N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)
Chapter 648
Raon calmly closed his eyes as he watched the crackling campfire.
‘It’s a bit tricky to use the Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts as they are.’
The Saber Sword Sovereign was a figure from a long time ago and had reached such a high level that many aspects of his martial arts were not suitable for Light Wind division.
‘Should I really try to modify them?’
Raon had memorized all of the Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts and had even fought using them, so it seemed feasible to create martial arts that would suit the Light Wind division.
“What are you thinking about so deeply?”
As he was contemplating, a lively voice came from his right.
When he turned his head, he saw Rimmer emerging from a tent, running a hand through his tousled hair.
“Aren’t you sleeping?”
“I napped on Dorian’s back during the day, so I can’t sleep now.”
Rimmer looked at the gradually brightening sky and then sat down beside him.
“I was thinking about the Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts.”
“The Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts?”
“Yes. I want to pass them on to the Light Wind division, but I don’t think they can use them as they are, so I’m considering making some adjustments myself...”
“That’s a good idea!”
Rimmer nodded, seeming to think it was a great idea.
“As you know, learning higher-level martial arts doesn’t automatically make someone stronger. It’s important to find what suits each individual.”
He twirled his finger in the air.
“You know the kids well. You can create the perfect martial arts for them.”
“I do know the Light Wind division guys well. However...”
Raon sighed briefly as he looked at the tent where Light Wind swordsmen were sleeping.
“I’m not sure if I can break down the Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts and create something proper.”
He knew he had grown stronger, but the Saber Sword Sovereign was a transcendent martial artist. The challenge of dismantling his techniques and creating something new was daunting.
“Well, you might fail.”
Rimmer chuckled as he looked up at the sky.
“But so what if you fail?”
“Pardon?”
“If it breaks, you can fix it, and if it’s completely unusable, you can throw it away and make something new.”
He smiled and patted Raon on the shoulder.
“You have plenty of ability and time. No matter how great the Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts are, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
“Hm…”
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rimmer.
“I don’t have any money.”
“What money all of a sudden!”
Rimmer screamed as if he was dumbfounded.
“Aren’t you giving me advice pretending to be helpful because you want money?”
“No! And pretending to give advice? That’s too harsh!”
He gritted his teeth, asking if Raon thought he was a scammer.
“You’re not a scammer. More like a gambler, a lazy bum, someone without a future...”
“Stop!”
Rimmer covered Raon’s mouth, telling him to stop.
"Anyway, if you just do it like you did when you created your swordsmanship, you'll be able to create martial arts for the Light Wind division without any problems."
He nodded, encouragingly.
“Vice division leader.”
“Yes?”
“Is something bothering you these days?”
“Why?”
“It’s just that you’re quiet with the kids, but when you’re with me, you give advice, so I’m not used to it.”
“That’s the role of an advisor.”
Rimmer shook his head as if it was obvious.
“But…”
“Yes.”
Raon leaned in, expecting more advice.
“Do you really not have any money? I can pay you back next month...”
"No. Even if I had it, I wouldn't."
Raon turned his head sharply. He was hoping for some real advice, but of course, it was just that again.
Haah, that shitty-ears is right.
As Raon sighed, Wrath yawned widely and climbed onto his bracelet.
Using it a bit won’t break it. You can keep testing it. Unlike me, your talent is meager, so it will take time, but it’s not impossible.
Wrath nodded his fingers as if to say to give it a try, despite boasting about himself.
'Right. It's best for me to create it.'
Because it's not for someone else.
He had lived with Light Wind for nearly ten years, not only learning their martial arts but also understanding their preferences and personalities.
Creating martial arts for them wasn’t much different from creating his own.
‘I should start by discarding the frameworks of sword arts and saber arts.’
He rotated the Ring of Fire, enhancing his concentration, and first meticulously dismantled the Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts. He sorted out what was advantageous and what wasn’t, deciding what to keep and what to discard.
As he was organizing his thoughts, a white light flashed in the night sky.
No, it wasn’t white light. A crow, black and white mixed, was rapidly descending.
“That bird...”
“The Gambling Monster. It’s the old man’s bird?”
Rimmer widened his eyes as he looked at the crow. As he said, this crow was a communication beast that the Gambling Monster kept.
“What could be happening?”
“There’s a letter on its leg.”
Raon took the note from the crow’s leg and unfolded it.
[The vice head of the senators is causing trouble at the annex building. If possible, return quickly.]
It was Gambling Monster’s handwriting. It really was a letter from him.
“Causing trouble, huh...”
Rimmer furrowed his brows, seeming to have guessed the situation.
What does that mean! Causing trouble!
Wrath’ face turned red with anger at the thought of trouble at the annex building.
