Trevor was certainly not afraid since Frank was backing him up.While he would give Sif and her widespread connections a wide berth on any other day, things were different now—seated beside him was the only son of Godwin Lawrence, Lord of the Southern Woods.Who were the Lionhearts in comparison?"Fine. If that's your game, I'll play along!" Sif sneered, repressing her rage as she raised her paddle. "Bid, 2 billion!"The hall was left in an uproar at the number Sif shouted.As expected of the Lionhearts and their deep pockets—they could shout such an astronomical number without batting an eye!"Ms. Lionheart has called 2 billion!" Jenny exclaimed cheerfully on stage.Then, she glanced at Frank, urging him to raise Sif in her mind."Go on! Keep bidding—don't lose to Sif!""Hmph." Trevor snorted as he raised his paddle. "2.1 billion."Sif sneered and raised hers too. "2.5 billion! Go on, challenge my coffers. I have nothing but money!" Everyone could tell that her ire was s
Meanwhile, Jenny was looking around. "Lady Lionheart's bid stands at 3 billion. Do I hear another bid?"Trevor was frowning but stayed silent instead of continuing to compete against Sif.Sif mistook it as Trevor showing weakness and was unable to compete further.Smiling with smug disdain, she asked, "Why the silence? Go on, keep bidding—let's see how much dough you have, challenging us Lionhearts.""Actually, you can have it since you like it," Frank suddenly said quietly.If anything, buying an underdeveloped Hyperion Root at three billion dollars only proved Sif's immaturity and experience."I can have it?'" Sif snorted, folding her arms before her chest. "Pretty words, but just admit you can't afford it. Do I really need your handouts? How shameless can you be?""Heh." Frank simply chuckled and refrained from arguing, since it was pointless.Still, his attitude only left Sif annoyed, and his smile left her feeling powerlessly frustrated.She was intent on seeing Frank sub
On the other hand, Trevor believed that the huge rock might have something special in it if Frank thought so highly of it."Mr. Lawrence, the stalactite…" he asked tentatively just in case.He knew for a fact that Frank had several such stalactites in his own mansion in Skywater Bay. Even if those stalactites were not as old as this one, there was no reason this particular one delighted Frank so much."We must have it!" Frank's reply was simple and determined.Naturally, Sif could see that nearby."Yes, sir!" Trevor had no reason to refuse, seeing how determined Frank was.In fact, he would bankrupt himself buying that rock just because Frank said so!Meanwhile, Jenny was smiling as she introduced, "My father's friend happened to find this milk-white stalactite while exploring a cave. It's a rare thousand-year-old stone, though we've never looked inside. The starting bid is ten million, and subsequent bids must be over a million."Though Jenny's introduction was simple, the bid
Frank inhaled deeply and told Trevor, "Keep bidding.""Sure. 400 million!" Trevor raised his paddle without hesitation."500 million." Sif smiled smugly, folding her arms before her chest as if watching Frank and Trevor make a fool of themselves."600 million!" Trevor remained impassive as he kept bidding."One billion!" Sif yawned as she countered.That was when Frank sprang to his feet, glaring at Sif as he asked coolly, "So you're bent on outbidding me for that rock, Ms. Lionheart?""No, of course not." Sif sneered as she returned Frank's jibe before, word for word. "It's an auction—I bid, and an item is bought. Is there a rule that no one must bid against you?" Frank scowled harder, snorting as he turned toward Jenny and bellowed, "Two billion!"Then, he wheeled on Sif and growled quietly. "I will have that rock today. Try to outbid me if you can.""Heh. Did you think I'd let you off easy after you raised the bid for the Hyperion Root earlier?" Sif smiled despite herse
Everyone around Sif was silenced by her outburst—she was still an heiress of the Lionhearts, and no one would ever dare challenge her."Just you wait!" Sif snorted as she glared viciously at Frank.Frank merely gave her an innocent look, leaving her further frustrated.-Soon, the next auction item—an emerald pearl—was brought up onstage."My father collected this from the South Sea, and it was after much prospecting that we found out it's a miraculous gem that promotes longevity," Jenny spoke.A hint of bitterness appeared on her face as she remembered that her father died of sudden natural causes—fat good longevity did.Shaking her head, Jenny composed herself and said, "Bidding starts at 20 million, and each raise is set at 2 million. Bidding starts now!"Sif chuckled coolly when Jenny was finished. "Wait, that pearl? It's not that rare… I guess the Leaf family really has nothing good in their collection… Eh?"While Sif was being dismissive, Frank was suddenly frowning agai
Frank sneered. "Ms. Lionheart, don't you think you're being overconfident? Also, word of advice—take a closer look at what you're holding. Does it really have a hundred years' worth of medicinal value?""What?" Sif did a double take but did not check her Hyperion Root as she retorted, "This is a Hyperion Root—there's no faking it. The roots are intertwined, a crystalline yellow and carries a fresh scent. How could it not be a hundred years old?""That's not quite right." Frank shook his head and smiled. "Ms. Lionheart, the Hyperion Root grows one tertiary root every ten years, so why don't you start counting if it's the right number?"Frank's words finally built doubt in Sif at that—if memory serves, it should be ten."One, two, three…" She started counting, her face soon falling once she stopped at nine.She counted again and again, but the Hyperion Root only had nine tertiary roots. And she was dead certain there was no tenth root."Are you sure the roots decide the age?! I'll
