Chapter 799
“Are you saying there’s no way?”
Raon’s fingertips trembled. He had placed high hopes on Lawrence, so hearing that there was no solution felt like his heart was sinking.
‘No, wait….’
That wasn’t the gaze of someone who had completely given up.
Despite his words, Lawrence’s golden eyes still held a faint glimmer.
It seemed difficult, but there was a way.
“Sir Lawrence, don’t tell me….”
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked down at Lawrence.
“You’re not about to say something like, ‘It’s so difficult that it’s practically impossible,’ are you?”
“Uh…?”
Lawrence blinked as if caught off guard.
“Well, that is….”
“In a world that moves so fast these days, that kind of wording isn’t ideal. More than that, it’s just too obvious.”
Raon shook his head in disappointment.
“No, I was just… Ugh, you’re not wrong, but….”
Lawrence stammered before lowering his head. As expected, there was a way, but it was so difficult that he had chosen to say there was none.
– “Do you not have a shred of sympathy in you?”
Wrath raised his now-reddened eyes.
– “After hearing that poor man’s story, how can you say something like that!”
‘Sir Lawrence said it himself. He wanted to change the mood. Staying downcast would be even more disrespectful.’
– “You’re the one who made that grasshopper all downcast in the first place!”
Wrath pointed at Lawrence, who was hanging his head.
– “From now on, I shall see you as one of the Angels! You wretched Angel!”
He grit his teeth, muttering about how he could almost see white wings sprouting from Raon’s back.
“Hah, what the hell is wrong with that tongue of yours.”
Lawrence shook his head as he looked at Raon.
“With that mouth running nonstop, it must be exhausting for the Lord as well.”
“To me, he is the most polite grandson of all.”
Rektor waved his hand, telling him not to compare Raon to others.
“That’s quite different from Edgar.”
Lawrence frowned as he turned to Raon.
“Sigh, you’re right. It’s incredibly difficult, so I said there was no way. I didn’t realize how obvious that would sound….”
Scratching his cheek in embarrassment, he let out a deep sigh.
“You should get out of the Holy Sword Alliance once in a while. There are plenty of great places I could introduce you to.”
Raon offered a light smile and extended his hand.
“No thanks. If I stick around you, my insides will rot away.”
Lawrence clenched his teeth as if outright rejecting the idea.
“But at least there is a way to save my friend’s mother, right?”
Suppressing his pounding heart, Raon took a step closer to Lawrence.
“Yes.”
Lawrence nodded firmly.
“And that method is….”
“Hold on a moment.”
Raon raised his hand, stopping Lawrence from speaking.
“Hold on?”
“I don’t think this is something I should hear alone.”
If Martha were in Zieghart, that would be one thing, but at this point, he wanted her to hear it together.
“You mean to bring your friend here.”
Lawrence nodded, understanding his intent.
“Yes. That’s the right way to do it.”
He crossed his arms, signaling he would wait here.
“Martha should be at the mansion.”
Rektor smiled, urging him to hurry.
“Yes, then I’ll be off.”
Raon bowed to Rektor and Lawrence before immediately heading down the mountain.
“Lord… no, old man.”
Watching Raon’s retreating figure, Lawrence’s lips curled into a faint smile.
“You’ve got a disciple who’s finally come to his senses and a lunatic of a grandson. Seems like fortune is smiling on you in your twilight years.”
“It’s not just my twilight years.”
Rektor gently smiled as he placed a hand on Lawrence’s disheveled hair.
“You are also my blessing.”
—
Thud!
The moment Raon opened the mansion’s door, Martha thrust her face out.
“What took you so long?! The food’s already set on the table!”
She frowned, telling him to wash his hands and sit down.
“Wait a second.”
Closing the mansion door, Raon pulled Martha aside.
“Hm?”
Realizing it was urgent, Martha approached, still holding a plate of food.
“I’m sorry, but we’ll eat later. Something important has come up.”
“Something important?”
“It’s about your mother….”
He quickly summarized what had happened.
“Ah….”
Martha’s legs gave out, and she sank to the ground. The plate of meatballs she was holding rolled onto the floor.
“A-Are you serious? All of that….”
“It’s true.”
Raon nodded solemnly.
“I’m sorry for revealing your secret without asking, but to find out the truth—”
“That doesn’t matter!”
Martha clenched her teeth, her dark eyes rising.
“If there’s a way to save my mother, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
She forced herself to her feet, declaring that they should head to the cave immediately.
“Then let’s go—”
“Wait.”
Martha turned back just as she was about to follow Raon out.
“Hey! Come out!”
At her call, Runaan and Burren peeked out from behind the dining room wall.
“S-Sorry….”
“We, we didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but we couldn’t help it….”
Runaan and Burren lowered their heads in apology.
“You already knew about this anyway.”
