C1036
"Did you just say the headquarters of the Blood Religion?"
Glenn rose from his throne as if he had heard something completely unexpected. Even for him, the news of having discovered the location of the headquarters of the Blood Religion was shocking.
"Yes, that's correct."
Raon nodded as he met Glenn's trembling gaze.
"However, since I only inherited the memory, I have not yet pinpointed the exact location."
"What do you mean by that?"
Glenn frowned, seemingly not understanding.
"Explain everything that happened there, from start to finish."
He sat back down on the throne and lowered his arms, ready to hear the whole story. The grandfather who had been anxious to hear about his grandson's achievements now wiped the smile from his face, revealing the cold look befitting the head of a great family.
"As soon as we set out to sea, we found the Blue Wolf that Lawaine mentioned. After that..."
Raon explained everything that had happened during the mission to Glenn, Sheryl, and Roenn.
"...Before departing, the Sea Spirit imprinted the location of the Blood Religion's headquarters that it had seen into my mind."
When he touched foreheads with the Sea Spirit, the location of the Blood Religion that he had seen glimmered in his mind. The memory was so vivid, as if he had experienced it himself, that he could find the Blood Religion's headquarters once he discovered that place.
"...So, where is the Blood Religion?"
Glenn exhaled deeply and stroked his chin.
"Underwater."
Raon closed his eyes, recalling the enormous white city submerged beneath the sea.
"The headquarters of the Blood Religion is at the bottom of the ocean."
Despite having inherited the memory from the Sea Spirit, it was hard to believe, but the Blood Religion was hiding its vivid bloody energy deep in the sea.
"It seems to be somewhere along the northern shipping route from the Kusar Pirate Territory. However, since I haven't been there myself, it will take considerable time to find it."
Even with the memory of the Sea Spirit, it was clear that it would take a lot of time and effort to pinpoint the exact position.
"Are you sure?"
Glenn lifted the hand that had been gripping the throne and stroked his chin.
"If it's a memory passed down by a spirit, isn't there a chance you misinterpreted it?"
"I am sure."
Raon nodded without hesitation.
"The Sea Spirit not only left a fragmented memory but a vivid one that made me feel as if I were really there. The city of the Blood Religion is definitely underwater."
He clenched his fist, thinking of the white city protected by the underwater mist.
"Hmm..."
Glenn clicked his tongue briefly.
"I agree with Master Raon’s thoughts."
Lawaine raised his hand as he removed the patch covering his perfectly healthy eye.
"I noticed something peculiar about the Blood Religion's ship while preparing to return to the family."
"Something peculiar?" Glenn asked, directing his gaze toward Lawaine.
"Yes. There was a huge water tank inside the ship that appeared to absorb and store seawater. It seemed to use the stored water to create a difference in density, allowing the ship to sink underwater."
Lawaine tilted his head, saying it was a mechanism not found in ordinary ships.
"Where is that ship now?"
Glenn frowned as if he wanted to see it for himself.
"I originally planned to keep it in the harbor, but thinking that the Blood Religion might realize their headquarters had been discovered, I deliberately sank it."
Raon slightly lowered his chin, saying that he had cut the Blood Religion's ship into four pieces and sunk it to the bottom of the sea, as if he hadn't noticed its secret.
"I have something to say as well."
Martha stepped forward, biting her trembling lips.
"Go ahead."
Glenn nodded slowly, as if considering Martha's intensified emotions.
"The Ninth Apostles were not confused despite knowing that the Light Wind Palace Master was coming to support us, and they said they had a separate escape route. They must have been planning to escape underwater using the ship's capabilities."
Martha clenched her fist, saying that she now understood the relaxed attitude of the Ninth Apostles.
"Underwater..."
Glenn sighed briefly as he looked out the window where the sunlight was fading.
"Even with the memory of the Sea Spirit, it won't be an easy place to search."
"That's right."
Raon nodded gravely.
