Chapter 804
[The trait <Focus> has surpassed 12 stars and is evolving into the new trait [Tranquil Mind].]
Raon swallowed dryly as he read the message about the evolution of his trait.
‘Traits… can evolve?’
He had assumed that traits would stop growing at 12 stars, just as martial arts realms began at 1 star and ended at 12 stars.
However, contrary to his expectations, the <Focus> trait had surpassed the 12-star limit and evolved into a new trait.
‘Tranquil Mind…’
Just as one cannot see their reflection in turbulent waters but only in still ones, Tranquil Mind signifies a state of unwavering calm and composure.
In other words, by evolving from <Focus> to <Tranquil Mind>, he could now maintain peak concentration in any situation.
‘This is insane.’
Raon smiled and turned to Wrath.
‘Why didn’t you tell me—’
— Krrrk…
Just as he was about to ask, Wrath gritted his teeth furiously.
— Yooouuu! You crazy fool! Why did you let it evolve?! You should have just left it at 12 stars!
As always, Wrath treated the system as if it were a living being and began pointing fingers and hurling curses.
— I really can’t take this anymore! I’m going back to the Devildom right now and destroy everything!
He clutched his head in frustration, unable to accept what had happened.
‘Not sure what’s wrong, but… thanks anyway.’
— I’m so furious I could die! Just shut up!
‘Hmm.’
Ignoring Wrath’s tantrum, Raon checked the rest of the messages.
[The Sprout of Ten Thousand Swords has begun to grow.]
[All stats have increased by 20 points.]
[The trait <Demonic Eye of Wrath> has ranked up.]
[The trait <Spiral Force> has ranked up.]
[The trait <Focus> has ranked up.]
[The trait <Focus> has surpassed 12 stars and evolved into [Tranquil Mind].]
[A new title <Iron Leech> has been created.]
A 20-point stat increase, three trait upgrades, and a new title.
Though it might seem like a small reward compared to his recent streak of incredible achievements, that was far from the case.
The way Wrath had initially rejoiced over the <Iron Leech> title but then foamed at the mouth upon seeing Tranquil Mind made it clear—this was one of the highest-tier rewards he had ever received.
— Uuuhh…
Wrath sniffled, his chin trembling.
— I shouldn’t have laughed about the Iron Leech title… I was the one who got drained the most…
He wiped his nose, lamenting that he had been sucked dry from the very moment he met Raon.
‘It’s called mutual benefit.’
Raon chuckled and patted Wrath on the shoulder.
— M-Mutual benefit?! You dare say that with your own mouth?!
Wrath let out a piercing scream.
— You’ve been sucking my energy to the bone and only giving me a few pieces of ice cream in return! You hypocrite with angelic wings on your conscience!
‘So… not a compliment?’
— Of course not! You’re worse than stepping in dog crap twice!
Wrath radiated intense fury as he raised his fist.
— Apologize right now! Apologize for your so-called ‘mutual benefit’ nonsense!
‘…Sorry.’
— Grrr! Hearing you apologize just makes me angrier!
Wrath threw a punch in frustration.
‘What do you want me to do…?’
Raon effortlessly blocked the attack and turned his attention to the newly acquired <Iron Leech> title.
<Iron Leech>
_When attached to an opponent, comprehension and focus increase when learning their martial arts or abilities. Additionally, the opponent’s favorability increases._
‘Oh?’
The name Iron Leech had made him wary, but the effect itself was quite good.
— Uuaagggh…
Wrath’s jaw dropped upon reading the description.
— I-It lets you gain favor while being a leech? Are you telling me people will still smile even while being drained?! This is the most vicious effect ever!
His plump chin trembled as he muttered in horror.
— Whose side are you even on?! You clearly know the suffering I’ve endured!
Wrath flailed his arms wildly, yelling at the system to come out and explain itself.
‘My ears hurt. Please stop.’
Raon pushed away the clinging Wrath and shook his head.
— You leech-headed bastard! How would you feel if someone was tearing chunks off your flesh every day?! Could you just sit there and take it?!
Wrath yanked at his own head in frustration, demanding that Raon understand his suffering.
‘Fine, fine.’
Raon sighed deeply. He had finished checking the rewards, and his injuries from the sparring session were starting to ache. He just wanted to rest.
