C855
'How far can I go...?'
Raon clenched his fists as he repeated Glenn's words.
'What did he mean by that?'
Karoon Zieghart had left behind his inferiority complex and had become a completely different person. Now that there were no reasons for conflicts between them, Raon couldn't understand why Glenn wanted him to consider how far he could go.
However, he couldn't ignore Glenn's words. Even when Glenn seemed to speak casually, there was always an important meaning hidden within them.
'I suppose for now, I will just observe, as he said.'
Regardless of Glenn's words, just watching the duel between Transcendent Warriors would be immensely helpful for him, so Raon activated the Fire Ring to enhance his focus.
"We have an uninvited guest."
Karoon clicked his tongue briefly upon noticing Raon standing next to Glenn. Despite his words, his expression didn't seem particularly displeased.
"I invited him, so he’s not uninvited."
Glenn calmly shook his head.
"If you don’t like it, I’ll send him away, but since we met, I called him to at least watch."
He shrugged, leaving the decision in Karoon's hands.
"I don’t mind."
Karoon nodded with a calm expression.
"Anyway, I didn’t plan to reveal all my strength to the Head of House."
He flexed his fingers, indicating that he was also going to withhold his true abilities from Glenn.
"Is that so?"
Glenn nodded with a slight smile.
-Then let’s get started without wasting time.
He lightly brushed the dust off his hands and walked to the center of the training ground.
"Understood."
Karoon glanced at Raon for a moment before silently drawing his sword.
"Mmm..."
Raon squinted as he observed Karoon's stance.
'Has he become stronger?'
Although it hadn’t been long since Karoon ascended to Transcendence, his caliber seemed completely different from before.
-It's not just that he seems stronger; he has definitely become stronger.
Wrath frowned as he looked at Karoon.
'Really?'
-Indeed. He has stabilized the chaotic state he was in when he first ascended to Transcendence, and it seems he has also grown physically, though I’m not sure how.
The entity nodded, saying Raon would understand when he saw it.
"I will take the first step."
Karoon raised his sword with an elegant posture, as if demonstrating noble etiquette. A noble yet sharp aura emanated directly from the blade.
"Very well."
Glenn nodded calmly, as if prepared to receive any attack, and drew his Heavenly Tremor. His eyes sharpened like the gleam of the sword, showing that he wouldn't hold back. Before the sound of their footsteps crushing the ground could fully resonate, Glenn and Karoon faced each other in the center of the training ground. The clash of their swords echoed.
When their swords collided, black sparks erupted into the air and dark fissures appeared. True to their nature, neither Glenn nor Karoon yielded an inch as they faced each other head-on.
"Mmm!"
Glenn pursed his lips as he observed Karoon's aura wrapping around his sword like fine silk.
"You have now reached a level where you can be called a Transcendent Warrior without shame."
He rubbed his chin, seemingly satisfied with his son's growth.
"You can use a bit more strength."
Karoon exerted pressure on Glenn's entire body while unleashing a sharp wave of energy.
"It's just light training; there's no need to get so nervous."
Despite his words about light combat, Glenn unleashed a dense lightning aura, pushing Karoon back. Unable to withstand the power contained in Glenn's Heavenly Tremor, Karoon was sent flying backward. The pure force left deep imprints in the ground.
"Surely you’re not exhausted anymore, are you?"
Glenn provocatively tilted his chin.
-No. This is just the beginning.
Karoon executed a footwork technique, bending his ankle so much that the tip of his shoe crumpled. His movements were quick and direct, exuding sharpness. The determination of the noble swordsman to fight with his perfected sword techniques, without resorting to tricks, was palpable. His sword sliced through the air with a sharp sound.
Karoon's decisive sword strike pierced through the lightning shield that Glenn had created, pushing its sharp edge inward.
"Very well."
Glenn received Karoon’s sword with a slight smile. Despite blocking the infused strike of a Transcendent Warrior head-on, the Heavenly Tremor remained firm.
"It’s the Brilliant Manifestation Sword."
Karoon announced the name of his sword technique as he stretched his wrist and forearm. An elegant yet direct sword strike, imbued with extreme sharpness, headed towards Glenn's vital points. The strike was quick, sharp, solid, and grand. Karoon had refined these four qualities to the limit to achieve Transcendence.
The ideal fencing that Burren pursued manifested in Karoon's hands.
"This is exciting!"
