Considering what they knew about Master Howard, if they truly incited him to act, they would not stand a chance combined."Move it!"In an instant, the extended SUV was upon them. Monty's eyes narrowed, and he quickly sidestepped a good distance away.The other three, hearing his command, did not second-guess and swiftly cleared to the roadside.The SUV blasted by them in a heartbeat, not even hinting at slowing down. Had they been a fraction slower, they would have been dead.The Shadow Sect's convoy tore past them in hot pursuit.The men left standing roadside gaped, slack-jawed, as the vehicles vanished before them, frozen in disbelief.Could they do that!?"This is insane!" Yerek spun around, watching the SUV fade into the distance, his face stormy enough to rain.The others looked just as sour as if they had each swallowed a bug.They had arrived in force at the crack of dawn, all to avoid missing their window. Then, after all that waiting, the convoy did not even bother
"Sure!" Nevaeh agreed, then went straight to business. "Graham's been off the grid since that mess three years ago. Not a peep from him since."But from what our people have dug up, about a year back, this Fabius Redmann guy shows up on the Calnan family's VIP list."I had my guys look into him, but it's like he's a ghost. Someone's covered his tracks real good.""Is that so?" The Judge perked up, intrigued. "Nevaeh, you're saying this Fabius is actually Graham?""That's right," she confirmed with another nod. "Different face, but it's him. We've checked and double-checked—it's Graham, no doubt about it.""That explains the radio silence from Graham," Quispe said, the pieces falling into place."Nevaeh, Fabius is in Ciolara, isn't he?" Shylah piped up, eager for the next piece of the puzzle."Got it," Nevaeh nodded in acknowledgment."We've confirmed they're one and the same, so I've had someone on his tail at every hour of the day.""I mean, Graham's been a martial god with u
"Those bastards think they can mess with the Shadow Sect?" Hacks and The Judge both got to their feet."Come on, let's go see what's happening!"Howard's gaze sharpened as he rose and headed for the door, his entourage quickly falling in step behind him.When they reached the courtyard entrance, they found the Shadow Sect's elite guard in a standoff with the Metro Defense and Imperial Guards. Elvis and about a dozen of his troops were visibly wounded, with blood trickling from the corners of their mouths."Metro Defense Monty greets Master Howard!""Metro Defense Chase greets Master Howard!""Imperial Guards Vilmos greets Master Howard!""Imperial Guards Yerek greets Master Howard!"Seeing Howard, the four men bowed deeply, their faces showing a mix of emotions."Greetings, Master Howard!" echoed the Metro Defense, saluting as one behind them."Who started this?" Howard's gaze swept over Monty before he turned to Elvis with a calm detachment."Marshal, Yerek and his men stor
"Got it, marshal!" Nevaeh acknowledged with a frosty gaze fixed on Yerek."You tried to ambush my Shadow Sect earlier—that's strike one."Then you attacked my Shadow Sect's elite guard for no reason—that's strike two."And let's not forget your blatant disrespect and defiance—that's strike three."Three strikes, Yerek, and you're out. I'm only cutting off an arm because it's your first offense. Otherwise, you'd be dead.""King of the West, don't push your luck. This is Ciolara, not your turf. If you think you're tough, go ahead and try to kill me!" Yerek spat out the words through gritted teeth, glaring defiantly at Howard."You got a death wish, huh? You got it!" Nevaeh's brow furrowed, her curved blade gleaming as she moved with lightning speed."Stop!"Monty and Vilmos shouted in unison, springing into action."Back off!" Yoel's voice boomed, unleashing a wave of overwhelming force from his palm.The two were blasted back before their blades could even strike, hurtling thr
Lukas only wrecked one of his arms earlier because Howard told him to—it was his last shot at mercy, and the fool blew it.Howard came to Ciolara with a point to prove. If someone itched for a death wish, he was more than happy to grant it."What's Howard getting at?"Monty was taken aback, a hunch forming in his mind."Go and find out for yourself!" Howard said calmly, briefly pausing before switching. "Mr. Zadra, you sought me out today. What's up?""It's... It's nothing..." Monty shivered. "I heard you were in town on a case, Master Howard, so I came to check in, see if you needed anything.""Appreciate the thought, Mr. Zadra!" Howard replied, his tone still detached. "The Shadow Sect handles its own affairs. We don't need outside help. You can go now.""Master Howard..." Monty hesitated before trying to speak again."The Shadow Sect and Metro Defense had their own lanes, and that particular case was Shadow Sect's ballgame. Metro Defense wouldn't be any help even if they wan
"Mr. Racino, we're honored by your visit. Forgive us for not greeting you from afar," Howard called out with a commanding voice."Ha, you're too kind, King of the West. You've come a long way to Ciolara, and I should've been at the airport to receive you. However, I've been tied up with minor affairs and could only meet you here. I trust you won't hold it against me," came a booming voice, deep and clear as a bell.As the voice faded, a figure emerged, commanding the attention of all present.The man was in his sixties, clad in simple attire, with a face etched in determination and eyes that sparkled with vitality. He bore none of the usual signs of a man of his age.In the realm of Martial Arts, when a person's cultivation base reached a certain pinnacle, the body would transcend its limits, and the organs age at a snail's pace, entering a state of near-timelessness.The greater one's cultivation base, the longer one's life.A martial god could have lived past a century with eas
Soon after, Howard and Yoel brought Makson to a parlor."People from Metro Defense stopped by?" Makson inquired, looking at Howard once Yoel had served coffee for the three of them."Yeah," Howard confirmed with a chuckle. "They've just left.""A bunch of people with too much time on their hands!" Makson remarked, taking a sip of his tea.Howard chuckled again. "No worries!""Listen. From this moment until you're out of Ciolara, if anyone tries to start something for no good reason, send them straight to me." Makson's voice was firm and commanding."Thanks for looking out for me, Mr. Racino," Howard said, taking a leisurely sip of his coffee in response."How's everything out West? No troubles, I hope?" Makson inquired, placing his cup back on the table."All is quiet on the Western front, Mr. Racino. You've got nothing to worry about," Howard said with a slight smile, then turned his attention back to Makson. "And how about you, Mr. Racino? How have you been feeling?"It was
With a heavy sigh, Makson let out a breath, his eyes betraying a mix of emotions.Howard's question had put him in a tough spot.He did not climb to the top of the war department just on his war record. His reputation for being fair and just was just as important.Knowing himself, if he was in Howard's current predicament, aware of the dirt lurking behind the scenes, he could never just look the other way."Didn't Mr. Racino just ask about my intentions?" Howard said, pausing to take a sip of coffee."If I have to bend over backward for that position, turning a blind eye to the Shadow Sect's big case, then let me tell you straight—I'm not interested!""King of the West, I'll raise a glass of water to you today!" Makson stood up, facing Howard."The day you wrap up the Shadow Sect case, I'll be the first to offer you a drink of the good stuff!"He lifted his cup, downed it in one go, and said, "Thanks, Mr. Racino."Howard rose too, gave a respectful bow, and took a sip from his
"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