The seal was so tough that even Frank could not make it budge easily.Still, he concluded after probing it that it was a protective seal that did not hurt the body. The only issue was that it prevented a person from charging their vigor—in fact, any form of vigor that showed up in the body would activate the seal, which would in turn be dispelled.It appeared that Kat's journey as a martial artist had ended before it started, as the seal made it virtually impossible for her to use her vigor.However, it begged other questions.For one, it would take a martial artist peaking at Ascendant rank to cast such a seal, and at a great cost to the psyche.In that case, what made Kat worth the trouble for an Ascendant rank going that far to cast that seal?And if the seal proved unstable, it would consume the host in a split second, making it a severe risk.Could Kat's birth involve some major players who were at least peak Ascendant rank? Even across all of Draconia, Ascendant ranks we
"Where?" Frank asked bluntly."Sunblaze Dojo. It's in South Morhen," Hux replied."Alright. Wait for me there.""By the way, Mr. Lawrence…" Hux stopped him before he could hang up. "You have to watch out. My boss is really not pleased about this.""Got it."With that, Frank quickly washed up and headed outside, hailing a cap that took him straight to Sunblaze Dojo.He was not actually surprised that the Sunblazers' boss was upset about the arrangement—why would he give up so easily on a position he had fought so hard to claim?If anything, the invitation to the Sunblaze Dojo was an obvious trap, as the name of the dojo already suggested that it was Sunblazer turf and dojos were a place where blood was shed.-When Frank arrived over ten minutes later, Hux was on hand with a group of men to receive him.He was smiling apologetically and sporting dark circles under his eyes. "Be careful, Mr. Lawrence. The boss has summoned the Four Kings and every elite fighter in the gang…"F
"Heh…" Pax glanced at Frank, flashing a smile that did not reach his eyes. "When did the succession of leadership for us Sunblazers become a decision made by some outsider? Do you take me for some pushover who'd cave just because someone said so?!"His tone then changed sinister even as he kept both eyes on Frank. "I have no problems with you challenging me, Hux, but are you prepared for the consequences?!"Hux's cheeks twitched at Pax's threat, but he soon noticed Frank nodded at him.Taking another step forward, he bellowed confidently, "Of course I am! And you should be prepared for what happens after you step down too, Pax!""Hah! You don't have to worry about that, because you're definitely losing!" Pax sneered.His confidence came from the Four Kings, each of whom were martial elites trained since childhood, and each Birthright rank boasting godly abilities.It was no exaggeration to say that they could handle over a hundred men at once, but that was not the worst thing
"What? What's going on?" Frank turned to Hux, puzzled by his reaction.Hux leaned in to whisper under his breath, "That's Ned Janko. He's Pax Darman's benefactor."Frank raised a brow. "Is the Janko family really that impressive?"Hux made a weary look at his question. "Well, Ned's family is next to the Four Families of Morhen in importance, and Ned himself is second-in-line to inherit leadership of the family. Moreover, the Jankos have recently attempted to claim the vacant seat among the Four Families, following the decline of the Lawrence family.""Oh, I see…" Frank rubbed his chin in realization.That was when Pax, catching both Frank and Hux off guard, hurried to Ned's side with the Four Kings."Hoho…" He chuckled. "I'm awash with gratitude, Mr. Janko… To think that you'd come personally!"As he spoke, Pax glanced sideways at Hux and smiled smugly when he saw Hux's face turn pale.After all, no one would ever dare tell Pax to step down when Ned was around!"Haha… I merely
Shrewd as ever, Pax had his men bring chairs for Ned and his valets.His attitude changed since he was a lot less worried with Ned around—no one would dare make him step down with his benefactor present.Still, he would have to put up a proper show for the man.Turning toward the crowd, he said loudly and smugly, "The young man over there is so brave… Every Sunblazer present will be my witness. If he defeats the Four Kings, I'll step down and Hux can take my place."Everyone roared with laughter at that."Hehe." Frank simply braced against the jeers and contemptuous remarks and slowly strode toward the ring, cracking his neck.Pax then turned to the Four Kings. "Go, but remember, give a proper showing. Mr. Janko is watching! Don't blame me for disowning you if you lose!""Yes, Mr. Barzini!" All four burly men answered yes before striding into the ring in a tidy formation."Over here, Hux." Ned beckoned at an embarrassed Hux just then. "So where did you find your champion, and h
However, Ned and his pretty boy valets were right.The Four Kings had more than established themselves—would Frank really win against them?The thought left Hux despondent again.Even if Frank defeated Pax, Ned was here—would he really allow Hux to take over?He was getting a migraine just thinking about it…-Meanwhile, the Four Kings had moved inside the ring, standing opposite Frank and glaring at him in disdain.They knew every martial elite in Morhen and had never seen Frank's face or heard of the name Vicky Lawrence.In other words, he was from out-of-town—a bumpkin ignorant to the fact that still waters ran deep here in Morhen.On top of that, the Four Kings were capable of defeating anyone in Morhen—barring the martial elites from the Four Families.As such, judging Frank by his youth, the Four Kings were dead sure that they had this in the bag.That was when Frank strode forward despite their scornful glares, his expression even more pointed than theirs. "Come at me
To make things worse, the bones in Dono's arm were fractured, and he could not even raise it!"What?!"It was not just Dono either—the rest of the Four Kings and the entire crowd of spectators were gaping.Dono had put in all his strength behind that earlier punch. He should have blown a hole into anything, be it a wall or a mountain!And yet, Dono could not even feel his fist making contact with Frank's flesh earlier—it felt as if he had punched a metal plate instead, causing no damage while shattering all his own bones.It was absolutely terrifying… Wait, could he be Ascendant rank?!Everyone below stage were left in disbelief when they saw that Dono was repelled so obviously too, since they presumed Frank would definitely be beaten.And yet, not only did Frank repel Dono's punch, but the recoil also left Dono maimed!"What the hell, Dono?!" Ano, the leader of the Four Kings, bellowed just then, confused as he glanced between the impassive Frank and Dono, who sat limply on th
The outcome was naturally no different—all three men were left stumbling backward, their meridians churning. Instead, they were all left with internal injuries from the sheer recoil of hitting Frank, as if he was made out of steel.Frank simply stood there, shaking his head nonchalantly."Weak," he growled, opening his eyes as the whole room looked on in shock while stretching his back with a bored look. "If this is all you have, you've thoroughly disappointed me… Four Kings? More like Four Pups.""You've really done it now!"Incensed, the Four Kings—except Dono who was lying prone on the floor—traded glances and attacked Frank again.Not holding back this time, they casted their combard ward.But it would not have mattered to Frank even if they were four—and they were just three now."Quadruplet Ward!"Each of the Four Kings stood at a corner, their breaths in synchrony as the pure vigor around them converged and strengthened to the next level."Hyah!"This time, they leapt