As that one apprentice left, the other apprentices put away their wooden swords, clearly easing off their tension.Frank chuckled. "Relaxing already? I might be planning a sneak attack, y'know."The apprentices laughed. "We know our strength. You'd destroy us even if we went all out."That left Lofty sweating down his brow.These men were clearly apprentices and not Skywide School's main force, but they were powerful nonetheless.It proved that they were a special bunch—or stronger than Lofty, at least.Soon, Apoc—the apprentice who left earlier—was back, bowing his head at Frank. "If you'd follow me, sir!"Frank followed him up the hill, soon arriving upon a villa built on top of it.Countless fresh graves could be seen around the village—Larkin was definitely telling the truth that the Skywide School had a major turf war against the lotus sitter's gang.As they entered the villa, Frank found a man sitting upon an armchair, having lost an arm, a leg, and an eye.He was banda
Frank turned toward Hilarion just then.He was surprised that the man was as principled as Lofty despite his modest abilities, even instructing an average apprentice like Apoc to save the video as evidence in his phone.In other words, Hilarion was absolutely ready to take responsibility for the death of Larkin's wife. There was a logical reason as to why they did not actually seek out Larkin to apologize personally as well. They were still under the impression that the lotus sitter was still at large, and no one in the Skywide School would want the trouble waiting at that village.In fact, Hilarion was looking Larkin right in the eyes, determined for absolution. "If you still take exception, you can take my life in return. Skywide School is no major faction, but we have a reputation to protect regardless!"Larkin shook his head. "The blame lies with the culprit and the culprit alone. I can't blame you further, and you've helped our village in the past. There's no reason for me
Frank shook his head. "You can do it yourself!"Revitalizing a school is no small feat. And I'm a slacker who hates such stuff, so please understand. Bang!"As Frank finished, he did not wait for Hilarion to be surprised and pointed at him with a finger gun, launching a radiance into his body and healing his withering organs.Hilarion was at once surprised and delighted. "Makes sense—if you could regenerate my limbs, it's natural you could heal my internal injuries. However, I'm convinced as I am from the start that I don't deserve such a blessing!""No, you do, and don't worry about it." Frank chuckled. "Get back on your feet and revitalize your school—I shall await the day when your name stirs waves."Just then, the other apprentices of Skywide School stormed in, all of them staring blankly when they saw Hilarion's state.He had been taken ill for a long while now, and the apprentices would fight the monsters coming out of him—albeit only able to suppress them. It was only natu
Corus' face dropped right then. "I have heard of you, the chief of Mystic Sky Guild. Your accomplishments do seem impressive, and I won't lie—I've been meaning to challenge you but never had the chance to."But now that fate has brought us together, why don't we decide who is superior, or who shall rise or fall?"Frank smiled in wry amusement. "Who is superior, or who shall rise or fall? Isn't that plain plagiarism?"Moreover… Do you even have what it takes?"Corus' expression darkened further, and he appeared ready to attack Frank if he so much as breathed.On the other hand, Hilarion clearly did not want them to go for each other's necks and quickly said, "Old friend, this man is an important guest to me. Please be understanding and don't—""Don't what?" Corus snorted. "With the foulness gone, I would be making this trip for nothing unless I have my fun with this brat."Hilarion sighed with a look of resignation. "Could you take a moment to read the room? This isn't the olden
Only Corus understood how frightening the youth standing before him was.When Frank did not even cast any techniques to nullify his blow, he realized that Frank's physique alone could pulverize himself.In fact, Corus' energy shot would have pierced a 20-inch thick reinforced steel plate. How powerful was Frank's physique that he did not even budge, all while withstanding such a burst of energy?The defense alone was beyond what normal humans were capable of!"What? You lost—why are you trying to kill?" Frank snorted in annoyance.In a spar, it was perfectly fine to stop when both sides had had enough. What was the point of death duels?Even so, Corus smirked. "Aren't you strong? Don't you know that life-and-death situations are what truly define a man's superiority? I didn't make that up—it's a tradition since the olden times.""Sorry, but I've never heard of that."Frank chuckled. "What I know is to stop when I should. But let me guess… You've used that move you used on me to
To be honest, Corus was just too disappointing.In comparison, Frank's aloofness was how they imagined the transcendent ones would be!And sensing that everyone was changing the way they looked at him, a seething Corus threatened, "What are you looking at?! Just you wait… I'm going to kill every last one of you!"Still, he remembered that he was going to die and might not have that chance, so he promptly used the same technique from earlier, launching an invisible burst of energy at everyone around him.Frank smirked, then launched a burst of wind that dispelled the attack and vanished Corus where he stood!Everyone cheered—Corus had used his technique in the heat of the moment, so it was unstable, and they could all feel his overflowing killing intent.That was why they believed that Frank had no choice but to kill Corus and even applauded him for it.On the other hand, Hilarion sighed, knowing that Corus deserved that.However, Frank had also gotten himself into big trouble!
