N/T: Translation made by our friend 'Irving'. A big round of applause for him :)
Chapter 662
"Oh, my mom…?"
Martha's fingertips trembled. The sword she was holding slipped and embedded itself in the ground.
“Yes, your mother. Or rather, the White Blood Religion leader's movements have been discovered.”
He seemed uncertain about what to call her, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.
“...Where?”
Martha clutched her aching chest and bit her lip.
"The south. They say she's ravaged the Sword Kingdom, close to the Beast Union."
Denier massaged his forehead and let out a long sigh.
“Three knight orders have been annihilated, and even the king is dead.”
“Ugh...”
Martha clenched her trembling hand into a fist.
“That demon of a woman...”
The body controlled by the White Blood Religion leader belongs to her mother. The thought of her mother, who had lived a tough life but never resorted to violence, knowing that hundreds had been massacred using her body made her heart feel like it was about to explode with rage.
“Why did she attack the Kingdom of Sword?”
“It’s not entirely clear yet, but it seems she was after the kingdom’s relics. Judging by the king’s death, it appears she succeeded.”
Denier shook his head, indicating the gravity of the situation.
“So where is the White Blood Religion leader now?”
“The Beast Union leader chased after her as soon as he heard about the attack, but she had already vanished.”
“Of course...”
Even the Beast Union leader would find it nearly impossible to track down and capture the White Blood Religion leader over such a great distance.
“Are you alright?”
Denier placed a hand on Martha’s shoulder as she hung her head.
“I investigated because you asked about the White Blood Religion leader’s movements, but I’m not sure if it was the right decision.”
“No, I needed to know. Thank you, father.”
Martha gripped her necklace, her lips pressed tightly together.
‘Yes. I need to know.’
She had to find out what the White Blood Religion leader was doing with her mother's body and who she had killed so that she could seek forgiveness in the future.
Because she hadn’t given up on saving her mother yet.
“There’s some good news, though.”
Denier raised a finger, catching Martha’s attention.
“Good news?”
“Yes. You mentioned that the White Blood Religion leader was still wearing your mother’s necklace, right?”
“Yeah. That’s how I recognized her.”
The White Blood Religion leader bore some resemblance to her mother but had a much more refined and youthful appearance. Without the necklace, she might not have recognized her.
"The answer from the great priest Ballam has come. He believes the reason the White Blood Religion leader still wears the necklace is that she hasn’t fully erased your mother’s soul."
Denier nodded, indicating the necklace Martha was holding.
“There’s a chance, however slim, that we might be able to drive out the White Blood Religion leader’s soul.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But the chances are very low.”
“That’s enough. That’s all I need.”
Martha picked up the sword she had dropped and nodded.
‘To think there’s a chance to save mom...’
Her primary goal had always been to kill the White Blood Religion leader, but she had no clear idea how to save her mother. Hearing that there was a way to overcome the greatest obstacle made her heart race.
“What do I need to do to save her?”
"The artifact imbued with the tracking magic and you, her blood relative, are important, he says. I've already made a request for the artifact."
Denier took a deep breath as he saw Martha’s trembling eyes.
"Ballam is as crazy about money as he is reliable in his work. You can trust him."
“Thank you, father.”
Martha bowed her head, unable to meet Denier’s eyes.
“I’ll repay you someday.”
Ballam was known as the most greediest priest on the continent. The cost must have been astronomical, mere words of thanks wouldn't suffice.
“It’s only natural for a father to do this.”
Denier shook his head and embraced the trembling Martha.
“...Thank you so much.”
Martha closed her eyes, feeling Denier's warmth.
‘Meeting you was the greatest fortune of my life.’
If it weren’t for Denier, she wouldn’t have made it to house Zieghart and would have died on the streets. Because of him, she obtained the name Zieghart and met Raon and the Light Wind, a debt she could never repay.
“But Martha?”
“Yes?”
“If I’m not mistaken, it seemed like you were using wind earlier...”
Denier tilted his head, puzzled.
“That’s right.”
Martha looked up at Denier and nodded.
“Raon created a new martial art. It’s called Light Wind Style...”
She explained how Raon created the Light Wind Style and how the entire Light Wind division was mesmerized by it.
“Light Wind Style...”
Denier murmured the name as he examined the marks left by Martha’s sword.
“Can you show me?”
“Of course. Though I don’t have much energy left, so I can’t maintain it for long.”
Martha stepped back from Denier and activated the Light Wind Style. She combined Titan’s Aura with the wind of the Light Wind Style, displaying the sword techniques Denier had taught her.
Whooosh!
