With that, Quenten's composed gaze swept over the assembly, taking in the varied expressions of the representatives and members, finally landing on Virginio, who was clearly struggling to hide his discontent.The room, previously abuzz with low chatter, fell silent under Quenten's watchful eyes. Everyone turned their attention to him.Quenten spoke calmly, "Folks, since Mr. Zwick has made his decision, we'll follow his lead. Putting aside his issues with Mr. Nasso for now, let's consider Liam. To be so skilled at such a young age, he's truly a prodigy among prodigies!"Let's not forget why we started this Martial Arts Association. I want us to look beyond the here and now. On that note, Mr. Zwick has set an excellent example."In the presence of such extraordinary talent, their priority should not be to hold it back but to welcome and bring it into the fold! Just think, when was the last time their state's martial arts association got a shot of new energy?Quenten also took this i
With that, Quenten, Cambria, and an assistant made their exit from the conference room.Icarus, with a respectful nod, joined the rest of the room in a silent, reverent farewell as they watched their leader depart.After Quenten had exited, the conference room buzzed with the allies of Virginio, their voices rising in heated debate."Mr. Gabrick, what's Mr. Zeller getting at? Are we really going to let our state's martial arts association be pushed around by some guy who just married into a family?""Exactly! Liam's made a fool out of us, turned us into a joke among the neighboring martial arts communities, and we're supposed to make nice with him?!""We're the martial arts authority in this state. Are we expected to bow to some nobody son-in-law from Drunham City?""Right! It seems Mr. Zeller's lost his edge, too old to stand up to even a lowly son-in-law.""Mr. Zwick, sure, our association needs new blood, but not from that son-in-law Liam!""Absolutely! He took down Mr. Nass
Icarus watched Virginio storm off, a mix of ice and scorn in his eyes. He had never had much respect for the guy.Virginio was all pride and swagger, thinking a little talent gave him the right to walk on air.However, what Virginio did not realize was that there were always bigger fish, plenty of them. He had just been a big shot in the tiny pond of state and had not yet met his match.Once Virginio and his entourage had cleared out, the other association members trickled out of the room, leaving Icarus with just two middle-aged men.One, a wiry guy with a questioning look, peered up at Icarus. "Is this Liam really all that? You think he's going to dazzle everyone at the annual Martial Arts Convention for Drunham City?"The other man, all stern and no-nonsense, chimed in, "Mr. Zwick, none of us have seen Liam in action. Can he live up to the hype?"Icarus chuckled, then his face took on a grave cast as he looked at the two men. "You've seen it for yourselves. The Martial Arts As
A shiver ran through the room as the middle-aged man spoke of the Yeager family, one of the Four Ancient Families. His eyes were a storm of emotions. Virginio's boldness, his brazen challenge to Icarus, was all because he had the Yeager family, with their deep roots and vast influence, standing behind him.Icarus was not the least bit startled or scared, and with a grin, he said, "Mr. Wadder, I'm well aware, and that's exactly why I'm going to..."Radwen Wadder gave a small nod, understanding, and offered, "Whatever happens, Icarus, if you're ever in a bind, just holler. I'll be there for you, come hell or high water."At the same time, outside the martial arts association's towering building.Quenten, his crew in tow and his granddaughter Cambria by his side, descended to the lobby and slid into his limousine. The engine had not even purred to life when Cambria's curiosity bubbled over.With a skeptical look, she quizzed, "Grandpa, is this Liam guy, the one married into the Sto
In the quaint courtyard of the Stone family...Liam and Celena had just stepped back into their cozy courtyard when Celena fixed Liam with an odd, piercing gaze.Liam felt a twinge of alarm but kept his cool, feigning ignorance. "Honey, what's with the intense stare?"As he spoke, Liam moved to plop down on the couch beside her, but Celena's sharp command froze him in his tracks. "Hold it right there!"Perched on the sofa like royalty, Celena surveyed him with a queenly air, arms folded and chin lifted.Liam tensed, then flashed a sheepish smile. "What's up, hon? Why the sudden inquisition?"He did not get to finish. Celena's eye roll cut him off as she demanded, "Liam, spill it. Are you keeping something from me?"Liam felt a jolt of nerves but quickly masked it with a goofy grin and a scratch of his head. "You're imagining things, love. I've got nothing to hide. Remember my seven years in the service? Training in martial arts with my mentor, teaching the troops—it made handlin
"Celena, I'm aware of the pain you endured seven years ago because of me and Jovie too. Our time together may have been brief, but it's been profound."You and Jovie mean the world to me. Celena, I can't thank you enough. After the tragedy with the Cole family seven years ago, I was left without a home. You gave me a new beginning."Celena, please know this—I, Liam, promise to guard you and Jovie with my life. As long as I draw breath, I'll shield you both from any harm."Liam's declaration was filled with unwavering conviction, his demeanor grave. Celena could see the truth in his eyes.Moved to tears, Celena's eyes glowed with gratitude as she nodded emphatically. "Yes, Liam... I trust you, and I'm deeply thankful for all you've done. You've been my rock in the toughest of times, and you've always treated me with such kindness.""Silly girl, you're my wife. Who else would I be good to, if not you?"Liam's smile was a gentle balm as he brushed away the tears from Celena's eyes.
Reginald, surrounded by the buzz of everyone's opinions, wore a look of deep concern. With a gentle tap of his cane on the floor, he commanded silence. Once the room fell quiet, Reginald turned to Yafe and inquired, "Yafe, what's your take on this?" At the mention of Liam, Yafe's expression darkened with a glint of malice in his eyes. "Dad, to be frank, Liam just doesn't fit with the Stone family anymore. It's bad enough he's been a constant source of trouble, but the guy has zero respect for authority. He's been insolent to his elders, even gone so far as to get physical with them. If we let him stay, we'll become the town's biggest joke!"If anyone was itching to kick Liam and Celena out of the Stone family, Yafe would be leading the charge with arms enthusiastically raised. Liam had crossed him one too many times, challenging him and even getting physical. Yafe was seething, fantasizing about giving Liam a taste of his own medicine.Sherah quickly joined in, playing to the fam
"Enough!" Reginald barked.He was already feeling unwell, to begin with. After what happened during the day, his condition became worse. Hearing the noise from the crowd made him feel incredibly irritated.The people in the room instantly fell silent as soon as Reginald bellowed. Reginald slammed his cup on the table and looked at the crowd with a stern expression. His voice was frosty as he said, "I'm not dead yet. Do my words mean nothing to you anymore?"All you guys want is to kick Liam out. Have you forgotten how he taught Mr. Rain Nasso a lesson today? Do you know who Mr. Rain Nasso is? He's a top-tier fighter of military king caliber, yet he didn't manage to get the better of Liam."Do you guys think you can defeat Liam?"His words made everyone fall silent. All the people who were worked up and said they wanted to rush to the cottage to kick Liam and Celena out were stunned.Reginald was right.Rain was a top fighter with the skill level of a military king, yet he was