N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)
Chapter 645
"It's embarrassing to say it myself, but... are we really just going to let him go like this?"
Serena bit her lip as she watched the distant figure of the Sword Demon, Rector.
She looked displeased, as an executive of Zieghart, she clearly unhappy with the idea of letting an executive of the Holy Sword Alliance go free.
"Regrettably, that old geezer is stronger than me," Aris said, waving a hand at Serena, admitting her own lack of power frankly.
"Besides, we don't know if the transcendent who attacked Raon is still around. We've got too many injured to risk more casualties needlessly."
Serena sighed and lowered her head.
"I'm sorry. I guess the blood hasn't quite drained from my head yet."
Serena sighed and lowered her head. Her gaze trembled slightly as she checked her injuries.
"It's okay. It happens."
Aris gently stroked Serena's head, showing she understood.
"Wow, people really can change," Rimmer said, blowing out a long breath as he looked at Aris.
"How did the biggest troublemaker in Zieghart start saying things like that?"
"Do you want to die?"
Aris' face turned demonic as she glared at Rimmer, her earlier smile gone.
"Still, it's a relief it ended without further incident," Burren said, catching his breath as he sank to the ground.
"I barely had the strength to stand."
"A captain of the Light Wind division, and you look pathetic," Martha clicked her tongue in disdain as she looked down at Burren.
"Rakshasha girl, your legs are trembling," Runaan poked Martha's leg with her finger.
"Argh! You crazy bastard!"
Martha lunged at Runaan but ended up collapsing as her legs gave out.
The Light Wind members smiled for the first time in a while as they watched Runaan and Martha bicker. However, Raon was not with them, he was staring in the direction Rector had disappeared, clenching his fist.
'So, there really was a reason behind all this,' he thought. If Mustan was acting for his sake, then it meant that Rector, whom Mustan followed, was also acting to assist him in some way. It wasn't just Mustan's reaction that made him think this.
When they met at house Rakion, and again today, if Rector had truly wanted a fight, a full-blown battle would have erupted. Both times, he withdrew without hesitation. If a fight had broken out, the Holy Sword Alliance would have suffered, but the Light Wind exhausted side would have been annihilated. Yet, he turned away without a second thought.
For someone from the Holy Sword Alliance, known for their obsession with the sword, this was unusual behavior.
'I get it now.'
He didn't know the exact circumstances, but it was clear that Rector was being forced into this by the leader of the Holy Sword Alliance.
It's surprising to see you relying on sentiment.
Wrath clutching his round head and letting out a thick breath.
You might be disappointed if you get your hopes up.
'I'm not relying on sentiment, it's a rational conclusion.'
Whatever, let's rationally get something to eat first… Cough!
Wrath's voice was weak, and he coughed dryly. He looked very tired, as if his energy had significantly dwindled.
'Alright, let's eat first.'
Oh? What's gotten into you?
'Nothing's gotten into me.'
Raon shook his head as he petted Wrath's wagging tail. Since Wrath had been a great help, he wanted to fulfill the demon king's request.
'But we'll have to delay the home-cooked meal a bit.'
Hmm? Where are we going?
'Well...'
Before Raon could answer, Rimmer clapped his hands and stepped forward.
"Kaiyan is guarding the inside of the tomb. We'll clean up here later. For now, let's head back to Zieghart."
"There's somewhere we need to go first." Raon shook his head and pulled a broken sword and staff from his spatial pocket.
"Somewhere to go? Ah..."
Rimmer's face grew solemn as he saw the broken weapons.
"Right, we need to go there."
***
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Rector sent his subordinates back to the Holy Sword Alliance and climbed a mountain on the opposite side of the sword tomb alone. Normally, he would have returned with them, but he couldn't leave without knowing who attacked Raon.
He stood midway up the mountain, where the attacker seemed to have launched their strike. There were no footprints, no signs of trampled foliage, no disturbed flow of mana, yet it was clear the attack had come from this spot.
Kneeling, Rector scrutinized the ground, furrowing his brow.
'Who could it be?'
He had traveled across the continent, meeting many renowned warriors, but none came to mind who could launch such an attack from this distance.
'Not even the Five Divine Orders could manage this.'
He knew the Thespian Emperor (Ariel’s title, previously heukgemju) could be hiding her strength, but even at her full power, such a feat seemed beyond her. The same went for the heads of the Six Kings. Although he was part of the Five Demons, he had lived as a neutral party, so he had met all the heads of the Six Kings and knew their capabilities. They were strong enough to launch such an attack, but there was no reason or possibility for them to do so.
The same went for the Five Demons.
Neither the most mysterious the Fallen, the centuries-old White Blood Religion leader, nor the Black Tower master, who was darkness itself, could fire an energy filled with death.
He hadn't met the Heavenly Demon, but it was even more absurd for him to come here and ambush Raon.
'The bigger problem is...'
This person had held back their power. Judging by the undisturbed flow of aura here, the one who attacked Raon hadn't even used their full strength. Cold sweat trickled down his back.
'Could it be a completely unknown figure?'
Rector ground his teeth. Someone whose name should be among the top transcendent beings had targeted Raon. The identity of the attacker was secondary, what bothered him more was why this person was after Raon.
