C1085
With a resounding crash, Raon clenched his jaw as he deflected the surge of Sloth’s Authority that Sloth had just released.
"Not yet," he replied.
"I haven’t revealed all my power yet. The progress I made while training with Glenn and Darkan wasn’t limited solely to physical and mental development—it also reinforced my Willpower and fused with the Demon Kings' Authority. I discovered the secret to uniting these two opposing forces."
Accompanied by a deep, resonant hum, Raon harnessed both Willpower and Authority at once. Even though these two energies snarled at each other, they merged to overcome the formidable enemy before him. With a sizzling roar, the flames from the Divine Sword surged upward like a raging dragon, while the frost from the Demonic Sword shimmered like a hazy mirror reflecting an endless abyss.
He funneled the incompatible forces of Willpower and Authority—like oil and water—into his pair of swords to stand against the overwhelming Authority of Sloth.
A thunderous crack rang out as Sloth’s Authority—previously impervious to any cut or block—was shredded like paper beneath the blades of the Divine and Demonic Swords. The pervasive darkness, which had surged as if to engulf the world, was incinerated by the flames and crumbled under the chill of the frost.
"How... irritating..."
With a deep frown, Sloth spread his hands wide as streams of his Authority flowed from his fingertips, weaving an immense, black net.
"That fellow..."
Wrath emitted a hollow chuckle as he observed Sloth.
"Looks like his pride has taken a slight blow?"
He laughed softly, remarking that it was the first time he had seen Sloth react in such a manner.
"It signifies that your Martial Prowess surpasses his expectations."
Wrath nodded, noting that such an outcome was tantamount to receiving Sloth’s acknowledgment.
"It is gratifying, yet now is not the moment for idle thoughts. If I become entangled in that..."
Raon bit his lip while scrutinizing Sloth’s Authority cascading like a celestial web, leaving no path for retreat.
"I could easily be obliterated."
The force was so overwhelming that even a mere touch seemed capable of shattering both flesh and spirit.
"There is no escape for me."
With his exit cut off and unable to maneuver his sword as effectively as before, he was forced to overcome Sloth’s Authority with every ounce of his strength here and now. Emitting a resonant hum, Raon assumed a stance bridging heaven and earth, placing the Divine Sword downward and the Demonic Sword upward.
He then discharged his accumulated aura and Willpower upon Sloth’s Authority—a force threatening to devour not only him but the entire northern realm.
Utilizing techniques like Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation, Heavenly Drive, Ten Thousand Blossoms, and Raon Zieghart’s Sword Style, Void Slash, he unleashed a move embodying the pinnacle of martial arts, directed at the intricate net woven by Sloth’s Authority. The crimson blade relentlessly scorched through the Authority, while the azure sword energy imprisoned Sloth’s might within an expanse of icy force.
The once impenetrable energy of Sloth—dense and unyielding—was split apart not merely by the swords’ power but by the sheer depth of his swordsmanship.
"I didn’t merely acquire Willpower."
Raon tightened his grip and tensed his fingertips while watching Sloth’s energy dissolve.
"My command over the Ten Thousand Swords has advanced even further than that."
Just as Glenn had nurtured his Willpower, Darkan had rigorously honed his swordsmanship. Despite the overwhelming challenges that nearly made him surrender, witnessing the results now filled him with immense satisfaction.
"Huh...?"
For the first time, a steely glimmer flashed in Sloth’s eyes. His mouth hung open in astonishment, as though he had never envisioned such a result.
"You—you managed to deflect it?"
Wrath’s azure eyes grew wide with shock.
"Yet, you weren’t meant to be capable of blocking it?!"
"Indeed."
Raon offered a wry smile and gave a nod.
"I suppose I learn most effectively in the midst of battle."
Unlike the leniency shown by Glenn and Darkan, when faced with Sloth’s Authority—a force that seemed capable of tearing his life apart—he instinctively discovered an ideal balance between the two powers, a revelation even he found hard to believe.
