C1024
"Alright. Then, we'll close the session."
Glenn waved his hand, his complexion smooth and radiant as if he had rejuvenated 30 years.
"I was wondering why you called us suddenly, but it seems there was a good reason."
"Indeed! I never imagined we would form an alliance with the Five Divine Orders in just one day."
"Moreover, you even awakened Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords. What kind of ability is this?"
"There’s a reason he is the youngest Palace Master in history. It might be too late to start aligning now."
The executives looked at Raon repeatedly before leaving the audience chamber.
"Our nephew never ceases to amaze me every time I see him!"
Balder patted him on the shoulder, praising Raon's excellence.
"You've achieved something truly remarkable. Well done, and thank you."
Denier also smiled and clapped lightly, albeit a bit late.
"Let's share a meal later!"
Balder said he would organize a banquet and asked Raon to come to the True Martial Palace before leaving the Lord's Mansion with Denier.
"..."
Raon squinted as he remembered Denier's gentle smile.
'It's as if he has become a different person.'
Before, Denier had emanated an inexplicable sadness and coldness, but now he radiated warmth like Balder. Raon couldn't decipher what kind of person he truly was.
"Ah! He. No, I mean, we definitely should have brought the Palace Master of Light Wind during the selection ceremony..."
Serena, the Leader of the Empty Sword Division, clicked her tongue with late regret.
"As if that had been possible. That damn player would have done anything to keep Raon by his side."
Sheryl waved her hand, saying that due to Rimmer, Raon's affiliation would never have changed.
"That's true. He had his eyes on Raon for a long time."
Roenn chuckled, seemingly thinking of Rimmer as he waved goodbye to Serena and the other executives.
"Ugh..."
Raon looked around the audience chamber, now empty except for Glenn and himself, and let out a heavy sigh.
'I'm exhausted.'
Repeating the same story, and then having to do it again under the watchful eyes of the family executives had left him mentally drained.
'At least it's a relief that Karoon and Alice weren't here.'
The two were training together and couldn't attend, but if they had been there, their intense gazes would have exhausted him even more.
"Good job."
Glenn nodded with a satisfied smile. Judging by his radiant expression, he seemed genuinely pleased.
"You must be tired, so you should head back..."
"There's something I would like to ask."
Raon stepped forward, saying he had a question before leaving.
"Not just one, you can ask ten if you wish."
Glenn spoke kindly, as if he would answer any question.
-What, has he become a different person?
Wrath snorted in disbelief.
-Didn’t he originally act like this, right?
He frowned, wondering where Glenn's usual brusque manner of speaking had gone.
'I'm not sure either...'
Raon let out a short sigh.
'I think he has changed since we rescued my sister...'
Raon wasn't sure if Glenn had always been this way and was just holding back, or if meeting Sia and Edgar had triggered an emotional awakening.
"Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords woke up while we were fighting. I believe it wasn't a coincidence, but rather because I have reached the Soul Sword realm."
Raon clasped his hands in front of him while looking at Glenn, who had leaned away from the throne.
"Grandfather, have you ever felt any physical or mental changes after reaching the Soul Sword realm?"
Although he had acquired the trait of Spiritual Transformation, Raon still hadn't figured out how to use it properly, so he wanted to ask Glenn about it.
"As you say, it is true that your soul had a significant impact on the minds of Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords, who were experiencing soul demons."
Glenn smiled, agreeing with Raon's thoughts.
"Soul Sword is the supreme martial art that sharpens one’s soul to cut the enemy's soul. However, since it requires using the entire soul to forge the mind's sword, it’s not easy to influence others."
He shook his head, saying that he had never experienced anything like what Raon described.
"Then, why me...?"
"As I said before, you possess a soul much larger than your current martial prowess. It seems that even after creating a suitable Soul Sword for your level, the excess of your soul had a positive influence on Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords."
Glenn lowered his hand, stating that was probably the only reason.
"It’s remarkable. Generally, at a young age, one’s soul realm should be small even when reaching high levels, but yours is overwhelmingly large even compared to mine at that time."
He tilted his head, saying it was difficult to understand according to his common sense.
"Perhaps it’s because you’ve gone through battles and experiences that few others could endure. In any case, it’s a good thing."
Glenn reclined in the throne, offering his congratulations.
"However, while it’s good to help develop others’ martial arts..."
He tapped the damaged armrest of the throne with his finger.
"Don’t neglect sharpening your own sword. Unlike mine, your Soul Sword has the potential for infinite growth."
Glenn smiled warmly, expressing his anticipation to see Raon’s unique Soul Sword.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Raon bowed respectfully to Glenn.
"You must be tired, so go and rest."
"Yes, then I’ll take my leave."
Raon exited the audience chamber without turning his back on Glenn, who was laughing with satisfaction.
-Let’s hurry back!
Wrath tugged at his sleeve even before they left the Lord's Mansion.
-I’m hungry, let’s go home and eat first!
He shook his head, asking Raon to take care of his lost meals since he hadn’t eaten properly while in Barene.
"First, let’s take care of something."
