"Think you're up for it?" Howard inquired."With your resolve, Master Howard, I'll give it everything I've got, until my last breath," Quispe promised, nodding with determination."Excellent," Howard approved. "Once you're back from Ciolara, throw yourself into this. You have three months to cleanse the Shadow Sect through and through.""I'll get it done," Quispe assured him with a salute.However, before he could finish, a flicker of alarm crossed his face.He felt an ominous force bearing down on them, fast.Howard cracked a wry smile and stood. "They sure didn't waste any time getting here."The air whirled around them, signaling the arrival of something—or someone—formidable.Before long, like phantoms, two figures materialized a hundred meters away. One towering, the other not so tall.The taller man was a sight to behold, not yet forty, with hands soft as new leaves and skin creamy as porcelain. His features were refined, surpassing the beauty of many women. He was strik
"The world's stage is immense, far beyond what you can imagine. What you know of the world is merely the tip of the iceberg!"If you're willing to venture into The Dark World, I assure you, your future accomplishments will dwarf anything you could achieve here in Rackaham!"I could put in a good word for you with the Elder Council of the Shadow Demon Shrine. It's only there that you'll grasp the true expanse of our world and the true might of its most powerful beings!""That's an intriguing offer!" Howard's smile broadened."So, will you give it some thought?" Baldwin asked, his gaze fixed on Howard."You know, your words reveal a rather limited perspective," Howard responded."Your understanding of Rackaham barely scratches the surface. Rackaham's legacy has spanned thousands of years. For nearly half of recorded history, Rackaham was revered, its glory shining in every corner of the world!"You think The Dark World is some big, bad force, but it's just a bunch of puppets strun
"Damn it all!"Baldwin and his ally scanned the scene, their faces twisting in profound grief.They were all dead. Every single one.How? How could that happen?They were the elite fighters of the Mystic Shades Sect, aside from the two of them!More than 10 martial god heavy hitters were there, including a bona fide martial knight and three nearly-there martial knights. Shockingly, they were all wiped out before their leader could even lift a finger! What in the world went down?Then, like a blur, Yoel and the Shadow Sect's Five Blades, along with a thousand of their Elegant Uniformed Troops, came into view."Salute to the marshal!" They halted a hundred meters from Howard, each dropping to one knee, their shout thunderous.Baldwin and his ally felt a chill as they sensed the formidable presence of Yoel and the Five Blades. Among them, a martial knight with ultimate mastery, two almost-martial knights, a martial god with ultimate mastery, and two more martial gods with peak mas
"You're not going to let us walk away?" Baldwin's presence intensified in an instant, his formidable aura shaking the air around him.His second-in-command stood ready beside him, his own aura flaring as he gripped his large knife, muscles coiled and face set with determination."Come at me. Survive three rounds, and you're free to go," Howard declared, his voice deep and resolute."Well then, let's see just how tough the famous Master Howard is!" Baldwin challenged, his voice heavy with resolve.He launched forward like a missile, his hand shooting out to deliver a series of punches that carried the force of a thunderous explosion, the air crackling with the sound of their power.The sect's vice-leader sprang into action, his wrists whirling with such speed that they conjured a formidable web of slashing energy aimed straight at Howard.Both combatants knew their lives hung by a thread, and they unleashed their full power without restraint.A tempest erupted, waves of energy sl
However, Baldwin's plan was a pipe dream. He barely made it a few steps before a crimson streak of Howard's blade reappeared, slicing through his back.With a heavy thud, Baldwin's body split in two, crashing to the ground, blood gushing everywhere, leaving chaos in its wake."What incredible strength…" The words echoed in Baldwin's mind as the last thought before everything went black.Soon after, Yoel arrived with the rest of the Five Blades in tow. Together with Lukas and his crew, they all nodded a greeting to Quispe.Quispe marveled at the powerful presence they all carried. The Five Blades of his day were no match for these young warriors in terms of raw power, even though they were so much younger. His own crew had been in their mid-thirties, but those kids would not pass for older than twenty-seven.Just imagine where they could have been in another decade!Indeed, a great leader would breed great followers."Alright!" Howard said with a warm smile, acknowledging their e
"One month. If you're not at ultimate mastery by then, I'll lend a hand," Howard stated calmly."Sir, you keep chatting—I have to hit the mats!" Hacks' body shook with urgency as he bolted for the door.He was certain Howard was not making idle threats.The memory of their grueling ascent from martial general to martial god was seared into his mind—a brutal ordeal where the boss had stripped them down to their core. He would take a hard pass on enduring that nightmare again.Better to buckle down and train than to rely on Sir's brutal brand of 'assistance. That was not just a breakthrough, it was a full-on rebirth, and it was downright bone-chilling.Nevaeh's laughter bubbled up uncontrollably as she watched Hacks' panicked retreat, her mirth sending tremors through her.Even Lukas and the rest could not help but crack smiles at the scene."So, Lukas, when are you popping the question to Shylah? You can't seriously be waiting for her to make the first move, can you?" Nevaeh teas
Howard suddenly coughed, a spasm twitching at the corner of his mouth."Honey, you're reading too much into this. I don't even know who you're talking about.""Is that so?" Talia's smile did not quite reach her eyes. "It wouldn't happen to be some other woman causing trouble, would it?"Howard coughed again, a bit more forcefully. "You've got to trust yourself, babe. No woman out there can steal me away from you.""You better not be lying to me!" Talia pouted, her lips a picture of seduction even as she feigned anger. "Or else, I'll take Riley and we'll disappear from Mendorra, and you'll never find us!""How did I never notice you were the jealous type?" Howard chuckled."Hmph! So what if I am? I like it, and it's none of your business!" Talia snapped back playfully.As they bantered, they reached a private room in the cafe. Talia knocked and pushed the door open.Howard's gaze swept the room, landing on a stunning woman lounging on the sofa, with an older gentleman standing b
Fate sure had a twisted sense of humor."I see!" Talia's smile was radiant as she turned to Howard. "Honey, you two chat. I've got to get back to work. Give me a ring if you need anything.""Sweetheart, why not stay?" Howard's gaze lingered on Talia. He could almost taste the awkwardness filling the room."No, I've got a ton of stuff at the office, and there's a meeting I can't miss." Talia's smile did not waver. "Don't rush on my account. Just call me when you're finished, and we'll head home together.""Okay, then," Howard managed a tight-lipped response."Ms. Cole, take care!" Talia offered Yaretzi a warm smile."Goodbye, Ms. Jenkins, and thanks!" Yaretzi mustered a steady smile in return.Once Talia left, the older man addressed Yaretzi, "Ms. Cole, you chat with Mr. Howard. I'll be just outside if you need me.""Sure!" Yaretzi nodded."Mr. Howard, welcome. Please have a seat!" Yaretzi gestured to the couch with a respectful air once they were alone.Howard settled into th
"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