Chapter 778

“Is that even possible?”

Raon’s eyes widened as he looked at Merlin.

“It’s been years since she put on that helmet, hasn’t it?”

Unlike himself or Runaan, Sia had likely donned the Orc King’s Helmet a long time ago. Raon couldn’t fathom how Merlin planned to confirm whether Sia’s soul still existed.

Especially since Sia, unlike Edgar, had only shown her monstrous side, making it even harder to understand.

“I once helped The Fallen One craft helmets and masks. I know the arrays of magic and sorcery involved, so I can connect to her,” Merlin said with a confident smile, as though it were a simple task.

– Isn’t she basically a stalker? She’s definitely skilled at spying. Kghak!

Wrath nodded, begrudgingly acknowledging Merlin’s talent for such things.

– If she says she can do it, then she probably can. Kghak!

Even as he coughed incessantly, Wrath admitted his trust in her abilities.

‘That’s true.’

Merlin had never failed to accomplish something she claimed she could do, no matter how peculiar—or outright bizarre—she was.

‘But what about you?’

Raon’s narrowed gaze shifted to Wrath. Watching him cough again after looking fine earlier made Raon feel guilty.

– What do you think this king is? A Demon King doesn’t need a human’s concern… kghak!

Wrath waved his hand dismissively, only to cough again.

– Forget about me and focus on the task at hand!

‘…Alright.’

Raon nodded briefly, shifting his attention back to Merlin.

As much as he was worried about Wrath, helping Sia had to come first.

“So, how does it work?”

“It’s simple.”

Merlin clasped her hands together, and a magic circle of mixed light and darkness appeared at her feet.

“Place the target on this magic circle and establish contact. Shall I activate it now?”

She smiled confidently, as though ready to proceed at any moment.

“Wait.”

Glenn stepped in front of her, shaking his head.

“Even if that’s possible, now is not the time.”

As he subtly twisted his sword, blood spattered from thin air, and a bisected eyeball dropped to the ground.

“Someone has been watching us.”

“Hmm….”

Raon furrowed his brow, staring at the disintegrating white ash of the severed eye.

‘Who could it be?’

It was undoubtedly one of the Five Demons, but Raon didn’t recognize the spell or sorcery used.

“If it becomes known that I’m not in Zieghart, the family might come under attack. The first priority is to return with the wounded as quickly as possible.”

Glenn wiped the blood from his sword and emphasized the need to return and secure Zieghart before finishing anything else.

“That makes sense,” Raon agreed, nodding at Glenn.

‘If word gets out that the family head is away, they’ll launch an attack immediately.’

Just like when Glenn fought the Supreme King of Death, there was a risk that the Five Demons or another faction could launch an assault on Zieghart itself.

With the Dragon Lord and another unknown figure already aware of their absence, returning quickly was imperative.

“If Grandfather-in-law says so, we should listen.”

Merlin smiled brightly and nodded.

“Why do you keep calling me Grandfather…?”

Glenn backed away, clearly flustered by her boldness.

“Because you ‘are’ my Grandfather-in-law.”

Merlin stepped forward as Glenn retreated, giving him a playful wink.

“Hmm….”

“It’s nonsense. Don’t mind her.”

Raon brushed Merlin aside and entered the Arian family’s residence.

‘Thankfully, no one has died.’

Thanks to Rector minimizing the explosion of the Soul Stone, there were only severely injured individuals, but no fatalities.

“Family Head, you should return first. I’ll move with the people from the Arian family.”

With Zieghart potentially under threat, it was better for Glenn to return quickly while Raon stayed behind to transport the wounded.

“Hmm, but—”

“No need for that.”

Before Glenn could object, Merlin interrupted with a wave of her hand.

“I’ve already set up teleportation coordinates near Zieghart.”

With a snap of her fingers, a glowing blue portal opened in the air.

Through the portal, they could see a snow-covered mountain near Zieghart.

“When… when did you…?”

Raon turned to Merlin, his jaw trembling in disbelief. He had only ever seen her in animal disguises and never imagined she had prepared something like this.

“Zieghart’s defenses are tight, so I had to dig it carefully, bit by bit,” Merlin said with a laugh, looking proud of her handiwork.

“Um….”

Glenn stared blankly at Merlin, unsure whether to praise her or demand the immediate removal of the portal.

– She’s a real stalker!

Wrath shouted before retreating into the bracelet, clearly spooked.

“Sigh….”

Raon sighed deeply and shook his head.

“Let’s just move first and figure it out later.”

—

A church bathed in holy light and faith.

“Arghhh!”

A robust middle-aged man screamed, clutching his right eye.

His eyeball, split in two, oozed out of its socket—it was the same eye Glenn had severed earlier.

“So, you failed.”

Derus Robert smirked and gestured toward Bardiel, who approached the middle-aged man.

“P-please… spare me….”

“Stay still.”

Bardiel grabbed the man’s head with a cold glare.

‘Crack!’

As blue light flashed from his palm, the man’s body convulsed as if electrocuted, white smoke streaming from his eye.

“Ugh….”

With a groan, he vomited black blood and collapsed, dead.

