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
Howard rose and headed for the door as he spoke.Talia was right behind him. She had been through enough with Howard to be unfazed by this kind of trouble.They had gotten out of stickier situations before, and this was just another day for them. That was why she warned them about the consequences of not leaving."What's that?" The taller man scowled, looking at Howard. "Didn't catch that. Say it again?""Listen up, you've got five minutes to get the jerk who messed with Yancy to come and apologize, or I'll make sure the hand he used pays the price," Howard said calmly as he stepped up to the two men."Wow, big talker, aren't we?" the tall guy scoffed. "Think you're in some kind of movie?"His voice dropped to a threatening growl, "I'm going to touch her right now, and I'd love to see how you plan to stop me from using this hand!"He lunged at Nance, aiming for her face.Snap!Halfway through his reach, a sharp pain exploded in his wrist, and the sickening sound of breaking bo
"Who started this?" The preppy leader, Axton, surveyed the room with an air of superiority."Mr. Axton Cole, that's the guy!" The towering figure jabbed a finger at Howard and barked."You got some nerve, messing with my crew!" Axton's eyes bore into Howard, his voice dropping an octave, "Here's the deal: break the hand you used, bow, and say you're sorry. I might just let you off the hook this time."His gaze drifted over to Talia, pausing as he took in her features with an expression of sheer amazement."So, you're the one who bumped into our colleague and had the gall to demand she apologize with a drink?" Howard brushed off Axton, fixing his stare on the young man at his side."You got a problem with that?" The young man shot back, his tone aloof and detached.It was clear from his accent he was not from Rackaham."Citranga, huh?" Howard's eyes narrowed even further. "Interesting."A foreign fighter with a solid skill set—just the type the Shadow Sect kept tabs on.Howard
"Got it!" A group of men in black shouted in unison, charging at Howard.Thud! Thud! Thud!They did not even get close before they were all sent flying, landing in a heap on the ground, groaning in agony.The onlookers from Swanson Group gasped in shock.They were stunned by Howard's effortless move. With just a simple palm strike, he had sent half a dozen strong men sprawling. It was like a scene straight out of an action movie.They also could not help but admire his guts. He knew those guys were from the notorious Cole family, yet he did not hesitate to strike. Was he not afraid of their wrath?"Hm?" Axton's face registered surprise. He had not expected Howard to be such a formidable opponent.The young man, recognizing Howard's technique, felt a chill run through him.He was from the martial arts circle and knew exactly what that palm strike meant—Howard had the power of a martial general, at the very least!"Ready to say you're sorry now?" Howard ignored Axton's reaction
Howard pointed at Yachtzeel and asked, "What's your relationship with him?" "Do I need to report my relationship with him to you? You..." Axton replied sharply.Before he could say another word, Howard unleashed a fierce gust that sent Axton and his crew flying. They slammed against the door frame and crumpled to the floor."You better hope your Cole family isn't too cozy with him, or you can kiss your standing in Mareno City goodbye!" Howard's words were icy as he approached Yachtzeel."How many of your Yehooda Chamber of Commerce cronies in Rackaham are with the Hidden Ninja Society?"Howard was well aware of the Yehooda Chamber of Commerce's reach, a powerhouse in Citranga with a global presence that was nothing to scoff at.The ink on Yachtzeel's skin was not just any tattoo—the tattoo he saw on Yachtzeel's body belonged to the Hidden Ninja Society, a Citranga-backed organization specializing in global intelligence gathering and assassination.Their sudden appearance in Rac
"And squeeze 'em for their contacts here!" Howard barked out more orders. "Round up any suspects, no matter who they are. No being nice!""Huh? Hidden Ninja Society!?" The Judge paused, then roared, "Yehooda's up to no good! They've dug their own graves!""Get Lukas and the others on the line. I want a full sweep of every Yehooda Chamber of Commerce branch in our territory!" Howard commanded."Got it!" the Judge replied with a firm nod before ending the call.Once Howard pocketed his phone, Axton and his companions bowed in deep respect, their bodies shaking more violently.They had pieced it together from Howard's words—the man before them was with the Shadow Sect!From Howard's authoritative tone, it was clear as day that he was no small fry in the organization.They knew all too well the clout the Shadow Sect wielded around here!Apart from a few top-tier clans, there were not many elite families that dared to cross the Shadow Sect.Moreover, they were aware that just days
"Judge, what's up?" Howard asked as he picked up the call."Sir, the Special Patrol goons just showed up, making a scene about taking Black Blade in for questioning!" The Judge's voice was thick with fury."Really? They didn't waste any time, did they?" Howard said calmly. "I'm on my way."After ending the call, he turned to Yoel. "Take us to the Shadow Sect."He had anticipated that moment ever since he ordered the Judge to make that announcement for the Shadow Sect. It was a given that the Special Patrol would come calling.Black Blade had been a ghost for three years, topping the most-wanted lists of both the Shadow Sect and the Special Patrol.Issuing that announcement was Howard's way of laying a trap, biding his time until the Special Patrol showed their hand.Then that Black Blade was back in the spotlight, the Ciolara family must have been tipped off instantly. Their first move would be to send the Special Patrol to test Howard's determination. If that failed, they would
"Your Shadow Sect has gone too far!" Quiller bellowed."District governors, Master Howard's been in Mendorra lately. Maybe we should ask him to come over, have a talk, and hear what he has to say..." Hardin suggested, taking a deep breath and turning to Quiller.He did not want that to escalate into a showdown with the Shadow Sect.For one thing, he was convinced that Quispe was being framed. He had known Quispe for years, worked with him, and knew the man's true character—unbending and utterly fair, every inch the 'Black Blade' he was known as.Then there was Howard. Hardin admired the man deeply and did not want to cross him unless he had no other choice.Besides, Hardin knew if Quiller kept up with this, he would have ended up biting off more than he could chew, and they would suffer for it."We're here to work a case, not to shoot the breeze!" Quiller cut him off."But..." Hardin began, a crease forming between his brows."That's enough. This doesn't concern you. Go stand a
"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