Chapter 787
“By a place that suits me perfectly… could it be…”
Raon gazed into the air for a moment before turning his eyes toward Rektor.
“Are you referring to the Holy Sword Alliance?”
Rektor currently belonged to the Holy Sword Alliance, an organization filled with swords and swordsmanship like a mountain. The only place that could be considered a perfect fit for what he was describing was indeed the Holy Sword Alliance.
“That’s right.”
Rektor nodded as he gripped the sword at his waist.
“As you know, the Holy Sword Alliance is part of the Five Demons. They have committed numerous atrocities to obtain swords and swordsmanship, including killing people and desecrating graves.”
Despite revealing his faction’s dark history, his gaze remained unwavering.
“But that was the will of the previous leader of the Holy Sword Alliance. True to their nature as a group of sword fanatics, they respect and follow the strong. Ever since I became the leader, I haven’t committed a single evil act.”
“So, it’s purely survival of the fittest.”
“Exactly. The Holy Sword Alliance doesn’t distinguish between good and evil. They simply worship and follow powerful swordsmen.”
Rektor furrowed his brows, explaining that the faction’s nature changed depending on its leader.
“It’s not just the leader. The hierarchy within the alliance is determined by the martial prowess and swordsmanship of all its members. The reason I was able to become the leader of the Holy Sword Alliance was due to that very system.”
He casually lowered his hand and grasped his own shoulder.
“Since everyone within the alliance, from the leader to the gatekeepers, is obsessed with the sword, countless sword techniques and countermeasures have been accumulated within the Holy Sword Alliance. You could turn all of that into growth and experience.”
Rektor nodded, convinced that this would be a great opportunity.
“Hmm…”
Raon licked his lips as he gazed into Rektor’s calm eyes.
‘This might not be a bad idea.’
Although he had reached the peak of the Grandmaster level, he had yet to even face the wall of Transcendence.
If he wanted to climb even higher, gaining new experiences wouldn’t be a bad option.
– “This king approves!”
Wrath eagerly raised his round fist.
‘Huh? Why all of a sudden?’
Raon was taken aback. He had expected Wrath to insist on staying in the annex and eating home-cooked meals instead.
– “You’re the grandson of the big boss! There will definitely be delicious food!” Keh-haha!
Wrath licked his lips, already fantasizing about the exquisite dishes he would get to eat.
Raon had briefly entertained the possibility, and indeed, Wrath had given a food-related answer like the glutton he was.
“You don’t need to worry about safety. I secretly relocated the Holy Sword Alliance headquarters without the Five Demons knowing.”
Rektor smirked, confident that none of the Five Demons were aware of their current location.
“So, you really only planned on extracting information from the beginning.”
Raon let out a small laugh at Rektor’s satisfaction.
“My only concern was rescuing you and Sylvia.”
Rektor sighed briefly, admitting that he had wanted to protect them in Edgar’s stead.
“Thank you.”
Feeling the sincerity in his words, Raon bowed respectfully.
“No need for that. We’re not strangers… Ah, that reminds me!”
Rektor’s eyes gleamed as if something had just occurred to him.
“Not long ago, someone reached the Transcendent level. Whether you converse with him or spar, it will be beneficial to you.”
He twirled his fingers, offering to arrange a meeting.
“Transcendence…”
Raon tightened his grip on his Heavenly Drive.
He knew nothing about this person—not their name, face, or age—but just hearing that they had reached Transcendence ignited his competitive spirit.
It seemed he had truly become a swordsman in both mind and spirit.
“I will go.”
Without any hesitation, Raon made his decision and bowed to Rektor.
“However, I must first get the patriarch’s approval.”
Considering the recent dangers he had faced, even if he was going with Rektor, he needed Glenn’s permission first.
“That won’t be a problem.”
Rektor shook his head nonchalantly.
“I already got his approval.”
“What? He already approved?”
“Yes. He said he would leave the decision up to you.”
He smiled, saying it was an uncharacteristic response from Glenn.
