Chapter 1289
Raon finished the administrative tasks of the head of house that had piled up during his secluded meditation with precision. Afterward, he stepped into the chamber situated to the right of the main audience hall.
The air inside smelled faintly of sun-bleached linen. The room was sparsely furnished with a patternless cot, a chair that looked uncomfortably rigid, and a weathered wooden desk accompanied by a simple shelving unit.
Resembling a modest farmhouse room, this was the personal sanctuary where the current leader of House Zieghart resided. Although there was a magnificent suite of rooms designed to reflect the prestige of the Zieghart patriarch, Glenn spent the vast majority of his time in these humble quarters.
—It’s bizarre every time I lay eyes on it.
Wrath scowled as he surveyed the surroundings.
—That old man is drowning in riches, so why does he insist on sleeping in such a primitive hole?
He shook his head aggressively, unable to fathom Glenn’s preferences.
I don’t fully grasp it either. But still...
Raon allowed a small smile to surface as he took a seat in the chair, which was indeed hard enough to make his back ache.
I know this is exactly who my grandfather is.
In the beginning, Raon had been dazzled by Glenn’s regal and imposing exterior, failing to see the man beneath. However, the true Glenn Zieghart he had come to understand was a humble and profoundly dedicated individual who would sacrifice everything for the sake of his kin and the honor of the house.
—You are just as much of a headache as that old fossil!
Wrath curled his lip in irritation.
—How is it that you grow more powerful every time you merely wave a piece of metal around? Even the Sword Demon King who once commanded the ancient Devildom couldn't have been this absurd! No, forget that—why did those volatile energies suddenly detonate like that!
He let out a heavy, frustrated sigh, still baffled as to why Glacier had surged out of control, considering it was a power he himself had originated.
It was likely trying to push me.
Raon chuckled softly, feeling the now perfectly harmonized currents of the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier.
It was as if they were telling me it’s alright to be confident now. They wanted to show me that I should place my trust in them.
Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier were like brothers to him, constants that had remained by his side just like Heavenly Drive. These two opposing forces of heat and frost must have triggered that simulated rampage to prove to him that he would not fall short, even when standing against absolute powers.
—That is pure drivel!
Wrath snorted in disbelief.
—Aura isn't a sentient being, so how could it possibly intend to give you confidence!
He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. As the one who had granted Raon the gift of Glacier, he found the notion particularly ridiculous.
No.
Raon pressed his palm against his chest and shut his eyes. He felt the fire of the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and the biting frost of Glacier thrumming in sync with his pulse, and then he slowly looked up.
Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier are very much alive.
A faint grin touched his lips; to him, these energies were far more than just spiritual conduits. It wasn't just the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation; Glacier had also evolved in a unique direction while being fostered within him, diverging from Wrath’s original intent.
—You’ve lost your mind!
Wrath sighed, exasperated.
—Then again, your insanity isn't exactly news! Enough! Let’s eat! I’ve been waiting an eternity!
He wagged his tail expectantly, demanding a meal immediately.
It should be arriving shortly.
Raon gestured for him to be patient.
—What is arriving? This King cannot hold out a moment longer! Hurry up and consume... Oh?
Wrath had been mid-complaint when his jaw dropped.
—Sniff? Hmm!
As he caught a scent and licked his lips, a soft knock preceded the door opening. Judiel entered and bowed deeply.
—Wait? Why is your servant here?
Wrath blinked, confused to see Judiel, who was supposed to be at the annex.
"Temporary head of house."
Judiel stepped inside with the same composed gaze she always maintained. She began to unwrap a bundle she carried, arranging various dishes on the table.
"I’ve prepared the refreshments you requested. Please enjoy them while they are still hot."
She bowed again, signaling him to eat before the temperature dropped, and then retreated.
—Ooooh!
The moment Wrath recognized the familiar scents of the annex's kitchen, he began to drool.
—Y-you... when did you arrange for this?
He beamed, genuinely surprised by the arrival of the food.
I spoke with Roenn after I finished stabilizing the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier.
Raon smiled at the steaming plates.
You likely didn't hear me because you were too busy complaining about your stomach.
He had made the request right in front of Wrath, but the King of Essence had been too caught up in his own hunger to notice.
