"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
Frank glanced at Lothar, inwardly impressed. "Such immaculate defense technique."While Mystic Sky Sect apprentices were instructed in secret techniques taught since time immemorial, there were plenty of other secret techniques passed down among other clans and sects. Naturally, each of such techniques had something that made them special, but Frank had the advantage of the Five-Peat Archaeus.It was just a basic technique that the chief of Mystic Sky Sect had personally taught him back in the day. However, as long as a technique adhered to the rules of the five basic elements, Frank could use the Five-Peat Archaeus to observe, emulate, and even improve on it.That was how he could copy anyone else's technique so freely from the start!"Basilisk Remittance!" Frank bellowed as he cast the technique Lothar just used. Focusing the projection of yellow pure vigor around his feet, he shattered a boulder flying at him with a kick!Pow!At the same time, an elderly man in white garb who
Yed, who was thrown to the ground, could see ahead with his one good eye, which soon lit up with excitement and delight."Hahaha!" He laughed raspily and shrilly. "That's what you deserve… Hahaha!!!"It was not just him—everyone could see it too, the moment when Frank's head would blow up like a watermelon.Ned's fingers clenched on the car door and closed his eyes in anguish!"Hmm."On the other hand, Frank was simply watching as Ciril's fist streaked toward him thunderously.At this moment, he genuinely understood that the Jankos truly had the disposition to replace the Lawrences as one of the Four Families of Morhen.Even in a stupor, Ciril could wreak such devastation upon all around him. In all certainty, he could prove to be a match for Fenton, Frank's father's valet!However, there was no way Frank would fall here."Death Eater," he murmured, and a burst of red pure vigor unfurled away from Frank like a raging storm.As everyone was left stupefied, the death aura relea
"Alright, quit spacing out now." Frank's calm call brought every Janko to their senses. "I've pacified Mr. Janko now—his left arm is broken, but he just needs bed rest for a period and he'll be fine."Walking up to Ned, he clapped him on the shoulder, leaving him stunned and confused. "Huh? Wha…?""Go," Frank frowned, clearly hinting that he should clean up the mess and earn his keep as the next head of the Janko family.When Ned finally understood, he forced a smile at Frank and nodded repeatedly.Striding forward, he instructed the terrified servants to carry Ciril to another mansion to rest.After that, he beckoned at the bodyguards.Yed, who was still staring blankly at his son's corpse, was dragged to the middle of what remained of the main mansion."Speak!" Lothar bellowed at him. "Did you or did you not poison your father?!"With Ned, the family retainers and Lothar encircling him, Yed became well aware that it was all over for him.His heart only sank further when he
Frank's tone was calm, as if he was merely stating a fact. "What's there to deny? Even if I spilled my guts, do you stand a chance against me? See, no one does!"The man was furious—he had met plenty of conceited individuals, but Frank definitely took the crown!And seeing that Frank was not even in his thirties and was definitely small fry, he did not hesitate to slam his palm on the ground, which promptly started to move! "Interesting!"Frank stood his ground instead of leaping away, staring cooly at the molehills that streaked toward him. Even as the molehills were reaching Frank's feet, the man was left wondering why Frank did not dodge when the unexpected happened.The molehills struck the brat, but he remained unscathed!Earthbending was their cabal's signature technique, capable of causing seismic tremors—even if it was no match for real earthquakes, most people would still have trouble dealing with it.They were either torn into pieces by the shockwave, though the mor
Frank waited for a taxi and headed to his destination. Soon, the taxi stopped outside a dilapidated apartment.As Frank alighted and stared at the cracks on every block or the shaky foundations, even he could tell that it was in such a bad state it must be demolished. Shaking his head, he sighed in exasperation and entered the fifth unit on the sixth floor of Block D.He knocked on the door, and a smiling geezer opened it as he studied him. "What can I do for you, sir?"Able to tell right away that he was special, Frank asked, "Let's just call it a visit. I heard you could craft mystic items?"The geezer laughed right then. "I knew it. The nail that sticks out really gets hammered! I just want to keep my head down and live out my days, but you found me anyway.""Please don't misunderstand, sir," Frank quickly said. "I'm no robber, and I'm not going to steal from you. As long as you assist me, I can do anything for you.""Let's talk inside." The geezer stepped aside to let Fr
The motel owner thought Frank was trustworthy and told him everything he knew."Good. Thanks for cooperation—now do it yourself."Frank snapped his fingers again, and the mystic gun returned, lying quietly beside the motel owner as if it never disappeared."What? You're a martial elite! Don't you think people would talk behind your back about our deceit?!"The motel owner thought Frank was joking, but his expression was not.As such he pinned his hopes on emotional blackmail, but Frank was impervious to that too, even chuckling. "What's there to worry about? It'd just be hearsay, and they would be gone a couple of centuries later."Also, everyone would only find out if I spared you instead of avenging your victims. Now that's proper evil. You're naive if you think that I'm not the scourge of injustice. You won't be getting any chances from me."Even as reality sank in for the motel owner, he cried, "Y-You can't do this! We had an agreement!"Frank shrugged. "First of all, I onl
