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?"
Kat appeared surprised but soon poked a finger on Frank's cheek, breathing softly, "Master Lawrence?"Frank kept pretending to sleep."You're pretending to be asleep, aren't you?" Kat snapped impatiently as she stood by his bed.Frank still did not move."Heh. In that case, this ain't my fault…"She quietly took off her shoes, dangling it in front of Frank's nose.Frank's brow wrinkled right then, and he sat up and snapped in annoyance, "That's enough!" He saw beneath the moonlight that Kat had once again caked her cheeks with makeup and put on that white wig as well."You're a girl," Frank growled irritatedly. "Why do you have to keep sneaking into my room like we're actually up to something? What if your father sees us? What would he think of me?!""Hehe… I knew you were faking it," Kat giggled mischievously, before saying mysteriously, "I have a favor to ask, okay?""You've been asking for plenty of favors, don't you think?" Frank snorted, laying back down in bed while wa
"Danger's not the question. It's…uh…"Nash sighed, unable to continue."Don't you get sick of doing the same thing over and over again?!" Kat snapped impatiently right then. "I just want to go out, and there's a martial elite in Mr. Lawrence escorting me. What's going to happen? Do you really want me to go friendless?!""Of course not. I just want you to make friends with normal—""The way I see it, you're the freak here!" Kat bellowed at Nash before storming off.Nash sighed again. "Oh, that child…"Frank nodded at him. "Don't worry, Nash. She'll be fine as long as I'm around."Nash stared at him in turn—Frank was exactly what he was worried about…However, he could not say it.Sighing, he handed Frank a small box and left without a word, his back slumped.Frank was left starting in confusion as he left, and he stiffened when he took a closer look at the box."Nash…" He called out, ready to explain himself when he realized what was going on, Kat had returned and started d
Frank snorted. "Alright, I'm hanging up. I'm getting started over here soon.""Yeah. Good luck," Jouri replied.Hanging up, Frank looked up at the waterfall overhead, and then at Skyler, who was standing beside him. "So? Is it time yet?""Almost… Now!" Skyler's eyes were glowing even as she stared at her watch."Alright."Frank looked up just as the skies abruptly darkened. "Ah, there it is—the eclipse."The sun seemed to disappear, and the world was suddenly shrouded in darknesses.And beside him, a stone door imbued with the power of the spiritron vein also rumbled as it parted."Got it!" Frank rushed inside without another word as soon as he saw it."Hmph. I'm surprised that you could reach this place." A cold, wrathful voice resounded inside even before Frank got a hold of his surroundings.Looking up, Frank found a youth in a black cossack and sporting grey-white hair, standing upon a cliff as he looked down on him.Frank chuckled. "Hehe. Like I said, I've come to kill
Frank narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?'Crane shrugged. "I don't mind giving it to you straight—members of Torrent are actually… Ahem. A part of Torrent himself."Frank paused. "What's that supposed to mean?""You don't get it, do you?" Crane grinned. "Then let me put it to you this way—every member is a clone of Torrent.""A clone?" Frank gasped in realization."Yes," Crane nodded. "That's why I believe that challenging Crane is just suicide. You have no idea how powerful he is—only death awaits you down that path."Frank smirked. "Oh, but I don't think so."Crane rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever—now listen closely. You will find Torrent in the Mystic Trail, but you would only find that place when the sun and moon coincide, and the entrance is beneath the waterfall south of Horton."As he finished, he snorted coldly. "I have no idea if you can actually do it, but I'm hoping you do kill him… Heh. I'm getting tired of being stuck under his control for so long."Then, waving off
Frank abruptly turned, immediately noticing one of the Cranes crouching, ready to spring forward and blindside him."Got you!" He laughed."Hah! You fell for it!"Just as Frank swung a punch to pulverize that Crane, he suddenly burst into pus that splashed at Frank's face."Damn it!" Frank took a step back, surprised that the clone's presence was identical to the real Crane, and a trap on top of that!"Die!"The Cranes around him each whipped out a dagger, all of them stabbing at Frank at the same time."Get off!" Frank bellowed, unleashing a shockwave that sent all the Cranes flying across all directions."Frank! Above you!" Skyler suddenly shrieked."Yes! I'm right here!" A strange laughter sounded above Frank just as he wiped the pus off his face.Crane was suddenly directly above him, launching an aerial kick straight at Frank's head, and Frank had no time to dodge!"Die!" Crane's smile curled into a twisted angle as he saw that too.He was very confident with this kick
