C1074
Lower your sword a bit more. Make sure you aim for the enemy's heart.
Darkan pressed Krein's arm down, teaching him the proper stance for a stab.
"Yes! Is this stance correct?"
Krein pushed his sword forcefully as Darkan had taught him. The impact of his sword technique created a shock wave that tore through the air.
"Hmm..."
Darkan examined Krein's thrust from various angles before shaking his head.
"Your sword lacks flavor. You're too focused on looking good."
He turned around, saying it wasn't worth continuing to teach.
"But, but, I did exactly what you said..."
Krein's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Compared to him, however..."
Darkan watched Dorian practicing swordsmanship in the corner with great interest.
"You show some promise."
He rubbed his palms as he observed Dorian's sword, which seemed to lack spirit.
"Me? Really?"
Dorian's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting his swordsmanship to receive praise.
"Anyone but him! He's a coward who only practices evasive swordsmanship!"
Krein yelled, unable to accept Darkan's words.
"Exactly why he's interesting."
Darkan approached Dorian with a mocking smile.
"A sword is a tool for stabbing and killing people, and you run away? Isn't that fascinating?"
He nodded his chin, gesturing for Dorian to continue demonstrating his swordsmanship.
"And in real combat, your stance suggests you would advance instead of retreating. Ah, for that technique, rotate your ankle about 15 degrees more."
Darkan seemed to approve of Dorian's swordsmanship and offered detailed instructions.
"Nngh..."
Although Krein bit his lips and demonstrated his swordsmanship with all his might, Darkan's attention didn't return to him.
"I can do that too..."
"Should I take a look then?"
Raon stood in front of Krein, who was frowning with a slight curve to his lips.
"Ah, no! Training is something you do alone!"
Krein shook his head vigorously in rejection and fled to the distance.
"..."
Raon narrowed his eyes as he watched Krein.
'Did I torment them too much before the war?'
The swordsmen would panic and flee at the mere mention of training from him. He must have pushed them too hard.
'Although I'll do exactly the same when we get back.'
He didn't regret it, believing that hellish training was what kept the Light Wind Palace swordsmen alive.
-You simply lack popularity.
Wrath snorted disdainfully.
-When I offered to teach, my subordinates lined up for three days and nights!
He raised his cloudy eyes as he muttered about those good old days.
'Oh.'
Finding it annoying to respond, he clapped once and unsheathed the Heavenly Drive.
-Don't just say 'oh'! Give me a proper answer! No, more importantly...
Wrath frowned as he looked at him.
-Explain properly what you meant before! What do you mean by a journey to find friends?
He showed his white teeth, demanding a direct answer.
'It means exactly what I said. A journey to find your friends.'
-You mean those other demon kings as friends? Hmph! I don't have such things as friends! I'm a monarch who enjoys solitude!
Wrath shook his head violently, claiming he didn't keep things like friends.
'Didn't you say we were friends? It hurts a little to hear you say you don't have friends.'
Raon looked down with a soft groan.
-Huh? That, that's not what I... Just...
Wrath's lips trembled, seemingly disconcerted by Raon's disappointed expression.
-Ah, no! I almost fell for this bastard's trap again!
He frowned, telling Raon to stop talking nonsense.
'It's not working, huh?'
Raon looked up with a slight smile.
'You're right that I want to find the demon kings.'
-I knew it!
Wrath slammed his hand down as if he had known all along.
'We'll need the power of the demon kings for the final war.'
The martial prowess of the Archangels was at least on par with the leaders of the Five Kings and Three Demons. Some might even be monsters with power rivaling Glenn, the Heavenly Demon, or Derus. If Derus summoned the seven Archangels for the war, defeat would be certain, so they needed to prepare beforehand.
'Would the demon kings fight if the Archangels appear?'
Raon turned to Wrath, expecting an answer.
-Absolutely not!
Wrath shook his head repeatedly.
-The demon kings are more impulsive than any other demon. To think they would fight when the Archangels descend upon the Human World, which isn't even their territory, you're incredibly naive!
He scoffed, saying Raon's wishes wouldn't come true.
'Then, will I have to lend your name at the end?'
Raon smiled as he placed his hand on Wrath's head.
'Wouldn't they somehow submit if Wrath Demon King tells them to fight?'
-I knew you'd say that! You damn bastard!
Wrath gritted his teeth, saying this was exactly what he expected.
-Things won't go as smoothly according to your plans this time. A war with the Archangels would be deadly even for the demon kings.