"So this truly is the union of Willpower and Authority..."
Raon exhaled heavily, his hands trembling on the grips of his twin swords.
"This is extraordinary."
Even though he had nurtured both energies through relentless clashes between Willpower and Authority, this was the very first time they converged in flawless harmony. His heart pounded in awe at the overwhelming force that surpassed all his expectations.
"Yet..."
Maintaining such balance was far from effortless. The more his swordsmanship improved, the harsher the backlash became. He still lacked the endurance to fight for an extended period.
"Huaaah..."
Sloth slowly swayed his head in disapproval.
"Frustrating... I only wish to rest... Yet... I must... avenge my lost sleep."
While he rolled his eyes in exasperation, Sturin Mountain began trembling, nearly collapsing. With a swift, rushing noise, the vast Authority that had enveloped the North Sea was drawn back into Sloth. At the same time, the frost on Sturin Mountain—which had not melted for ten thousand years—vanished with a crackle, leaving not a single drop behind, as dark currents surged throughout the land.
A resonant hum accompanied as Sloth’s body became shrouded in his own Authority, his skin now marked with darkness as deep as shadows.
"What is this..."
Raon’s lips quivered while he watched Sloth transform.
"This operates on an entirely different plane."
The Sloth seen moments before and the one who now amassed the entirety of his Sloth power radiated an intimidating aura—as though he had become a completely different being. It appeared that even strikes infused with both Willpower and Authority would be unable to pierce that impenetrable darkness.
"It’s finished."
Wrath shook his head in despair, as though all hope had vanished.
"That man has utterly forsaken all reason."
He lamented that even the semblance of the demon king of Wrath would no longer suffice.
"Then how can I possibly halt him?"
"He will eventually cease once he expends all his pent-up fury and strength."
Wrath shook his head again, remarking that even Sloth himself seemed incapable of stopping now.
"Surrender your body to me immediately! Failing that, not only you, but also the wallet ascending the mountain and everyone in Habun Castle will perish!"
He dismissed the idea, warning that such a move could ignite a massive war.
"For Sloth to unleash such berserk fury, he must have been restraining himself for quite some time."
Wrath reiterated with another shake of his head, commenting that Sloth appeared to have finally exploded—unable to control himself after prolonged suppression.
"Yet still..."
Raon shook his head resolutely, lifting both his Divine Sword and Demonic Sword.
"There is an alternative."
Among the skills acquired during his month of training, one final technique remained untried.
"I warned you it wouldn’t succeed! Stop squandering your energy and simply resort to the demon king’s descent!"
Wrath bared his teeth in retort, insisting that collateral damage between them was inevitable.
"It’s fine. I am capable of triumphing."
Drawing a deep breath, Raon completely unleashed the energies of his Divine Sword and Demonic Sword. A swirling vortex of fire and ice ascended above the blades. Accompanied by a crackling sound, Sloth extended his lightly balled fist. Although his strike was neither exceptionally fast nor heavy, it expanded to engulf the very space around, leaving no avenue for escape. The air trembled with raw power!
Raon clenched his teeth and brought down both his Divine Sword and Demonic Sword in a decisive swing.
Form Six: the Divine-Demonic Harmony Linked Technique, Invincible Azure-Red Sword.
Summoning the full might of his Sword Domain, he attempted to deflect Sloth’s punch—but the overwhelming force shoved him back. Amid a thunderous bellow, Raon lifted his feet and thrust both his swords and upper body forward. The fact that he barely withstood the blow, even after employing the Invincible Azure-Red Sword, underscored its incredible power.
"You deflected it admirably, but this is merely the opening salvo!"
Wrath shook his head, signifying that the battle had only just begun.
"Simply yield your body to me!"
"I still possess..."
A flash of determination lit up Raon’s clear eyes as his lips curled slightly.
"There's one more sword at my disposal."
