A profound vibration rippled through the atmosphere as Raon felt his soul stirred by the sight of the ultimate sword art born from the cooperation of Briana and Brigitte.
'It isn’t just my heart...'
The Ring of Fire was howling. The orbits of energy encircling his heart seemed to recognize something within the sisters' technique, sparking a violent resonance that sent tidal waves through his mind. The intensity only surged!
As the Ring of Fire accelerated to a frantic pace, the world around him began to lag. Briana and Brigitte, who had been lunging with the speed of a lightning strike, became fixed in place like statues.
A blinding radiance erupted! As the temporal flow of the Mental World ground to a halt, his perception shifted entirely. The Auras he had always manipulated felt more tangible, as if brushing against his skin, while concepts previously beyond his grasp suddenly felt within reach.
Like a galaxy cradling countless stars, every martial achievement he had ever reached was branded deeper into his psyche, his awareness expanding to perceive the totality of existence. The mechanics of the joint assault by Brigitte and Briana, a feat he had never witnessed, were now transparently reflected in his mind’s eye.
-This brat is evolving yet again!
Wrath ground his teeth in frustration, irritated by the recurring phenomenon.
'No.'
This wasn't a typical descent into enlightenment. Rather than a breakthrough triggered by quiet meditation, the sheer weight of his accumulated martial history was pushing him toward a higher peak.
-Bah! Now the world is just handing you growth for no reason!
'Nothing was handed to me. I reached this through my own path.'
Raon shook his head with a calm focus.
'This is the culmination of every scrap of power I’ve fought for.'
The conflict with the White Blood Religion, the struggle against Sloth, the duel with the Blade Queen, the encounter with the Warlord, the awakening of the High Elf, and the meeting with Gluttony—unlike past instances, this wasn't a windfall. It was progress earned through relentless trial and grit. The energy swelled within him!
Previously, he had relied on flashes of insight or post-awakening power spikes, but today, his physical form and mental state were evolving in perfect tandem while he remained fully alert, bringing a sense of euphoria he had never known.
Raon slowly blinked his eyes open, sensing the simultaneous advancement of his spiritual realm and his combat prowess. He could now feel the individual motes of mana drifting through the world with surgical precision. Time snapped back into motion with a roar, and he watched Brigitte and Briana’s combined strike bearing down on him like a storm.
Drawing upon this newfound clarity, Raon shifted the Heavenly Drive to his right. He initiated the Diamond Earth Technique, weaving together the distinct signatures of the Sword Saint’s blade and sword styles. A pale, dense energy radiated from his heavy strike, completely intercepting and nullifying the sisters' Joint Technique.
"How is this possible..."
Briana’s face, once radiate with the certainty of triumph, turned to stone. Her jaw twitched as if her mind couldn't process the erasure of her attack.
"Absurd!"
The Thespian Emperor’s expression also crumbled into disbelief.
"What just happened..."
She had clearly anticipated a victory for Brigitte and Briana, having been the architect of that specific maneuver.
"The chief’s strike... it was simply snuffed out..."
"Did anyone see that?"
"Is that the true strength of Sword Emperor Raon Zieghart?"
"That isn't just Divine Order level; that belongs among the Five Kings."
The warriors of the Unyielding Blade erupted in stunned murmurs, having clearly underestimated the ceiling of Raon's capabilities.
"Exhale."
Raon gave a small nod, lowering the Heavenly Drive which had served as the conduit for his new martial understanding.
'To think I would advance in such a manner.'
He had gathered much in recent times—new techniques, rare Elixirs, and a stronger Demon King’s Authority. Yet, despite these gains, his fundamental Martial Prowess had remained static until this moment, when every disparate reward finally fused into a single, cohesive leap forward.
-It truly won't be long now.
Wrath watched him, his brow furrowed.
'Until what?'
-Until you stand above the heads of the Five Kings.
Wrath nodded slowly, acknowledging that the peak of the world’s power was finally within Raon’s reach.
'I can sense it too.'
Raon tightened his grip and allowed a small smile.
'I am finally standing on their threshold.'
It felt as though he could bridge the gap between himself and the other leaders soon, with the exceptions of Glenn, Derus Robert, and the Heavenly Demon, whose might remained peerless even among the elite.
'If the playing field were level, I would prevail.'
With his unique traits, the Demon King’s Authority, and a physique that transcended normal limits, reaching their tier of power would mean he’d win the majority of encounters.