He wore an arrogant expression, saying it wouldn't be as easy as before.
'Then, I'll have to prepare myself as well.'
Raon smiled faintly as he raised his finger.
-Prepare yourself?
'As you said that the demon kings are the most impulsive of all demons, I'll need to prepare to convince them.'
-Hmph! That's right!
'Thanks for the answer.'
-Huh? Uh...
Wrath blinked blankly as he looked at him.
-This, this bastard used me again!
He yelled as if he realized what he had just said.
'For now, is Sloth the only one whose location we can know?'
Raon thought about all the demon kings he had met while ignoring Wrath's shouts.
-That's probably true. Some of them are in the Devildom, while others roam the Human World at their leisure.
Wrath flew quickly and nodded to his own murmur. He was truly an adorable demon king.
'Envy and Greed are in the Devildom, and Gluttony is probably busy visiting all the pearl ice cream parlors across the continent.'
He had personally seen Envy and Greed return to the Devildom, so they were probably still there. As for Gluttony, she would follow him once she ran out of money, so there was no need to look for her first.
'The next one would be Lust.'
He stroked his chin as he recalled Lust's seductive eyes.
'Lust is probably not nearby either.'
Since Lust hadn't appeared even when he had used his aura and Wrath's authority at full power in the White Blood Religion, it was clear that Lust was elsewhere.
-Phew...
Wrath sighed, as if he was grateful for that at least.
'Lastly, where is Pride?'
Raon mentioned Pride's name as he looked at Wrath.
-Hmm...
Wrath looked silently at the space before shaking his head.
-I don't know. That's an eccentric who might be in the Devildom one moment, then suddenly invade the celestial realm the next, or cross into other dimensions looking for strong opponents. No one can tell where he is or what he's doing.
He shook his head, saying that although the Heavenly Demon had Pride's authority and presence, they were probably not together.
'Then Sloth is our only option.'
Sloth was a gentle demon king as long as you didn't wake him from his sleep, so he seemed like a good first choice to visit.
-Damn...
Wrath wrinkled his nose, saying that only the dumbest one was left.
'About that...'
He was about to ask if Wrath wasn't the dumbest of them all, but he stopped, feeling it would cause a commotion.
"Hey."
As Raon organized his thoughts while stretching slightly, Darkan approached.
"Have you recovered? Then, let's have a match."
Darkan's lips twisted into a smile as he placed his hand on his dark sword.
"Is fighting the only thing you can talk about?"
Raon sighed as he held his head.
"It's only been a day, how could I be fully recovered!"
Thanks to his traits and authority, his physical wounds had almost healed, but his mind was still recovering from the effort of using the Soul Weapon. He needed more time before he could fight Darkan.
"How weak."
Darkan lowered his hand with a chuckle. Judging by his eyes, he hadn't really intended to fight either.
"What are you going to do with the Soul Weapon?"
Darkan stroked his eyepatch as he looked at him.
"What do you mean what am I going to do with the Soul Weapon?"
Raon narrowed his eyes.
"As I said before, beneath Derus's soul lies a Shadow soul larger than any other."
Darkan bit his lip slightly, seeming to remember when he had used the Soul Weapon.
"I'm asking if you've thought about how to cut it."
"That's..."
Raon frowned and let out a soft groan.
"Derus Robert will definitely return after mastering the Soul Weapon. His soul will become even larger and stronger."
Darkan nodded, saying he was sure of this since he had seen it himself.
"My Soul Weapon is already broken, and even Glenn Zieghart's Soul Weapon won't be able to cut that soul in one blow."
He turned his head towards Raon as he gripped the dark sword at his waist.
"I plan to face Derus somehow, but you should prepare yourself as well. The fight might reach you even after Glenn."
Darkan nodded gravely, as if saying the next fight with Derus would require being prepared for death.
"The possibilities of developing the Soul Weapon are endless, so find and cultivate a sword that suits you."
He left those words behind as he left the fifth training ground.
-That guy...
Wrath narrowed his eyes as he watched the training ground door close behind Darkan's departure.
'Yes.'
Raon nodded as he gripped the Heavenly Drive.
'It seems he wanted to teach me something.'
Darkan was right. Even if he summoned the demon kings, if he remained weak, he would let Derus escape again.
'While I search for the demon kings...'
Raon looked down at Wrath with anticipation.
'I need to become stronger too.'
-W-why are you looking at me while you say that?
'...'
He silently licked his lips as he watched Wrath's trembling eyes.
-Say something! You're scaring me!
'Hmm.'
