C890
As soon as Raon heard that the Warring Steel Division had sent an urgent request for support, he ran to the audience chamber.
"I request an audience with the Head of House."
He knelt before Glenn, who had risen from his throne and was looking out the window.
“Rise.”
Glenn slowly turned and gestured for him to stand.
“Thank you.”
Raon bowed his head once more to Glenn before getting up.
“I heard that the Warring Steel Division sent an urgent request for support.”
“It seems the leader of the Shadow Agents spoke to you first.”
Glenn nodded calmly, looking at Chad, who stood behind Raon.
“As he said, an urgent request for support has just arrived. Although not as much as the Light Wind Division, the Warring Steel Division has also grown significantly by carrying out difficult missions, so it is rare for them to request support first.”
He lowered his eyebrows, holding what appeared to be a letter from the leader of the Warring Steel Division, Trevin.
“That means it must be a particularly difficult mission.”
Raon exhaled heavily.
“The original mission assigned to the Warring Steel Division was not difficult.”
Glenn shook his head and let out a brief sigh.
“What was the initial mission assigned to the Warring Steel Division?”
“Reconnaissance.”
“Reconnaissance…”
Raon’s eyes widened at the unexpected nature of the Warring Steel Division’s mission.
Did something serious happen during the reconnaissance?
Reconnaissance missions, although tedious and slow because they only cover the territory of Zieghart, are not particularly dangerous. He felt anxious about what could have happened to prompt an urgent request for support.
“If we move northeast, beyond the territory of Zieghart, there is a nomadic village called Boardri. It was already quite large, but now it is even bigger, with people who lost their homes and villages in the war gathering there.”
Suddenly, Glenn mentioned the story of the Boardri village, which was unrelated to Zieghart.
“Yes, I am aware.”
Raon nodded, having seen Boardri village from a distance before.
“The Warring Steel Division was about to return to the family after completing their reconnaissance mission when they received a request for help from there to defend against monsters.”
“The leader of the Warring Steel Division would naturally have agreed to help.”
Raon smiled slightly, remembering Trevin’s face.
“Of course, he would have gone.”
Trevin was someone who recognized him as a swordsman and did not underestimate him even when he was weak and of low rank. He would have willingly accepted to help even if the nomads requesting help were not part of Zieghart.
-Yes. He first asked for permission, and I told him to accept it.
Glenn smiled slightly and said that Trevin, as was usual for him, had first sent a report.
“Head of House…”
“If that village disappears too, the nomads will have nothing.”
He rubbed his chin as if it were natural.
“Indeed.”
Raon’s lips curled slightly as he felt the warmth flickering in Glenn’s otherwise dry eyes.
“The first report said that small amounts of monsters kept appearing. They were not very strong, so they would manage on their own and return. However…”
Glenn lowered the first letter Trevin had sent and unfolded what appeared to be the most recent one.
“Now it says that monsters are rising ceaselessly from a ground tinged with purple.”
He frowned deeply.
“It says that no matter how many they kill, more keep coming, and they have been forced back to the village. They are requesting help because, at this rate, the nomads’ home will disappear.”
Glenn read Trevin’s letter and folded it in half.
“Monsters appearing from a ground tinged with purple…”
Raon narrowed his eyes and looked at the letter Glenn had folded.
‘Is it one of the three?’
The birth of a king, the Black Tower, or Eden. There was a possibility that a new king had been born and that monsters were gathering there, or that Eden or the Black Tower were plotting something. It seemed impossible to know the cause without seeing it firsthand.
“Actually, this has nothing to do with Zieghart. There would be no problem if I ordered the Warring Steel Division to return.”
Glenn spoke about the current situation in a cold voice.
“Will you still go?”
He lowered his gaze heavily, as if questioning Raon’s true intentions.
“Yes, I will go.”
Raon nodded without a moment’s hesitation.
“It may not be Zieghart’s affair now, but it could soon become our problem. Moreover, there is a possibility that the Five Demons are plotting something, so it is right to prevent it in advance.”
