C898
The golden throne embedded in the platform was uprooted and floated in the air, but only the Light Wind Division and the Warring Steel Division witnessed it. Despite the thunderous roar when the throne fell to the ground, the officials in the audience chamber couldn’t take their eyes off Raon.
“You, you caught the Demonblade? Alone?”
Serena, the Void Sword Division Leader, slightly shook her chin that was slightly lowered in disbelief.
“Even if you’ve reached Transcendence, how could you…?”
Latein, the Vanguard Sword Squad Leader, blinked in astonishment, unable to finish his sentence.
“Everyone, be quiet! My nephew will explain everything!”
Balder stepped forward, making a wide gesture. However, even he was swallowing with difficulty, finding it hard to believe.
“Ahem…”
Glenn cleared his throat and snapped his fingers, causing the fallen throne to return to its original position. Of course, due to the impact of the fall, it was already crumpled and had lost its original shape.
“Raon. No, Leader of the Light Wind Division. Can you tell us how you defeated the Demonblade?”
He nodded, covering half his face with his hand, perhaps to hide his nervous expression.
“As I mentioned, the Demonblade had regained his death energy through the Black Tower’s magic. However, he had obtained more death energy than he could handle, which caused his spirit to break. Believing I had a chance, I faced him in battle instead of fleeing.”
Raon nodded and explained his battle with the Demonblade.
“…That’s how I took advantage of the loopholes in his swordsmanship and managed to take him down in the end.”
As he finished talking about the Demonblade’s defeat, a heavy and silent silence enveloped the audience chamber.
“If the Demonblade had been in his normal state, I wouldn’t have won. I suppose I was lucky.”
Raon shook his head, saying that he hadn’t really defeated a proper member of the Five Divine Orders, just as he had told Trevin.
“Nonsense!”
Balder stomped his foot, shaking the audience chamber with a powerful vibration.
“Nephew! A victory is a victory! Whether the Demonblade’s spirit was broken or his arm was cut off, he was still the leader of the Dark Black Lotus! He’s not an opponent you can defeat with mere luck!”
He approached and grabbed Raon’s shoulder with his large hand.
“Be confident. From today, you have become a Swordsman who has defeated one of the Five Divine Orders!”
Balder nodded, saying that no matter what, that result wouldn’t change.
“The True Martial Palace Master is right.”
Glenn nodded as he sat back on the damaged throne.
“Even if he was damaged, the one you defeated was the Demonblade of the Five Divine Orders. Be proud of that.”
He pointed at the still-stunned officials with a trembling finger.
“If you’re not satisfied with fighting a damaged Demonblade, why don’t you try facing a proper member of the Five Divine Orders?”
“Excuse me? What do you mean…?”
Raon looked up at Glenn, tilting his chin slightly.
“There are rumors that not only the Demonblade, but other members of the Five Divine Orders have also been in contact with the Five Demons. It seems that the Five Divine Orders themselves are splitting apart.”
Glenn frowned, saying it wasn’t a good situation.
“That’s why you’ve done something incredibly important. If the Demonblade had adapted to that death energy and sided with the Five Demons, there would have been many casualties.”
He stroked his chin, saying it was a remarkable achievement in many ways.
“Which members of the Five Divine Orders have been in contact with the Five Demons?”
Although he had his suspicions, Raon asked just in case.
“The Thespian Emperor and the Demon Slaying Spear.”
Glenn clicked his tongue, saying it seemed that the Five Demons’ envoys had visited both of them.
“I see.”
The Queen of Swords was known for despising evil. If the Five Demons had approached her, she would have immediately beheaded them, so they probably didn’t even try to talk to her.
“After contacting the Five Demons, the Demon Slaying Spear disappeared, and the Thespian Emperor hasn’t made any moves.”
Glenn bit his lip, saying that the Demon Slaying Spear seemed to have definitely sided with the Five Demons.
“So that’s how it turned out.”
Raon let out a short sigh.
“I had a feeling when the Thespian Emperor didn’t respond.”
