C1094
—Why is it always this one guy…
Wrath jerked abruptly, much like a carp snagged on a fishing hook.
—How can he be so fortuitous! Wherever he goes, luck overflows like a bubbling spring!
The Demon King of Wrath clutched his head in dismay, lamenting that it seemed the entire world revolved around Raon.
"Admittedly, luck plays a part, but there’s more to it than that."
Raon responded with a composed shake of his head.
"I have meticulously strategized, exerted consistent effort, and attained success."
He motioned with his index finger, urging him to consider it thoroughly.
—Ugh…
Wrath bit his lip, evidently struggling to find a response.
"How about we review the rewards we earned today?"
Just as Raon grinned and prepared to inspect the reward notification,
"Wrath's vessel..."
Sloth shifted his eyes in his direction.
"Come… over here…"
He made a gradual motion with his hand, suggesting he required something.
"It's not Wrath's vessel, it's Raon!"
Evelyn seized Sloth's collar with greater force and jostled him.
"And quickly hand me a bracelet! I want one identical to Raon's!"
She ground her teeth, insisting she wouldn't release her grip until she obtained an identical bracelet to Raon's.
"P-please cease! I'll provide you with a bracelet!"
Dorian yelled for them to release the Demon King as he rummaged through his pouch.
"You carry bracelets?"
Evelyn spun around, her eyes opening wide in surprise.
"Indeed! I keep them as indispensable items!"
Dorian nodded and produced a multitude of bracelets from his pouch; every one of them was black.
"Wow!"
Evelyn pushed Sloth aside and promptly started scrutinizing the bracelets.
"Phew..."
Dorian exhaled a sigh of relief, muttering that they had managed to come through unscathed.
—Why, why does that kid always have so many bracelets with him? And only in black, of all colors?
Wrath emitted a frustrated sigh, remarking that he could not fathom it no matter how he examined the matter.
"He likely possesses an equal number of bracelets in different colors as well."
Considering Dorian's character, it's certain he also has numerous bracelets in other hues, not solely black.
"None… None of these floral bracelets match Raon's exactly!"
Evelyn knitted her brows, noting that although they appeared similar, each bracelet had subtle differences from Raon’s.
"Well, those aren’t deemed essential items…"
"That is precisely what is essential! If you lack one, craft one for me!"
Now, she clutched Dorian's collar and shook him instead of Sloth's.
"I—I will have one made to order. Just wait a little, please…"
"Bring it immediately!"
"Ugh!"
Even though Evelyn was pestering him, Dorian sported a slight smile, apparently satisfied that he had averted the Demon King's outburst.
"Nicely done."
Raon offered Dorian a thumbs up to commend him, then stepped over to Sloth.
"Why did you summon me? To instruct Runaan properly?"
"No…"
Sloth gently shook his head in response.
"That child… innately… carries the essence of sloth within their spirit… Just as living creatures naturally breathe, they can manage sloth effortlessly… perhaps even more adeptly than you…?"
He blinked, implying that Runaan possessed a knack for mastering sloth.
"They will manage sloth more effectively than I do?"
"In fact, you're the odd one out… Though you exhibit no natural inclination toward sloth, you command it at will… It’s hardly odd—it might even be seen as miraculous…"
Sloth exhaled deeply, remarking that Raon, being originally human, shouldn’t be capable of wielding sloth.
"Just look for yourself…"
He directed his finger toward Runaan, urging Raon to observe.
"That is the appearance of a human… one who is able to harness sloth…"
Even in this critical moment, Runaan's eyes were only half open as if on the verge of sleep, with drool escaping.
"Y-you're correct."
Raon swallowed hard, watching Runaan’s blinking eyes.
"However… it would be preferable… if you remained… by their side…"
Sloth gently lowered his hand.
"Why is that?"
"Your capacity for sloth far surpasses that of the child’s, so the nearer they remain together, the more beneficial the influence they will gain…"
He nodded, asserting that the longer Runaan stays close, the more their sloth will be fortified.