Even if it occurred outside Zieghart’s territory, it could someday become an issue for them. It was correct to stop it before it grew larger.
“The leader of the Warring Steel Division said he wanted to join the Light Wind Palace, and now he is already requesting a mission to prove his worth. I like it.”
Raon tilted his head, asking to be assigned this mission.
“I see.”
Glenn’s cold expression transformed into a smile, pleased with Raon’s response.
“As you say, it is right to cut off dangerous sprouts before they grow.”
He nodded calmly and lowered his hand.
“Actually, I could assign this mission to the Central Martial Palace, but since the Light Wind Division will work with the Warring Steel Division, it seemed better that it was you.”
Glenn smiled slightly, explaining why he had called Raon.
-I think the same. Thank you for calling me first.
Raon placed his hand over his chest and bowed his head.
“It’s a perfect opportunity.”
Since it was almost certain that the Warring Steel Division would join the Light Wind Palace, it seemed a good opportunity to assess the skills of his new subordinates.
“As you said, the Light Wind Division will take on this support mission.”
He bowed and told Glenn that he would accept the mission.
“As it is an urgent assistance request, there is no need to inform me separately. Depart as soon as you are ready.”
He gestured with his hand, telling him to leave quickly.
“I’m going on an expedition in two days, and you’re as busy as I am.”
Sheryl said she wouldn’t be able to see him for a while, slightly tilting her chin.
“Be careful.”
She waved her hand lightly, saying she would see him later.
“Ho, ho, ho.”
Roenn laughed heartily as he stepped forward.
“Division Leader, you don’t need any advice. I just hope you return safe and sound.”
He bowed carefully, as if entrusting Trevin to Raon.
“Well then.”
Raon bowed to Glenn, Roenn, and Sheryl before leaving the audience chamber.
“In the past, that retreating figure seemed a bit insecure…”
Roenn shook his head briefly, looking at the door through which Raon had exited.
“Now he seems reassuring. No matter what situation the Warring Steel Division is in, I feel like he will rescue them safe and sound.”
He laughed and said he hadn’t expected Raon’s back to become so reliable.
“I felt something similar.”
Sheryl nodded, holding her left wrist with her right hand.
“When Raon was in front of me during the last mission, I felt like I was seeing the Head of House. As if he wouldn’t lose no matter who the enemy was.”
She smiled slightly and said there was no need to worry about the Warring Steel Division.
“Ahem!”
Glenn, pleased with the praises from Sheryl and Roenn towards Raon, lightly turned his ankles as if he were dancing.
“He’s not at that level, but he can certainly defend himself anywhere.”
Despite his modest words, he couldn’t hide his bright expression, as if a light had been turned on.
“Not long ago, when he was training with me, he kept moving even after taking consecutive hits from my lightning attacks. Although he still shows some inexperience, with more experience, there will be few martial artists who can stand above that boy.”
Glenn clicked his tongue and said that only the leaders of the Five Kings and the Five Demons, as well as perhaps the Five Divine Orders, were above Raon now.
“Head of House.”
Chad, the leader of the Shadow Agents, approached the platform and bowed his head.
“I received another report while I was going to find Raon.”
While keeping his head bowed, he extended a white envelope from his chest.
“It’s a letter from an agent monitoring the Five Divine Orders.”
“Five Divine Orders…”
As soon as Glenn read the letter that Chad had given him, he lowered his gaze, which had been warm from color. A cold aura, in line with his title as the Northern King, emanated around him.
“Are they finally going to make a foolish decision?”
* * *
As soon as Raon left the audience chamber, he returned to the Fifth Training Ground.
The swordsmen of the Light Wind Division had remained in the training ground, waiting after hearing Chad’s message. Raon climbed onto the platform, facing the serious faces of the Light Wind Division. Burren, Martha, and Runaan stood firm in front of their respective teams, while Mark Goetun stood in the corner of the platform with his hands clasped in front.
