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
Even Ned, who had plenty to say about Frank before the fight started, was left staring at the huge rift inches away from himself.His cheeks clenching, he could feel his own legs shaking!His pretty boy valets were also turning pale, with two actually dropping to their knees audibly.Thud.Pax was on his knees too, staring blankly at Frank who leveled his fist at him, and then at the deep ravine beneath his feet.His head was blank even as he mused, "I-Is he actually human? How does he do it? Am I on a film set or something?"Then, turning toward one of his men, he snapped, "Hey, get over here and pinch me. I need to check if this is real."On the other hand, the Sunblazer goons were all left at a loss after their initial shock.No matter how one looked at it, this had something to do with the power of a god! Really, what human could have done this?!As everyone turned pale from the devastation that ensued from Frank's single punch, Ano—who was closest to Frank—dropped limply
"What, do you have a problem?" Frank walked slowly toward them, his hands clasped behind his back as he said, "If you have more martial elites under your command, send them in. I can do this all day."At Frank's words, Pax realized that he was done for—what else could he say? Even Ned would concede his place as boss of the Sunblazers out of fear for Frank!Ashened face, he gave in right then. "Sure. I have no reason to refuse since you've spoken, Mr. Janko."Still, frustration and helplessness showed as Pax turned to Hux Darman and announced loudly, "From this day forth, I, Pax Barzini, will step down as head of the Sunblazers—and Hux Darman will take my place!"Sighing, he then nodded politely at Ned. "Farewell."It was no exaggeration to say that Pax had lost everything—the Four Kings were defeated, and even Ned wasn't on his side.Stepping down on his own was being tactful at this point, as it might be too late if someone else had to make him.Worst of all, he had made a long
"No, no, no—not a chance."Ned's heartfelt congratulations left Hux shocked, and he quickly flashed a smile awkwardly. "I would never have been allowed to succeed you if you refused. If you need anything, just say the word and consider it done."Hux was clearly a people's person, offering Frank assurance and then insisting his loyalty toward Ned in quick succession.Cid hurried over, eager to show his face. "Don't worry, Mr. Janko. My brother will definitely lead the Sunblazers to new heights."Ned smiled and nodded, and finally showed his true colors just then. "Would you happen to be free later, Vicky? I have a reservation at a hotel restaurant nearby. Care to join us? Let's get to know each other…"Pax, who was about to leave despondently, heard him.His eyes lit up right then, and he ran over to them with a fawning smile. "We're still friends even though I've passed the torch to Hux, right? And I'm leaving the country soon anyway… It'll be our last banquet together, so I can
Ned's creased bow eased when Frank agreed to come along. Suddenly, even Pax was less of an eyesore.He did not notice Pax lowering his gaze just then, and his eyes flashed venomously.Even if he was stepping down as the Sunblazers' boss, he would collect his dues before leaving!-Half an hour later, Frank and the others left Sunblaze Dojo and drove to Southtown Hotel located just a block away.As a pretty twentyish waitress poured them wine, Pax was laughing heartily, seemingly not upset that he had just lost leadership over the Sunbalzers. "Hux." He chuckled. "You wouldn't know, but I've been meaning to step down!"Hux could roll his eyes—there was no way he would believe that.Still, he pretended to be curious and asked, "What? Why?"Pax sighed. "You have no idea… It's really not easy managing so many men and such a large turf as a boss, and there's always someone looking to replace you…""See?" Pax exclaimed as he pulled a strand of white hair off his head. "My hair's tu