"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
"I've already said it—today, I'd take Quispe in for questioning!""Really now?" At that moment, a voice echoed from behind. Howard and Yoel emerged, striding forward confidently.Quiller tensed, caught off guard by Howard's swift arrival."Marshal!" The Shadow Sect's warriors turned and saluted Howard in a booming chorus."Governors of the Special Patrol's Eastern District, Quiller greets Master Howard!" Quiller took a deep breath and gave a respectful bow.No matter how powerful he was, standing before Master Howard, the revered King of the Western Region, Quiller could not help but lower his proud head.It was not just him. Even his boss, the head of the Special Patrol, would not dare raise his voice in Master Howard's presence.The name Master Howard was not just a title. It was a symbol of immense power, far beyond Quiller's pay grade."Greetings, Master Howard!" The Special Patrol officers bowed in unison."So, you're after my Shadows Sect's esteemed elder?" Howard's voic
Boom!In an instant, an arm was severed cleanly at the shoulder, dropping to the ground as blood gushed out like a geyser."Gahh!" Gilbert's scream was blood-curdling."Master Howard, I beg your pardon for the offense caused by those beneath you. Please, be magnanimous!" Hardin, after sheathing his sword, gave a profound bow to Howard."District inspector Tacker, why did you harm me?" Gilbert cried out, gasping for air, battling his bewilderment.He just could not wrap his head around it. Why would his superior attack him when they were supposed to be going after the Shadow Sect?"Keep it up and I'll kill you too, you got that?" Hardin snapped, annoyed by his lack of fight."But why?! I..." Gilbert protested loudly."Enough, Gilbert!" Quiller barked. "District Inspector Tacker was saving your hide!"Quiller knew exactly what Hardin was up to. Chopping off Gilbert's arm was a twisted kind of rescue.If the Shadow Sect had gotten their hands on him, there was no telling what th
"You took out the Shadow Demon Shrine's Envoy. They're not going to just walk away from that," came the cautionary words."I've heard the Mystic Shades Sect's been itching for more influence in the Shadow Demon Shrine, so you can bet they've struck some kind of deal," the source added.A dangerous gleam lit up in Howard's eyes as he pressed, "Who's heading our way this time?""The Mystic Shades Sect's top dogs, the leader and his second in command. They've both reached the upper echelons of martial knight prowess. Their exact cultivation base? That's a bit fuzzy."Right below them are the Four Ghost Kings, all packing heat beyond martial god peak mastery. One's even stepped up to the martial knight level."Then you've got the Eight Shadow Envoys. Six are early-stage martial gods, and the other two are martial generals."Besides this crew of fourteen, there's a pack of twenty or thirty core disciples, each one tough enough to be a martial general at the very least.""Good," Howar
At 5:30 p.m., the following day.In the heart of Mendorra South Deben, a group of 12 men sat in the grand hall of a rustic farmhouse. Each was built like a tank, with a menacing scowl and an air of danger that clung to them like a second skin.They were no amateurs in strength. The least among them boasted the prowess of a martial master with peak mastery. Their leader, a towering figure nearly two meters tall, lounged on an armchair, his hand gripping a blood-stained dagger. He was a true force of nature, a martial god in the twilight of his power.Beside them, on the dusty floor, lay the farmhouse's owners, a simple-dressed man and woman, knocked out unconscious, the man bleeding from two deep gashes at his side."Lord of Ghost King, that Rackaham lady's got some looks. We've got time to kill—how about letting the boys have a little fun?" one of the brutes suggested, eyeing the woman on the ground."Business before pleasure," the Ghost King said calmly, tasting the blood on his
"Lord of Ghost King, do you think our two sect leaders can defeat him?" the same man asked."Relax, both masters are late-stage martial knights, and our sect leader is practically a martial ancestor!""If he's also nearing that level, he still won't stand a chance against our two leaders together!""Awesome!" the man exclaimed, thrilled. "Once we bring his head back, our Mystic Shades Sect will have even more clout in the Holy Temple!""Before long, I bet our Mystic Shades Sect will break into the top three of The Dark World!""Alright," the Ghost King said with a nod, checking his watch one more time. "Time's up. Let's move out!""Our mission is to stir up a storm right in the heart of Mendorra city. I don't need to tell you how to wreak havoc, do I?"The men burst into laughter. Chaos was their middle name, wherever they went, mayhem followed."Move out!" The Ghost King commanded, striding toward the exit."Got it!" The men grabbed their gear and fell in line, eager and read
"Ryker, secure the courtyard gate! Let no one flee!"The Judge's voice was a low rumble as he vanished in a blur of motion."Consider it done!" Ryker's reply boomed as he and his nine Shadow Sect Elegant Uniformed Troops took their positions at the gate.The Judge's blades danced, arcs of death cutting through the air with the force of a tempest.The enemy's lesser warriors stood no chance. They were cut down before they could even scream.One by one, they fell, bodies severed by the relentless onslaught."Curse it! This is a nightmare!" The Ghost King watched in horror as his men were decimated, his roar echoing with defeat.With his broadsword gripped tightly, he sprinted toward the Judge, his presence erupting in an instant, the full extent of his martial god peak mastery prowess on display.Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!The broadsword carved arcs of chilling light through the air, striking toward the Judge with the ferocity of lightning, an unstoppable force.Meanwhile, the rem
"Hngh!?" The man's eyes narrowed in shock as he felt the full force of The Judge's strike.A thick aura of death wrapped around him, making every hair on his body stand on end.With no time to spare, he swung his broadsword in front of him, trying desperately to fend off the blow.Alas, he sorely underestimated the might of the Cold Moon Blade Technique, his weapon was sliced in two, and the gleaming edge of the blade buried itself in his chest."How... How can this be..."He barely managed to gasp out the words before a crimson line traced from his left shoulder down to his right hip.His body split in two and crashed to the ground, blood spraying in a gruesome spectacle."Wow, I never thought the intermediate of the Cold Moon Blade Technique could be so powerful when mastered!" The Judge exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he surveyed the carnage.It was clear he had grasped the essence of the Cold Moon Blade Technique at the intermediate level, elevating his blade skills to u
"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