TRAIGS - Chapter 744

“A vessel that can contain anything…”

Raon swallowed dryly as he repeated Glenn’s words.

“What does that mean?”

Though he had trained in countless sword techniques, he had never considered himself special.

He couldn’t fathom how to fill a realm that even Glenn or Rektor hadn’t achieved.

“To train in myriad swords means to practice and refine every swordsmanship and its profound mysteries that exist in this world. But mastering all sword techniques is impossible.”

Glenn lowered his gaze slowly to look at his own feet.

“Naturally, there are techniques one focuses on more and those that must be let go. For me, while I devoted great effort to Thunder Swords among orthodox techniques, I barely dabbled in subtle swordsmanship. I imagine the Sword Demon was similar.”

He shook his head, suggesting that Rektor’s swordsmanship was also aligned with orthodox techniques.

“But you’re different.”

Glenn lifted his gaze to meet Raon’s wavering eyes.

“You’ve trained in everything, from the techniques you learned as a novice to the Azure Sky Sword, without letting go of a single one. As a result, your techniques, attributes, and mysteries aren’t skewed. You have an infinite number of paths for growth.”

He continued, smiling as though proud.

“Most would just pour time into training…”

Raon bit his lip, embarrassed.

“If it were only that, I wouldn’t say such things.”

Glenn tapped his temple as if urging Raon to realize something about himself.

“In the last war, you didn’t dominate enemies with powerful techniques. Instead, you dismantled their martial arts with swordsmanship. You employed every technique you had learned, from basic swordsmanship to the Azure Sky Sword. And you did so against stronger opponents. That’s something even I couldn’t do.”

He nodded, calling it a realm beyond mere talent.

“Raon, your vessel is so vast and deep that even I can’t grasp its limits. You are capable of achieving the true meaning of the myriad swords.”

Glenn’s gaze was filled with an expectation reserved for only Raon.

“That’s…”

Raon averted his gaze, unable to meet Glenn’s eyes.

‘I don’t even know what to say.’

Coming to train in swordsmanship only to receive such a gaze left him unsure of how to respond.

Especially since it was Glenn, the weight of it was even heavier.

-That old fool is spouting nonsense!-

Wrath raised his head haughtily.

-It’s only natural for your soul’s vessel to grow larger when you’re in the presence of a great being like me!-

He waved his chubby hands as if Raon should be grateful.

‘You helped, of course, but that’s not everything.’

Raon lowered his gaze, feeling the Ring of Fire circling his heart.

‘The Ring of Fire played an even greater role than Wrath.’

The Ring of Fire elevated the quality of his soul and guided his body and mind to grow in a way most suited to a martial artist.

If, as Glenn suggested, his vessel had truly expanded enough to contain the myriad swords, the Ring of Fire were likely the greatest factor.

“I’ll do my best.”

Raon bowed his head, coming to terms with his abilities and his vessel.

‘Nothing will change about how I train now.’

In fact, he found it enjoyable.

In his previous life, the techniques he learned were nothing but tools for killing, forced upon him. They were assassination skills meant to kill martial artists and sorcerers more advanced than him. Now, training in swordsmanship for himself brought him unparalleled joy.

“So, how should I approach training from now on?”

“I already told you—learn as many techniques as you can and gain as much experience as possible.”

Glenn stepped closer and nodded firmly.

“Starting today, I will teach you all the swordsmanship I know.”

He lifted the Heavenly Tremor Sword as if they were about to begin immediately.

“The first technique is called the Bewitching Flame Sword. It contains the essence of phantom swordsmanship and demonic swordsmanship that you haven’t yet mastered.”

Glenn slowly raised his sword, its arc twisting with an eerie flow as it descended, pressing heavily into the ground rather than cutting through it.

“This technique differs from the orthodox techniques you’ve learned so far, but mastering it will undoubtedly benefit you.”

Glenn demonstrated all the stances of the Bewitching Flame Sword and recited its mnemonic formulas before stepping back.

“Show me how you interpret it.”

“Understood.”

Raon’s eyes narrowed as he focused, resembling a leaf scrutinizing sunlight.

“Have you learned or seen this technique before?”

“No.”

Raon shook his head firmly.

“Then how can you replicate its phantom and demonic essence…?”

Glenn exhaled in astonishment, noting how Raon’s execution, though not perfect, captured the essence of the technique.

“I’ve faced many similar techniques.”

Raon shrugged. While it was his first time seeing the Bewitching Flame Sword, his battles against martial arts infused with phantom and demonic essences greatly aided him in interpreting the technique.

“Did you learn from your enemies?”

Instead of responding immediately, Raon closed his eyes. He melded the image of the Bewitching Flame Sword Glenn had shown with his own perception before reopening his eyes.

