Chapter 1199
Twenty-one days remaining until the infiltration.
"What?"
Dorian bolted upright, his chair clattering as he reacted in pure disbelief.
"You intend to sneak into the cult established by Derus Robert? And you're doing it yourself?"
His mouth twitched, his expression suggesting he thought he was listening to total madness.
"I... I didn't misinterpret that, did I?"
Seeking a lifeline, Dorian looked toward Evelyn, desperately hoping his ears had failed him and he’d simply hallucinated the statement.
"You heard him perfectly fine," Evelyn replied, dismissing his shock with a casual wave of her hand.
"I had a suspicion this was coming, and I was right. I worried he might just sprint headlong at Derus Robert, so I'm actually relieved that isn't the plan."
She gave a small nod of approval, glad that Raon wasn't choosing the most suicidal, direct path toward Derus Robert.
"Are you certain you'll be okay?"
Burren unlinked his arms and took a step toward the center of the room.
"The danger level here seems astronomical."
His brow furrowed with genuine apprehension.
"Usually, I’m the first to back your plays, but this feels far too much like a blind gamble."
Martha’s face darkened, her jaw tight with tension.
"The plan is to join the cult, but the real objective is to burrow into the heart of Derus Robert's organization."
She exhaled a heavy, frustrated breath, noting that Derus was far too perceptive to let such a ploy go unnoticed for long.
"..."
Runaan remained silent, her violet eyes fixed on Raon with a steady glow. Her internal thoughts remained a complete mystery to the rest of the group.
"It is the most effective strategy," Raon said, folding his hands together with a faint, composed smile.
"When it concerns concealing my true strength, I have more confidence in my abilities than anyone else alive."
Because the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier were fundamentally distinct from standard aura, they were nearly impossible to sense. Furthermore, the Ring of Fire and the authorities of the demon kings were woven into his very soul; they remained invisible to the world unless he chose to manifest them.
"In this specific area, I wouldn't even fall behind the Head of House."
He wasn't exaggerating. Even with a detached perspective, if the goal was purely hiding one's identity, he could potentially surpass Glenn, the most powerful man on the continent.
-Well, this king shall concede that point.
Wrath stroked his chin, offering a rare moment of agreement.
-Your sheer deviousness is something that even those obsessed with gain, like Greed, couldn't hope to rival!
He added a layer of certainty, suggesting that while the mission was perilous, it played perfectly to Raon’s strengths.
"I concur as well," Denning Rose said, raising her hand in a calm gesture.
"Given your skills, Raon, you could likely infiltrate more securely than our most seasoned operatives."
Her steady gaze reflected a deep, unwavering faith in Raon’s capabilities.
"So, give us the specifics. What is the plan?"
Martha leaned back, her posture demanding a full breakdown of the operation.
"As I stated, I intend to join the religious group Derus formed to reach their command center. However, such a move requires extensive groundwork."
Raon held up a finger to emphasize his point.
"First, I require a tool capable of entirely masking my energy. I could likely deceive most who have reached transcendence, but the targets are Derus Robert and an archangel."
While he could manually suppress the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier to mimic a normal person with no martial training, a dedicated artifact would provide an essential safety net.
"Evelyn. Can you collaborate with Encia to produce an artifact that nullifies aura?"
Raon turned to Evelyn, his tone making it clear he was seeking a significant favor.
"Consider it done! With my blueprints and that airhead's craftsmanship, failure isn't an option!"
Evelyn nodded confidently, signaling that he could leave the matter to her.
"Give us exactly seven days!"
She struck her chest with pride, promising the work would be finished in a week.
"Lady Denning Rose."
Once Evelyn had committed, Raon addressed Denning Rose.
"Can you transmit specific orders to the operatives positioned throughout the lands?"
"What kind of orders?"
Denning Rose nodded, her eyes warm and attentive.
"I want them to project an air of anxiety regarding an impending war. They should voice skepticism toward the Five Kings who rule today and show a growing psychological need for religious salvation. To avoid suspicion, these behaviors shouldn't happen all at once; please randomize the timing and sequence."
Raon laced his fingers together, explaining the nuance of the request.
"I see!"
Denning Rose let out a soft gasp of realization.
"You want the followers of Derus Robert's cult to be the ones who initiate the contact!"
She nodded, having fully grasped the psychological trap Raon was setting.
"Exactly."
Raon offered a sharp smile.
"Judging by the messages left behind about 'ascending to paradise,' it’s clear the missing individuals were disillusioned with their lives. There is a high chance that Derus's disciples targeted people expressing such vulnerabilities and lured them in."
While they needed more data to be certain, it stood to reason that those who vanished were facing hardships, and the cult exploited those specific weaknesses to harvest them.
"That seems highly probable."
Denning Rose watched Raon, her tongue darting out to lick her lips as if the brilliance of the plan stimulated her.
"I will ensure the investigation focuses heavily on that angle."
Her usually stoic eyes flickered with a hint of intensity, signaling her intent to analyze the profiles of the disappeared more closely.
"Hmph."
Evelyn scowled slightly, clearly unimpressed by Denning Rose’s reaction.
"The moment any agent following these protocols hears mention of 'paradise,' I need to know. I will take that person’s place that very day."
Raon nodded, prepared to adopt a disguise and step into the role immediately.
"I will go in personally and drag the hidden tunnels of Derus Robert out into the light of day."
He tightened his grip, silently vowing to dismantle whatever darkness Derus Robert was constructing.
"Performing?"
"Can you really pull off a role like that on such short notice?"
Burren and Martha looked at him with skepticism.
"He can! Believe me, he can!"
Dorian nodded so hard his chin almost hit his chest. Having witnessed Raon’s theatrical talents firsthand, he spoke with absolute certainty.