“Ah…”
Raon bit his lip as he looked toward the patriarch’s residence.
Rektor had said it was unlike Glenn, but to Raon, it was very much like him.
‘The patriarch wants me to grow stronger.’
It was clear that Glenn had placed his trust in him and made this decision for his sake.
To meet his expectations, Raon resolved to go to the Holy Sword Alliance and focus on his training.
“When do you plan to leave? Now that I think about it, you’ve been away for quite some time…”
“I need to see Sia wake up. I plan to leave as soon as she regains consciousness.”
“I understand.”
Raon found that agreeable since he wanted to greet his sister before leaving.
“Now that our departure is settled, how about we have a little chat through our swords?”
Rektor drew his blade as if suggesting a friendly duel.
“That sounds good.”
Raon smiled lightly and raised his Heavenly Drive.
– “By the looks of it, this won’t end until tomorrow.”
Wrath muttered in boredom before retreating into the Ice Flower Bracelet.
– “Yaaawn.”
Hearing Wrath’s exaggerated yawn, Raon swung his blade toward Rektor.
Boooom!
—
“You approved Raon’s trip to the Holy Sword Alliance?”
Rimmer narrowed his eyes as he looked up at Glenn.
“At a time like this? Why?”
He let out a deep sigh, unable to understand Glenn’s reasoning.
“In these chaotic times, staying within the Five Demons’ territory is actually safer than taking on missions. Since the Holy Sword Alliance has relocated and no one knows its current location, there’s no risk of another faction attacking.”
Glenn shook his head calmly, showing his trust in Rektor.
“Moreover, the current leader of the Holy Sword Alliance is strong. If he fully recovers from his internal injuries, he will be able to challenge the heads of the Five Demons.”
“I’m not questioning the safety issue—I’m asking about something else.”
“Something else?”
“You don’t want to send Raon to the Holy Sword Alliance, do you? You cherish your time with your grandson too much.”
Rimmer raised his eyebrows knowingly.
“I’m curious as well.”
Roenn, too, looked at Glenn with intrigue.
“I may not have spent much time with Raon, but Rektor has spent even less. He ascended to the leadership of the Holy Sword Alliance for Raon’s sake. I wanted to give them some time together. I am not such a petty man.”
Glenn looked down at Rimmer with a gaze full of disappointment.
“That’s a great thought. But what will you do if, by giving in so much, Raon ends up liking his paternal grandfather more?”
Rimmer rolled his eyes dramatically, clearly teasing Glenn.
“T-That would never happen.”
Glenn shook his head firmly as if such a thing was impossible.
“There’s a good chance it might.”
Rimmer wagged his finger, denying Glenn’s certainty.
“Raon still doesn’t call you ‘Grandfather’ easily. He says ‘Patriarch’ much more often.”
“T-That’s because it’s a formal setting…”
“As you’re well aware, Raon is still like a child when it comes to family relationships. He’s like a chick that’s just broken out of its shell. And now you’re sending him off to his paternal grandfather?”
Rimmer smirked mischievously.
“They’ll get close immediately! Later on, he might start calling Rektor ‘Grandfather’ while still calling you ‘Patriarch’!”
Rimmer turned to Roenn, as if asking for confirmation.
“Hahaha!”
Roenn chuckled at Rimmer’s amusing words.
“Oh, I stopped by the training ground a little earlier, and Rektor was teaching Raon swordsmanship. Raon was smiling the whole time and even calling him ‘Grandfather’ constantly. Is that the power of a true grandfather?”
“The training ground? Which one?!”
Glenn sprang from his throne.
“The fifth training ground, of course.”
Rimmer spread his right hand, showing five fingers.
“Ugh, my stomach feels off…”
Glenn clutched his abdomen, stepped off the platform, and immediately left the audience chamber.
Despite his words, instead of heading to the restroom, he leapt out the window and dashed toward the fifth training ground.
“Kehaha!”
Rimmer burst into laughter as he watched Glenn run.
