Seeing that, Frank started to turn and leave when Jason chirped, "Get past this road and there's no turning back!"Lara finally flinched and quickly exclaimed, "I-I'm going!"Frank stopped and chuckled. "Then get out of the car already—or do I have to carry you?"Lara flushed again, but worried that she would miss her opportunity as Jason said, she gritted her teeth and got out, saying, "Mr. Chand approved my leave, so I'll join you on your break!"Frank smiled and nodded. "Now that's better. It's very important to let loose!"As Lara nodded quietly, Jason laughed. "Alright, brother. My job here is done, so I bid you adieu. Enjoy your trip!"And with that, Jason started his Range Rover and sped off without a moment's hesitation, worried that he might ruin things for Frank.Frank led Lara back into the bus and introduced her, "Everyone, this is my former colleague Lara Gold. Alda and Sylvie are both acquainted, and that's Jada Turin, Moxxi, and Demi Oakleaf…"After institutions,
Moxxi then said, "There's a difference in alcohol concentration, so let's take shots from the same bottle. And we're just playing for fun, so let's have champagne since it's light. Agreed?"Everyone nodded in agreement."I'll pour the shots!" Demi offered.The other ladies had been plenty attentive and did not force her to drink. Feeling a little guilty about that, she naturally had to take the opportunity to contribute.And as soon as she was done pouring all four shots, Meg did not hesitate to chug every shot.Moxxi applauded. "That's Ms. Quill for you! The bar manager can really drink!" Meg smiled instead of getting upset at Moxxi's vague diss. "You flatter me, though the guests would get the better of me if I couldn't."Jada laughed, as it was a fair retort that respected Moxxi enough while disarming her diss. Meg really was a people's person!"Let's keep this up!" Meg did not afford Moxxi a chance to retort and dealed for a second round. While it was still a friendly g
It was why Frank did not attack on the get-go—he had super-hearing in the first place, further enhanced by the spiritron vein. As such, he had already picked up the sirens blaring in the interior of the helicopter.He released the helicopter, allowing it to fly forward before making a holding gesture.As if held by an invisible force, the helicopter was allowed to land safely.The doors opened, and the pilot alighted along with the three passengers—two of whom were men, and the remaining one a woman.It had certainly been close, and they would be dead if not for Frank's timely intervention!That said, who on earth was that guy and those powers of his?!Watching as Frank flew toward them, the woman strode up and asked, "May I have the honor of your name, sir?"As Frank landed, he studied the woman.Despite her cheap T-shirt and blue jeans, her pretty face placed her among the top among women.As for the two men, they looked sharp in their expensive suits and were flanking the w
A normal person could never afford a helicopter.But that was fine—if the woman was not going to reveal her identity, Frank had no reason to force her, since she did not show ill intent.Still, he asked, "Ms. Pearce, where are you from? Should I give you a ride home?""Of course!" Hana nodded.Seeing how quickly Hana answered, Moxxi muttered under her breath, "He's just being nice, and you took it seriously? Talk about thick-skinned."Hana seemed to hear Moxxi but did not respond and instead followed Frank to his bus along with her two goons and pilot.As they walked, Hana said, "Why would you ride that bus, Mr. Frankton? It's not even a Coaster—it really doesn't suit you!"Frank remained silent, but Jada was not about to take it lying down. "Unlike you, Mr. Frankton prefers to keep a low-profile instead of wasting money!""You're right, though we won't really know until we check it out, huh?"Hana smiled and climbed into the bus, laughing when she saw the golden hand-grips. "
W-What was going on here?"That's enough. Stop!"Frank waved his hand, splitting up all four of them.Hana got up too, holding back her restless goons and smiling. "Apologies, Mr. Frankton. Like you, I'm just testing your ladies—I'm sure you'd understand."Frank snapped coolly, "I'm afraid I won't unless you explain why you're here!"Hana smiled and nodded. "Thank goodness you're reasonable. I'm sure I'd be dead if it's anyone else. It's rare for a person to be both humble and moral, and it's my fortune to meet you."Then, glancing at the deck of cards, she suggested, "But mere words are pointless. Why don't we gamble?""And what do you have to offer Mr. Frankton?" Jada snapped in annoyance."This!" Hana presented a ring.Everyone laughed—the ring was made from stainless steel! Even the metallic scrapings of the golden hand-grips overhead would be worth more!However, just as everyone thought Frank would refuse, he suddenly said, "I'll take your bet!"Unbeknownst to them, th
Frank actually did not want Jada to get involved so that he could beat Hana with no uncertainty. However, seeing how rude she was, she decided to let Jada discipline the haughty brat.Hana shrugged. "Can't argue since Mr. Frankton has spoken. Take a seat, Ms. Turin!"Jada sat and held out a palm, but Demi had no idea what that gesture meant. "What do I do?" she asked softly—she might sing in a nightclub, but she was also the typical demure girl next door who would not know stuff like that.Still, she quickly dealt the cards to Jada and Hana after Jada taught her.However, Hana was resting her chin on her hand without checking her cards, only smirking at Frank.Frank was staring at her in turn—only the two of them were aware what divine conspiracy transpired!He had no idea what Hana was doing, but she could alter the cards at will!And after she altered her hand, Frank would alter again, and so on, and so forth.Eventually, Frank lost patience first. Unable to tell what trick
On the other hand, Moxxi was not surprised as Jada was. "I didn't think that a big shot like you would show up here."Having worked on Wall Street albeit not owning anything, she still could say she had been there and done it.Colossus? That was just the bare minimum, and it was up to her to decide if Hana was the real deal!"Do you know about Jade Cauldron School?" Frank asked, more concerned about Hal.Hana nodded. "One of us used to work there, but it's just a front for con men. It's really a far cry from Zephyr Hall.""And who is that person?""Hal Prana. In fact, he's dead, and we're here to investigate why." Hana sighed. "I guess the helicopter breaking down was no accident either—someone doesn't want us to pry."Jada and Moxxi shared a smile, while Frank nodded. "Would you believe me if I told you that the people behind Hal's death didn't sabotage your ride?"Hana smiled and nodded without hesitation. "Of course! Shifting suspicion is one of the oldest tricks in the book
Frank naturally had the general gist.Hal was a part of the dissenters, and since he died out of the blue, the rest of his faction believed that Hana's faction was responsible.However, Hana was effectively the supreme commander and was able to keep them in line. If anything, she should be ignoring the issue entirely, but allowing the issue to fester would affect Zephyr Hall, which was why they came to find out who had the balls.Rubbing his chin, Frank then said, "I'm basically innocent of any of that. If anything, I'm obviously being used… Since you're determined to get to the bottom of this, I guess I should act too."Beckoning at Jada, he told her as Hana watched, "Find out who found that tomb first."Jada nodded. "Don't worry, I'll make the arrangements right away."Hana was left smiling in wry amusement. "I'm not doubting you, Mr. Frankton. And aren't you on a trip? You should be properly enjoying yourself, so why get involved?"Moxxi smirked. "Do you think he's as carefre
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