It was a terrible storm that kept gaining momentum, but things were surprisingly quiet at Lanecorp despite them being the center of attention.According to information Thunder and Bolt had gathered, many factions were extending into Zamri, and the Favonis were no exception.On the surface, they claimed the duel was just and to eliminate Frank—a disgrace to his fellow martial artists.In reality, they simply saw the signs of a major reshuffling among the underbelly of Zamri.As such, they wanted to get their hands on Zamri and get themselves a cut, so Stella's words fell on deaf ears.-Meanwhile, Frank had Winter Lawrence and her best friend Jean Zims move to Zamri, while Mona Fairfax left the East Coast under orders from Haply Hall.It was just a day before the duel against Jaden, but Frank was leisurely lounging in the renovated mansion, instructing Winter and Jean on Draconian traditional medicine.It was a profound subject, and even someone as smart as Winter had trouble g

Frank remained impassive despite Stella's tearful pleas, snorting. "So? What business of mine is your family's troubles?"He was not about to change his mind… or he could not, to be precise.The Favonis were determined to kill him, so he could not just play saint just because Stella was begging him through tears and let Jaden kill him.Moreover, Stella really was not a looker and lacked charm—even if she did, Frank was not about to fall for it."You should save your breath for your father and brother," Frank said shortly.His principles were always simple—he would keep out of anyone's way, as long as they kept out of his.However, that only left Stella further pained.She had already told her father and brother a hundred times over that Frank was above them and was not to be messed with, but they were too prideful to listen.They even believed that Frank bewitched her. Moreover, some twentyish youth massacred over thirty Favoni martial artists? If word of that got out, they w

Winter came over, tugging on Frank's sleeve and asking, "What happened here?""Nothing." Frank shook his head and deliberately made a face. "Didn't I tell you to study? What are you doing here?""I-I was worried," Winter murmured guiltily.Frank patted her head, his grief fading at her docile murmur.Then, turning back toward Stella and the others, he waved them off. "Alright, you can all go now. We will see the truth come tomorrow." Chelly, however, still refused. "Hah! I'm not scared of you! My brother will kick your ass tomorrow—he is Skyrank's second and a top martial artist! A loser and a cheater like you can't even hope to touch his sleeve! You should be kneeling and begging me for mercy if you have any brains! I just might ask my brother to spare your life!"And before Frank could speak, Tara was laughing as she threatened, "Exactly. If you get down on your knees and beg and have your lover surrender her Lanecorp shares, the Favonis just might let you live. You'd better w

"Exactly, Mr. Bearson. You're a genius—don't compare yourself to mooks like us!""In a few years, you'll surpass the Demon of Volsung Sect.""Ya think?""And with Mr Bearson leading us, we will claim a place in Morhen and rise as the Fifth Family!"Even as the Favoni martial artists joked around and flattered Jaden, he snorted, taking off his blindfold and kicking away the sandbags and lead weights on his feet.Still, he was not quite taken by the flattery.Instead, he looked up towards the sky, determination flaring inside him.It really seemed that Ehud Lionheart was the only one who could prove a match against him on the East Coast.However, Volsung Sect had always kept Ehud sheltered—no one ever heard from him, let alone saw him.When they met two years ago, Jaden had been younger and was getting full of himself, as he could not find any worthy opponents.As such, Ehud could well be a god amongst men when he showed up, crushing Jaden's ego after they exchanged ten blows.

"Hehe. Don't worry…"Troy sneered savagely. "I won't make a mistake, for the sake of my son and nephew's revenge."Pausing, he then sighed. "Shame that I lost Thunder, Bolt, Galen, and Blaze to Frank. He's more impressive than I thought.""Indeed." Kilian nodded as well.He was sure that Frank had completed Birthright rank at best, but he was now wary after Troy's men and his nephew were all killed.It was clear that he had underestimated Frank, and in that case, he needed to make some plans.It just happened that the Favonis were now after Frank, and he just had to throw some fuel to the fire.He had since found out that Jaden Favoni's father had advanced well into Ascendant rank.If he was to find out that Frank killed his son with a dirty trick such as poison, he would definitely be going all out for blood.As the Favonis went after Frank and Lanecorp, all they had to do was wait and gather all the spoils after the dust settled.Chuckling darkly, Troy said, "I've agreed wi