Yed leveled a suspicious glare at Ned just then, snapping sharply and bluntly, "Not everyone can get their hands on such a terrible poison, and we all know how affable my father is—no one has a motive other than Ned. Dad was in a room alone with him for over an hour last night. I'm sure he did it at that time!""Do you have evidence?" Lothar asked, shooting Yed a look.He was no fool—Yed was the most ambitious in the family, while Ned was always cowering and never straying out of line.No matter how Lothar thought about it, he was not convinced that Ned would ever go that far.Instead, it was Yed who was the most suspicious."I-I didn't poison Dad," Ned braced himself and argued his case. "Why would I do something like that? Don't try to slander me, Yed…""What, are you talking back to me?!" Yed's eyes flashed dangerously and he strode up toward Ned, ready to beat him up."How dare you snap at Daddy, eunuch!" Hal chimed in."Enough!" Lothar bellowed, his expression icy. "No inf
Lothar finished, "Right now, the priority is to get help for Ciril. I've sent for Abel Loggins from the capital—he'll be here soon."At those words, Yed released Ned's collar while growling, "You're lucky this time!"Ned stumbled backward, his brows knitted in frustration."Oh, you have nothing to worry about," Lothar suddenly said, looking between everyone pointedly. "Ciril is Ascendant rank—once he regains consciousness, who and how he was poisoned would be revealed. He'd know better than anyone. If any of you are present, I will not hold back. This is an attempt on my brother's life, and it entails a summary execution!"Paula's fingers twitched at Lothar's threat, her expression unnatural as she sneaked a look at Yed.Yed nodded at her in turn, assuring her to stay calm since they would never be exposed.After all, they knew better than anyone that Ciril had been poisoned with the Taut Snow Tree. The Taut Snow Tree sounded like a tree, but it was anything but—it was the one
However, Yed saw Ned walking toward their father and taking out a yellow pill, and he promptly bellowed, "What do you think you're doing?!"Before Ned realized what was happening, Yed had leapt up, knocking the pill out of his hand and stamping it into pieces.Naturally, his overreaction caught Abel and Lothar's attention. "What? What's going on here?""Uncle Lothar!" Yed bellowed as he pointed at the remains of the yellow pill. "That bastard was going to feed father some poisoned pill, but I noticed in time and destroyed it!""It's not poison!" Ned retorted loudly to clear the suspicion against him despite his doubts. "It's a pill given to me by Mr. Lawrence! It can stop the poison and keep father alive for another few days!" "Mr. Lawrence who?!" Paula chimed in, shrieking. "The way I see it, you're worried that Mr. Loggins can save Ciril now that he's here, and you want to poison him dead! You're despicable!" "I'm not!" Ned bellowed, wheezing."The proof is right here, and y
Abel was clicking his tongue, impressed. "The recipe for the Yellow Shrive should have been lost in time, only for me to encounter one here, today… The sun has yet to set on traditional Draconia medicine!""Traditional Draconia medicine?" Yed scoffed in obvious contempt.Abel snorted in turn. "Boy, don't think that traditional Draconia medicine loses out to foreign medicine. The only issue is that most of our discipline has been lost in time—otherwise, foreign medicine cannot even hope to catch up to our pride!""No, Mr. Loggins. I'm just curious," Yed groaned. "From the way you said it before, my father's condition was beyond saving, and now you're saying that a simple pill can bring him back to life?""Yes!" Abel exclaimed confidently.With that, they watched as a servant picked up the powdered remains of the Yellow Shrive carefully.However, just as he mixed it with water and was about to feed it to Ciril, Hal whipped out a pebble out of nowhere and threw it squarely at his fa
Yed never expected Ned to fight back, and a death aura spilled out of him right there.Paula joined in right then. "Watch your tongue, Ned! That's your brother you're talking to!""Eunuch!" Hal snapped too. "How dare you snap at my daddy! Die!"The boy leapt forward, ready to hit Ned, when he suddenly bellowed, "Enough!"Then, seizing Hal by the collar, Ned slapped Hal so heavily the boy was bleeding from the mouth, and immediately bawling in terror. "Daddy! Help me…"Yed's eyes went red as he bellowed, "Let him go! That's an order, or I'm killing you right now!""Are you showing your true colors now?!" Paula shrieked as well."Fuck off! I've had enough of either of you!" Ned bellowed and turned toward Lothar. "You saw what happened, Uncle Lothar! You can see who's not so keen to save, don't you?!"Lothar's eyes flashed darkly in turn.In a split second, he snatched Hal out of Ned's grasp, and…Smack!Smack!With two resounding slaps, the spoiled brat was knocked out."Unc
Frank was taking Kat out on a joyride in his Maserati.They had covered a lap around the outer reaches of Morhen and were returning to the cottage when he received Ned's call."Excuse me, Mr. Lawrence, but I would like to ask for a favor…" Ned asked right away.He certainly understood the true depth of Frank's abilities, now that even a famed healer like Abel Loggins was swooning over some traditional pill Frank took out so nonchalantly. Knowing that Frank was far more than what he seemed, Ned kept his tone as humble as possible."Ah, Mr. Ned Janko." Frank nodded on the other end. "What's the issue? Perhaps something unexpected happened, and my pill didn't work?"Beside Frank, Kat exclaimed in surprise, "Ned Janko? As in the second son of Ciril Janko, who's rumored to be gay?!"Smiling, she leaned away from Frank, as if deliberately keeping her distance."So that's how it is," she muttered under her breath. "That's why you're not interested in me… You're gay!""Shove it." Fra
Lothar turned toward Yed, asking coolly, "What's the problem, Yed? Is your father's life not worth a hundred million? Or maybe you never wanted him to be saved?!""W-What are you saying?!" Yed was sweating from his uncle's icy glare and chuckling awkwardly. "Of course I want my dad to get better. I'm just worried that the conman would mess up and make things worse…""Hmm?" Frank murmured over the line just then. "It seems you're not keen for my help. In that case, there's nothing to discuss.""Wait!" Lothar cried before Frank could hang up. "Alright, a hundred million is it. Yed agrees to it."Then, turning toward Yed with a murderous glare, he barked, "Say it!""Fine… a hundred million it is," Yed replied, cursing Lothar inwardly.If not for his uncle's interference, he would have eliminated Ned by now and become the Jankos' sole heir."Tut, tut… You sound so reluctant." Frank chuckled, steering the car even as Kat gaped at him. "I've changed my mind now—I want 200 million.""
Everyone was scowling harder especially when they saw Kat—a brat looking around, curious about everything around her.On the other hand, Ned did not hesitate and approached Frank right away."Welcome, Mr. Lawrence," Ned greeted Frank, while adding under his breath, "My answer to your proposal before… Please, you have to save my father.""Yeah." Frank flashed an assuring smile at him and clapped him on the shoulder.Kat smiled awkwardly when she saw that, and Frank shot her a sideways glare, knowing what was on her mind.Lothar chuckled heartily and greeted Frank as well. "So you must be the Mr. Lawrence that Ned has been talking about? May I have the honor of your name?"Frank nodded and replied neutrally, "Frank Lawrence.""Frank Lawrence…?" Lothar was disappointed inwardly since he had never heard of the name, but he hid it well.After Frank entered the mansion with both men, Abel returned.Yed had sent for him—he was keen to see if Ned's friend would actually walk his talk.
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.