C985
-A new title? And it’s related to lizards, you say?
Wrath approached with his eyes wide with surprise.
-Didn’t you already get something similar to Dragon Slayer before?
He frowned and asked why he was being given the same title again.
“It’s different from that title.”
Raon waved his hand in front of Wrath’s eyes.
‘Dragon Slayer was a title given for killing a dragon for the first time…’
He continued, pointing to the new title <Dragon Killer>.
‘Dragon Killer is a title obtained for killing multiple lizards.’
Generally, titles like “killer” or “slaughterer” are obtained only after killing numerous individuals, not just one or two. It was clear that he had earned the title of Dragon Killer because he had hunted many dragons over time.
“Now that I think about it, I have killed quite a few. Starting with Kaivar, then the three lizards that attacked the Great Forest, and now Dsiouros today.”
He thought that he might be the person who had killed the most dragons among those remaining on the continent.
‘With so many, it’s not bad to receive the title of Killer, right?’
-Grrrr…
Wrath, seemingly speechless, could only clench his trembling fists.
‘If you understand, calm down so I can check the rewards.’
Raon pushed Wrath aside, who was trembling like a candle in the wind.
-I refuse! This mouth is mine, and I’ll use it as I please!
Wrath shouted, making it clear that he had no intention of keeping quiet.
«Not even children would behave like that…»
Raon shook his head and checked the reward message once more.
[You have successfully hunted an Ancient Dragon.]
[All stats increase by 10 points.]
[The rank of the <Authority Enhancement> trait increases.]
[The rank of the <Authority Manipulation> trait increases.]
[The new title <Dragon Killer> is created.]
Perhaps because he had fully utilized the cold energy of Glacier and Wrath’s rage in today’s battle, two traits related to authority had increased. Since both authority-related traits were low before, this reward alone was satisfactory.
‘Of course, the points are a bit stingy.’
Unlike the times when stats increased by 30 or 50 points, the fact that this time they only increased by 10 points was a little disappointing.
Considering how high his current stats were, an increase of only 10 points didn’t seem like a significant difference.
-You’re crazy!
Wrath gritted his teeth as he pushed his face forward.
-All you did was cut off a breath attack, what more do you want?
He yelled that even the reward he had just received was excessive.
-Well, that’s true.
Raon smiled and clicked his lips.
“After all, I did less than usual.”
Unlike the times when he handled every situation from start to finish, this time he only intervened once, so the smaller reward was understandable.
«That system really is fair, isn’t it?»
-Fair? Fair?
Wrath’s eyes trembled violently.
-I want to crack open that flowery head of yours! How is it fair that you’re constantly being showered with rewards? My true form now is nothing but bones and skin!
He ground his teeth, declaring that he would destroy the System as soon as he went back to the Devildom.
‘We’ll think about that later…’
Ignoring the enraged Wrath, Raon checked the last floating title.
[<Dragon Killer> Title given to martial artists who have killed five or more dragons. Generates an aura that allows the wearer and the martial artists around them to more easily cut through the scales and mana of dragons. The wearer of the title exudes an aura that instills fear in dragons.]
Raon’s eyes widened as he read the description of the <Dragon Killer> title.
«This is pretty good, isn’t it?»
The fact that he not only gained the ability to cut through dragon scales and mana but could also transmit it to those around him was nothing short of a cheat. With this ability, it seemed that even the Light Wind Palace swordsmen could defeat most mature dragons.
“Having an ability that only I can possess isn’t bad either.”
Dragons, as mediators of the world, possess an ability called Dragon Fear that suppresses the souls of other races. The <Dragon Killer> title, in turn, created a power that instills fear in dragons that have forgotten their role as mediators. It was essentially a mandate to eliminate all dragons that had lost their divine purpose.
-How can the capabilities of a title be so diverse?
Wrath frowned, wondering why the abilities were so varied.
-Don’t you dare mention justice again, you dog-eating grass idiot!
He ground his teeth, claiming that the System was recklessly generous.
-Since the System is protecting you, it should interfere…
‘Think about it.’
Raon nudged Wrath.
“If the Light Wind Palace and I keep hunting dragons, who’s going to eat that meat? Huh?”
-I guess I would eat it…
-That’s right! Instead of interfering, you should help more.
Raon nodded and said that if Wrath wanted to eat multiple plates of grilled lizard, he should help the Light Wind Palace instead of interfering.
-You’re right. I should be helping!
Wrath’s eyes widened as he fully grasped the idea.
-Then what are we waiting for? Go back quickly and train those guys!
He waved his round hands, suggesting that they should train everyone so that they could catch at least one dragon each.
‘That might be difficult…’
-What’s so difficult about it! If you try, anything is possible!
Wrath exhaled a long sigh through his nose and said he would help.
