Chapter 1149
'It isn't here.'
Raon let out a tense breath and curled his fingers into his palms.
'Yet, there is no mistaking that someone is observing me.'
It wasn't a display of overwhelming power or a scent of bloodlust. It was simply a chilling, uncanny prickle against his skin that suggested a hidden onlooker.
'I need to sharpen my focus.'
The sensation had caught him off guard while he was within the safety of the family estate, preventing a precise identification. He resolved to center his thoughts and pinpoint the source of this attention.
"Huu..."
A slow breath escaped Raon as he shifted his attention toward the annex building standing before him.
'Could the source be in front of me, rather than behind?'
Initially, he had assumed the gaze originated from the rear because that was where the sensation first bloomed, but upon further reflection, it felt as though it were pressing in from every side.
'Ah!'
A soft realization escaped his lips, and he gave a small nod.
'I see now.'
This wasn't a physical pair of eyes tracking him; it was a resonance of the spirit. It was a sophisticated new level of perception he had unlocked by ascending to a higher stage of existence.
—Hmm!
The silence and stillness of Wrath were proof enough that there was no immediate threat.
—Considering you picked up on that, perhaps you aren't just a green fledgling after all.
Wrath gave a stoic nod, offering a rare, begrudging sliver of praise.
'Is this truly such a significant feat?'
Raon tilted his head, seeking clarification.
—It is less about being impressive and more about...
Wrath smacked his lips thoughtfully.
—You have finally stepped onto the proper stage. You have reached what your kind would designate as the rank of a 'genuine Transcendent.'
He signaled his agreement, confirming that Raon had reached a plateau where the title of a true Transcendent was no longer an exaggeration.
"Transcendent..."
Raon whispered the term, his voice carrying a slight tremor of awe.
—To transcend is to go beyond established boundaries and norms. If you were a half-baked version before, you have now at least reached the threshold of the real thing. However...
Wrath gestured dismissively, indicating the journey was far from over.
—There is still a daunting peak left to scale before you can claim the title fully.
Still, he acknowledged that Raon was standing at the final gateway.
'True Transcendence...'
Raon let his eyelids fall shut.
'The difference is palpable.'
Master, Grandmaster, Transcendent. While the gaps between individuals within these ranks were often vast, the most profound disparity lay within the realm of Transcendence itself.
Ever since the era of the Five Kings and Three Demons—or rather, the Six Kings and Five Demons—the gulf between the apex leaders and the lesser Transcendents was so wide they seemed to belong to entirely different worlds.
Even the formidable heads of the Five Divine Orders appeared as mere flickers of candlelight compared to the sun-like brilliance of the Six Kings and Five Demons. To be honest, even after reaching this realm, Raon had viewed those figures as unreachable heights. But if Wrath was correct, that summit was within his grasp if he could just conquer the final hurdle.
—In truth, your raw combat ability already far outstrips your current official rank.
Wrath bit down on his lip.
—And why wouldn't it! You literally ground up my own essence to forge those traits and skills for yourself!
He shook his head, muttering that it would be a travesty if Raon remained weak after such gains.
—But once you elevate your spiritual state to that of a true Transcendent, you will experience a sense of liberation.
'Liberation?'
Raon's brow furrowed as he looked toward the small demon.
'What does it mean to be liberated?'
He struggled to grasp why Wrath chose that specific word over simply saying he would be "stronger."
—That is something you will naturally comprehend once you stand upon that ground.
Wrath waved him off, clearly finished with the explanation.
—More importantly...
His eyes narrowed into thin slits.
—Do you know where that spiritual gaze originated?
'I believe I do. It’s time to find out.'
Raon gave Wrath a sharp nod and veered off the path to the annex, making his way instead toward Federick’s residence.
"Raon! You're back much sooner than I anticipated!"
Federick’s eyes widened in surprise at the young man's quick return.
"Yes. The business was settled without issue."
After a respectful bow to Federick, Raon turned his attention to the infirmary room on the left, where Rector was staying.
"How is my grandfather faring?"
He inquired about the elder's recovery.
"The injuries were deep, and he had lost a significant amount of his life force, but thanks to your swift intervention, his recovery has been remarkable."
Federick beamed, praising the effectiveness of the initial first aid.
"It won't be instantaneous, but given time, he will regain enough strength to take up the sword once more."
He gestured airily, signaling that the danger had passed.
"I am grateful."
Raon bowed deeply to the healer.
"Save your thanks. I am merely performing my duty as a physician."
Federick sat back, crossing his legs with a huff.
"Your grandfather is likely resting at the moment, so perhaps return in a while."
He shooed Raon away with a hand.