“Who spotted us?”

Derus tilted his chin, urging Bardiel to explain.

“Glenn Zieghart,” Bardiel replied, massaging his temple.

“Glenn? Start from the beginning.”

Derus, intrigued, stood and approached Bardiel.

“Go ahead,” he said.

“Yes. First, the Green King, the Dual-Headed Ogre, and the Soul Severing Sword….”

Bardiel recounted the events as if he had been on the battlefield himself, detailing everything to Derus.

“I see. So, that’s what happened.”

Derus chuckled gleefully before sitting back down.

“To lose the Dual-Headed Ogre, the Soul Severing Sword, and even the Green King… even if The Fallen One isn’t dead, Eden’s losses must be astronomical.”

Kubara, standing behind him, narrowed his eyes and nodded at the dire situation.

“All three were Grandmasters. The damage is immeasurable. Though I doubt the Heavenly Demon cares about that.”

Derus smiled knowingly, as though he understood the Heavenly Demon’s indifference.

“But….”

His gaze shifted to the crucifix hanging on the wall as he clicked his tongue.

“The Fallen One’s words bother me. What did he mean by ‘the final piece’?”

“Judging by his reaction, it seems he realized that Raon Zieghart possesses the power of a Demon King,” Bardiel said, lowering his head slightly.

“That’s possible. The Fallen One himself wields demonic energy. However….”

Derus trailed off, his tone suggesting he wasn’t entirely certain.

“In any case, the plan failed. Instead of growing stronger, we’ve suffered significant losses.”

Kubara sighed, lamenting the apparent collapse of their plans to bolster the Five Demons.

“Of course, Eden is in ruins. But we’ve gained something significant.”

Derus shook his head slowly, addressing Kubara.

“Glenn Zieghart won’t be able to act for a while.”

He clicked his tongue as he gazed at the sunlight streaming over the crucifix.

“What do you mean Glenn won’t be able to act?”

Kubara tilted his head, confused.

“Vitality has its limits, no matter how strong someone becomes. For someone like Glenn, who can’t defy age, exhausting vitality will take a significant toll. He won’t be able to leave Zieghart for some time.”

Derus chuckled, clearly delighted by the situation.

“It’s your turn now, Beorn.”

At his call, a red-haired young man stepped out of the shadows of the church.

“What do you think? Have you absorbed enough of Raon’s power?”

“Indeed, his talent and aura are extraordinary,” Beorn replied with a satisfied nod.

“Just before transcending, is it? Remarkable, truly remarkable,” Derus said, patting Beorn’s shoulder in approval.

“Are you ready?”

“…Yes.”

Beorn met Derus’s gaze with unwavering determination.

“Good.”

Derus placed his hand on Beorn’s head, and his form began to change.

‘Wooong!’

As Derus released the restrictions on Beorn, a dark smile spread across his face.

“It’s time for you to shatter Zieghart’s prestige.”

—

As soon as Raon returned to Zieghart, he took the wounded to the ragged saint, Federick.

“Saint, please help us!”

Raon bowed his head and laid down the injured—Sia wearing the Orc helmet, Edgar clad in Death Knight armor, Rector as the Holy Sword Alliance Leader, and finally Sylvia and Rimmer.

“I’ll be counting on you as well.”

Glenn requested Federick’s assistance before departing for the family head’s chambers.

“What is all this…?”

Federick gasped as he took in the sight of the wounded. When he spotted Merlin, his expression grew even more bewildered.

“Are these… hostages?”

“No, let me explain briefly.”

Raon quickly shook his head and recounted the events that had transpired.

“To think Eden’s wickedness could reach such heights….”

Federick trembled with rage, barely holding back his tears as he let out a long sigh and began examining the wounded.

“As you said, Rector, Sylvia, and Edgar seem to have truly returned from the brink of death. Their vitality is still unstable.”

“Then, is there a problem?”

“No, they just need time to adjust to the borrowed vitality. It’ll take a while for them to wake up, but once their internal and external injuries heal, they’ll be fine.”

Federick shook his head, assuring Raon that the three were no longer in danger.

“Phew….”

Raon let out a deep sigh of relief, holding his head.

If anything had gone wrong with his reunited family, it would’ve been devastating. Knowing they were safe finally set his heart at ease.

“Rimmer will wake up soon as well. He overexerted himself building the barrier, putting it above his own safety. I can’t believe he made such a mistake….”

Federick clicked his tongue, puzzled by the seasoned Rimmer’s unusual misstep.

“It wasn’t a mistake.”

Raon bit his lip.

Rimmer hadn’t made a mistake—he had become a shield to protect Raon. Knowing his intentions made Raon’s chest ache even more.

“He was faster than me. It’s annoying.”

Merlin growled at Rimmer like a displeased puppy, clearly upset that he had acted to protect Raon before she could.

“I see….”

Rimmer, who was always joking and teasing, had risked his life to protect Raon.

He had even recently asked Raon if he wanted to take on the responsibilities of a family head, a sign that he truly meant what he said.

‘When he wakes up, maybe I’ll give him money to gamble to his heart’s content.’

– Me too!