"Master," Mustan called from below, climbing up to meet him.
"Did you find any traces of the attacker?"
"There's nothing."
Rector let out a deep sigh and shook his head.
"It could have been an assassin, there's not a single trace left."
"A dangerous one, then."
"Indeed."
If they managed to erase all evidence in such a short time, it wasn't their first time. This might not be just one person but a group.
"I'll search as well," Mustan said, bowing his head and crouching to examine the ground and bushes.
"Mustan," Rector said, watching his disciple with a faint smile.
"You've wanted to see Raon so much, yet you endured well and stayed here. Thank you."
"This is the best way to help Sir Raon," Mustan replied, meeting his master's gaze. His eyes were clear, free of the jealousy and envy that once clouded them.
"He has grown stronger since I last saw him. Just seeing that was enough for me," he said with a sincere smile.
"You've changed as much as Raon has. Believe in your own potential," Rector said, gently patting Mustan's shoulder.
Mustan lowered his eyes slightly in gratitude.
"We'll delay our return to the Alliance. I won't feel at ease until we find some clue about this person."
"The leader will be waiting. Are you sure it's okay?"
"It's fine. If we discuss an energy filled with death, it'll intrigue him more than the legacy of the Saber Sword Sovereign," Rector replied, his expression firm as if he could read the leader's mind.
"But are you sure you're alright?"
Mustan clicking his tongue.
"As I've told you before, there's no exit at the end of my path. It's not too late to—"
"No," Mustan interrupted, shaking his head firmly.
"You were the pillar that supported me, and Sir Raon was the rope that connected me to that pillar. I'll do anything for the two of you."
He smiled, showing his determination wouldn't waver.
"Alright."
Rector nodded calmly. His gaze, as always, was filled with the deep affection of a master for his disciple.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Master."
The master and disciple walked together, side by side.
***
Raon stood in the royal capital of the Balkar Kingdom, looking around.
'It's certainly different from Owen.'
Unlike the sharp, intense atmosphere of Owen Kingdom, this city exuded an intellectual and mystical quality.
The architecture was different too. Most buildings were tall and tower-like, with a vintage design. The entire capital felt like a massive library.
The people's appearances were also unique. They carried thick books and wore various robes. They all looked like mages.
"Are all these people mages?" Burren asked, exhaling in wonder as he watched the passersby.
"This is the Kingdom of Magic. Of course, they are," Martha said, nudging Burren's shoulder and narrowing her eyes.
"It's because we're in the capital."
Kurman, the disciple of Thunder Hammer Barpil, said, shaking his head as he approached.
"If there were this many mages in every city, we would've conquered the continent. It's a shame."
He made a light joke to ease the heavy atmosphere and then led the group towards the inner castle.
Raon understood Kurman's intentions and silently followed him.
Boom.
A middle-aged guardian knight standing before the inner castle stomped his foot and looked up at Kurman.
"Sir Kurman, you're back."
"It's been a while, Sir Lucan."
Kurman replied with a slight bow and a faint smile.
"You've worked hard. But where is Sir Barpil...?"
Kurman bit his lip, his expression darkening.
"Hmm..."
The guardian knight read the mood of Kurman and those behind him and let out a short sigh.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright. We need permission to enter the inner castle," Kurman said, shaking his head and gesturing to the Light Wind division behind him.
"These are the Light Wind division from Zieghart. They saved us at the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb and have something important to discuss. I'll vouch for them."
Kurman vouched for the Light Wind division's entry into the inner castle.
"I am Raon Zieghart, leader of the Light Wind division."
Raon stepped forward and bowed.
"It's been a while," the guardian knight said, swallowing nervously as he met Raon's eyes.
"You know me?"
"We met in the Owen Kingdom. Of course, you’re much different now," he said, exhaling in disbelief.
"With Sir Kurman's endorsement and having seen you before, there shouldn't be any issues. Please, go ahead," the guardian knight said, stepping aside. The massive gates shimmered with a transparent light before disappearing.
It seemed even the gates were magically created.
"Thank you."
Kurman bowed to the guardian knight and resumed guiding them.
Inside the inner castle, there were even more mages. They all seemed busy, focused on their own tasks, paying no attention to this way. It was a typical scene for a kingdom of mages.
Raon narrowed his eyes as he surveyed the interior of the castle.
'The inside is different from Owen too.'
Inside the Balkar Kingdom's castle, it felt like walking through a museum, filled with mysterious artifacts. The hallways were lined with everyday items like clothes, shoes, and bracelets, alongside unidentifiable objects, making the passageways feel narrow.
A soft light flowed throughout the entire castle, seemingly designed for mages to read anywhere.
“This is where his majesty resides. I’ll request an audience, but I’m not sure if his majesty’s in right now,”
Kurman gestured toward the audience chamber and clicked his tongue.
"If his majesty is not present at the moment, I'd like to speak with Lady Chamber, at least."
Hey! She’s here!
As soon as he said that, Wrath pointed to the ceiling.
“Me?”
After Wrath's words, a girl's voice came from above.