"Disgusting…" Skyler murmured through her hand.Despite being skinned and scalped, the women were all still alive and singing to the music that was playing despite their anguish."Talk about a terrible fetish."Frank was scowling too—why were all the members of Torrent such sick deviants? It seemed like his plan to wipe them out was absolutely correct!"So, you killed my clone?"The lanky man on the couch slowly turned to level his bloodshot eyes at Frank.His lips were wet with bed as they curled upward into an eerie smile."Clone?" Frank narrowed his eyes."Hehe. It's a sage art."Crane shrugged as he stood up and wiped the blood off his lips. "It's only natural that you don't understand… Still, you deserve praise. If you can kill my clone, that means you're not just slightly stronger than Ghost."Naturally, the man was none other than the real Crane.Still, as Skyler studied him from a corner, even she could notice the strange twitch of his fingers, and his veins were pro
Even as Crane ran, he was looking over his shoulder, his heart pounding. "No… I won't win in a one-on-one!"No, as long as I get back to my real body… we can do this together!" He frowned, having seen how Frank sliced off the pinkies of those hood rats. It hence quickly dawned on him that Frank was not just slightly stronger than Ghost, as Torrent had put it!"Almost there!" He gasped when he saw the signboard of Pegasus Showtown in the distance. "As long as I get there and rendezvous with my real body, that brat will lose—"That was when he turned and saw that a shadow had caught up with impossible speed."What?!" Crane's eyes almost popped out in bewilderment. "What speed is that?! Are you kidding—"Even as he spotted the shadow, the shadow turned into a youth with an impassive visage.His fist outstretched, he was clearly punching toward Crane's forehead!"Argh…"Even as Crane looked on, the youth's punch slowed down by tenfold, but his fist kept closing in.Then, whe
Seeing Skyler sigh, the tattooed thug presumed that his extortion worked.He strode up, grabbing Frank's shoulder. "No one's gonna help you, boy. Pay up, or you're not leaving.""Exactly! You're not getting away!" the crowd of hood rats hollered. "Last chance."Frank's eyes were cold and fixed on Dani, however. "Are you going to intervene? If you do, you can keep that check. If you don't…""Ugh. Fuck off! I don't care!" Dani spat, her expression smug as she folded her arms before her chest. "Who do you think you are to threaten me?!""Exactly! Pay up, and you can leave!""Yeah! Ten grand, at least!""You probably don't know my boss Wyvern, but when he's here, you won't get away with just ten grand!"Even as the crowd closed in, Frank shook his head. "Well, you had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next.""You're giving us a chance?! Hah! Who—argh!"Even before Dani could finish gloating, Frank was suddenly in front of her, grabbing her viciously by the wrist."Arg
"Five grand?! Did you hear that?! He just threw five grand!""Must be a rich kid coming here for a secret rendezvous, out of prying eyes? Those types are the easiest mark!""Fuck! And Dani got one of us… It hurts me more than losing at the races!"Frank could hear the buzz around him but ignored it as he strode past the men flanking him and headed toward the street that stank of blood."Stop!" A big tattooed man grinned sinisterly as he intercepted Frank.As his buddies encircled Frank as well, Frank snorted—it seemed that they took his reaction for a sign of weakness and thought that he could be cowed.The tattooed man rubbed his chin as he leered at Skyler's voluptuous figure, chuckling. "Look, boy. I'm short on cash, so let me take a loan. I'll pay you back some other day, how about that?"His friend laughed. "Exactly! You just gave Dani five grand, and we won't ask for more… just four, how about that?"Skyler scowled in turn and glanced worriedly at Frank beside her—was he
Frank himself had just stepped out of the nightclub when his eyes narrowed."Blood," he murmured, his nostrils twitching."Blood?"Skyler sniffed the air, puzzled. "I can't smell it.""It's from the opposite street… I smell the blood of over a dozen people.""A dozen?!" Skyler did a double take.He could identify the number of people who were killed?! That was just ridiculous!"Come on, let's take a look."Just as Frank led the way toward the source of the stench, a woman suddenly came up, catching Frank off guard and throwing herself into his arms."Hmmm?" He looked down to see that she had thick makeup, average looks, and a rather pudgy belly."Argh! He touched me!" she pointed at Frank and shrieked even before he realized what was happening."What?!" Skyler was staring at the woman too, mystified."Oh, sister! You just didn't see it!"The woman kept hollering, pointing at Frank's face. "Your boyfriend grabbed my ass! Is that how you teach him manners?!""Teach him ma
Wyvern screamed even as he clutched the stump that was his hand, screaming so shrilly one might mistake his voice as inhuman."Oh, just shut up." The lanky man glowered and launched a kick, reducing Wyvern into puddles of blood and pieces of innards, splattering all around the lobby. "Argh!!!" the devilish lady screamed as she watched the carnage unfolded."Another sound, and you'd end up just like him." The lanky man turned and frowned at her impatiently."Hngh…" The devilish lady promptly clasped a hand over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes as she trembled."What the hell?!"Outside, Wyvern's lackeys heard the screams and ran inside, looking for him. "Hey, where's Wyvern?!"However, the lobby was too dimly lit for them to notice the blood and guts scattered around the walls, and they only sensed that terrible stench."Hngh…" The devilish lady was too scared to speak, and tears trickled out of her eyes."Fuck!"One of the lackeys strode up and seized the lanky man