After Frank led Larkin and Lofty off the hill, Lofty bowed his head at Frank. "Thank you so much for helping me over the past couple of days. I must see to other matters now, so I won't impose."Seeing that he was ready to leave, Frank asked, "Why not consider joining Mystic Sky Guild?"Lofty laughed. "I've thought about it but decided that I'm better off alone. Moreover, I can ask for your help anytime I need it, so I don't have to worry about much or cause you unnecessary trouble."Frank nodded—everyone had their pride, and he should not pressure Lofty too much.Clapping Lofty on the shoulder, he said, "There's a long journey ahead. Don't falter.""You don't have to worry about that!" Lofty laughed.With that, he and Larkin excused themselves, while Frank swiftly returned to the homestay cottage, where Jada Turin was on the couch, watching TV.Seeing Frank return, she pointed at a letter on the table. "That's for you. She was quite polite, but I'm sure they wanted to challenge
"Outstanding!" the android exclaimed and suddenly split into multiple drones, immediately taking off to the skies.Frank promptly flew up too, and countless clones of himself appeared, each tracking a single target."Amazing! He can use clones too!"The android's head suddenly spoke and turned to streak toward Frank.Frank dodged it and laughed in realization. "Sorry, girl—playtime's over."And with that, his real body and his clones all accelerated, swiftly subduing the drones.With a slight squeeze, all the drones were crushed, barring the android's head, which Frank's real body was holding."You're impressive. Anyone else would be long dead!"Since it was the android and not the user being captured, the android's tone remained nonchalant like they had not lost."I'll be coming for you soon. But there are more important things to do for now."And with those words, Frank threw the android's head into the skies before diving downward.Soon, he was halfway up Mount Statera an
Yancy was absolutely perplexed. "How did you do that?"Frank chuckled. "Do you believe in the paranormal?"Yancy shook her head confidently.The paranormal and science were two completely contradictory subjects.Strictly speaking, anything that could be seen with the naked eye or directly affected the physical plane was not paranormal. Still, while science was fundamentally a counter-thesis to mysticism, anything that worked within a system of logic fell within its jurisdiction.Frank shrugged. "It's good if you don't believe it. I don't myself—but I am using a paranormal technique to conjure that fingerprint, which was supposed to be erased."Yancy was utterly confused. "What does that mean?"Frank explained, "I'm not sure if you've seen bodies of energy resembling spirits, but they linger within a body, retaining the deceased's last thoughts to a certain extent!"Yancy nodded in understanding.There was some form of energy that lingered within the deceased.But with Frank's
Frank was unsure if she should laugh or cry. "Not mentioning something doesn't mean that I didn't notice it. And I could've saved you even without leaving the white-clad priest."If anyone else said that, Yancy would be convinced that they were lying.But since it was Frank, the strongest lifeform she had ever encountered yet, saying that was almost humble of him!Still, her protective glasses flashed as she checked the yellow talisman, scanning it. "There's nothing special about it! Both the scanner in my glasses and my eyes say so.""Now, back to my question." Frank chuckled. "Is science failing, or is the person?"Yancy's face fell—curse this man and all his teasing!Soon, they landed.There just happened to be a cleaner sweeping the curb, and his knees buckled and fell when he saw Frank and Yancy descending from the skies.Frank quickly put Yancy on her feet while rushing up to him, chuckling. "It's alright. We're not evil—don't worry."It took a while of assurance for the
Yancy has always been bright.With the help of all the advanced equipment, she created a monster soon enough.Interestingly, it could be controlled with the remote that Jouri had given her earlier.Still, the thought of being a step behind Jouri frustrated Yancy. "If I'm right, that scamp knew there was something strange about this place… She one-upped me again! Curses!"Frank chuckled. "Don't say that. You have the marbles that can be used for energies, no? You'd definitely be able to replicate it, and you'd beat her with numbers."Yancy could not agree. "Nope. It just goes to show she didn't even care… but now that I think about it, she must have something better."Frustrated, she stamped her feet, which looked adorable as she looked less mature."Alright, don't fuss over the details." Frank chuckled. "Let's go eat.""Yeah." Yancy sighed and had her lab float up in the air while they headed to Cronde.She also put on a pair of rocket boots and leapt off. "You don't have to p