"Since it's quite deep underwater, it won't be easy to approach, and if we are detected, it will also be difficult to escape."
The location shown by the Sea Spirit was a place difficult for ordinary people to access, and even for experts. Even if they found the location, it was not a place they could attack immediately.
"Even if it’s dangerous and difficult..."
Glenn smiled faintly as he looked at Raon.
"You're going, right?"
"Of course."
Raon bowed, saying it was only natural.
"To think I have to send you on an even harder mission right after you've returned, I'm at a loss for words."
Glenn touched his forehead with his finger, appearing genuinely regretful.
"Please don’t say that. Since I am the one who holds the spirit's memory, it’s only natural that I should go."
Raon calmly shook his head, saying it was not a burden.
"I..."
Martha raised her hand, biting her lip.
"I also want to go."
She stood by his side, saying she wanted to volunteer for the mission to find the headquarters of the Blood Religion.
"Hmm..."
Glenn, also aware of Martha's circumstances, couldn't respond immediately and let out a low groan.
"Martha."
Raon turned to Martha after gently exhaling.
"Please! I can also..."
"Your job is not to find the Blood Religion."
He shook his head firmly as he looked into Martha's trembling eyes.
"While I search for the headquarters of the Blood Religion, you need to become a bit stronger. As you are now, you wouldn’t be of help in the fight against the Leader of the Blood Religion."
Raon reminded her of what she needed to do while affirming the hard truth.
"If you want to create even the smallest opening against the Leader of the Blood Religion, swing your sword with all your might."
"Ugh..."
Martha lowered her trembling hand after looking into Raon's sunken red eyes.
"I understand."
She bowed deeply, biting her lip.
"I will do my best to be of help."
Martha gritted her teeth, not discouraged, but rather revitalized.
"The same goes for all of you."
Raon gave Martha a light pat on the shoulder before looking at the swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace.
"We don’t know when or where a full-scale war with the Blood Religion may break out, so increase your strength, even if just a little."
"Yes!"
The swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace straightened their postures and shouted that they would train until they died. All clenched their fists until blood flowed, watching Martha's trembling shoulders.
"Miss Rakshasa..."
Runaan approached Martha's side and lightly tapped her shoulder.
"Are you cold?"
"A bit..."
"..."
She silently held Martha's trembling hand. Usually, they would have separated, calling each other disgusting, but today they held hands tightly without letting go.
"When will you leave?"
Glenn slightly nodded toward Martha and Runaan before calling Raon.
"Since it’s not my own memory, I don’t know when it might fade, so I plan to leave at dawn tomorrow."
Raon lifted his gaze, saying that they should not delay.
"Just you?"
"Yes. It would be more convenient for me to move alone..."
"No matter what, I can't send you to such a dangerous place alone."
Glenn shook his head, implying that he would assign someone to accompany him.
"But an inexperienced person would only be a burden..."
"They won't be inexperienced."
He directed his gaze to the right and stroked his chin.
"Roenn."
"Hehehe."
As soon as Glenn called, Roenn stepped forward with a friendly smile.
"Master of the Palace. I will be at your service."
He bowed with his hand on his chest.
"Hmm..."
Raon clicked his tongue as he looked at the smiling Roenn.
"I surely can't refuse Roenn."
Roenn was an assassin known as the King Assassin. Although his raw power was weaker than Raon's, he would undoubtedly be a great help in this kind of reconnaissance mission.
"I will also be at your service."
Raon bowed back to Roenn.
"Well then, you must be tired, so let's say our goodbyes."
Glenn struck the armrest of his throne, indicating for everyone to return to their positions.
"One moment."
Raon called to the Light Wind Palace swordsmen who were about to leave the audience chamber.
"They may talk about the Blood Religion behind this incident, but do not mention that you found a clue about their headquarters to anyone. Not even to the family."
He instructed them to maintain confidentiality, especially looking into Martha's eyes.
"Yes!"