“As you may have heard…”
Raon opened his lips and looked at the swordsmen of the Light Wind Division with calm eyes.
“The Warring Steel Division has sent a request for support. Considering that these people, who would normally solve problems on their own, have urgently requested support, this will undoubtedly be a dangerous mission.”
He rubbed his chin and said that it would definitely not be an easy task.
“However, when we were in danger, the Warring Steel Division rushed to help us without hesitation. Now it is our turn to help them.”
Raon placed his hand on the Heavenly Drive, saying it was time to repay the debt they owed.
“You’re stating the obvious. No, even if that weren't the case, we would have to go!”
Martha nodded vigorously, exclaiming that they should help their family no matter what.
-It’s strange to hear you talk about family.
Burren chuckled, looking at Martha.
“But you’re right. It’s appropriate to help our comrades no matter the situation.”
He clenched his fist and said that they should help even at the risk of their lives.
“Trevin… cried a lot when they said Raon was dead…”
Runaan tilted her head slightly and said that Trevin had felt really sad when he disappeared.
“Now it’s our turn to help…”
She embraced her newly sharpened Snow Flower and said she really wanted to help.
“Is it to the east? The Hospun trees that grow there are good because they are strong and flexible!”
Dorian smiled and said he should gather supplies while they were there.
“Do you seem even more obsessed with supplies these days?”
Kerin shook his head and said he understood less and less.
“There’s a ghost who just uses things without bringing them back, so I have to stock up when I can!”
Dorian stomped his foot, subtly cursing someone.
“Sir Mark Goetun.”
Raon called out to Mark Goetun, ignoring Dorian’s words.
“I suppose we’ll have to try on the new uniform when we return.”
“Of course.”
Mark Goetun smiled slightly and said it was fine.
“Actually, this works out well. I wanted to gain some real combat experience after so much training, so this seems like a good opportunity.”
He rubbed his chin calmly and said it was even better. He really seemed to have increased his capabilities.
“Then prepare for departure and gather here by nightfall.”
“Yes!”
The swordsmen of the Light Wind Division shouted as if they had been waiting for this and ran to their dormitories and homes.
-Mmm…
Wrath let out a low exclamation as he watched the Light Wind Division depart.
-Those kids have grown a lot. They say one becomes fond of what they see for a long time, and it’s not wrong.
He nodded, saying that the Light Wind Division had grown well thanks to his teachings.
-Well, that’s not entirely bad.
Raon chuckled softly and nodded.
'But why are you so quiet?'
-What are you talking about? This king has always been taciturn.
Wrath tilted his chin, saying his nickname was the Silent Demon King.
'What nonsense...'
-How dare you call the words of this king nonsense?!
He waved his hands up and down, telling Raon to recover.
'Instead of talking nonsense about being the Silent Demon King, it’s strange you’re not saying much even though we’re suddenly embarking on a mission.'
It was surprising that he was so quiet when he would normally be complaining about having to sleep outdoors and eat bad food.
-I kept my promise to this king, so this king must endure it too.
Wrath moved his hand, saying he was holding back because Raon had kept his promise to eat whatever he wanted for ten days.
-Oh, wow, can you think like that?
Raon gently patted Wrath’s head, giving him a sincere compliment.
-Hmph! This king is the ruler of Devildom! Giving and receiving is the way of the sword!
Wrath snorted, his face turning red with pleasure from the praise.
-But shouldn’t you be thinking about something other than this king right now?
'What do you mean?'
Raon tilted his head and looked at Wrath.
-I mean your sister. She has taken a liking to learning swordsmanship, so she will be happy when you tell her you’re leaving.
Wrath smiled as if looking forward to Sia’s expression.
“Ah.”
Raon swallowed dryly, recalling Sia’s face.
‘I’m doomed...’
* * *
As it was an urgent support mission, the entire Light Wind Division gathered in the Fifth Training Ground long before nightfall.