Martha shook her head calmly.
“You two are coming too.”
She gestured for them to join.
“Huh…?”
“We are?”
“You weren’t planning to help?”
Martha frowned as if asking why they were even questioning it.
“O-Of course we’ll help! Helping comrades is what a Zieghart swordsman should do!”
Burren nodded hastily, looking flustered.
“The Rakshasa’s matter is my matter.”
Despite her usual blank expression, Runaan spoke firmly.
“Then let’s go.”
As if leading them, Martha was the first to step out of the mansion and head up the mountain.
“Yeah!”
“R-Right.”
Without hesitation, Runaan and Burren followed right behind her.
‘That’s nice to see.’
Watching the three of them, Raon smiled warmly.
‘Looks like they’re finally on the same page.’
– “A good sight, but you were the one who orchestrated all of this!”
Wrath snorted.
– “A sly fox like you wouldn’t just let things happen by chance. You knew exactly how the beef girl would react, so you made sure they all heard it!”
He lifted his chin as if he had figured everything out.
‘Oh, you noticed? You’re getting sharper!’
– “Do not underestimate this king! In matters of human nature, I surpass you!”
‘That’s kind of sad….’
Every time Wrath pointed out Raon’s lack of humanity, it felt strangely genuine, which hurt a little.
“Well, either way, it’s nice to see them acting like a family now.”
Raon nodded in satisfaction as he watched Martha, Burren, and Runaan walking in a line.
“Who’s a family?!”
Martha shot a glare over her shoulder.
“There’s no way I’d be family with someone that violent….”
Burren shook his head as if the idea was unbearable.
“I am a refined lady.”
Runaan blinked her blank eyes, insisting that she shouldn’t be compared to the Rakshasa.
The three of them bickered with different opinions, but it somehow made them seem even closer.
“Let’s pick up the pace. They’re waiting for us.”
Raon smiled slightly and led them toward Lawrence’s cave.
“I’ve brought her.”
With a slight bow, he stepped aside to let Martha stand before Lawrence.
“So you are….”
Lawrence trailed off as he looked at Martha, then let out a deep sigh.
“It’s okay. I’ve already accepted everything.”
Unlike Lawrence, who looked troubled, Martha nodded calmly.
“Just tell me. There really is a way to save my mother, right?”
She bent forward slightly, her posture steady, but her shoulders trembled. She was so tense it felt as if her heart might drop.
“Yes. There is a way. But it’s close to impossible.”
“Tell me.”
Martha bit her lip, as if prepared to hear anything.
“There are three conditions. Each one is incredibly difficult.”
Lawrence raised three fingers.
“The first condition is subduing the White Blood Cult Leader. You cannot kill her—you must push her to the brink of death without letting her die.”
His expression darkened as he spoke.
“As you all know, that monster grows stronger with time. Pushing her to the edge of death without killing her is an incredibly difficult feat. Among the leaders of the Five Demons, only a handful could pull that off.”
“That makes sense. As things stand, the only person in the Five Kings who can subdue the White Blood Cult Leader is our Lord.”
Aside from the weakened Beast King Ogram, the Silent Sword King Lecross, the Lord of the Magic Tower Larian, and the Archmage of Illusion Chamber could all fight the White Blood Cult Leader.
However, the only person who could subdue her and leave her on the verge of death was the North-Slaying King, Glenn Zieghart.
“The first condition is already extreme, and the second one isn’t any easier.”
Lawrence shook his head slightly.
“The second condition is that there must be a viable body nearby for the White Blood Cult Leader to transfer into.”
“A body to transfer into…?”
“The White Blood Cult Leader has survived for centuries by transferring between bodies. She can enter another’s body in her spirit form and take full control of it.”
His eyes filled with disgust as he continued.
“However, she doesn’t kill the original soul. Instead, she extracts the body’s potential to fully utilize her own abilities. You could say it’s part of the contract she makes with the host.”
Lawrence clicked his tongue, explaining that this was the reason Martha’s mother was still alive.
“Ugh….”
Martha clenched the cheap necklace hanging from her neck.
Now she understood why the White Blood Cult Leader was still wearing the old necklace she and her mother had once matched.
“When she moves to a new body, she erases the lingering memories and lifeblood of the old one by completely killing the original soul.”
Lawrence lowered his head as if apologizing for even speaking of it.
“But if she is in danger, she’ll immediately extract her soul, regardless of what happens to the original body. If that happens, the original soul will never be saved.”
He let out a heavy sigh, stating that this was the only possible method.
“The problem is that there are very few bodies capable of accepting the White Blood Cult Leader’s soul. The Blood Fiends have been sending offerings to the sacrificial altar, but finding a suitable vessel is extremely rare.”
He furrowed his brows, saying that the second condition might be even harder than the first.
“Then what’s the third condition?”