No, forget being taken for a ride—there was no refund for any items sold on the auction, and the auctioneers took no responsibility for it.The worth and willingness to bid for each item depended on each bidder's insight. No one could blame anyone else if their insight proved lacking.Naturally, Sif could mention her family name. But while that could coerce the Leaf family into giving a refund, word of her lacking insight would spread.She could not afford the humiliation, just as she hated being labeled as a rich failure.As such, she had no choice but to take the bullet for the sake of her family.Nonetheless, that was when Trevor decided to flash a vague smile just to rub it in. "So, Ms. Lionheart—you could stop flexing with that now, don't you think?""Ahem." Tavis quickly tried to patch things up. "You shouldn't say that, Mr. Zurich. The Hyperion Root may not be mature, but it's still a treasure in itself.""You heard him." Sif snorted, quick to excuse herself even if it so
Sif's eyes lit up at Tavis' words.Yes! She might have lost, but that did not mean that Frank and Trevor had won!Rearing her chin, she pointed haughtily at the emerald hale pearl Frank was holding. "Even if I've mistaken the age of my treasure, it's a treasure—that pearl of yours would never measure up to it! What are you so happy about, buying a pearl not even worth a million with two?!""Exactly. What are you so gleeful about?" Tavis scoffed as well.Trevor simply laughed in disdain. "And I'm happy doing it. I'd be willing to pay 2 billion as long as it's what Mr. Lawrence wants, even if it's just a rock."Naturally, Trevor was referring to the actual rock Sif bought for 2.5 billion, leaving her fuming."So what?!" Sif snarled through her teeth. "Oh, and I forgot to tell you—that hale pearl you have? Bail Leaf bought it from my family… If I recall correctly, we sold it for two hundred thousand like it was just a glass orb, and you spent 200 million on it! How about that! Surpr
Baldie dropped to his knees with a thud.Not only did Frank possess superior abilities, but he had a functioning moral compass too?He certainly deserved the power of the spiritron vein!Baldie then said, "I guess I should warn you that there are people who keep their hands clean. They would do anything to further their mysterious goals, so you should watch out."Frank chuckled. "Don't worry. I never hold back when I should kill—just listen to the reverend, and leave if there's nothing else, or I might change my mind."At those words, Baldie turned to run without lingering another second. Frank then turned toward the beggar. "Is this what you want?"The beggar nodded, clearly not bothered to hide anything. "To be honest, I've been considering an issue—do all the people who gain superpowers deserve it? The dragon inside you, for example… I can't say that it's anything good."Frank nodded, smiling—she was right about that, as he thought the same himself.After all, it had done
Frank smiled, shaking his head. "No, you misunderstand. What I mean is that she's right. The paranormal, your mystical artifact—it all works using the same principle: You're all just a little stronger than the average martial artist."However, when you're up against the real deal like me, you're relatively weak and easily dealt with."Baldie was left flabbergasted. "No, no, no… That's impossible! We're not the same as martial artists. None of you stand a chance against us!"Frank shook his head. "What you're saying is impossible. Your kind is simply more gifted, while martial artists are less, and that's the only reason you're stronger than most martial artists."Baldie dropped to his knees with a thud, shaking his head repeatedly as there was nothing more that could tear him up inside.He had always believed that even if he was not divine, he was still an envoy among the mortals like the priests and monks in fiction. Naturally, he was convinced that the day would come when he tra
After strutting for so many years, this was the first time anyone had seen through the depth of Frank's abilities in its entirety.That alone set Baldie apart from the rest, or at least the average martial artist, if not placing him scarily high over them.Still, Baldie warned, "Word of advice, kid—mind your own business. This isn't my choice, as there's a larger faction at work here, and you'd be in trouble if you rubbed them the wrong way.""Really?"His warning only pleased Frank further.After all, this meant that there were more powerful individuals like Baldie!In fact, Frank was just getting sick of being invincible, or he would not have been amusing himself by tormenting baddies.And with Baldie's words, he found himself a new hobby… He had plenty of time to spare anyway, so he should use it!"What's that stupid grin for?"Baldie smiled in wry amusement as he realized what Frank was thinking.To think he had the bad luck to run into someone like him!"Simple, really.