The Thespian Emperor had shown signs of siding with the Five Demons after receiving his warning, providing information about the Soul Crystal, but ultimately didn’t make a decision. It seemed that in the conferences, opinions were continuously divided.
“Of course, it’s not confirmed yet, so let’s discuss this later.”
Glenn shook his head, saying it wasn’t the right time to bring up this topic.
“Leader of the Warring Steel.”
He called out to Trevin while placing his hand on the armrest of the crumpled throne.
“Yes, Head of House.”
Trevin stepped forward and bowed.
“According to the Central Martial Palace Master, you said you wanted to join the Light Wind Division when they were promoted to a palace. Is that true?”
“Yes, it is.”
He nodded without a moment’s hesitation.
“Initially, the Central Martial Palace Master suggested it, but now we have decided to join the Light Wind Palace of our own free will.”
Trevin looked at Glenn, saying that this decision was entirely their own.
“Very well, then.”
Glenn stood up from the throne, revealing a solemn look.
“In recognition not only of this mission, but also of the achievements the Light Wind Division has accumulated so far, I will hold a promotion ceremony in a week to elevate the Light Wind Division to a palace.”
Standing on the edge of the platform, he declared that he would promote Raon to Palace Master and the Light Wind Division to the Light Wind Palace.
“If any official objects, raise your hand.”
Glenn looked down at those below the platform, but perhaps because Karoon and Denier were absent, no one raised their hand this time.
“To be honest, it wouldn’t have been strange if they had been promoted a long time ago.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty late.”
“A Palace Master at that age, it’s still a shame. We should have picked him for the selection ceremony somehow…”
Balder, Serena, and Latein nodded as if it was a natural outcome. Other officials also applauded, showing no objections. The situation had completely changed since they used to receive reproachful looks for accumulating achievements.
“Leader of the Light Wind Division and Leader of the Warring Steel, prepare accordingly.”
“Yes.”
“Understood!”
Raon and Trevin bowed simultaneously.
“Then let’s conclude for today.”
Glenn waved his hand, telling everyone to leave.
“Head of House.”
Raon stepped forward again and called out to Glenn.
“This is the village chief of Boardri. They’ve lost their village and their prairies and have nowhere to go, but they’re experts in dairy production. I was wondering if we could entrust them with the pastures we recently acquired.”
He tilted his head, saying he was making a request.
“I am Chaepran, the village chief of Boardri.”
Chaepran bowed his head with a calm look, unlike when he first saw Glenn.
“As the Light Wind Division Leader said, we’re skilled in dairy production. If given the opportunity, we would like to live for Zieghart.”
He knelt down, asking to be accepted into Zieghart. At first, he was afraid of the giant called Glenn, but once he realized that he was a grandfather who appreciated his grandson, he felt a little calmer.
“Very well, so be it.”
Glenn stared into Chaepran’s eyes before stroking his chin.
“Don’t worry about taxes or surrounding circumstances. Focus on stabilizing your village.”
He lowered his hand, saying that Zieghart would take care of the rest.
“T-thank you!”
Chaepran shouted that he would repay this kindness for the rest of his life, pressing his forehead against the ground.
“…”
Glenn closed his eyes as if it was nothing, then opened them and sat back on the damaged throne.
“To think he broke the wall of the Five Divine Orders…”
“I can only say it’s crazy.”
“I don’t think children will believe this even if we tell them.”
“They won’t. Even I, who heard it directly from the Light Wind Division Leader, still can’t believe it.”
The officials left the Lord’s Mansion, chatting about how incredible it was that Raon had defeated the Demonblade.
“…”
After all the officials and swordsmen had left the audience chamber, Raon closed the door himself and approached Glenn.
“Do you have something to say?”
Glenn tilted his chin with an expectant look in his eyes.
“Food!”
Wrath jumped up, shouting for food.
“Tell him to organize a banquet right now! Tell him to make a waterfall of ice cream!”