"You know us, we are discreet!"
"Don't worry!"
The swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace nodded as if they wouldn't speak even with a knife to their throat, and they left the audience chamber.
"Then I will also leave."
"Raon."
As Raon was about to leave the audience chamber, saying he would prepare for the search, Glenn spoke.
"It seems you have grown again."
Glenn smiled softly, as if he had sensed his change.
"By facing the Sea Spirit that was out of control, I learned a bit more about what the Soul Sword truly is."
"I see. I can feel that your heart has grown firmer and your sword sharper."
He smiled, saying he could notice the change in Raon's sword just by looking him in the eyes.
"And by dealing with the children as well."
Glenn closed his eyes and opened them again, looking toward where Martha and the Light Wind Palace swordsmen had been.
"You have become a true Master of the Palace now. In the future... hmm."
He was about to continue speaking, but it seemed he thought it wasn't the right moment and closed his mouth again.
"Raon. Confirming the location of the Blood Religion's headquarters is important, but always think of yourself first."
He advised Raon to retreat without looking back if he found himself in a dangerous situation.
"I will keep that in mind."
Raon said he would remember those words and left the audience chamber.
"Roenn."
Glenn turned his gaze toward Roenn and nodded.
"I trust you. You can use 'that' if necessary."
"Don’t worry!"
Roenn nodded with a hearty laugh. Unlike his usual relaxed demeanor, his laughter now held a deep solemnity.
"I will serve the Young Master with my life."
***
"Ah..."
Martha frowned as she looked at her hand, still warm from Runaan's touch.
'Why is her hand so warm when she uses Cold Energy?'
How embarrassing to be consoled by that brat. Runaan, whom she always found irritating, had carefully approached her today, comforting her with words and body warmth. It felt uncomfortable but pleasant that someone she considered a rival had become a friend with whom she could share her feelings.
'And...'
She bit her lip, recalling Raon's solid back as he prepared to depart on a mission that threatened his life.
'Also Raon.'
This mission made her clearly realize. Raon remembered his promise to fight alongside her against the Leader of the Blood Religion and was striving to fulfill it.
'No, it’s more than that.'
It was evident that Raon intended not only to stop the Leader of the Blood Religion but to directly expel the soul of that demon and reclaim her mother’s body. She felt his resolved will in the Soul Sword he used at the end.
'What a fool.'
To think of Raon, who would advance without looking back if it was the path he had chosen, even in situations that threatened his life, made her cheeks flush and her fingers tremble.
'I can’t help that fool right now.'
All she could do was train. As Raon said, she shouldn’t intervene clumsily but save even the time for eating and sleeping to become stronger. Only by approaching the Leader of the Blood Religion and awakening her mother’s soul would they have their chances of victory increased, even if just a bit.
"I'm back."
Martha entered the Martial Wisdom Palace, determined to train with all her might.
"Martha?"
Denier, standing in front of the garden, widened his eyes upon seeing her.
"Did you just return?"
"Yes! I just finished reporting to the Head of House."
Martha nodded, saying she had just arrived.
"You must have had a tough time."
Denier frowned, looking at Martha's tanned face with concern.
"The others had it much tougher than I did..."
Martha sighed briefly, scratching her head.
"Those fools were so considerate of me..."
She smiled weakly, recalling the swordsmen who had comforted and cared for her just because she had encountered the Blood Religion.
"Well, I’m curious about what happened. Can you tell me?"
Denier licked his lips, seemingly eager to hear the story.
"Since you’ll find out anyway, I’ll tell you..."
She explained everything: that the Blood Religion had attacked the port, that they had fought and defeated the Ninth Apostles, and that they had purified the Sea Spirit that the enemies had controlled.
"To think you defeated the Ninth Apostles, what a great achievement! No wonder your Sword Aura feels different from before."
Denier clapped Martha on the shoulder, praising her as if she had truly done well.
"Are you injured anywhere?"
