Yale lunged at Yoel and Nevaeh as his threat echoed."Halt!" barked Citrakuta's Lord Warfield Viator with authority."Lord Warfield, they've slain my brother. Their blood will answer for him!" Yale halted, his anger seething through clenched teeth."Stand down!" Viator inhaled deeply before addressing Howard with a stern tone, "Master Howard, isn't there something off about this?""What's off?" Howard asked calmly, "Do tell.""Hank was one of our envoys. If he's done wrong, it's our place to handle it, not yours to judge!" Viator retorted, his brow furrowed with concern. "Besides, his misdeed doesn't merit death. This is nothing but senseless killing!""How amusing you are!" Howard remarked dryly, sipping his coffee before his voice dropped with seriousness."First off, it's not your place to say whether his crime is a capital offense. That judgment is reserved for the Shadow Sect alone."Besides, he tricked one of our Rackaham women, hurt our people, and trespassed on our land
"Now that we're not expecting any more interruptions, Mr. Babson, please proceed," Howard said, prompting the conversation to continue."Master Howard, the Citrakuta delegation's visit is primarily to discuss some proposals concerning the Fabia incident," Mr. Babson said, taking a deep breath before diving into his explanation.He laid out their four demands, one after the other.Finishing his spiel, he wiped the sweat from his brow. He was well aware that Howard was not the type to rough up a Central Authority envoy, but he could not help feeling on edge.Internally, he cursed Citrakuta and his gang in his heart a long time ago. That was just asking for trouble! How dare they propose such shameless conditions!"Thank you, Mr. Babson," Howard said, acknowledging the man's effort with a nod and a casual sip of his coffee.The room plunged into a deep hush, the kind of silence that felt heavy and full."So, these are the terms Citrakuta is putting on the table?" Howard finally bro
"That's crossing the line!"Right then, a furious shortcut through the Citrakuta camp.In an instant, two titanic presences exploded like a flash flood, sweeping through the hall and leaving many gasping for air.Two person in the late-stage martial ancesto were making their move!In a flash, the two old masters sprang into action, their forms shadowy as they charged at Howard, their fists unleashing a barrage as mighty as an avalanche.They came out swinging with lethal intent, clearly gunning for Howard's life."So, you've shown your hand at last!"Howard's eyes narrowed, a predator anticipating the strike.Truth be told, he was waiting for just that moment.The two adversaries had tried to mask their cultivation base, believing they were undetectable, but they could not slip past Howard's keen senses.He had pegged their true cultivation base the second they stepped into the grand hall.His earlier tactics were a ploy to draw them out. Without it, he would have no just ca
With such a mess on his hands, how was he going to explain that to the higher-ups?If Master Howard had not recovered from his injuries, today could have been a victory for their foes.The thought of what might have been was too terrifying to contemplate!As an insider at the Central Authority, he knew far better than most the critical role Rackaham played for the King of the West, Master Howard.A once-in-a-thousand-years prodigy, whose untimely death could spell disaster on a world-ending scale!"Bring them in!" After a deep breath, Mr. Babson turned to the entrance of the hall. "Arrest the Citrakuta delegates—they've attempted to murder my top war advisor!""Understood!" A man's voice echoed from the doorway.A squad of stern-faced soldiers marched in, their presence commanding and intense."Please, have mercy!" Yale's earlier bravado vanished as he fully grasped the gravity of his predicament.However, his pleas were far too late.Within five minutes, the Citrakuta repres
"Really?" Howard's lips curled into a slight smile as he rose to greet the newcomer at the door."Haha! King of the West, I hope my uninvited arrival isn't an inconvenience?"Makson Racino's robust laughter filled the air as he strode in with confidence."Mr. Racino, your visit is an honor! I couldn't be more pleased to have you here," Howard said, his smile broadening. "Come in, make yourself at home!""Hello, Mr. Racino!" Nevaeh's smile was radiant as she dipped into a graceful curtsy."Nevaeh, impressive as always. You've made quite the leap forward since our last meeting," Makson chuckled."Thanks for the praise, Mr. Racino!" Nevaeh's smile lingered as she turned to Howard. "Sir, I'll leave you two to talk. Just call if you need me."With a polite nod to Makson, she excused herself."You've handled things well," Makson commented, settling into his chair with a satisfied grin."Just a small matter," Howard replied, knowing full well that Makson was alluding to the Citrakuta
The two men chatted a bit longer before Makson excused himself.…The following morning, Howard and Nevaeh were deep in discussion in the council hall."Sir, I'm back!" In came Mystical Chubby, full of energy."Back already?" Howard chuckled. "Mr. Snyder and Anis, all patched up?""You bet! Who do you think took care of it?" Mystical Chubby flashed a wide grin. "Mr. Snyder and Anissa are here with me."The echo of footsteps followed his boast, and soon Marciano and Anissa, leading a small entourage, stood at the threshold.They were transformed. Marciano, impeccably dressed, radiated confidence and vitality, an unmistakable air of authority about him.Anissa was a vision in a pale green dress and a soft beige coat, her lustrous black hair cascading over her shoulders.Thanks to Mystical Chubby's handiwork, her skin had regained its porcelain smoothness, her complexion so delicate it seemed a mere puff could mar it. Her smile was subtle, her features exquisite, her figure elega
The group's laughter and playful chatter continued for a bit longer.Howard then took Marciano aside to a quiet sitting room, there were things he needed to get to the bottom of."I can't thank you enough for your generosity, young master," Marciano said as he entered, bowing deeply to Howard."Mr. Snyder, there's no need for such formality, it was my actions that brought you and Anis into this," Howard replied, steadying Marciano. "Please, have a seat. Let's talk.""Sure," Marciano agreed, settling into a plush sofa.After a moment's silence, he turned to Howard and asked, "Young master, have you ever thought of going back to the Wale family?""No," Howard replied firmly. "Once I left, I never intended to return."Marciano inhaled deeply. "Young master, the lord and lady may be gone, but I'm sure they're looking down from heaven, proud of all you've achieved.""I just hope I've lived up to their hopes," Howard said quietly, his gaze fixed in the distance. A fleeting image of h
In the ensuing scuffle, Howard accidentally sent his cousin tumbling down a cliff, leaving the boy crippled for life.Furious, Howard's uncle stripped Howard of his cultivation base and banished him from the Wale family.Barely a teenager, powerless, broke, and battered, Howard nearly died on the streets more than once.Two months of hardship later, he was taken in by a good Samaritan, Mendorra, head of the Ziegler family, who made him his foster son.Howard took on a new name and a new life in Mendorra.Without his foster father, survival would have been a mere fantasy. How could he not seek vengeance for the wrongs done to his adoptive family?"Mr. Snyder, do you have any idea what's at stake with this jade pendant?" Howard asked, pulling out the pendant his mother had given him."Sorry, young master, I'm in the dark as much as you are!" Marciano replied with a shake of his head. "I only learned about the pendant you carry after the fact."A few years after you left the fold,
"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