N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)
Chapter 661
That old geezer, what nonsense is he spouting!
Wrath trembled as his fingertips quivered and shot up into the air.
Chamber of self? Absolutely not! Just hearing the name reeks of nadine bread!
He shook his head violently, as if he couldn't bear it any longer. It felt like a wind as strong as the Light Wind Style was blowing.
"Does that mean my lord would allow me to enter the chamber of self if I wanted to?"
Raon moved his lips while looking at Glenn behind Wrath.
“Yes.”
Glenn nodded quietly.
"May I ask why?"
Regardless of whether or not he would enter, he wanted to know the sudden reason behind it.
“The line you and the Light Wind division drew on the map has become reality. As of yesterday, all of it has become the land of Zieghart.”
Glenn turned his gaze to the sunlight distorted by the window. His shoulders, like iron towers, seemed to shake slightly.
"As I said before, taking land without waging war and with the recognition of the surrounding area is no less than a feat. I simply thought that giving you a few martial arts books wouldn't be enough. And..."
Glenn slowly lowered his eyes and then opened them again, hands clasped behind his back.
“I’ve seen the land of the sea of swords you created.”
“Pardon?”
"The warriors who went to that place laid down their weapons, which were no different from their own bodies, and entered."
A small sound of breath escaped from his mouth.
"One person's action is merely stubbornness, but when a thousand people do it, it becomes a rule."
Glenn's gaze captured the warmth of the sunlight reflecting on the window.
"You made a new rule in Zieghart's name. It's not strange to give someone like that the opportunity to enter the chamber of self."
“I saw it too.”
Roenn stepped forward, supporting Glenn’s words.
"The warriors and magicians who went to the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb showed their respect to young master Raon by laying down their weapons next to the tomb. I've lived a long time, but I've never seen anything like it."
He smiled faintly, saying that Raon led people with awe, not fear and violence.
What nonsense are these old geezers spouting!
Wrath glared at Roenn.
If they're holding their weapons, their heads will get crushed. Who wouldn't drop them!
“Hmm.”
Raon slightly bowed his head under the gazes of Glenn and Roenn.
'It wasn't something I intended.'
He wanted to test his grown power and didn’t want to see blood, so he just knocked them out. He didn’t expect this outcome. The world was truly unpredictable.
“This seems to have answered your question.”
Glenn turned his head as if it was now Raon’s turn to answer.
“What will you do?”
“I won’t go in.”
Raon closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and shaking his head.
“What’s the reason?”
Glenn didn’t seem surprised, as if he had expected this answer.
“It’s not the right time yet.”
Having already thought about it, he answered immediately.
Raon!
Wrath approached with wide eyes trembling.
It’s because of my food, isn’t it? You’ve finally come to your senses!
Wrath nodded while sniffling.
Then I can’t just stand by! From now on, I’ll acknowledge you as a demon!
‘Enough.’
Raon brushed Wrath aside and looked at Glenn.
“Lady Aris told me about the camber of self.”
Though he had learned about it from Rimmer, but he learned the detailed information about it through Aris.
“She said quite a few people come out of the chamber of self without gaining anything.”
“That’s true.”
Glenn acknowledged this with a nod.
“The chamber of self is not a miraculous growth potion. It’s common to gain nothing or achieve very little growth.”
“Lady Aris said those who fail to achieve much have something in common…”
Raon licked his lips, looking at Glenn.
“They haven’t reached their limits.”
“Their limits…”
“She mocked, saying it’s foolish to enter the chamber of self without facing an insurmountable wall.”
Recalling Aris’ advice, he continued.
[Raon. You’ll reach the peak of Grandmaster soon. But from there to Transcendence is a long way. It might take longer than the time you’ve spent cultivating martial arts so far, or you might never reach it. The chamber of self will be of great help to you then.]
Aris had given him advice that only someone who had walked the same path could offer.
‘She’s right.’
Surpassing the final wall to the next level is extremely difficult.
Even when he reached the peak of Master level, it took a long time and anguish to become a Grandmaster.
Having experienced despair in front of a thick wall, he believed Aris’ words were correct.
The chamber of self is a place one can enter only once in a lifetime. His true goal was not the Axe King, but Derus Robert, so he had to think about the future, not the present.
“The life-and-death duel with the Axe King is less than five months away. Are you confident?”
Glenn’s heavy gaze fell, asking if he could win without the chamber of self.
“The duel with the Axe King is not my final destination, but merely a part of my journey.”
Raon gripped the handle of Heavenly Drive and smiled.
"As I said before, my most important goal is to put my mother back in the direct line. I won’t die before achieving that."
He spoke with conviction, raising his eyes confidently.
“I will defeat the Axe King with my own strength and return.”