‘They’re probably using inspection rights or something to harass them.’
The senate was basically a place for retired executives, but they also played a role in keeping the family in check.
It seemed they were abusing their authority to harass the annex building.
‘The reason is…’
It must be because of me.
The senate wasn’t targeting the annex building because they disliked Sylvia. They were harassing the annex building to pressure me instead of Karoon.
Those old bastards! Why are they bothering our mom instead of you? I’ll rip out their beards right now!
'I'd like to do that too.'
Wrath was right. If they wanted to pick a fight, they should come directly to me. Going to the empty annex building was a tactic fit for back-alley thugs.
'It seems like I can't handle this the way I used to.'
As I get stronger and my status rises, there will probably be more people targeting the annex building.
Ending things alone like before won't solve the problem anymore.
“Raon. You’re going, right?”
Rimmer gave him a knowing look.
“Yes. I need to go right away.”
Raon looked at the rising sun and burned the letter in his hand.
‘I’ll make them regret it.’
***
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After returning to Zieghart, Raon headed straight to the annex building. As soon as he saw the annex building, he clenched his teeth unknowingly.
‘They’ve destroyed the entire annex building.’
The flowers and trees that used to greet him like a welcoming party were uprooted and scattered, and the well-maintained grounds were dug up, turning into a yellow wasteland. It looked like a battlefield.
The annex building itself was damaged and in ruins. Window frames were ripped out, and holes punctured the walls, making it look like a ragged, worn-out garment.
What was even more outrageous was that the senate’s swordsmen were merely giving orders, while the maids were doing the digging and demolishing.
Even Sylvia and Helen were digging up the garden.
Raon bit his lip as he stared at the old man at the center of the garden. He remained seated, sipping tea, even after noticing Raon’s arrival.
‘Is that the vice head of the senators?’
He was an old man Raon had occasionally seen at family events. He had always regarded Raon with disdain, and now they met like this.
Is that bastard the vice head of the senators?
Wrath raised his fist.
Let me descend right now! I’ll freeze every wrinkle on that old man’s face!
He grabbed Raon’s collar, urging him to let him out quickly.
“This is insane.”
Aris twisted her lips as she looked at the annex building.
“Hah, this is beyond what I expected.”
Rimmer let out a bitter laugh.
“I can’t stand this. I’ll take care of it.”
Aris rolled up her sleeves and stepped forward.
“No.”
Raon stepped in front of Aris and Rimmer, shaking his head.
“This matter will be resolved from within the annex building.”
It wasn’t the first time trouble had come to the annex building.
The continuous harassment was due to a lack of strength. This time, the annex building had to handle it, and build a wall that no one could touch.
“Got it.”
Aris understood and stepped back, though she clenched her fists in frustration.
“Then I’ll stay out of it.”
Rimmer also nodded, folding his arms.
Whooosh.
Raon activated the Ring of Fire. Rather than displaying powerful energy and anger, he suppressed it as he approached the vice head.
“…Young master.”
“Oh, when did you arrive?”
Judiel and the maids, who were digging, widened their eyes in surprise.
“Raon.”
“Young master!”
Sylvia and Helen put down their shovels and approached him.
"Did you return after completing your mission? You came back sooner than expected."
The vice head smiled faintly, waving his hand.
"I heard the story. It seems you’ve done quite a remarkable job collecting the Saber Sword Sovereign’s martial arts. Well done."
“……”
Raon didn’t respond to the vice head’s words. Instead, he looked at Sylvia and the maids.
Their faces were smeared with dirt and sweat, their hands bruised. Their shoes and skirts were covered in mud, indicating how long they had been digging.
“Are you the vice head of the senators?”
Raon resisted the urge to draw his sword and split Killuan’s head, turning his gaze.
“What if I am?”
The vice head didn’t seem perturbed by Raon’s informal tone, maintaining his smile.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“It’s an inspection by the senate!”
A middle-aged man, presumably one of the vice head’s subordinates, stepped forward.
“We received reports of illegal activities in the annex building….”
"I’m speaking to your master. Get lost, dog."
Raon didn’t even glance at Krisen, keeping his eyes on the vice head.
“You…!”
“Stand down, Krisen.”
The vice head chuckled, waving his hand at Krisen.
“He’s right. We received reports of illegal activities here, so we’re conducting an investigation under the senate’s authority.”
“What illegal activities?”
“I can’t disclose that.”
“Who provided the information?”
“You know we have to protect our sources. Naturally, I can’t reveal that.”
He twisted his lips in a mocking smile.
“Judging by this mess, it seems you haven’t found anything. Why are you still here? The inspection period should be over.”
“We might have missed something. And the senate’s inspections can be extended up to three times. We’re following the rules.”
The vice head waved a document in his hand, claiming they were acting within legal boundaries.