Raon looked up and saw Chamber, the archmage of Eternal Flame, smiling brightly while wearing a witch's hat.
"L-Lady Chamber!"
Kurman was startled and fell to the floor.
Did you see that?
Wrath struck a triumphant pose with his hands on his hips.
This time, the King of Essence wasn’t late! Cough! Cough!
He still hadn’t recovered from the damage caused by the law of causality, so he coughed dryly.
‘…Yes, good job.’
Though it was meaningless this time, Raon praised him for comforting the clearly suffering Wrath.
"Raon, right? I've heard the rumors, but you've gotten incredibly strong, haven't you?"
"But what's with this strange combination? And why is that fishy woman so quiet?"
She rolled her eyes as she looked at the Light Wind swordsmen, the mages, and Aris.
"Greetings to the archmage of Balkar."
Aris bowed politely, perhaps due to the unfavorable situation. She knew how to behave.
“Greetings to the archmage of Balkar.”
Raon also bowed beside Aris.
"Hmph. It's embarrassing when you suddenly act like that."
Chamber put a lollipop in her mouth and frowned.
"I can tell at a glance that this isn't the right place to talk.”
She let out a short sigh and snapped her fingers.
Wooong!
At that moment, the space changed with a floating sensation.
The palace hallway twisted and turned into a white room.
It was a very spacious place, filled with dolls and sweets like a girl's room.
However, the walls were filled with countless books.
It seemed to be Chamber’s private space, with no one else around. Only Raon had been transported here.
“It must be something related to the Saber Sword Sovereign's tomb, right?"
Her voice dropped. She seemed to know what Raon was about to say.
“Tell me.”
“This matter also involves the Owen Kingdom. We came here first because it was closer, but….”
“Then we’ll have to go to Owen as well?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s handle it all at once.”
She twirled her lollipop and snapped her fingers.
Snap!
With a refreshing sound like cracking a walnut, a blue dimensional rift opened in the air.
Inside the rippling rift, a handsome, middle-aged man with blond hair and blue eyes, was lying down, smirking while reading a pink book.
“Uh…?”
Raon stared, mouth agape.
‘King Leckros?’
The man was Leckros, the King of Owen, also known as the Silent Sword Sovereign.
"Chamber! How many times have I told you not to open a dimensional rift suddenly... Huh! Raon?"
Leckros stammered, startled as he saw Raon.
“Ahem!”
Clearing his throat, he stood up straight.
“Raon Zieghart—no, I should call you the Light Wind division Leader now. It’s been a while.”
Despite his attempt at a dignified demeanor, the initial shock rendered it ineffective.
Did you see the name of that book? I must be seeing things!
Wrath trembled in astonishment.
“…Greetings to the Silent Sword Sovereign.”
Ignoring Wrath, Raon bowed to Leckros.
“So, what brings you here?”
“He has something to say to both of us,” Chamber nibbled on her candy and shook her head. Her demeanor was different from when they had met at the conference of the Six Kings. It seemed that the two were closer than publicly known.
“Something to say?”
“Yes. I need to tell you both about what happened in the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb….”
Steeling himself, Raon recounted everything that had transpired in the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb, describing how he survived thanks to the Koman Knights commander Kusan and Thunder Hammer Barpil. He presented the broken sword and staff, his hands trembling.
“I see,” Leckros nodded calmly, despite the sudden news.
“As he said, a knight reflects their lord’s face. But he doesn’t seem to realize that a tarnished face is better than to lose it.” He bit his lip, his head bowed.
“Thunder Hammer means a solid bolt of lightning. I gave him that name,” Chamber said, removing her lollipop and narrowing her eyes.
"He was more like a knight than a mage, so I gave him that name, hoping he would become a little gentler. But he went out the same way. Stubborn fool."
She clicked her tongue as she took Barpil’s staff.
"But he won't regret it. Thank you for bringing his belonging."
Chamber nodded with a faint smile, and for the first time, she appeared to be her true age.
“I feel the same.”
Leckros smiled faintly as he examined the sword that Chamber had teleported to him.
“Kusan would be proud to have fought alongside you. You have my gratitude.”
Both conveyed their sentiments with different smiles but the same message.
"I should be the one thanking you."
Raon bowed his head once again, deeply feeling both Leckros and Chamber's emotions.
“By the way, it's surprising that the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb area originally belonged to Zieghart.”
Leckros narrowed his eyes, stroking his chin.
“I acknowledge Zieghart’s ownership of that land.”
"What gives you the right to acknowledge it!"
Chamber snapped, her brows furrowing as she bit into her lollipop again.
“Owen has nothing to do with that place!”
"Ahem, can't you just go along with it…."
Leckros shook his head awkwardly.
"However, even if we acknowledge it, it's a different matter for people to accept it. It will take a long time."
He continued in a solemn voice, not abandoning his sense of authority.
“I don’t think so,” Chamber said firmly.
“What do you mean?”
"The rumors are spreading like wildfire right now."
She pointed to her ear, as if listening to other people's conversations.
"Anyone entering that forest must drop their swords (weapons). It's called the sacred land of Zieghart, the 'Land of the Sea of Swords.'