What do you mean your strength! It’s all my power! stats! traits and abilities!
Wrath furrowed his brow in disbelief.
You shameless punk!
Wrath grabbed Raon’s shoulder, demanding he tell the truth.
“How will you spend the remaining time?”
"I've taught the Light Wind division the martial arts I created. After they gain real combat experience through missions, I'll return and prepare for the duel alone."
“Is that so.”
Glenn's lips curved into a gentle smile. He had seen his sneer many times, but this was the first time he had seen a smile like this. It seemed like he had expected this situation.
“If that’s your wish, I’ll respect it. However, your achievements won’t disappear, so I’ll keep the right to enter the chamber of self for you.”
“Thank you.”
Raon bowed deeply. Perhaps because the territory had expanded, Glenn’s generosity seemed to have grown as well.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Wait.”
As Raon straightened up and was about to leave the audience chamber, Glenn raised his hand.
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
Glenn nodded as if he had expected that.
“Then join me.”
“Uh…”
What are you waiting for! Nod your head now!
As Raon hesitated, Wrath jumped forward.
If you eat with that old geezer, it’s bound to be a feast!
He licked his lips, as if he had struck gold.
‘It could just be nadine bread.’
Ugh…
Wrath's mouth dropped open as he remembered Glenn's taste.
Th, then what should we do...
There’s nothing to be done. Refusing a meal invitation from the head of house is impossible.
“I’ll prepare it right away.”
Roenn smiled broadly and left the audience chamber.
There won’t really be nadine bread, right? Right?
Raon and Wrath gulped, each with different thoughts in mind.
* * *
Fortunately, the meal wasn’t nadine bread. As Wrath had hoped, a sumptuous feast was laid out on the long rectangular table.
As expected of grandpa!
Wrath beamed, calling Glenn “grandpa” for the first time in a while.
‘Hmm…’
Raon chewed a long slice of steak slowly, regulating his breath.
‘I can’t taste anything.’
The potato soup was thick, the stew tender, and the meat melted in his mouth.
Yet he couldn’t taste any of it. Feeling uncomfortable, it was as if he were eating in a dream.
This place knows how to cook meat! Hmm? Good meat!
Only one demon king was chattering excitedly and wagging his tail.
‘Well, it’s good that you’re happy.’
Raon sighed inwardly and brought the food that Wrath wanted to eat.
“What is the name of the martial art you created?”
Glenn wetted his lips with water and for the first time turned his gaze towards Raon.
“…It’s called the Light Wind Style.”
Raon answered after swallowing the last bit of shrimp in his mouth.
“A martial art utilizing the wind for super-sensory perception. A fitting name.”
“Thank you.”
Raon gave an awkward smile, not expecting a compliment on his naming sense.
“The Light Wind Style becomes exponentially effective as the practitioner grows stronger. Like aura training, ensure you practice it daily.”
“I will.”
“If you truly wish to achieve super-sensory perception, it’s beneficial to sense danger even without activating the technique. It seems you can achieve this by slightly altering your current method.”
“What do you mean by altering…?”
“If you move the mana circuits below your energy center to overlap twice, the sensitivity will increase. It might not be perfect, but it will be an improvement.”
Glenn casually explained and pointed out the specific positions of the mana circuits.
“To draw the wind’s energy more strongly, breath control is essential. The higher the level of martial art, the greater the difference made by minor adjustments. Teach this properly to the members of the Light Wind division as well.”
He continued to provide detailed theoretical advice on fine-tuning the martial art.
“Thank you.”
Raon imprinted Glenn’s advice into his memory, bowing his head.
“There’s no need for thanks during a meal.”
Glenn waved his hand dismissively as if it was a trivial matter.
Next, that one! The chicken leg with the red seasoning is calling for the King of Esssence!
‘For a small creature, why do you have such a big belly?'
Raon sighed as he reached for the grilled chicken that Wrath was eyeing, but Glenn’s fingers tapped the table lightly.
“…How is Sylvia doing?”
“She’s fine.”
Raon lowered his hand and nodded. He had recently sensed that Glenn was showing concern for Sylvia, so he had somewhat expected this question.
“She is recovering without any aftereffects. She’s quite restless and can’t seem to stay still.”
Raon smiled, remembering Sylvia, whom he had visited before teaching the Light Wind Style to the Light Wind division.
“I see.”
Glenn’s usual expression remained unchanged, but there seemed to be a slight warmth in his voice.
“If my lord visit her, mother would be very pleased.”
Raon gathered the courage to suggest that Glenn visit Sylvia.
Oh? What’s gotten into you?
Wrath exclaimed in amazement, his mouth agape.
“If the opportunity arises.”
Glenn said no more after that.
