Howard was not exactly the Imperial Order's biggest fan, but that was just a family squabble. Then, with the Imperial Order's top dog nabbed, it was a whole different ball game for Rackaham.Especially since Vicenzo was one of the few in the Imperial Order that Howard did not just tolerate but actually respected.For both personal and practical reasons, he could not just sit that one out."It's all a bit murky right now, but I'll shoot you the coordinates of the trouble spot soon," Ezra replied."Great! I'm on it. Sabertooth's getting a call from me right now," Howard said, ending the call.Within a couple of minutes, the coordinates landed in his inbox.Howard grabbed his phone and dialed Sabertooth."Sir!" Sabertooth's voice came through almost before the ringback tone could finish."Sabertooth, listen up, there's a situation that needs your immediate attention!" Howard briefed him on Vicenzo's predicament."These guys have a death wish!" Sabertooth barked after getting the
"Headed to the base, huh? Just be careful, okay?" Talia's voice carried a note of concern."Don't fret, love. It's just a quick check-in," Howard reassured her with a warm smile."Dad, make it a quick trip!" Riley piped up, her eyes wide with the earnestness of a child."Will do, Riley. You be a good girl and keep Mom company," Howard ruffled her hair affectionately before nodding to Holden and Susanne, striding toward the door.Pulling out his phone, he punched in Mystical Chubby's number, signaling him and The Judge to get the car ready."Sir, where are we off to?" Mystical Chubby inquired as the engine hummed to life."The Mendorra war department," Howard stated firmly."Roger that!" Mystical Chubby floored the accelerator."Sir, is trouble brewing?" The Judge asked, glancing over at Howard as they pulled away."Details later," Howard replied curtly, already dialing another number on his phone."Sir!" Yoel's voice crackled through the speaker."Yoel, bring Dragon and meet
"Should things take a turn, don't play the hero. Pull out and wait for me. We'll regroup once I'm there."Howard knew all too well the limits of Sabertooth's prowess, still in the late stages of martial knight major mastery. Even with the ability to punch above his weight, taking on an ultimate mastery was a tall order.What weighed on his mind was the uncertainty of the sect leader's involvement. Sabertooth's safety was paramount, and Howard had to make the trip.Besides, there was the matter of the map—a ticking time bomb that needed defusing, and soon."Loud and clear!" came Sabertooth's robust reply.Then, a thunderous boom echoed.20 minutes had passed when the Mendorra military base erupted with the thunderous roar of a jet piercing the sky, its scream fading into the distance.Meanwhile, Howard and his companions were on their way.Far away, at the mouth of a vast canyon, eighth army trucks ground to a halt. They belonged to the elite Blood Shadow Troops, commanded by a
It was not long before Sabertooth and his team navigated a tight stone path and emerged into a clearing.Boom! Boom! Boom!"It's a trap!" Sabertooth bellowed. "Waldo, get the guys out of here!"In the same breath, Sabertooth's wrist flicked, and the Blood Shadow Saber appeared in his grip, slashing out a barrage of thunderous blade lights at the towering rocks on either side.The sword's edge cleaved through decay like a hot knife through butter, sending sand swirling and stones tumbling, with most boulders reduced to rubble before they even hit the ground."Attack!" The call to arms echoed from the rocky slopes as over a thousand men, swords in hand, surged forward in a wave of steel.In the Dark World's clashes, firearms were rarely the weapon of choice, save for the occasional sniper rifle.It was common knowledge that the average gun was useless against anyone with the prowess of a martial god—they would be dead before they could even pull the trigger.Besides, the rules of
With that, his concern for Qemal and his party deepened.He barely sprinted a few steps when the dozen men behind him dropped like flies, each one's throat sliced open by a swift flash of steel."Mr. Waldo Abney, this area's yours. I'm off to back up Sabertooth!" Blood Rakshasa called out, her blade arcing through the air to claim several heads before she raced after Sabertooth.Her powers had surged through the recent battles, catapulting her to the brink of martial god peak mastery. One more breakthrough, and she would reach the pinnacle of ultimate mastery."Got it, just watch your back!" Waldo bellowed in response.In a mere two minutes, Sabertooth bolted down the narrow stone corridor and covered a couple more miles, bursting into a clearing where the clash of combat echoed close by.No deliberation was needed as he charged toward the fray.Suddenly, a body was sent flying, landing with a heavy thump not far ahead, coughing up blood."Nabeel!?" Sabertooth recognized the fa
Two minutes later, atop a rise, Sabertooth surveyed the scene. 50 warriors of the Forbidden Army were locked in combat, battered but unbowed. No one had fallen, but the toll of battle was etched on their bodies.Their adversaries, 400 to 500 strong, had seen half their number defeated. The intensity radiating from them was leagues beyond the thousand men they had faced before.Nearby, on a massive stone, 10 acolytes of the Infernal Gate stood guard over a middle-aged man, the beleaguered Vicenzo, lord of the Imperial Order's Southern Redenbaugh domain.His body was a map of wounds, his life force flickering like the last ember in a dying fire."The White Legion's commander!?" Vicenzo's eyes widened in shock at the sight of Sabertooth.As a fellow lord of the Imperial Order, Vicenzo recognized Sabertooth, having crossed paths once before. He knew that Sabertooth was one of the revered leaders of the Western Region's four major legions.With Sabertooth's arrival, hope ignited in Vi
He had just felt the formidable power of a martial knight at the ultimate mastery stage from his adversary, and his face took on a grave expression. Yet, in the depths of his eyes, a fierce eagerness for battle sparked to life."Rakshasa, take Qemal to the side for a breather," he said, pausing briefly before signaling to Blood Rakshasa, who was hurrying over."Got it!" Blood Rakshasa shouted back. "Sir, watch your back. If things go south, we'll make a quick exit!""Retreat isn't in Blood Shadow's vocabulary!" Sabertooth shot back, then strode a few paces toward the Inferno Maned Lion, his blade at the ready."You've got guts, messing with a Rackaham VIP. After today, your Infernal Gate will be history in The Dark World!"The Inferno Maned Lion's laughter boomed.He paused for a moment, then raised his voice at Sabertooth. "An ant at the level of martial knight major mastery, spouting such big talk? You're off your rocker. Are all Rackaham's folks as brainless as you?"Are you
"You've got it coming!"The Inferno Maned Lion glanced at the multiple gashes across his body, his rage boiling over.He was two levels above his adversary, confident in a swift victory. Yet, the battle had dragged on, and he bore the scars of his opponent's defiance.The shame was unbearable.With a steely fury, he strode toward where Sabertooth lay, his intent to kill thick in the air."You've earned your death, marking me like this," he declared, his voice heavy with menace, stopping just ten meters from Sabertooth.No more words were exchanged as he lifted his hand and unleashed a palm strike, whipping up a ferocious wind."Watch out, Commander!" Vicenzo's warning rang out from a short distance."Sir!" Blood Rakshasa, locked in a fierce combat, saw the danger and dashed forward, her whip cracking through the air to counter the incoming strike.Boom!However, her cultivation base was no match for the Inferno Maned Lion, a whole level above her. The force of his attack sent
"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