C1083
"Father, someone has arrived!"
Terian rapped on the ancient door before stepping into the lord’s chamber, where a chill draft was seeping in.
"A visitor?"
Lord Milland of Habun Castle lifted his gaze from his faded, time-worn desk. Despite his small frame, the fire of resolve and spirit in his eyes burned even more fiercely than before.
"It has been quite some time."
Raon positioned himself in front of the antique desk and bowed respectfully to Milland.
"The Lord of Habun Castle."
"R‑Raon?"
Milland abruptly pushed his chair aside and stepped around the desk.
"How did you manage to get here!"
His grin shone brilliantly, illuminating the room, as though he had never anticipated Raon arriving at Habun Castle.
"I trailed after Yua. I longed for Habun Castle—with its unique blend of chill and warmth."
Raon nodded in agreement, expressing his desire to return after such a lengthy absence.
"Indeed, there is no locale comparable to Habun Castle. Welcome back!"
Milland patted Raon’s back with his large hands, visibly overjoyed to see him again.
"My lord, you seem completely unchanged."
Raon smiled while massaging the spot on his back where Milland had struck him.
"No, it appears that you have become more youthful."
"I often check in the mirror, you know."
Milland gestured dismissively with his hand.
"Don't utter such absurdities."
"No, I truly mean it."
In reality, Milland’s visage now bore fresh lines, and his formerly sleek silver hair had entirely turned white, rendering him unmistakably aged. Nonetheless, oddly enough, the vitality and determination he exuded were far more potent than before.
'He is on the brink of ascending to Grandmaster status.'
Milland teetered at the edge of achieving Grandmaster rank. With merely a single spark, he would undoubtedly ascend to the next tier.
"Ever since assuming the role of Palace Master, you've mastered the art of flattery. You once were so reticent and unyielding that I mistook you for a statue."
Milland chuckled robustly, remarking his pleasure that Raon had become more animated.
"He truly was a peculiar fellow."
Terian exhaled softly, evidently reminiscing about how Raon used to be.
"I've been informed of all your feats—the Black Tower Master, The Fallen, and now even the Leader of the White Blood Religion. You are accomplishing feats that even the mightiest on the continent failed to realize."
Milland nodded, a look of pride etched across his face.
"Fortune favored me in various respects."
Raon waved his hand dismissively, asserting it wasn’t solely attributable to his skill.
"When fortune strikes thrice, it transforms into expertise."
Milland snorted dismissively, as though suggesting that modesty no longer applied.
"My lord, I'm present as well!"
Dorian swiftly waved his hand, appearing sorrowful over being overlooked.
"Naturally, I noticed you."
Milland grinned while caressing Dorian’s plump cheeks.
"You have attained Master status as well. Congratulations."
Clutching Dorian's shoulder, he noted how the former porter—once distributing fruit at Habun Castle—had transformed into a genuine swordsman.
"Certainly! I have advanced considerably as well!"
Dorian beamed with joy at receiving accolades from the typically austere Milland.
"I, too, have arrived!"
Evelyn leaned her shoulder against Milland, sporting an exuberant smile.
"W‑Who...?"
Milland stepped back subtly, implying he had no recollection.
"How could I possibly forget someone like you?"
"Remember that occasion when a doppelganger attempted to abduct Yua…"
"[Stop!]"
Raon clamped his hand over Evelyn’s mouth as he transmitted an aura message.
"[Why would you mention something like that!]"
He was baffled as to why she would bring up the aborted doppelganger attempt to kidnap Yua at this juncture.
"[I merely wish to create some shared context!]"
Evelyn shook her head, explaining that she desired to reminisce about past events together.
"[Nonetheless, that's a topic best left unspoken!]"
With a gentle urgency, he withdrew his hand from Evelyn’s mouth, imploring her to cease, utterly perplexed by the mindset that would prompt such behavior.
"-I'm warning you, her mind is off-kilter. She's merely like a moth irresistibly drawn to the flame!"
Wrath knitted his brows, remarking that Evelyn resembled a moth leaping into fire without considering the aftermath.
"A doppelganger attempting to abduct Yua? Were you present for that?"
Milland tilted his head, still appearing to have no recollection despite the clarification.
"No! It’s trivial—mere absurdity."
Raon shook his head, offering an embarrassed smile.