Raon glanced at Lawrence’s second raised finger.
“The third is that we must kill the White Blood Cult Leader’s soul before it can enter a new body.”
Lawrence shook his head grimly.
“In her spirit form?”
“Yes.”
He nodded firmly.
“The White Blood Cult Leader can control all the lifeblood in the world. If she enters a new body, she can use the lingering blood from her previous vessel as a hostage.”
Lawrence bit his lip, saying that every part of this plan was incredibly difficult.
“That’s why I said there was no way. It’s as close to impossible as you can get….”
“Then I’ll be the second hostage.”
Martha pounded her chest with her fist.
“My mother and I are alike. I’m sure that monster will have space for me as well.”
She nodded, recalling how the Ten Apostles had recognized and targeted her before.
“Then I’ll handle the first one.”
Raon stepped forward, acknowledging Martha’s words.
“I’ll take down the White Blood Cult Leader.”
He spoke of one of the continent’s most powerful beings as if she were just a local thug.
“So, we’ll be the ones providing backup.”
Burren swallowed dryly and clenched his fists.
“Yes. Whatever it takes.”
Runaan also nodded, showing her determination.
“N-No, wait!”
Lawrence suddenly shot to his feet.
“Did you even hear what I said? You can’t just agree so easily—”
“We heard you loud and clear. We subdue the White Blood Cult Leader and kill her before she enters a new body. Isn’t that what you said?”
Raon condensed Lawrence’s long-winded explanation into a single sentence.
“Well, I mean, you’re not wrong….”
Lawrence’s jaw trembled as if in disbelief.
“Even if we assume Martha could be a suitable vessel for the White Blood Cult Leader’s soul, how do you plan on subduing and killing her in the first place?!”
“We fight, train, and grow stronger. That’s why we came here.”
Raon nodded as if it were a simple matter.
“That’s easy to say….”
Lawrence’s eyes wavered as he looked at Raon and Martha, both smiling.
“It’s like being lost in an endless ocean, and suddenly a map falls right into my lap. Even if I have to cross molten lava and face raging storms, I can only feel excited.”
Raon grinned at Lawrence.
‘Because now we have a way.’
Even without knowing how to save Martha’s mother, he had vowed to do it. And now, Lawrence had given him the means.
No matter how difficult it was, he couldn’t help but smile.
“Thank you.”
Martha drew her sword and performed Zieghart’s sword salute. It was the first time Raon had seen her show such a formal gesture of respect.
“Thank you.”
“Thanks.”
Runaan and Burren also expressed their gratitude for helping their friend.
“Then let’s head back.”
Martha turned without a moment’s hesitation.
“Back? Already?”
“We need to train. There’s no time to waste.”
She nodded, saying she needed to become a Grandmaster at the very least to be of any help.
“She’s right….”
“Well, that means dinner’s over.”
Burren and Runaan shrugged before following her.
“…Wait.”
Lawrence’s jaw trembled as he watched the three of them leave without a shred of hesitation.
‘Do they not feel fear?’
If they hadn’t seen the White Blood Cult Leader in person, he could understand. But they had. And yet, they showed no fear.
Even knowing how powerful she was, they still believed they could win.
‘How…?’
Despite swearing revenge for his mother, he had used training as an excuse to hide in the cave.
Even after reaching Transcendence, he still feared the White Blood Cult Leader.
But those much younger and weaker than him were preparing to face her head-on, firm in their resolve to fight.
Shame swelled in his chest, making it hard to lift his head.
“It’ll be tough. It’ll be terrifying and painful.”
Raon nodded as if he understood Lawrence’s turmoil.
“But it’s something that has to be done. You feel the same way, don’t you, Sir Lawrence?”
Lawrence’s lips quivered.
‘Something that has to be done….’
At those words, he recalled his real mother’s face, smiling even as she lay dying.
He had sworn revenge with his soul, yet he had become a coward.
‘This might be my last chance.’
Alone, he would never be able to do it. But thinking about fighting alongside those kids, for some reason, gave him courage.
“You’re right. I’ve buried the thing I must do deep inside my heart.”
Lawrence nodded, his lips curling into a smile laced with moisture.
“I’ll help. Whether as a stepping stone or a blade, I’ll do whatever it takes in that fight.”
His golden eyes shone with newfound determination.
“Then let’s start by helping me train.”
Raon nodded in approval.
“Uh…?”
Lawrence blinked at him.
“Training?”
“You said you’d do anything.”
“No, I meant I’d fight alongside you against the White Blood Cult Leader, not—”
“Enough talking. Get up. We don’t have time to waste.”
Raon gestured for him to move.
“Huh? Wait, wait….”
Lawrence exhaled sharply, realizing he had been dragged into something yet again.
“You really are bad news.”
Rektor laughed at the sight of Lawrence’s bewilderment.