-Already planning the next war?
Wrath gave a dry, mocking laugh at his relentless ambition.
'I have to.'
Derus and the Heavenly Demon were undoubtedly cultivating new Transcendents. They were gambling everything on the looming conflict and were certain of their success. They likely had secret weapons prepared, so he needed to reach a state where he could face an Archangel before the first blow was struck.
"I admit defeat."
Briana let out a long breath as she walked toward him.
"Given your current state, there is nothing Brigitte and I could have done to change the outcome."
She smiled as she conceded. However, her emphasis on "current" hinted that her competitive spirit remained intact.
"I anticipated you would return stronger, but this level of growth is staggering."
She sheathed her blade, admitting she had wanted to win for Brigitte’s sake, but realized the futility of it. Her composed personality had returned.
"What exactly did you encounter out there?"
"I simply learned a few things while wandering the Continent."
Raon offered a modest smile, attributing it to fortune.
"If wandering was the secret to such power, every Transcendent would be a nomad."
Briana chuckled softly and waved a hand.
"Regardless, this isn't the venue for such a talk."
She glanced at the crowd and clicked her tongue.
"We should speak privately later."
"I would like that."
Raon agreed with a nod.
"Very well."
Briana closed her eyes, and a moment later, the fiery spirit of Brigitte surged back into her gaze.
"Darn it!"
Brigitte kicked the ground, her voice far more abrasive than her sister's.
"I can't believe even that didn't work!"
She gnashed her teeth, frustrated that her best efforts were thwarted.
"Just because you didn't win doesn't mean it failed. You’ve both clearly reached a new level."
Raon gave her a small smile, admitting that the situation had been genuinely precarious. If he hadn't experienced that internal shift, the result might have been different.
"Don't give me that."
Brigitte dismissed his praise with a sharp gesture.
"Go on and face your next challenger."
She told him to wrap up the Divine Sword Assembly and marched off the field.
"Next challenger?"
As Raon looked around, Martha stepped forward from the opposite side, her eyes burning with a fierce light.
"That would be me."
Martha unsheathed her sword, staking her claim.
"Don't hold back."
She bit her lip, making it clear she didn't care if she was beaten instantly, so long as he fought her with his genuine strength.
"Properly, then..."
Raon’s lips curled as he looked at Martha. Her gaze held the same ferocity it did during the war with the White Blood Religion.
'Her spirit has returned.'
Martha had seemed aimless after the fall of the White Blood Religion and the rescue of her mother. She had been going through the motions in training, but witnessing his duel with the Queen of Swords seemed to have reignited her drive. Seeing her fire return brought him a sense of relief.
"Fine."
Raon nodded, lifting the Heavenly Drive. Aiming to provide her with a goal, he unleashed a strike carrying the weight of his recent enlightenment. The blade carved a perfect arc through the air, devoid of even a drop of aura!
"That’s what I wanted to see!"
Martha’s face twisted into a wild grin at the sight of the beautiful yet lethal technique. With a crashing sound, she met the attack head-on, pouring everything she had into her defense. However, outmatched in both power and technique, she was sent flying back, collapsing on the dirt with her eyes rolled back.
"I suppose..."
Raon smirked as he looked at the unconscious Martha, who still gripped her hilt with a white-knuckled intensity.
"The Rakshasa is back."
"My Lord Derus."
Kubara entered the private chamber of Derus and bowed so low her forehead nearly touched the floorboards.
"..."
Derus sat in total silence, eyes shut in deep concentration. Receiving no acknowledgment, Kubara began to back away. Just as she turned to leave, an oppressive weight suddenly filled the room.
Kubara was paralyzed by a freezing dread, as if a spectral hand had clamped down not just on her heart, but on her very essence. It felt as though any movement or sound would result in her soul being crushed like glass.
"Ngh..."
Just as Kubara—a woman whose heart had long been hollow—began to truly understand terror, Derus opened his eyes. He smiled with the innocence of a child, and the crushing pressure vanished instantly.
"Speak."
Derus nodded as if the previous tension had never existed.
"Ah..."
Kubara took a ragged breath, straightened her attire, and bowed again.
"The head of the Holy Sword Alliance has swallowed the lure. Reports indicate he is positioned at the fourth facility."
She informed him that Rector was moving to strike the site where divine energy was being harvested.
"He bit so quickly?"
Derus’s mouth quirked as he imagined Rector's face.
"The old man is clearly starving for a fight."