"Is that so…"
Milland rubbed his temple, as though straining to recall Evelyn’s visage.
"I overheard, on my way here, that monsters are once again launching attacks?"
Raon mentioned the monster assaults to shift the topic.
"That is precisely so. The frequency of monster attacks has risen of late."
Milland nodded with creased brows.
"Not only have the monsters multiplied in number, but their assault frequency has escalated. It feels as if we've reverted to the era of your presence."
He licked his lips, remarking that daily battles now ensued because of it.
"What of the various kinds of monsters?"
"The species remain unaltered. Ice trolls, white orcs, ogres, and the rest of the winter monsters are converging here."
Tapping his finger on the map of Habun Castle, Milland noted that the monster types had not notably changed.
"I understand."
Raon squinted as he observed Habun Castle and the Sturin Mountains to the north.
'This is not the work of Eden.'
Had Eden intervened, we might have seen novel monster species or an augmentation of their combat prowess through elite monsters. Since both the varieties and power levels remain unchanged, it appears to be a natural phenomenon.
"We battled merely this morning. That is why the scent of burning corpses lingers."
Milland folded his hands, apologizing for the immediate exposure to the odor upon their arrival.
"It-it must be arduous…"
Dorian’s lips quivered, as though recalling the infernal days at Habun Castle.
"I, in fact, favor it this way."
Milland seized the sword resting beside his desk, his lips curving into a smile.
"Every battle invigorates me. It had grown dull in your absence!"
Despite remarking on the monotony, he flashed Raon a smile imbued with gratitude.
"Father, truly…"
Terian shook his head, perplexed by Milland’s behavior.
"But are you well?"
Milland squinted as he regarded Raon.
"I heard that the Destructive King of the North has initiated the successor selection trial; is it wise for you to be present here?"
He cocked his chin in inquiry, as though pondering why Raon had ventured to Habun Castle amid such a critical trial.
"That is…"
Just as Raon prepared to reply—
"My lord! Vice-Lord! We are being assaulted!"
A ranger burst in through the door, his breath crystallizing in the frigid air as he bellowed that monsters were breaching.
"Already?"
"B-but hardly half a day has passed…"
Milland and Terian furrowed their brows, clearly caught off guard by this turn of events.
"The scale is far greater than this morning! With repairs still pending, the walls or gates might fail!"
The ranger bowed respectfully, emphasizing the need to hasten and halt the assault.
"We shall resume our conversation later!"
Unsheathing his sword, Milland dashed out of the office.
"I shall accompany you!"
Terian donned his helmet and sprinted outdoors.
"-It would be simpler if they simply solicited your aid, wouldn't it?"
Wrath narrowed his eyes in bewilderment.
"-Honestly, such fools."
'They are not fools; they are prudent.'
Raon shook his head as he surveyed the office, through which the frigid wind continued to stream.
'Regardless of our proximity, they insist on managing their own duties.'
Musing over Milland’s unwavering character and resolve, he ascended the snow-blanketed stairs leading to the castle walls. Whoosh! The blizzard transformed everything into a pristine white canvas, while overhead a wave of green monsters surged like spilled ink.
Confronting the barrage of arrows amid falling snow and monsters clinging stubbornly to the walls despite their injuries, he felt as though he had stepped back in time.
"Fire!"
Milland ruthlessly released his astral energy, disintegrating the monsters attempting to breach the gate.
"Prevent them from reaching the walls!"
Terian also harnessed his astral power—a testament to his Mastery—as he decapitated the monsters hurtling toward the walls.
"Lord, you inquired whether my presence here was acceptable amidst the chaos over successor selection instigated by Zieghart?"
Positioning himself at the wall's edge, Raon activated the Heavenly Drive. A resonant hum filled the air as innumerable petals blossomed above the World Tree of flames emanating from his sword. The fiery petals cascaded down like autumn leaves, forming a tempest of fire.
The colossal vortex of flames engulfed the entire monster horde striving to obliterate the walls.
"Kuwaaaaaah! The flames soared skyward, incinerating the monsters utterly—leaving not even a trace of bone—before dispersing into a gentle warm breeze."
"Huh!"
"W-what is this?"
"Impossible…"
"Is that truly human swordsmanship?"