The beggar continued, "The way I see it, those ghosts are basically people with superpowers. They are driven by their own desires to hurt the living, while some have trouble controlling their powers after suddenly awakening to it."Her unexpected explanation actually enlightened Frank.Ghosts and hauntings notwithstanding, they were just people who could do what normal people could not—but they were fundamentally no different!Without hesitation, Frank rushed forward when a tall, well-rounded bald man appeared before he reached the graves. "Does no one ever listen?" He laughed coldly.Frank felt a powerful burst of energy from his words—he was clearly trying to make them obey, but they were not listening!"In that case, I'd just have to be tough on you!"At those words, a bead appeared on Baldie's palm, and it shot up to the sky!At the same time, an unusual energy converged and ultimately morphed into a monster.It was basically a pile of rotting flesh crawling with maggots.
Frank smiled, shaking his head. "Don't worry—I'm neither blind nor deaf. I knew what was happening from the start, and I'd be even more upset if I were in your shoes."The stall owner sighed in relief at Frank's words and turned to leave, not forgetting to curse the beggar under his breath.At the same time, the beggar straightened herself off the ground and sat cross-legged, whipping out a large meatloaf out of nowhere and chomping down on it.Frank sat beside her too, not bothered that he was wearing an expensive suit and certainly not concerned about getting it dirty."So, do I pass your test, reverend?"The beggar said nothing, instead handing Frank the meatloaf that her dirty hands had left darkened. "Hurry up. It's good."Frank took it, not minding it at all and finishing it in a few bites. "It's good, but I can make something better. How about it?"The beggar was suddenly on her feet, stretching her back and yawning. "Next time. I'm busy.""What is it? Can't I help?" Fra
After Mr. Creston handed Frank his phone, Frank nodded. "Good, at least you're cooperating. So you can do it yourself!"Mr. Creston was left befuddled—what the hell?! He was already being so cooperative, and the brat still wanted him dead?!"Friend, a gentleman is as good as his word," he said. "People would laugh at you.""Laugh at me?" Frank chuckled coolly. "Who would dare laugh at me? Also, I think it might happen if I don't wipe out people like you.""What…!"As Mr. Creston realized from Frank's calm tone that he was not letting him off the hook, he ran without hesitation.But to Frank, he was slower than a tortoise and disappeared in the blink of an eye.Frank then whipped out Mr. Creston's phone and called the number in it.A coquettish woman answered the call. "Hey, buddy!"Frank laughed at the way she greeted him as if they were old friends. "Reverend Quietus, I presume? Why don't we meet up, if you don't mind?""I certainly don't mind." The woman laughed too. "Who
Frank smiled and nodded. "Ladies like you are rare these days."Drunken Moon snapped her fingers, grinning. "That's exactly why we need to work hard to eliminate all the terrible women. There would be more good girls that way, don't you agree?"I'm not out to make men happy—just to set a standard for my fellow girls. Not everything is black and white, since anything can be relative. Even if men were all gone, bad women would still be bad women. Don't you agree?"Frank nodded in agreement.Thirty minutes later, the stout Mr. Creston sat up on the bed, clearly startled.Frank, who was watching from a bird's eye view, was caught by surprise—how did that man sense his presence?Still, he understood when he saw that Mr. Creston was holding a gleaming yellow talisman.Shock soon turned to curiosity as Frank thought most street geomancers these days were conmen, but somehow, a working talisman was there right in front of him. Hence, Frank made up his mind to find them right then."I
Frank was not only the smart guy out there in the whole right world. In other words, Mr. Creston had that in mind too!He was helping because he had felt insulted after Frank flexed on him earlier, and Dani was still useful to him—for now.When she handed over the company, however, he would not hesitate to kick her out! On top of that, he would make sure that she took the fall for all the dirty deeds they did together.In the end, she would not even be able to defend herself, while suffering lawsuits and public condemnation!Even so, she said, "I understand now. But it's never too late—I swear I'll change if you give me a chance!"Frank simply turned to Zein. "Actually, this man had the right idea—if he gave you a chance, who would give him one?"We're all adults here, so act your age. I'm sure you understand how a good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.""I get it!" Dani quickly said. "You don't have to keep me around, just—""No!" Frank snapped and crushed her left hand und
Dani was under the impression that even if the goons were not the best, they were on the cusp of reaching that level anyway.It turned out to be just her wishful thinking—when against the truly powerful, she was a lamb at the mercy of the butcher's knife, no matter how many people she brought! "To be honest, I'm curious as to what you're thinking." Frank snorted as he strode up to Dani. "Why dump a man who loves you dearly for some prick you don't even know? Being abused in that state and still thinking that you'd chosen wisely—do you actually have a brain?"Seeing her launching, he knew she was not listening, and he tore her ear off!The horrific pain jolted Dani to her senses, and she was left clutching what remained of her ear as she stared at the seemingly handsome man.She was under the impression that Frank would let her live even if she lost, but it was once again wishful thinking.He would kill her, and savagely at that!And she was certainly right, since Frank had ne