It was very late into the night Frank arrived at Favoni House in Norsedam.He actually found the ancient furnishings around the residence curious as a servant led him inside.The Favonis really were a martial arts clan, with everything from the architecture, gardens, to fountains decorated in traditional styles.He was brought to a drawing room and served a glass of expensive tea.Frank did not expect such a polite gesture—he even thought the Favonis would want revenge.Nonetheless, he soon found a familiar face.It was Stella Favoni, wearing form-fitting training robes and appearing shocked to see him there. "It really is you… W-What are you doing here? Wait, don't tell me…"Stella's face paled as she thought Frank came for revenge.Even from her perspective, Frank was the one who was attacked for no reason at Lanecorp, slandered by her family and the Bearsons before being coerced into that duel.They had insulted Frank profoundly, and it was only natural for him to come for
Chet did not directly answer Frank's question, instead asking quietly, "May I ask who's asked you and why you're looking for the chief of the Martial Alliance?"He simply answered a question with another question, passing the buck back to Frank."It's her father's asking, and as for why…"Frank paused, quickly smiling as he came up with an idea. "She and I were engaged as children, and I'm fulfilling that promise.""What?"Chet did a double take, narrowing his eyes in thought.The chief of the Martial Alliance was engaged?! He had no idea… No, no one in the Martial Alliance even mentioned anything about that!Was Frank bullshitting?!For Frank's part, he needed a reasonable excuse for his search for the chief of the Martial Alliance, or he would look like he had no business getting involved.Still, he had one—even if Silverbell was the chief of the Martial Alliance, was there a problem with him looking for his own fiancee?Naturally, the engagement was bullshit, though Frank
"You can think of it that way!" Edon dispensed with disguises right then, whipping out a gleaming machete from behind himself and thrusting it into the table before him. Glaring at Frank, he barked, "You'd better tell the truth, or you're not leaving this house!""Pfft…" Lubor snickered even as the air in the room tensed."What are you laughing at?!" Edon snapped in annoyance.He threatened Frank exactly because he did not want Lubor to win.If they could save Jaden by doing whatever Frank did, they would not have to give up the chief of the Martial Alliance to Hundred Bane Sect.They would not wrong the Martial Alliance and certainly would not give Hundred Bane Sect leverage against themselves.However, if Edon thought of that, Lubor certainly could."Like I said, Edon, the Soulbleeder is a novelty of Hundred Bane Sect. No one can neutralize it aside from the elders of Hundred Bane Sect."He scoffed, glancing at Frank in disdain. "Obviously, that brat is fine because he wa
Frank puffed his chest confidently. "It's simple—I will cure Jaden, while you tell me where the chief of the Martial Alliance is. How about that?""Pfft."Lubor was laughing as soon as Frank finished, watching him in glee. "Mr. Lawrence, do you think we are as stupid as you are? Who would believe your bullshit? I've said many times—the Soulbleeder is a novelty Hundred Bane Sect created, and only our elders can stop it. Watch out, or you'd bite your tongue if you keep making shit up."Frank remained calm despite Lubor's scorn, shaking his head as he said, "I can see that you are caught in a dilemma, Mr. Favoni. So how about this? Take me to your son, and you tell me where the chief of the Martial Alliance is if I succeed. If I don't, I will take responsibility… though I'd be infected too and die for my lies anyway. How about that?"Chet paused at Frank's confident offer.It was only natural that he did not want to hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance to Hundred Bane Sect. Af
Frank followed the Favonis to a smaller building to the back, and he could see Abel being surrounded by everyone even before he entered.He stood on the edge of the group, refraining from greeting Abel since the two Favoni sentries before were watching him.They only allowed Frank to wait instead of meddling.After all, they were told that Jaden Favoni, the star of the family's younger generation, was now half-dead because of Frank.Even if Frank had cleared his name and proved he was not some despicable poisoner, the Favonis still extended the blame to him.And whatever the higher-ups said was naturally taken way more seriously by the minions, which was why these sentries were hostile toward Frank.There were even Favoni martial artists who came, sizing up Frank to see if he really was that good. If anything, a fight would have started if those two sentries did not stop them.As such, in contrast to the respect and humility afforded to Abel, Frank was kept on a tight leash, not
"Master Edon! He's causing trouble on our turf!""Yeah! He's out of line!""We don't have to tell anyone. Let's teach him a lesson to remember!""Silence!"Edon could certainly tell what happened but did not apologize to Frank.Instead, he snapped coolly at the Favoni martial artists, "Every guest deserves a proper respect, or people would laugh at us. Now, leave!""But, sir…""What?!" Edon glared at the Favoni martial artist furiously. "Are you disobeying my orders?!"Seeing that Edon was not giving ground, the Favoni martial artists could only leave, though not without shooting dirty looks at Frank while they did.Then, Edon turned toward Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, please understand this—no matter how you see us, it's still not up to you to lecture our apprentices."And with that, he turned to leave.Frank could certainly see that Edon did not think highly of him too.And now that Abel was here, Frank's offer to cure Jaden Favoni was inconsequential. After all, the Favonis cer
The two Favoni sentries were laughing so hard at Frank's boasting that their stomachs hurt."Come on, kid. Are you right in the head?""Shush, just give it up. Let him live in his own world. Abel Loggins kneeling to him? Pfft…"After all, Abel Loggins, kneeling to some unknown kid who was merely unusually pompous?However, Frank was dead serious, smiling as he continued, "If I'm wrong, I will kowtow to you, and you can do anything to me as you see fit."Then, glancing between them, he added, "But if I'm right… You will both go down on all fours and crawl from here to the front doors of this residence while barking like dogs do. How about that?"Both Favoni sentries spaced out for a moment, seeing that Frank was serious.They could actually feel butterflies in their stomach when they saw Frank's vague smile—he was clearly luring them into a trap.However, the bet was ridiculous in itself too.After all, Abel Loggins, the most famous healer in Morhen, kneeling to Frank and askin
Considering Abel's importance, the Favonis would just be getting themselves into trouble if they upset him.What if Abel simply up and left? Who would they go to at that point—Frank Lawrence?Nonetheless, Abel zoned out for a moment. "Zamri, you say?"He was naturally aware that Frank had been staying in Zamri recently but was afraid to confirm it as he could see the Favonis' attitude.He nodded, putting aside the questions he had as he remained curious—there were plenty of people in Zamri but not that many who could strut in the Favonis' own turf."Hehe. This way please, Mr. Loggins." Chet Favoni led Abel through into a traditionally decorated cottage.As soon as the doors opened, the oncoming scent of medicinal herbs was so strong that Abel's nostrils twitched."Hmm? Drakedrool, cranepore…" As Abel quickly identified over ten natural wonders accurately, Chet and Edon's smiles visibly broadened.One could really easily tell if a person was an expert—the man certainly inspir