Chapter 1159
Raon felt a silent amusement bubbling within him as he began to drift into the State of Enlightenment.
'I never anticipated reaching such a peak in the manner Wrath described.'
He had bypassed his midday meal today to monitor the training of the swordsmen, an act that had provoked Wrath into a persistent tantrum since the early afternoon. Just as Raon acknowledged his own hunger and turned toward the dining hall, the transition occurred. It was slightly humiliating to admit that he had slipped into this profound state exactly as Wrath had joked he would.
'Yet, why does my consciousness remain so sharp?'
Typically, when one enters enlightenment, the physical world fades away, replaced by a dreamlike communion with the blade. Oddly, however, his faculty of reason remained perfectly intact.
Most warriors found this threshold while immersed in repetitive katas or during the desperate struggle of a lethal duel. Yet, as Wrath had mockingly noted, Raon’s experiences with enlightenment often happened in the most mundane settings—like during a visit to the latrine or in the middle of a meal.
'Even in those moments, wasn't I mentally submerged in the way of the sword?'
While the circumstances were often bizarre, his internal focus had always been anchored to his martial path, ensuring that his mind stayed fixed on the sword throughout the trance. This time was different. He had been preoccupied with nothing but his stomach, and the fact that he was still thinking clearly while in this state left him deeply perplexed.
'What exactly is happening?'
Raon attempted to shift his limbs, but his physical form refused to respond.
'I can't even perceive Wrath's voice.'
He could see the small, round entity waving its limbs and shouting, but no sound reached him. He could only infer from the frantic gesticulations that Wrath was likely hurling insults.
'This is enlightenment, yet it feels fundamentally altered.'
He had crossed this threshold more times than he could count, but this specific sensation was a rare anomaly.
'What has shifted?'
The primary variable was his lack of focus on martial theory at the moment of entry.
'If I recall correctly, this is the very first time I’ve reached this state without the sword on my mind.'
It appeared this strange outcome was the result of him entering the trance while fixated on a primal human urge—the simple necessity of nourishment.
'So, what is the objective now?'
His mind was active, but his body was a statue. Given the unprecedented nature of this mental clarity, he wasn't certain how to apply this to his internal cultivation.
'It's quite peculiar when I analyze it.'
Raon took a moment to reflect on his recent progress.
'How have I managed to become more powerful?'
Lately, he had done little more than listen to the rhythm of other swordsmen’s practice and offer occasional guidance while following Glenn. Despite the lack of grueling training, his martial evolution had surpassed the results of his previous, more desperate efforts.
Even putting aside the advancement of his Mental Image, it was striking that he was gaining strength incrementally without engaging in constant drills or clashing with formidable rivals.
'This isn't the influence of Sloth's essence.'
He lacked a natural affinity for Sloth’s particular brand of power. Unlike Runaan, Raon couldn't simply slumber his way to a higher realm. He had spent his time observing subordinates whose skills were far below his own, and yet, the growth was undeniable.
'Even this very moment.'
He mentally frowned, thinking of how the simple thought of hunger had acted as a catalyst.
'Rest and sustenance? The link between them is...'
He metaphorically turned the idea over in his mind, searching for the thread connecting these two factors that were fueling his advancement.
'They are the foundations of human existence.'
Both sleep and food were non-negotiable requirements for life. Yet, throughout his journey, he had treated them as inconveniences.
'My life has been devoid of true rest, and I only ate because Wrath demanded it.'
From his early years driven by the need for family recognition to his later obsession with taking down Derus Robert, his hand had never left the hilt of his sword. He had sacrificed sleep, ignored hunger, and kept his psyche under constant, agonizing pressure.
'I believed that was the only path...'
Was he mistaken?
The fact that his mastery was improving now—when it had previously plateaued despite endless labor—suggested his philosophy had been flawed.
'Ultimately, even a master of the sword is a person.'
Even Glenn, whose blade could sever the horizon, and Raon himself, who could cleave mountains—though not yet on that level—remained biological entities of flesh and blood, despite being labeled superhumans.
'Since I began resting, my physical and psychological health have peaked. Therefore, the next step forward involves...'
Raon began to sink deeper into the trance, not as a warrior seeking a better strike, but as a human being exploring a metamorphosis he had never encountered in either of his lives.
"Hmm! Hm-hmm!"