While all the swordsmen stood firm in front of the platform, Raon opened the door and entered the training ground.
“Huh?”
Burren’s eyelids twitched slightly as he watched Raon climb onto the platform.
“Division Leader D. Your hair…”
He gasped when he saw Raon’s hair curled like a swallow’s nest.
“Is this the work of Sia?”
Martha laughed, as if she had expected this.
“This time it seems she didn’t mess it up that much.”
She waved her hand, saying it was a stroke of luck.
“I’m envious…”
Runaan moistened her lips, envious of something she couldn’t quite pinpoint.
“Only Lady Sia can subdue the Division Leader!”
Dorian pounded his chest, shouting that it was refreshing.
“I had no idea he would let himself be treated like this even by his sister. Right, Gambling Monster?”
Krein turned to the Gambling Monster and said it was the first time he saw Raon in such a weak state.
“Ahem…”
The Gambling Monster, who would normally have said it was pathetic, cleared his throat and looked away, being weak in front of Sia.
“Enough.”
Raon pushed back his tousled golden hair like Glenn and stood at the edge of the platform.
“As I said, this is an urgent support mission, so there will practically be no time for rest. Be prepared to keep moving, as we will have to run continuously.”
In the past, they would have had to assign time for rest, but now that all members of the Light Wind Division were Masters, they could minimize even sleep time.
“This support mission could be the last one you undertake as the Light Wind Division, so I expect you to finish strong until the end.”
Raon nodded, making eye contact with each member of the Light Wind Division.
“Understood!”
The swordsmen of the Light Wind Division, without exception, stomped and roared.
“Then let’s go.”
Raon stepped down from the platform and passed through the center of the Light Wind Division in formation. The swordsmen following him formed a shape resembling a sword. Even without forming a sword formation, they had reached a level where they increased each other’s energy. The advance of the Light Wind Division was accompanied by an aura as heavy and sharp as the swordsmanship they had developed.
* * *
Raon and the Light Wind Division moved to the edge of Zieghart territory through a Dimensional Gate and then headed east. While most places could be reached in a matter of days using Dimensional Gates, the area that the Warring Steel Division had crossed was beyond that realm, so they had no choice but to run throughout the night.
By limiting sleep time to two hours and eating Nadine’s bread while enduring Wrath’s tantrums, they fortunately managed to arrive near their destination more than half a day before the time requested by the Warring Steel Division.
-Ugh…
Wrath shook his head and wiped his tongue with his hand.
-I can endure not sleeping, but I’m going crazy because of Nadine’s bread! Not only does it have no flavor, it’s too bland! How can bread taste like rubber!
He rubbed his tongue vigorously, saying he was dying.
‘We’re almost there.’
Raon gently patted Wrath’s head as he whined like a puppy.
“Once we put out the urgent fire, we can eat properly. Just a little more to endure.”
While he could eat Nadine’s bread for the rest of his life without problems, he knew that Wrath and the other swordsmen were struggling, so they would need to rest after arriving at the village.
‘Still…’
Raon smiled slightly as he looked at the swordsmen of the Light Wind Division climbing the mountain behind him.
‘They’re holding up well.’
In the past, they would have shown signs of physical and mental fatigue on their faces, but now none of them showed signs of struggle, climbing the mountain with steady steps.
-Even those little ones are growing, so it’s better not to complain about being tired.
Wrath huffed, looking at Yua and Julius, whose complexions were brighter than the others.
‘That’s right.’
Yua and Julius were following them with even happier faces so as not to be a burden to their superiors. Because of those kids, the swordsmen couldn’t show any signs of fatigue.
“Once we cross this mountain, we should see the village right away. Just a little more effort left.”
He climbed to the top of the mountain first, encouraging the Light Wind Division.
“Huh?”
However, the nomadic village that should have been to the east was nowhere to be seen. Instead, what filled the mountainous area and the plains where the village should have been was a sea of purple with a gloomy hue.
-
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