The motel owner snorted. "You're all so ignorant! It's true that most guns are pointless against Ascendant ranks, but this is no ordinary gun—it's a mystical item refined by a master craftsman."Not only are the bullets much faster, the gun's penetration power is even more formidable. I used it to bury many while I was young—even martial elites like you!"Everyone became restless at those.However, while Drunken Moon and the others were worried, Frank was actually excited.Mystic items were a quintessential part of high fantasy, and he might reach a treasure trove through the master craftsman whom the motel owner spoke of."Aren't you scared?" the motel owner asked just then, puzzled seeing that Frank was fearless, even smiling.Frank chuckled. "Why should I worry about a mere toy? Start shooting if you want—I'm sure everyone's busy and has better things to do."The middle-aged man snapped, "You're getting too full of yourself, brat! That thing has clearly seen plenty of action
Drunken Moon was definitely not going to tolerate that, and she snapped, "What are you going to do if I don't apologize?"The motel owner growled coolly, "I've already shown you what I can do, and I don't mind showing it again. Don't take me for some angel—push me too far, and I'll even make you my slave."Drunken Moon was simply amused. "Then show me what you've got to grow as conceited as you are!"The middle-aged man was snapping at Drunken Moon even before the motel owner could. "Bitch, you can't even win against my friends! What, do you think you can challenge me just because you have your boy toy?"He's quick, but so what?! Speed is pointless against absolute power!"The motel owner certainly felt buoyed by the flattery. After all, one would never look a gift horse in the mouth, and there was no one who despised being praised.Spreading his arms, he laughed. "Come on—seeing those pretty cheeks of yours, let me give you a nice hug.""Go fuck yourself!" Drunken Moon snapped,
Frank gestured at the door with his chin, and everyone turned to see a diminutive man.Despite his small frame, his eyes made it clear he was no average Joe. There was also a spring in his step—clearly having treated himself physically."Hello, everyone. I'm the owner of this premises!"The owner was clearly not inclined for matters to escalate, which was why he never intervened.That was until the manager accidentally touched the pendant!It was a family heirloom that, according to the owner's forebears, had the power to eat through everything—it just had yet to be proven.Horrified, the manager told the owner everything, and he came over to check out the situation. He would deal with Frank and the rest of the troublemakers, only to run into the troublemakers first."You're no slouch yourself!"Cyclops was delighted and lunged straight at the owner without hesitation, his hands outstretched like talons.The owner did not even seem to move, but Cyclops somehow missed."Fall."
Drunken Moon laughed coolly. "You're the one who kept bragging so much at first, saying that the strong decide on justice. And now that I've beaten you, it makes everything I said right, no?"The middle-aged man smirked. "Really? You're good, but not that good—if you're that brave, let me go, and I will call in my boys so we can have a rematch!"Drunken Moon laughed. "Why would I be afraid of that? Though I'm sure you're just going to bail and never come back."The middle-aged man snapped, "Do you think everyone's like you?! If you're afraid, just say it out loud!""Fine, then go. Why are you still here?"Drunken Moon shrugged, even moving aside for him.The middle-aged man smirked as he pushed himself to his feet and fled—the bitch chose this, and she would only have herself to blame for it!The bellgirl was concerned and came over to Drunken Moon. "Priestess, are you sure this is going to be alright?"Drunken Moon laughed. "Don't worry—even if you doubt me, know that the boy
Her skin and fingers were rotting where the motel manager touched the pendant, as if being corroded by acid at a visible rate. Worst of all, she could not even feel any pain from it!"W-What's going on here?!"Horrified, the motel manager turned and ran.Drunken Moon was ready to give chase, but Frank stopped her. "She's not going to have it easy without her fingers. Let her go."Drunken Moon nodded and pointed at the pendant on the floor. "What the heck is that?"Frank then told her about Reverend Quietus, to which Drunken Room exclaimed, "You meant to say that there are bodies of energy that are basically identical to the paranormal that people speak of?"Frank nodded. "I'm sure it's not just rumors, with the way it remained over a thousand years—things like that do exist. But in the end, it's no different from a spell, and you can handle it if you're strong enough."Drunken Moon smiled. "That only applies to you. I don't know about anyone else, but I really can't deal with th
After she calmed down, the bellgirl took an interest in Frank. "Is he the one who could beat you?"It was the new age—ladies were not shy, and the bellgirl actually liked lookers like him."Hello." Frank greeted her, and she smiled in turn. "Sorry for having to bother you, handsome."She would really have asked for his number if circumstances allowed.That was when footsteps could be heard, and Frank glanced sideways outside as he told Drunken Moon, "Now's your chance for revenge. Don't hold back now.""You don't need to worry about that!" Drunken Moon exclaimed as she flexed her muscles—she was waiting for this moment.The motel manager led several burly men inside, standing at the center proudly like she owned the place. "That's for insulting me, bitch! Go! Show her who she was messing with!"Though the motel manager did not hesitate to send her men after Drunken Moon, Drunken Moon smirked, waiting until the bouncers were about to reach before punching them.Soon, they wer