"How could this be!?" He steadied himself, his face etched with utter disbelief.His all-out attack, effortlessly parried? Unthinkable!In the same moment Howard's palm met his opponent's, Yoel's swift blade cleaved the man's sword in two and buried itself in his chest.The man's mouth gaped, wordless, before he toppled, blood pouring from the wound.Just like that, Citrakuta war department's fifth highest-ranked leader was vanquished."Gahh!" Elidor and his companions roared in anguish. They charged straight for Yoel."Looking for a brawl? Bring it on! Let's see how you fare against us!" Mystical Chubby stepped up beside Yoel, a silver needle flashing in his hand, its tip shimmering with poison."Are you courting death?" Howard's voice was ice as he unsheathed his Dark Shadow Fury Blade, his presence intensifying."Elidor, hold!" commanded another elder from their ranks.His eyes bore into Howard. "You dare to strike down one of our own at the gates of our stronghold? Do you
"Pathetic!" Howard's voice cut through the tension.He moved swiftly, a few strides closing the distance, his wrist turning to unleash a crimson crescent that sliced through the heavens.After a whisper of sound, the place went deathly quiet.Howard and the old man across from him were frozen in place as if the fight had never happened."Sorry to say, you've lost!" Howard's voice broke the silence."Incredible..." The old man barely got the words out before a trickle of blood slid down from his forehead, quickly snaking its way down his face.Three seconds later, his body split in two and crumpled to the ground in a gruesome sight."Great Elder!" The previous elder and people like Elidor cried out again, aggrieved beyond consolation.The top warrior of the war department, an elder who had earned his stripes in the founding of the nation, was gone just like that.For Citrakuta, it was a catastrophic loss.To raise another mid-stage martial ancestor, the investment was huge. It
Reflecting in the quiet, he had a nagging suspicion that Howard had been goading him into giving the order.If he had actually unleashed those devastating weapons, the Blood Shadow Force would have had their excuse to breach Citrakuta's borders.They were baiting him into war, he realized with a shudder.Mystical Chubby chuckled. "Scared? You were all set to blast us with missiles, weren't you? Why not go ahead?"With a deep exhale, Elidor's face twisted with distaste, and he gestured dismissively to his aides. "Give them what they want.""Understood!" Two soldiers saluted sharply before heading back to the base.Moments later, a battered Fabia emerged, supported by the soldiers. His eyes were empty, and his presence had diminished.The sight of him sent a wave of intense fury through Howard and his companions, their eyes glinting with steely resolve.As Fabia reached the threshold, his gaze landed on Howard, his eyes widening in shock. He blinked hard, then stared at him in di
"Time to head back home!" Howard said, turning to Fabia."Thank you, Master Howard!" Fabia called out, his voice loud in the chaos.His mind was a whirlwind of shock and disbelief. He recognized the middle-aged man on the ground and the elder, who had been cleaved in two.One was the fifth-highest-ranked leader of Citrakuta's war department, and the other was a grand elder of the Senate.Those two influential figures lay dead, unmistakably at the hands of Master Howard and his companions.That was the heart of the Citrakuta war department's stronghold. With just three men, Master Howard had seized complete control.He truly lived up to his reputation as Rackaham's national treasure!Master Howard's presence assured that Rackaham's legacy would live on."Let me stop the bleeding now, we'll see to your wounds once we're back," Mystical Chubby said as he moved to steady Fabia.He swiftly produced several silver needles and inserted them into Fabia's flesh, halting the flow of blo
With a thud, they reached their destination and knelt on one knee, a gesture of deep respect."Deputy Supervisor Xander from the Eastern District's War Department is here to see Master Howard!""First Legion Commander Gideon Brunner from the Eastern District's War Department is here to see Master Howard!""Second Legion Commander Roman Watson from the Eastern District's War Department is here to see Master Howard!""Third Legion Commander Elwood Reaume from the Eastern District's War Department is here to see Master Howard!""Fourth Legion Commander Kyrie Collins from the Eastern District's War Department is here to see Master Howard!""Stand up, everyone!" Howard gestured with his hand."Thank you, Master Howard!" The five officers stood up. Then, turning to Yoel, they said together, "Greetings, Vice-marshal Louis!""Don't worry about the formalities!" Yoel replied with a grin."Greetings, Mr. Lowe!" Following that, Fabia stepped up and gave Xander a salute."You've been wor
"Got it!" Yoel nodded and said confidently, "Sir, you want me to step in, I'm on it!"He had known about Howard's call to station the Blood Shadow Force in the Eastern defense zone for a three-month stretch well in advance.To him, the task at hand was not the important part. What mattered was being there for the boss.Howard had laid out his plans, and Yoel was ready to go all in."Right," Howard said, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "We can't let the Eastern District go on like this. If we do, we're just asking for more trouble.""I'm with you," Yoel replied with a firm nod. "I'll follow your lead, Sir.""Sir, what's Ezra asking Mr. Louis about?" Dragon chimed in."Dragon, haven't you heard?" said The Judge, cracking a smile. "Mr. Louis is moving up in the world!""What's that supposed to mean?" Dragon asked with a hint of surprise in his voice."The brass is thinking of putting Mr. Louis in charge of the Eastern District!" said The Judge, smiling wider."For real!?
"I've told him to stick around for a couple more months. Once you and Yoel get the lay of the land, he can head back to Ciolara.""Got it!" Dragon nodded with a gravity that matched his words. "I'm at your command, Sir. Wherever you send me, I'll go.""Excellent!" Howard returned the nod and cast a glance at both Yoel and Dragon."You've made a promise, now pour everything you've got into it. You've got three months to flip the Eastern District's situation on its head!""And if Dragon's hundred thousand Blood Shadow troops aren't enough, feel free to pull in more from the Western Region!""Sir, you can count on us. We won't disappoint you," Yoel and Dragon said in unison."Mhm," Howard murmured, setting down his cup to give Yoel a thoughtful look."The official appointment might take a few more days to come through. Use this time wisely, and try to upgrade your level before you start the job!""Got it!" A fierce determination flashed in Yoel's eyes.…That morning, Howard got
Those so-called noble families.They had lineages stretching back centuries, even millennia.Nonetheless, even the 'terrestrial titles' ranked families were a cut above someone's garden-variety rich and influential clans.In Mareno City, the Sabine family's power was unmatched. Even if someone lumped together the four top families, including the Browns, they would not have held a candle to the Sabines.In fact, those four families were pretty much the Sabines' underlings from the get-go.No one could argue that the noble families did not do their bit for Rackaham over the years. However, they had lost their way and got too big for their britches, thinking they were above everyone else. They only took and never gave, sucking the life out of the land without batting an eye.The worst part? Some of them were double-dealers, cozying up to enemies and betraying their own country—absolute scoundrels. Sure, not every one of the 11 noble families was rotten, but at least half of them wer
"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