Glancing at Stella, Frank said earnestly, "Someone poisoned your brother, and it's a poison that only takes effect after a precise period of time. In other words, someone is trying to scapegoat me and incite a war between your family and myself."Stella, seeing Frank's vague smile and the way he was staring at Troy, turned toward Troy too.She realized right then that Troy must have planned all this!She was already suspicious when Troy was on hand to receive them at the airport, and that premonition came true!"You're lying!"That was when a tearful Chelly shrieked hysterically at Frank, "You poisoned my brother, and you're still dressing it up with pretty words?! You're lower than scum! I'm telling my dad about this, and he'll bring all his men to kill you and everyone around you!""Calm down, Chelly!" Stella ran up, intent on stopping Chelly's irrational ravings—but it was already too late.She could feel the air stirring around Frank, and his smile turned into a glare."W
For Chelly, it was a humiliation worse than death!Being already raised in an ivory tower and spoiled by her father and siblings, her family's influence only further encouraged her to treat everyone else as if they were beneath her.She also earnestly believed that her brother Jaden was invincible, and that the Favonis would eventually rise as the Fifth Family in Morhen, even rising as the undisputed rulers of Draconia!As such, she was crumbling inwardly from sheer humiliation, seeing her own sister kowtowing to some unknown man who poisoned her brother in public!"Y-You traitor! Traitor!"Suddenly not remembering every moment her sister protected her, Chelly branded her own sister a traitor.Raising her palm, she aimed her strike at Stella even as she remained kneeling on the floor, ready to kill!"I will protect our family's honor! Die, traitor!"Stella remained on the floor even as she watched Chelly's strike approached, but she did not dodge.Her gaze was determined—she w
Still, Kilian's chuckle soon turned into roaring, gleeful laughter. "Hahaha! I get it now!""What happened to him, Mr. Lionheart?" Troy asked anxiously, since Kilian was too busy laughing to answer his question."Hehe… The brat was trying to be smart, but he ended up screwing himself over!"Kilian smiled even as he watched Frank wheeze. "His vigor collided with Jaden's when he blocked Jaden's blow, and the poison that was already kicking in inside Jaden's body affected him too! The poison you used is tailored against martial elites who wield pure vigor, no?""Yeah, exactly." Troy nodded, still at a loss."Well, that fits the bill." Kilian sneered viciously. "Frank did not realize that he too would be affected if Jaden's poisoned vigor reached him!""Hahaha! That's amazing!" Troy's eyes lit up.He had no idea what Kilian was talking about, but he understood the last part and that was enough too.Frank was poisoned too!"Well, Mr. Lionheart, now's your chance to eliminate him on
"It's the Soulbleeder—a specialty of Hundred Bane Sect available from the black market."Frank looked up, his eyes flashing as he wiped the smudge of blood from the corner of his lips.Kilian's face fell right then—how could Frank have known the name of the poison?!It was a well-kept secret even in the black market, and hardly anyone knew of it. Even Kilian himself found out about it through Troy!"Hehe… blargh!"Frank smirked even as he vomited another mouthful of blood. "Are you surprised why I would know? Well, that's a question you'd have to ask a certain traitor to Hundred Bane Sect whom I had slain. He left behind a copy of the Hundred Bane Anthology, which is why nothing in Hundred Bane Sect's inventory will work against me.""Really?"Kilian sneaked a look around himself and smirked at Frank in turn when he sensed Frank's vigor churning chaotically in his body. "You really wouldn't be hurting that badly if it doesn't work on you.""You're right." Frank nodded. "I've be
"Oof!"Kilian was no longer laughing.He could not feel any hint of pure vigor projecting from Frank's fist—that meant that Frank was using sheer physical strength to destroy his carapace armor, while sending him flying like a ragdoll!"I-Impossible! How could a Birthright rank do this… no, could he have improved? But this shouldn't be happening even if he did—"Even before Kilian came to his senses, he felt a large hand seizing him by the throat, choking him.Across his meridians, his pure vigor stalled in an instant.It hurt terribly, but he could not direct his pure vigor to fight back even if he wanted to.Even as the world started to spin around him, he realized he could not beat Frank in pure physical strength too, as he could not loosen Frank's vice-like grip around his neck at all!And at that very moment, every spectator could see Frank lifting Kilian, who was flailing around like an animal but unable to free himself.Chelly Favoni, who had just regained consciousness
"Did you think that you can stand up to the Lionhearts and Volsung Sect all on your own?!"Kilian Lionheart rasped coolly, "Give up already! The might of Simon Lionheart rules this land, and you will rest in pieces if he personally gets involved!""You have ten seconds," Frank simply muttered, impassive as he wiped the blood off the corner of his lips.However, Kilian was obviously not worried about Frank's threat and continued to persuade him, "You should be kneeling to me, Frank Lawrence! I admit you're outstanding, and I just might forgive your transgressions, even recommend a place for you in Volsung Sect!"Volsung Sect would eventually come to rule Draconia and the rest of the world! The path of martial arts is just the beginning… You have no idea where this path really leads! Now let me down and bow to me, and I'll tell you the greatest secret never told—""Time's up."Frank shook his head in disappointment. "What are you—are you going to kill me, Frank?! Don't you dare!