He scoffed, finding the situation amusing.
"Send for him."
Derus gestured vaguely toward the ceiling.
"He won't stand by and watch four facilities he helped build be demolished."
He gave a relaxed nod, confident in the momentum of his plan.
"Understood. By your leave."
Kubara offered a final bow and retreated from the room.
"..."
Derus’s smile widened as he looked at the puddles of sweat Kubara had left behind.
"The end is finally in sight."
Raon eventually claimed victory in the Divine Sword Assembly, earning his right to enter the restricted archives.
"That’s my Raon!"
Evelyn cheered, throwing her arms up in celebration of his success.
"I knew as soon as he picked up a sword, the outcome was decided!"
She grabbed Raon’s hand firmly, beaming with pride.
"A Transcendent entering a tournament for youngsters and taking first place. Really?"
Martha grumbled, rubbing a purple bruise on her arm.
"Could you have at least been a little gentler on that last guy?"
She sighed, pitying the Unyielding Blade disciple who had been taken out in a single heartbeat during the final round.
"No, he did the right thing."
The Queen of Swords gestured her approval.
"Because Raon didn't pull his punches, the disciples now have a clear vision of the peak they need to climb."
She smiled as the sounds of renewed training and spirited shouts filled the air.
"I was concerned about the complacency growing in our ranks, but this has sparked a necessary fire."
Brigitte agreed, noting that the event had served a greater purpose.
"When do you plan to visit the special library?"
She looked pointedly at the book-shaped key Raon held.
"With your permission, I’d like to head there immediately."
Raon replied, his eyes on the key.
"I'm going too!"
Martha, who had fallen in the semifinals, raised her hand, unwilling to be left behind.
"Ugh, I’m the only one stuck outside again..."
Dorian looked dejected, mourning the missed opportunity to see if the books counted as useful supplies.
"Is there a specific manual you're hunting for?"
Brigitte asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I'm not sure if it's there, but there is something I need to find."
Raon answered firmly.
"The restricted archive is the Time Sword Pavilion. It houses rare techniques from across history, so there's a good chance you'll find a lead."
Brigitte couldn't guarantee success, but she encouraged him.
"Regardless, there are many texts that will assist you with the Ten Thousand Swords. Make the most of it."
She gestured behind her, granting her formal consent. With a grinding sound, the wall shifted to reveal a descending staircase. The musty scent of ancient parchment and dust drifted up from the depths.
"I hope your search is fruitful."
The Thespian Emperor offered a knowing, faint smile.
"My thanks."
Raon bowed to the sisters and the Emperor before heading down into the dark. After five flights, they reached an octagonal room that branched out like a web under a dim, magical glow. This was the Time Sword Pavilion, the crown jewel of the Unyielding Blade.
"Incredible. I thought it would be smaller since it's only for 'unique' arts, but it’s massive."
Martha whistled in appreciation.
"I’ll start on this side."
She hurried toward the shelves, her passion for the sword clearly renewed.
"Let's see..."
Raon pulled a volume from the nearest shelf.
"Silent Light Earth Sword?"
The title was imposing. As he read through it, he found that while it didn't quite reach the heights its name suggested, it was a formidable style.
'It focuses on crushing power and overwhelming force.'
The style was a masterclass in the principles of 'Heavy' and 'Strong' swordplay. Realizing its utility for the Ten Thousand Swords, he memorized every transition and flow before moving on.
'Fascinating.'
Raon's interest grew as he reached for the next manual.
-You said you were looking for something specific. Stop browsing and find it!
Wrath nagged him, annoyed by his pace.
'I don't have a title to go on, so I have to check everything.'
Raon countered that every page was a lesson.
'And none of this is a waste.'
He was right. Every scroll in the Time Sword Pavilion was a unique creation, filled with unconventional flows and logic he had never considered. Mastering these would be the ultimate fuel for the Ten Thousand Swords.
'Moving on.'
Having cleared the first section, Raon moved to the second shelf.
'What's next?'
As his eyes scanned the rows, he landed on a weathered, ancient book with a nearly illegible title. The cover was jaundiced and crumbling, yet it radiated a strange sense of familiarity.
'This name...'
The moment Raon's fingers brushed the brittle cover, golden embers erupted from the book, swallowing him whole!
'I had a feeling this would happen.'
Raon smirked as he felt himself pulled into the familiar currents of ancestral memories.
'My ancestor certainly kept himself busy.'