“This matter aside, I am the vice head of the senators of house Zieghart. I’d appreciate some respect.”
“You’re only alive because I’ve shown you respect so far.”
"Just like they say, you're all bark and no bite."
The vice head sipped his tea without changing his expression. As a seasoned figure who had risen to the position of vice head of the senators in the senate, he didn’t fall for provocations.
"I'll leave it at that for today, having seen the great achievements of the Light Wind division leader."
With a snap of his fingers, the senate’s swordsmen who were scattered around the annex building lined up behind him.
"Don’t hate us too much. Rules exist to be followed, after all."
"You’ll regret this."
Raon approached the vice head, who was about to turn his back, narrowing his eyes.
"I’ve heard that before. I expected you to draw your sword the moment you arrived. Frankly, I’m disappointed."
The vice head gave a mocking smile.
"Don’t worry. I’ll meet your expectations."
"Looking forward to it."
He waved lightly and left the annex building.
Argh…are you just going to let him go like that?
Wrath gritted his teeth.
Chase him down and crush his head in, just like you’re good at!
'Not now.'
Raon bit his lip as he watched the vice head’ back. Since they were acting within the law, recklessly making a move could backfire.
"Raon."
Sylvia stepped forward and lowered her head.
"I’m sorry. I said I’d protect the annex building, but there was nothing I could do…."
She trembled with frustration, her shoulders shaking as she looked down.
"It’s alright."
Raon shook his head, steadying Sylvia’s trembling shoulders. If she hadn't been able to control herself and had drawn her sword, things would have gotten worse.
Because everyone, including the maids, had endured, a way to legally crush the old fox's head had been opened.
"Young master."
Judiel, who had briefly entered the annex building, came back with a black notebook.
"This is…."
"It’s the compiled information from the Black Market and Sir Gambling Monster."
Opening the notebook, he saw pages filled with information about the vice head, written in shaky handwriting.
It looked like it had been written at night with tired hands after a day of digging.
"I hope this helps."
"Thank you."
Raon quickly read through the notebook and nodded.
"Thanks to you, I know what to do."
"What to do?"
"Yes."
Raon twisted his lips into a smile as he looked at Sylvia and the maids.
"A way to make sure those thugs never touch this annex building again."
***
After making arrangements for Sylvia and the maids to rest, Raon headed to the main building.
The Light Wind swordsmen and the Void Sword swordsmen were all waiting in front of the lord’s manor.
"Is it resolved?"
Burren swallowed nervously as he approached.
"Why are there so many old folks not acting their age these days?"
Martha frowned, clearly annoyed.
"Are you alright?"
Even Runaan, who usually kept her cool, had worry in his eyes.
"I’m fine."
Raon nodded not just to the three of them, but to the entire Light Wind swordsmen who were biting their lips behind them.
"What happened?"
"I’ll explain later. For now, let’s focus on the report."
With a light wave, he stepped to the front of the Light Wind division.
As he entered the lord’s manor, the Light Wind division wiped away their confused expressions and followed with serious and determined expressions.
Unlike before, each one exuded the aura of a reliable swordsman.
Raon smiled faintly as he walked towards the audience chamber. The grand doors were already open, and inside, the executives of Zieghart stood in front of the pillars on both sides.
One of the vice head’s subordinates, who he had seen at the annex building earlier, stood among the direct line members.
Hoooom.
Glenn, as usual, sat on the throne, resting his chin on his hand. His gaze held a serious intensity, not the usual emptiness.
Tsk
Aris nodded towards Glenn and took a step forward. She took a place beside the vice head’s subordinate, her expression suggesting she was ready to cut him down if he stepped out of line.
Next to her stood Chad. He had a strangely welcoming look in his eyes, as if he had seen an old friend.
Raon took a deep breath, calming his mind. He signaled the Light Wind swordsmen to follow and entered the audience chamber.
Stepping onto the spotless red carpet, he kneeled before the platform.
"Light Wind division, reporting back after completing the mission."
"Light Wind division, reporting back after completing the mission!"
Raon knelt before Glenn and bowed his head. Behind him, he heard the sound of the Light Wind swordsmen following suit, their knees hitting the ground.
"Rise."
Hearing Glenn’s composed voice, Raon stood.
"Leader of the Light Wind division."
"Yes."
"Weren’t you assigned to patrol the Zieghart territory?"
"Yes."
Having anticipated this question, Raon nodded calmly.
Although the incident at the Saber Sword Sovereign's tomb was significant enough to put it on hold, the Light Wind division's original mission was patrol and surveillance.
"Why did you go to the tomb?"
"The villages near Zieghart were suffering great damage due to the influx of warriors searching for the Saber Sword Sovereign's tomb. The problem persisted despite our efforts, we believed it was right to find the tomb first to eliminate the cause."