"Sword Emperor Raon Zieghart…"
The knights and rangers perched on the wall gaped in astonishment, as though lost in a dream.
"Raon, you…"
Even Milland’s eyes quivered with astonishment.
"This is the answer I offer."
Raon smiled while dispersing the residual heat of his Heavenly Drive.
"I believe that acquiring a single Golden Tablet here will suffice."
***
Milland organized an intimate banquet to commemorate Raon’s homecoming and the eradication of the monsters without any losses.
"It has been ages since we enjoyed a respite."
"All thanks to Lord Raon."
"Wow, I've never witnessed swordsmanship of that caliber. I find it hard to believe we are both practitioners of the sword."
"That style—it wasn’t like this before. Did it formerly consist of roughly ten petals?"
"So, he has been steadily refining it? That is all the more remarkable."
The knights, rangers, and soldiers had set aside their arms, savoring fleeting moments of joy with drinks in hand. Naturally, their conversation predominantly centered on Raon and his swordsmanship.
"-Kiaaah!"
Wrath erupted in an expression of sheer delight.
"-A buffet just as we arrive! There are indeed days when you truly prove your worth!"
He wagged his tail in enthusiastic approval.
"'L-let's cease eating; I fear my stomach might burst.'"
Raon shook his head while massaging his swollen belly.
"-Then simply savor the pineapple pizza for that final bite! I yearn to experience the taste of my homeland after such a long time!"
Wrath extended his hand, urging him to seize the final slice of pizza.
"'We always have this back home... Huh?'"
Raon sighed and proceeded toward the pizza, only to see a Habun Castle knight snatch the final slice in one bite before departing.
"-Kuuugh!"
Wrath shrieked while grabbing his head.
"'That most delectable final piece, snatched by such an individual!'"
He howled, declaring his inability to tolerate it.
"-Apprehend him! Seize him and twist his form!"
Wrath seized Raon’s hair, demanding retribution for the pilfered pizza.
"'Please preserve some royal dignity! You hotheaded fool!'"
Raon clutched Wrath’s head in response and shook it.
"Huh?"
Dorian tilted his head, observing Raon standing motionless before the vacant plate.
"If you desire pizza, simply request it from the manager. He will prepare it promptly."
He smiled, assuring that it wouldn’t be long.
"Apologies, however, pineapple pizza may be challenging."
Yua’s grandfather gestured with his hand.
"We've run out of pineapples, hence we cannot produce it."
Shifting his gaze as though inquiring whether they would prefer ordinary pizza instead, he added, "Ah-ha!"
Dorian stepped toward Yua’s grandfather, patting his forehead.
"It wounds my sentiments when you utter such words in my presence!"
He extracted ten sizable pineapples from his pouch.
"Th‑this…"
"It is essential!"
Dorian pounded his chest, advising them to inform him if additional ingredients were required.
"Ah, now it truly feels as though you have all returned."
Yua’s grandfather erupted into a radiant smile, as if reminiscing cherished memories.
"Now that we possess the ingredients, I'll prepare it immediately!"
He instructed them to wait a while before retreating into the kitchen.
"I'll lend a hand!"
"M‑me as well!"
When Yua made her way to the kitchen, Julius trailed closely behind her like a shadow.
"Nothing has changed."
Raon bore a tender smile.
"Everyone remains precisely as they once were."
When even Dorian began discussing the essentials, memories flooded back vividly—like a crafted painting—prompting an involuntary gentle smile to bloom on his face.
"Raon, when do you intend to depart?"
Evelyn approached, her fingers encircling a wine glass. Although it was inexpensive, in her grasp it appeared as the most exquisite wine imaginable.
"When did I mention that I was departing?"
Raon narrowed his eyes while scrutinizing Evelyn.
"You wouldn't have arrived here without cause. Surely, you have another objective."
Evelyn smirked slightly, signaling that she was fully aware of all about him.
"...I truly cannot deceive you."
Raon shook his head and sighed.
"I intend to depart around midday tomorrow, once I assess the situation here."
"Midday? Understood."
Evelyn offered a cold smile, unmistakably signaling her intention to accompany him, then proceeded to fetch more provisions.
"Tomorrow at midday. Acknowledged."
Dorian nodded, as if committing it to memory.
"[No, not tomorrow at midday; we are departing at dawn today.]"