Glenn was practically singing to himself as he walked back toward the Lord's Manor. His shoulders, usually set in a grim, immovable line, swayed with a noticeable rhythmic bounce.
"You seem exceptionally buoyant today."
Sheryl remarked, her brows lifting in surprise as she kept pace with him.
"Did something grand occur?"
She tilted her head, curious to be let in on the secret.
"It is undoubtedly because of Master Raon."
Roenn provided a knowing grin, having already deduced the source of the Lord's joy.
"Raon?"
Sheryl repeated the name, sounding puzzled.
"He hasn't done anything out of the ordinary, has he?"
She squinted, recalling that Raon had spent the day performing his usual task of advising the lower-ranked swordsmen.
"That is exactly why he is so charming!"
Glenn’s voice rose, not in irritation, but in sheer enthusiasm.
"It is incredibly endearing how he trails behind me like a chick following its mother!"
His mouth twitched with sentiment as he pictured the young man following his lead.
"To think that a child who was once so distant and frozen now shadows me like a devoted duckling is simply..."
Glenn trailed off, inhaling sharply with a dramatic flourish. Had they been in the main hall, the sheer intensity of his emotion might have caused the very foundations of Zieghart to tremble.
"Good grief..."
Sheryl sighed, clearly exhausted by the Head of House’s grandfatherly doting.
"Ha ha ha!"
Roenn chuckled warmly, finding the display exactly as he expected.
"But there is a deeper reason," Glenn added, his eyes half-lidded as he gestured broadly.
"And what would that be?"
Sheryl’s interest was piqued again, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Well..."
Even Roenn leaned in slightly, eager for the explanation.
"When Raon initially started accompanying me, he was content to simply echo my judgments and offer supplementary tips to the disciples."
Glenn’s expression softened as he recalled the start of their routine a week prior.
"However, he has recently stopped merely agreeing with me. He is voicing his own unique perspectives. Today, he even offered counsel that directly contradicted my own."
A broad, genuine smile spread across his face as he remembered Raon asserting a different viewpoint.
"He disagreed with you, and that makes you happy?"
Sheryl asked, startled by the depth of Glenn’s satisfaction.
"It proves that Raon is beginning to outgrow my shadow."
Glenn looked toward the sky, his smile gentle.
"Though we both wield the Ten Thousand Swords and share the Zieghart blood, the horizon of the sword is boundless and must eventually split into unique paths. He may have learned the Azure Sky Sword and Celestial Thunder Arts from me, but if he only mimics me, he will never surpass me. It appears Raon is transcending his Mental Image and forging his own unique martial identity."
He stroked his beard, pride beaming from him at the thought of his grandson’s evolution.
"And so... wait."
Glenn stopped mid-sentence and spun around abruptly.
"Already?"
He took a sharp breath and sprinted back toward the central training grounds.
"Head of House?"
"Quickly, follow him."
Sheryl blinked in confusion, but she and Roenn were right on Glenn’s heels. When they arrived at the grounds, they found Raon standing perfectly still. His gaze was fixed on nothing, his eyes clouded with a distant, ethereal light.
"The State of Enlightenment?"
Sheryl whispered, recognizing the trance.
"It is, yet the resonance feels distinct from his previous breakthroughs."
Roenn noted, observing the tranquil, soft energy radiating from the young man.
"Correct."
Glenn nodded, his voice thick with emotion.
"Raon isn't seeking a new technique or a sharper strike right now."
He tightened his fist, his eyes brimming with a mixture of triumph and joy.
"He is seeking it as a human being. He is grasping the fundamental key to the Absolute."
Glenn remained motionless, watching over him. In his crimson eyes, a profound sense of gratitude and happiness for his grandson took root.
'I am truly thankful.'
Starting the following day, Raon ceased his habit of following Glenn. Instead, he simply stood on the raised platform, staring blankly.
"What's his deal now?"
Krein chewed his lip nervously as he watched Raon’s vacant expression.
"He isn't even doing that seated meditation anymore. He's just... zoning out!"
He swallowed hard, admitting that this new, quiet behavior was even more unsettling than the usual training.
"Do you think he's dreaming up a new way to make our lives miserable?"
"I don't believe so..."
Dorian shook his head slowly as he studied Raon.
"The Palace Master feels incredibly... at peace."
He squinted, sensing that Raon’s current aura lacked the typical intensity of his "training mode."
"It’s strange, but it reminds me of how I feel when I’m organizing my storage bags."
