## Chapter 1111
"I'll need to be in top form if I'm going to put holes in the skulls of those Eden fanatics."
Sterin hoisted his bow with a surge of energy, looking as though he were personally greeting the onset of conflict.
"Things are about to get quite hectic."
He offered a wide grin, mentioning that he intended to live, eat, and sleep at the practice range until his physical state reached its absolute zenith.
"I plan to bolster my spiritual essence as well."
Siyana gave a soft smile as a cluster of spirits flocked toward her, settling on her shoulders and palms.
"I've come to realize that for the spirits to grow more powerful, I must mature alongside them."
She gave a resolute nod, declaring that the time for rest was over and the time for labor had begun.
"My thanks to you both."
Raon inclined his head toward Siyana and Sterin, voicing his deep appreciation.
"I ask for your continued support in the days ahead."
He spoke with genuine gratitude, fully aware that these two would be risking their lives on the front lines because of his request and the ties to Zieghart.
"You likely need to be on your way soon," Sterin remarked, clicking his tongue with a hint of sorrow.
"Yes. I believe I must travel to other regions to gather more allies."
Now that he had secured the backing of Sepia, it was time to hunt for other factions. Even at a sprint, it would take a massive amount of time to reach the Five Divine Orders, the Holy Kingdom, the lands of House Arianne, the coastal settlements, and the domain of House Robert.
"I hate to detain someone with such a packed schedule, but could you possibly remain for a few more days?"
Sterin lowered his bow and stepped closer to him.
"Of course I can stay. But may I ask why?"
Raon tilted his head, looking at Sterin with confusion. Since their primary business was concluded, he didn't grasp the reason for the delay.
"I wish to conduct a legitimate succession ritual for this child."
Sterin nudged Siyana forward with a gentle hand.
"Because my health was failing previously, the first attempt was quite lackluster. This time, I want a ceremony that carries true weight."
He lowered his hand, requesting that Raon attend the event as the official envoy of Zieghart.
"G-Grandfather!"
Siyana’s eyes grew wide with shock as she stared at Sterin, clearly blindsided by the suggestion.
"If that is the reason, then I must certainly stay," Raon replied with a nod, telling them there was no need for concern.
"When do you intend to perform the ritual?"
"The preparations will take roughly a week."
"In that case, I will oversee the training of you both until the day of the ceremony."
He resolved to assist in their development, knowing the strength of the alliance would only increase as Sterin and Siyana reached new heights.
"R-Really?" Sterin leaned in, his eyes sparking with interest.
"Yes. I have the time to spare, and such growth will serve us all well."
Raon gave an affirming smile.
-Of course you have time! You have nothing but time!
Wrath let out a derisive snort while glaring at Raon.
-How could you possibly be busy when the system, the elves, and that old Nadine bread-muncher handle every single responsibility for you!
The demon ground his teeth, seemingly infuriated by the mere reality of it.
'You certainly have me figured out.'
Raon smiled inwardly, taking Wrath’s outburst in stride.
'If you're so envious, perhaps you should try being as handsome as I am.'
-Urrrgh!
Wrath’s small fists shook with legitimate fury.
-You arrogant, weasel-faced brat...
"Thank you very much."
Just as Wrath looked ready to pounce with a scream, Sterin walked over and grasped Raon’s hand.
"It is incredibly heartening to have you here with us."
He continued to pour out his thanks, insisting that he had been given more assistance than he could ever hope to return.
"My master’s grandfather is essentially my own. Please, do not feel any burden around me."
Raon shook his head with gravity. Because of Rimmer, he had discovered what it meant to live a truly human life. This level of help didn't even begin to settle the debt he felt he owed.
"I understand."
Sterin bowed his head slightly, his grip on Raon’s hand tightening. A glimmer of moisture appeared in the old man's perceptive eyes.
"Lord Raon..."
Siyana stepped closer, visibly moved, and placed her hands over those of Sterin and Raon.
"If there is ever a moment you require my aid, simply—eep!"
Raon was nodding kindly when his jaw suddenly locked. A pale, chilly hand had suddenly joined the pile atop Siyana and Sterin’s hands.
"I shall join as well..."
Evelyn’s hushed voice drifted past his ear. She gripped his hand with a frigid smile, her fingers nearly pinching his skin.
"I'm allowed to participate, am I not?"
Her gaze flickered with a cold light, making it clear that his permission was a mere formality—she wasn't going anywhere.
-Aaaaargh!
'Aaaaargh!'
Raon and Wrath, who had been bickering internally, both collapsed in their minds with identical shrieks.
-Get her away! She is genuinely going to cause my heart to stop!