Raon transmitted an aura message to Dorian.
"[What? Oh‑oh, understood.]"
Dorian cast a glance at Evelyn’s retreating form and nodded. (E/N: Can such a haphazard approach truly overcome the greatest stalker of all time?)
"-So you have at last become weary of that madwoman as well!"
Wrath nodded, as though he had anticipated this.
"-Smart move! No one can contend with that lunatic!"
'That's not really the case...'
Raon clutched his temple as he pondered over Evelyn’s previous actions.
'If I bring Evelyn along, she will likely clash with Sloth.'
He resolved to leave her behind, fearing that she might attempt to forcibly rouse Sloth and trigger a massive brawl.
"-Indeed, he does throw a colossal tantrum if his slumber is interrupted."
Wrath furrowed his brow, implying that even he would struggle to restrain Sloth if his anger were truly kindled.
'That is why I am somewhat concerned.'
Raon exhaled deeply while gazing northward, where a white mist was congregating.
'What in the world has occurred?'
***
Shortly after midnight, at dawn, Raon stood opposite Dorian beneath a tree below the castle walls.
"We shall sprint all the way to the Sturin Mountains, so ready yourself thoroughly." (E/N: if anyone recalls the former name of those mountains…)
He flexed his ankles and wrists, declaring that they would not halt until they had reached the Sturin Mountains.
"Ah, then don these."
Dorian retrieved fur-lined boots from his pouch.
"These are artifacts that enhance mobility on snow and ice—a winter essential."
He smiled, remarking that he had brought them as a precaution, and it proved to be a wise decision.
"There's no disputing that—a veritable necessity indeed."
Raon smiled softly as he donned the boots.
"But where exactly are we headed and what is our task?"
Dorian blinked with curiosity.
"We are off to rouse a heavy sleeper. You shall have plenty to handle."
Raon clasped Dorian’s shoulder, affirming that he was relying on him.
"This seems somewhat foreboding…"
Dorian’s eyes quivered like a child struck by snow, exuding unease.
"Do not fret. There shall be no peril."
Raon patted Dorian’s back with encouragement before dashing northward.
"L‑let's proceed together!"
Dorian gasped and sprinted after Raon. Whoosh! Thanks to their heightened martial skill and the speed-boosting artifacts they donned, they spotted the Sturin Mountains in far less time than before.
'That mountain remains unaltered as well.'
Raon beamed as he observed the Sturin Mountains, still crowned with perpetual snow.
"-Hmm?"
Wrath lifted his gaze accompanied by a low groan.
'What is the matter?'
"-A tremendous impact took place on that mountain."
"'A tremendous impact?'"
Raon extended his aura sense, tilted his head thoughtfully for a moment, then abruptly widened his eyes.
"I‑I sensed it as well."
Although his sensation came later than Wrath’s, he too perceived the shock emanating from the Sturin Mountains. For waves of such magnitude to be detected from afar, a Transcendent must be involved.
"Dorian, it is acceptable to be delayed. Simply follow correctly."
"Huh? What do you…"
"I shall forge ahead."
Raon performed the Supreme Harmony Steps at maximum strength, his strides nearly fracturing the white ground. Whoosh! He bolted toward the Sturin Mountains, slicing through space in a realm where the snow appeared immobile. Bang! Attaining a state where he could reshape reality with his will, he reached the mountain’s entrance in what felt like mere moments.
'Indeed. Two Transcendents engaged in a clash here.'
Although he was unaware of their identities, it was evident that a colossal collision had transpired at the heart of the Sturin Mountains.
'Sloth's barrier remains unbroken.'
Observing that Sloth's barrier—originating from the mountain’s core—remained unaltered, it appeared that he was unscathed.
"-I cannot detect any of Sloth's power. It appears he is still slumbering."
"That's reassuring."
Raon exhaled in relief as he ascended to the summit of the Sturin Mountains. Yet, just as he was about to gaze upon the frozen lake where Sloth was expected to be slumbering, his body went rigid. Rumble! Sloth, whom he had presumed would be asleep, had shredded the covering provided and lifted his dark, blazing eyes.
"It was… you?"
The Demon King of Sloth rose with his creaking form, exuding an authority potent enough to shatter the world.
"The one who… roused me?"
-
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