Instead of returning directly to the annex building, Raon whistled in front of the Lord's Mansion. Shortly after, a young swallow descended from the sky with a soft chirp, landing on his palm.
"Have you been well?"
Raon smiled as he petted the young swallow’s head. The bird chirped, raising its leg as if to say it had been playing well.
"I thought you were a bit hurt, but I’m glad you’ve healed."
After placing the swallow on his shoulder, Raon took out a white piece of paper from his pocket and began writing a letter.
"I trust you."
After tying the finished letter to the swallow's leg, he sent it soaring into the sky. The young swallow flew around Raon's head as if to say not to worry, then quickly flew south.
-Did you send it to that old man?
Wrath shook his head, as if asking if the letter was sent to Rector.
'Judging by his replies, it seems he likes my letters.'
Raon smiled, saying he would probably have to keep sending letters in the future.
-That must be annoying for you too.
Wrath clicked his tongue briefly.
-Having to take care of two clingy old men.
'No, I actually like it.'
Raon shook his head firmly.
'It’s much better to have at least one person than to have no one.'
Unlike his past life, where he had no family or acquaintances, he now had many people to care about, filling his heart with warmth and happiness beyond measure.
'Let’s return to the annex building.'
Smiling, he placed his hand on Wrath’s head.
'I’ll take care of you too.'
-Oh! Then bring me grilled and fried beef, pork, lamb, chicken, along with pineapple pizza, shrimp pasta, and tuna...
'Suddenly, it's becoming a problem.'
Raon shook his head as he watched Wrath endlessly list menu items.
'I think I’ll have to remove you from the list of people to take care of.'
-Why!?
***
"If you’re done talking, I’m leaving."
As soon as the meeting ended, the Leader of the White Blood Religion snorted and vanished through the door.
"I’ll leave too."
Rector made a slight click and stood up.
"Thank you for coming all the way here, Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance."
Derus bowed respectfully to Rector.
"As I mentioned, I hope you absorb the surrounding forces one by one while keeping a low profile. That position should keep you hidden from everyone."
He smiled softly, asking Rector to pay attention to what was discussed in the meeting.
"Don’t worry."
Rector nodded as he headed toward the door.
'This guy gives me chills.'
Rector felt his blood boil at the sight of Derus speaking so after brazenly visiting the sacred ground of the Holy Sword Alliance, which no one else knew about, as if it were a tourist attraction. That guy was a monster, both in martial prowess and mental capacity.
"I understand."
"Ah, one more thing."
Just when Rector was about to grasp the doorknob and exit, Derus raised his hand.
"Even if you have close acquaintances in the Five Divine Orders, please do not make proposals for an alliance. Those two have already aligned with the Five Kings."
Derus shook his head as if to say it was too late to act.
"The Five Divine Orders?"
Rector swallowed hard as he looked at Derus.
"Yes. It’s done, so don’t worry about that side."
Derus showed neither anger nor confusion despite knowing that the Five Divine Orders, directly under the Five Demons, had aligned with the Five Kings. Rector couldn’t tell if this information was true or if Derus was testing him, but just looking into the calm eyes of the man sent chills down his spine.
"...I see."
Rector forcibly concealed his tension as he exited the conference room. As he walked through the flashing white light path, he saw the mountain leading to the Holy Sword Alliance.
'Now, he’s openly showing that he knows the location of the Holy Sword Alliance.'
When they entered, the door had opened far from this place, but now they were being returned right in front of the mountain. It seemed as if Derus was demonstrating that he knew everything about the Holy Sword Alliance.
'What a disgusting little bastard.'
Rector let out a heavy sigh as he passed through the cave and entered the sacred ground of the Holy Sword Alliance.
"Master!"
Mustan, who had been sweeping the yard, dropped his broom and approached him.
"A letter from him has arrived!"
He handed Rector a white paper, saying that Raon had sent another letter.
"Is that so?"
Rector felt the oppressive aura of Derus lift from his shoulders as he took Raon’s letter.
"Mm..."
However, his expression darkened as he read the letter.
"M-Master? Is there a problem?"
Mustan gulped as he observed Rector’s tense face.
"Raon says he has formed an alliance with the Five Divine Orders."
Rector gritted his teeth as he slightly crumpled the letter.
"What? That’s a good thing; why would you make such a face...?"
Mustan blinked, seemingly unable to understand.
"Yes. As you say, it’s good news. However..."
Rector bit his lip hard with his white teeth.
"Derus already knew about this."
Recalling what Derus had said before returning to the Holy Sword Alliance, a chill ran down his spine.
'How much does that monster know?'
The thought that it was becoming increasingly dangerous began to sink deeper in his mind like a thorn.
"Ah..."
Mustan also let out a sigh, seemingly realizing the implications.
"T-Then, let’s send a message to Lord Raon!"
He brought paper and a pen, suggesting they write a letter immediately.
"No, this is something we need to discuss in person. There are things I need to show him too."
Rector shook his head, thinking of the Divine Shine he had stored in his Subspace Pouch.
"S-Yes, you’re right."
Mustan let out a low groan, seemingly recalling Derus’s white hawk that had caught the swallow.
