Chapter 781
After making a request to Helen, Raon headed toward Federick’s mansion.
‘How long was I asleep?’
– Two days.
Wrath clicked his tongue, muttering how pathetic it was.
– You’re young, no, still a child, and yet your stamina is this weak? When I was your age, I used molten lava as a blanket!
‘Didn’t you tell me to rest in the mental world…?’
Wrath had warned him not to overexert himself in the mental world because it could be life-threatening, yet now he was complaining about Raon waking up late. The Demon King’s double standards were baffling.
– Ha! A single day should’ve been enough! I haven’t eaten anything for two whole days! My stomach’s practically caving in! ‘Kehlok!’
Wrath shook his head, complaining about how hard it was to endure just smelling food.
‘Still coughing, huh? Are you okay?’
– I managed to recover a bit by sleeping briefly. ‘Kehlok!’
Although Wrath insisted Raon not worry, he coughed dryly again, clearly still unwell.
‘Is there no remedy for you?’
– Hah! A brat like you dares to worry about this Demon King? Wait until the blood on your head dries! ‘Kehlok!’
Wrath furrowed his brows, dismissing the suggestion outright.
‘You sure make a big deal about receiving rewards, though…’
– Th-That’s different! You think it’s enjoyable for my abilities to be wasted on your incessant yammering?
Wrath stubbornly insisted there was no need to worry. His mercurial nature made it hard to predict which mood he would stick to.
– Just get me some food already!
‘Alright, alright.’
As Raon engaged in their short banter, he arrived at Federick’s mansion before he knew it.
‘Knock, knock.’
“Come in.”
Federick’s kind voice called from inside the mansion.
As Raon entered, he saw Federick treating a patient in the medical room.
“Raon. Looks like you’re finally awake…”
“Raon!”
Before Federick could finish, Merlin appeared from the back of the room, practically bouncing toward them.
– Eek! ‘Kehlok!’ Eek! ‘Kehlok!’
Wrath, startled, let out a series of shrill cries and coughs.
“Did you sleep well? I carried you to the annex myself!”
Merlin waved her hand casually, as if asking if Raon remembered.
“Your grandfather followed me the entire time with such intense eyes—I thought he was a stalker!”
She boldly giggled, using Glenn as the target of her jokes.
“Lord Glenn did? Wait, why are you even here?”
Raon widened his eyes in surprise, not expecting Merlin to be at Federick’s mansion.
“Because Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, and Grandfather-in-law are all here. Of course, I had to come along.”
Merlin tilted her head as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Don’t you think you should change how you address them…?”
Raon’s jaw twitched as he looked at Merlin, astonished that she still used such casual terms. While it was understandable during the urgency of the war, he hadn’t expected her to stick with it. She was truly beyond reason.
“Hey! If you’re here, deal with this!”
Martha appeared from behind Merlin, scowling deeply.
“She keeps getting in the way while I’m trying to treat people!”
“I should be the one changing their bandages—I’m their daughter-in-law, after all.”
Merlin shrugged, as if she couldn’t understand what the issue was.
“That’s exactly why it’s a problem! You can’t even wrap the bandages properly!”
Martha gritted her teeth, glaring at Merlin.
“And why are you here?”
Raon exhaled, turning to the visibly annoyed Martha.
“There are too many patients, so I’ve been helping out.”
Martha nodded toward the patients, as if that should explain everything.
“Are you still learning medical skills?”
“She picks it up so quickly, it’s like second nature. She might surpass me soon.”
Federick chuckled, noting that Martha’s talents seemed to lean more toward medicine than the sword.
“You’re still thinking about back then, aren’t you…?”
Martha had started learning medicine after feeling helpless when the Light Wind Division was attacked by the Spear Flame Demon.
It seemed she still carried the weight of that regret.
“It’s not just that. I want to save my mother.”
Martha lowered her head, biting her lip.
“Hmm…”
“I told you I’d save her, but deep down, I had half given up.”
She exhaled heavily, setting aside a blood-stained bandage.
“As a mere Master, I thought it was impossible to defeat the Cult Leader of the White Blood Cult, one of the highest-ranked Transcendents. But…”
She met Raon’s eyes and gave him a faint smile.
“After seeing you rescue your family—and how your family cared for one another—I gained courage.”
She nodded, saying it gave her hope that she too could save her mother.
“I see…”
Raon lowered his head slightly, smiling.
Though he hadn’t saved everyone yet, knowing that Martha had gained courage made him believe he could rescue Sia too.
“I’ll do whatever it takes for that day to come.”
Martha’s determined eyes bore into his as she asked for his help.
“Of course. I’ll help you to the very end.”
Raon nodded firmly, moved by her resolve.