He licked his lips, listing the dishes he wanted.
“Later.”
Raon shook his head, pushing Wrath.
“There’s something more important right now.”
He let out a short sigh and looked up at Glenn.
“There’s one more thing I need to report.”
“Hmm, go ahead.”
He nodded as if he was ready to hear anything.
“There’s something the Demonblade told me before I killed him.”
“Something he told you before you killed him?”
“Yes. He tried to make a deal with me, and it was about…”
He explained the part about how the Demonblade knew the location of the Black Tower.
“Montiro…”
Glenn frowned as he muttered the name Montiro.
“Because it was confidential, I couldn’t talk about it in front of the other officials.”
“Yes, you thought well.”
He nodded, as if he now understood why Raon hadn’t reported it earlier.
“Montiro is on the outskirts of the south, but it’s a large city and a tourist destination. It’s hard to believe that the Black Tower is there.”
“I thought so too, but the Demonblade made a soul oath. Even if the Black Tower isn’t in Montiro, there should at least be some clues to get there.”
Raon clenched his fist, saying he wanted to at least gather information.
“Yes, we should do that.”
“However, it’s dangerous and requires caution…”
“Don’t worry.”
Glenn pointed his finger at Roenn, who was standing below the platform.
“Ho ho ho, it’s been a while since I saw the sea.”
Roenn placed his hand on his chest as if to say he could be trusted.
“There’s no room for objection with this choice.”
Raon shook his head with a wry smile.
“Roenn will be better at this than me.”
Roenn was an assassin known as the Killing King. He was someone with assassination skills even superior to Raon’s past life, making him the most suitable person for an undercover investigation.
“Then I leave it to you.”
“Wait.”
As Raon was about to bow and leave the audience chamber, Glenn raised his hand.
“I also have something to ask.”
Glenn looked at Raon with calm and determined eyes.
“Why did you bring the people of Boardri village? They wouldn’t have starved even if you hadn’t worried about them, right?”
He tilted his chin as if asking why Raon had brought people who could have settled elsewhere, even if they couldn’t live in their original place.
“Because I wanted Zieghart to become stronger.”
Raon placed his hand on the hilt of the Heavenly Drive.
“In the end, it’s not just Martial Artists, but the people themselves who become a faction’s strength. For Zieghart to become stronger and rise higher, we will need more people in the future. The people of Boardri village are excellent at dairy production, so even if it’s a loss now, I thought they would be a great help to us in the future.”
He tilted his head, explaining the part where he had made the decision himself.
“I see…”
Glenn slightly curled his lips, with a pleased look in his red eyes.
“I asked you once before, but do you have any thoughts of becoming the head of Zieghart?”
“Head of House…”
Raon briefly licked his lips while smoothing the hair that had fallen over his forehead.
“To be honest, I didn’t think about it much before, but now I’m a little interested.”
“Why?”
“Because I want those I care about and those I’ve brought here to live happier lives.”
“I see. That’s how you’ve grown…”
Glenn closed his eyes and let out a short sigh, as if he was filled with many thoughts.
“You’ve done well. The reward for this mission will be given separately, so wait.”
“Yes, then.”
Raon bowed to Glenn and Roenn before leaving the audience chamber.
“A king. One with the qualities of a hegemon and a wise ruler.”
Glenn smiled as he slowly raised his eyelids.
“Talent that will exert great power in both turbulent times and peaceful periods.”
He nodded as if he was looking forward to Raon’s future even more.
“I believe so too.”
Roenn nodded, chuckling.
“I don’t know when he grew up so much.”
He smiled slightly, remembering Raon’s childhood.
“For Raon’s sake, I should conduct a proper investigation.”
Roenn rotated his shoulders, saying he hadn’t stretched his body in a while.
“Be careful. If the Black Tower’s headquarters is really in Montiro, even you could be in danger.”
Glenn narrowed his eyes, telling him to be careful.
“Of course. I will prioritize my safety above all else.”
Roenn was about to leave the audience chamber, nodding his head.
