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
Lothar did a double take before laughing heartily in realization. "You're right, boy… Well, that's decided!"And seeing no protests from the retainers, Ned issued orders. "Lock them up. Once my father recovers, he'll be informed about everything, and he'll punish them as he sees fit."Then, walking up to Frank, he began, "By the way, wasn't Yed saying he was conspiring with—"The cool voice of a woman interrupted before he could finish. "Hmm? It seems that things have gotten lively here… Did I make it in time?"Lothar and the Janko retainers all turned toward the voice and frowned when they saw who it was.Ned strode forward, glowering as he demanded, "Who let you in here, Sif Lionheart?!"The woman in question was dressed in a leather skirt, a military jacket, and a black Draconian beret, escorted by over a dozen bodyguards as she alighted. She casted a brief glance of disdain at Ned before looking around and asking, "Where's Yed? Why isn't he here to see me?""Answer my ques
Meanwhile, the Janko family bodyguards had chased down Yed and restrained him again.Even as they dragged him off to the basement stockade, he screamed, "Please save me, Ms. Lionheart! They're going to kill me!""Ned Janko, I demand you release Yed this instant!" Sif bellowed at Ned loftily right then. "No." Ned shook his head, his tone neutral. "I refuse. And what are you going to do about it? Attack me on my family's turf?""Better think about what you're doing," Sif growled impatiently in return.Ned was always a loser whom everyone could bully—how did he become so authoritative in just a few days, even daring to stand up to her?!"There's no need to think, Ms. Lionheart." Ned held her gaze in turn. "I'm now asking you to leave my house. We're not receiving guests at the moment.""What if I refuse?" Sif asked quietly."Then I will have to remove you by force!" Ned bellowed. "Uncle Lothar! Retainers! Escort them out of here?!""Come on if you dare!" Sif bellowed in turn as
Sif immediately realized what she had actually said right after she said it.She could well have admitted to aiding Yed in assassinating Ciril!Not only would that lead to a diplomatic crisis between the Lionhearts and the Jankos, but her actions and her family would also be quickly condemned far and wide if word spread.Also, there was no doubt that the Lionhearts were as influential as they were powerful enough to not fear the Jankos. But if they really pushed the Jankos too far, they would definitely retaliate and perhaps succeed in taking their two pounds of flesh from the Lionhearts before they went down.In short, it was completely unnecessary heat.With that in mind, Sif quickly switched gears, her tone cool as she said, "I'm a close friend of Yed's, and I won't sit idly by when he's being abused. I couldn't care less about any family dispute that happened here.""Well, what happens in the family stays in the family," Ned said pointedly. "And since I'm sure you weren't con
Once word got out that the Lionhearts were conspiring to assassinate the head of one of the Four Families of Morhen, their reputation would be dealt a serious blow. It went without saying that it would be much worse than Sif's troubles at Norsedam!As such, Sif was now afraid to breathe a peep.If she somehow exposed herself now, forget Ciril—even her own family elders would skin her for the sheer vileness of her plot!Soon, Morhen would be left in chaos as it was every man for himself, while even the Lionhearts would find themselves desperate."N-No, sir," Sif quickly said humbly. "I came here to deliver an invitation—my brother Titus will be marrying Vicky Turnbull in a few days, and your family is cordially invited to attend the ceremony.""Hmph. Yet another arranged marriage?" Ciril chuckled coolly and waved her off. "I understand. You may go now.""Ah… yes, of course. By your leave, Mr. Janko." Sif bowed slightly, ready to flee with her men right then.Still, she stayed lon
"What?""Why?'Most of the Janko retainers and bodyguards were trading glances, puzzled by Ciril's sudden announcement.Only the stronger retainers were frowning as they pondered on Frank Lawrence's name, more or less getting the idea."Could he be a member of the Lawrence family, formerly one of the Four Families of Morhen?!""Is he the heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods?!"While everyone was left uncertain, Ciril coughed loudly twice and laughed heartily, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I have been around for a while—and I despise ingrates the most. If you have any requests, feel free to voice them! I understand that money is nothing to you… As long as it's within our power to grant it, we'll do our utmost!""Yes, Mr. Lawrence! Don't hold back on us now!""Ask away, Mr. Lawrence!"Seeing how enthusiastic the Jankos were, Frank mused to himself for a moment before glancing at the invitation Ned was holding."In that case, I do have a favor to ask," he said quietly."Ask awa
Kat was completely oblivious to the dramatic events that had transpired.It was the first time she visited the grand abode of one of Morhen's most illustrious families, and she was excitedly strolling everywhere under the supervision of the family butler.She was not distracted at all, despite the bolts from the blue, or the shockwave ensuing when Frank and Ciril's fists collided.She was still jubilant even as she and Frank were heading back. "Once I get rich, I'm definitely living like that!"In contrast, her cottage certainly stung the eye no matter how she looked at it now!It was not until they almost returned to the cottage when Kat remembered Frank was visiting the Janko Gardens for business. "By the way, weren't you going to treat Ciril Janko's illness? Did it work?" Not wanting her to ask for more details, Frank shook his head noncommittally. "Ah, so it's a dud?" Kat shook her head in disappointment. "I mean, 800 million dollars… Tut, tut! Shame you missed out, huh?"
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.