C1089
"Huh...?"
Raon's mouth fell open as he gazed in astonishment at the Blade Queen and Warlord, both kneeling reverently before him.
'Are they claiming that I am the Sword Saint's heir?'
Although it was true that he had inherited the earth aura from the Sword Saint, Raon had never considered himself his successor. He had merely attempted to apply it after discovering a novel approach during the Blade Queen and Warlord’s duel, never anticipating this outcome.
'This is preposterous...'
While he had suspected that the Blade Queen and Warlord were connected to the Sword Saint—and had lingered to verify it—he never imagined their reaction would be so instantaneous.
"-W-what? What is happening now!"
Wrath’s lips trembled as he spoke.
"-Why do they now appear less as fools and more as mere subordinates!"
He pounded his chest as though sensing an impending calamity.
"Please, everyone, calm down."
Raon slowly retracted his extended hand.
"Oh, successor!"
"It is an honor to meet the Sword Saint's successor."
The Blade Queen and Warlord raised shaking hands to grip their own wrists. The wild intensity in their eyes made it clear they had no intention of listening to reason.
"W-wait a moment!"
Raon forcefully pushed their hands aside.
"Although I am studying the Sword Saint’s martial arts, I am neither his successor nor his heir!"
He leaned back, clarifying that his knowledge was limited solely to the martial techniques he had received.
"The martial arts you practice! That steadfast, weighty aura is proof you are the true successor!"
The Blade Queen nodded emphatically, as if that aura alone was undeniable evidence.
"It is an aura that no one else could ever wield or comprehend!"
She squeezed her fists tighter, resolute in her belief.
"The earth aura is exceedingly rare."
The Warlord’s cold eyes flared with burning intensity.
"Compared to the brilliant, mighty fire, the smooth, gentle water, or the rapid, cutting wind, the earth element is less celebrated—with nearly no transcendent aura cultivation techniques available. We cannot be mistaken here."
He stroked his chin, utterly convinced that what Raon was learning was indeed the symbolic aura of the Sword Saint.
"But I don't even know the name of this aura cultivation method..."
Raon gestured with both hands and let out a hollow laugh.
'Because he vanished before ever revealing its name.'
The Sword Saint had disappeared immediately after passing on only the earth aura, the Devil-Fighting Sword Art, and the true essence of the Devil-Cutting Blade Art—leaving Raon still ignorant of the method's name.
"This aura is called the Diamond Earth Technique. While each of us can only grasp half of it to support other auras, you—as the successor—should be capable of channeling its full power directly."
He nodded as he explained that the Diamond Earth Technique could both bolster other auras and function independently.
"Huh..."
Raon smacked his lips as he felt the stirring energy of the Diamond Earth Technique within his middle dantian.
'Is this martial art truly that extraordinary?'
Indeed, he acknowledged its brilliance, but he had never envisioned it being used in this way. A twinge of regret filled him for not having dedicated more time to it—having been preoccupied with the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier instead.
"Don't worry!"
The Blade Queen smiled knowingly, as if privy to Raon’s inner thoughts.
"We will help you master the Diamond Earth Technique in no time."
She clasped her hands together with confidence that his proficiency would soon skyrocket.
"Exactly. Although we each only know half of it, our lives have been steeped in the Diamond Earth Technique."
The Warlord nodded cheerfully, reassuring him—Raon had not expected such warmth from this usually stoic man.
"Are both of you also successors of the Sword Saint?"
Raon asked, shifting his gaze from the Blade Queen to the Warlord.
"Not yet."
The Warlord shook his head.
"We can only be recognized as true successors of the Sword Saint by vanquishing our rival and claiming the other half of the Diamond Earth Technique—and the weapon, as well."
He exhaled shortly, explaining that he could not yet be considered the Sword Saint’s successor since he had yet to defeat the Blade Queen.
"He's right,"
The Blade Queen inclined her head slightly toward her husband, the Warlord.
"As I mentioned earlier, our duel has spanned a thousand years."
She brushed the dust from her hands, noting that no conclusion had been reached due to the equal strength of both martial arts and lineage.
"However, that long era ends today. Since someone who has mastered the complete Diamond Earth Technique has emerged, we will follow you."
The Warlord knelt once more, signaling his acceptance of Raon.
"Truly, had some odd fellow been the successor, we would have decapitated him on the spot..."
The Blade Queen’s eyes flashed dangerously before settling into calm.
"But as the Sword Emperor of Zieghart, we have no choice but to acknowledge you."
She nodded, implying that recognizing Raon was inevitable.
"...I understand."
Raon sighed softly as he met the expectant gazes of the Blade Queen and Warlord.
'Now that I consider it...'
The Sword Saint had once mentioned having disciples taught separately in swordsmanship and sword techniques. He had declared that since successors inherited both his sword and his path, Raon should seek them out and make them his own. He assumed they would have faded into obscurity after so long, but he had not foreseen their persistence for a thousand years.
'And notably, the Blade Queen and Warlord, of all people.'
Without a vast organization like Zieghart, martial arts and treasures would inevitably vanish over time. Yet it appeared that these two schools had preserved nearly perfect martial arts for their successors.
