"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
"Elder Yacono, it's a pleasure to meet you. I can't thank you enough for looking after my brother all this time," Ximero greeted the man known as Hunter Yacono with genuine warmth."Please, there's no need for such formalities. Zane has become a part of our Red Crimson Sect, so we're all family now," Hunter replied, casually sipping his tea."Zane still has much to learn about our ways. I trust you'll guide him," Ximero added with a smile, feeling at ease. He had always kept tabs on Zane's well-being, and their occasional phone calls kept the brotherly bond strong.The Jacka family had their hands deep in the mining game, and rubbing shoulders with the big players meant that clashes were just part of the daily grind.Over the years, they had built up a solid crew, but the last six months had thrown them a real curveball in the form of a tough new rival.Every time they butted heads, the Jackas came out on the losing end, bleeding men and even forfeiting a mine, which had Ximero fu
"What the hell? Who do you think you are?" Zane's brow was furrowed with anger.He glared at Howard and his companions, his voice thick with rage. "Thinking you can cause trouble in the Jacka family's territory? You've got a death wish!""Ah, so you're Zane? Impressive. After all these years on the run, you've got the guts to come back to Mendorra," remarked the Judge, his eyes narrowing with a hint of menace."What!?" Zane's eyes widened in shock at The Judge's words. "And just who are you?""We'll get to you in a moment," Howard said calmly, his gaze briefly scanning Hunter before settling on Ximero. "I've heard the Jacka family can do whatever they want in Mendorra, even get away with murder. Is that right?""Got a problem with that?" Ximero challenged, his expression darkening. "Think you're a big shot?""How about this: I say I can decide whether your son lives or dies. You believe that?" Howard's voice was icy.Ximero scoffed. "You don't know what you're talking about. I'd
"Nash!"The Ximero brothers' anguished shouts echoed in unison.Hunter and the rest, standing by, were equally stunned. They had not seen it coming—that someone would dare to cut down Nash right before their eyes."I'll make you pay. You're dead!" Ximero's eyes blazed with fury. "Get over here, now! Take them down!"The pounding of feet thundered like a drum roll as a horde of two to three hundred men, armed to the teeth with knives and clubs, stormed toward Howard and his companions.The leaders, radiating a formidable aura, were unmistakably warriors of the Martial Arts."You killed the young master. Now you'll pay!" The head man bellowed, his blade slicing through the air toward Howard."You have a death wish!" The Shadow Sect warriors intoned, their figures blurring into ten swift shadows darting into the fray.Their wrists flicked with lethal precision, the Cold Moon Saber tracing deadly arcs of silver light, cutting through the air.A chorus of screams erupted. One by on
"Yeah," the Judge acknowledged with a nod. "A minor league sect, known for being a haven for the unsavory.""Really?" Howard's lips twisted into a sly grin. "Pull up the file on their top dog.""Got it!" the Judge acknowledged, whipping out his smartphone to get to work."Hey man, don't you think you're going a bit overboard?" Hunter's brow creased with concern. "Sure, the Shadow Sect's tough, but if we keep you guys here today, they won't have a clue it was us, will they?""You're a fool!" Yoel shot the other a disdainful look."Who do you think you're talking to, you rascal? Are you looking for trouble?" the red-haired guy snapped.With that, he lunged at Yoel, his presence swelling with the force of an initial martial master."Idiocy at its finest!" Two Shadow Sect warriors barked, darting forward as their Cold Moon Sabers sliced through the air."Back off!"The man roared, his fists creating gusts of wind with each punch.However, he sorely underestimated the Shadow Sect
Ximero slumped to the ground, suddenly looking decades older.He knew, without a doubt, that the Jacka family was done for.Meanwhile, Hunter, caught mid-charge, froze in terror. It hit him just how colossal his mistake had been.Core energy unleashed, killing without a trace, the power of at least a martial general—a whole level above his own.However, what truly shook him was the sight of the Cold Moon Saber's platinum handle in the Judge's grip.This was one of the Shadow Sect's legendary Five Blades.With no time to think further, he dropped to his knees."Please... I beg you, spare me! I have vital information for you, just... just spare my life..."Regret consumed him. Had he known he was facing the Shadow Sect, he would never have defended Zane, not for anything.The most crushing realization of all was who he then understood the Judge to be—Howard.In their lands, only one man could command the Shadow Sect.The King of the Western Region, the lord of the Shadow Sect,
Half an hour later, Howard and Yoel were on the road, heading for their rendezvous.An hour and some change later, Yoel slammed on the brakes, parking in front of a sizable restaurant just outside Harrington."Sir!" They barely stepped out when the Judge strolled up, nodding at Yoel.Howard hummed in acknowledgment. "What's the scoop?""Word is, the restaurant's boss goes by Pearson, keeps it low-key, and hardly ever comes out. And the one running the show is a lady named Jazzy," the Judge reported.When they took on hits, they kept mum about being from the Dark Shady Cartel and did not let clients pry—just told them to 'head home and await word'."Alright, let's check it out!" Howard gave another nod and headed for the restaurant, Yoel and his companion right on his heels."Please, come this way!"As the trio stepped into the foyer, a red-clad hostess came over."Got any private rooms?" the Judge inquired."Certainly, follow me," the hostess replied with a warm smile, leadin
"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