Just as Frank was ready to leap into the mansion through a window, he noticed something strange.No one was breathing in there!"This is bad!"He broke through the window right then and was immediately greeted by a sight of carnage.A twentyish woman lay on the couch, with two bodyguards nearby laying on the floor.The woman in the kitchen got the worst of it, however, as her entire head was plunged into a burning pot of beef soup, leaving her completely disfigured!Frank looked around and quickly found the beeping red indicator of a security camera.He followed the wiring to the security room, and was ready to enter when he heard footsteps.He promptly backed away, just as a black-clad man opened the door and stepped out, and passed out just as he glimpsed a dark fist launched straight at his face.When he woke up, he was completely restrained, and before him stood a menacing youth who only had his looks going for him.Fiddling with the USB stick he took from the black-clad
"Just do as I say!" Frank snapped and hung up.The more normal something appeared these days, the more fishy it was, and Frank refused to gamble!-The next day, Frank headed to the address Vicky provided, which was for a mansion in the suburbs. The surrounding area was quite dilapidated, and the mansion itself clearly had not been used for a while.As Frank strode into the drawing room, he found a youth seated on the couch, sipping tea.Everything he wore was from cheap brands, and he wore a pair of loafers.With his myriad-colored dyed hair, he really looked no different from a street thug!There were other boys who looked much the same with them too, all of them leering at Frank in amusement.Mystic Sky Guild—formerly known as the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department—had tracked them here, sensing that they meant to do harm.They were encircling Uriah Zangi and his boys, and Fran—the team leader—hurried to Frank when he arrived. "Chief, those men slipped into Ms. Turnbull'
Uriah laughed maniacally. "Master's right! You're one in a billion, surviving our Million Edge Ward!"Frank chuckled in wry amusement. "Bill is right about one thing—you watch too much anime!"As he finished, he leapt forward, aiming his fist squarely at Uriah's face.Uriah dodged it by inches and leapt up with a sweeping kick while thrusting his dagger at Frank's chest.His friends joined the attack as well, their daggers glinting coldly or their punches streaking violently at Frank.They were all equally matched, however, with neither side getting an advantage!It was a battle of the gods, and naturally, men were made to suffer.Thankfully, there was not actually anyone nearby, though none of the couches, TVs, or chandeliers survived.Even as the fight continued over thirty strikes, a thunderous rumble ensued as the entire mansion collapsed!Watching in the distance, the Mystic Sky Guild members and Bill turned pale in shock.Their chief was always unstoppable, but he was a
Vicky frowned in turn. "Not even Helen or the other girls? I'm really worried that they'd do something stupid…""Not even them!" Frank shook his head. "It's cold, but their genuine grief is the best cover I could ask for!"Also, I have you. Just keep them in line for the time being—I'm sure nothing terrible would come out of this."Vicky nodded.-Hence, in that same afternoon, a bombshell was dropped, leaving stunned the Martial Alliance and every group across the nation that had any dealings with Frank.There were as many who mourned as those who celebrated—it went without seeing how delighted the Lionhearts, Josh Dellon, and Frank's other enemies were!Finally, the biggest obstacle they had was now punished accordingly!At the same time, they were also curious as to who had so easily surpassed them, killing the man who always seemed to refuse to die.In contrast, Mystic Sky Guild, Helen, and the rest of Frank's close friends were all as shocked as they were torn.They cert
Even as Whitney stared at Frank like a hungry wolf, she giggled, "Oh, don't be a stranger. Just call me Whitney!""Whitney!""Good!"Whitney grinned in delight. "I don't mind telling you, but I've been divorced for years and live alone… But my pig farm is making big bucks, so I was thinking about getting a househusband—""I would like to farm, Whitney!" Frank quickly brought the conversation back on track as Whitney began to ramble on about her life story."Oh, right…" Whitney remembered just then. "But you're so young, and you definitely look like you come from the big city. Why farm? You're not even going to afford your own bills soon!""You're right, there's no future in farming." Frank nodded. "But I'm also a researcher from Shagan Agricultural University, and I'm developing high-yield corn and wheat. I'm planning to test the seeds here.""Oh, I see!" Whitney was even more delighted that Frank was a researcher and quickly led him to the edge of the village to check out the l
Inside the rundown shack, the old man brought a worn stool for Frank. "Please sit, young man. I'm sorry but there's little hospitality to offer here…"Frank nodded and said, "I'll cut to the chase, sir! I'll rent your land!"The old man named Miles Chand did a double take but soon waved him off. "No, no, no… Absolutely not! This old man won't be a burden!"Frank was unsure how to react just then. "Sir, Ms. Chandler has already told me about your situation. Since I'm willing to help, you can bet that I'm ready to deal with those loan sharks.""Yeah, don't worry!" Whitney agreed. "He's a university student. Those fools would never dare to mess with him."However, while Miles was left hesitant, someone shouted outside, "We're back, geezer! Bring out the snacks!"Whitney was at once furious, striding out of the shack and standing akimbo as she snapped, "Who let you brats off the leash?"There were eight thugs outside, leaning against the wall and leering at Whitney in amusement."O
Miles kept refusing, and it took Frank and Whitney considerable effort to persuade him into renting out his land for thirty grand per year.It was spare change for Frank but something the old man dearly needed."I won't lie to you, kiddo, I'm all out of money. I'd probably die hungry if not for your money… You've really saved me! Please allow me to show my gratitude!"He was ready to kneel, but Frank reacted quickly and caught him. "It's alright, sir! You don't have to pray to me—don't worry, no one will bully you as long as I'm around."However, tears were welling up in the old man's eyes, and he was chanting a prayer—all the good deeds he had done over his life were finally being repaid!After leaving Miles' shack, Whitney asked, "You don't have a place to stay, do you? You can stay at my place if you don't mind.""What's there to mind? Also, I'll pay the utility bills!""No, it's fine!" Whitey promptly waved him off. "You've done Miles a huge favor, and I should thank you as
Whitney wagged her finger. "People like Tej Gagne are cutthroats. There's no reasoning with them—an academic like yourself shouldn't get involved with them."Frank chuckled. "Now you're being naive! Like you said, Tej Gagne is a big shot. There's no way he'd be personally receiving every villager who wants a loan, right?"Whitney realized with a start at Frank's words—that was true. Even if the villagers would take a loan worth a few hundred grand, Tej still had no reason to personally oversee the transaction."So you're saying that those loan sharks are worried about pushing their luck?" she asked. "That's why they name-dropped Tej Gagne to intimidate their victims?"Frank nodded. "Most definitely.""Well, let's go check them out anyway," Whitney said, feeling worshipful toward Frank.University students were really different and had a stronger sense of justice too."But that's got to wait until tomorrow," she said, raising her glass. "We need to get drunk tonight!"-The nex
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