“Heh.”
Federick smiled softly, pleased by the conversation between Raon and Martha.
“……”
Surprisingly, Merlin said nothing. Her fingers twitched, as if she wanted to chime in, but perhaps out of respect for the family moment, she stayed silent.
– Kuh! The Beef Girl has truly grown!
Wrath clapped enthusiastically, marveling at Martha’s progress.
‘You say that every time.’
– This time I mean it! She’s not just some herbivore puffing up her fur; she’s revealing her claws for real!
Wrath chuckled, clearly impressed by her transformation.
– Of course, much of that change must be thanks to you.
‘Are you actually complimenting me?’
– The Beef Girl is one of my subordinates. ‘Kehlok!’
Wrath puffed out his chest, even while coughing, claiming he took responsibility for all his subordinates.
‘You’re right. Responsibility is important. For family and for allies, we must see it through to the end.’
Reflecting on Wrath’s words, Raon turned his gaze to Federick.
“How are my mother and the others?”
“They haven’t woken up yet, but they’re recovering steadily.”
Federick reassured Raon with a calming gesture.
“May I see them for a moment?”
“I’ll guide you!”
Merlin eagerly stepped forward, opening the door to the right infirmary.
“Haa…”
Raon exhaled softly as he stepped inside the room.
“I’ve been looking after them the whole time—changing their bandages, administering their medicine, even giving them massages!”
Merlin beamed as if waiting to be praised, bowing her head slightly.
“Hmm…”
Just as Merlin said, Sylvia, Rektar, and Edgar looked visibly healthier.
Their breathing was much more stable, and it seemed they would wake up soon.
– Mom! ‘Kehlok!’
Wrath, clinging to Sylvia’s forehead, sniffled dramatically.
– This brat here hasn’t fed me and just slept endlessly! I missed you, Mom!
He patted Sylvia’s head gently, pleading for her to wake up.
“Thank you, truly.”
Raon bowed deeply to Merlin, gratitude and guilt filling his heart for what she had done during and after the war.
“Why are you bowing to me?”
Merlin pulled him upright and clasped his hands with both of hers.
“Are you confessing in front of your family already? Isn’t it a bit early?”
She narrowed her eyes mischievously, curling her lips into a teasing smile.
“…You’re the one holding my hands.”
Raon shook her hands off, his shoulders twitching in exasperation.
“By the way, Sia—where is my sister?”
The infirmary only contained Edgar, Rektar, and Sylvia. Sia was nowhere to be seen.
“She’s being kept in check by Grandfather. There’s a risk she might lose control.”
Merlin pointed toward the main building, explaining that Glenn was keeping an eye on Sia.
“Merlin, I need to reenter my sister’s mental world. Can you help me?”
“Right now? That’ll be hard on you.”
“I’m fine.”
Although his body and mind still felt sore, seeing Murka’s past had left him restless. He couldn’t afford to wait.
“Alright.”
Merlin agreed, saying she would go ahead and prepare, and left for the main building.
Her casual demeanor, even when heading toward the fearsome audience hall that scared even the direct lineage, left Raon shaking his head in disbelief.
– Aren’t you following her right away?
‘I have something to do first.’
Raon left Federick’s mansion and returned to the annex.
In the short time he was gone, the annex’s dining table had been set with an array of dishes, lovingly prepared by Helen and the maids.
“You made the right decision! To protect Lady Sylvia, Young Master must eat well!”
Helen, looking relieved, pushed the dishes toward Raon.
– What in the world?! These dishes! ‘Kehlok!’
Wrath, astonished by the spread, drooled at the sight of the food.
‘You were whining about being hungry, so I asked Helen to prepare something. Just some meals for now.’
Raon sat at the table, waving a hand.
‘We’ll throw a proper feast with all your favorite dishes once everyone wakes up.’
– This is more than enough!
Wrath grinned widely, clearly satisfied with the current spread.
‘Then the first choice is…’
– Obviously the pineapple pizza!
Wrath pointed to the pizza topped with an entire slice of pineapple as if it were the most obvious answer.
‘Ah…’
—
In the underground audience hall, Raon explained to Glenn and Merlin what had happened in the mental world and shared Murka’s memories.
“Hmm, that’s an event I’ve never heard of before. Then again, there are so many that it’d be difficult to find.”
Glenn furrowed his brow, mentioning how capturing reclusive monsters or mystical beings to build achievements was still common practice.
“If the entire orc tribe possessed wisdom, they must have been an ancient race.”
Merlin exhaled softly, running her fingers across the old woman’s mask she carried.
“An ancient race?”