‘Eh…’
Raon let out a deep sigh as he looked at the excited Wrath.
«If Derus were as simple as this guy, the war would have been over already.»
It was truly a confusing world where the so-called Demon King of Wrath was so naive, while the swordsman known as the Heavenly Sword Saint turned out to be a vicious demon.
“Palace Master!”
As Raon recalled Derus’s distorted eyes, Dorian emerged from the collapsed lair of Dsiouros.
“I’ve gathered everything!”
Dorian waved his hand, saying that he had collected all the treasures from the lair.
“Already?”
“Yes, thanks to everyone’s help, we were able to move quickly.”
He nodded and explained that with the help of Latiru and the other dwarves, they were able to collect all the treasures from the lair. Given how little time it took them, it seemed that there weren’t as many treasures as they had expected.
“I’ve never seen a bag like that before.”
“How can so much volume fit in such a small space…”
“Is it an ancient artifact?”
The dwarves seemed more interested in the bag than in Dorian himself, clicking their lips as they watched him.
“Let’s leave the curiosity and inspection for later and move forward for now.”
Raon nodded, looking at the sun still high in the sky.
“To Zieghart.”
* * *
“Mmm.”
The external commander Illiune blinked in incomprehension.
“Somehow, it seems like the number of people increases every time you return from a mission…”
He let out a sigh as he examined the hostages of Dsiouros who were behind Raon and the Light Wind Palace.
“They’re people who were kidnapped by the dragon. We brought them back because their entire village is gone.”
Illiune, in charge of Zieghart’s external affairs, was explained the situation of the people behind them.
“You’ve been through a lot.”
Illiune nodded heavily after examining the appearance of the dwarves and the people.
“Even without such a story, I trust the Palace Master’s words.”
He nodded calmly, as if to demonstrate his trust. Since he continued to use respectful language as he had before, it seemed that he truly trusted Raon.
“Please enter.”
After counting the number of hostages, Illiune opened the main gate of Zieghart.
“Thank you. If anything happens, I will take responsibility.”
Raon bowed his head, expressing his gratitude.
—No. Since I let them in, it’s my responsibility.
Illiune laughed good-naturedly and said that matters related to Zieghart’s main gate were his responsibility. Just seeing that smile made one feel a surge of affection for him.
“Has the Head of House returned?”
“He returned a week ago. I notified him in advance, so he should be waiting.”
Illiune nodded and said that they could go directly to the Lord’s Mansion.
“Well then.”
After giving a courteous bow to Illiune, Raon headed towards the main path leading to the Lord’s Mansion.
“Is this Zieghart?”
“It seems bigger than what we had heard.”
“The sharp sword aura can be felt from all directions. No wonder it’s a famous sword family.”
The dwarves and the people who had been taken hostage by Dsiouros seemed to be amazed by the scale and power of Zieghart, letting out exclamations with every step they took.
“It’s the Light Wind Palace.”
They said they went to catch a dragon, did they fail?
“No. Judging by the dwarves and the rescued people, they must have succeeded!”
“Did they kill a hidden Ancient Dragon and return so quickly?”
“That’s crazy. Isn’t the Light Wind Palace the one currently ranked first in terms of performance?”
“The Central Martial Palace and the Wise Martial Palace are still at a higher level. But they could catch up soon…”
On the contrary, the swordsmen of Zieghart revealed expressions of astonishment, seemingly surprised by the quick completion of the Light Wind Palace’s mission.
-Come on, this is nothing.
“Yeah, it’s just the basics. The basics!”
“Jejeje…”
The Light Wind Palace swordsmen twisted like worms, seemingly pleased with the praise from others.
‘They’ve already relaxed. Anyway… Hm?’
As Raon turned his gaze and chuckled, he noticed that Latiru had an expression as grave as if he were being led to a slaughterhouse.
“Latiru? Are you alright?”
He bent his knees and lowered his waist to meet Latiru’s gaze.
“Do you feel sick anywhere?”
“No, I’m not in pain. It’s just…”
Latiru swallowed hard as he watched the Lord’s Mansion of Zieghart approach.
“I was thinking about the Northern Destructive King.”
“You mean the Head of House?”
“Yes. I’ve heard that Glenn Zieghart is a cold-hearted king who wouldn’t shed a drop of blood even if he were stabbed with a sword. I don’t know how to persuade someone with the title of Northern Destructive King…”
He seemed to be racking his brains, trying to figure out how to ask that not only he but also the other dwarves and other people be accepted into Zieghart.
-Well, you probably don’t need to worry too much.
Raon smiled and shook his head.
“He’s changed a lot since the time he was known by that title, the Northern Destructive King.”
“R-really?”
“Yes.”
He gestured to Latiru, who was looking at him with wide eyes.
