"Blood Rakshasa, what's holding you back? Thank the boss! With his backing, not only the top three but even the top spot could be within reach!""Blood Rakshasa, the Judge isn't wrong. This could be the chance of a lifetime!" Yoel chimed in.Both of them finally understood Howard's grand plan. He was looking to create an overseas contingent—a compact version of the Blood Shadow Force."Thank you for putting your faith in me, Howard!" Blood Rakshasa could hardly contain her excitement as she realized what Howard was proposing.Yoel was right—this was the chance of a lifetime."If you're in, you've got to be all in. I don't want you quitting halfway," Howard said firmly."Count on me, Howard. I'll pour my heart and soul into this. I won't let you down," Blood Rakshasa replied, her voice steady and full of determination."Great!" Howard nodded in approval. "Let's get your account details. I'll send over some funds to get you started.""Howard, I've got some cash to tide me over. M
"What!?" The news took everyone by surprise."Lord Shrine, any idea who's behind this?" a raspy-voiced man to his left inquired."We're not sure who it is yet, but it's definitely Rackaham's doing!" the leader replied. "They also took out one of our envoys!""What!?"Shock rippled through the group once more."I couldn't care less about Dark Ebon Corp's downfall," the leader said, pausing for a moment before his voice turned icy. "However, killing one of ours is a direct challenge to our authority. They've signed their own death warrant.""Kill!" The word thundered from the group in agreement."Blood Night, you're in charge of this," the leader said, eyeing each member in turn."Don't bother getting your hands dirty. Just hit up the Mystic Shades Sect. They've been itching for more clout in the sanctuary, right? Tell them it's time to cash in—heads for seats.""Got it, Lord Shine!" Blood Night's voice was grave as he acknowledged the command."Any progress on the map situatio
"Hold on, honey, there's something serious I forgot to mention..." Talia began, her cheeks glowing like ripe apples.However, before she could get the words out, Howard's kiss cut her off.Talia blushed even deeper."Babe, you were about to tell me something important. What's up?" Howard inquired."Oh, that's right, I almost forgot with all the distraction." Talia smacked her forehead and rolled her eyes at him. "You're such a troublemaker.""You still haven't answered," Howard teased, twirling a strand of Talia's hair."I landed a job!" Talia burst out, her excitement barely contained."Really? That was quick," Howard said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "What's the company? And what's your role going to be?""It's called Swanson Group, a big-time conglomerate," Talia replied, her face beaming. "They're all about luxury fashion and beauty products. It's a pretty big deal. I'm going for their marketing department manager spot."I've been at Nimbulus for a few years—you know,
"Hey, kid, you even know how to drive?" The guy inspected the front of his Bentley and barked at Yoel, "Get out here, now!"He was quick to blame, even though he was clearly at fault."Daddy, he's scary, I'm scared..." Riley whispered, gripping Howard tightly.Howard wrapped his arms around Riley, comforting him with a gentle pat, "It's okay, Riley. Daddy's got you. There's nothing to be afraid of."He turned to Yoel and said, "Check it out. If it's nothing serious, drop it. We're at a kindergarten—don't scare the kids or their teachers.""Got it." Yoel swung the car door open and stepped out."Seriously, kid, did you get your license from a cereal box? How do you hit my car in a parking lot this size?" The man barked at Yoel."Are you sure you didn't hit me?" Yoel asked, unfazed."Quit the nonsense, kid!" The man jabbed a finger at Yoel. "Cough up fifteen grand for my repairs, and we're square. Or else, I'm taking it out of your car!""Is that so?" Yoel's eyes narrowed just a
"Listen here, you hag, what do you think I'm here for? You haven't given me an answer about my kid's kindergarten spot!"Howard and the others recognized the voice as that of Nash Jacka, the gold chain-wearing man who had collided with their car."Your child... Your child just isn't a good fit for our school. I'm asking you, please, could you consider another school?" The woman, dressed neatly and obviously a teacher, pleaded.Two sharp slaps echoed again."Do you think I won't demolish your school if you push me too far, you hag?!" threatened Nash.Overhearing this, Howard turned to Talia. "Honey, why don't you take Riley to the playground for a bit? I'll call you when it's time.""Sure!" Talia agreed with a nod.She understood what Howard intended and did not want Riley exposed to such hostility."I'm asking you one last time, you hag. Are you going to process my kid's enrollment or not?" Nash pressed on, his voice seething with anger."Just... I'm begging you, please...find
After 10 minutes, Howard and his friend had gotten the gist of the grim story.Nash's kid had switched to their kindergarten last term and, in just a few months, had hurt at least 10 classmates in various ways.Whenever those incidents occurred, the parents who tried to confront the family did not just walk away without an apology. They ended up threatened or even beaten by goons on the family's payroll.The school had stepped in to mediate multiple times, but the family never admitted any fault and did not bother to discipline their child.The worst case was when one kid nearly lost an eye to a pencil stabbing and spent months at home barely recovering some sight.Yet, not a word of regret came from that family.Moreover, when one of the victims' moms tried to have it out with them, she got roughed up by some of their hired muscles. The woman ended up in the hospital and had yet to be discharged."You guys didn't call the cops?" Howard's brow creased as he listened to Bellona's
"Roger that!" Yoel quickly texted the Judge.20 minutes later, Talia, Riley, and the rest emerged from the building, smiling and talking."Everything went smoothly, Talia?" Howard asked, a friendly grin on his face."Yep!" Talia's smile was a bright spot in the room as she nodded. "Mrs. Wheeler even spent some time playing with Riley!""Thanks so much, Principal!" Howard said, offering Bellona a warm smile."Oh, Mr. Lincoln, you're too kind. Riley is such a sweetheart, truly a delight," Bellona replied, her smile matching Howard's.Suddenly, the sound of chaotic footsteps thundered through the air.A moment later, a motley crew of about 50 men armed with knives and clubs stormed in, their demeanor menacing."Mr. Jacka, who's the blind idiot that crossed you? Just point them out, and I'll take care of them," the bald leader demanded as he approached Nash."Those two brats right there!" Nash pointed straight at Howard. "I want one of their arms chopped off first!""Got it!" The
"Understood!" The Elegant Uniformed Troops shouted back and, with a commanding gesture, said, "Round them up!""Got it!" The voices rang out together."Damn it! Who do you think you are? You're cruisin' for a bruisin'!" The bald guy bellowed, hoisting his machete and barreling toward Howard.He barely made it two steps before one of the troops booted him into the air, and he hit the ground coughing up blood.In the blink of an eye, his buddies were sprawled out too, groaning in agony.Thud!At the sight, Nash and his wife gaped at the sight, terrified and shivering.Only then did they grasp the depth of the mess they stumbled into. Those folks were leagues beyond any average Joe."Who... Who are you?" Nash stammered, looking at Howard."You're about to find out," Howard replied calmly, then ordered the troops, "Bring these two. They're coming with us to the Jackas.""Understood!" came the crisp reply."What... What are you planning?! Lay a finger on me, and the Jacka family
"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