-You're a crazy bastard!
***
"Father. It's time to attend the banquet."
Burren stood in front of Karoon's office wearing an elegant ceremonial robe.
"Father?"
But even as time passed, there was no response from Karoon.
"Hmm..."
Burren opened the office door with a frown. Cold air emanated from the room, suggesting that Karoon had left a long time ago.
'Where could he be?'
As Burren tilted his head and headed downstairs, he heard the sound of sword wind coming from the training ground behind.
'No way...'
When he entered the training ground to check, he found Karoon swinging his sword with his torso bare.
"Father?"
Burren's eyes widened.
"Why are you training here?"
He hadn't expected Karoon, who valued noble etiquette, to be training and sweating before a banquet. It was so uncharacteristic of him that it was surprising.
"Hmm..."
Sensing Burren's presence, Karoon lowered his sword and wiped the sweat from his forehead and shoulders with a towel.
"Is it time to leave already?"
"Yes. The banquet will start soon."
Burren nodded with a bewildered expression.
"I see."
Karoon raised his hand in apology before putting on the ceremonial robe that had been hanging on a chair.
"Have you perhaps found a clue to awaken?"
"Yes. I've found a clue in regret."
He nodded calmly.
"Regret...?"
"While protecting House Zieghart was important, I'm constantly overwhelmed with regret that I should have found a way to participate in the war against the White Blood Religion."
Karoon bit his lip deeply.
"I regret not only having missed the opportunity to live a crucial experience, but also letting Denier go like that."
He frowned, saying the war could have gone differently if he had been there.
"So I intend to swing my sword even in these free moments to avoid future regrets. I need to catch up to that guy too."
Karoon unsheathed his sword, which shone silver like his resolve, saying he would only look up from now on.
"I see."
Burren smiled as he felt the gentle but intense heat emanating from Karoon's red eyes.
'You've really changed.'
The old Karoon would have been jealous of Raon and tried to bring him down somehow, but now he acknowledged Raon's skills and achievements, saying he would follow him. He seemed like a completely different person.
"We'll be late. Let's go."
Karoon gestured with his hand, suggesting they head to the banquet hall.
"Yes!"
Burren followed behind Karoon, feeling that his father's back was still as broad and deep as it had seemed in his childhood.
'Someday, I too...'
***
The main banquet hall, where ornate chandeliers hung like embroidery from the ceiling casting golden light, and where the notable swords and armor of Zieghart's ancestors were displayed. This prestigious place, normally accessible only to a select few swordsmen, now housed all the swordsmen who had participated and helped in the recent war.
"The destruction of the White Blood Religion..."
Glenn ascended the platform in the banquet hall and nodded calmly.
"This achievement belongs not to one person, but to everyone here, who risked their lives and gave their best."
He nodded towards the swordsmen in the hall, expressing genuine admiration.
"We are five, and now only three enemies remain. Besides, Eden has been split in two."
Glenn placed his hand on the Heavenly Tremor, declaring that there was no need to fear the three demons. His magnificent presence made the golden lights of the hall seem to burn like red flames. The swordsmen struck their chests with their fists in agreement with Glenn's words. Their unified response created a thunderous sound that shook the entire banquet hall.
"This banquet has been prepared for the heroes who destroyed the White Blood Religion. Today, put aside the fatigue of war and enjoy the celebration."
Glenn applauded the swordsmen, saying they had truly done a good job.
"Woaaaah!"
"Long live Zieghart!"
The swordsmen celebrated their victory by applauding with Glenn or shouting cheers.
-The ice cream comes first!
Wrath hit Raon's shoulder as he opened his mouth wide.
-Start with that mountain of ice cream over there!
He hadn't even dined yet, but he was already hitting his back, insisting they start with dessert.
"However, before that..."
Glenn raised his hand towards the smiling swordsmen.
-Why is that old man so talkative today?
Wrath narrowed his eyes with disapproval.
-Being a man of few words was his only good point!
He moved his arm, demanding that Glenn shut his mouth.
"Now I will present awards to the swordsmen who participated in the war."
At Glenn's gesture, Roenn and the servants brought decorated plates with silver tablets.
"Silver tablets will be awarded to those swordsmen who helped prepare for the war and contributed to breaking the walls."
As he named the swordsmen, those who participated in the war went up to the platform one by one.
"Thank you for your bravery."
Glenn patted each swordsman's shoulder as he personally presented them with the silver tablets.
"Next, gold tablets will be awarded to those swordsmen who penetrated the headquarters of the White Blood Religion and faced its leader."