"It may be challenging to maintain continuously, but I will endeavor to remain as near as possible."
Raon agreed with a nod as he gazed at Runaan.
"Is that everything?"
"No…"
Sloth lifted his finger slowly.
"I summoned you because of the impending conflict… with the Archangels…"
"What exactly do you mean?"
Raon squinted his eyes.
"Once the war… with the Archangels erupts… I will instruct you on how to call me forth… But before that…"
Sloth hesitated briefly, slowly blinking his eyes.
"I wish to know… what it is you genuinely… long for…"
He lowered his chin in solemnity, as though he needed to grasp it completely.
"What is it that I truly desire?"
"That child shall serve as the conduit between you and me… yet even so… the sloth alone will be inadequate…"
"I guess so."
"Do you wish to… call forth my complete form… surpassing full power… even if it drains your authority…? Or would you rather… preserve your power and summon me solely through the sloth that is channeled via that child…?"
Sloth fixed his gaze on Raon, noting that now, with Runaan as a medium, he would ask once more.
"That is a straightforward query."
Raon nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"I…"
***
"I'm telling you, he is the true Demon King!"
Gold Dragon Paratheus flailed both of his hands in frantic motion.
"It is undeniable! You cannot fool the eyes of us Dragons, charged with guarding the middle realm!"
He bellowed that Sloth was indeed the Demon King of Sloth.
"Then what of that child?"
Warlord Yuber exhaled a deep sigh as he regarded Paratheus.
"Didn't that child sleep continuously for five days, similar to the human you assert is the Demon King?"
He shook his head, urging him to recall the words spoken five days earlier.
"W-well, I have no explanation for that either…"
Paratheus looked away, conceding that he too was puzzled by that aspect.
"In any event, it's a fact! Just have faith in me!"
He pressed his hands together, imploring them to trust his words.
"Hey. Cease your babbling and repair the forest that you ruined."
Blade Queen Siera advanced toward Paratheus.
"You've been idling for five days, deliberating over whether he's a Demon King or something. Get moving!"
She delivered a kick to Paratheus's backside while shouting for him to hurry.
"Aaagh!"
Paratheus cried out as he collapsed to the floor.
"This body is delicate! It might shatter! Regulate your power! You brute!"
He clenched his teeth as he glared at the Blade Queen.
"Oh?"
"Mmph…"
As the Blade Queen squinted, Paratheus promptly silenced himself.
"But I'm insisting, he truly is the Demon King…"
Yet, moments later, he resumed speaking, affirming that Sloth is the Demon King.
"Assume, as you assert, that the human slumbering atop the mountain peak is the Demon King."
The Warlord stood in front of Paratheus, blinking slowly.
"What misdeed has he committed?"
He nodded with his chin, prompting him to explain.
"What…?"
Paratheus knitted his brows, seemingly perplexed.
"I inquired about his misdeeds, if indeed he is, as you claim, the Demon King of Sloth. All I observed was his peaceful slumber."
The Warlord's tone grew more somber.
"In fact, it was you and I who ravaged nature and caused the beasts to assault the populace."
He indicated the ruined foothills of Mount Sterin with a gesture.
"Considering the sleeping Demon King of Sloth, versus us who, albeit unintentionally, decimated the mountain and led to human casualties—who then truly resembles a Demon King?"
The Warlord stared him down intently, urging him for a response.
"T-that's…"
Paratheus pressed his lips together tightly, unable to articulate a reply to the Warlord’s challenge.
"Frankly, I don't believe that human is commonplace either. As you suggest, he may indeed be a Demon King. Yet, even if he is, I fail to comprehend what misdeeds justify his execution."
The Warlord furrowed his brows as he regarded Paratheus.
"Isn't it odd to consider? Why should we execute a Demon King who has committed no offense, while letting the Archangels, who serve the nefarious Derus, go unpunished?"
He scrunched his nose, lamenting that he could not fathom the Dragons’ logic.
"Hmm, now that you bring it up…"
Paratheus cleared his throat and straightened himself up.
"I cannot comprehend why I was so resolved to kill the Demon King?"