Dorian mused, suggesting that Raon looked like someone who had finally satisfied a deep, personal craving.
"He seems to have found his center again."
Burren said, appearing behind Dorian with a slight frown.
"In any case, we don't need to fret over the Palace Master."
He gave a small, confident smirk.
"I told you. Just ignore him and stay focused on your own drills."
Martha snorted, leaning her weight on Krein's shoulder.
"R-right, of course..."
Krein shuffled away, still casting nervous glances at the platform.
"There's nothing wrong with being concerned for him."
Sylvia spoke up, a small smile playing on her lips.
"He might not show it, but he has a very sensitive soul."
She looked at the group warmly, appreciating their attention toward her son.
"Exactly. Raon is the kindest person I know."
Sia agreed enthusiastically, nodding her head.
"Kind and sensitive, huh..."
"Right..."
"Y-yeah, totally."
Burren, Martha, and Dorian all looked at the ground, their silence speaking volumes as they hummed non-committally at Sylvia and Sia's assessment.
"Kind? Him? He's a total— oof!"
"Be quiet."
Krein started to protest, likely about to recount his many traumas, but Martha silenced him with a heavy palm to the back that sent him sprawling.
"Hmm..."
Runaan let out a soft sound from her nose, as if she had expected Raon to find his way back. She leaned against the training ground wall and closed her eyes, falling into a deep, purring sleep now that her worries were eased.
"Back to work, everyone. The break is over."
Burren signaled the Light Wind division to resume their routines, dragging the groggy Krein toward the edge of the field. As the sounds of training filled the air, Raon’s eyes fluttered open.
'The shift is more profound than I realized.'
If his previous enlightenments were violent storms, yesterday’s was a calming mist. He hadn't expected such a drastic change, but his perception of the world had been recalibrated.
'The mechanics of swordsmanship are transparent now, and the flow of mana feels tangible, like something I can reach out and touch.'
He could now perceive the subtle textures of techniques that had been invisible to him before. He felt he could take the disciples' movements and refine them to a lethal edge. Every sense was heightened. Even a "relaxed" enlightenment was still a massive leap forward.
-Of course it's different!
Wrath appeared suddenly, floating in front of his face.
-After you forced me to miss my feast, I would have personally ended you if you hadn't gained something!
The small spirit fumed, telling Raon not to act surprised.
'That's why I ate enough for three people this morning.'
Raon sighed, feeling the weight of the massive breakfast he had consumed to appease the spirit.
-Hmph! It's the only reason you're still breathing!
Wrath snorted, claiming Raon only survived because of that hearty meal.
-So, what's the plan?
He crossed his arms, waiting to see how Raon would use this new insight.
-Actually, why do I bother asking? You'll just go back to swinging that piece of metal.
Wrath rolled his eyes, certain of the outcome.
-I'm going to nap. Don't wake me until it's time for lunch...
'Actually, no.'
Raon shook his head and stepped off the platform. Instead of drawing his sword or joining the drills, he walked over to Runaan, who was still propped up against the wall.
"Huh...?"
Runaan blinked awake, wiping a bit of sleep from her face as Raon stood over her.
"Haven't slept... just started..."
She mumbled, thinking she was about to get scolded for napping on duty.
"I'm not here to lecture you."
Raon offered a small smile and sat down right next to her.
"I'm going to sleep, too."
He crossed his arms and closed his eyes, mimicking her relaxed posture.
"What...?"
Runaan’s eyes, usually half-lidded and drowsy, snapped wide open in pure shock.
"You're... sleeping?"
She actually raised her voice, a rare occurrence.
"Wait, what?"
"Did he just say what I think he said?"
Burren and Martha stood frozen, their jaws dropping.
"He's finally snapped! I told you! The pressure finally broke him!"
Krein shouted, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe his eyes.
"The truly weird part is... he's actually perfectly calm..."
Dorian whispered, noting that Raon's emotional state was more stable than it had ever been.
-You! You've completely lost your mind!
Wrath's tail twitched in utter confusion.
-You just reached a new level of power, and instead of training, you're taking a nap?! Who has possessed this body?!
He waved his arms frantically, convinced Raon had been replaced by an impostor.
'I understand now. This isn't a time for the sword.'
Raon nodded to himself, his expression more peaceful than at any point in his life.
'From this moment on, I’m going to try living as a human being.'