The rascal took the skies, tearing through the clouds.But no matter how he flew, he just could not reach the eyes overhead!That was not all either—a mysterious force seemed to stop him just then before yanking him back to the physical plane!"Your turn!"Yancy heard Frank's voice all around her and nodded, pressing a button that fired a missile straight at the rascal.Boom!The rascal was blown away, split in two pieces from the waist and screaming in agony.It was only then that he realized his fellow apprentices were not playing a prank. They had simply died before he did!They were each so strong, but they were wiped out nonetheless. He certainly did not stand a chance!"Please don't kill me… I can be useful, I…"The rascal soon trailed off in fear.After all, they had all heard about Frank before they came.It was universally acknowledged that he was crazy—that he loved to torture people like them.And if he ever got you, suicide was the best option!However, th
Laughing, Yancy asked, "Now, do you understand that where there's smoke, there's fire?"It's not just bombs and artillery—I have plenty of other high-tech gadgets. You can die now, kiddo!"The rascal laughed instead of getting upset. "Did you think that science is all-powerful? The energy field is good, but it's nothing new—watch!"He waved his hand, and the energy field disappeared!Yancy was shocked—her data suggested that only Frank could dispel that energy field, so how was that brat able to do the same?Taking to the skies, the rascal then beckoned provokingly. "Are we stopping already? Come on, let's keep this up!" However, Yancy smiled, shaking her head. "I'm not stupid. Since I can't hurt you, I should just save my ammunition instead."The youth laughed. "So you're giving up? Good, spare me the trouble!"He turned, grinning. "Hear that? She gave up! Can I be the first—"He froze before he could finish, as his entire group was already gone.In fact, the only person al
"I don't believe you!" the woman shrieked almost crazily.She tried to vanish again, but Frank was no longer interested in playing with her.With just a snap of his fingers, her brain seemed to be subdued by a special type of energy, keeping her from using any techniques!One of the members of her entourage quickly realized that something had gone awry and hurried forward to encircle Frank, snapping coolly, "What the hell did you do?!"Frank chuckled. "Why not experience it yourself?"Even as the entourage heard that, they realized they had been shut out of their own abilities, just like the woman!"H-How did you take away our powers?!"Frank shrugged. "Easy. It's nothing to brag about—it has a major, exploitable flaw!""What?!"The entourage traded glances—Frank was basically saying that he was the Goliath to their David!"You're getting it, brat!"Even if their soul projection was taken from them, they still had other techniques!As they did not hesitate to charge at Fran
The rascal seemed to rank at the bottom of the hierarchy. Clearly afraid to disobey the woman, she charged at Yancy's android right then.Yancy wasted no breath pressing the fire button and launching a missile at the brat, only for him to disappear where he stood!Bang!The missile blew up as it touched ground, leaving a crater.Soon, the rascal reverted to his physical form and glanced at the crater, laughing. "I'm surprised that your android is that fun. I really couldn't have known!Patting his chest, he chuckled. "Come on, shoot me right here. Let's see if you can pierce my defenses!"Yancy's eyes lit up—that was certainly agreeable! She really could not do anything to the rascal if he dematerialized, but she would have a much better chance if he stayed put! With that in mind, she shot every type of artillery she had, even emptying the stockpile she kept around her lab!The woman was really not used to the ruckus and walked up to Frank, reaching out to touch his face. "Why
Still, Yancy did not seem to mourn her equipment. "That's amazing, huh?""Don't worry about it. Just study the marbles."Yancy nodded and was about to return into the lab with him when they heard a strange noise around them.Glaring at Frank, she pouted. "You definitely heard that earlier, with your super hearing. You could've told me earlier instead of letting me get a scare."Frank chuckled. "Is there anything that you really fear? And your equipment should detect it anyway.""That's true!"Yancy realized with a start.With her equipment turned on, it should have detected anyone's presence.However, she was getting nothing—not even thermal work despite the voice being so close!She soon had a thought. "Maybe like that woman in the cave, they are capable of soul projection?""And they're better at it!" Frank chuckled before calling out loudly, "That's enough. Spare us the theatrics and show yourself!"There was a sinister gust of wind as over a dozen black-robed individuals
The geezer laughed. "I didn't think I'd see you so soon, my friend. You really impress me.""How so, sir?" Frank quickly asked.The geezer sighed and pointed at Yancy, who was planning to scan him with her equipment. "I'm sure you'll soon understand what type of existence I am."Frank smiled, shaking his head. "I would know even without her help. You're no spirit—just a form of energy given form."The geezer's eyes lit up. "You really think so?"Frank nodded. "I'm sure it has something to do with programming."Seeing that the geezer had trouble understanding, Frank thought about it and explained, "It's like parrots. You can teach them to imitate you!"The geezer smiled in turn. "That's more or less it! And as the owner of the spiritron vein, you're the only one in this world with the right to claim everything kept here, and I'm sure I'll be seeing you again before long."With those words, the geezer disappeared from sight, leaving Frank with a ton of questions.What? Did he ju