Glenn received Karoon’s sword with a laugh. As the power, speed, and exquisite sword techniques collided in rapid succession, powerful shockwaves exploded in all directions. The ground trembled. Raon swallowed hard as he watched Glenn unleash destructive lightning and Karoon showcase noble and fluid movements.
'So this is what a duel between Transcendent Warriors looks like…'
Glenn and Karoon unleashed fierce sword techniques without yielding an inch, as if they were engaged in a life-or-death battle rather than a training match. Although Glenn was likely using less than half of his true strength, it was impressive that Karoon could keep up in such a manner.
"Lance and sword stance."
Karoon thrust forward the sword he had kept behind his waist. The immense energy concentrated in the blade spun and swirled, creating a single point that generated an extremely powerful wave.
"Lightning Flower Dance."
Glenn raised the Heavenly Tremor, scraping the ground. The lightning that burned on the blade blossomed into a magnificent bud, unfolding into a red flower. When the ultimate techniques of the Transcendent Warriors collided, the entire training ground shook as if it were about to collapse. However, neither showed signs of stopping, exchanging increasingly rapid sword strikes.
The air vibrated with energy. Raon's red eyes shone as he moved the tips of his fingers incessantly, as if he had become directly involved in the duel between Glenn and Karoon. It seemed he was determined to master all of their sword techniques.
* * *
Kyaaaaang!
After about 30 minutes, the duel ended with Glenn and Karoon simultaneously lowering their swords and stepping back.
"..."
"Uff."
Unlike Glenn, who remained unperturbed, Karoon was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, as if all his strength had been drained.
"Are you satisfied now?"
Glenn nodded at Karoon as he sheathed the Heavenly Tremor.
"...Yes. I feel a bit relieved."
Karoon inclined his head in gratitude, although his expression remained sharp and serious.
"Raon."
Glenn looked at Raon with a slight smile.
"What did you think?"
"..."
Karoon also turned his gaze to Raon after wiping the sweat from his forehead, apparently curious about his response.
"Thanks to both of you, I believe I have learned how Transcendent Warriors should fight."
Raon nodded, looking at Glenn and Karoon in turn.
'Being a Transcendent Warrior doesn't mean you can do everything.'
Ascending to Transcendence doesn't make you omnipotent. The battle of a Transcendent Warrior involves further refining the weapons they have cultivated until now.
'In my case, it would be the Ten Thousand Swords and emotions.'
The Ten Thousand Swords that encompass the essence of all sword techniques, the ability to melt the powers of demon kings, and the power of emotions that Rimmer had made him understand: these were the things he needed to pursue from now on.
"It seems you have reached even greater heights while I wasn’t watching, Master of the Central Martial Palace. Did you have a fortuitous encounter?"
Raon sincerely congratulated Karoon.
"..."
Karoon looked at him with calm eyes before lowering his chin.
"I caught an ancient dragon."
"Pardon?"
"When the bastards from the White Blood Religion invaded Zieghart, it was the breath of dragons that destroyed the castle walls. I went to find a nearby dragon’s nest to take my revenge."
Suddenly he began to share his own experience.
"I almost died. I underestimated it because the Head of House crushes them like lizards, but it was on a completely different level from adult dragons. Its rank alone was on par with a Transcendent Warrior, and when it became an ancient dragon, it acquired special abilities."
Karoon nodded, explaining that he had reached his current level thanks to the life-or-death battle with the ancient dragon.
"Be careful if you ever encounter one."
Contrary to expectations, he explained how he had grown and even warned about ancient dragons before sheathing his sword.
—Well, you’ve already caught a blue dragon with Alice, so this advice might be unnecessary for you.
Karoon said this while brushing the dust off his shoulders.
"Not at all. Thank you."
Raon stood there, somewhat dazed, before bowing his head. Although Karoon wasn't exactly friendly, he not only answered the question but also offered advice, leaving Raon unsure of how to respond.
"Raon."
Glenn approached Raon with a subtle smile, seemingly pleased with the current situation.
"You said you would have a small party in the annex building tomorrow, right?"
"Huh? Oh, yes!"
Raon nodded and looked at Glenn.
"If possible, celebrate it the day after tomorrow night."
Glenn lowered his hand and said he could attend if it was held at that time.
"Understood."
Raon nodded, thinking it would be better to do it the day after tomorrow since he was in the middle of explaining about the two grandfathers to Sia.
-So, what do you have planned for tomorrow?
"Ah, because the day after tomorrow a guest is coming."
Glenn gestured with his hand, mentioning that he was expecting someone.
"A guest..."
Raon blinked, looking at Karoon, who had finished adjusting his clothing.