'There’s no way...'
Raon shook his head mentally.
'There’s just no way!'
-...
Wrath went quiet, seemingly realizing he had no argument left.
"Is there a reason you aren't smiling?"
Evelyn tilted her head, her eyebrows dipping as if puzzled by their sudden rigidity.
"Ahaha."
-Hehehe!
Raon and Wrath both let out forced, awkward laughs.
'What are you laughing for?'
-Because she is terrifying!
---
'Shall I review the gains now?'
After returning to his private room, Raon summoned the reward interface he had glimpsed back at the training grounds.
-This is going to be the death of me!
Wrath bolted forward, using his entire body to shield the reward screen from view.
-Curse this system! If I could get my hands on it, I would freeze it into a block of ice right along with you!
He gnashed his teeth, fuming at his powerlessness.
-I know you're listening, you coward! Show yourself! How dare you use my essence as you see fit... gah!
'Stop being dramatic and move over.'
Raon caught Wrath by the cheek and shoved him to the side, finally reading the text that had been obscured.
[A monumental achievement has been recorded.]
[You have preserved the lives of the elven high leaders.]
[A harmony has been established between the souls of your previous and current incarnations.]
[All primary attributes are increased by 100 points.]
Wrath popped up like a coiled spring, letting out a piercing yell.
-W-What?! Why is it granting a hundred points all at once?!
He grabbed the floating message and shook it in sheer frustration. Raon hadn't realized the demon could actually physically manipulate the interface like that.
-How can assisting a few greenhorn elves be worth a hundred points?!
Wrath shook his head frantically, claiming the math didn't add up.
-He didn't even do the heavy lifting! He just sat down at the table after the elves had already cooked the meal!
He bounced around in a rage, demanding a fair audit of the situation.
-And... wait?
Wrath froze mid-tantrum, his eyes bulging.
-Harmonized the souls of past and present lives? What kind of drivel is this!
He scowled, unable to grasp the significance of the phrase.
-They are literally inventing excuses just to shower you with gifts! I refuse to recognize this!
Wrath thrashed his head back and forth, rejecting the reality of the notification.
'You really have no idea.'
Raon had actually been concerned that Wrath might figure things out once the system mentioned his past life. But, true to form, Wrath simply assumed the system was being creative with its justifications.
-I will not allow it!
Wrath flailed his limbs, attempting to physically block the transfer of attribute points.
'I'm afraid it's too late; they've already been applied.'
Regardless of the demon's tantrum, the rewards were already flooding Raon’s system. His muscles tightened with new, springy power, and a refined mana saturated his very marrow and skin. His perception expanded until the subtle noises of the surrounding world became crystal clear.
Raon squeezed his fist, basking in the rush of pure progression.
-Urrrgh!
Wrath ground his teeth so hard it was audible, his fury reaching a boiling point.
-A hex! I'm putting a hex on you!
He flicked his fingers as if tossing salt, cursing Raon’s future endeavors.
'...'
Raon exhaled a soft sigh as he watched the demon's display. Not today. If he tried to explain his past life now, the system's messages would reveal far too much. He preferred to disclose the full truth to Wrath on his own terms.
Furthermore, looking at Wrath’s extreme reaction, part of him wondered if the demon already suspected the truth but was choosing to remain in denial.
It was better to wait for the right moment.
'Moving on...'
Raon ignored the tantrum and pulled up the subsequent notifications.
[New attribute <Wind Affinity> has been manifested.]
[New attribute <Earth Affinity> has been manifested.]
Whether it was the time spent among the spirits or the progression of the Garunua and Diamond Earth techniques, his elemental connections had deepened.
-No! Why now?!
Wrath bit his lip, clearly disgusted by the addition of even more traits.
[Trait <Poison Resistance> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Water Affinity> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Fire Affinity> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Wind Affinity> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Earth Affinity> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Aura of Death Resistance> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Blade of Death> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Divine Power Resistance> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Crisis Detection> has ascended in rank.]
[Trait <Spirit Transformation> has ascended in rank.]
It seemed that because his soul had expanded while connecting with the World Tree, a multitude of his existing abilities had leveled up simultaneously.
-Ughh...
Wrath began to foam at the mouth, seemingly silenced by the sheer scale of the upgrades. One could almost feel his blood pressure skyrocketing. But the list wasn't finished.
[Title <Savior> has evolved into <Savior of All Races>.]
Ultimately, his previous title of Savior had undergone a transformation. It was a rare evolution of a title.
-This makes no sense! The simple term 'Savior' is far more inclusive!
Wrath shook his head with violent disagreement.