"Our mission is to find the true successor of the Sword Saint. Originally, the two of us were destined to engage in a death duel for this purpose, but since you have arrived independently, Lord Raon, following you is only natural."
The Warlord bowed his head, pledging himself as a successor of the martial way.
"Frankly, after uniting as husband and wife, neither of us could fight at our full strength—so this arrangement suits us perfectly."
The Blade Queen sighed, confessing that she had been torn between her love for the Warlord and her sect's mission.
"I too shall follow Lord Raon."
She beamed with relief.
"However, to truly become the Sword Saint's successor, Lord Raon, you must master not only the Diamond Earth Technique but also the Devil-Fighting Sword Art and the Devil-Cutting Blade Art that we practice."
The Warlord nodded, remarking that one must attain at least an intermediate level in all three martial arts to be deemed the true successor of the Sword Saint.
"In fact, although the Devil-Fighting Sword Art and Devil-Cutting Blade Art have somewhat diminished over time, by combining our knowledge we should be able to restore them quickly."
The Blade Queen clenched her fist, indicating that she and the Warlord would handle that matter.
"Regarding the Devil-Fighting Sword Art and Devil-Cutting Blade Art you mentioned..."
Raon raised his hand and swallowed dryly.
"I actually know them all—the complete, unaltered versions..."
The Sword Saint had transmitted not only the Diamond Earth Technique but also the original forms of the Devil-Fighting Sword Art and Devil-Cutting Blade Art, so they remained vivid in his memory.
"Ah!"
"As expected!"
The eyes of both the Blade Queen and Warlord flashed with intense blue light once more.
"The true successor of the Sword Saint!"
They knelt and bowed their heads once again, as if rewinding time to moments before.
-Ahh...
Wrath ground his teeth as he observed the fervor in the Blade Queen and Warlord’s eyes.
-Why are there so many idiots in this world! And why do they all swarm to this guy! Come to me instead!
He clutched his head and shook it, lamenting the injustice of it all.
'Sorry, but...'
Raon turned his head ever so slightly to catch the sound of Wrath's wailing.
'There is no greater fool in the world than you.'
***
"Phew..."
Dorian, hands trembling, lifted the heavy blanket to completely cover Sloth's face.
"So, did everything go according to plan?"
He swallowed nervously as he glanced over his shoulder.
"It appears so."
Evelyn nodded as she watched the Blade Queen and Warlord kneeling before Raon.
"Huh...?"
Dorian’s chin trembled in disbelief.
"Who are these two individuals kneeling before the Palace Master? Are they criminals?"
"They are the Blade Queen and Warlord."
"Ah, the Blade Queen and Warlord. I thought they were fugitives who had fled here... Gasp!"
He had been nodding calmly before suddenly leaping in surprise. Thud. Fearing to wake Sloth, he landed on his toes to muffle the sound and impact.
"T-the Blade Queen and Warlord? What are they doing here?"
Dorian’s jaw dropped in complete bewilderment.
"I'm not entirely sure either. They are calling Raon the Sword Saint's successor and asking to serve him."
Evelyn offered a sweet smile, as though she had been privy to every detail.
"The S-Sword Saint? So, were the Blade Queen and Warlord also his successors?"
Dorian nodded, piecing it together as he recalled entering Zieghart's training ground with Raon.
"That’s right. The martial arts acquired from that training ground seem to have played a part."
Evelyn’s subtle smile confirmed his understanding.
"Um, excuse me..."
Dorian blinked as he looked at Evelyn.
"Only our Light Wind Palace should know about that, so how...?"
"Because it concerns Raon."
Evelyn lowered her eyebrows in a calm manner, remarking that it was only natural for her to know everything related to him.
"Ah, aha! I see."
Dorian nodded, his eyes trembling.
'S-scary...'
A chilling sensation—like his chest and stomach were dissolving—washed over him. With the Demon King of Sloth sleeping behind him and the world’s greatest stalker grinning in front, he felt utterly suffocated.
'Palace Master, please come quickly. Or send me over there!'
Sniffling, he glanced at the dimensional portal Evelyn had opened.
"Ah!"
Dorian clapped his hands as he observed Raon through the portal.
"If he is truly accepting the Warlord and Blade Queen as subordinates, how many Golden Tablets should he receive?"
Even though they would be under Raon rather than Zieghart directly, returning with these two Transcendents would be an achievement of immeasurable value in Golden Tablets. He wondered just how many Golden Tablets Glenn would award him.
"The Palace Master wasn’t fixated on Golden Tablets, but this is exceptionally fortuitous."
Dorian laughed softly, marveling at the situation.
"It isn’t mere luck—it’s the product of unwavering determination."
Evelyn shook her head firmly.
"What? What do you mean...?"
"Raon’s sheer willpower and desire to save Zieghart have brought about this circumstance."
She gazed at Raon with trembling eyes, insisting it was no accident.
"Um..."
Dorian stared at Evelyn’s back for a moment before speaking.
"Why do you admire Lord Raon so much, Lady Evelyn?"