"Understood. I will arrange it," Denning Rose agreed.
"However, these things take time."
She cautioned that for the approach to seem natural and avoid detection, they couldn't rush the process.
"I understand. I am prepared to wait as long as necessary."
Raon rested his hand on the hilt of his blade, indicating he would spend the interim training.
-Hah! It has been a mere hour since you obtained the intel, yet truly, no one can compete with your mental gymnastics...
Wrath let out a dry, incredulous chuckle.
-If I were to count you as a foe, the only logical move would be to end you instantly.
He shook his head, noting that once Raon was given room to breathe, any conflict would become an agonizingly drawn-out affair.
'You're thinking of making me an enemy?'
Raon nudged Wrath playfully.
'I have no desire to trade blows with a friend.'
-Y-you! Why would I consider someone as pathetic as you an enemy? This king is simply showing you mercy!
The word "friend" clearly struck a chord with Wrath; he waved a hand dismissively, though a faint flush crept into his cheeks.
"And our roles...?"
Runaan looked up, asking for her own objective. Her gaze was wide and earnest, ready to follow whatever path Raon laid out.
"Training."
Raon pointed a finger toward Runaan, Martha, and Burren as if it were a sword.
"War may not arrive within the year, but it is coming soon. Prepare the legion for that day."
He turned away, formally placing the Light Wind Palace in their hands for the duration of his absence.
"And of course, you must focus on shattering your own limits."
He nodded to them, expressing his hope that the three of them would cross the threshold into transcendence.
"Yes..."
Runaan’s eyes turned stone-cold with focus, committing herself to the goal.
"Understood. We'll make sure it happens."
Martha stomped her foot firmly, a gesture of absolute reliability.
"...I will do everything in my power to guide them."
Burren, still grappling with his own self-doubt, promised at least to maintain the rigorous standards of the swordsmen.
"Excellent."
Raon gave a quiet nod of approval and looked toward the distant annex.
"Now, there is one last person I need to ask for consent."
"Absolutely not!"
Sylvia shook her head with fierce conviction.
"Why must you throw yourself into such a den of vipers at a time like this!"
Her hands, resting on her lap, were visibly shaking; she was adamant in her refusal.
"I am in total agreement with your mother."
Edgar placed a steadying hand on Sylvia’s shoulder and shifted his gaze to Raon.
"Derus Robert is a different breed of danger. The Heavenly Demon might possess more raw power, but if there is one man I would never want to cross, it is Derus Robert. Especially since he is intimately familiar with you. A single slip-up would result in a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions."
He sighed heavily.
"The Five Kings are all in your debt, and a generation of warriors and mages look to you as a leader. If you are captured, the morale of our entire alliance would crumble."
Dropping his usual penchant for rambling, Edgar spoke with a terrifyingly sober clarity.
"If Mom and the old man are against it, then count me out too."
Sia stood with her hands on her hips, her chin held high in defiance.
"O-old man...?"
Edgar, who had been making such a poignant point, stared at Sia in shell-shocked silence at the label.
"I-it’s okay."
Raon swallowed hard and raised a calming hand.
"I have grown strong; I won't fall easily. Furthermore, this infiltration is the only way to clear a path for the Five Kings to strike effectively."
He spoke with total honesty, trying to make them see the tactical necessity of his choice.
"Raon..."
Sylvia rubbed her temples and looked up at him.
"Can't the Black Market handle this? They are the professionals. I can't bear the thought of hearing you’ve vanished or died ever again..."
Her lips trembled as the trauma of the two previous times he had gone missing resurfaced.
"Father..."
Sylvia’s eyes welled with tears as she turned to Glenn, pleading for him to intervene.
"Hmm."
Glenn’s expression suggested he shared their reservations. He sat with his arms crossed, a deep scowl etched into his features.
"Sigh..."
Raon looked down at the table, which was practically radiating a cold aura of disapproval.
'How did it get this messy?'
His original plan was to speak with Glenn privately, but Glenn had insisted on a public discussion, leading to this deadlock. If he forced the issue now, it would cause a rift.
'I understand why Mom feels this way.'
Between the kidnapping by Eden and the false report of his death following the clash with the Axe King, Sylvia’s protective instincts were entirely justified. But this mission was non-negotiable. For anyone else, the task was truly impossible.
"Mom. I’m sorry, but I have no choice."
Using the more intimate "Mom" instead of the formal "Mother," Raon reached out and took her hand.
"Derus Robert is the most manipulative and paranoid individual on this continent. Even the elite spies of the Black Market or the Shadow Agents would eventually be unmasked."
He was certain of this. Derus would have implemented tests—magical, psychological, or otherwise—that no ordinary spy could pass. With only one shot at this, he was the only viable candidate.
"That is exactly why you shouldn't go! It's too risky! As you said, he knows exactly who you are!"
"No, that is precisely why I am the only one who can."
Raon shook his head gently.
"Because he knows me, but I also know him."
He tightened his grip on Sylvia’s shaking hand, his voice steady.
"What does that..."
"Please. Trust me on this."
Raon closed his eyes for a moment, then exhaled a slow, deliberate breath.
"But, Raon..."
"Sylvia."
As Sylvia prepared to argue further, Glenn spoke up. He addressed his daughter first, his voice cutting through the tension.
"Your fears are justified. This undertaking is plagued with peril."
Glenn nodded, seemingly validating Sylvia’s perspective over Raon’s.
"Father, you see it too!"
Encouraged by Glenn’s apparent support, Sylvia braced herself to end the discussion.
"Which is why we cannot waste any more time sitting here. Raon. Stand up."
Glenn rose abruptly and gestured for Raon to follow him.
"I am going to make you so strong that your mother will no longer have a reason to worry."