After finishing with the silver tablets, Glenn immediately began to call out the names of those who would receive gold tablets.
"Burren Zieghart, step forward."
"Yes!"
After meeting his eyes, Burren ascended the platform with confident strides.
"Even while overwhelmed by the Leader of the White Blood Religion, you continued to swing your sword until the end, truly worthy of your title of Vice Palace Master of the Light Wind Palace."
Glenn gripped Burren's shoulder firmly and proudly.
"Thank you!"
Burren pressed his lips firmly together, touched by Glenn's intense praise.
"Martha Zieghart."
"Yes!"
Martha exhaled deeply before ascending the platform. She forced herself to put on a brighter expression.
"Thank you for holding on until the end in a situation where you could have easily collapsed. He would be proud to see you now."
Glenn carefully embraced Martha.
"Thank you..."
Martha's voice trembled. She clenched her fists until they bled to hold back tears as she descended from the platform.
"Runaan Sullion."
"Yes..."
At Glenn's call, Runaan advanced with slow, lazy steps to stand before him.
"Your Ice Sword saved countless lives. Supporting from behind isn't easier than fighting in the front, and I thank you for always putting people first."
Glenn gently grasped her shoulder in approval.
"Yes..."
Runaan's earlobes turned slightly red with happiness, a significant emotional demonstration for her. After these three, several swordsmen from the Light Wind Palace, the Wise Martial Palace, and the True Martial Palace also ascended the platform to receive gold tablets from Glenn.
"Those who received gold tablets will have access to the Zieghart treasure."
Glenn nodded as if that concluded the rewards of victory. After the silver and gold tablet presentations were over, the swordsmen's gazes turned not to Glenn, but to Raon, who had yet to receive anything.
"Raon Zieghart. Step forward."
Glenn called Raon forward as if responding to those gazes.
"Yes."
Raon bowed before ascending the platform.
"To Raon Zieghart, who discovered the headquarters of the White Blood Religion, allowing us to start the war, who killed the ninth apostle to break the walls, and who brought down the Leader's soul with the Soul Weapon, I bestow three gold tablets."
He lowered his chin forcefully, saying these achievements were almost unbelievable even though he had witnessed them himself.
"Ahem."
The corners of Glenn's mouth wavered like ocean waves. However, the swordsmen behind could not see this expression, hidden by his head.
"Thank you."
Raon bowed respectfully and received the three gold tablets Roenn brought. In truth, since he had made Sylvia part of the direct lineage, these were no longer particularly necessary.
"You would do well to keep these gold tablets safe."
Glenn covered his lips with his finger, as if suggesting that the tablets would be needed in the future.
"And the additional reward for Raon Zieghart is..."
He looked at him with a kind smile.
"Twice the access to the treasure!"
Dorian licked his lips in anticipation.
"No, you fool! He got three tablets, so it must be three times!"
Krein waved his hand, telling him to think correctly.
"Free pass. No, give him the entire treasure..."
Runaan blinked as if suggesting they should give Raon all of Zieghart's treasure.
"..."
The banquet hall fell silent for a moment at such a scandalous suggestion.
"Ahem!"
Glenn cleared his throat and shook his head, pretending not to have heard Runaan's words.
"The Light Wind Palace Master will be granted any elixirs and martial equipment he desires from the treasure. And..."
He raised his hand, indicating he wasn't finished.
"For one month, I will personally teach martial arts to the Light Wind Palace Master."
Glenn had always secretly taught him to avoid showing favoritism, but this time he openly declared that he would teach him directly for a whole month.
"Oh! That's not bad!"
"After capturing the Leader of the White Blood Religion, he at least deserves that!"
"I'm jealous. Just receiving advice makes me so happy..."
"Will he change a lot in a month, no? I want to learn too."
While receiving teachings from the World's Best Swordsman was an incomparable reward, no one objected given Raon's considerable achievements.
"..."
Karoon also closed his eyes calmly, as if unable to object.
"Then, with this..."
Just as Glenn nodded with satisfaction, the bright lights faded like the setting sun, and a dark sword appeared darker than the night sky. At the sharp footsteps that seemed to pierce their eardrums, the swordsmen unconsciously made way.
"That training..."
Darkan. The swordsman who had not lost his composure even with his superior dantian collapsing and the Soul Weapon broken, stood before Glenn with a curved smile.
"Can I join too?"
-
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Thanks for the support
Nice work so far man… Where’re the other chapters at fam 😴?
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