“I knew it! That ridiculous pride of his!”
“That was cruel.”
Roenn shook his head, though he couldn’t hide the smile on his lips.
“Let’s go watch how this turns out.”
Rimmer slung an arm over Roenn’s shoulder and headed toward the training ground.
He wore a mischievous grin, already picturing the struggle on Raon’s face.
—
Boom!
As Raon was practicing his Mystic Soul Swordsmanship under Rektor’s guidance, the doors to the training ground slammed open.
“Hm?”
Thinking it was Rimmer, he turned around, only to see Glenn glaring at him with a fierce expression.
“Patriarch? What brings you here…?”
“Ahem, I couldn’t digest properly, so I came out for a walk.”
Glenn waved his hand dismissively, though his eyes gleamed like a hunter on the prowl.
“Ah… okay…”
Raon nodded in confusion before resuming his sword technique.
Tsk.
Just as he was about to thrust toward the upper left using the fifth stance, Glenn clicked his tongue.
“You should extend it faster and stronger from that position.”
He crossed his arms, murmuring about increasing both the speed and power of the technique.
“Understood.”
Raon listened to Glenn’s advice and reinforced the sharpness and velocity of his attack.
“No, that’s wrong!”
Rektor shook his head firmly.
“That may increase speed and power, but it diminishes the unique essence of the Mystic Soul Sword. It throws off the balance. Return to the original form I taught you.”
He demonstrated the proper stance once again.
“…Alright.”
Raon nodded and followed Rektor’s instructions, bringing back the distinctive flow of the Mystic Soul Sword, which allowed for a smoother transition between movements.
“Hmph…”
Glenn pursed his lips, seemingly conceding that Rektor knew more about this particular technique.
Whoosh!
After refining his Mystic Soul Swordsmanship , Raon immediately transitioned into practicing his Azure Sky Sword.
“Your swordsmanship is excellent as always. However, it would be better if you drew the sky higher.”
“Understood.”
Following Rektor’s suggestion, Raon focused his energy on creating a vast and lofty sky within his technique, making it feel as boundless as an autumn sky.
“That’s not it!”
Glenn strode forward, shaking his head.
“The true essence of the Azure Sky Sword lies in its boldness and grandeur!”
He demonstrated, emphasizing the overwhelming aura and sheer presence rather than height.
“Ah, understood.”
Raon quickly adjusted, infusing his strike with powerful momentum, his blade soaring through the air as if splitting the heavens.
“Mmm…”
“Ahem!”
This time, Rektor remained silent, seemingly acknowledging Glenn’s perspective, while a satisfied smirk formed on Glenn’s lips.
And so, their barrage of corrections continued. Raon, drenched in sweat, desperately followed both of their instructions.
“Raon! Use a heavy strike there!”
“Raon! Go for a swift attack! Speed is key!”
At the dining hall, they had teased each other playfully, but now, both Glenn and Rektor were completely serious, pouring their energy into teaching him.
His head spun so much that he wasn’t even sure what kind of sword strike he was making anymore.
‘My heart aches…’
They were both so genuine in their guidance that it pained him. He could feel himself improving, but keeping up with them was exhausting.
‘At least…’
One saving grace was that both of them were master swordsmen who had perfected countless techniques.
Both Glenn and Rektor firmly admitted when something wasn’t right and gave precise feedback. Though that only made things even more overwhelming.
Huff…
As Raon exhaled a rough breath and continued swinging his sword, he sensed someone approaching the training ground.
‘Mother? Please let it be Mother…’
He turned toward the entrance, desperately hoping for Sylvia’s arrival.
But instead, he saw Rimmer and Roenn stepping inside.
“I was right, wasn’t I?”
Rimmer clapped his hands in delight as he watched Raon caught between Glenn and Rektor.
“I told you this would happen!”
He laughed so hard he clutched his stomach, clearly entertained by Raon’s distressed expression.
“Haha.”
Roenn chuckled dryly, as if he hadn’t expected things to turn out this way.