Recalling the blade forged from his very soul with the hammer of conviction, an unseen sword—imperceptible to anyone else—suddenly materialized before his chest.
"Are you truly insane?"
Wrath spun his finger around his temple.
"What do you suppose you can achieve with a Soul Sword that still struggles to slice correctly!"
"My Soul Sword is admittedly feeble. Nevertheless..."
Raon pursed his lips as he faced the shadowy, quivering essence of Sloth’s soul.
"What I aim to sever is not Sloth’s soul itself."
Inhaling deeply, he released his soul-crafted Soul Sword. With a blade of pure will that transcended space and time, he sliced not through Sloth’s soul but through the blue current that constricted his mind, reducing it to nothing. With a resounding boom, Sloth—who had nearly shattered Raon’s head—stumbled and halted.
"Ah..."
The fiercely burning darkness in Sloth’s eyes faded until they became blank. Meanwhile, the black Authority that had enshrouded his entire being dissolved like the mist at daybreak.
"What... just transpired...?"
Sloth blinked in confusion at Raon, as though he himself were unaware of what had occurred.
"What exactly did you do?"
Wrath’s jaw quivered in sheer disbelief.
"Just as you mentioned, I was unable to slice through Sloth’s soul or his inherent Sloth. Therefore..."
Raon wiggled his finger while watching the blinking Sloth.
"I severed the anger that was dominating his mind."
"That... is possible? How could a Soul Sword even..."
Wrath shook his head, finding it almost beyond belief.
"Naturally, it wouldn’t function in isolation."
Raon smiled gently and shook his head.
"As you yourself stated, my Sloth lies buried beneath Sloth’s original Sloth, rendering it powerless..."
He then elevated the Authority of Wrath with just a fingertip.
"I deduced that the anger devouring Sloth was merely a trivial emotion in the presence of your Wrath."
In slicing through Sloth’s anger just moments ago, he had infused Wrath’s Authority into the Soul Sword. Just as Wrath had noted, a crude emotion cannot even make a ripple before a demon king’s Authority.
"Thank you."
Raon grinned as he gently patted Wrath on the head.
"For offering me clues to surmount every trial, you are truly a demon king."
"That's not true!"
Wrath emitted a shrill cry.
"I never wished to aid someone of your kind!"
He flailed his arms and whole body in protest, signaling Raon to cease his nonsensical chatter.
"Wrath's vessel..."
Sloth gazed at Raon and exhaled deeply.
"You have grown considerably stronger. Far stronger..."
He widened his eyes slightly, as though he had never fathomed such a level of advancement. For the demon king of Sloth, this was a striking display of power.
"Really?"
Raon smiled as he carefully sheathed the Heavenly Drive and Wooden Ring Sword, their once blazing flames and chilling frost now snuffed out.
"Even though I have not reached the stature of the Six Kings and the Five Demons' leader, nor that of a demon king..."
It appears I have become stronger than I ever anticipated?
***
"So..."
Raon squinted as his gaze descended to the foot of Sturin Mountain.
"Are you telling me that potent aura waves have been erupting repeatedly midway up the mountain?"
He then directed his eyes toward Sloth while posing the question.
"Yes..."
Sloth nodded sluggishly, as though his strength had been utterly depleted. His eyelids quivered ever so slightly, betraying his drowsiness.
"Yesterday, the day before, this very morning... and even in the evening... it incessantly, repeatedly kept exploding..."
Scratching his head, Sloth explained that the mountain had been trembling relentlessly, around the clock, for more than merely a day or two.
"This would infuriate any ordinary person, not to mention a demon king, wouldn't it?"
Any individual would feel overwhelmed by continuous thumping from beneath while trying to sleep or work. Clearly, Sloth had been pushed to the brink of madness by enduring such constant disturbances for so long.
"I often endure that as well."
Wrath shot a glare at Raon, his teeth clenched in frustration.