-Why does the potency increase when the definition becomes more specific?!
He screamed into the void, begging for logic.
-Why does nobody listen to reason?!
Wrath clawed at his hair, looking like he was on the verge of a breakdown.
'There is only one way to get the system to value your opinion.'
Raon pointed a finger at his own face.
'Fix your appearance. Make it look like mine.'
He smirked, suggesting that was the most efficient solution. At that moment, a thick vein throbbed on Wrath’s forehead.
-Fine! Let's just both perish together! It's been too long since our last suicide run!
He lunged at Raon with total, unbridled fury. However, Raon’s soul—now a unified force of past and present—created a solid barrier that completely repelled Wrath’s mental intrusion.
-Gack!
Wrath let out a yelp like a startled puppy as he tumbled to the floor.
-R-Really. This is just...
He sobbed, hammering his tiny fists against the ground.
-My face is legendary! It is unsurpassed in any realm!
'Is that really what you're most upset about?'
---
The hidden dimension shielding the World Tree finally opened, merging with the Sepia territory into a single, cohesive space. The colossal tree, the very definition of the word 'lush,' blanketed the Great Forest in a heavy scent of life and pure energy. Its massive roots fanned out like a natural fortress, with the elves of Sepia gathered in neat rows around them.
The elves clutched dried leaves in their palms, waiting for the guest of honor. Even Sterin had traded his simple warrior's garb for the flowing, silken ceremonial robes of a High Elf, topped with a crown of gold leaves, standing with his hands clasped behind him.
As the elves looked upon the World Tree with glowing expressions, the sound of a distinct footfall echoed.
Step. It was Siyana. She walked onto the path toward the tree with a grace that bordered on the divine, her blue gown trailing softly against the earth. She stopped for a heartbeat to look at the shimmering World Tree and the kinsmen waiting for her.
There was no longer any pity or dismissal in the eyes of the elves; they looked upon her with profound reverence as their future Protector.
After absorbing the weight of their gaze, Siyana’s eyes found Raon, who was standing to the right. The girl, whose eyes were usually clouded by bashfulness, gave Raon a deep, grateful bow before resuming her walk toward the tree.
As she passed, the elves began to shower her with the faded petals and parched leaves they held.
As the withered flora touched Siyana’s hair and shoulders, they seemed to regain their peak beauty, bursting with color and fragrance. She looked like a deity of the wild, breathing life back into the dying world.
Siyana advanced, a beacon of blessing, until she reached Sterin at the base of the World Tree. Though all elves possess startling beauty, Siyana’s current radiance was on another level. Even her own people stood in stunned silence, unable to look away.
"You will far surpass anything I achieved. I leave the future of Sepia in your hands."
Despite the formality of the event, Sterin spoke to her with his usual grounded warmth.
"I will strive to uphold the honor of your name, Grandfather."
Siyana smiled, her nerves finally melting away as she looked at him with complete confidence.
"From this moment—no, from the moment you cast aside your doubts and stood tall—you have been the Guardian of this land."
Sterin told her to remain true to herself as he placed the crown of leaves upon her head. Instantly, the World Tree erupted in a brilliant explosion of light and power, as if the forest itself were cheering for the succession. The Great Forest—and perhaps the world beyond—pulsated with a green light that rippled through the atmosphere like waves.
Even the most reserved elves broke into cheers and wide grins. Caught up in the joy, the spirits giggled like toddlers and released pulses of raw natural energy.
Under the canopy of the mother tree, the elves and the natural world became one, while Siyana and Sterin stood tall, a portrait of the vow to protect their home.
"Not a bad sight at all."
Raon nodded, satisfied with the outcome.
'Master would have been pleased with this, wouldn't he?'
He closed his eyes briefly, his thoughts drifting to Rimmer, whom he might never encounter again.
"Our business here is officially concluded."
Dorian chuckled, noting that the trip had been productive in more ways than one.
"I don't know, we didn't really have much to do ourselves."
Martha gave a long yawn, claiming she had been bored out of her mind.
"So, where is the next stop on the tour?"
Evelyn traced her lips with a finger, curious about their next move.
"Well..."
Raon crossed his arms, staring at the glowing World Tree.
'Where to go next?'
He considered starting with the most influential powers—the Holy Kingdom or perhaps the Five Divine Orders. As he stood there in deep thought, the space in front of him flickered, and a dark envelope fluttered down.
"Huh?"
Raon snatched the letter out of the air and tore it open.
"That's a message from the Black Market!" Dorian blurted out, recognizing the stationery.
"It looks like..."
Raon smiled, folding the parchment back up.
"Our next destination has just been decided."
-
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