The air whistled as the Witch Mountain Monster's wrist twisted at breakneck speed, unleashing billows of sinister black mist that burst into existence and rapidly spread around them.In no time at all, he and Mystical Chubby were shrouded in the eerie fog, a strange scent creeping into Mystical Chubby's nose. Shadowy shapes of minuscule, venomous creatures could be seen within the mist, their fangs and claws lunging at Mystical Chubby.Yet, Mystical Chubby did not budge an inch, his face still lit with an easy grin.Mr. Harper's crew watched on, their faces twisted in mocking smirks.Still playing the hero, they thought, too clueless to fear the dreaded Witch Mountain Monster.They remembered how a warrior of legendary skill had fallen to the Witch Mountain Monster without landing a single blow, his body ravaged by the venom until he was beyond recognition.That soft, plump fellow would surely be an even tastier morsel for the insects!However, in the next heartbeat, their smug
The Judge's blade glinted sharply, cutting down foes with ruthless efficiency. Bodies fell in two, blood and gore painting the ground.The fight was brutal but brief. In under two minutes, more than twenty lay defeated.Jaws hit the floor all around. Sophronia and Adrian could only stare, dumbfounded, at the carnage before them.What kind of force of nature had they just witnessed?As the shock wore off, Sophronia and Adrian caught each other's eye, a flicker of relief passing between them. Sophronia remembered the Judge's words, a reminder that she had made the smart move after all.She had not quite grasped what he meant before, but then, a flicker of understanding crossed her face as she could not help but steal a glance at Howard, who stood like a statue, unmoving.With two powerhouses like that for sidekicks, the guy's gotta be someone important, right?"You wanted to know who we are, didn't you?"The Judge moved closer to Mr. Harper, who was shaking like a leaf, and whisp
"How are you holding up?" Howard asked, giving Kenny a quick once-over to assess his injuries."It's just a scratch," Kenny said, shaking his head dismissively."Got it. Let's talk more in your office," Howard replied with a nod."Sure thing," Kenny agreed.Howard then strode over to Sophronia."Master Howard!" Sophronia, followed by Adrian, hurried to meet him, stepping past the lifeless Flower Scorpion that Adrian had dispatched with a swift palm strike."Round up your crew. You've got three days to take over and scrub clean all the shady dealings tied to Mr. Harper. I want a smooth transition with no ripples in the pond, understand?" Howard instructed."Master Howard, you can count on me," Sophronia assured him, her eyes alight with fervor.She could hardly believe that a titan like Mr. Harper had toppled in less than an hour. A fact she would not have accepted had she not witnessed it herself. His once formidable entourage was now decimated, leaving only small-time hoods wh
The news about Mr. Harper spread like wildfire across Mareno City, sending shockwaves through every corner of the community.Mr. Harper, who had been the face of Mareno City's underground for decades, had been toppled in a single stroke. It was almost too astonishing to believe.Mr. Harper was not just tough as nails himself. He had a crew of oddballs and powerhouses that could go toe-to-toe with the city's top four families.Who in the world had that kind of power?Over in the east side of Mareno City, nestled in the sprawling Cole family compound, Derrick Cole, the old man of the house, lounged on his sofa, leisurely enjoying his coffee.Thump! Thump! Thump!Footsteps echoed, and soon after, Wagner Cole, the head honcho of the Cole family, burst into the room."Dad, we've got trouble!" Wagner blurted out as he closed in."What's got you all worked up?" Derrick asked, casually sipping his tea."Someone's flipped Mr. Harper's place upside down, his men had been wiped out, and
"What's that supposed to mean?" Wagner raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Yaretzi, do you have any idea who's behind this?""It's just a hunch!" Yaretzi inhaled sharply, steadying himself. "Grandpa, Dad, remember what happened to Axton?""Hmm!?" Derrick's eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting that someone from the Shadow Sect is involved?""It's highly likely!" Yaretzi affirmed with a nod. "Only someone of his caliber could take down Mr. Harper so effortlessly."Derrick and his son both gasped, their faces turning grave."What's his connection to Kenny?" Wagner asked after a brief pause."I'm not sure of the details. However, I'm pretty sure it's no small matter," Yaretzi admitted, shaking his head.Finishing his point, he turned to Derrick. "Grandpa, is it possible for the Cole family to pull out of the Mareno City Chamber of Commerce?""That's easier said than done. A forced exit would bring consequences we can't handle, especially since the Chamber isn't just controlled by the top fo
"Seriously, what's with the getup?" Howard quizzed.Yuffie's lips formed a playful pout. "I've started my internship. Gotta dress the part, right?""You're interning already?" Howard caught on at last."Already? Some of my classmates kicked off their internships in their junior year!" Yuffie retorted, then turned to Mystical Chubby with a mischievous glance. "So, you're the infamous 'Mr. Chubby' Riley's been yapping about? You do live up to the name. Time for a diet, maybe?"Mystical Chubby coughed awkwardly, realizing his notoriety had reached Mareno City."Just messing with you!" Yuffie giggled, sticking out her tongue before offering her hand. "Let's make it official, I'm Yuffie!""Call me Bro," Mystical Chubby suggested, shaking her hand."No way! You're not even older than me, are you?" Yuffie chimed in with another pout, "I'll stick with 'Chubby'. It's got a nice ring to it.""Fine..." Mystical Chubby's mouth twitched in a half-smile, half-grimace. Maybe it was time to co
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the general manager of this restaurant, Martel." He said, offering Yuffie a business card, "May I have the pleasure of inviting you to the private room for a drink?"He completely ignored Howard and Mystical Chubby during the exchange."Sorry, I don't know you, and I don't drink. Please don't interrupt our dinner," Yuffie declined without taking the card."A first encounter is chance; a second is familiarity. Not knowing each other is no issue. A shared meal will fix that," Martel said with a sly grin.He then signaled a waiter with a snap of his fingers. "Tell the kitchen to whip up a presidential feast. I plan to dine with this young lady tonight.""I'll say it once more: I don't know you. Kindly leave us be. We're about to eat!" Yuffie insisted."With all due respect, they won't serve you a bite without my say-so." Martel smirked."Here's a free tip: walk away now, or you're going to regret it," Yuffie warned with an icy stare."Oh? I seldo
"What!?" The elder felt the might of Mystical Chubby's palm strike, his pupils shrinking to pinpoints.He crossed his arms in a futile attempt to fend off the blow.Snap!His overconfidence was his downfall. With a sharp crack, his arm bones shattered, and he was hurled backward, flipping a table before crumpling to the ground, his face ashen."Martial... martial god level!?" He struggled to his feet, his voice shaking.He was a martial general himself, yet he could not withstand even a casual move from his opponent. It was clear the other was a martial god."Leave now!" Mystical Chubby casually lifted his cup and sipped his coffee."Who are you, really!?" Martel's voice shook as he spoke.He was a martial artist himself and could tell that Mystical Chubby was no average Joe; even Alfredo could not hold a candle to him. The guy had to be at least as strong as a seasoned martial general."Just apologize and beat it!" Mystical Chubby commanded with a steely tone."You're cluele
"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