"Plus, with those injuries of yours, pulling off the full might of the Blood Shadow Technique is a tall order. You're probably running at about seventy percent, tops. Am I hitting the mark?""You seem awfully clued in about me," Howard's eyes narrowed once more.The fact that she was privy to the Blood Shadow Technique caught him off-guard."Only by understanding your enemy as well as you do yourself can you emerge victorious in every battle. If I didn't have a clue, why would I dare to confront the famed King of the West?" the woman said, her lips curling into a subtle smile."Really?" Howard let out a low chuckle."Isn't it the truth?" she replied, mirroring his smile.She paused briefly before continuing, "Look, I came here today with one goal: to keep Cinnor out of your grasp. Mission accomplished, so I'll be on my way.""Oh?" Howard's eyebrow quivered as he gestured around the courtyard. "You're just going to stand by while your Dark Shady Cartel crew gets wiped out?""I'd
"Show me what else you've got, Master Howard, besides those fancy blade moves!" The woman's laughter was light and mocking as she shouted, "Shadow Ink Swordplay!"Shadow Ink Swordplay, along with the Ink Demon Palm, was the Dark Shady Cartel's claim to fame—two legendary moves that were feared far and wide.In an instant, her sword was a blur. It traced arcs of light that spanned hundreds of meters in the air, slashing the ground to dust in its wake.Wielding the sword with an energy that only the mightiest king-level could master, she—a mere breath away from that elite status—handled it with ease. Her prowess was undeniable."Try and catch this!" she taunted, her voice a mix of challenge and grace.Her sword streaked toward Howard like a shooting star, cutting through the air as if it could split the very fabric of space.However, Howard was already in motion, his fists a blur as he punched the air. A tempest of shadows filled the sky, and the raw power of his blows whipped up a
The last exchange had taken a toll on him. Using the Dragon's Ascent technique, a move of the highest martial caliber, had backfired. Her sword strike had only made things worse."Sir!" Yoel and the others shouted, rushing to his side.Meanwhile, the fight in the courtyard was nearly over. Every high-ranking warrior had been cut down.The survivors, a couple hundred strong, shook with fear, pleading for mercy."Sir, are you sure you're okay?" Shylah and Lukas approached, concerned."I'll be fine, just need a few days to recover," Howard reassured them, glancing toward the courtyard gate. That woman's escape could spell future trouble."Sir, you're really okay?" Shylah pressed, still worried."I really am," Howard said with a smile."Marshal, what do we do with these prisoners?" Kaison asked after a moment."Take them for questioning. Execute any who've killed the innocent," Howard ordered sternly."Understood, sir!" Kaison nodded and departed.Half an hour later, the group m
"Sir, Phoenix is off playing Cupid, as ordered," Hacks called out with a laugh."What's that supposed to mean?" Howard was taken aback."Sir, Selena got wind of Phoenix heading back to the Western Region, so she rang him up this morning for a breakfast date," Shylah explained, her smile infectious."So, there might be a spark there?" Howard's eyebrow was curious."When both hearts are in it, it's a sure bet!" Dragon responded."Shylah, shoot Phoenix a message. Give him a week off for some family time, let him linger in Quintilian a bit longer," Howard instructed.A family leave? Things were moving fast!"Got it, Sir!" Shylah's lips curled into a smile."Sir, since when does romance come with perks? How come I never got that?" Hacks protested loudly."Hacks, cut it out. Phoenix is in it for real!" Lukas cut in."Hey, Lukas, are you saying my relationships aren't for real?" Hacks retorted, clearly not pleased."Hacks, why not introduce your girlfriend to the boss? If he gives
"You're the undisputed champion of no shame," The Judge said, rolling his eyes."Jealous much, Judge?" Mystical Chubby shot back with a grin.He paused for a beat before turning to Howard. "Oh, and Sir, my sister mentioned she'll be dropping by Mendorra to see you soon."Yoel and the others coughed in unison, the thought of an epic clash springing to mind.Howard shot him a look. "You just made that up, right?""No joke, she told me herself. She's missed you so much she can barely remember your face, so she's planning a visit," Mystical Chubby insisted earnestly."You're itching to get beaten, you know that?" Howard said with a sideways glance.He was not buying any of Mystical Chubby's tall tales. Pure fiction."Judge, what's the word for the Eastern District?" Howard asked, turning away from Mystical Chubby's antics."Quiet as a graveyard," The Judge replied, shaking his head. "Ever since Mr. Louis stepped in, it's been all peace and quiet."Then, as if a lightbulb went off
"How's work treating you, love? All good?" Howard pulled Talia close."Yep!" Talia gave a small nod. "Things are going really well. We're on track, and it's running smoother than ever.""That's great to hear." Howard's smile was soft and reassuring."Oh, and guess what? Mystical Chubby's got the green light." Talia's voice bubbled with excitement. "We've wrapped up all the paperwork for the new company. A product launch in a few days, and we'll be market-ready!"I just know it's going to be a smash hit once it's out there!""Really? Well, congrats, babe!" Howard's smile lit up again."Ha, I owe it all to you and Mystical Chubby," said Talia, her smile lighting the room.She hesitated for a moment, stealing a glance at Howard before speaking up timidly, "Honey, there's something I've got to tell you.""Have you been up to no good without me knowing?" Howard teased."I... I've been taking martial arts lessons from Mystical Chubby and The Judge the last couple of days..." Talia c
"Okay, then." Talia looked up at Howard, her voice soft, "Thank you, my dear.""And how does my dear wife plan to thank me?" Howard teased, his smile taking a playful turn."You scamp..." Talia's cheeks flushed with a rosy warmth as she leaned in to kiss Howard.On the bright morning of the third day, Yuffie hurried back from Mareno City."Howard!" she called out, her voice carrying across the Shadow Sect's courtyard before she even reached the gate."You little rascal. Can't you act a bit more demure?" Talia chided as she emerged from the house. She had taken the day off from work at Howard's request to spend time at the Shadow Sect base. The thought of Howard teaching her martial arts had her heart racing with excitement."Sis, you made it?" Yuffie beamed, hurrying over in high spirits. Yoel had filled her in on the phone about the martial arts training with her brother-in-law, a dream come true for her."Acting like a wild child at your age, I wonder how you'll ever find some
Howard had a plan for the sisters' martial arts journey. He was not about to have them start at the very beginning.If they went that route, even a decade of practicing might not yield significant results, especially since they were already in their twenties. For the average person, 10 years of self-practicing might have gotten them to a decent warrior level, and that was no small feat.Some folks who dedicated their lives to martial arts had never reached the heights of a martial master.Practicing martial arts relies on both innate talent and external conditions. The younger generations within secretive clans and sects often surpass their worldly peers in martial arts prowess, largely due to their access to superior training conditions.Those training conditions encompass various aspects, such as guidance from experts, martial techniques, and medicinal ingredients like pills.Additionally, there was another method commonly employed by secretive clans and ancient martial sects wh
"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