"No. He is already awake."
Raon offered a faint, knowing smile and pushed open the door to Rector's chamber.
"..."
Just as the healer had claimed, Rector lay there with his eyes shut, his breathing steady and rhythmic as if lost in sleep.
"That was quite the spirited welcome you gave me."
Raon pulled up a chair beside the bed, a bright grin spreading across his face.
"Hmm..."
Rector's brow twitched, and his eyes slowly blinked open.
"You actually picked up on that?"
He let out a dry, self-deprecating chuckle.
"I knew your strength had surged, but I didn't expect you to sense a mere projection of will."
Rector spoke with genuine wonder.
"How did this happen?"
Raon tilted his head, studying the older man.
"Didn't you tell me I needed to keep fighting?"
Rector laughed softly and shook his head.
"While my body is still lagging behind, my mind has become exceptionally sharp and clear. I thought I might seize this as a new opening, so I've been practicing aura sensitivity and the application of will."
He gestured toward his missing right shoulder, his lips curving upward.
"I was scanning the area around the annex with my transcendent will, as I often do, when I spotted you coming back."
Rector's eyes twinkled with a bit of mischief.
"I just wanted to see how much you had evolved, assuming you wouldn't notice a thing. But for you to catch me..."
He shook his head, clearly impressed by the detection.
"It appears you've gone beyond the normal boundaries of human sensing. It's quite something."
Rector smiled warmly, fascinated by the potential Raon displayed.
"I wasn't entirely certain at first."
Raon tightened his hand into a fist, his expression softening.
"I felt the observation, and once I focused, I knew it was you, Grandfather. The gaze felt familiar."
Initially, he had been unsettled, but upon closer inspection, he recognized the warmth inherent in Rector's presence.
"I suppose I've been watching over you a bit too intensely."
Rector nodded, a gentle smile lingering.
"Haaaah."
He let out a long, weary sigh as his eyes drifted upward.
"Here I am, struggling to stay in the fight at an age where I should be enjoying retirement, all because I was saddled with such a difficult grandson..."
Rector turned his gaze back to Raon, his expression calm and resolute.
"Now, I have to see this through to the end, if only to witness the heights you will eventually reach."
He lifted his remaining left arm, a silent vow that he would rise again.
"Then please, stay by my side and watch, even if that is your only motivation."
Raon reached out and firmly grasped Rector’s hand. He nodded, making a silent pact with himself as much as with his grandfather.
"I will take Derus Robert's life and reveal to you the true destination of the sword."
"Beginning today, we are initiating focus enhancement training."
Standing on the raised platform, Raon announced the day's curriculum to the assembled warriors of the Light Wind Palace.
"The session will last three days without any breaks. We start this evening, so prepare yourselves."
Focus enhancement training was notoriously the most loathed and feared regimen among the Light Wind Palace members. While it was peerless for honing combat instincts and technical skills by blending live drills with field exercises, the sheer mental and physical exhaustion it caused made everyone dread it.
'This should be entertaining for a change.'
From the perspective of Raon and the instructors, it was a golden opportunity to push the swordsmen to their limits and have a bit of fun at their expense.
'Now then...'
Raon looked down from the stage, waiting for the inevitable groans of despair and the sight of falling faces.
'Hmm?'
However, the reaction was not what he expected. The Light Wind Palace warriors were staring back at him with eyes full of fire, looking as if they were eager for the challenge.
Even though he had just declared four grueling days of sleepless training, they were grinning as if they had just received a gift.
"Excellent! This is exactly what we've been waiting for!"
"If we get to be coached by the Head of House, then focus enhancement training is a walk in the park!"
"I agree! We don't deserve to step foot in the Lord's Manor training grounds if we can't handle this!"
"I won't close my eyes for a second! I'll keep pushing for the full three days!"
The swordsmen pumped their fists, their determination fueled by the prospect of Glenn's personal guidance.
"Focus enhancement training, is it..."
Burren moved his head side to side, appearing to be in deep thought about the logistics of the session.
"This is going to be great! I've never seen everyone this fired up."
Martha licked her lips, looking forward to the intensity.
"Hmhm..."
Runaan suddenly produced a plush pillow and tucked it into her belt, clearly making her own unique preparations.
"Is this the legendary focus enhancement training?"
The Blade Queen’s lips curled into a pleased smile.
"It’s a bit of a pity, but I must prioritize my responsibilities as an instructor."
The Warlord nodded, agreeing that their own training could wait while they fostered the growth of the others.
"Bah! I'm joining in!"
The Gambling Monster raised his hand like the trainees, opting to participate as a student rather than lead as an instructor.
"Let’s do this together, everyone!"