There were no further words exchanged. Though the meal was quiet, a peculiar warmth seemed to bloom.
* * *
“Roenn!”
Glenn watched the space where Raon had departed, a thin smile playing on his lips.
“Yes. I’m noting it down.”
Without looking up, Roenn was writing down Raon’s words in Raon’s Gospel.
“There were many great quotes today, but the best would be this one.”
Roenn paused, raised his voice as if reciting, and said:
“‘The duel with the Axe King is not my final destination, but merely a part of my journey.’ I got goosebumps when I heard that.”
Roenn’s eyes grew moist as he praised how well Raon had grown.
“That was good, but I liked ‘I will defeat the Axe King with my own strength and return.’ It shows his belief in himself.”
Glenn thought of Raon’s determined gaze, clenching his fist tightly.
"They’re all good. There's nothing to leave out."
Roenn recorded Raon’s words in the Gospel, turning to Glenn.
‘Are you finally mustering the courage?’
Considering Glenn had invited Raon to a meal, it seemed he was finally finding the courage to approach Sylvia and Raon.
‘Raon’s surprise was adorable.’
Raon had widened his eyes like a startled rabbit when Glenn asked him to join for a meal. It reminded Roenn of Raon’s childhood after a long time, making him smile.
‘Of course, it’ll take a long time for this clueless grandfather and grandson to grow closer….’
Raon still didn’t fully understand Glenn’s intentions, and Glenn had no plans to reveal his true feelings to Raon.
It would take a very long time for the two to understand each other, but today’s small step was satisfactory.
“My lord.”
“Hm?”
Glenn, lost in thought, turned his gaze at Roenn’s call.
“Didn’t young master Raon request you to visit Lady Sylvia?”
Roenn suggested with a soft smile.
“How about stopping by once?”
“No need…She’s being discharged today.”
Glenn hesitated briefly, closing his eyes, then shook his head.
“Is she being discharged today? I didn’t know, how did you….”
Roenn feigned ignorance, shaking his head.
“Ahem, that quack doctor mentioned it when he came by.”
Glenn waved his hand, saying he found out by chance, and left the dining room.
Roenn smiled gently at Glenn’s retreating back.
‘He’s been visiting daily.’
It was evident that Glenn had learned of Sylvia’s discharge date from his daily visits to her room to check on her condition.
“Since there’s been some progress….”
Roenn stacked the empty plates, smacking his lips.
“Today’s step is enough.”
* * *
Martha wrapped the wind around her fingers as she crossed the main gate of the Wise Martial Palace.
‘This is really something.’
She had thought she would only ever use the earth attribute, but suddenly being able to control the wind felt unexpected.
‘And so easily, too.’
Thanks to Raon’s guidance, the wind moved as if it were part of her.
Of course, there were still many shortcomings, but it was absurd to learn and use a supreme martial art in just a week.
‘A monster is a monster.’
Not only did he create a supreme martial art, but he also calculated the easy way for everyone to learn it right away. Raon's talent and depth of thought were frightening.
The more she practiced the Light Wind Style, the deeper her gratitude for Raon and Rimmer became.
She felt she had no choice but to become stronger, if only out of gratitude.
‘Yes. I must become stronger.’
She hadn’t achieved any of her goals yet.
Martha clenched the necklace inside her training uniform, biting her lip.
‘Mom….’
Rescuing her mother’s body from the White Blood Religion leader and continuing to walk alongside Raon, who gave her courage when she almost gave up.
She had given up trying to catch up to Raon. She knew better than anyone that it was impossible.
Therefore, she wanted to walk beside him, support him, and become the sharpest blade by his side.
Martha turned on her heel, heading to her father’s training ground instead of her room.
‘There’s no time to rest now.’
She moved to the center of the empty training ground and drew her sword.
As she activated the Titan’s Aura and swung her sword, the wind of the Light Wind Style naturally enhanced the speed and sharpness of her strikes.
Thud!
The ground cracked deeply, and the surrounding sand swept away like waves.
'As expected, it's amazing.'
Her previously dull and heavy swordsmanship now felt twice as sharp.
She couldn't maintain it for long since the Light Wind Style was at the 1-star level, but the speed and sharpness boosted by the wind seemed like they would be a great help in future battles.
Satisfied, Martha smiled and continued to practice the techniques. Only after pouring out all the Light Wind Style’s energy did she lower her sword.
As she wiped the sweat from her forehead and prepared to continue training, Denier entered the training ground.
“Father!”
Martha ran towards him, eager to boast about the Light Wind Style, but Denier’s expression was as stiff as dry wood.
“Martha….”
Denier furrowed his brow deeply, not noticing Martha’s smile.
“I have something to tell you about your mother.”