"I see."
Glenn nodded briefly, as if he had expected that answer. it seemed like he was asking for the sake of the other executives, not for himself.
"Then report what happened inside the tomb."
"Understood. We encountered the Snow Demon Queen, the Sixth Apostle, and the Ghost Demon Swordmaster, and after a battle, we discovered the tomb…."
Raon nodded and began to recount everything that had happened.
Of course, he didn’t mention the things he had to keep secret, like the memories of his ancestor.
"...And thus, we returned after paying our respects to the archmage of Balkar and King Owen."
When he finished speaking, the only sound in the audience chamber was that of people catching their breath.
Although everyone had known some of the details, they hadn't realized just how much had happened.
"Wow..."
"To think he grew strong enough to defeat the Snow Demon Queen one-on-one..."
"Not just that, he stopped the Saber Sword Sovereign! Even if he was weakened as a living corpse, facing someone who was once transcendent and surviving is unbelievable..."
"If this is true, it's beyond insane."
The executives exhaled in amazement, repeatedly expressing their astonishment.
"Ahem!"
Glenn covered his mouth with his left hand and gave a short cough. His face was as red as a ripe apple.
"While defeating them in battle is impressive, isn't finding the tomb's control room even more amazing?"
"Indeed. If properly developed, it could be used as a training ground for the swordsmen."
"I think the craziest part was when they came out of the tomb. How did he manage to knock down hundreds of people after such a grueling battle? Is he some kind of zombie...?"
"The Land of the Sea of Swords. The sacred land of Zieghart. To think it would be established in such a place, it's unbelievable."
The executives praised Raon for each of his accomplishments, their faces bright with smiles.
"Hmm..."
"Tch."
"What's all the fuss about?"
The direct line executives frowned in displeasure, but some even sneered, perhaps due to their previous harassment of the annex building.
"The sacred land of Zieghart! It sounds grand!"
Balder nodded vigorously, looking refreshed.
"What a shame. I wanted to create something like that!"
He swung his fist, which was the size of a cauldron lid, in disappointment.
"If you had done it, it wouldn't have become a sacred land. It would have just smelled of blood."
Aris shook her head, dismissing his absurd claim.
"Elder sister is right."
Denier smiled faintly as he looked at Raon.
"The Light Wind division leader turned it into a sacred land by not killing a single person. It’s a feat that can’t be easily replicated."
"Well, true."
Balder nodded, picking his nose.
"I would’ve killed them all. Well done."
He clapped twice for Raon in approval.
Raon nodded to Balder and turned his attention back to Glenn.
"Ahem..."
Glen still had his hand covering his mouth, as if lost in thought. His fingers trembled like a candle in the wind, and his eyes darted back and forth like lightning, following the speaker.
It was hard to understand what he was thinking.
"My lord. there's something I'd like to say."
Seeing no end to Glenn's contemplation, Raon decided to speak first.
"Go ahead."
Glenn returned to his usual dry gaze and nodded.
"The Saber Sword Sovereign was an ancestor of Zieghart, and his tomb was originally used as a training ground for Zieghart. Since the sacred land of Zieghart has unexpectedly been established, I believe we should secure ownership of that land as soon as possible."
Raon continued, watching the light in Glenn's eyes grow brighter.
"We’ve received permission from Owen and Balkar. Although the tomb is a bit distant from Zieghart, there aren’t many other factions in between. If we move quickly, it shouldn’t be difficult to secure."
There were no particularly strong factions between Zieghart and the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb.
The Kingdom of Balkar and the Black Tower were nearby, but with Balkar's approval, persuading the villagers wouldn’t be too hard.
"Hmm..."
Glenn smacked his lips and removed his hand from his mouth. His face was now composed, showing no signs of his earlier trembling.
"There's no need for that."
"Excuse me? But it’s too valuable to..."
Using that area as a training ground could help Zieghart’s swordsmen develop step by step. It was too valuable to just leave it as it was.
"That's not what I mean."
Glenn shook his head calmly. At his gesture, Chad stepped forward.
"Lusen village, Yupil village, Tuzan city, and..."
Chad projected a map in the air, pointing to the villages and cities between Zieghart and the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb.
"Residents of the villages that the Light Wind division saved have contacted us, expressing their desire to join Zieghart."
He nodded, acknowledging their commendable actions.
"Exactly as he says."
As Glenn traced his finger in the air, a line connecting Zieghart to the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb appeared on the map.
Lusen village, Yupil village, Tuzan City—the neutral territories the Light Wind division had saved—were now colored in Zieghart’s golden hue.
"You and the Light Wind division have drawn Zieghart's line on the continent's map."
