With a sharp screech, the Judge stomped on the brake pedal. "Sir, what's going on?"In the blink of an eye, as the Range Rover came to a halt, a shadowy figure dashed toward them from a distance.Battered and visibly exhausted, the figure was a mess of wounds."Black Blade!?" the Judge exclaimed, recognizing the man.It was the man known as Yidel, the former governor of the Shadow Sect's Eastern District, also known as Black Blade-Quispe.Howard swung the car door open and stepped out, with Yoel and the Judge right on his heels.The moment the trio stepped out of the car, the rapid patter of footsteps echoed behind them. Four masked men were hot on their heels, their movements swift and powerful.Among them, two boasted the formidable prowess of advanced martial gods, while the others were martial generals with ultimate mastery."Time to die!" growled one of the martial gods, locking eyes with Quispe.Words barely left his lips when he lunged, a mere breath away from Quispe's
"Quiet now, just relax and let me take the lead with your core energy. I'm going to give you a boost," instructed Howard."Huh?" Quispe's eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded in gratitude. "Thanks, Master Howard!"With a deep breath, Howard's hands glowed with a powerful core energy that he channeled into Quispe like a raging river."Oof..." Quispe winced, a flicker of pain crossing his face.He could feel intense waves of energy pounding against his meridian, each wave hitting harder than the last.Amid the searing pain, a sliver of hope sparked within him. He knew Howard was pushing him to a breakthrough, and he could almost see the light at the end of the tunnel."Keep your composure and breathe deep!" Howard's voice came again after a moment."Got it!" Quispe nodded with determination.20 minutes later, Howard stepped back and removed the needles. "All set. Now, let your energy flow through you twice, all on your own.""Right!" A gleam of excitement shone in Quispe's eyes.
"That year, the sect leader and our group of six pursued the fugitive into the depths of the ancient forest. It didn't take long to realize it was a trap. The enemy had shown themselves on purpose, just to draw us in."Pain flickered across Quispe's face."Waiting for us in that forest were two martial knights of minor mastery and four martial gods in their late stage of power.""Out of all of us, only the sect leader was a martial knight, and even then, just a martial knight in the initial stage. We stood no chance.""In under three minutes, the sect leader and the other Four Blades were cut down by our foes!""How did you manage to survive?" the Judge inquired.Quispe inhaled deeply, his voice tinged with regret."When the sect leader realized escape was impossible, he was adamant that one of us should live to tell the tale. So, in a moment when I was off guard, he pushed me off a cliff."He was aware of the pool hidden at the base of the cliff and hoped it would be my ticket
"That figures. They're crafty, I'll give them that," Quispe said with a deep breath, turning to Howard. "The Calnans."Howard's eyes narrowed. "Who in the Calnans?""Graham Calnan," Quispe answered."He's the Calnan's go-to guy for all their shady dealings, the noble family head's half-brother from the same father.""He was a bastard, and because of that, Calnan never acknowledged him when he was young. However, he had a knack for making friends and was a whiz at Martial Arts, which got him in with a rough crowd."Eventually, Calnan noticed he was making a name for himself and had a lot of pull, so he brought him into the fold. He wasn't officially recognized as family, but he was definitely one of Calnan's crew."Over time, he took care of the dirty work, and his clout within the family soared, putting him on equal footing with Calnan's legitimate heirs.""Really?" Howard's gaze sharpened. "What landed him on the list as an S-class fugitive?""Graham's a cold-blooded guy, the
Quispe coughed, caught off-guard.It was one thing for the young members of the Shadow Sect to be dragged off to Ciolara, but involving the Blood Shadow Force? That was a game-changer.Howard was sure to be under a mountain of pressure."Always with the terrible ideas," Yoel snapped, shooting the Judge a withering look. "You want to send the whole Western Region army into Ciolara and have your boss branded with a massive crime?"The Judge just chuckled and flashed a cheeky grin. "I'm just messing around!""Okay, decision made," Howard declared, rising to his feet and fixing his gaze on the Judge."We have a month to sort this out. Get to Ciolara, round up those Shadow Sect SSS fugitives, and wrap up that three-year-old case once and for all.""Also, I want a public notice out, in my name, effective immediately. Quispe's wanted poster comes down. He's to be honored in the Shadow Sect's Hall of Honor as an Honorary Elder for life.""Got it!" the Judge responded, nodding with enth
Howard mentally cheered Talia on."Hehe! Well, I've got to live up to my 'martial god' of a husband, don't I?" Talia quipped, her face all mischief. "I have to keep at it, can't let you down!""Honey, you don't have to push yourself so hard," Howard murmured gently."I just wanted you to have something to keep you busy, to stave off the boredom. Heck, you could be a permanent vacationer and I'd still have us covered.""No way!" Talia was adamant, shaking her head with force. "I refuse to be your burden! Besides, I work because I love it. It gives me a sense of accomplishment."Remember my time at the Jenkins Group? Stuck in that tiny Nimbulus branch, but I never took my foot off the gas. I was the resident workaholic there."I've picked up a lot over the years, and now with this new, grand stage, I can really play to my strengths!""Is that so? Well, that's great. Just don't overdo it, okay?" Howard said, his smile warm."I'm not overdoing it. I adore this job," Talia called ba
"Wow! Ms. Jenkins, your husband is a knockout!" blurted Nance with an over-the-top enthusiasm."He's seriously stunning and outshines any celebrity. He's the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on!"Talia giggled. "Isn't that a bit much?"Then, addressing her colleagues, she announced, "Guys, I'd like to officially introduce you to my husband, Howard!"Turning to Howard, she added, "Honey, these are my colleagues from the marketing department, the supervisors and up. I'll introduce you."She went on to introduce Howard to each colleague, and he responded with a warm nod and a friendly hello.A look of polite restraint could not help but spread across the faces of all present.Howard's good looks were more than just his striking features; it was the subtle hint of royalty in his demeanor that made others feel a touch unworthy in his presence.Everyone at the table could not help but think that Ms. Jenkins had snagged herself someone extraordinary."So, Mr. Lincoln, what's you
Then, the meal began in earnest.Throughout the dinner, the toasts came one after another, all directed at Howard and Talia.Talia, who was not much of a drinker, graciously passed the honor to Howard.Howard stepped up with ease, mingling and toasting with everyone. It had been ages since he had let his guard down and enjoyed a drink like this.Back in the Western Region, even when he occasionally drank with Dragon and the others, it was a different vibe. No matter how much he drank, he could never shake off that underlying tension.After all, any issue that made it to his level was serious business. He made it a point to stay sharp, never allowing himself to slack off.In this little get-together, everything was different. He could clink glasses and drink to his heart's content with the whole gang, free from any concerns.Time zipped by, and before anyone realized it, two hours had slipped away, leaving everyone stuffed and happily buzzed.Suddenly, the private room door was
"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