"You? And from whom?"
"Obviously, from you!"
"I've never caused such a ruckus..."
"Whenever I attempt to sleep, you swing your sword, and if I try once more, you're rehearsing your footwork. I have no chance to rest!"
He nodded emphatically, affirming that he fully understood Sloth’s plight.
"Today... it erupted once more, and I... genuinely thought it was you..."
Sloth lowered his head in an apologetic manner.
"Why did you assume it was me?"
Raon tilted his head inquisitively.
"The aura..."
After a prolonged yawn, Sloth continued, "It emanated as flames and frost..." He bowed his head once again, explaining that this was why he had been mistaken.
"Flames and frost?"
Lowering his eyebrows in thought, Raon noticed Dorian ascending to the summit with legs that trembled.
"Y-Young Master. What in the world...?"
Dorian, perhaps picking up on Sloth’s lethargy, glanced around nervously as beads of sweat formed profusely.
"Just the perfect moment."
Raon motioned toward Dorian.
"You possess a bedding set, don't you?"
"Y-yes, I do. It's crucial gear."
Dorian nodded in agreement, noting that it was an indispensable item for camping.
"Bring out the finest ones."
"Yes! Understood."
Immediately after receiving the order, Dorian retrieved pillows, a bed, and blankets as if his weariness had been lifted—the quality of the items unmistakably top-notch.
"You ought to get some sleep first."
Raon patted the bed that Dorian had prepared.
"You must be exhausted. Let's discuss further once you've had some rest." He nodded toward Sloth, indicating that he would handle the remainder of the matter.
"Is... is this for real...?"
Sloth exhaled in astonishment.
"Absolutely."
"Thank you... Wrath's vessel... You are formidable... and truly a good person... Thank you..."
Murmuring his gratitude twice, Sloth sluggishly crawled into bed, his movements as languid as his name suggested. Within mere seconds, the sound of his snoring filled the air.
"Weren't you here to request a favor?"
Wrath shook his head silently, questioning why Raon remained quiet.
"Sloth is not in a state to be bothered. Moreover, if we address the noise issue, he will naturally recover, so there's nothing to worry about."
Raon smiled, signifying that he had already considered every detail.
"You're such a sly one, I swear."
Wrath rolled his eyes in disapproval.
"Wow, he falls asleep the moment he lies down? That’s quite an enviable gift..."
Dorian sighed, admitting that he had been unable to sleep properly lately due to fear.
"B-but who exactly is this individual?"
He smacked his lips, intrigued.
"The demon king of Sloth."
"Ah, he falls asleep so fast because he is the demon king of Sloth. I thought... Eeeeek!"
Dorian was nodding in agreement when, suddenly, he collapsed.
"The demon king of Sloth? Him?"
"Do not disturb him. He has just succeeded in falling asleep."
Raon patted Dorian’s shoulder and directed his gaze back down to the foot of the mountain.
"It appears simple, yet the challenge lies in not knowing when those auras will resurface again." According to Sloth, the aura had been erupting incessantly—day and night—but given a demon king’s unreliable sense of time, this was rather concerning.
"We must wait here for a while..."
Just as Raon brushed the dust from his hands and prepared to sit, a sharp, piercing sound resounded! A dimensional rift of red and blue burst open midway up Sturin Mountain, with potent auras erupting and colliding violently. The impact made the air roar with intensity!
A colossal shockwave shook the entire mountain. The sheer force was enough to shatter a soul. This was a display of Martial Prowess that ordinary Transcendents could never hope to match.
"So these must be the flames and frost that Sloth spoke of..." He sensed both searing heat and biting cold within the shockwave—and understood why Sloth had been suspicious of him.
"Yet, there's more." He narrowed his eyes and bit his lip slightly.
"The flames and frost aura are reinforced by tangible earth energy. This means..." Raon nodded confidently.
"Two elite Transcendents are locked in combat."
-
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