Her heavy, powerful sword strikes were now sharper and faster, achieving a higher level of effectiveness.
“How is it?”
Martha asked, raising her chin after completing a series of techniques with the Light Wind Style.
"Is this a martial art that utilizes extrasensory perception?"
Denier’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“Yes. It moves according to my will, but the wind itself also seems to have its own will and blends into my sword techniques.”
“Wow...”
Denier swallowed hard, genuinely impressed.
“Did Raon really create this martial art?”
“And in just a week. We were all amazed. Even that gambler stopped going to the gambling den and started training.”
Martha smiled, explaining how the martial art even got Rimmer to focus on training.
“Hmm...”
She glanced at her hand, where the wind had disappeared.
"The wind is gone. I need to go in and replenish some energy."
“Alright, go ahead.”
Denier nodded, and Martha bowed before turning away.
At that moment, Denier’s eyes dimmed, his gaze losing the warmth and interest he had shown his daughter. The love and surprise he had displayed faded like watercolor in the rain.
* * *
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After his awkward meal with Glenn, Raon headed to Sylvia’s hospital room.
“Raon!”
Sylvia stood up from her bed, not in a patient gown but in training clothes.
“Mom, why are you wearing those...”
“Today is madam’s discharge day.”
Helen folded Sylvia’s patient gown and smiled.
“My only son didn’t even know his mother was being discharged, only visiting once a week...”
Sylvia sniffed, pretending to be sad.
“I told you it would take some time to pass on the martial art to the others...”
Raon rubbed his neck, feeling awkward under Sylvia’s teary gaze.
Tsk tsk!
Wrath clicked his tongue and shook his head.
This is why people say raising a heaven being is pointless!
He leaped onto Sylvia’s shoulder, wagging his tail.
Mom doesn't need to worry! The King of Essence will take care of you until the end!
Wrath clung to Sylvia, claiming to be her real child.
“I’m joking.”
Sylvia waved her hand with a bright smile.
“I know better than anyone how busy you are. So, how did the Light Wind Style go?”
“Yes, Luckily...”
Raon recounted how the entire Light Wind division fell into a trance.
"T-They all fell into a trance? How is that even possible?"
Sylvia widened her eyes in astonishment.
“I didn’t expect it either.”
Raon shook his head and sat down beside Sylvia.
"Hearing that the kids fell into a trance makes my body stiff."
Sylvia rotated her shoulders, eager to start training immediately.
“Yes, you need to train and teach the Shining Light Style as well.”
“Hmm...”
Helen twirled her hair around her finger at Raon’s words.
“Young master, can we really learn it too?”
“Of course. Even if you start martial arts late, it’s designed to be easy to learn. It won’t be too difficult.”
Raon assured them that they just needed to trust Sylvia.
"Hoo, I never thought I’d be learning martial arts at my age. I'm excited and nervous." Seeing Helen’s trembling hands reminded him of what happened at the lord’s manor.
“Oh, there was something unusual that happened today.”
“Unusual? More unusual than the entire Light Wind division falling into a trance?”
“Yes. The head of house…”
He recounted what happened with Glenn before coming to the hospital room.
“Oh my…”
Helen reacted first, gasping for breath.
“H-Having a meal with the lord! Madam, doesn’t this mean the lord wants to get closer?”
“Well, maybe…”
Contrary to expectations, Sylvia didn’t seem surprised and smiled softly.
“Raon.”
“Yes?”
"If anything similar happens, please treat the lord warmly."
"W-Warmly?"
"Yes. Warmly."
She spoke earnestly, holding his shoulder.
“That’s impossible…”
As he was about to say it would be difficult, the hospital room door swung open.
The ones who entered were Encia and Siyan, who had left for house Yonaan to write the "The biography of Raon Zieghart."
“Lady Sylvia!”
“Are you alright?”
They rushed to Sylvia and Helen, checking them over.
“I’m fine. I’m all better now.”
Sylvia raised her arm with a bright smile.
“We’re sorry! We were in the secret room, so we were late to hear the news!”
“I’m really sorry.”
Encia frowned, saying she didn't even know her friend from the Shadow Agents had sent her information. Siyan also apologized and lowered her head.
“It’s alright. I’m just glad you didn’t have to suffer through it.”
Sylvia said she was glad they didn’t have to endure the hardships, smiling.
“Lady Sylvia!”
“Lady Sylvia…”
Encia rushed into Sylvia’s arms, and Siyan sniffled with her face hidden by her long hair.
Raon watched them, smiling faintly.
‘Yes, it’s a relief they weren’t here.’