'Derus Robert...'
Rector clenched his fist as he remembered Derus’s always composed expression.
'Is he even human?'
His eloquence, mental capacity, and martial prowess were on a level different from ordinary people. Especially those calm eyes that seemed to read one’s soul; just looking at them was suffocating.
"Should we prepare to leave for Zieghart immediately?"
Mustan clicked his lips, suggesting they move right away.
"No, there’s something we need to do before we leave."
Rector shook his head firmly. He exhaled deeply as he gazed at the distant mountains.
"We need to find someone who can stop Derus Robert."
***
Raon stood on the platform, looking at the Swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace lined up in the fifth training ground.
"What kind of training are we doing today that you called us together since dawn?"
Martha tapped her foot impatiently, as if urging to start quickly.
"Yaaaawn..."
Runaan managed to not be late, but rubbed her eyes and yawned, apparently lacking sleep.
"Don’t rush. He’ll do it in his own time."
Burren crossed his arms, telling them to wait for the Palace Master’s intentions.
"You all saw how Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords awakened while we were fighting, right?"
Raon stood at the edge of the platform and raised his chin.
"We saw it! I never thought even such Transcendents could suddenly enter a state of enlightenment!"
Krein nodded vigorously, expressing his astonishment.
"It was incredible..."
Runaan blinked, saying it was something she had never seen before.
"Why don’t I have such luck?"
Martha bit her lip deeply, seemingly envious of Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords.
"Actually, it wasn’t a coincidence."
Raon shook his head at the Swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace who were discussing the incident.
"It wasn’t a coincidence?"
"What do you mean?"
Trevin and Martha looked up at the same time.
"The Head of House said that my soul, which has entered the realm of Soul Sword, has begun to positively influence others."
Raon explained the content of the Spiritual Transformation trait to the Swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace, citing Glenn's words.
"In other words, not only Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords but all of you can awaken too."
He nodded, saying that they too could enter a state of enlightenment and rapidly elevate their martial arts level like those two.
"Is... is that true?"
"How do we do it?"
"I’ll do it no matter what!"
The Swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace raised their rough hands and raised their voices, seemingly surprised by the possibility of entering a state of enlightenment.
"I'll do it unconditionally. Whatever it takes!"
Martha clenched her fist, saying she would participate in anything.
"..."
Runaan nodded slightly as she watched Martha.
"To be honest, I’m not sure how to do it either. However..."
Raon smiled as he twisted his wrist.
"Mm..."
Dorian’s eyes trembled fearfully, his mouth closed as if he felt something.
"If we keep going like Emperor Thespian and the Queen of Swords, won’t it work somehow?"
Raon descended from the platform with a fresh smile.
"Eh...?"
"There’s no way you’ve mastered Soul Sword, and you’re going to do it so crudely?"
"It’s not even sparring; what do you mean by just receiving hits...?"
The Swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace trembled, their jaws shaking as if they had never even considered this possibility.
"Let’s start and see. We have plenty of time. First..."
Raon pointed at Krein, who was struggling like a freshly caught fish.
"Krein, you’re first..."
"I’ll go first. Please."
Martha stepped forward in front of the pale-faced Krein, drawing her sword.
"...Alright."
Raon twisted his lips into a smile as he looked at Martha with her serious expression.
"It won’t take much time anyway."
***
The sun that had risen to the center of the sky was now sinking, and a crimson twilight emerged. The swordsmen who had been standing in the training ground were now collapsed on the ground, gagging as the sunlight faded.
"Ughhhh..."
"T-this is worse than usual!"
"It really wasn’t sparring, it was just receiving hits..."
"T-this is one-sided violence!"
"And no one awakened..."
The Swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace crawled on the ground, screaming that it was too much.
"Hmm..."
Raon lowered the Heavenly Drive in his hand and clicked his lips briefly.
'I don’t know how to use Spirit Transformation.'
From morning until afternoon, he had tried to awaken their potential through sparring with the Swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace, from Martha to Dorian. But not a single one of them had entered a state of enlightenment.
-What kind of sparring was that!
Wrath frowned in disbelief.
-You didn’t just hit them one-sidedly! It was just stress relief!
He shook his head, telling Raon to call it what it really was.
'At least I tried.'
Raon chuckled to himself as he sheathed the Heavenly Drive at his waist.
'I guess we’ll stop here for today.'
He had beaten the swordsmen to the point where they could barely move, so it seemed pointless to continue.
"Tomorrow again..."
Just as Raon was about to raise his hand and tell them to rest...
"Continue..."
Martha used her sword as a cane to stand up.
"Please, continue."
She raised her sword, indicating that she was not finished yet.
"I will too..."
Runaan looked at Martha and then stood up.
"We haven’t finished yet."
She also raised her sword, suggesting they continue fighting. Instead of feeling rivalry towards Martha, she seemed to want to join her as a friend.
"Alright."
Just as Raon was about to unsheathe his sword again with a smile...
'Huh...?'
A very faint light began to bloom near the hearts of Martha and Runaan.
-
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