got time," Howard reassured her with a grin."Early? Have you seen the time? No more waiting. We have to move it, or we'll be late!" Yuffie was on edge."Yuffie, take it easy. We'll be there in plenty of time!" Yoel laughed. "Plus, I promise you, we're going to have the best seats in the house!"She could not believe it. How could they possibly be late? The main event could not start without the guest of honor!"But..." Yuffie was not convinced."Yuffie, if Howard and Yoel say it's fine, then it's fine," Holden cut in. "And standing around too early on the spot is just unco
"Wow! The whole city's decked out, talk about going all out!"As they drove, Talia could not help but marvel at the cheerful decorations lining the streets."This just goes to show that this guy must be head over heels for her, right?" Howard said with a knowing chuckle."Yep," Talia agreed with a soft nod.Talia hesitated, her voice laced with an unspoken yearning. "Howard, remember when I said you had to propose before I'd say yes? I was just kidding, you know..."Howard's smile cut through her words. "Talia, I vowed to ask for your hand, to make you the happiest woman alive. Trust me, I'll make it happen.""I don't need any grand proposal..." Talia inhaled deeply. "All I need is your true love, your honesty with Riley, with my family. That's enough. And I've felt that from you, so...there's really no need for anything more.""Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would've proposed, Talia. I want every woman in Mendorra to look at you with envy," Howard said, interrupting her onc
Tasha and her family shared the same look of disdain, eyeing the pair with scorn.Howard had planned to just drive on through, but Tasha's snide comment made him ease off the accelerator.He glanced over at Tasha and her relatives, offering a composed, amused smile. "Fancy seeing you here. Came to check out the excitement?""Hmph!" Tasha huffed. "You're here, aren't you? It's not like you own the place!""Oh, really?" Howard's lips quirked up. "I'd watch my tone if I were you. Whether you'll make it inside tonight is still up in the air.""Big talk!" Kenneth scoffed. "And who do you think you are? Try and stop us from getting in, I dare you!""Howard, let's just go," Talia said, a hint of annoyance creasing her brow.She could not stand the Jenkins family. Years of dealing with their two-faced antics left her with zero patience for them. If it were not for her dad, she would not waste another breath on them."Sure!" Howard pulled out his phone, shot a quick text to Kenny, and d
"Keep up this ruckus, and I won't be nice anymore!" the staffer warned with a hard edge to his voice."Hmph! Try and stop me!" Tasha huffed, defiantly striding toward the entrance.She barely made it two steps before a staffer shoved her to the ground. "Get them out of here, all of them!" he barked."You got it!" came the chorus of replies. Thus, Tasha and her family were quickly herded aside like unruly cattle."Ugh... I'm so mad, so freaking mad... He's not getting away with this..." Tasha seethed, her voice dripping with venom.Elsewhere, Howard's car was cruising close to Mendorra Tower plaza, just three kilometers out.Their ride turned heads the whole way, especially the sleek convertible Porsche—it was pure envy on wheels. Whispers spread among the onlookers, speculating if they were the night's VIPs.Talia blushed at the murmurs, wishing she could just blend in with the crowd of onlookers."Wow! Look at that!"She could not help but marvel at the sight before her. A pl
"Duh, obviously. Who else gets to roll right into the square?""Wow! The car's a knockout, but the lady's even more so. She's gorgeous, and the guy's a looker too. They're like a dream couple, straight out of a fairy tale!""Howard, what... What have you done driving here? We're in real hot water now..." Talia's voice was edged with panic inside the car."Shh!" Howard grinned, pressing a finger to his lips. "Talia, no talking—just watch the fireworks!"Boom! Boom! Boom!The sky above the control zone erupted with thunderous blasts before Howard's echo had even died away, sending tremors through the city.A cascade of dazzling fireworks painted the night, etching hearts among the stars."Wow! It's incredible!"All heads tilted back, eyes wide as a chorus of awe filled the air.The fireworks show, with its 1800 bursts of color, lasted a full 10 minutes before fading away.Then, as if on cue, 1800 sky lanterns began their ascent, each one carrying a message into the heavens."W
In a fleeting moment, Talia's mind was flooded with memories, each one stirring a sea of emotions within her.All the wrongs and pain she endured over the last five years seemed to vanish in that moment, making her every action feel incredibly worthwhile.As tears streamed down her face, 1800 drones converged above the plaza.The central drone descended gracefully, hovering just above the Porsche, right before Talia's eyes—Brilliance Beyond.Simultaneously, all the screens within the secured area switched to feature close-ups of Talia and Brilliance Beyond."Talia, it's been exactly one thousand eight hundred days since we met," Howard announced, his voice clear through the wireless headset he had donned."For one thousand eight hundred days and nights, you've endured so much. I'm deeply sorry."I make this vow before everyone here: From this day forward, I won't let you face any hardship. I'll make sure you're the happiest woman on Earth!"Talia, please give me a chance, an op
"Riley, do you want Mommy to say yes to Daddy?" Yoel asked, grinning at Riley in the back of the Land Rover."Yes!" Riley shouted."Then tell Mommy, will you?" Yoel's grin widened. He clipped a wireless earpiece onto Riley's shirt as he spoke."Mommy, say yes to Daddy!" In the next instant, Riley's tender voice echoed through the speakers of a thousand LCD screens.Talia, who had been lost in tears, snapped to attention at the sound of her child's plea.She did not even pause to wipe her tears before she pushed the car door open and stepped out.She rushed to Howard and helped him to his feet. "Honey, get up! I'll say yes, I'll say yes to you!"The crowd erupted into a thunderous ovation."Thank you, my love!" Howard said, rising and gently wiping away Talia's tears, his smile beaming."Darling, no more tears. You won't look your best if you cry, and all eyes are on you. Plus, we're on live TV!""I don't care, I just need to cry!" Talia collapsed into Howard's embrace, sobbin
"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