Boom! The curved swords left devastation in their wake.Before the lesser-ranked martial general could even grasp what was happening, they were cleaved in two at the waist, their bodies tumbling to the ground in a gruesome display."You fools of the Dark Shady Cartel, you've sealed your fate!" The Judge's voice thundered, "Take them all out!""Roger that!" A chorus of a hundred Shadow Sect warriors responded, catching their spinning Cold Moon Sabers and surging forward to confront the remaining twenty-odd enemies.Screams tore through the air above the parking lot."Sir!" The Judge approached Howard. "These lowlifes just got to Mendorra. I got the word and came as fast as I could."Howard nodded, his gaze piercing the distance. "You two haven't joined the fight yet. Planning to run without a scratch?"He had sensed all along that two martial god-level adversaries were lying in wait."Ha, we of the Dark Shady Cartel don't even know the meaning of retreat!" An elder's voice rang
Yet, it was a moment too late. Before the needles could find their mark, the old man's eyes twisted in defiance, and he bit down on the capsule of poison hidden in his mouth.It was not long before the man lay still on the ground, his body giving a few final twitches before going silent, his mouth foaming over."The Dark Shady Cartel is digging its own grave," the Judge muttered, eyeing the lifeless body with a mix of rage and disdain.The chill that clung to Howard had not faded in the slightest. After a moment's contemplation, he turned to the Judge."Get the Lukas and members on a video call, now!""Right away!" the Judge responded, a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he nodded with determination, sensing the storm of fury in his boss.He pulled out the Shadow Sect's specialized smartphone and tapped away deftly.Moments later, four holographic projections sprang to life before them, revealing the other Four Blades of the Shadow Sect.There stood Nevaeh from the north d
"Looking for trouble, Judge?" Hacks shot back, none too pleased."I might not be up to the task, but Dragon sure is. I'll call on Dragon to step in, and with just a hundred thousand Blood Shadow Force, we can take down Abatemarco in no time!"Abatemarco had a reputation for being a dark character, and the Shadow Sect alone might not have cut it against him. However, with the Blood Shadow Force on their side, it was a breeze.The Abatemarco guy was notorious for two things: his deadly poisons and his witchcraft. Aside from that, his martial arts skills were nothing to write home about.The Blood Shadow Force, on the other hand, was packed with folks who had some pretty unique talents, especially when it came to poisons and witchcraft.It was worth noting about the medics from the Western Region, including those from the Rectenwald sect. Some of them were the best poison masters in the land!"Fine, no one can outdo you in the shamelessness department," the Judge said with a shrug.
"Lukas and three thousand of the Shadow Sect's boys have stormed the estate. Our men can't hold them back," the butler said, his voice tight with worry."Hm!?" A chilling aura spread from Harlan. "What does the Shadow Sect want here?"As he spoke, a strange glint flashed in his eyes."He… He didn't say. Just demanded that Mr. Bryant meet him within five minutes, or he'll raze the estate to the ground," the butler stammered."Insolence!" Harlan's voice rose in anger. "Who gave Lukas the audacity to come here and throw his weight around?"Turning to Alec, he apologized, "Mr. Sidney, I'm terribly sorry for this interruption. Perhaps I could invite you over another day to continue our conversation?""Let's go have a look. I'm curious to see what the Shadow Sect wants with you," Alec said, rising and heading for the door."Excellent, thank you, Mr. Sidney!" Harlan's eyes narrowed in a hint of satisfaction. That was exactly what he had hoped for.In no time at all, Alec and his entou
"Lukas, the Shadow Sect has really crossed the line this time. What gives you the right to take people?" Alec's gaze was fixed on Lukas as he spoke.Alec and Lukas were no strangers to each other, and Lukas was well aware of Alec's status. However, to Lukas, Alec might as well have been invisible, which really got under Alec's skin."And you are?" Lukas' voice was heavy with disdain. "Since when does the Shadow Sect have to report to you?""Lukas, a word of advice—don't get cocky. If trouble starts, not even your boss can save you," Alec shot back, his voice icy."Fool!" Lukas' eyes flashed with contempt as he pointed at Harlan. "You're really going to stand up for him?""Unless you've got a damn good reason, Harlan isn't going anywhere with you today!" Alec shouted back."The Shadow Sect doesn't need your permission to act!" With a flick of his wrist, Lukas revealed the gleaming Cold Moon Saber and began advancing on Harlan.Alec let out a sharp huff. "Mr. Bryant is a VIP of my
"How can this be? You've reached the late stages of martial god ultimate mastery?" Alec gasped, struggling to quell the turmoil within."Still think you can stop me?" Lukas' voice was icy.Alec let out a ragged breath, his complexion ghastly."Mr. Bryant backs the central district war department. If you make an arrest without good cause, and word gets out to Ciolara, your Shadow Sect...""You're clueless," Lukas cut him off sharply. "Do you even know who he is?""Huh?" Alec blinked, thrown off. "What are you getting at?"Off to the side, Harlan's gaze flickered with a hint of alarm, his right eyelid twitching uncontrollably—a bad omen."The Dark Shady Cartel had set up ten fronts in the central district, and he was the top dog there," Lukas said with an icy edge to his voice."What!?" Alec's shout echoed, his face a mask of shock."Still feel like covering for him?" Lukas gave him a piercing look."Why the hell didn't you tell me sooner?!" Alec took a deep breath, his voice t
"Goodbye," Lukas said with a dismissive wave.With a roar of fury, Alec swung his arm out in a blind rage. A stone pillar nearby exploded into dust, sending a cloud billowing into the sky.He was on the edge of a furious meltdown.The Dark Shady Cartel dared to send an assassin after Master Howard!?He knew full well what Master Howard meant to the people of Ciolara. If anything happened to him, it would cause an uproar that would shake the heavens!Then, as the Shadow Sect sought to detain members of the Dark Shady Cartel over the Master Howard incident, his own interference could spell disaster if word got out in Ciolara.Worst of all, it was common knowledge that his boss had never seen eye-to-eye with Master Howard. In the hands of someone with a scheme, that could look like he was in cahoots with the Dark Shady Cartel, plotting to take out a high-ranking war official.At this point, he was even entertaining the thought of offing Lukas!All in a day's work.Every single on
"Grandpa and Dad told me not to bother you with a call..." Wynie sobbed. "But… But the doctor said today that my uncle's leg is messed up badly. He's not fit for surgery, and he might even lose the leg…"So I... I went behind their backs and called you.""Hey, Wynie, take a breather. Let's go see uncle Colton," Howard said, trying to soothe her."Thanks a million, Mr. Lincoln!" Wynie wiped away her tears and led Howard down to the hospital room.They arrived at a secluded single room down the hall. Howard took in the scene: Xever and his son Zaid were there, both looking like they had been through the wringer.Colton was propped up in bed, his right leg encased in plaster, his face and arms a patchwork of bruises. A doctor in a white coat was giving him the lowdown.At the sound of their arrival, Xever and Zaid turned to look."Howard?" Xever started to say 'Master Howard' but caught himself, the title hanging unsaid in the air.Howard had yet to make his role known, and it fel
"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