"Because he is Raon."
Evelyn replied immediately, without hesitation, as if that alone were reason enough.
"Ah..."
Dorian let out a soft exclamation and smiled gently.
"Why are you smiling?"
"Because I feel exactly the same way."
For the first time, Dorian nodded peacefully.
"I too follow him because he is Lord Raon."
"I understand."
Evelyn blinked in mutual understanding. For the first time, the two of them watched Raon through the portal with kindred expressions.
***
"The Diamond Earth Technique—and the Devil-Fighting Sword Art and Devil-Cutting Blade Art as well..."
The Blade Queen offered a brief nod as she examined Raon.
"They are all at the beginner level, but that’s acceptable. You have the finest teachers right here!"
She pointed at herself with her thumb, as if to say she would handle everything.
"It seems you are capable of mastering the Diamond Earth Technique on your own."
The Warlord nodded, sensing the solid presence of the Diamond Earth Technique settling in Raon’s middle dantian.
"However, since the Devil-Cutting Blade Art and Devil-Fighting Sword Art differ from ordinary martial arts, even you—our chosen successor—might find them challenging to master. Nonetheless, we will do our utmost to help."
He bowed his head, promising to minimize those difficulties.
"Um..."
Raon slightly lowered his eyebrows as he regarded the Blade Queen and Warlord.
"Are you two the only members of the sword school and blade school?"
"That is correct. They are single-succession sects."
The Blade Queen nodded.
"If it were otherwise, I could never have married him. I would have been expelled from the sect—it would have been a complete disaster."
She smiled, remarking that her solitary status in the sect had allowed her to wed the Warlord.
"The same goes for me. Single succession."
The Warlord also nodded, confirming his solitary position.
"Ah! Although not exactly a subordinate, that one over there is in the same situation as us."
The Blade Queen pointed at the Gold Dragon standing idly by.
[M-me too? I have nothing to do with the Sword Saint...]
The Gold Dragon’s eyes widened in confusion.
"You are now involved with us."
"Are you going to break your dragon’s oath?"
The Warlord and Blade Queen frowned as they turned to look at the Gold Dragon.
[Ah, really...]
The Gold Dragon dipped its head into the North Sea in resignation. Bubbles continuously emerged from the frigid water—who would have thought that such a colossal dragon could appear so endearing?
-What a fool! Perhaps I should roast and devour it!
Wrath scowled in displeasure.
"Aren't two Transcendents and one Ancient Dragon sufficient?"
The Blade Queen smiled, remarking that such a combination was more than enough anywhere.
"Yes. It exceeds what I deserve."
Raon nodded, exhaling deeply.
"As befits such an extraordinary gift, mastering the Sword Saint's martial arts will not be simple. It will take two years before we can truly follow you."
The Warlord’s eyes dimmed as he noted that even with his and the Blade Queen’s guidance, such training would demand two full years.
"Two years...?"
Raon narrowed his eyes intently.
'For gaining the allegiance of the Blade Queen, the Warlord, and an Ancient Dragon, that time is practically insignificant. However...'
He simply did not have two years to spare.
Given that Derus might appear at any moment, he couldn’t afford such a lengthy training period here.
"Would you demonstrate first?"
Raon placed his hand on the Heavenly Drive as he addressed the Blade Queen and Warlord.
"Then I will show you the sword techniques you already know."
The Blade Queen stepped forward with a bright smile.
"The martial art I have perfected is the Devil-Cutting Blade Art—a form of swordsmanship that sears demons with raging flames."
She raised her sword high, declaring her intent to cleave through demons. Roaring flames turned the northern air a deep red. Whoosh! The Blade Queen's execution of the Devil-Cutting Blade Art was so potent and precise that it seemed more a display of blade technique than conventional swordsmanship.
It employed both thrusts and slashes—a transcendent style imbued with tremendous power, speed, brilliance, and spirit.
"How was that?"
After demonstrating every form at her disposal, the Blade Queen stepped back.
"It was truly a spectacle for the eyes."
Raon applauded, offering his sincere impression.
"You too can achieve this, Lord Raon. With enough effort, we might even shorten the training to a year and a half instead of two years."
The Blade Queen waved her hand dismissively, suggesting they could shave off half a year.
"That's still far too long for me."
Raon briefly smacked his lips and stepped forward before the Blade Queen and Warlord. Shing! He drew the Heavenly Drive, bent his knees, and executed the very same Devil-Cutting Blade Art that the Blade Queen had just shown. Whoosh!
Though his version was slower, less forceful, and less visually striking than hers, his sword followed the precise flow and spirit that the Devil-Cutting Blade Art demanded—even reproducing the forms once thought lost.
Slash! As the flames at the beginning and end of the Devil-Cutting Blade Art merged, a long, straight red line streaked across the northern sky.
"Wow!"
"Incredible..."
The Blade Queen and Warlord stood in stunned silence, their jaws trembling as they marveled that he could replicate it so quickly.
"Not a year and a half..."
Raon raised his index finger toward the astonished Blade Queen and Warlord.
"Let's reduce it to one month."
-
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