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
Drunken Moon felt an unusual power at the same time, and it seemed to reach out to her, urging her to chant a rhythmic incantation.Soon, the translucent form of a colossal deity appeared behind her, though she saw upon a closer look that it looked just like Frank, only that it was dressed more elegantly with robes of olden times!"My god… What is this?!" Jada exclaimed out loud.Drunken Moon was shocked too. "Does this mean that I can do this to summon you anytime in the future?""Strictly speaking, yes—but only if I have the time," Frank said, his voice deep yet resonant as if spreading from the bottom of the ocean.It felt at once mysterious but also carrying the might of the divine!"What about us?" Moxxi asked in curiosity.Frank did not answer, instead disappearing for a moment and returning in front of Moxxi as he reverted to his original form."I had no idea I had such an ability, and it's thanks to Drunken Moon for inspiring me," he said. "If she can do that, strictly
Utterly dejected, Masked Man sighed. "Just do it."Frank laughed before asking in curiosity, "Why aren't you afraid of death anymore?"Masked Man sighed. "Perhaps it was just wishful thinking from the start, like some ignorant village hick thinking that a lottery ticket would make him the richest man in the world. But there's just no comparison… if only I'd just restrain myself and stick to spending my winnings, then this wouldn't happen at all."Frank smiled and nodded. "You're right. It's such a shame that you had to run into me… Come on, give it to me, and you'll have your wish."Masked Man then took off his mask and threw it to Frank.As Frank took it, he turned back toward the other man to see that it was still a void under the mask. But curiously, a strange sea of stars seem to shine within that void."You have the support of the best scientists in the world—I'm sure they would find out how this works. Now do it," he repeated.Frank nodded and waved his hand, and Masked Ma
It went without saying that Masked Man was absolutely furious that Frank still belittled him after he demonstrated his powers.Hence, he did not wait to demand an apology and pointed at Frank.He laughed out loud as Frank disappeared at the very next instant as he expected, while everyone in the cottage was gaping in shock.What?! Did Frank just lose?Furious, Moxxi wheeled on Jada. "You were there! Why didn't you stop him?!"Jada could not argue, as she always believed that Frank always had a way out and was much more insightful than she was. That was why she usually would not argue against his plan.She just did not expect Frank to bite off more than he could chew this time!The others could not help worrying, the only exception being Alda."Calm down," she told them. "Why didn't Mr. Frankton's body blow up if his opponent succeeded? In the end, he's still playing with his food!"The ladies all traded glances, and it did make sense once they considered that.If Frank really
Frank remembered with a start—so Masked Man was the one who wielded the power of the spiritron vein like himself and challenged him before."I really didn't expect you to come so soon. Let him go—this has nothing to do with him," he said.Masked Man simply smirked. "I remember you telling me that I can challenge you again, but only when you have the time. That's why I dealt with him just to spare you unnecessary bother."Frank shrugged. "He never was."Masked Man flung Lightning Man to the ground, striding toward Frank as he gloated. "You're going to regret not killing me before soon enough. You see, you're no match for me."Frank laughed out loud. "If you're really all that strong, why don't you have the composure of one? You begged pathetically as soon as I had your life in my hands—to be honest, it just cheapens anything you say. Even your words weigh nothing in that sense."Annoyed, Masked Man snapped, "Do you even know the value of a stiff upper lip? Either way, As long as I
Jouri laughed. "He has such a long list of enemies that he really wouldn't know. Still, you could tell me their name, address, or appearance. That might help."Lightning Man shook his head. "I know nothing about him, only his face."He dropped to a crouch, his fingertips sparking with electricity, burning concrete as he drew a face of a shady man."That's about how he looks," Lightning Man said. "Watch out—he's really slippery."Frank nodded. "Don't worry about him, and remember what I said.""Don't worry. I will!"And with those words, Lightning Man turned to leave, sighing lengthily. He used to feel troubled over being too strong and having no match, but he did not need to now.However, who could have thought that Frank could be this powerful?Either way, this meant he would spend the rest of his life trying to surpass Frank, as he was like a natural disaster in human form. That would be much more difficult than finding someone better than him—as Frank was immovable just by
Frank freed Lightning Man and landed. "Tell me, have you murdered innocents?"Lightning Man smiled, shaking his head. "Never, and not because I'm kind, but it's like asking who would be so bored that they'd butcher animals for fun."Frank snorted but nodded. "And that's why I didn't kill you. Now strike me with your lightning bolt."Lightning Man was initially taken aback.Presuming that Frank wanted a fair, clean fight, he exclaimed in delight, "I knew it! Your personality is just like mine!""Cut the crap and get it done already!" Frank snapped impatiently.And without further ado, Lightning Man summoned a lightning bolt, directing it straight at Frank.Frank stood his ground while launching another bolt straight toward the sky.It collided with Lightning Man's bolt, dispelling it right then!"Impossible!" Lightning Man blanched—he was already shocked that Frank could beat him, since he was lauded as being peerless, and none of the martial elites who fought Frank had ever
Frank chuckled. "But it's not all that useful—for example, I don't really have night vision since my senses can pick up on incoming danger."Jouri smiled, shaking her head. "Having it is better than not having it."They continued their conversation for a while before Jouri turned off everything and headed out of the mansion with Frank.That was when someone approached from a distance, clapping as he walked toward them. "One would expect nothing less of the chief of Mystic Sky Guild—there's no end to the beauties flocking around him. And let me guess… She must be someone important too?""Who are you?" Jouri demanded coolly.The man smirked and wagged his finger at her. "That's not important—what matters is the youth beside you. Rumor has it that he's being like no other, invincible in Shagan and perhaps the world?"At those words, Frank realized where he was coming from—he was a martial arts fanatic, and once he heard about Frank, he traveled all the way to Shagan to challenge Fra
Frank was not interested in telling the spiritron vein that and instead asked, "In other words, Jouri's upgrade is actually something you could've given me?"The dragon thought about it, nodding at first but soon shaking its head. "Yes, but also no. There are many things which I can't grant just because I want to… As for why, it's up to you to learn that in the future."Frank smiled but said nothing—the strong really loved their riddles instead of giving the full picture.Still, that was fine.Since the spiritron put it that way, he would most definitely get the full picture eventually.-Back in reality, there was a flash of golden light before silence returned.Jouri was left astounded—Frank had disappeared from the wooden stool, as if he never existed."What's going on?!" she exclaimed in confusion.All the data suggested that Frank would survive the experiment or would at least not die if it fell through.So why this?Not only would she have trouble explaining herself to
Stepping out, Frank called Jouri to have her go over to the homestay cottage to get the hag's phone while he escorted Aisling Walls' parents there.Aisling burst into tears the instant she saw her parents and was at once hugging them while bawling.The chief ranger walked up to Frank, saying, "She's quite something. Fearless against injustice, a sobbing child with her parents."Frank nodded. "Both qualities that are inextricably connected, I suppose."After sending Aisling and her parents away, Jouri soon arrived and promptly sat down beside Frank. "I heard that Horace Gagne's mansion burned down, and the man himself died in the fire. Not only was no one else harmed, but all the evidence against him is exposed too. People are saying that he got his just deserts—that the mountain god was blessing them."Frank was not sure how he should react to that. "It's fine if they believed the paranormal, but why are you joining them?"Jouri chuckled. "Oh, I wouldn't have believed it either.