“Eden’s ultimate goal. They were special beings who lived during the reign of the Dragon of Destruction. They possessed intelligence and power beyond that of humans.”
She clicked her tongue, lamenting that there were likely very few left.
“Eshian must have returned to the forest knowing that the Green King and the orcs were part of an ancient race, hoping to gain monumental achievements.”
Merlin clenched her fists, her voice trembling with disgust. It seemed she had experienced something similar.
– ‘Sniffle…’
Wrath suddenly let out a sob, lowering his head.
– I didn’t know it went that far… What a pitiful fellow!
His eyes glistened, clearly moved by Murka’s rage and despair.
‘Which is why we have to let him rest in peace.’
Raon sighed, turning to Merlin.
“I’m going back in.”
“Got it.”
Merlin began condensing mana into her hands, preparing the gateway.
“Will you be alright?”
Glenn’s gaze softened with concern.
“Entering another person’s mental world consecutively isn’t a good idea.”
“No one else can do it right now. Besides…”
Raon smiled faintly, nodding.
“I want to wake my sister up before my mother does.”
“…Alright.”
Glenn placed a gentle hand on Raon’s shoulder, understanding there was no stopping him.
“Just don’t overdo it.”
“Yes.”
As Raon turned to Merlin, Wrath waved a hand dismissively.
– I won’t be coming this time.
Wrath declared that he would rest in the bracelet, claiming he was full and needed sleep.
– I’ve already said all I needed to say to him.
‘Said all you needed?’
– It’s none of your business!
Wrath retreated into the bracelet, refusing to elaborate further.
‘Such a simple guy.’
Raon chuckled softly and looked at Merlin, who nodded, signaling she was ready.
“Then, I’ll be back.”
Taking a deep breath, Raon reached out toward the blue pillar Merlin had created.
‘Whooosh!’
In an instant, the familiar sight of Glenn and Merlin vanished, replaced by the charred remains of the forest—the mental world of the Green King, Murka.
Murka stood in the center of the forest, just as before, holding his broken stone sword.
“Why have you returned?”
Murka furrowed his brows, clearly puzzled.
“I told you I’d be back.”
Raon approached Murka, drawing the [Heavenly Drive].
‘Rumble!’
Murka seemed to interpret Raon’s actions as a challenge, and a thick aura began to rise around his broken stone sword.
“Let’s spar.”
Unlike Murka, Raon’s blade radiated calm energy as he extended the [Heavenly Drive].
“What…?”
Murka’s eyes widened, unsure of what Raon meant.
“The swordsmen of Zieghart spar to cultivate camaraderie and skill. It’s training where we study each other’s techniques without harboring intent to kill.”
“……”
Murka’s gaze wavered, unsure of Raon’s intentions.
‘Tap.’
Raon stepped closer, lightly tapping Murka’s stone sword with the flat of his blade.
“Since our swords have crossed, I’ll take that as your agreement.”
Smiling faintly, Raon struck Murka’s sword forcefully, sending a sharp vibration through it that made Murka stagger.
“Hmm!”
Furrowing his brow, Murka swung his sword aggressively.
‘Boom!’
Raon blocked the strike and began speaking slowly.
“I was once chained by a human too.”
“What? What are you saying…?”
“Unlike you, I wasn’t deceived. My soul was bound by someone from the beginning. I had no freedom to do what I wanted or could have done.”
As Murka trembled, Raon shared his past. Of course, he couldn’t reveal his reincarnation, so he crafted the story as if it had happened in his youth.
“…It was how I managed to save Habun Castle. Thinking back, every step was a perilous gamble. Luck, youthful recklessness, and the favor of the castle lord who saw something in me—that’s what saved me. Oh, I even brought back a child and a gift from there. Now, that child is… hmm, seems my time’s up.”
Raon noticed his hand starting to fade and chuckled softly.
Having lived through so much, recounting even part of his life had consumed the time he could spend in the mental world.
“I’ll be back soon.”
Raon waved to the still-bewildered Murka before vanishing from the mental world like smoke.
“…So…”
Murka stared at the spot where Raon had disappeared, biting his lip deeply.
“Who’s the child, and what’s the gift…?”
—
‘Whoooosh!’
The light emanating from the helmet faded, and Raon slumped down.
“It’s over, isn’t it?”
Merlin smiled warmly at Raon as he lay limp.
“Indeed.”
Glenn nodded and moved Sia to a bed.
“Alright.”
Meanwhile, Merlin hoisted Raon onto her back with ease.
“I’ll take him back to the annex…”
“Stop there.”
Glenn stepped in front of her, frowning.
“Today, I’ll carry him.”
“What? Why?”
“You carried him yesterday. It’s only fair I do it today.”