*Chiiiiing!*

Raon swung his sword. In the sinister yet graceful flow Glenn had demonstrated, he infused his unique resolve into the movement.

*Piiiiing!*

A sharp sound tore through the air as the Heavenly Drive emitted a shimmering aura that pressed heavily upon the ground.

Glenn’s eyebrows rose sharply at the sight, as though caught off guard.

Unbothered by Glenn’s reaction, Raon completed the technique and lowered his sword.

“Raon.”

Looking at the lowered Heavenly Drive, Glenn let out a hearty laugh.

“I believe there’s more to learn from enemies than in training.”

“A fine mindset.”

Glenn smiled faintly, evidently pleased with the answer.

“Though, it seems my library won’t last much longer.”

—

Raon took a short rest in the annex before leaving his room again before sunrise.

Despite sleeping less than three hours, he felt no fatigue.

*Grrrr…*

Wrath yawned drowsily, rubbing his eyes.

As if envy had turned to admiration, it seemed sloth was evolving as well.

-To think you’d change the abilities of the Monarchs at will! If the Demon God knew, he’d be furious!-

‘But he doesn’t know, does he?’

Raon waved his hand dismissively as he gestured toward the ground.

-He… he sees all!-

‘Then he must have seen you drooling over mint chocolate.’

Raon teased, poking Wrath’s flushed nose.

‘If he let that slide, your Demon God must be quite merciful.’

Wrath could only gnash his teeth, clearly unable to retort.

-You… you’ll face dire consequences someday…-

-You’re the only one who’d misuse Sloth like this!-

Wrath growled, thrusting his round face forward.

-Why does your power evolve into something as ridiculous as needing less sleep?!-

Wrath wrinkled his nose as he stared into Raon’s clear eyes.

‘Who knows.’

Raon chuckled, nodding slightly.

‘I didn’t expect this either.’

Perhaps due to prolonged training with reduced sleep, Sloth’s power had strengthened. Now, even three hours of sleep restored his stamina and mental fortitude as if he’d slept eight hours. Despite the lack of rest, he felt completely refreshed.

Wrath, mid-grumble, suddenly twitched his nose.

-The smell of freshly baked bread! And it has eggs!-

Wrath flew to the doorway in excitement.

-Hurry! There’s toast!-

*Sigh…*

Following Wrath’s excited sniffing, Raon found Judith holding a plate of egg toast at the entrance.

“I prepared this since I thought you’d leave early.”

Judith handed over toast and milk, insisting on a light meal before heading out.

“At this hour?”

“It’s my job as your personal maid.”

She bowed, treating it as a matter of course.

“Thanks.”

Raon smiled faintly as he bit into the toast.

The crunch of the warm bread paired with the savory ham and soft egg was delightful.

-Ahahaha!-

Wrath beamed, rubbing his cheeks in delight.

-This is good! Worlds apart from Nadine bread!-

Wrath seemed to have completely forgotten his earlier complaints, lost in happiness.

“Information on Derus Robert and the other Five Demons will likely come to me through Denning Rose.”

Judith informed him that information on the Five Demons would also be directed to the annex.

“Got it. Thank you.”

Raon nodded, returning the empty plate. Judith’s efficiency in handling information exceeded even the Shadow Agents Division’s, making her utterly reliable.

“This is nothing compared to what you’ve done for us.”

Judith bowed deeply, her smile more genuine than ever before.

“That’s not it…”

Raon waved his hand lightly.

“We’ve helped each other.”

“Ah…”

Unable to respond, Judith simply bowed her head deeply, feeling the sincerity in Raon’s words as he left the annex.

“…Thank you.”

Judith lowered her head further, gratitude filling her expression.

As Raon approached Training Ground 5, he heard the sound of swords being swung from inside.

When he opened the door, the entire Light Wind Division was already at their stations, immersed in sword training.

“Why are you all out here so early?”

Raon blinked, glancing up at the still-dark, pre-dawn sky.

There was more than an hour left until training officially began, but seeing them all gathered brought a faint chuckle to his lips.

“You set a goal for us to reach Master, division leader. The thought of using astral energy woke me up automatically,” Dorian said, clenching his fists with determination.

“I was the first one here! Believe me, the one and only Krein!” Krein raised his hand energetically, claiming the top spot.

“I’m the opposite. I came to complain,” Martha leaned forward, her brow furrowed.

“C-complain?” Raon took a step back under the force of Martha’s sharp tone.

“Why stop at Advanced Master? That’s not enough to get anywhere!” Martha shook her head fiercely.

“I’m aiming for Grandmaster,” she declared, flashing her teeth with determination.

“Me too,” Runaan said calmly, nodding. “If she can do it, so can I,” she added, swinging her sword lazily despite her half-asleep appearance.

