Robert controlled himself, and both fighters started counter-attacking each other. Their speed was so fast that the audience couldn't follow their movements.
Kenneth said angrily, Robert, have you learned only these childish martial arts?
Robert responded, I don't need any special techniques to defeat you. Let's end this game.
Their speed increased, and in the blink of an eye, both fighters fell to the ground together. After about half an hour, Robert struck Kenneth with a Lotus Strike, sealing his vital point. He kicked Kenneth out of the arena, winning the match.
All the elders congratulated Leonard. The winner receives a golden pill, allowing any martial artist to easily break through from the advanced level to the expert level. With the competition ending, so did the festival. Robert was leaving with Clara and Victor when Kenneth attacked him from behind with a sword. Robert managed to save himself, but Kenneth's second attack wasn't aimed at him; it was directed at Clara. To protect her, Robert stepped in and his right arm was injured. Seeing this, Clara became furious.
Clara grew frantic seeing the blood pouring from Robert's arm. In her rage, she fired her personal gun, wounding Kenneth, who fell to the ground.
Meanwhile, Elder Physician Sun treated both of them, giving healing pills and applying medicine to their wounds. Kenneth's crime brought shame to the entire Serpent Clan, as weapons were forbidden in the martial arts competition. Some people even blamed Clara for it. The next day, a meeting was called to address the issue. The Justice Society, where the leaders had no interference, was to determine their punishment. The Justice Society consisted of commanders and elders who ensured fair judgment without the possibility of bribery.
At the meeting, Kenneth is expelled from the Serpent Clan for violating the martial arts code and attacking Robert. He was sentenced to serve as a soldier in the martial army for 10 years. On the other hand, Clara's use of an external weapon was a serious offense, which should have led to her expulsion or execution. However, due to the circumstances, both Robert and Clara were instead sentenced to serve in the Trident Force for five years, and Clara's weapon was confiscated and placed in the Rutherford Central Library.
Despite the ruling, no one was satisfied. The Serpent Clan was especially outraged, as their successor could never become the leader now. This haunted Kenneth, who began plotting Robert and Clara's demise.
A month later, the day arrived when all three were to join the Trident Force. Victor insisted on accompanying them, and despite their hesitation, Robert and Clara took him along. Unbeknownst to them, Kenneth had planned something far more sinister for their death.
They traveled in a single horse carriage. The base of the Trident Force, located in Rutherford, was 100 kilometers away. By nightfall, they had reached Mountain Hobby, with 40 kilometers still to go. They set up camp to rest for the night.
After midnight, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by an ambush. Masked men attacked their camp.
Robert rushed outside and saw 50 masked martial artists wielding swords. Then, he heard a voice from behind.
Robert, your time has come. Today, both you and the Trident Clan's future will end. I've dreamed of ruling Rutherford since childhood.
Kenneth attacked swiftly, but Robert dodged using the Ghost Step technique. Seizing an opportunity, he delivered a powerful punch, sending Kenneth flying. Kenneth's sword remained in Robert's hand.
Robert smiled, Nice sword, but perhaps it thirsts for your blood.
He counterattacked with the sword, injuring half of Kenneth's men in ten minutes. The remaining attackers fled in fear.
Robert turned his attention to Kenneth, slicing off one of his hands. He was about to strike again when he heard Victor scream.
Robert spun around. Two assailants struck him with swords, injuring him. Still, he ran inside and saw an elder martial artist from the Serpent Clan holding Victor and Clara at the point of knives. Clara had a small cut on her neck.
Seeing the blood, a wave of fury surged through Robert, doubling his strength. He attacked with such speed that the elder couldn't react, decapitating him.
Kenneth, seizing the moment, fired a gun. One bullet hit Robert, and another pierced Victor's heart. Before Robert fell, he threw a knife, striking Kenneth in the eye. Just then, they heard someone approaching.
Robert, severely wounded, tried to stand but couldn't move. Kenneth fled. Clara, desperately trying to save Victor, cradled him in her arms. Nearby, over 25 martial artists lay injured, while Kenneth lay at a distance with one hand severed and a knife lodged in his eye.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps. Robert collapsed, bleeding profusely. It was Leonard who had anticipated Kenneth's treachery, but it was too late.
Physician Sun quickly sealed Robert's blood vessels and administered healing pills. But when he examined Victor, he was shocked. Victor had been shot in the heart. Sun used the Nine Layer Needle technique to stabilize Victor, but the situation was grim.
Master Leonard, realizing the gravity of the situation, apologized to Robert, saying, This is all my fault. I should have acted sooner.
Robert, furious, replied, Father, you knew something like this would happen. You could have warned me. Now my son's life is at risk because of you.
Clara, frantic, insisted, Robert, we needed to get Victor to my lab immediately, or it'd be too late.
Leonard, seeing the dire situation, handed Robert the Portal Door Ring without a word. Robert activated the portal, and they quickly left with Victor.
Later, with the help of Dr. Bartholomew and Clara replace Victor's damaged organs with regenerated ones. After three months of recovery, Victor was back on his feet.
After hearing the story, Victor asked, Dad, did you ever try to go back or find out what happened afterward?
Robert, placing his hand on Victor's shoulder, replied, No, I couldn't. The portal only opens from the outside once a year. I was too focused on you to even think about it. By the time I realized, it was too late, and now I don't have the courage to go back.
But I did stay in touch with Amar for a while. Everything seemed fine, but for the past three years, I haven't heard from him.