"Dad, Mom, you two sleepyheads, it's time to rise and shine! It's nearly nine!"The next morning, just as they felt they had barely shut their eyes, Riley's voice echoed through the door."Oh, sweetheart, time to wake up!" Talia jolted awake and quickly sat up, then swung her legs out of bed."Darling, what's the matter?" Howard, then awake, looked at Talia with concern."What do you think?" Talia playfully scolded."Can't help it if my wife's irresistible," said Howard with a cheeky smile."Stop it!" Talia's face warmed with a blush."Alright, I'll stop, or we might just have a quiet night," Howard chuckled with a teasing glint in his eye."What? Not tonight..." Talia gasped in mock horror.Howard's laughter filled the room.After a bit more banter, they got dressed and stepped out of the room, greeting Holden and Kaylee with a friendly nod."Dad, Mom, you two are such sleepyheads, sleeping in like this," Riley chided as she bounded over."Dad and Mom needed some extra res
Yoel and the Judge had been out on business together that day.They intended to catch up with Howard to discuss some matters. As they approached the community gate in their car, they picked up on the unmistakable presence of two martial god-level forces.With their finely tuned senses, they could detect the slightest whiff of martial arts energy.The moment the two elders made no effort to hide their presence, Yoel and the Judge picked up on it instantly.They quickly sprang from the car and chased after the source of the energy."You two early-stage martial god geezers aren't even worth the effort it would take for my sir to raise a hand!" the Judge taunted."Hmm?" The elders' eyes narrowed sharply as they felt the martial arts prowess emanating from Yoel and the Judge.The power of either Yoel or the Judge surpassed that of the two elders.Rumors had it that Yoel was the only one by Howard's side who had ascended to the martial god level. However, even though Yoel's cultivati
The combined onslaught of the trio was like a trio of mountains crashing into each other at breakneck speed, the impact resounding like thunder.The wave of energy that erupted from the clash reduced a nearby dilapidated factory to rubble, sending dust billowing into the sky and debris scattering like shrapnel.Simultaneously, the right arms of the two elders exploded as if they were made of paper mache, with blood and gore splattering in all directions.Then, coughing up gushes of blood, they were flung away like leaves in an autumn gale. They flew dozens of yards before crashing into the earth, creating two massive craters, and lay there, too weak to rise, their energy severely depleted.That was the outcome even with Howard holding back. Had he not, they might not have survived."How... How can this be?"It took some time before the two managed to shakily climb out of the pits, the elder with white hair addressing Howard with a quivering voice."You... You're wounded, yet you
"Don't forget to have your guys keep an eye out for any foreign intruders," Howard instructed."We still haven't dealt with Blood Rakshasa. As long as she's lurking in Mendorra, Dark Ebon Corp's goons won't back down.""Got it!" the Judge replied. "Sir, how's your injury? Is it really impossible to heal quickly? If push comes to shove, why not visit the Rectenwald sect? Those old-timers might be quirky, but together they could work some magic on you.""You've got guts, calling them old-timers. Did you forget the hard knock they gave us last time?" Howard chuckled.Not many knew about Howard's ties with the Rectenwald sect, but his inner circle was in the know."Sir, you wouldn't have ratted me out, would you?"The thought of facing those crafty old-timers made the Judge shudder. He would have rather taken his chances in a showdown with a martial knight than cross paths with those sly foxes.They had a knack for getting under their skin without them even noticing.Back when Howa
"Huh?" Yuffie blinked, taken aback. "Well, I might just do that!"As Yoel listened to their banter, his lips twitched. He felt like he was on display in a shop window, up for grabs."Yuffie, ever heard of playing hard-to-get?" Talia said with a huff. "Mr. Louis is out of your league.""Hey, I'm no slouch either, you know!" Yuffie retorted, sticking out her lower lip. "I'm the student council president, for crying out loud! I've got a whole bunch of skills up my sleeve, just haven't had the chance to show them off to you all yet!""Suitors from Mareno City to Mendorra are lining up for me, even the heirs of Mareno's elite families!" Yuffie boasted with a twinkle in her eye.Howard burst into laughter. "Yuffie, you're a catch! Yoel, you've got to step up your game. I see a perfect match!""Sir, can we talk about something else?" Yoel said, his brow creased in discomfort."Mr. Louis, I might just give you a shot at winning my heart. Better act fast, though!" Yuffie teased as if she
As the King of the Western Region and the head of the Shadow Sect, Howard was well-acquainted with the notorious Dark Shady Cartel.Their reputation was formidable.The Dark Shady Cartel had a storied past, one that could be traced back hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years.The Dark Shady Cartel was not the average gang. It was born out of necessity, a shadowy hand for the royals to deal with the dirty work they could not touch, taking orders straight from the top. They were the cloak-and-dagger types, with a reach that spanned the nation.Back in the day, they were the boogeymen of the empire, bold enough to take out the emperor's own guards, sending shivers down the spines of the high and mighty. However, as empires rose and fell, the Cartel's grip on the throne loosened, not that they got any less deadly—they just got better at hiding it.To those in the loop, the Cartel was still very much a force to reckon with.Even at present, the Cartel had all but vanished into the
The onlookers were seething with anger."Everyone, just zip it!" the middle-aged woman yelled furiously. "If any of you have a problem, give me your address. I'll make sure someone pays you a visit for a little chat.""You've crossed the line, threatening people in broad daylight. Have you no respect for the law?" Talia's eyebrows furrowed in frustration."Hmph! You think you're in a position to lecture me about the law?" the woman scoffed. "Do you even know who I am? Or who my husband is?""What, is your husband some kind of big shot?" someone in the crowd muttered under their breath."Slap him!" the woman's face twisted in anger."Right away!" The man in black behind her nodded, stepped forward, and was about to deliver a slap."Lay a finger on him, and you'll be leaving without a hand!" Howard's voice cut through the tension, sending a chilling shiver down the man's spine.The man in black froze, the threat in Howard's tone leaving no room for doubt."Honey, what's the trou
"You..." The woman's face went through a rapid series of changes as she realized Yoel's capabilities were beyond her expectations."So, what'll it be? Are you going to call someone, or are you going to apologize to everyone here?" Howard asked, his gaze fixed on the middle-aged woman."Just wait. You'll find out what you're in for soon enough!" she snapped, her teeth clenched in anger.She yanked her child aside and stormed off, whipping out her phone to dial as she went."Everything's fine now, folks. Go on with what you were doing!" Howard called out to the onlookers, trying to ease the tension."She doesn't look like she's up to any good. You and your family might want to head out," an elderly woman in plain clothes advised."Thanks for the heads-up, but we're good," Howard replied with a reassuring smile before taking his seat on the bench once more.The woman's backup arrived fast. In under 20 minutes, a group stormed in, looking for trouble.A middle-aged man led the pack
"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