He shook his head, admitting that the moment he laid eyes on Sloth, an overwhelming murderous impulse overtook him.
"Even though I am no longer bound by the Dragons' edicts…"
Paratheus rubbed his cheek, as if bewildered by his own feelings.
"Perhaps the Angels have ingrained biases within both the Dragons and the continent."
From behind, Raon's voice interjected while the Warlord and Paratheus were in deep thought.
"Preconceptions?"
Paratheus arched his eyebrows.
"The prevailing notion is that Angels embody goodness and righteousness, whereas Demons represent evil and malevolence. This is the foundational belief across the continent. Yet, the Demons I have encountered were not entirely wicked, and likewise, the Angels were not invariably virtuous."
Raon pursed his lips and nodded in agreement.
"It appears that the Archangels and Angels have propagated ideas throughout the world that favor their interests."
Upon hearing Paratheus's remarks, he became convinced that it was indeed the Archangels who instilled these biases regarding Angels and Demons across the continent and who wield control over the Dragons.
"I’d like to dismiss that as nonsense, but…"
Paratheus emitted a soft groan as he looked towards Raon.
"It doesn't appear entirely implausible."
He nodded in acknowledgement, conceding that his argument held merit.
"S-so, was that slumbering figure truly the Demon King?"
The Blade Queen gaped in astonishment as she gazed up at Mount Sturin.
"Yes. Exactly so."
Raon nodded, a slight smile on his face.
"As Paratheus stated, he is indeed the Demon King of Sloth."
Noticing that the Warlord had already grasped the situation, Raon spoke candidly to earn further trust.
"Oh my! I apologize!"
The Blade Queen swiftly patted down Paratheus’s backside, which she had earlier kicked.
"Hick…"
Paratheus sniffled, seemingly overwhelmed with sorrow.
"We must revisit the history of this continent. It is evident that someone has been meddling behind the scenes."
Raon cast a cold, unyielding gaze upward toward the sky.
"S-so, are you heading back to the family?"
Dorian panted, clearly eager to make his way back to Zieghart.
"Yes. Everyone, get ready to depart for Zieghart."
Raon lifted his hand in the direction of the Blade Queen, Warlord, and Paratheus.
"We stand ready to follow our lord whenever you command."
The Warlord bowed, affirming that they could depart immediately.
"I have already packed all my belongings!"
The Blade Queen beamed, indicating that they should leave without delay.
"I-I'm somewhat frightened. The Destructive King of the North has a reputation for slaying our kin…"
Paratheus swallowed hard, remarking that Glenn might decapitate him the moment they encounter.
"Don't worry. Nothing of that sort will occur if you accompany me."
Raon nodded, smiling reassuringly.
"All of you should also get ready… hmm?"
At that moment, as he turned to instruct Runaan, Evelyn, and Dorian to come back,
"…"
Runaan, bundled in a blanket, fixated on the summit of Mount Sturin.
"…"
Similarly, Sloth was also swathed in a blanket, gazing downward.
"…"
"…"
Runaan and Sloth both rotated their bodies in unison without uttering a word, reminiscent of their first encounter—a silent greeting between entities embodying authentic sloth, incomprehensible to ordinary folks.
—Truly ostentatious…
***
"Young Master!"
Yua dashed over to Raon and embraced him warmly.
"Did you enjoy your time with your grandfather?"
Raon tenderly ruffled Yua’s hair with a gentle smile.
"Yes! I couldn’t believe an entire month had already flown by!"
Yua beamed, expressing how much she relished spending the month with her grandfather.
"Thank you."
Yua’s grandfather bowed respectfully before Raon.
"Owing to you, Lord Raon, I was granted many delightful days with my granddaughter after such a long absence."
He bowed again, expressing his gratitude to Raon for always looking after and caring for Yua.
"I am the one who should thank you. Yua is a vital talent for the Light Wind Palace."
Raon bowed, firmly grasping Yua’s shoulders.
"Did you catch that! He claims the Light Wind Palace is utterly dependent on me!"
