"It's alright," Jade reasoned. "Luna has cause to say it—Jaden is the second best martial artist across the east coast. Frank might not stand a chance no matter how good he is.""We'll never know," Gavin countered, rearing his chin proudly. "Helen's husband has always performed miracles, and we should back him up as family. Even if he loses, we should do our best to protect him too.""Indeed…"Mark nodded and smiled, stroking his beard. "He already honors our family by stepping into that ring.Aside from the Southstream Lanes, Walter Turnbull and his wife had arrived too.Susan Redford looked around for her daughter but could not see any sign of her. "Walter, why isn't Vicky here yet?""What are you getting excited about? Even Frank isn't here."Walter was calm, but there was a flicker of anxiety in his eyes.Despite his unease, he assured his wife nonetheless, "Don't worry—I have orders from Glen. We don't have to do a thing if the duel goes fairly, but we will step up if Jade

Gene's joke left Walter pursing his lips.Staring at the streaks of white hair above Gene's sideburns, he threw up his hands. "Surely you're joking, Mr. Pearce? We've yet to repay your grace for establishing ourselves in Riverton.""Oh, it's really nothing." Gene smiled, waving him off as he sat down beside Walter. "So, how is Vicky doing? Has she recovered?""Yes, she has." Walter quickly nodded.Gene nodded and sighed in admiration. "Well, Mr. Lawrence really excels in both martial arts and medicine—there's no malady he can't cure. The man even snatched my dying self away from the reaper's grasp."The bookie nearby seized his opportunity right then, asking, "Sir, may I interest you in a bet? The most favorable odds are how many strikes that mysterious martial elite would last against Jaden Favoni."The bookie was certainly sharply—knowing that those seated in the front row were all rich or powerful, it was the right choice to ask them to make bets.They would make a fortune

If they lost all that money and Jaden's father pressed the issue…Jaden, however, could not care less. He was even sneering darkly, "Don't worry. Just get it done! I will show the city of Zamri that the Favonis are the strongest martial arts clan on the East Coast!"The servant quickly left, afraid to disobey.Still, seeing that her brother was getting impulsive, Stella quickly reasoned, "Please calm down for a moment, Jaden. Frank Lawrence really isn't someone to be trifled with! You need to really think about this!"Chelly glared at her in annoyance right then. "Whose side are you on, Stella?! Do you still consider yourself our family?!" "But…" Stella murmured."No buts!"Jaden stopped Stella coolly, clenching his knuckles as he bellowed, "Everyone on the East Coast believes that I, Jaden Favoni, will win, but my own sister thinks that Frank Lawrence will crush me?! People would be laughing if they knew! Just watch, Stella—I will destroy that prick in ten blows, so you don't

"Eh?"Troy turned to find a figure vaulting over the shoulders of the spectators toward the ring."Hahaha! He really came!" he exclaimed in surprise and delighted—more delighted than seeing his own family, in fact.Thud!As Frank landed steadily in the ring, everyone turned toward the giant clock in Zamri Square.Ten minutes as the emcee announced, no more, no less—Frank arrived just in time.Jaden's eyes narrowed, as he could at least see Frank was skilled. "What, finally made up your mind? And here I thought you bailed," Jaden said with a scoff.Frank simply beamed, flashing his bright white teeth. "Heh. Just had to make a detour and wasted some time. Thankfully, I made it.""Hmph!" Jaden snorted and said nothing else.Meanwhile, Frank turned towards the emcee and asked quietly, "So, shall we get started?""Oh, uh…"The emcee looked between Frank, Jaden, and the clearly relieved Troy below stage.Seein Tory nod at him, he said, "Since you're both here, let's get ready

Frank could certainly block Jaden's kick directly and counter by breaking his leg right then, but he did not do it because he had his plans.Jaden was strong, and Frank could see he was halfway into Ascendant rank.But that still meant he was no threat to Frank.Moreover, Frank did not accept the challenge because of Jaden—his real targets were Troy and Kilian with him.Pow!As Frank shimmied to the side, Jaden's foot struck the floor, sending half the ring crumbling, making his sheer power all too evident."What?!"Jaden, however, was taken aback.Was Frank actually that good, easily dodging the signature techniques of his family?!His scowl soon turned savage, as he was reminded of that fight two years ago when he thought the world of himself.That was when Ehud Lionheart showed up, and the Demon of Volsung Sect kept dodging his blows like Frank was doing now, treating Jaden as if he amounted to nothing!"Argh!!! Boulderbreaker!" Jaden bellowed even as he felt humiliated,