“Nowadays, the titles used for the Head of House are God of Lightning or God of the Sword. While it may seem that he has become more distant from humanity, he has actually become more human than before.”
Raon explained that Latiru could feel it when he saw Glenn in person, when they entered the Lord’s Mansion.
“As the Palace Master says, there shouldn’t be any problem.”
Burren smiled and said that things would work out.
“The Head of House will easily accept you, so get ready to work.”
Martha patted Latiru on the shoulder, telling him not to hesitate.
“Tell him that you’ll become a slave…”
Runaan nodded and said that they would accept him if he worked hard.
“Show some respect towards your elders!”
Burren frowned at Runaan and Martha, begging them not to embarrass the Light Wind Palace.
“I’m still a little scared of the Head of House…”
Dorian swallowed hard and said that the fear he had felt since childhood still lingered.
“This is a coward. Seriously, there’s no need to worry!”
Krein pushed Latiru and the dwarves’ backs, saying that they would naturally understand once they entered the audience chamber.
I understand their concern, but…
Raon felt the concern of Latiru and the dwarves following them and sketched a slight smile.
«It’s true that the Head of House has changed.»
The former Glenn might not have accepted them into Zieghart even after hearing their story. But the current Glenn is a God of the Sword with a human heart. He would likely comfort them and willingly accept them into the family. Raon entered the fully open audience chamber, imagining a smiling Glenn.
“The Light Wind Palace has returned. Head of House… Hm?”
As he was about to report his return and greet Glenn, Raon noticed that Glenn’s expression was darkly frozen.
“Eh!”
“Puaj…”
“C-as expected of the Northern Destructive King…”
The dwarves and the people swallowed hard at the harsh aura emanating from Glenn.
“Mmm…”
Latiru bit his lip, thinking that Glenn’s expression matched exactly what he had imagined during his worry.
“Head of House?”
Raon’s eyes widened in confusion.
“Did something happen while we were gone?”
His heart trembled, as it was an expression he hadn’t seen in Glenn lately.
“Yes, something did happen.”
Glenn nodded heavily.
“You’re too late!”
He frowned and asked why they hadn’t contacted him if they were going to be late. The entire lord’s mansion trembled as if it were going to collapse, seemingly due to the sincerity of his words.
“Whew! It was hard to hold him back.”
“Jajaja…”
Sheryl and Roenn shook their heads and said that Glenn had almost gone to that desert himself.
“Ah…”
Raon’s mouth opened as he looked at Glenn with his deeply furrowed brow.
-Sigh…
Wrath let out a long sigh, as if he had expected this.
-That affectionate old man is at his schemes again.
* * *
“...And that’s how we killed the Lance Dragon Dsiouros and returned with these people.”
After finishing his account, Raon slowly looked up. Glenn’s previously rigid expression had softened, melting like spring snow.
“It seems his displeasure has passed.”
Glenn nodded with a satisfied look in his eyes, seeming simply pleased with the achievements of Raon and the Light Wind Palace. It was as if all his irritation and pessimism had disappeared.
“I see. Well done.”
Glenn nodded calmly.
“Especially the Light Wind Palace. It must not have been easy facing an Ancient Dragon with just your strength. Impressive.”
He even applauded, saying that they had done really well.
“N-no, not at all. We simply followed the Palace Master’s instructions well…”
Burren made a quick bow, seemingly nervous about the direct praise.
“We had the Palace Master’s help, but we ourselves are quite strong!”
Martha lifted her nose slightly, as if to show off a little.
“It was easy…”
Runaan nodded his head expressionlessly, as if he meant it and not to brag. Although the three gave different answers, none could hide their joy at receiving praise from Glenn.
—Then, did you also bring back Dsiouros’s corpse?
Glenn looked at Raon with curiosity.
“Yes. Although many scales have been cut off, his body is so large that there will be many usable parts.”
Raon nodded and added that they hadn’t yet separated the Dragon Heart.
“The Mirtan village will be bustling for a while.”
Glenn clicked his lips and said that Borgos and Vulcan would have to work hard.
“There’s something I’d like to discuss regarding that.”
Raon approached Glenn’s podium and bowed his head.
“I would like to request that we accept these people into Zieghart.”
He extended his hand back and pointed towards Latiru, the dwarves, and the former hostages.
“As I mentioned, they were all captured by Dsiouros, and they’ve been crafting jewels and gold for a long time. Their ability to withstand heat and their crafting skills were enough to satisfy a dragon, so they could be of great help to us.”
He bowed his head to Glenn and made his request.
“I should have been the one to speak…”
Latiru bit his lip before approaching Raon.
“I know it’s rude to ask another favor from our benefactor who saved our lives, but we want to repay your generosity by doing what we do best.”
He knelt, begging to be accepted.
“Please accept us!”
The dwarves and the people also bowed, clamoring for acceptance.
