"Exactly," Nevaeh confirmed with a nod."They were decent folks," Howard said, an aloofness spreading from him."Sir..." Nevaeh hesitated, her voice trailing off."I followed your orders, checked everything. The Snyder's high-standing is backed by your own kin, the Wale family."Marciano's mother, and the siblings', is Betty Wale. She's the sister of the Wale family's second-in-command and the matriarch of the Snyder family."With no one else in the car, Nevaeh laid bare Howard's heritage.She was right.Howard was indeed born into the enigmatic Wale family.In the shadowy corners of Rackaham, secretive clans and ancient warrior sects wielded power that rivaled even the noblest of families.For instance, the secretive clans might look like any old family tree, but some of those clans are powerhouses, outmuscling most sects with ease.In fact, it was not uncommon for a sect leader to have hailed from one of those influential families. At the top of that elite heap sat the Wale
"Do you have any clue how many folks he's got with him?" The Great Elder shot Ezra a sharp look.'Go ahead, put on an act! You know darn well it's not that simple!' A thought crossed the Great Elder's mind."He didn't bring the whole Blood Shadow Force and those Elegant Uniformed Troops, did he?" Ezra's voice trailed off for a moment."Six!" The Great Elder shot back."What?" Ezra blinked in surprise. "That chubby guy from the Rectenwald sect and Lukas's crew of five?""That's right!" The Great Elder confirmed with another nod."Just those six?" Ezra pressed on."Nobody else," The Great Elder said, taking a long drag on his cigarette. "The local Shadow Sect crew didn't even twitch—they're all holed up at their base.""They headed over to the Snyder estate?""Yep!"Ezra chuckled, lifting his coffee cup for a sip, his voice laced with irony. "Looks like he's here on a personal errand.""Got any hunches?" The Great Elder leaned in slightly."What hunches should I have?" Ezra r
"Sir, I'll take care of this," Lukas said, stepping out of the vehicle."You fools! Do you even know where you are?" the man in charge bellowed at Lukas."Thinking you can come here and run wild, you must be sick of living..."He did not get to finish his threat. Lukas' wrist flicked continuously, and the Cold Moon Saber sent out a flurry of razor-sharp arcs slicing toward the six concrete bollards.The bollards shattered like they were made of glass, debris flying in all directions.The men at the gate watched, jaws hitting the floor, eyes wide with disbelief. They were completely stunned.Was that some kind of action movie? Just a few effortless slashes, and the bollards were history!This guy was no ordinary fighter!"Quick... Someone report this, now!" the leader managed, his voice tight with fear."Step aside!" Lukas did not even wait to finish his warning before he strode toward them with purpose."What... Who are you? This is the Snyder estate, and if you think you can
In the blink of an eye, a small black object shot toward the shouting man.It was too quick for him to react, and by the time he realized it was a slipper, it was already too late to duck.The slipper smacked him squarely in the face, leaving a comical imprint, and sent him tumbling to the ground."Damn, Mystical Chubby, where the heck did you find those slippers?" asked Hacks, his lips twitching in disbelief as they rode in the business van."Who knows!" Mystical Chubby responded with a nonchalant shrug. "There's another one here. Want to give it a whirl?""Uh... I'll pass. They reek!" Hacks shot back.Nevaeh could not help but let out a snort of laughter."Careful, Mystical Chubby, this is Elvis' ride. If you've tossed his favorite flip-flops, he might just make you cough up the cash for them.""You jerk! Throwing slippers at me? I'll show you!" In that instant, a guest retainer from the Snyder family sprang up from the ground, his face twisted with fury as he stormed toward
The man who had been smacked by the slipper gasped, his breath turning to frost in his shock. That man was the King of the West all along!?That realization sent a chill racing down his spine. He was lucky Emmett had intervened earlier, or he would be in a world of regret right then!Others in the room, unfamiliar with Howard, felt a weight settle on their shoulders. The King of the West himself had graced them with his presence!Did that mean the Snyder family was in deep trouble?"Also, I'm curious. Does Master Howard grace us today as the King of the Western Region or as the Lord of the Shadow Sect?" Emmett asked after a brief hesitation."Today, I represent neither," Howard replied calmly. "I come purely as myself, Howard.""What does that mean?" Emmett blinked in confusion. "Then, what's the purpose of your visit, Master Howard?""I'm here to find someone," Howard stated simply."To find someone?" Emmett echoed, puzzled. "Which member of the Snyder family are you seeking?"
"Sir, the Snyder family really does outclass the Calnans by a wide margin, doesn't it?" Mystical Chubby remarked, trailing behind Howard.He could feel the pulse of several formidable forces lurking in the depths of the estate, with at least four individuals possessing the prowess of a martial ancesto."Indeed!" Howard acknowledged with a nod. "The Snyder family has the Wale family backing them up, so they're bound to be strong!"Howard was well aware of the Wale family's might, which was in no way inferior to the power behind the Calnan family's patron sect."Block their path!" Emmett commanded, pointing at Howard and his companion, his voice booming across the courtyard.Four of the Snyder family's loyal guards charged forward, each one a skilled combatant in their own right, launching into the fray with full force."Big mistake!" Mystical Chubby muttered under his breath, taking two quick steps forward and unleashing a barrage of powerful punches that cut through the air.The
"Uh-oh!" The man's brow furrowed, and he tried to muster his energy to defend himself. To his horror, his strength failed him in that critical moment, leaving him defenseless against the crushing blow.Boom! The man was sent flying, a trail of blood arcing behind him as he crashed and tumbled across the ground. His ribs were shattered, blood spilling from his lips.Before he could catch his breath, Mystical Chubby was upon him once more. "Believe me now?" Mystical Chubby's voice was calm as another fierce palm strike whistled through the air."No, please..." The man's plea was cut short. A spray of blood erupted from his chest, his eyes widened in shock. After a few final twitches, he lay motionless. A look of bitter frustration was etched on his face. It was a bitter pill to swallow, being defeated by a young warrior of such high martial prowess.Mystical Chubby swept his gaze over the ground, then pivoted to Howard. "Sir, shall we go?""Sure," Howard replied with a nod, striding
"You'll get your wish!" The gray-robed elder's eyes narrowed, and he was about to make his move."Fourth brother!" the black-robed elder intervened.He then fixed his gaze on Howard."Master Howard, consider this your final notice. Leave the Snyder estate now, or we won't be responsible for our actions.""I'm here to meet two people: Betty and Anissa," Howard stated flatly. "Until I've seen them, I'm not going anywhere."If the Snyder family doesn't want to end up like the Calnans, you'd better have Betty come out and meet me on her own accord!""Well then, you can't blame us for what happens next!" The elder in the black robe inhaled deeply, his presence swelling with each breath.The other three elders followed suit, unleashing their formidable energies.Soon, the area was shrouded in an overwhelming aura of dread, like storm clouds rolling in, a heavy weight bearing down on everything.Even Mystical Chubby felt a choking pressure, instinctively backing away several paces.
"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