Wrath suddenly sprang up, waving his hand enthusiastically.

– I want money too! There are mountains of things I want to eat… kghak!

Wrath shook his head, clearly unwilling to let Gluttony have all the fun.

‘Alright.’

Raon chuckled softly and nodded.

– What?

Wrath’s eyes widened in disbelief.

– What’s gotten into you? Is the sun going to rise in the west tomorrow?

‘You’ve done a lot for me.’

Raon smirked and waved his hand dismissively. Among everyone who had helped him this time, Wrath’s contributions were the greatest.

For now, Raon decided he would grant Wrath anything he asked for.

– Kyah… Kghak! Hooong!

Wrath coughed but raised his arms triumphantly, clearly delighted.

“And lastly, your sister….”

Federick furrowed his brow as he examined Sia, who lay unconscious before him.

“How should I put it? Her breathing doesn’t feel human.”

He clicked his tongue, noting that she was breathing like an orc.

“She’s definitely been consumed by the helmet, but there’s something unusual. I’ll need to take a closer look.”

“Hm, and it seems she’s already awake….”

Before Federick could finish, crimson light burst from within the black orc helmet Sia wore.

“Grrrrr!”

Sia lashed out, slashing at Federick’s neck with her sharp claws.

‘Bang!’

Raon kicked the patient bed, diverting Sia’s attention away from Federick.

‘Crunch!’

Sia crushed the bed like a cookie, but Raon moved swiftly, striking with a frost-imbued fist.

“Urgh….”

As his punch landed on her solar plexus, Sia clutched her chest and crumpled to the floor.

‘Thud!’

Not missing the chance, Raon struck the back of her neck, knocking her unconscious once again.

“Ugh….”

Sia grit her teeth, resisting the urge to lose consciousness, but ultimately fell where she stood.

“Phew….”

Federick leaned against the wall, exhaling heavily.

“I’ll take care of my sister.”

Raon shook his head and hoisted Sia over his shoulder. Though exhausted, he knew he had to address her situation immediately.

“Alright. I’ll look after the others here.”

“Oh, but there’s more.”

Raon opened the door, revealing a long line of injured individuals—members of the Light Wind Division and the Arian family, all of whom had been hurt during the war. They waited outside Federick’s residence.

“Wha… what?”

“As I mentioned, there was a war, so there are quite a few wounded.”

Raon bowed deeply, entrusting the patients to Federick.

“That damn Glenn! So that’s why he disappeared so quietly!”

Federick ground his teeth, recalling Glenn vanishing without a word.

“If this is how it’s going to be, he should at least pay me for this!”

Despite his grumbling, Federick beckoned the first patient inside, his actions matching his title as a saint.

Raon quietly checked on his family members, who were resting peacefully, before leaving Federick’s residence.

—

Carrying Sia, Raon entered the audience chamber where Glenn waited.

“Follow me.”

Glenn opened a door to a secluded room on the right, leading down a staircase into the underground.

“Yes.”

Raon nodded and followed Glenn.

Unlike the grand atmosphere of the audience chamber, the staircase was low and well-lit, making it accessible even for children.

After descending to a depth of about two floors, they arrived at a softly pastel-toned room.

The space was modest and unadorned, with a small bookshelf, comfortable-looking chairs, a table, and unfinished paintings scattered around.

“This was your grandmother’s space when I was busy with work.”

Glenn ran his hand over the spotless bookshelf and chair, his expression unreadable.

“It’s the most secure place in Zieghart. You should proceed here.”

He gestured for Raon to use this room to access Sia’s mind.

“Ah….”

Raon swallowed dryly as he looked around. He realized he’d never heard anything about his grandmother before.

From the looks of the space, she must have been a humble person.

“Oh, Grandmother….”

Merlin bit her lip, her voice thick with emotion.

“You’re… uh, a little….”

Glenn frowned, clearly unsure how to handle Merlin’s reaction. It seemed she was becoming harder to deal with by the minute.

“Merlin. Let’s just get started.”

Before Glenn could grow irritated, Raon laid Sia down on the floor and gestured for Merlin to begin.

“Don’t worry. Everything’s ready.”

Merlin spread her hands, and a magic circle of interwoven light and darkness unfurled above the unconscious Sia.

‘Wooong!’

A pillar of blue light shot out from the black orc helmet Sia wore.

“All you need to do is place your hands on this pillar of light.”

Merlin smiled, extending her hand toward the light and urging Raon to join her.

“Please, take care of it.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? You’re not in the best condition right now.”

Glenn furrowed his brow, concerned for Raon’s wellbeing.

“I’ve done this before, so I know what I’m doing. If anything goes wrong, I’ll pull back immediately.”

Raon shook his head, reassuring Glenn that he had already made up his mind.

“…Alright. Just don’t push yourself too hard.”

After staring at Raon for a moment, Glenn finally nodded.

“Yes.”

Raon bowed his head before turning back to Merlin.

“When I count to three, place your hands on the helmet. One, two, three!”

As Merlin reached three, she and Raon extended their hands toward the blue light.

‘Fwoosh!’

In an instant, the world transformed.