Seeing that Maron actually knew his ce, Silverbell nodded impassively. "In that case, your


    application to the Martial Alliance is now forfeited. Only approach us in Morhen again if one of yours


    actually reaches Ascendant rank. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."


    She started to drift away, but Maron stopped her again. "Please wait, Lady Silverbell."


    "What?" Silverbell''s expression cooled, staring pointedly around at the Sage Lake Sect apprentices. "Is


    there anything else you have to add?"


    "Certainly." Maron strode forward, shaking his head. "Like you said, my sect''s right is rightly forfeited.


    But won''t you agree it''s a pity when my father just happens to be incapacitated, and the chance that


    Cloudnine Sect fought for us would onlye to waste?"


    "What are you trying to say?" Silverbell growled impatiently.


    "Patience, Lady Silverbell." Maron smiled politely. "Even if current members of my sect have failed, my


    friend here is willing to join and help us fight for this chance, and he''s a formidable one."


    "Your friend?" Silverbell frowned as she turned toward Frank without knowing but soon shook her head.


    "I remember saying you only have one chance, Mr. Maron. You failed to take it, and asking for a third


    party''s help is against the rules."


    "Come now, Lady Silverbell!" Maron eximed in dramatic misery. "What''s another match when you''re


    that strong? My friend herees from distantnds too, and it won''t do for him to leave in


    disappointment. Can''t you give us another chance for the sake of Cloudnine Sect?"


    Before Silverbell could say another word, he threw up a palm. "I swear this will be ourst chance. We


    will never bother you again if we lose!"ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Silverbell certainly wanted to say no but felt that curious sensation from before as she nced at Frank


    again, who remained impassive.


    After some thought, she nodded despite herself. "Fine. Seeing that your father is unduly incapacitated,


    I can give you another chance. But this shall be thest."


    "Of course! Certainly!" Maron eximed delightedly, his eyes narrowing as he returned to Frank. "I''m


    sure I don''t have to borate, do I? If you want yourdies to survive, go all out and bring that


    pompous bitch down a peg. If you don''t..."


    Maron trailed off but raised his phone to show a ck-d man smiling as he tore through Helen''s


    sleeve, baring her fair skin.


    "No—!" Helen screamed and flinched in fear, while the ck-d manughed and stood akimbo.


    Theughter left Frank clenching his knuckle so hard it could break.


    Maron chuckled darkly in turn. "If you lose, the guild will have their way with them... No woman ever


    survives, just so you know."


    "Understood."


    Frank nodded, impassive as he strode past the Sage Lake Sect apprentices as they cleared a path.


    As he made his way toward Silverbell, who stood with sword in hand, she hesitated for a moment


    before asking, "Frank Lawrence. Have we met before?"


    "Hmm.?" Maron frowned at the question that seemed to havee out of nowhere.