‘When we return to the family, I’ll let you eat whatever you want for an entire day.’
He extended an offer that always worked on Wrath.
— Kiaaaahh!
Wrath screeched like a furious cat, baring his fangs.
‘Two days.’
— Kiaaaahh!
‘Three days.’
— Kia?
‘Four days.’
— Keh! Deal!
Wrath ultimately surrendered, nodding his head.
— Ah, I’m exhausted today! Let’s hurry back!
Excited by the prospect of feasting, Wrath immediately retreated into the Snow Flower Bracelet.
“Haa…”
Raon sighed, watching Wrath wag his tail as he disappeared.
‘I’m the one who’s exhausted.’
He quickly changed clothes and flopped onto his bed.
‘Am I living with a Demon King or raising a spoiled cat…?’
At times, Wrath was more mature than Glenn, and at others, he was more childish than a tantrum-throwing kitten.
That Demon King was still as unpredictable as ever.
‘The day I see that bright starlight again is drawing near…’
Gazing at the starry night sky above the Holy Sword Alliance’s training grounds, Raon slowly closed his eyes.
‘It’s time to return.’
—
Meanwhile, as Raon slept…
Rektor sat in the reception room, welcoming two guests.
“You must be very pleased.”
Lawrence straightened his hunched back as he settled onto the sofa.
“With such an outstanding grandson, you must feel full even without eating.”
He scowled as he popped a cookie into his mouth.
“How could I not be?”
Jarek curled his lips at Lawrence’s remark.
“Your grandson is the greatest genius on the continent. You must feel refreshed even without sleep.”
He scoffed and lounged back on the sofa.
“Hahaha.”
Despite the grumbling tone of their words, Rektor leaned back in his chair with a broad smile, clearly pleased by the praise for Raon.
“Enough smiling—start talking. What exactly happened?”
Lawrence, looking exasperated, pounded his chest before leaning forward.
“What the hell did you do to raise a monster in his early twenties who can stand toe-to-toe with me?!”
His jaw quivered as he admitted he had never imagined someone like Raon could exist.
“He’s not quite at that level.”
Rektor shook his head calmly.
“If you hadn’t held back, Raon wouldn’t even be standing right now.”
He smiled gently as he expressed his gratitude.
“There was no need to go all out in a simple spar.”
Lawrence scoffed as if it were obvious.
“And that arrogant brat, Raon, didn’t show any intent to kill me either. The result would have been the same regardless.”
He chuckled lightly, convinced that no matter how things played out, their match would have ended in a draw.
“Is that so?”
Rektor observed Lawrence’s eyes with a soft smile.
“You’re laughing. Seems like you’ve gotten pretty close to Raon.”
“C-Close?! Don’t be ridiculous! I just feel relieved knowing that annoying brat is leaving soon!”
Lawrence flailed his long hair around, desperately trying to hide his reddening face.
“You’re still as dishonest as ever. But…”
Jarek let out a breathy chuckle, watching Lawrence struggle with embarrassment.
“You’ve changed a lot. No doubt, that’s thanks to Raon.”
He lowered his gaze as he acknowledged Raon’s influence.
“S-Shut up!”
Lawrence, his ears now as red as his face, whipped his head away.
“Enough already! Just tell me how you found him!”
He grumbled, saying his curiosity was killing him, and waved his hand impatiently.
“I’m curious about that as well.”
Jarek nodded as he sat beside Lawrence.
“How did you manage to bring a direct descendant of Zieghart into your family?”
He licked his lips, clearly intrigued by the circumstances surrounding Raon and Rektor.
“Well, it’s a long story…”
Rektor took a sip of tea to moisten his throat before recounting the events that had transpired.
“…I see.”
Jarek pressed his lips together tightly.
“That explains why that young boy carried such an overwhelming sense of desperation.”
He slowly nodded, as if he could finally understand Raon.
“That damned brat…”
Lawrence let out a deep sigh and clenched his fist.
“When he listened to my past, he looked at me as if he could relate. I thought it was just sympathy, but it wasn’t. He lived just as harsh a life as I did.”
He nodded again, as if he now understood Raon’s hardships.
“And the former lord as well.”
Lawrence narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rektor, who had his hands clasped together.
“The last time you visited, you asked me to take care of the Holy Sword Alliance if you died. That was because of Raon, wasn’t it?”
