However, it was no use. The snake's body was severed, half of it twitching on the table before going still."Cursed luck!" The man cursed under his breath and dashed for the door, his speed astonishing.His best poison tricks were nothing more than child's play to Howard. Staying meant certain death.However, escape? As a mere martial general, how could he ever hope to slip away from Howard's grasp?He had not made it more than a few steps when three silver needles pierced his waist, sending him crashing to the ground, his lower body numb and unresponsive."Who are you? How can you be immune to poison?" he gasped, struggling to raise his head to look at Howard."Such ignorance!" Mystical Chubby said as they walked over, "Thinking you could injure the King of the West with that little trick is laughable!""What... What!?" The man's body shook with fear, his face a mask of terror. "You're Master Howard!"The mere title was enough to fill him with despair.He had heard of Master
Before he could finish his rant, the Judge's hand cracked across his face. "You don't know when you're in over your head!""I'm from the Yagle family of Mareno City. How dare you mess with me? Are you asking for a death wish?" Jordan wiped the blood from his lip, his voice thundering with rage."Think you're Shadow Sect's hot stuff? I..."The sound of slaps echoed again, and Jordan's cheeks puffed up from the blows."One more word, and I'll end you right here." The Judge's voice was frigid.Jordan shivered, speechless."The Judge gave the Yagle family in Mareno City a two-hour notice. They will come to Mendorra to meet me, or they'll be picking up their precious heir in a body bag," Howard said calmly."Understood." The Judge nodded.Howard then turned to Jordan, his gaze sharp. "And the patients' bodies, where were they taken?""Who are you with Shadow Sect?" Jordan's voice trembled as he heard Howard brazenly summon someone to Mendorra, a chill of dread creeping up his spine
"Is there more to this with the Walchelin Commerce Association than just this?" the Judge demanded, his voice still laced with fury.Jordan's eyes darted around, betraying his panic. "There's... there's nothing left. Before all this, my... our dealings with the Walchelin Commerce Association were just normal business on the international stage...""Courting death!"The Judge's voice was ice as he pulled a curved blade from his coat, poised to strike."Please... I'll talk... I'll tell you everything..." Jordan's body shook, his voice a desperate plea. "The Walchelin Commerce Association came to my uncle a year ago, and he's the one who got me involved in this mess...""Out with it, every last detail!" Howard's presence grew more distant still.Just as he had suspected, the Yagle family of Mareno City was rotten to the core!Half an hour later, Jordan had laid bare all he knew, holding nothing back."The Yagle family... you're beyond redemption!" The Judge's fury filled the room
"Just as you desire!" The Judge's gaze hardened. With no hesitation, he unleashed a slash of his blade."No, please..." The Yagle family's cries echoed together.Thwack!Before their plea ended, a head shot up into the sky, and Jordan's body toppled stiffly, convulsing briefly before lying still."Ah... You actually had the guts to kill him!? Otto, take him down, avenge me, I'll shoulder the fallout!" Tobias bellowed."At once, sir!" The white-haired elder's eyes darkened as he faced the Judge and declared, "You're a scoundrel for killing the Second Young Master. Today, it doesn't matter if you're from the Shadow Sect. You're going down!"With that, a formidable presence erupted, revealing the power of a martial god."Make sure you apologize to the Second Young Master in the afterlife!" He roared again and lunged at the Judge, his fists unleashing a series of powerful strikes that tore through the air."Foolish!" Mystical Chubby's voice cut through the tension. He stepped forwa
"And how exactly will you not 'mess with' me?" Howard sauntered into the scene."Master... Master Howard?!" Spotting Howard, Finley's breath hitched, and his face was etched with sudden alarm.He had kept silent before, all to see if Howard was in the vicinity.He had been so sure Master Howard was nowhere to be found at the base, which was why he had the guts to threaten the Judge. However, if Howard had been around, he would not have dared to utter a word, not in a million years."You still haven't told me how exactly do you plan to show me disrespect?" Howard's voice was calm, almost detached."Master Howard, the Shadow Sect really crossed a line today," Finley said, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves."Killing two people just like that, without any regard for justice. Does the Shadow Sect have no respect for human life?""So you're saying that without a heads-up to you, not even the vilest villain deserves to die, is that it?" Howard's voice cut through the air again.
"Take Mystical Chubby with you to Mareno City. I want the Yagles to cough up the family members Jordan ratted out."Howard paused to think, then added, "And dig up the Walchelin Commerce Association's hideout in Rackaham!""Got it!" Mystical Chubby acknowledged, then added his own two cents."Sir, if you ask me, we should just obliterate the Yagle family. They're nothing but backstabbing vermin!""Just follow my orders for now!" Howard gestured dismissively, his tone contemplative. "It's high time we put Mareno City in order.""Got it!" They both nodded in agreement."Sir, what if the Yagles don't play ball?" the Judge pressed."Anyone who gets in the way of the Shadow Sect's business is as good as their accomplice!" Howard's gaze hardened."Understood!" With a nod, they turned and left.At eight o'clock that night, Howard's phone rang. It was the Judge.On the other end of the line, the Judge shared some unexpected news. The Yagle family from Mareno City was surprisingly coo
"I was out on business yesterday and didn't come back to the villa last night. This morning, I went to pick up the young master for work, but he wasn't at the villa."I tried his cell, but it was off. I even checked with his secretary, and she confirmed he didn't show up at the office today."I thought maybe he switched off his phone for a flight, so I had someone check the flights out of Mareno City today. No sign of him boarding."His phone's still off!""Hmm?" A distant feeling settled over Howard. "Anything out of the ordinary at the villa?""Nothing! The place was spotless. I think the young master never made it home last night," Old Tucker assured him."Is there anyone else who's usually with Kenny besides you?" Howard pressed on."Two others, but their phones are off too," Old Tucker said."Do you know what his plans were last night?" Howard's concern deepened."He was supposed to be hosting some guests at the Justiniano Hotel.""Got it. Keep searching his usual spots
"Reporting to the district governors, someone's monkeyed with the Justiniano Hotel's surveillance system, and no records to be found," Onyx reported."The hotel claims their system's been on the fritz for two days, and they haven't gotten around to fixing it yet.""And the cameras outside?" the Judge pressed."We've only got footage of Mr. Carter going into the hotel. Nothing on him leaving," Onyx replied."There's an underground garage at the Justiniano Hotel. Carter might've hitched a ride with someone else, or he could still be holed up in the hotel.""Hmm?" the Judge's brow furrowed."Also, we've checked Carter's phone logs. His last call was indeed made from the hotel," Onyx added."Got it. Stand by for my instructions," the Judge said before ending the call.After briefing Howard on the latest developments, a curious glint appeared in his eyes."Hmm?" Howard's brow furrowed. "What's the deal with the Justiniano Hotel?""The Justiniano Hotel is one of the top luxury hote
"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