“Wait a moment.”
Glenn raised his hand towards Roenn.
“Well, Montiro is in the south, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Since you’ll be disguised anyway, on your way there…”
He swallowed and lowered his voice.
“Could you spread the rumor that Raon defeated the Demonblade?”
“Ha… Ha ha ha ha ha!”
Roenn burst into laughter, not out of bewilderment but out of genuine amusement, and nodded.
“Of course. I’ll spread it very vividly.”
He left the audience chamber, waving his hand as if to say not to worry.
“…”
Glenn slowly stood up and looked out the window. He slightly trembled at his fingertips as he watched the green leaves swaying in the wind.
“Rimmer. It seems you had better eyes than me.”
He smiled slightly, remembering Rimmer, who always came to the audience chamber and yelled at Raon to take the position of head of the house.
* * *
“Whew…”
Trevin let out a long sigh as he lowered his sword.
“The Light Wind Division’s training is truly different. I understand how they achieved such rapid growth.”
He wiped the sweat from his forehead, saying it was training that could exhaust even a Grand Master like him.
“It really is.”
“It’s much more intense than our training…”
“To think they’ve been doing this training every day.”
The Warring Steel Division swordsmen who had trained with the Light Wind Division from dawn to dusk also gave them a thumbs up, saying how incredible the Light Wind Division was.
“It’s already mealtime. We can finally rest a bit.”
As Trevin was about to sheathe his sword, looking at the darkening sky, Raon came down from the platform.
“Follow me. I’ll guide you to a place where we can have dinner.”
Raon gestured to everyone and left the Fifth Training Ground. However, instead of the dining hall, he led them to North Grave Mountain.
“This is North Grave Mountain. Why are we…”
Trevin tilted his head as if he was wondering what Raon was thinking.
“When the Light Wind Division finishes their return break, we conduct field training on North Grave Mountain. Since the Warring Steel Division will now join us, I’d like you to train with us.”
Raon smiled with kind eyes as he suggested a joint field training.
“What’s the training method?”
“You just need to survive on that mountain until tomorrow’s dawn.”
“Survive? That’s all?”
“Yes, that’s all.”
Saying that was all, he distributed a Nadine bread to each of the Warring Steel Division swordsmen and the Light Wind Division swordsmen.
“That seems pretty simple.”
“Yeah, we even have food. We can eat and rest.”
“Sounds fun. Let’s chat.”
The Warring Steel Division swordsmen nodded, saying it seemed like a good training exercise.
“Ugh…”
“A-again, again…”
“Here it comes. It’s coming…”
On the other hand, the Light Wind Division swordsmen began to turn pale, as if they had put their heads in a tiger’s mouth.
“Then, let’s begin.”
As soon as Raon clapped his hands, the Light Wind Division began to climb the mountain frantically.
“They seem used to climbing mountains. Alright. Let’s go too.”
Trevin gave instructions to the Warring Steel Division and began to climb the mountain, following the Light Wind Division.
“The Light Wind Division’s training is truly different from others in many ways. I can see why they’re strong in actual combat.”
As he climbed towards the top of the mountain, discussing with some Warring Steel Division swordsmen, it happened. Aaaaargh! Uwaaaaah! Screams that sounded like people dying came from the middle of the mountain.
“W-what’s that!”
Trevin turned around in shock.
“Screams…?”
“T-this is almost like an ambush, right?”
“It sounds like the screams of someone about to die.”
The Warring Steel Division swordsmen also trembled their lips, seemingly nervous.
“Hehehe, it’s coming…”
At that moment, Dorian, who had been hiding behind a rock, shook his head with an unsettling laugh.
“Coming? What’s coming?”
Trevin approached Dorian and grabbed his shoulder.
“What else could be coming? The disgusting demons…”
Dorian raised his slightly distorted eyes.
“Welcome. To hell.”
The moment he uttered the word “hell,” red eyes pierced the space between Trevin and the Warring Steel Division. Whoosh!
-
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