Frank turned toward Chelly, who was hanging her head, and Stella, who was giving him an earnest pleading look.Pausing, he shook his head and announced, "This entire conflict between us was incited by the Bearsons!"With that, he left the stage even as he coughed blood, ending the high noon duel in Zamri Square with an extraordinary plot twist.The crowd was certainly dissatisfied with the mediocre ending, especially after the fight was hyped up with such pompous publicity!It was not a fight between martial elites, but a bizarre stage production.However, said production still brought upon terrible consequences.For the Favonis, Jaden remained unconscious, his fate unknown as his sister Stella and the others carted him back to Norsedam.While he still retained his place as Skyrank's second, his reputation had taken a nosedive, just as many others became disappointed in the Favonis' actions.On the other hand, Frank's reputation was skyrocketing. The Lane family gathered favora
Winter grumpily sat down beside Frank after he explained himself, and she folded her arms before her chest as she waited to see who the arriving beauty was."Greetings, Mr. Lawrence."A lady dressed primly in a conservative dress entered, greeting Frank with a brow.Frank zoned out a little—her face was gorgeous, her mannerisms were mild and elegant, and there was a birthmark on her face that altogether made her appear picturesque.On top of her soft appearance, no man could tear their eyes away from her pronounced cleavage."Wow… you're so beautiful…" Even Winter was gaping and gasping in awe despite her jealousy earlier."Hehe. Thank you." The woman nodded before turning toward Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, I'm Sienna Noirot, second elder of the Hall of Flowers, a denomination of Cloudnine Sect. Having heard of your recent feats, I've come to visit and witness your splendor.""Cloudnine Sect?" Frank searched his mind, and quickly remembered—were they not one of the major sects in
Frank snorted. "Alright, I'm hanging up. I'm getting started over here soon.""Yeah. Good luck," Jouri replied.Hanging up, Frank looked up at the waterfall overhead, and then at Skyler, who was standing beside him. "So? Is it time yet?""Almost… Now!" Skyler's eyes were glowing even as she stared at her watch."Alright."Frank looked up just as the skies abruptly darkened. "Ah, there it is—the eclipse."The sun seemed to disappear, and the world was suddenly shrouded in darknesses.And beside him, a stone door imbued with the power of the spiritron vein also rumbled as it parted."Got it!" Frank rushed inside without another word as soon as he saw it."Hmph. I'm surprised that you could reach this place." A cold, wrathful voice resounded inside even before Frank got a hold of his surroundings.Looking up, Frank found a youth in a black cossack and sporting grey-white hair, standing upon a cliff as he looked down on him.Frank chuckled. "Hehe. Like I said, I've come to kill
Frank narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?'Crane shrugged. "I don't mind giving it to you straight—members of Torrent are actually… Ahem. A part of Torrent himself."Frank paused. "What's that supposed to mean?""You don't get it, do you?" Crane grinned. "Then let me put it to you this way—every member is a clone of Torrent.""A clone?" Frank gasped in realization."Yes," Crane nodded. "That's why I believe that challenging Crane is just suicide. You have no idea how powerful he is—only death awaits you down that path."Frank smirked. "Oh, but I don't think so."Crane rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever—now listen closely. You will find Torrent in the Mystic Trail, but you would only find that place when the sun and moon coincide, and the entrance is beneath the waterfall south of Horton."As he finished, he snorted coldly. "I have no idea if you can actually do it, but I'm hoping you do kill him… Heh. I'm getting tired of being stuck under his control for so long."Then, waving off
Frank abruptly turned, immediately noticing one of the Cranes crouching, ready to spring forward and blindside him."Got you!" He laughed."Hah! You fell for it!"Just as Frank swung a punch to pulverize that Crane, he suddenly burst into pus that splashed at Frank's face."Damn it!" Frank took a step back, surprised that the clone's presence was identical to the real Crane, and a trap on top of that!"Die!"The Cranes around him each whipped out a dagger, all of them stabbing at Frank at the same time."Get off!" Frank bellowed, unleashing a shockwave that sent all the Cranes flying across all directions."Frank! Above you!" Skyler suddenly shrieked."Yes! I'm right here!" A strange laughter sounded above Frank just as he wiped the pus off his face.Crane was suddenly directly above him, launching an aerial kick straight at Frank's head, and Frank had no time to dodge!"Die!" Crane's smile curled into a twisted angle as he saw that too.He was very confident with this kick