Encia was destined to inherit house Yonaan, and Siyan was a High Elf from Seipia and a contractor of the Spirit King.
If Killuan had messed with those two, it would have been really troublesome.
‘But still…’
Don’t they see me?
Usually, they would have looked for him first and exclaimed how handsome he was before Sylvia, but they were so apologetic that they didn't even pay attention to him. It was definitely what he wanted, but he felt a little bitter.
Pathetic.
Wrath shook his head as if he could read Raon thoughts.
“So, did you finish the book?”
“Yes! It’s about to be published all across the continent!”
“Can I see it?”
“Of course!”
Encia pulled out a book with a very luxurious cover and handed it to Sylvia.
It said "Raon Zieghart's Biography Volume 2" in the center, and the cover was a deep green. Just looking at the book sent chills down his spine.
“May I take a look too?”
Raon approached Encia and Siyan, swallowing dryly.
“Huh? Sir Raon! When did you get here?”
“Oh my!”
Encia beamed and approached him, while Siyan hid behind her.
“You’re as handsome as ever today! I love the slightly scraped forehead!”
She cupped her flushed cheeks with a smile.
“I heard everything! the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb!”
Encia licked her lips.
“I’m planning to include the Saber Sword Sovereign’s tomb chapter in the next volume! It’s perfect for the biography! Truly legendary!”
“Yeah. Yeah.”
Siyan nodded as if it were obvious.
“Uh, um…”
“Oh, you asked for the book? Of course, I’ll give it to you.”
Encia took out Raon Zieghart's Biography Volume 2 from her spatial pocket and handed it to him.
“…Thank you.”
Raon opened the book with trembling hands, reading the part with his name on it.
[When Raon Zieghart roared, the mad dragon Kaibar trembled in fear, hiding in the depths of the sea.]
[When Raon Zieghart drew his heavenly drive sword imbued with the breath of the sun, the sea split in two, revealing the body of the mad dragon Kaibar hidden beneath.]
[The mad dragon Kaibar, sensing its imminent defeat, knelt and begged for mercy, offering all its accumulated treasure.]
[Raon Zieghart, not swayed by the dragon’s temptation, raised the Blade of Requiem and and cut off the dragon's head in one swift motion. At that moment, as if blessed by the God, the treasures hidden by Kaibar rained down like a shower.]
Raon closed his eyes tightly after reading the mad dragon chapter.
‘Trembling and hiding, the sea splitting, a dragon kneeling, and treasures raining down?’
Not a single thing was normal and.
Siyan went with her, so why did it become more exaggerated?
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In an area where mountains met rivers and the sunlight shone gently.
The Axe King Roman stuck an axe handle into a gravel field filled with large and small stones.
He picked up a pebble, using it to sharpen the red axe blade. The pebble shattered into four pieces after being rubbed twice against the blade.
Roman picked up a new pebble and continued to hone the axe. This time, it took five strokes before the pebble turned to dust.
He focused on sharpening the axe with the intensity as if it were an important mission, his breathing nearly silent.
Even as the sun in the sky set and the sparks from the pebbles lit up the darkness, Roman’s hands did not stop.
Roman finally stopped after turning a thousand pebbles into sand. He nodded in satisfaction and gave a nod.
“You can come out now.”
“How long have you known?”
An elderly man with ash-gray hair emerged from the mountain’s shadow.
Despite the deep wrinkles on his face, his body was as solid as if it were filled with stones, displaying his muscular build.
But what truly stood out was his thunderous and powerful aura. A massive wave of energy, in perfect harmony with his body, vitality, and mind, enveloped the space like a cloud.
“What brings you here, vice leader?”
“I came to see how the preparations are going.”
The elderly man, called the vice leader, shook his head slightly.
"I don't know if the preparations are going well or not. But it's been a long time since I've been so excited for a life-or-death duel."
Roman, speaking as if he was simply enjoying himself, calmly rotated his wrist.
“I heard that young boy acquired the martial arts of the Saber Sword Sovereign?”
“I heard that too.”
He nodded calmly.
“But it doesn’t concern me.”
“How can it not concern you when you’re having a life-or-death duel with him?”
“What matters is not him, but myself.”
Roman nodded with a serene look and picked up another pebble.
“So, you’re confident you will win?”
“Of course.”
As befits a warrior known as the King, he declared his victory without hesitation.
“Confidence is good. Yes, you must win with that confidence.”
“What do you mean by that?”
"You are the third spear of the South-North Union. If you lose to that young Zieghart brat who just passed his twenties, it would be a disgrace, wouldn't it?"
The vice leader’s lips twisted into a smile.
