Rob sneered icily even as he watched Frank walk confidently toward his fully-armed soldiers.He had served in the military for years—even if he had met many martial artists whose abilities the average Joe could not hope to reach, he had never met anyone who did not fear guns and bullets until now.That applied even to his commanding officer, General Jan Lionheart, which was why he quickly presumed that martial artists were no different from the average person. They were just better in a fight at best, aside from the tricks they used to deceive the masses.He simply was not aware that starting at Ascendant ranks, martial artists could cast protective pure vigor to repel physical attacks.And guns and bullets were no threat to martial artists with abundant pure vigor—in fact, it was pointless against Ascendant ranks.Even if Frank had yet to reach Ascendant rank now, he could cast a dense protective pure vigor around himself with Five-Peat Archaeus. Forget guns and bullets—even

The martial artists were mingling, playing drinking games, and recounting the old days, while others drunkenly headed to open spaces to spar.Many were cheering them on, and while it was a restless sight, there was no sign of quarrel, let alone destruction of property.If anything, it was within the accepted limit.However, just as they were busy playing around, the doors to the ballroom were kicked open, and a man in an ink-green military coat strode in.The commotion left the hall silent, as everyone turned to look at the military man.However, even before any of the martial artists could ask where he came from, he chuckled coolly and ruthlessly mocked everyone on the spot. "Heh. What a bunch of trash."Bang!Kain Loom the Wild Blade slammed his hand on the table, springing to his feet.He might have conceded to Frank days earlier, but that did not mean that just anyone was allowed to insult him!Shoving away the people in his way, he strode up to the military man, cracking

Just from that fact, it was unnecessary to guess why the South Sea Crow returned."Oh, by the way…"Jan did not afford Glen time to think, however, flashing a gentle smile as he said, "Mr. Turnbull, I heard you've been exhausted in integrating the Turnbull branch families back to the main family, and your health has been affected."Rob had been telling me that for a while, so I was thinking—why don't you take this opportunity to step down? Let Rob here take over as head of the Turnbull family while you enjoy the easy life of retirement.""How dare you!"Vicky snapped right then, having had enough just as Jan finished, clenching her knuckles. "This is our family matter, and not up to the Lionhearts to meddle! You leave Turnbull Estate right now!""Shut up!"Rob sprang to his feet right then, glaring at Vicky as he bellowed, "Jan is a brother to me! And as the next head of the Turnbull family, he naturally has the right to speak! You, on the other hand, are a woman who behaves so

Jan smiled faintly, "He's arrogant, but he's strong. Right now, your objective is to save your strength and subjugate every Turnbull at the central ballroom, and rise as the new head of the Turnbull family. No loose ends.""Yes, sir." Rob Turnbull nodded, saluting Jan in turn before leading his men away.Before he did, he leveled a cold, murderous look at Frank as if his fate was sealed.Soon, the doors of ballroom three closed with a loud bang, leaving just Frank and Jan.And seeing that there was no one else around, Frank looked up and asked, "So, the challenge issued by the South Sea Crow—that was you?""Indeed." Jan nodded and grinned. "You need an appropriate excuse if you want to claim control over a big cake like the Turnbulls, don't you agree?""Where is she?" Frank demanded, narrowing his eyes.Glen had told him the challenge was the South Sea Crow's own writing, meaning that it was definitely Ciaran Zobel.And Jan had her."I've dealt with her."Jan said calmly just

"Stop."Even as Til was about to escort Vicky and the others away, Rob and his men intercepted them.Vicky scowled even as she stared at the barrels aimed at them from every direction. "Are you really so bent on becoming the next head of the Turnbull family right now?! You'd rather believe the slander someone outside your family tells you and kill your own father for it?!""Save your breath."Rob met Glen and Vicky's glare without flinching, even declaring proudly, "Everything I do is for the sake of this family's future! As the head of the Turnbull family, I will integrate the branch families with the main family, and only then do we have a chance to get out of this mess! You're old now, Dad—time to give it up!""Rob…"Glen murmured feebly even as Vicky kept him on his feet. "Do you really think Jan Lionheart is sincerely helping you and our family? Hasn't it crossed your mind that he would turn on us once you unified the family, using you as his puppet to indirectly control our