“Mmm…”
Glenn lifted his red eyes, examining each of Dsiouros’s former hostages.
“Then, can the Light Wind Palace Master take responsibility for their status?”
He moved his finger, as if that was the first priority.
“Of course.”
Raon closed his eyes and said that he would take full responsibility.
“Then it’s alright.”
Glenn sketched a slight smile as he looked at Latiru and the people behind him.
“Since the Light Wind Palace Master has vouched for their status, I will accept all of them into Zieghart.”
He nodded, giving his confirmation on behalf of the Head of House.
“G-thank you!”
“Thank you so much!”
Latiru and the dwarves bowed to Glenn and then to Raon as well.
“You’re welcome.”
Raon smiled at Latiru and the others and said that he was glad that everything had worked out.
-That old man, seriously.
Wrath wrinkled his nose as he watched Glenn.
‘What’s wrong?’
-Can’t you see his intentions?
‘Intentions?’
-He mentioned your name to those hostages, which made them feel even more grateful not only towards him but also towards you. I’m telling you, all old men are cunning foxes.
He lowered his eyebrows and said that he didn’t expect Glenn to use such a tactic.
‘Ah…’
Raon bit his lip slightly as he watched Glenn's faint smile. Thinking about it, it really seemed to be as Wrath said.
“Palace Master.”
Just as Raon felt grateful to Glenn, Dorian waved his hand.
“Shall we take it out?”
Dorian clicked his lips, as if he were eager to open his bag.
“That?”
Glenn narrowed his eyes, as if asking what Dorian meant.
“We have treasures brought from Dsiouros’s lair. I hope you can use them as a budget for the war.”
Raon smiled slightly and gestured to Dorian.
“Then I’ll take them out!”
As Dorian grinned and opened his bag, gold bars and jewels began to pour out of the black hole like a wave. In no time, more than half of the lord’s mansion was filled with gold bars and jewels, and there was barely any space left for people to stand.
“W-what is this?!”
“There’s so much!”
“Are you saying that all of this was acquired this time?”
The officials opened their eyes in astonishment.
“Why is there so much?”
Raon gaped in surprise. He hadn’t been able to check the treasure room while rescuing the hostages, and he hadn’t expected this much.
—I haven’t taken everything out yet, you know?
Dorian shook his head and said that there were still many gold crafts left.
“Stop! That’s enough!”
Raon gestured with his hand to close Dorian’s bag when more than half of the audience chamber’s pillars were covered.
“Ahem…”
Glenn also let out a bewildered cough, seemingly surprised by the amount of treasure.
“All of this for the war budget?”
He blinked in disbelief as he looked at the mountain of gold bars and jewels.
-Yes, please accept it. The rest too…
“That’s enough. The Light Wind Palace can use the remaining treasures.”
When Raon was about to offer more, Glenn waved his hand as if to say that it wasn’t necessary.
“R-right.”
“I don’t think we need more than this.”
“Yes. Yes…”
The other officials also nodded in incomprehension, seemingly amazed.
“Alright. Let’s leave the rest of the conversation for later. You must be tired, so you can retire for today.”
Glenn gestured with his hand towards Raon and the Light Wind Palace behind the mountain of gold bars.
“Thank you.”
Raon smiled and bowed his head.
“Then I’ll escort these people to Mirtan village.”
Since he needed to take out the dragon’s corpse and talk to Borgos, it seemed better to go there personally.
“Do that.”
Glenn nodded towards Raon with eyes filled with even more pride than before.
“Well then.”
After bowing to Glenn, Raon led everyone out of the audience chamber.
“Gra-thank you.”
Latiru bowed his head again, expressing his deep gratitude.
“It was nothing.”
Raon waved his hand and said that there was no need to thank him.
“I’ll guide you to Mirtan immediately. However, don’t start working immediately when you get there. You need to rest first.”
He insisted that both the dwarves and the humans were exhausted, so they should rest first and think about work later.
“Hmm, understood. We will follow our benefactor’s words.”
Latiru hesitated, as if he had been thinking about starting work right away, but then he nodded.
“Then, let’s depart immediately. If we leave now, before it gets dark…”
Just as Raon was about to leave the Lord’s Mansion and head towards Mirtan Village… A rolled piece of paper fell on his head.
‘What is this?’
He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the paper. Since it fell before he could feel it, it seemed to be an application of teleportation magic.
‘This smell is familiar…’
Feeling a sense of nostalgia, he unfolded the yellowed paper.
[Eden’s main base. Under the crater at the top of White Peak mountain.]
What was written on the paper was the location of Eden’s main base. However, there was nothing else written on it.
“What is this…”
Raon narrowed his eyes as he turned the paper over and then froze.
[Thank you for treating me like a person.]
From the trembling handwriting, he could perceive the pure but intense fragrance of that person.
-
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