"Tch."Frank withdrew his fist, clicking his tongue with a look of dissatisfaction.In fact, everyone around him could see that he was dissatisfied because he did not go all out.Frank then turned, staring at the martial artists who were standing around, frozen stiff, their jaws almost dropping. "What's so surprising?" he asked. "Oh, and I don't have to pay for any of that, right?"Mr. Zoran nodded blankly at Frank's question.Frank then looked up at the giant plasma screen overhead. His face was on the screen along, with a seemingly endless line of question marks where his punching strength should be shown.Frank stared at it, frowning, before turning toward the petrified Tijil. "So? Does that mean I win?"Tijil was staring blankly at Frank, unable to say a word as he nodded stiffly like a robot."Well, that works for me."Frank clapped him on the shoulder before beckoning at Scarface, Mona, and Kat. "Oh, and by the way, sorry for breaking that boxing machine, Mr. Zoran. My
"And that's the gist of it."Two days after Frank had that run-in with Thousand Isles Guild, Silverbell, the chief of the Martial Alliance, personally came to Zamri.Frank then told her the entire story of what happened, and after some thought, she concluded, "Well, they got their just deserts.""Now, that's a little unfair since I'm at fault too."Frank sighed, shaking his head in regret as he sipped the tear Silverbell brought. "That martial artist wouldn't have been killed if I had intervened earlier.""About that…"Silverbell sighed. "Although Thousand Isles Guild is one of our close partners, their reputation has suffered a blow as one of their members has committed murder in public."Naturally, Thousand Isles Guild would compensate the victim's family, so you don't have to blame it on yourself because it wasn't your fault.""But aren't I the fiance of the chief of the Martial Alliance?" Frank shrugged and smiled. "As such, the Martial Alliance could be considered half m
"Don't point fingers at me. That majordomo from Thousand Isles Guild said he'd pay for it, so it's not my fault."Frank quickly shirked responsibility, while Silverbell giggled as he threw his hands up. "Anyway, the joint qualifiers will be held in three days. Every participant will be shuffled for the free-for-all held at the venue."And after informing Frank of the date, Silverbell left right away.The Martial Tournament was a national competition after all, and as the chief of the Martial Alliance, she would naturally be the busiest person involved.-Soon after Silverbell left, Madfist approached Frank, telling him mysteriously, "Come with me. We're going to meet a certain someone."Frank was naturally not worried that the old man was trying to set a trap, and got into the car, spurred by curiosity.They did not inform anyone else either and journeyed through the winding mountain roads outside Zamri before finally arriving at a temple.Frank was scowling when he saw it, how
Stanley seemed to expect the shock on Frank's face. He flashed a pained smile as he explained, "I won't lie to you—I've actually been kept under house arrest all this time. My authority as mayor of Zamri is virtually nonexistent, as I don't have any military authority."That was how Geon Kramer, the commissioner, took my wife and daughter hostage."Pausing, Stanley took out a masterfully crafted dagger and passed it to Frank. "I sought you out not merely for the sake of self-preservation, but I also intend to forge an alliance with you and pacify the political unrest in Zamri."This dagger will serve as a token of my trust in turn—many of my confidants have been compelled into submission by Geon's authority, but they will understand if they are shown the dagger. Take it if you believe me, or throw it away if you don't."Despite Stanley's elaborate speech, Frank's skepticism remained, though he could not say it out loud.Instead, Frank asked, "So, you're asking me to eliminate the
Although Frank never had any dealings with the officials of Zamri, he decided that there was nothing wrong with keeping a careful eye on it—he would keep the token and watch how things developed from there.To be specific, he would be watching out for the Zamri commissioner and see if the latter would move against Lanecorp as the mayor had claimed.However, he was no child either, as he would not make any judgment lightly and right after he was given a single-sided account.If anything, he would have to be even more careful if he ended up embroiled in a political drama.-Nonetheless, three days after meeting the Zamri mayor, Frank put that issue aside for the time being as the joint qualifiers between Riverton and Zamri had begun.He brought his apprentices to a man-made lake sitting on the Riverton-Zamri border, which citizens had since dubbed Central Riverlake.The place was always crowded with tourists, since it was already a tourist spot with its picturesque landscapes.An
"What?"The geezer frowned at Frank in displeasure. "What would you know about us martial artists? The way I see it, the boy isn't exhausted—he's merely confident that he can keep going. "Also, wasting pure vigor for vanity… Don't make me laugh!"In reality, the geezer could see that the airwalker was sweating all over his brow, and his cheeks were flushed. He was clearly exhausted, but the geezer remained stubborn."Exactly! What would you know?!"A youth behind the geezer leered at Frank in contempt just then. "Average Joes like you would never understand martial arts, so shut up already and stop making a scene!"The girl behind the geezer was leering at Frank too. "That's right! My senior apprentice has already mastered the art of airwalk. You're the one who doesn't get it!""Pfft…"Frank snickered, realizing just then that the airwalker was the geezer's apprentice.It was now not surprising that the geezer was so upset after hearing Frank's comment.Still, Frank shook hi
"That's it? That's all a Zamri martial artist can manage?""What a loser. He can't even cross a lake.""Fine, then why don't you do it?""That's stupid. I know that I can't cross the lake, so I'll just take a boat."Hearing the rowdy laughter around him, Frank could not help chuckling too.At the same time, the geezer who had been endlessly confident a moment ago was deliberately avoiding Frank's gaze, which made him laugh even more.Still, seeing that Lebon was losing the strength to even flail in the lake and that no one was going to help him, Frank clapped Scarface on the shoulder. "Go on. Quit laughing and get him out of there already."Scarface was so busy laughing that Frank's nudging caught him off guard. "Huh?! Why should I go?!"Frank chuckled. "So that you can flex your muscles. Don't you want squealing fangirls or the crowd's cheers?""Alright, consider it done!"Scarface lit up with anticipation right then, and without another word, he leapt toward the lake like L
In fact, the geezer turned away, afraid to glance Frank's way, saying nothing even as his apprentice Lebon fled pathetically behind him.Gong!A giant gong resounded from the center of the floating platform, cutting short the crowd's laughter and chattering.Standing beside the gong, Mr. Zoran was frowning a little since the crowd had been getting a little rowdy. He barked, "All participants of Group One shall now proceed onto the stage!"The crowd finally moved at his order, and almost every martial artist decided to take a boat, while just three used airwalk techniques like Lebon did.However, they managed to cross the lake without any further accidents, which was harsher on Lebon in hindsight.Soon, over forty martial artists were gathered on the floating platform, all of them coming from all walks of life. Most were vigor wielders, while only a select few had recently reached the Birthright rank."Master Lawrence, I'm going now," Kat said, since she was in the first group to
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