Howard looked at Sophronia, impatience in his voice. "I'm running out of patience, so make up your mind."Sophronia let out a heavy sigh and took another sip of her coffee."I honestly don't know where Mr. Carter has gone. I haven't seen him since we shared a drink last night."However, there was another group here last night. If something's happened to Mr. Carter, they might be involved."Also, last night, someone snuck into the hotel's security room and wiped all the surveillance footage from the last few days. It's gotta be their handiwork," Sophronia said, taking a deep breath to steady herself."Who are we talking about?" Howard's brow creased in concern."The Mareno City Chamber of Commerce!" Sophronia pressed on."From what I've gathered, they've been dying to have Mr. Carter join their ranks, but he's not biting. He's turned them down time and again, and there's been bad blood between them for a while," she explained."The Mareno City Chamber of Commerce?" Howard paused
"Sophronia, that's no way to welcome a guest!" A man's voice echoed from the corridor."I come here in good faith to talk business, and your goons block the door? That's a bit much, don't you think?"With that, a man in his forties with a face crisscrossed by knife scars walked in, his menacing look intensified by the aura of violence that clung to him.Right behind him was a gaunt man in yellow, with fingers like delicate twigs and skin paler than any lady's, his eyes occasionally betraying a sinister gleam.Two muscular men followed, each gripping a machete, their demeanor fierce."Flower Scorpion, is that you!?" Sophronia's expression tightened at the sight of the leader, and she shot a quick glance at Howard.Talk about perfect timing!"Tsks, Sophronia, you've gotten even prettier since I last saw you!" Flower Scorpion strode into the hall, completely ignoring Howard and the rest, his eyes lingering on Sophronia."I made a special trip to see you last night, but you avoided
"Sophronia, my apologies for the rough handling," the man in yellow said with a cold smile."Flower Scorpion, are you really trying to start a fight with us?" Sophronia asked, ignoring his feigned politeness and addressing Flower Scorpion directly with an icy tone."Sophronia, I'm here to offer a partnership, nothing more," Flower Scorpion said with a smirk."However, if you refuse to join our association today, it'll be tough for me to explain back home, and you might find yourself in a tight spot.""Tell Mr. Harper to forget it. I, Sophronia, have no intention of joining the Mareno City Chamber of Commerce," she replied calmly."Okay, then!" Flower Scorpion shrugged nonchalantly. "Sorry it has to be this way."He was about to attack Sophronia, his martial prowess on par with hers."Is that you, Flower Scorpion?" Howard's voice suddenly cut through the tension."Recognize me?" Flower Scorpion paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he turned to look back. "What
The Judge had held back until then, quietly dug into the newcomer's past through the system. What they said was true: you never knew until you looked. What he found was chilling.The Jade-faced master, with his delicate features, was not innocent. He carried the weight of seven or eight lives on his conscience, snuffed out for the pettiest of reasons. Two had simply teased him about his feminine looks and met their end for it.Then, that vile murderer had crossed their path, the Judge knew what had to be done."Please, no..." The Jade-faced master's eyes shrank to pinpricks as he felt the impending strike, desperately trying to dodge.However, his skills as a martial general were no match for the Judge.Thud!It echoed as the Jade-faced master was sent sprawling through the air, hitting the ground hard. He gasped, trying to speak, but life left him before he could utter a word. His eyes remained open, staring in disbelief.He had spent years on the run, thinking he had finally s
"Master Howard!" Sophronia inhaled sharply before voicing her concerns."Mr. Harper's estate is teeming with at least a few hundred people, a veritable nest of formidable talents, including genuine martial god warriors. With just the three of you heading there, it is likely a recipe for disaster.""Allow me a moment to rally our forces, and I'll join you on this venture.""Sophronia, wait!" Black Panther's voice rang out, and even the elder known as Adrian Pach wore an expression of astonishment.They both knew all too well that while there had been friction with the Mareno City Chamber of Commerce, it had never escalated to open conflict, merely skirmishes in the shadows.However, for Sophronia to lead an assault on Mr. Harper's lair alongside those three would change everything. It would be an all-out war.Those three strangers might not have seemed ordinary. Still, one must remember that the Mareno City Chamber of Commerce was backed not only by the top four families and Mr. H
"Who do you think you are? This is private property. Scram, or else..."Four burly guards at the gate barked at the newcomers stepping out from their cars.As soon as they said that, they recognized the one-armed Flower Scorpion and his companions, including Sophronia."Flower Scorpion!?" Shock painted their faces as they cried out."Open up!" Flower Scorpion's command boomed.Right then, he just hoped Howard and his crew would not chicken out. If they had the guts to step into this estate, he would get his revenge for his lost arm today.He had already planned out the punishment once he caught them, a fate so cruel they would beg for death.Thump! Thump! Thump!Soon, as they reached the courtyard, footsteps echoed, and a swarm of four to five hundred men closed in from every direction.Sophronia and Adrian looked at the sea of faces, their expressions darkening. They had been in tough spots before, but taking on Mr. Harper's fortress with a mere handful of people was a whole
Thump! Thump! Thump!Footsteps echoed as a group of over twenty men and women approached from the back of the estate.Their leader was a man in his fifties with a commanding presence, bushy eyebrows, and piercing eyes. His face glowed with health, and he clutched a pipe in one hand, a jade ring adorning his thumb. His gaze, sharp and calculating, flickered with an occasional chill.Behind him, the entourage was a motley crew, with four sturdy men at the forefront. The rest were an eclectic mix, each with a distinct air of danger about them, their demeanor screaming of their martial prowess. None looked like they played nice.Howard watched them critically, confirming Sophronia's earlier words that the place was a cesspool of vice."Mr. Harper!" The thugs called out in recognition as they spotted their leader."Isn't it said that absence makes the heart grow fonder?" Mr. Harper first surveyed the fallen crowd, then turned to Sophronia with a smirk. "Looks like you've found yoursel
"Roger that!" The Judge unsheathed his Cold Moon Saber and advanced."Come on then, The Barnes notorious trio wanted a workout, right? I'm game!""Let's do this!" The ponytailed man intoned, accepting the long spear from his sister.With a whoosh, their auras exploded with power, the unmistakable might of seasoned warriors on full display."Have at it!"With a swift flick of his wrist, the ponytailed man sent the spear slicing through the air, creating a blur of motion as it sped toward The Judge.Another duo, a man and a woman, sprang into action simultaneously, each brandishing a spear that stretched three meters long.Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!From three different angles, the trio of spears pierced through the air, their tips slicing the silence with a shrill whistle as they converged on the Judge."Seeking your own doom!"With a twist of his eyes and a flick of his wrist, the Judge's Cold Moon Saber flashed a chilling arc of light to counter the attack.Clang! Clang! Clang
"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