"I’ve suffered some internal injuries, but they will heal with rest."
Martha shook her head, saying there was no need to worry.
"And..."
She was about to talk about what happened afterward, but she remembered Raon's severe gaze and shut her mouth.
'I was told not to tell anyone, not even family.'
Raon had told her not to mention the search for the Blood Religion's headquarters to anyone, so she kept her mouth shut.
"Martha?"
Denier tightened his grip on her shoulder, as if asking what was wrong.
"Ah, it's nothing. I'm just tired and need to rest."
Martha laughed awkwardly, saying she should go inside first.
"I see. You’ve done well. Rest well."
Denier stepped aside, as if suggesting they could talk later.
"Yes. Then..."
Martha entered the mansion.
"..."
While Denier's mouth smiled proudly at his daughter's achievements, his eyes blinked with a cold light devoid of any emotion.
***
Raon returned not to the annex but to the fifth training field dormitory to prepare for another sea voyage.
- Why did you come here?
Wrath frowned as if he didn’t understand.
- We have to live at sea again, so I wanted to eat some home-cooked meals!
He hit Raon’s shoulder with his round fist, as if he were angry about missing the food he had been looking forward to. Of course, it was more like a massage.
'It can't be helped. If I say I'm leaving right after returning from the mission, they will worry.'
It was better to leave immediately as if he hadn't returned from the mission, because if he explained in detail to Sylvia or Edgar, both would worry.
'Sis will also get angry.'
Although Sia’s mental age had increased, she still thought of him as a younger brother who needed protection. It wasn't the time to find her now, as she would surely get angry if he said he was leaving immediately.
- Grr...
Wrath let out a low groan, as if he wanted to argue but knew Raon wasn’t wrong.
- Then, for dinner, eat outside instead of training camp food! Especially for dessert, it must be pearl ice cream!
He bared his teeth and snorted, as if he couldn't compromise any further.
'Okay, okay.'
Raon shook his head, letting out a short sigh.
'I'll buy you whatever food you want after we finish preparing.'
Just as Raon was about to open his Space Bag, licking his lips, the door to the dormitory burst open, and Evelyn, dressed in a purple robe, entered.
"E-Evelyn?"
Raon exhaled sharply, seeing Evelyn confidently enter as if it were her own home and sit on the bed.
- That crazy girl! How did she get here?!
Wrath also opened his mouth wide in surprise, seemingly having not sensed her presence.
"If it's a search mission, I should also go."
Evelyn smiled brightly, saying that it was her area of expertise.
"Especially if it's underwater, you'll need my help even more, right?"
She nodded with a relaxed attitude, insisting that she would definitely come.
"Hmm..."
Raon lowered his eyebrows as he looked into Evelyn's calm purple eyes.
'She's not wrong.'
Evelyn could borrow animal bodies and was an expert in magic that concealed presence. With her there, it would be easier to search while avoiding the Blood Religion's gaze.
"If you’re helping, that’s welcome, but..."
Raon frowned as he looked at Evelyn.
"How did you know I was going on a mission to find the Blood Religion?"
He didn’t understand how Evelyn knew this and came here, as he had told Yua and Julius to say he had not yet returned.
"Don't tell me..."
Raon pulled out the squirrel figurine he had received from Evelyn before.
"Did you install a listening spell on this wooden figurine?"
No matter how crazy Evelyn was, she wouldn’t have installed magic in the audience chamber, so she must have done something with this figurine.
"No."
Evelyn shook her head firmly.
"N-No? Then how...?"
"It's not just a listening spell on that figurine."
She smiled seductively and coldly, as if the magic installed in the figurine was much more than just listening.
"Uh..."
Raon felt a shiver run down his spine and held his breath.
- T-The crazy girl!
Wrath screamed, grabbing his head as if the inevitable had happened.
- The crazy girl has returned!
-
More Ch4pters on KoreanPlayer
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Thanks for the support