"I'm not going!"
Karoon frowned and turned his back, asserting that he had no intention of participating in such a party.
"Mmm..."
Raon sighed as he watched Karoon leave the training ground with elegant steps.
"He's a very unpredictable person."
He pointed at Karoon while moving his finger toward Wrath.
'Do you know why that guy acts like that?'
-Has he gone crazy from hunger?
'...'
Not everyone in the world is like you.
* * *
Two days later, Raon was experiencing the greatest pain of his life while playing house with Sia when a loud bang echoed, as if it were going to knock down the door of the annex building.
"Raon! Edgar!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Raon stepped out of the room and found Rector standing at the entrance, his hair disheveled as if he had come running.
"I heard Sia woke up! Where is she?"
The wrinkled tips of the rector's fingers trembled as he expressed his desire to see Sia awake.
"Grandpa...?"
Raon’s eyes widened as he looked at Rector. He hadn’t even written a letter yet, as contacting Rector on the sacred ground of the Holy Sword Alliance required several measures, so he couldn’t understand how he had arrived there.
—Ah, Father?
"How did Dad get here…?"
Sylvia and Edgar also looked stunned, their eyes showing complete bewilderment.
"I contacted him."
Glenn stepped out from behind the rector.
"Since I was looking for ways to wake Sia, I sent a letter right away."
Glenn smiled slightly and mentioned that he had a separate communication network with Rector.
"Ah, that's right. Thank you for calling Dad, Dad."
Sylvia bowed to the rector, welcoming him.
"Hmm, it seems you arrived a bit early... Ouch!"
Edgar frowned as Rector kicked him in the rear.
"So, where is our Sia?"
The rector looked around excitedly and took a deep breath.
"Yes. Bring Sia here."
Glenn also nodded, seemingly curious about Sia's appearance.
"Understood."
Raon nodded slightly, looking at Glenn and Rector.
"It's a relief."
Fortunately, he had not only explained to Sia about Glenn but also about Rector. With her sociability, she might even be able to turn the two grandfathers into her willing slaves.
"Sia, sister."
Raon turned around and called Sia, who was hiding at the door.
"Come out here."
"Okay!"
Sia, who had insisted on wearing her hair in pigtails, nodded slightly and stepped into the hallway.
"Ah..."
The rector's eyes reddened as if all his wishes had been fulfilled just by seeing Sia awake.
"Mmm!"
Glenn also bit his trembling lips as if he couldn't bear how cute Sia was.
"I explained to you yesterday, remember? The person with mom is Grandpa Glenn, and the one with dad is Grandpa Rector."
Raon gently pushed Sia's back, sending her toward Glenn and Rector.
"Grandpas?"
Sia looked at Glenn and Rector with her big eyes. She tilted her head and smiled sweetly.
"Hello!"
"Yes!"
"Sia..."
The rector finally let his tears fall as he opened his arms, while Glenn appeared more serene but couldn't hide his trembling hands.
"Come here!"
Both opened their arms at the same time, inviting Sia to embrace them. It seemed they were calling for their granddaughter without hesitation, now that the explanation had been given. However, seeing them compete even in this situation was a bit ridiculous.
-How many children are here...?
Wrath also let out a bewildered laugh, seemingly unable to comprehend the situation.
"Mmm..."
Sia looked at Glenn and Rector with her big eyes. She seemed to be thinking about whom to approach.
-You can go to whoever you like best, sister.
Raon said with a playful smile, waving his finger. After having explained everything about Glenn and Rector, he was curious to see whom she would choose.
"The person I like?"
"Yes."
As he nodded, Sia suddenly grabbed his hand.
"Then I like Raon more."
Sia hugged Raon tightly and told him she needed to take care of her little brother.
"Ugh..."
Raon quickly looked up as Sia hugged him. The atmosphere suddenly changed.
Just a moment ago, Glenn and Rector's eyes had been shining with anticipation and affection for Sia, but now they had turned fierce like wild beasts.
Even more absurd was that Sylvia and Edgar were looking at him with eyes full of rage.
"This is not, uh... um..."
Raon took a deep breath, feeling the icy atmosphere that had settled in the annex building.
-Hehe! You’ve dug your own grave!
Wrath burst out laughing, seemingly very pleased with the situation.
-From today on, I’ll make your sister my subordinate! It’s so entertaining to watch!
The entity erupted in laughter, saying it hadn’t seen such a fun situation in a long time.
'Just know that at the party, you’ll only have Nadine’s bread for dinner...'
-
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