“Well, since it’s come to this, how about we make a bet? Let’s see whose advice is more accurate. I’m putting my money on the Patriarch…”
Rimmer casually pulled out a gold coin, openly proposing a wager.
“Raon. What are you doing? Hurry up and demonstrate your swordsmanship.”
“Raon. This time, bring out your Sensory Sword.”
Glenn and Rektor completely ignored Rimmer, focusing solely on their competition of swordsmanship advice.
Raon almost wished the two of them would just fight each other instead.
“Ugh…”
He raised his Heavenly Drive with an exhausted grip and shot a glare at Rimmer.
‘You. No salary for a year!’
—
Even after being tormented by Glenn and Rektor all day, Raon still couldn’t catch a break. Naturally, it was because of Wrath.
– “Did you not promise to buy me whatever I wanted? Get going already!”
‘We just had some yesterday…’
– “It was only four scoops!”
Wrath smacked his back, demanding more ice cream.
– “A whole box of mint chocolate, and another of the new flavor!”
He huffed, blowing frosty air, insisting Raon keep his promise.
‘Sigh…’
Shaking his head, Raon stepped into the ice cream shop. As he approached the counter to place his order, a familiar face caught his eye.
“Runaan?”
Runaan was standing still in front of the ice cream display case, staring at it like a statue. She slowly turned her gaze toward him.
– “Oh, the ice cream girl! As expected, she’s here!”
Wrath grinned, delighted to see his kindred spirit.
“Raon.”
Runaan blinked lazily, her eyes lighting up slightly in recognition.
“How’s your injury?”
“All healed.”
She casually waved her arms and legs in a dance-like motion, showing she was fine. Answering that way to such a question was oddly fitting for her.
“Are you here to get ice cream?”
“Yeah. I’m buying some for my mom and dad.”
Runaan nodded, saying she planned to get several flavors.
“I’ll buy it for you. Pick whatever you want.”
“…Okay. Thanks.”
Her eyes brightened just a little as she immediately pressed her face back against the glass to choose.
– “Let’s pick ours quickly too!”
Wrath’s eyes sparkled as he scanned the display alongside Runaan.
‘We already decided—mint chocolate and the new flavor.’
– “Hmm, but now that I see it, that one looks good too…”
He smacked his lips at the sight of the pink strawberry ice cream.
‘Three boxes would be too much.’
– “We don’t come here every day! Buy it! Buy it for me!”
Wrath flailed in the air, demanding the extra scoop.
‘Fine, but you’re only eating one today.’
– “Deal!”
He nodded his chubby jaw in satisfaction.
“Haa…”
Raon let out a long sigh.
‘Am I raising a demon lord or a child…?’
He still couldn’t figure out what kind of creature Wrath was, capable of being so different when serious versus when eating.
“Raon.”
Just as he was about to order Wrath’s ice cream, Runaan approached.
“Did you pick everything?”
“Not ice cream. Can I ask you for another favor?”
She lowered her gaze slightly, as if she had something important to say.
“What is it?”
He was open to granting her request, so he asked first.
“Spar with me in front of my parents.”
Runaan bowed her head, earnestly making her request.
—
While Raon and Runaan discussed their sparring match…
“…Something’s not right.”
Federick let out a deep sigh and took Sia’s wrist, checking her pulse.
Examining her pupils, breathing, and the flow of mana within her, he gently lifted her eyelids.
“I see now…”
Federick bit his lip as if he had just realized something.
“What is it? What’s wrong with her?”
Glenn lowered his gaze heavily as he observed him.
“She’s perfectly healthy. Her wounds have healed, her life force is full, and all three of her dantians are stable.”
Federick clicked his tongue, saying she was so well that she couldn’t even be considered a patient anymore.
“Then why can’t she wake up?”
Rektor, staring at Sia, spoke with trembling lips.
“There’s no issue with her body. Not even with her soul. However…”
Federick stroked Sia’s hair and let out a deep sigh.
“There’s a problem between the two.”
