Chapter 1235
Crunch!
Raon's knuckles popped as he gripped his hand with intense force.
'I knew there was something off.'
Since stepping foot into this subterranean massive training hall, Glenn had not showcased any overwhelming displays of martial supremacy. Even considering the heavy spiritual pressure inherent to this facility, his grandfather should have exhibited a level of dominance far beyond Raon’s own, yet that hadn't been the case.
It contradicted Glenn’s earlier promise to utilize the full extent of his capabilities. Raon had sensed the inconsistency, and now the reason was clear. This training ground didn't merely suppress power; it appeared to normalize the strength of everyone within its bounds to a uniform level.
'Even in a place like this, Grandfather completely outclassed me.'
Despite possessing identical reserves of aura, the same physical constitution, and the same spiritual depth, Glenn had toyed with him as if he were a novice. It proved there was a monumental chasm in their pure, fundamental mastery.
"Haha."
The realization sent a shiver down Raon’s spine that he couldn't hold back, forcing a sudden burst of laughter from his lips.
"What is the source of your amusement?"
Glenn blinked, looking genuinely perplexed as he observed Raon’s reaction.
"It's because I’m genuinely happy."
Raon’s grin widened as he met Glenn’s gaze.
"Happy?"
Glenn cocked his head, seeking an explanation for such a response.
"Yes."
Raon gave a firm, certain nod.
"Because this proves I still have a vast distance left to travel."
After he had ended the soul of Derus Robert, Raon had undergone significant evolution. Truthfully, he had reached a plateau where the path to further cultivation was unclear, leading him to simply practice his sword forms out of habit.
However, upon entering this space, he had been dismantled by Glenn, making him feel like a beginner once more. The fact that he could match Glenn’s raw output in speed and power and yet still be defeated meant there were countless nuances and techniques he had yet to refine. Now that he was within the First Patriarch's training ground, his desire to push himself and grow stronger was reignited.
'I can't help but feel joy.'
Discovering fresh objectives and new avenues for progression naturally brought a smile to his face. Although his stamina was spent and his limbs felt like lead, he felt a burning urge to continue training, even if he had to drag himself across the floor.
"Hah..."
Glenn let out a dry, startled chuckle at Raon’s declaration.
"Do you not realize how grueling and painful this process will be?"
He furrowed his brow, questioning if "happiness" was truly the right word for the hardship ahead.
"I know it will be exhausting. The environmental pressure here makes everything many times more agonizing than the world above. But..."
Raon glanced up at the vaulted ceiling of the hall, a determined curve to his mouth.
"I believe the rewards will be equally great. Nothing of value is acquired without enduring struggle."
His gaze was steady and resolute, signaling his readiness to face any degree of suffering.
-You! You are always pilfering this King’s powers without suffering a single scratch!
Wrath roared in protest, accusing him of being a thief who took everything for free.
'......'
Raon remained silent, knowing he didn't have a solid rebuttal for that particular point.
"Nothing of value without struggle..."
Glenn rubbed his chin, nodding slowly in contemplation.
"Perhaps that mindset is exactly why you have climbed to your current height."
A warm, proud smile spread across Glenn’s face as if he had finally unraveled the secret behind his grandson’s rapid ascension. He looked at Raon with undeniable affection.
-Mindset my foot! He’s ignoring this King because he knows I’m right!
Wrath scowled at Raon, his face twisted in annoyance.
-This brat wouldn't know real pain if it hit him!
'......'
Raon continued to ignore the demon’s outbursts, offering no reaction.
-Whatever!
Wrath exhaled a frustrated sigh and looked away.
-Regardless of your nonsense, this location is quite fascinating.
He licked his lips, his curiosity piqued as he surveyed the training hall.
-A place that exerts force on the physique, the energy, and the very spirit... it even seems to be affecting this King's essence.
Wrath’s eyes darted around, noting that even his spectral form felt the weight of the room.
-Now that I think about it, there was a similar territory in the Devildom.
He tapped his chin as a memory surfaced.
'A territory?'
Raon exhaled, focusing on Wrath’s words. He couldn't wrap his head around an entire region functioning like this specialized training room.
-So, you've decided to listen after all.
Wrath huffed, though he didn't stop talking.
-I was told an entire province exists that operates on the same principles as this hall.
The demon rolled his eyes, emphasizing the massive scale of that land.
'Are there many demons inhabiting such a place?'