"If that happens, I won't be able to stay still either."
"Vice leader. You don't mean..."
“I’m not like the foolish elders who act on grudges. I move only for the union.”
He nodded as if he expected Roman to understand.
“This is a life-or-death duel between me and Raon Zieghart. Even if I lose, do not interfere!”
Roman gave a fierce look, warning the vice leader.
“Just win then.”
The vice leader waved his hand dismissively, as if telling him to focus solely on the duel, and turned away.
“Let’s go.”
At his command, a young man with red hair emerged from behind a nearby tree.
Unlike the vice leader, the young man’s energy was quietly subdued, as if he didn’t exist, like a mist.
Yet upon closer inspection, he emitted an oddly intense radiance. It was a light that conveyed warmth and coolness simultaneously.
“Beorn…”
The young man, called Beorn, bowed with a calm gaze and followed the vice leader.
Roman furrowed his brows as he watched Beorn’s back.
‘It’s not just the vice leader, but that guy also bothers me.’
It wasn’t because Beorn had broken Raptor. It was because he could never tell what the guy was thinking.
‘They’re similar yet different.’
Raon and Beorn both had overwhelming talent and red eyes darker than blood.
But their eyes were completely different.
Raon’s eyes, filled with passion, naturally drew people to like and expect great things from him, but Beorn’s were the opposite. Looking into Beorn’s calm eyes gave him chills and discomfort.
“Hoo.”
Roman let out a short breath to clear his mind.
He picked up another pebble and started sharpening the axe blade again.
This time, the pebble turned to powder after just two strokes, indicating his concentration had faltered.
Clicking his tongue, Roman grabbed another pebble. The sound of the axe blade being sharpened against the pebbles mingled with the gently flowing river and continued until dawn.
* * *
Raon sat at an elegant round table, like a shadow cast upon it, clicking his tongue.
‘No interesting missions today.’
He had intended to choose a mission for the Light Division to gain practical experience, but nothing caught his eye.
‘Reconnaissance, investigation, scouting…’
Although several major incidents had occurred recently, most were in the south and central regions, not something house Zieghart needed to worry about.
‘Is there anything else?’
Hoping for a mission involving combat, even bandit hunting, he looked at Chad.
“Then, I’ll announce the next mission.”
Chad glanced briefly at him while opening the documents.
“There have been reports of various monsters gathering around Divarun mountain. Considering there are even etins among them, it seems a strong king has emerged.”
“A king…”
Most monsters move in tribal tribes. Even within the same species, they engage in fierce territorial battles if they belong to different tribes.
But sometimes, monsters unite regardless of tribe or species. This happens when a king, capable of commanding all tribes, is born.
‘This is it.’
If there were powerful monsters like etin, as Chad mentioned, it indeed seemed like a strong king had been born.
“Those willing to take on the mission to exterminate the monsters of Divarun mountain, please raise your hands.”
Since this was the most significant mission announced so far, all the executives without assigned missions raised their hands.
Raon also raised his hand without hesitation.
“Does the leader of Light Wind have time for a mission when he has a life or death duel to prepare for?”
“Indeed. Personal training would be better, wouldn’t it?”
Some of the executives from the direct line sent him subtle glances, indicating he should lower his hand.
Lacking the confidence to overwhelm him with force, they were now trying to provoke him verbally. Aris’ absence also seemed to play a role.
“I’ll handle my own matters, so don’t worry about it.”
Raon gave a cold stare to the executives from the direct line.
“Hmm…”
“Uh, well…”
The executives couldn’t meet Raon’s eyes and looked away.
However, unwilling to give up their opposition, they immediately approached Balder, the master of the True Martial Palace.
“Wouldn’t it be best if the palace master handled this mission himself?”
“Yes. If the palace master steps in, he’ll have no choice but to lower his hand.”
"This is probably the best mission out of the ones presented today."
The direct line executives bowed to Balder, as if asking him to use his power to intervene. “Hmm…”
Balder clicked his tongue and raised his hand. As the palace master raised his hand, others sighed and lowered theirs.
“As expected of Sir Balder!”
“Everyone will be moved by the palace master’s benevolence!”
The direct line executives smirked, mocking Raon.
Raon frowned. Mission assignments were determined by rank and power, so with Balder’s involvement, there was no chance for him.
He clicked his tongue and was about to lower his hand when Balder pointed at him with his raised hand.
“If everyone else withdraws, this mission will be given to the leader of Light Wind division.”
Balder grinned and winked.
“Huh…?”
Raon’s mouth fell open at Balder’s wink.
‘What’s that guy up to now?’