– “This is why you shouldn’t get swept up in the mood.”
Wrath shook his head in exasperation.
– “You’re stuck with him now, like a leech!”
—
Kyaaaaaaaang!
Martha’s and Jeira’s swords clashed, sending sparks flying as they aimed for each other’s throats.
Boom!
Martha’s blade carried an explosive force, but Jeira’s was sharp and precise, negating her power with controlled strikes.
“This isn’t much different from before.”
Jeira clicked her tongue in disappointment.
“Save your comments until after this match!”
Martha grit her teeth and stomped her left foot.
‘I’m different from Raon.’
Raon had advised her to find her own path here.
But unlike him, she couldn’t absorb her opponent’s strengths. She had only one way forward.
‘Strength and aggression.’
She had considered adapting a softer approach when she hit a plateau, but in the end, the path that suited her best was to charge ahead.
Seeing the swordsmen of the Holy Sword Alliance walk a single, unwavering path confirmed that her instincts weren’t wrong.
‘I’ll go straight ahead!’
Martha stepped forward, merging the brute force of Titan Aura with the ferocity of Light Wind Swordsmanship. Unlike before, her attack carried a different intent.
Deep-rooted trees do not waver in storms.
Martha’s unyielding blade clashed with Jeira’s precise strikes, unleashing a massive shockwave.
Kwaaaaaaang!
The impact was just as fierce as before, shaking the ground violently.
But the result was different.
“Ugh….”
Jeira, her brows furrowed, lay sprawled on the ground. In front of her stood Martha.
“Hah….”
Jeira looked up at Martha and let out a small laugh.
“You really have changed. And in just one month….”
She shook her head, amazed.
“Congratulations on reaching the peak of Master level. And for finding your path.”
Jeira grinned, genuinely happy for her opponent’s growth.
“Thank you.”
Martha bowed her head slightly and extended her hand.
Unlike before, where she simply pursued strength, something in her demeanor had softened.
—
Raon smiled as he watched Martha and Jeira converse, then turned away and climbed the mountain.
– “Everyone is changing.”
Wrath nodded approvingly.
‘Yeah. And in a good way.’
Not just Martha, but Runaan and Burren had also grown significantly—both in their martial skills and in their mindset. Bringing them here had been the right decision.
‘Now it’s my turn to change.’
For the past month, after learning Lawrence’s story, Raon had traveled across the Holy Sword Alliance, engaging in life-or-death duels with its strongest warriors.
Just as Rektor had said, the Holy Sword Alliance was full of swordsmen who dedicated themselves to a single path. Thanks to them, Raon had made significant progress in his stalled mastery of Ten Thousand Swords.
As he reflected on his growth, he arrived at a clearing halfway up the mountain. From within a nearby cave, Lawrence’s voice echoed out.
“Hah, don’t you ever get tired of this?”
Lawrence shook his head, exasperated.
“You keep coming at me day after day, and when it doesn’t work, you just keep trying. It’s ridiculous.”
“I’m getting tired of hearing that. Just come down already.”
Raon smirked and gestured for him to come.
“Besides, today will be a little different.”
“You’re like a damn leech.”
Lawrence let out a short sigh and jumped down into the clearing.
“Let’s begin.”
Without any formalities, he nodded, signaling Raon to attack.
“Alright.”
Raon steadied his breath and drew Heavenly Drive.
– “Wouldn’t it be better to use the Sword Field at this point?”
Wrath frowned, saying he was sick of watching Raon lose.
‘That’s pointless.’
Even if he used the Sword Field, the chances of winning were slim. And even if he did win, it would be meaningless.
He wanted to defeat Lawrence using swordsmanship alone—not through abilities.
‘It’s not about ability versus ability. I have to win with the sword.’
Exhaling slowly, Raon closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. He did not see Lawrence as an enemy but as another teacher. With that mindset, he calmly extended his left foot forward.
—
Lawrence frowned as he observed Raon’s stance.
‘Not yet.’
Raon’s swordsmanship was improving rapidly, but he still hadn’t broken through the wall.
Even with his overwhelming talent and persistence, it seemed breaking through would take time.
‘Then the only thing I can do…’
Was to block him with everything he had.
Thanks to Raon, his Inverse Sea of Flames had also been growing steadily.
Standing firm as an unyielding wall for him was the best thing he could do.
Chiiiiing!
Raon’s sword turned silver as he charged. It was a speed that transcended the word “fast.” His swordsmanship had taken yet another leap forward.
‘He’s definitely improving. At this speed, he could—huh?’
Just as Lawrence was about to activate Inverse Sea of Flames, impressed by Raon’s refined technique—
Fwoooosh!
Raon’s sword suddenly changed.
Not just its trajectory, but the entire flow of his strikes—twisting against the very movement of Inverse Sea of Flames itself.