Devoid of his usual scent of booze, he stepped forward with a thunderous roar.
"Woooooah!"
"Let's go until we drop!"
"I'd rather die than fail to receive the Head of House's instruction!"
"Bring on the focus enhancement training!"
The warriors' spirits soared even higher at the Gambling Monster's declaration, their shouts and rhythmic stomping echoing through the air.
"Everyone, gather your gear and be back here in ten minutes!"
At Burren’s shout, the swordsmen and instructors dispersed from the training ground with practiced speed.
—Hooh!
Wrath marveled at the deep footprints left behind by the enthusiastic warriors.
—I used to get so annoyed hearing them whine about training through the night, but it looks like they've finally grown some backbone!
He nodded with an air of satisfaction.
—Your burden must feel quite a bit lighter now.
Wrath reached out and patted Raon's shoulder in a congratulatory gesture.
"Hmm..."
In contrast to the demon's joy, Raon’s face was twisted into a deep scowl.
—Hmm? What is that look for? Isn't this exactly the outcome you wanted?
Wrath tilted his head, confused by Raon’s gloomy disposition on such a successful day.
'If it's like this...'
Raon shook his head violently, clearly dissatisfied.
'It isn't any fun.'
He had been looking forward to the sight of their spirits breaking the moment he made the announcement, but seeing them embrace the hardship so readily left him feeling strangely unfulfilled.
'Should I just call it off?'
Raon rubbed his chin, his brows knitted together as he seriously weighed the option of canceling the training altogether.
—Huh...?
Wrath's jaw dropped as he watched Raon’s genuine internal struggle.
—You really are just a sadist who lives to see others suffer!
Kukugugugugugu! The massive gates of the Lord's Manor training ground, resembling divine bulwarks, ground open with a vibration that shook the earth, admitting a crowd into the hallowed light. Everyone was there, from high-ranking officials with heavy titles to common residents who held no rank at all. Anyone who wanted to witness the day's historic event had flooded the grounds.
The various combat divisions marched in, forming a line before the main stage like a polished blade, while the spectators packed the tiered seating until there wasn't a spare inch of space.
"Hmm."
Raon stood at the threshold, scanning the interior. Despite the sheer volume of people, the silence was as heavy as a library. Everyone held their breath, the tension of the upcoming event palpable.
"Are you all ready?"
He spoke quietly, glancing back at his followers. The Light Wind Palace warriors, having just endured three weeks of absolute hell, met his gaze with eyes as sharp as razors.
"Yes!"
Their collective shout was a roar that confirmed their total readiness.
"Excellent. Then..."
Just as Raon prepared to lead them inside.
"This may not be the fifth training ground, but it's certainly loud enough."
Karoon appeared at Raon's side, heading the contingent from the Central Martial Palace.
"You've arrived."
Raon gave a brief, polite nod. Karoon exuded a calm, unwavering aura—like a blade tempered by a master craftsman. He, too, had undergone significant transformation in a short span. It wasn't just Karoon; the Central Martial Palace warriors looked as though they had pushed themselves to the absolute limit, their eyes reflecting a newfound solemnity.
"You've changed quite a bit."
Karoon's lips twitched, finding the observation interesting.
"The Central Martial Palace Master has changed as well."
Raon conceded the point with a nod.
"..."
"..."
The two men locked eyes for a long moment, neither speaking.
"Um, pardon me..."
The gatekeeper of the training grounds swallowed hard, looking nervously between Raon and Karoon.
"Which group should I announce first?"
The Light Wind Palace had arrived first, but the Central Martial Palace held seniority in rank. His eyes darted back and forth, clearly stressed by the protocol.
"The Light Wind Palace."
Karoon lowered his hand without a second thought.
"The first to arrive should be the first to enter."
There was an odd depth to his voice, as if he were speaking about something far more significant than a simple entrance.
"Ah, understood!"
The gatekeeper nodded in relief and turned back toward the arena.
"Light Wind Palace Master Raon Zieghart and the Light Wind Palace are entering!"
His announcement was so powerful the ground seemed to tremble.
"I will take my leave first. However..."
Raon gave Karoon a final nod, his posture mirroring the other's exactly.
"I have learned that being the first to arrive doesn't always guarantee you are the first to finish."
He turned his back on Karoon, his words serving as a silent declaration to everyone watching.
"That is true enough."
Karoon let out a soft, dry laugh, seemingly amused by the challenge.
"Let’s move."
"Yes!"
Raon's lips curved into a slight smile as he led his people into the training ground.
'This...'
He clenched his fist, feeling the weight of Karoon's gaze on his back.
'This should be quite interesting.'