-Countless. It’s a magnet for battle-crazed lunatics. Since combat there ignores size, innate talent, heritage, or social standing, it’s incredibly popular.
Wrath noted that the area was a chaotic, neutral zone, far beyond the governance of the various demon kings.
'A neutral zone? Even though it's that large?'
Raon looked confused. He found it hard to believe the powerful demon kings would simply ignore such a strategic expanse of land.
-The Devildom is vastly larger than this human continent. There are many sectors where the demon kings have no reach. However, that specific region is located near the heart of the Devildom. You’re right that it would normally be targeted, but there’s a specific reason it remains independent.
Wrath paused for a moment.
'And that reason is...?'
-They are formidable.
He spoke with uncharacteristic gravity.
-The Tugui who dwell there are more dangerous than the elite guards of the demon kings. Warriors who could dominate elsewhere choose to stay there like unmovable boulders. Even a glutton like Greed would think twice before trying to conquer that land.
Wrath acted as if this were common knowledge.
'Then the reason those demons are so powerful is...'
Raon began to connect the dots, his expression shifting.
-Exactly. Regardless of their natural gifts, they are forced to fight peers at an equalized level every single day. Growth is the only possible outcome.
Wrath gestured dismissively, implying that becoming strong in such a place was an inevitability.
'I thought as much.'
Raon’s lips curled into a faint smile. In an environment this perfect, the best course of action wasn't solitary meditation, but to keep clashing even when pushed to the limit.
'I have to keep going.'
This time, his motivation wasn't just his own growth; it was for his grandfather. To ensure Glenn’s combat proficiency reached its absolute peak before his fated encounter with the Heavenly Demon, Raon had to do his part. There was no luxury for rest.
"Let us recover and resume our sparring tomorrow..."
Glenn signaled with a wave of his hand, intending to conclude the session.
"No."
Raon reached down, gripping the hilts of the Heavenly Drive and the Wooden Ring Sword. He pulled them from the earth and stood tall.
"We continue."
As Glenn’s eyes widened in astonishment, Raon forced the exhaustion and aching pain to the back of his mind.
"I want to be of use to you as quickly as possible, Grandfather."
"Phew..."
Karoon scowled at the daunting stacks of parchment threatening to swallow his desk.
'This is never-ending.'
The volume of work seemed ten times greater than what he dealt with at the Central Martial Palace. He had been at it since daybreak, yet the end wasn't in sight. He marveled at how Glenn had managed to reach such heights in martial arts while being buried under this much administrative weight.
'I'm just glad I have competent help.'
Karoon stole a glance at Roenn and Sheryl, who were stationed to his right.
'If not for them, this desk would be buried twice over.'
As Glenn’s primary confidants, Roenn and Sheryl were exceptionally efficient with logistics. They had drastically cut down the time he spent on approvals by filtering the trivial matters and providing concise summaries of the vital ones. It was no exaggeration to say they were the only reason the house was still functioning.
'I thought the staff at the Central Martial Palace were top-tier, but these two are in a different league.'
His personal subordinates were capable, but they couldn't hold a candle to the precision and speed of Sheryl or Roenn.
"We're nearing the end of the pile, so please persevere a bit longer."
Roenn offered a warm laugh, promising that a break was on the horizon.
"The Master of the Central Martial Palace is impressive indeed. I expected some complaints given it's your first week, but you've managed to process everything remarkably well."
Sheryl gave a low whistle, seemingly genuinely impressed by Karoon's work ethic.
"I still have much to learn," Karoon replied with a humble shake of his head. "Moving forward, I intend to finish all administrative duties by noon so I can focus the rest of my time on training."
He resolved not to let himself be chained to this desk until sundown every day.
"Hehe."
"That would be an ideal arrangement."
Roenn and Sheryl nodded, seemingly pleased with the growth Karoon was showing.
"Is this finally the last one?"
Just as Karoon reached for the final document with a sigh of relief—
Thud!
The heavy doors of the audience chamber swung open, and Chad, the leader of the Shadow Agents, came rushing toward them.
"Acting Head of House!"
Chad addressed Karoon by his temporary title and stopped at the center of the room.
"New intelligence reports and urgent approval requests have just arrived from across Zieghart and the rest of the continent!"
He presented a massive bundle of papers and folders, so thick they were difficult to carry.
"Hah..."
Karoon swallowed hard, staring at the fresh mountain of work that promised to keep him pinned to his seat. A cold sweat broke out on his neck; it felt as though he wasn't facing paperwork, but a high-level adversary he couldn't defeat.