Yua lifted her chin proudly, evidently delighted by Raon’s compliment.
"Isn't that so?"
She nodded in agreement towards Julius.
"Ah, ugh? Uh…"
Julius, who had been gazing at Yua blankly, blushed and uttered an odd exclamation, clearly flustered. (E/N: O-Oh yes, he was present)
"Are you departing already?"
Milland clicked his tongue with an air of regret.
"Yes. I've completed my tasks, so I must head back."
Raon nodded, smiling gently.
"Now that we've settled the situation at Mount Sturin, monster assaults should lessen henceforth."
He smiled, noting that, like before, they would rarely encounter monsters.
"Ohhh!"
"As always, Lord Raon impresses us!"
"Everything is resolved in an instant when the Sword Emperor shows up!"
The Rangers and Knights erupted in cheers, exclaiming that they could finally relax.
"You imbeciles!"
Milland scowled, clearly displeased with their reaction.
"You grow stronger through battle! You must keep fighting!"
He kicked the Knights nearby, chastising them for their weakness.
"Lord Milland."
Raon moved towards the irate Milland and spoke in a hushed tone.
"As you are aware, a tremendous war that will decide the fate of the continent is imminent. Will you join us in battle?"
He bowed, explaining that since Habun Castle in the north cannot escape the war of the Five Kings and Three Demons, he sought their advance cooperation.
"Is it possible for us to fight together? That’s the wrong question."
Milland shook his head resolutely.
"I… No, Habun Castle will forever remain loyal to Zieghart!"
He stomped his foot forcefully and released a roar imbued with aura.
"Uooooooh!"
The Knights and Rangers responded with even louder shouts, unleashing a fighting spirit that rivaled Milland’s own.
"Judging by the atmosphere here, it seems victory is already ours. Thank you."
Raon smiled and offered a respectful bow.
"No need for further formalities, accept this instead."
Milland presented Raon with an emblem featuring a pattern of a white castle wall.
"This is…"
"This signifies that Habun Castle endorses Raon Zieghart as Zieghart's rightful successor."
He held the emblem in his hand, instructing Raon to present it to Glenn.
"Lord Milland…"
"I will never forget when you arrived at Habun Castle as a child. They say that a deeply rooted tree is unshaken by any storm. You have truly matured impressively."
Milland nodded gravely, stating that simply seeing Raon filled him with pride.
"...Thank you."
Raon bit his lip as he gazed at the Habun Castle emblem held in his palm.
"If you are grateful, then strive to become an even greater ruler than the current Head of House."
Milland smiled, as though that would suffice.
"Though I'm not sure if I can…"
Raon carefully clasped the emblem in his fingers.
"I will give it my utmost effort."
***
"This is Lady Siera, heir of the Blade Gate, renowned as the Blade Queen."
Raon stood next to the Blade Queen and lifted his hand in a respectful greeting.
"Do you recall me? It is a pleasure to meet the Destructive King of the North once more."
The Blade Queen beamed warmly and waved her hand in greeting.
"This is Lord Yuber, scion of the Sword Gate, recognized as the Warlord."
He stepped aside slightly to make way for the introduction of the Warlord.
"Warlord Yuber extends his greetings to the Destructive King of the North."
The Warlord joined his hands and bowed respectfully.
"Lastly, this is Lord Paratheus, an Ancient Dragon belonging to the Gold clan."
He stepped back, indicating Paratheus who was positioned at the far left.
"I am Paratheus... sir."
Paratheus was about to speak informally but then appended a respectful tone after noticing Glenn's look.
"These three have manifested their wish to join my cause."
Raon bowed before Glenn, seated on the throne, indicating that he had accepted these three into his service, and then straightened his posture.
Whoosh. A wisp of something white emerged from Glenn's mouth. His look and expression upon hearing the introductions of the Blade Queen, Warlord, and Paratheus were so peculiar that they defied easy description.
—Y-your father is rising to the heavens!
Wrath made an urgent motion toward Glenn.
—Halt him immediately!
-
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