Yed's concern was actually reasonable, and Lothar paused in thought. "The way I see it, he must be in league with Abel Loggins." Paula laughed coolly just then. "He must be using some misdirection trick on the laymen like us. I think Ciril was never cured at all!""Exactly. I think so too." Yed sneered."So you're not going to pay me?" Frank's tone became threatening, taking a step forward."And what are you going to do about it? You're in my house!" Yed snapped back and beckoned.Several Janko retainers loyal to Yed strode out, their death aura spilling.Frank turned to Lothar right then. "Mr. Janko, is this how your family treats guests? And the man who saved the head of the family at that?"Lothar did a double take but quickly reasoned, "Please calm down, Mr. Lawrence. I can see that you've cured my brother, and there was no mistaking it. And I've also promised that you'd be paid whether you succeed, as long as you come over."Wheeling on Yed with a vicious glare right then
As the retainers and bodyguards loyal to Yed encircled Ned and Frank menacingly, Ned snapped at Yed, "What is the meaning of this?!" "What, you ask? Haha!" Yed laughed loudly and coldly. "I won't hide it from you now, dear brother—yes, I was the one who poisoned our father! It's his fault for choosing you as his successor! He's asking for it! Also, it's not just me… Paula is in this too! She's the one who personally did it!""What…" Ned blurted, looking around as Yed's men closed in on him in shock and rage. "Have you forgotten Uncle Lothar?! If he finds out about this—""Oh, don't worry. That fool would never know." Yed sneered savagely. "Still, he did mess up my plans a little, wasting so much of my time… I would've turned on him right away if he didn't bring those retainers with him!" "But that's fine—I made a deal with Sif Lionheart, and she'll soon be here with the Lionhearts' best men. Once they killed Lothar, I'll succeed Father as the next head of the Janko family! I did
"What?!" "What is that brute strength?!"The Janko bodyguards could feel their hearts clenching when they saw the sheer power Frank fought with.Even Ned was left stunned for half a beat as he stood right beside Frank!On the other hand, the Birthright rank Janko retainers were unfazed—they were no pushovers. After all, they were the backbone of the Jankos' strength as they rose as one of the Four Families of Morhen, replacing the mysterious Lawrence family.As everyone watched, the ashen-haired retainer stayed on course, kicking the limousine thrown at him in two.As he landed and looked around for Frank, he abruptly felt a cold burst of air on his cheek."Huh?"Before he could turn, Frank's foot was on his check, launching him into the air, spinning violently as he coughed liters of blood."What?!" Yed, who had been watching all along, did not even notice when Frank appeared mid-air."He's so fast"The two remaining Birthright rank Janko retainers did, however. They m
"Brother!" Lothar cried, unable to keep strangling Hal as he dropped to the floor.When he looked up, he saw that Ciril was suddenly on his feet. However, his hair and beard were standing on ends and his eyes were thoroughly red, his veins throbbing like a raging beast."He's gone amok…?!"Even as the word came to mind, Lothar was left watching as Ciril launched a punch at him on the floor."Move!" Lothar threw Hal aside as he barrel rolled out of the way, dodging Ciril's punch by inches… which left a meter-deep crater on the floor."Brother, it's me, Lothar! Get a hold of yourself!" Lothar cried out anxiously.His words did not seem to reach Ciril, however.If anything, it made Ciril even more violent.He bellowed again and kept attacking Lothar."Go… Get Mr. Lawrence!" Lothar shouted to the retainers nearby even as he parried Ciril's assault. "T-Tell him that Hal ruined his treatment… Ciril has gone amok!"-Meanwhile, Frank was slowly rising off the ground in front of Y
"Frank Lawrence."Yed did not run.He was a martial artist too, though he also knew that he would never escape an Ascendant rank, which Frank was.Composing himself, he growled through his teeth despite his reluctance, "I'll pay you your 800 million. But you have to promise that you'll leave my house right away and never meddle in my family's business!""Mr. Lawrence…" Ned was left flustered—he would be killed if Frank really left for that money! To his dismay, Frank stopped and leveled an impassive look at Yed. "Really?""Of course," Yed said. "I'm the next head of the Janko family, and my word is golden."In Yed's mind, overflowing glee was quickly replacing his panic as he realized Frank was just a fool who got involved for money.Losing 800 million dollars while he turned the tables against everyone and became the next head of the Janko family? That was no loss at all!In fact, once his succession was complete, he could repay Frank with this humiliation!This time, Yed e
"Blargh!" Yed coughed out a mouthful of dark-red blood as he dropped on his rear, glaring at Frank in disbelief even as he shook with rage. "Y-You crippled my cultivation! H-How dare…""You talk too much." Frank shook his head and slapped him across the face right then, sending several bleeding teeth flying. "You're traitorous scum who conspired to kill your own father… Nah, you're actually an insult to scum."Yed would never have dreamed that Frank would actually hit him. He screamed hysterically despite his missing teeth, "Y-You hit me! I'll kill you! I'm the next head of the Janko family! This is my house… You're dead!""Whatever."Frank turned, shaking his head as he walked up to Ned and clapped him on the shoulder. "Go on, Mr. Janko. I'm sure you need to vent.""Yeah." Ned nodded.He had certainly had enough of this brother who bullied and humiliated him ever since a child. Even though he had gone the extra mile to make sure he did not upset Yed, handing over any family
"Ned… I'll kill you… You—"Ned punched Yed in the face even before Yed could finish threatening him, sending Yed slamming into the ground.Yed's bodyguards rushed forward, ready to save him, only to see Frank shifting his weight between his legs. "You can keep coming if you don't mind dying."The bodyguards all paused right then in fear, caught in a dilemma as they watched Frank fold his arms before his chest.That was when a mini tram bounded down the cobblestone path and a Janko retainer leapt out."M-Mr. Lawrence!" he cried. "Ciril Janko has gone amok—please, you have to help him!""Amok?" Frank frowned, his expression suddenly cool. "I was very clear about not touching him. Did you not follow my instructions?""W-We did…" the retainer paused awkwardly. "But we were distracted for a moment, and Hal climbed on top of Ciril, and…""Save it." Frank waved him off. "I get the idea. It was planned ahead anyway."Frank then turned toward Yed, whom Ned had clobbered into a pulp a
Ned spat, "Guess you're lucky this time!""Oof—"Yed coughed blood as he collapsed, unconscious.Frank and the Janko retainer then hurried into the mini tram that the latter came on and returned to the main Janko mansion."Whoa…" Frank was actually surprised to see only half the mansion was left standing.At the same time, Ciril's wild rampage was still continuing, and most of the Janko retainers Lothar brought were either dead or maimed.Even if Ciril was saved, the damage to his family was already done."Is Mr. Lawrence here yet?!" Lothar shouted when he saw the mini tram return, wiping the blood off his lips and appearing guilty when he saw Frank.If only he had known that Hal would ruin everything… He should have just killed that brat from the start and be done with it!"Please, Mr. Lawrence…" he cried. "You have to help us! Save my brother!""Ciril…" Frank appeared shocked even as he watched Ciril Janko from afar.The man's skin was beet red as he fought several Ascenda
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.