"Sigh."
Karoon took a steadying breath, preparing to dive back in. But as he reached for the new documents—
"Hehe."
Roenn chuckled softly and pulled the stack away before Karoon could touch it.
"What are you doing?"
Karoon looked at Roenn, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"You've been confined to this desk all day. Why not step out for a breath of fresh air?"
Roenn bowed slightly, suggesting a brief excursion.
"He's right. If you stay cooped up in here any longer, you might not collapse physically, but the stress will certainly do you in."
Sheryl waved her hand dismissively, urging him to take a break.
"You two take your leave and rest. I will see this through."
Karoon gestured for them to go, intending to stay behind.
"The Acting Head needs to come as well."
Roenn’s smile was bright as he stepped toward the exit.
"Only then will you truly understand the nature of your work."
He beckoned Karoon to follow.
"Understand the nature of my work?"
Karoon’s frown deepened, failing to grasp Roenn’s meaning.
"I'm not a fan of procrastination either, but a moment of respite is necessary right now."
Sheryl moved to Roenn’s side, shrugging her shoulders.
"You've been at this for seven days straight. Clearing your mind will actually make you more productive when you return."
She smiled, insisting that a walk would help his efficiency.
"Hmm..."
Karoon glanced at the daunting pile of documents and gave in.
"Just a short one."
In truth, he felt he should keep working, but these were his father’s most trusted people. He couldn't simply dismiss their advice. He rose from his chair.
"A wise choice."
"Follow us. There's a particularly nice path nearby."
Sheryl and Roenn flanked him, guiding him out as if making sure he wouldn't turn back.
"Hm?"
As he walked with them, Karoon noticed they were heading away from the central estate, and his eyebrows shot up.
"Where are we going? The main gardens have plenty of walking paths."
He felt a bit of tension rising as they continued past the familiar grounds.
"Surely you didn't bring me out here for a drink..."
Karoon bit his lip as the lively, bustling commercial district of Zieghart came into view.
"Look there."
Roenn pointed toward the crowds, interrupting Karoon’s protest.
"The figures and statistics you've been handling on those papers... they are the people standing right in front of you."
He spoke softly, reminding Karoon that the ink on the pages represented the lives in this town.
"When you spend all day looking at reports, people start to look like nothing more than numbers and letters."
Sheryl offered a gentle smile as she watched the residents of Zieghart laughing with their partners and children, winding down after a long day of labor.
"Ah!"
A soft sound of realization escaped Karoon’s throat.
'It's true...'
After days of staring at nothing but ledgers and tallies, he had subconsciously begun to view the populace as mere data points, exactly as they had suspected.
"Look over that way."
Sheryl pointed to a massive structure under renovation on the edge of the district.
"That is the emergency shelter project you authorized a week ago. The words you read and the signature you provided have become that building."
She laughed warmly, noting that his decisions were physically shaping the reality of Zieghart.
"Ah..."
Karoon’s hands trembled slightly as he connected the dots between his administrative work and the living, breathing reality of the people. Seeing the faces of those who relied on the clan gave him a sudden, profound sense of both weight and exhilaration.
"Seeing this, I feel..."
Karoon balled his hands into fists and set his jaw.
"I feel like I must apply myself even more diligently."
He looked up, filled with a newfound sense of duty toward his role as the head of the household.
"And, well, there's one more thing I should probably mention..."
Sheryl looked a bit hesitant, as if she had been debating whether to say this.
"Go on."
Karoon nodded, ready to accept any further wisdom regarding his responsibilities.
"The reason your workload is so mountainous right now is actually..."
She paused for a second before finally letting the truth out.
"It's because the Head of House didn't do a single bit of work before he went into seclusion."
She scratched her head, looking a bit sheepish.
"Ah, I see. My father was testing my limits..."
Karoon nodded, assuming this was a calculated move by Glenn.
"Not exactly. He just hasn't felt like doing it lately. He’s spent most of his time sneaking off to the annex to play."
Sheryl sighed, explaining that even they couldn't get him to focus on his duties.
"Hehe..."
Roenn just laughed, unable to offer a defense.
"Uh..."
The sense of noble purpose that had filled Karoon’s chest vanished instantly, and his shoulders slumped. A wave of genuine, bone-deep fatigue suddenly crashed over him.
"Let’s just go back..."
