"Do I... am I supposed to know you?" Anissa's eyes widened in confusion.She had been too intimidated to really look at him before, knowing he was none other than the renowned King of the West, Master Howard.However, as Howard's words sank in, she could not help but study his face."Why do you look so familiar?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder after a long pause."Remember who gave you that jade pendant you're wearing?" Howard asked with a gentle smile.The moment he walked in, he spotted the jade necklace Anissa had on. It was the same one he had given her for her eighth birthday.The red cord was different, but the pendant was unforgettable to him. He had carved that sword-shaped piece from a single block of jade with his own hands."What!?" Anissa gasped, her face painted with sheer astonishment. She trembled, her expression a mix of disbelief and excitement.She caught her breath and blurted, "You... You're Harlow!?"Her mind had been racing through memories of pe
"Dad hated how they operated and flat-out refused to follow their commands. It led to a nasty clash between them."Then, five years back, when they found out you were in Mendorra, they showed up in Ciolara once more."They demanded that Dad steal a jade pendant from you. They made it crystal clear that after he got the pendant, he was to make sure you never spoke again."Of course, Dad wouldn't play their game. Somehow, they struck a deal with Betty, and just like that, they stripped him of his leadership and put Gerald in charge."The way she spoke, it was obvious Betty and Gerald were no longer family in her eyes."Dad found out Gerald had the Dark Shady Cartel on his tail, so he sent a rescue squad to Mendorra for you. However, they were ambushed and killed before they could even get out of Ciolara."After that, Betty took it upon herself to shatter Dad's cultivation base and banish him to the mountains.""What happened to you? How did they lock away your cultivation base?" H
Minutes later, they made their way through the back of the sprawling courtyard to a cave entrance.The guards were gone—probably called off to the front.Howard scanned the area and spotted a middle-aged man collapsed on the ground.His clothes were ragged and filthy, hair a mess, beard drooping to his chest, eyes empty and spiritless, his whole presence weak.That man was Marciano, the once-proud head of the Snyder family.No more. He was a shadow of his former self, looking worse off than a street beggar.Betty had been heartless to leave her son in such a terrible state."Dad!" Anissa ran over to him."A...Anis?" Marciano's empty gaze briefly lit up at the sound of Anissa's voice.Their survival, father and daughter, hinged on the strength they drew from each other. Without that, they might have given up on life a long time ago."Dad..." Anissa reached him, tears flowing freely, and gently guided him to sit on a large rock."Anis... What brings you here today? It's not ou
"Sir, delegates from several offices in Ciolara have arrived, all up in arms against the Shadow Sect," Mystical Chubby reported, glancing at Marciano before addressing Howard."With many of our Snyder kin in key positions, I fear these visitors mean trouble. Let me handle them," Marciano offered."Mr. Snyder, you don't need to worry about this. Take a breather here, and I'll be right back after I check things out," Howard said reassuringly.He then turned to Mystical Chubby. "Keep an eye on Mr. Snyder and Anis for me, will you? See how they're holding up.""Got it!" Mystical Chubby replied with an enthusiastic nod.Three minutes later, Howard stepped into the front courtyard. The scene was grim, bodies were strewn about, the aftermath of the recent clash with Lukas. Some were motionless, others were clearly wounded.In the heart of the square stood Lukas and his four allies, confronted by several groups. Six men of various ages led the opposing sides, each with a retinue of a hun
"So, is the King of the West looking for a way to strike back later?" the buzz-cut man asked sternly."Why not tell you? I'm Quim Snyder, the lord of the Imperial Order!""Judge, look him up!" Howard commanded.The Shadow Sect's archives held detailed records of all officials from the various departments in Ciolara. Finding someone's information was a simple task.Many folks had their share of dark pasts, but the Shadow Sect had not made a move on them yet. Partly because they had bigger fish to fry, and partly because not every sin calls for a death sentence."Got it!" The Judge nodded, slid his blade back into its sheath, and whipped out his phone to do a quick search."What... What are you planning?" Quim's eyes narrowed, a shiver running down his spine as he watched The Judge."Better start praying," Hacks shot back with a frosty tone."Sir, we've got it!" Minutes later, The Judge turned to Howard and announced, "This one's crimes are grave. He deserves the ax!""Then let'
"Sorry to intrude, Master Howard. We didn't mean to be so sudden. Our deepest apologies," Zayden said, taking a deep breath before bowing respectfully to Howard.The call he had gotten was straightforward. His boss had not given an order, just a heads-up. The message was clear: if he valued his life, he would better get his crew out of the Snyder estate pronto. There was a hint that Howard's visit was not official Shadow Sect business—it was personal beef with the Snyders. The boss did not have the details, just a warning to steer clear of trouble.With that info, Zayden knew exactly what to do."Sorry for the bother, Master Howard!" The others echoed, bowing in sync.Their calls were pretty much the same—got out if they did not want to be in over their head."So, you don't need my side of the story?" Howard asked, his voice calm."Really sorry, and I apologize again, Master Howard. We're out of here," Zayden said, bowing deeply once more. Then, he turned on his heel and headed f
Howard laid low for the next few days, holing up in the Ciolara Shadow Sect.He kept a watchful eye on Lukas and the others as they honed their skills, all while keeping tabs on the Snyder family's noble dealings.After 10 grueling days of non-stop practicing, the Five Blades were wiped out, but their hard work paid off handsomely.With Howard's guidance, Lukas and Shylah powered through to reach the rank of martial knight with minor mastery, and Hacks breezed through his own advancement.Nevaeh and The Judge were on the cusp of that same mastery level, just one lucky break away from their next big leap.Things at the Snyder estate turned out much better than Howard had expected.Marciano reclaimed his role as the family head and wasted no time in setting things straight, rooting out the troublemakers and cleaning house.He also implemented a series of bold moves that pretty much secured his leadership.Of course, during that shake-up, Snyder's business interests took a hit, wi
"Hey! Nevaeh, that's some sharp analysis!" Dragon chuckled, clearly impressed by her insight."Heh, it's all pretty clear-cut, isn't it?" Nevaeh chuckled once more, her confidence unwavering."Nevaeh, are you saying they're calling me out by name, wanting the Rackaham Eastern defense marshal to meet them because they're gunning for Mr. Louis? They know full well that if he's in trouble, Sir won't just sit back and do nothing, right?""What else could it be?" Nevaeh replied with a flirtatious smile."Got it!" The Judge said with a nod, then turned to Howard. "Sir, let's just cut to the chase and send word to Mr. Racino. No more chit-chat. There's no point in talking with those Citrakuta folks. Just end it."Hacks coughed awkwardly."Judge, could you at least try to sound a bit more sophisticated? They're here on an official visit to Rackaham, not causing any trouble. You can't just talk about cutting them off like that.""Can't a guy have his moment of bluster?" The Judge shot ba
"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