“If both squad leaders are aiming for Grandmaster, I guess I have no choice.” Burren raised his right hand with a broad smile. “I’ll set my goal there too. I need to be a Grandmaster to gain Karoon’s recognition.”

“Grandmaster, huh… I think that’s achievable now,” Mark Gorton agreed, gripping his sword tightly to emphasize his resolve.

“You damn copycats! Stop following me!” Martha’s shoulders trembled with frustration.

However, rather than discouraging the others, her declaration seemed to inspire the entire division. Not just the squad leaders, but even the regular members set their sights higher, their determination burning brightly.

-How admirable!

Wrath nodded approvingly as he looked around at the Light Wind Division.

-My subordinates will certainly grow stronger! Well, except for that one with the annoying eyes.

He pouted, still displeased with Burren’s gaze.

Raon smiled faintly as he watched the swordsmen push each other to greater heights, their competitive spirit reignited.

‘It feels like old times.’

The Light Wind swordsmen reminded him of their trainee days, brimming with fierce enthusiasm and rivalry.

“Good. Goals should always be high.”

Raon nodded from the podium, his voice firm.

Having personally experienced the path to Master and Grandmaster, he felt confident he could guide them to even greater heights.

“To help you reach those higher places, I’ve prepared a new training method.”

Raon drew the Heavenly Drive and pointed it at the dim morning sky.

“From today, we’ll conduct one-on-one duels. One member will spar with me from dawn to noon, and another from afternoon to evening.”

He lowered his sword, stating that these duels would be held daily.

“Isn’t that just the same as before? Authorized violence!” Krein frowned.

“It’ll be different.”

Raon smiled faintly, leaving a hint of mystery.

“Who wants to go first?”

“Me!”

“Pick me!”

“I’ll go first!”

Unlike the past, when duels often left them groaning in protest, the entire division eagerly raised their hands.

It seemed the pain of training was preferable to the helplessness of being bystanders.

“Even Dorian?”

Raon felt a pang of emotion as he saw Dorian, who usually avoided attention, raising his hand.

“Dorian, you’d be the pick, but we need to respect the basics. Come forward, Krein.”

Raon chuckled lightly, pointing at Krein with the Heavenly Drive.

“Hoo…”

Krein took a deep breath as he stepped forward.

“I-I won’t lose easily this time…”

“Enough. What’s your best swordsmanship?”

“Huh? Me? Uh, it’s the Infinite Sword.”

“Show me all its forms.”

Before sparring, Raon stepped back and instructed Krein to demonstrate his swordsmanship.

“Got it,” Krein said, blinking rapidly before performing the entire Infinite Sword sequence.

Through the Ring of Fire, Raon analyzed Krein’s swordsmanship carefully, clicking his tongue.

‘The fusion of phantom, shifting, and rapid swordsmanship is well-balanced. Not bad.’

After fully grasping the essence and stances of the Infinite Sword, Raon stepped forward.

“I’ll only use the Infinite Sword to face you from now on.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that…?”

“Let’s begin.”

Not wanting to waste time, Raon immediately performed the second form of the Infinite Sword.

*Chiiiiing!*

The Heavenly Drive split into three blades, twisting toward Krein. His eyes widened in disbelief.

“T-this is the real Infinite Sword!”

“Think about how my sword differs from yours.”

Raon pressed Krein with a calm yet icy tone, forcing him to face the disparity head-on.

*Clang! Clang! Clang!*

Krein broke out in a cold sweat as he found himself being overwhelmed by his own strongest swordsmanship.

‘What is this…?’

Raon wasn’t using astral energy or overwhelming amounts of aura.

He was using even less aura than Krein, and the stances were ones Krein knew intimately, yet they were almost impossible to counter.

To think Raon could perfect the Infinite Sword after just seeing it once was unbelievable.

“Don’t retreat. Focus until the end!”

Raon guided Krein with precise advice while launching the fifth form of the Infinite Sword.

‘This is the way forward.’

Thanks to Glenn, Raon had a clear idea of how to train himself and develop the Light Wind Division.

By learning their swordsmanship, Raon expanded his own martial insights while showing them how their techniques could evolve and reach perfection—a mutually beneficial training method.

“Uraaah!”

With a fierce shout, Krein launched the fourth form of the Infinite Sword.

*Chiiiiing!*

Raon countered with the sixth form, deflecting Krein’s sword and striking his abdomen.

“Ugh…”

Krein stumbled but forced himself to stand, laughing through his exhaustion.

“In the past, I would have despaired at your talent, but not anymore.”

Despite biting his lips hard enough to draw blood, Krein didn’t look away from Raon’s sword.

“I, Krein of the Light Wind Division, won’t be the first to fall. I’ll be the first to move forward!”