Glenn extended his hand as if it were a foregone conclusion.
“What? That’s not a thing!”
Merlin refused, keeping a firm grip on Raon.
“Besides, it’s rare for me to get to smell Raon’s scent like this!”
“What scent?! Stop saying such nonsense!”
Glenn snapped, flicking his hand. In an instant, Raon was in his grasp instead of on Merlin’s back.
“Even if you’re my grandfather-in-law, some things are non-negotiable!”
Merlin clung to Glenn’s coat stubbornly, refusing to let him take Raon.
“…You’re not even afraid of me, are you?”
“Why would I be afraid of you, Grandfather?”
Merlin tilted her head, her wide eyes brimming with genuine confusion.
‘What is this girl…?’
Unlike others who feared and revered him, Merlin seemed immune to Glenn’s presence, even casually calling him “Grandfather.” It was incomprehensible.
As much as Glenn wanted to scold her, Raon and Sia owed her a great deal, so he couldn’t act harshly.
“Enough! I’ll be taking him today!”
With that, Glenn marched up the stairs, Raon in hand.
“No way!”
Merlin clapped her hands, and Raon slipped back onto her back.
“I’ll go ahead!”
“Not so fast!”
Glenn snatched Raon again and climbed the stairs, resolute not to let Merlin win.
“Ugh!”
Merlin grunted and chased after him, shouting, “Even if you’re my grandfather, I won’t back down on this!”
And so, the two of them, bickering like children, made their way to the annex, playing tug-of-war with Raon.
—
As soon as Raon regained his strength, he returned to the audience hall to reenter Murka’s mental world.
While sparring, he continued sharing the story of his life.
“…That’s how I defeated the specters of Eden and saved the Saint of Rags. I was finally able to repay a childhood debt of gratitude.”
“Those Eden bastards are everywhere, aren’t they?”
“There was a time I was captured by Eden during a mission. I thought there was no escape, but Lord Glenn and others came for me. The feelings I experienced that day can’t be put into words. It was when I learned the intangible value of bonds.”
“Bonds are deeply cherished in our tribe too. Helping even those who dislike you… your family must be like a tribe.”
“The Arian family we fought recently originally resided in a place called the Swamp of Death. The Eden specter who controlled that land…”
“To mock life and desecrate the dead to that extent… That creature deserved obliteration. I’m glad you dealt with it.”
At first, Murka wouldn’t even respond, but now he listened intently, reacting with surprise, anger, or admiration as Raon recounted his stories.
It seemed he had become engrossed in the sparring and conversation alike.
“…And so, I was able to save my family this time.”
Raon lowered the [Heavenly Drive] with a heavy breath, concluding his story with how he had reunited with his loved ones.
There was nothing left for him to say.
“So, your story isn’t over yet.”
Murka clicked his tongue in regret and lowered his stone sword to the ground.
“Like my ancestors, I wanted to form a good relationship with humans—humans like you.”
He raised his gaze to the ashen sky above before slowly lowering it to Raon.
“It feels like that wish has finally come true. Even if it’s at the end, I couldn’t be happier.”
Murka smiled, not with resolve or bitterness, but with a warmth that radiated from his eyes.
“You…”
“The oath I swore to protect that child binds me to this place. I vowed never to leave and never to let my will falter.”
He nodded and reversed his grip on the broken stone sword.
“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
Raon furrowed his brow, looking at Murka.
“Thank you.”
Murka’s smile deepened as he thrust the broken stone sword into his own chest.
‘Pierce!’
The sword pierced through him, and crimson blood began to flow.
“Murka!”
“My oath… If I were to die here by someone else’s hand, the child, Sia, would never wake again. I thought it would be better for her to remain asleep than to become a tool for monsters, a killing machine in their hands.”
Murka, coughing up blackened blood, explained the oath he had taken.
“But with you, it’s different. I trust you. I want to give that child a second chance at life.”
Even as blood gushed from his chest, his smile never wavered. He pulled the broken stone sword from his body.
‘Splatter!’
Blood, as red as any human’s, spilled out and stained the dead forest.
“Why…”
Raon swallowed dryly, looking at Murka.
“Why would you protect a human after being betrayed by one?”
He couldn’t fathom how Murka, who had been so deeply wronged by humans, could have made an oath to protect one. It was something Raon himself could never do.
“If a beast bites me, should I become a beast as well?”
In his orc form, Murka spoke with a humanity that surpassed most humans.
“Through this child’s eyes, I will continue to watch your life unfold.”
With those final words, Murka, along with the other orcs, turned into black ash and scattered into the wind.
‘Whooosh!’
From the spot where Murka had stood, a soft light began to rise from the ground he had steadfastly held until the very end.