"Thank you."
Raon nodded, taking the utensils Judiel offered.
"It is my pleasure. In fact, everyone was delighted to hear that the temporary head of house wanted a taste of the annex's cooking."
Judiel smiled warmly, mentioning that Sylvia and the other maids had collaborated to prepare the meal.
"I shall leave you to your meal."
She bowed once more and exited the room to avoid interrupting him.
—Hehehehe!
Wrath licked his lips and let out a laugh that sounded suspiciously like a villain’s cackle.
—For you to be this thoughtful! It must mean you are finally ready to submit to This King! Excellent! I shall accept your tribute!
He began issuing orders to start with the steak and the butter-seared shrimp, clearly misinterpreting the gesture.
The main hall was closed, and I wanted to eat while reviewing some things.
—Fine. Look at whatever you need to while you work!
Wrath wasn't really paying attention anymore, nodding along as long as the food was being consumed.
Alright then.
Raon spread butter over a piece of warm bread and took a bite.
—Ha! This is what bread is supposed to be! Anything that feels like chewing on rubber is an insult to the name!
Wrath’s blue tail twitched happily, savoring the taste of fresh, savory bread after a long hiatus.
—So, what exactly are you looking at while we eat?
He seemed to regain a bit of focus now that his initial hunger was being addressed.
This.
Raon smirked and flicked his finger.
[You have earned the acknowledgment of <Pride>.]
[You have earned the acknowledgment of the <Avatar of Martial Arts>.]
[You have accomplished a magnificent feat.]
[All attributes have increased by 100 points.]
[The level of the trait <Bleeding Curse> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Wrath Release> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Authority Enhancement> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Authority Manipulation> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Askara's Fighting Spirit> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Crisis Detection> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Spirit Transformation> has risen.]
He summoned the notifications for the rewards he gained from the Monarch of Pride and the Heavenly Demon while finishing the bread.
—Uh...?
Wrath’s jaw hung slack as he scrolled through the extensive list of bonuses.
—T-this is...
I didn't have a chance to look at it earlier.
Since there had been more pressing concerns at the time, he had delayed the review until now.
Uuuuuung!
As every attribute climbed by 100 points, a surge of fresh vitality flooded his body—a body that had already surpassed the constraints of human limits. Even if the shift wasn't as seismic as previous leaps, he could feel his physical form becoming even more refined.
A lot of traits leveled up too.
Raon tasted his food with satisfaction, noting the upgrades to seven distinct traits.
—Agh!
Wrath’s lips trembled as if he were feeling physically ill.
—I-I’m losing my appetite... let’s save the rest for later...
Just as he was about to suggest focusing on the meat, Raon pulled up the next set of messages.
[Your legendary achievement echoes throughout the Continent.]
[Your soul's realm and your renown have surged.]
[All attributes have increased by 50 points.]
[The title <Hero> has been bestowed.]
This is quite significant as well.
Raon rubbed his chin, looking at the rewards tied to the actions of the Black Market leader, Roseline.
—Urp...
Wrath looked as though he were suffering from severe indigestion.
—F-fifty points... and that specific title...
He bit his lip, looking genuinely pained.
Huuuuk!
Following the initial 100-point boost, this additional 50-point increase created a palpable change. It seemed his physical potential was truly bottomless.
<Hero>
A title granted when a monumental deed, performed for the sake of others rather than oneself, becomes known to the world.
When fighting for the lives or well-being of others, your martial prowess and mental fortitude will reach even greater heights.
A hero...
Raon hesitated as he read the description of the <Hero> title.
Does such a name truly fit someone like me?
While it was true he had confronted the Heavenly Demon to settle the debt for the massacre at Birdnew Village, he had also ensured he gained personal strength and status in the process. He wasn't sure if he was the type of person who deserved such a title.
—I-it doesn't fit you! Not in the slightest!
Wrath gnashed his teeth, insisting that Raon and the concept of a hero were fundamentally incompatible.
—You should have titles like malicious spirit, phantom, fraud, or bandit!
He shook his fists, reminding Raon that he was still technically siphoning power from him.
Perhaps you're right.
Raon laughed softly and nodded.
—Heuuu...
Wrath’s shoulders slumped as he exhaled a ragged breath.