"Disgusting…" Skyler murmured through her hand.Despite being skinned and scalped, the women were all still alive and singing to the music that was playing despite their anguish."Talk about a terrible fetish."Frank was scowling too—why were all the members of Torrent such sick deviants? It seemed like his plan to wipe them out was absolutely correct!"So, you killed my clone?"The lanky man on the couch slowly turned to level his bloodshot eyes at Frank.His lips were wet with bed as they curled upward into an eerie smile."Clone?" Frank narrowed his eyes."Hehe. It's a sage art."Crane shrugged as he stood up and wiped the blood off his lips. "It's only natural that you don't understand… Still, you deserve praise. If you can kill my clone, that means you're not just slightly stronger than Ghost."Naturally, the man was none other than the real Crane.Still, as Skyler studied him from a corner, even she could notice the strange twitch of his fingers, and his veins were pro
Even as Crane ran, he was looking over his shoulder, his heart pounding. "No… I won't win in a one-on-one!"No, as long as I get back to my real body… we can do this together!" He frowned, having seen how Frank sliced off the pinkies of those hood rats. It hence quickly dawned on him that Frank was not just slightly stronger than Ghost, as Torrent had put it!"Almost there!" He gasped when he saw the signboard of Pegasus Showtown in the distance. "As long as I get there and rendezvous with my real body, that brat will lose—"That was when he turned and saw that a shadow had caught up with impossible speed."What?!" Crane's eyes almost popped out in bewilderment. "What speed is that?! Are you kidding—"Even as he spotted the shadow, the shadow turned into a youth with an impassive visage.His fist outstretched, he was clearly punching toward Crane's forehead!"Argh…"Even as Crane looked on, the youth's punch slowed down by tenfold, but his fist kept closing in.Then, whe
Seeing Skyler sigh, the tattooed thug presumed that his extortion worked.He strode up, grabbing Frank's shoulder. "No one's gonna help you, boy. Pay up, or you're not leaving.""Exactly! You're not getting away!" the crowd of hood rats hollered. "Last chance."Frank's eyes were cold and fixed on Dani, however. "Are you going to intervene? If you do, you can keep that check. If you don't…""Ugh. Fuck off! I don't care!" Dani spat, her expression smug as she folded her arms before her chest. "Who do you think you are to threaten me?!""Exactly! Pay up, and you can leave!""Yeah! Ten grand, at least!""You probably don't know my boss Wyvern, but when he's here, you won't get away with just ten grand!"Even as the crowd closed in, Frank shook his head. "Well, you had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next.""You're giving us a chance?! Hah! Who—argh!"Even before Dani could finish gloating, Frank was suddenly in front of her, grabbing her viciously by the wrist."Arg
"Five grand?! Did you hear that?! He just threw five grand!""Must be a rich kid coming here for a secret rendezvous, out of prying eyes? Those types are the easiest mark!""Fuck! And Dani got one of us… It hurts me more than losing at the races!"Frank could hear the buzz around him but ignored it as he strode past the men flanking him and headed toward the street that stank of blood."Stop!" A big tattooed man grinned sinisterly as he intercepted Frank.As his buddies encircled Frank as well, Frank snorted—it seemed that they took his reaction for a sign of weakness and thought that he could be cowed.The tattooed man rubbed his chin as he leered at Skyler's voluptuous figure, chuckling. "Look, boy. I'm short on cash, so let me take a loan. I'll pay you back some other day, how about that?"His friend laughed. "Exactly! You just gave Dani five grand, and we won't ask for more… just four, how about that?"Skyler scowled in turn and glanced worriedly at Frank beside her—was he
Frank himself had just stepped out of the nightclub when his eyes narrowed."Blood," he murmured, his nostrils twitching."Blood?"Skyler sniffed the air, puzzled. "I can't smell it.""It's from the opposite street… I smell the blood of over a dozen people.""A dozen?!" Skyler did a double take.He could identify the number of people who were killed?! That was just ridiculous!"Come on, let's take a look."Just as Frank led the way toward the source of the stench, a woman suddenly came up, catching Frank off guard and throwing herself into his arms."Hmmm?" He looked down to see that she had thick makeup, average looks, and a rather pudgy belly."Argh! He touched me!" she pointed at Frank and shrieked even before he realized what was happening."What?!" Skyler was staring at the woman too, mystified."Oh, sister! You just didn't see it!"The woman kept hollering, pointing at Frank's face. "Your boyfriend grabbed my ass! Is that how you teach him manners?!""Teach him ma
Wyvern screamed even as he clutched the stump that was his hand, screaming so shrilly one might mistake his voice as inhuman."Oh, just shut up." The lanky man glowered and launched a kick, reducing Wyvern into puddles of blood and pieces of innards, splattering all around the lobby. "Argh!!!" the devilish lady screamed as she watched the carnage unfolded."Another sound, and you'd end up just like him." The lanky man turned and frowned at her impatiently."Hngh…" The devilish lady promptly clasped a hand over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes as she trembled."What the hell?!"Outside, Wyvern's lackeys heard the screams and ran inside, looking for him. "Hey, where's Wyvern?!"However, the lobby was too dimly lit for them to notice the blood and guts scattered around the walls, and they only sensed that terrible stench."Hngh…" The devilish lady was too scared to speak, and tears trickled out of her eyes."Fuck!"One of the lackeys strode up and seized the lanky man