—I... I feel drained just looking at these alerts. Just eat the meat already...
He gestured weakly, claiming he had a headache and just wanted to focus on the food.
Fine.
Raon speared a piece of well-prepared meat as Wrath wanted.
Just one last message to check.
He flicked his finger again to bring up the final set of notifications.
[The level of the trait <Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Glacier> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Water Resistance> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Fire Resistance> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Water Affinity> has risen.]
[The level of the trait <Fire Affinity> has risen.]
[All attributes have increased by 50 points.]
Raon took a moment to process the final update.
Finally, Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier have reached the 11-star rank.
He had hit the 10-star mark a long time ago, and while his progress had been steady, the actual rank hadn't budged until today. He had finally broken through that ceiling.
If I have this power now...
Raon tightened his grip, feeling the heat of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and the chill of Glacier simmering within him like molten rock beneath a glacier.
I might actually be able to manifest the gold and silver light I've envisioned.
The flawless golden fire the First Patriarch once commanded, and the pure silver frost Wrath had displayed during his descent—his heart raced at the thought of finally being able to execute those legendary techniques with his own strength.
—Geuruk!
Wrath let out a strange, strangled sound, his face flushed with frustration.
—M-my authority is slipping away again...
His eyes darted around, realizing a massive portion of his power had been integrated into Raon's growth.
Ah, there were more attribute points.
Raon finally closed the windows after confirming the last 50-point increase to all his stats.
That was quick. Now, let's eat.
Raon announced he was finished with the menus and would focus on the meal, lifting the meat to his mouth.
—Forget the food! I’ve completely lost the urge to eat!
Wrath looked up, his teeth gritted in fury.
—Let’s just fight! I’ll finish you off before I ever deal with Pride!
He screamed and lunged at Raon, unable to take any more.
If you’re planning on giving me even more attribute points...
Raon smirked as he chewed the beef.
I certainly won't say no.
Kuguuuuuu.
The martial artists of Zieghart congregated at the head of house's central training grounds, which were currently being renovated.
Since nearly every swordsman not currently on a mission or guarding the perimeter had been summoned, even this massive space felt overcrowded.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"I know. Has the temporary head of house ever called a general assembly like this?"
"Not just him—even the actual head of house rarely gathers this many people at once."
"True. Usually, there’s a rotation of staff left out."
"Has a conflict broken out somewhere?"
The warriors whispered among themselves, trying to guess Raon’s motives for the sudden meeting.
"Is this regarding his recent encounter with Eden?"
Burren frowned slightly, unable to read Raon’s play.
"Maybe, maybe not. Trying to guess what goes on in that guy's head is a losing game."
Martha stood with her arms crossed, looking bored but attentive.
"......"
Runaan kept her gaze lowered, seemingly indifferent to the reason as long as Raon was the one who called.
"Heu..."
Dorian was practically vibrating, clutching his arms as if he were coming down with a fever.
"What’s the matter with you?"
Krein looked at Dorian with concern.
"I-I have a terrible intuition. Whenever I start shaking like this, it means something disastrous is on the horizon..."
Dorian swallowed hard, convinced Raon was about to stir up trouble.
"Trouble? Don't be ridiculous! Our palace master might be eccentric, but he's acting as the head of house right now. He wouldn't just cause a scene for no reason!"
Krein dismissed the idea.
"He’s probably just here to give us a pep talk before the war starts..."
Just as he spoke:
"The temporary head of house is arriving!"
The sentries at the entrance announced his presence, lowering the massive decorative swords that guarded the path.
Kuuuuung!
As the heavy metal struck the ground, Raon, draped in his signature dark coat, stepped into the training area.
"See! He looks like his usual self... Wait. Uh...?"
Krein nearly fell over when he caught sight of the sharp, twisted grin on Raon’s face.
"N-no way..."
That look was one Krein recognized far too well. It was the predatory gaze Raon wore whenever he was about to push them to the absolute brink of death under the guise of "training."
"What's wrong?"
"What are you seeing?"
"Why did you turn pale all of a sudden?"
The nearby swordsmen from the martial force division helped Krein up, looking at him in confusion.
"Y-you guys. No... all of us..."
Krein felt a wave of genuine dread wash over him.
"We are all going to die!"