His white hair tumbled over his forehead as he sighed, finally connecting the dots.
“Yes.”
Rektor nodded quietly.
“You were prepared to sacrifice your life for Raon. And since we’ve already taken care of the remnants who worshipped the previous lord, I believed you would be able to lead the Holy Sword Alliance.”
He smiled faintly, expressing his trust in Rektor.
“Then you should have told me all this earlier!”
Lawrence scowled, irritated by the delayed revelation.
“My apologies.”
Rektor bowed his head slightly, acknowledging his mistake.
“…I have no children or grandchildren of my own, but I can understand the lord’s decision.”
Jarek nodded solemnly.
“Perhaps this is what it means to grow old.”
He smiled gently at Rektor.
“Hah, I used to think that only I suffered through the madness of this world, but I was wrong.”
Lawrence clicked his tongue and gazed at the ceiling of the reception room.
“I never imagined that someone who suffered even more than I did would be fighting so hard to live.”
He bit his lip, ashamed of the years he had spent hiding away.
“It’s not too late.”
Rektor shook his head as he looked at Lawrence.
“The past can’t be changed, but the future is in your hands.”
“Of course, I know that.”
Lawrence’s golden eyes gleamed as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“When Raon and Martha take the fight to the White Blood Cult, I will go with them. No, I will stand at the forefront.”
He clenched his teeth, vowing to avenge his late caretaker.
“I was too afraid to say it out loud before, but thanks to that crazy brat, I finally have the courage to act.”
A faint smile crept onto his lips as he recalled Raon’s reckless determination.
“Hmm.”
Jarek reached out toward the table and smacked his lips.
“In that case, I’ll join as well.”
“The cowardly old man? Why? Did Raon bully you into it so much that you developed an attachment to him?”
Rektor spun his finger near his temple as he grinned.
“Don’t be ridiculous!”
Jarek swatted Rektor’s hand away, furrowing his brow.
“I can’t just ignore the second disciple I’ve taken in my later years.”
He sighed, clearly troubled by the thought of Dorian.
“Didn’t you say he wasn’t your disciple?”
Rektor chuckled as he waved his hand dismissively.
“Ahem, don’t twist my words.”
Jarek cleared his throat and averted his gaze.
“Dorian is far too kind. He’s an even bigger coward than I was back in the day, so I can’t help but worry about him.”
“Then perhaps one day, he will surpass even you.”
Rektor tilted his chin up as he observed Jarek’s frown.
“Well… that wouldn’t be so bad.”
Jarek let out a thin smile, as if he wouldn’t mind such an outcome.
“It looks like I’ll be joining the battle as well. Things are getting interesting.”
Rektor retrieved a premium bottle of liquor from the shelf and placed it on the table.
“That’s a rare one.”
Lawrence’s eyes widened at the sight of the bottle.
“It’s a special occasion. Let’s have a drink to commemorate the day we take down the White Blood Cult, and the day the three of us reunite.”
Rektor filled Lawrence and Jarek’s glasses before raising his own.
“For my grandson’s happiness.”
“For my mother’s vengeance.”
“For the coward’s sake.”
With their respective resolutions in mind, the three men began their drinking session, which lasted until dawn.
—
In the dim morning light, the Gambling Monster halted in front of the Fifth Training Grounds.
“Here again today?”
Sensing the presence of someone inside, he smirked.
“That guy really is something else.”
Clicking his tongue, The Gambling Monster pushed open the door and stepped inside. The first thing he saw was Rimmer reinforcing the floor of the training ground.
“What’s gotten into you?”
The Gambling Monster approached Rimmer, furrowing his brows.
“You’ve been here at dawn for two months, preparing for training, and you haven’t even shown up at the gambling house. Have you lost your mind?”
While Raon was away at the Holy Sword Alliance, Rimmer had been arriving at the training grounds at dawn to prepare for the swordsmen’s training and spending his nights honing his own skills.
This was so unlike the Rimmer he knew that it made him wonder if the world was coming to an end.
It reminded him of the elf’s first days in Zieghart.
“Why do I get scolded for being diligent?”
Rimmer shrugged in disbelief.
“The division leader is away, so as the vice-leader, I’m simply filling in.”
He casually waved his hand as if it were no big deal.
“Don’t give me that nonsense!”
The Gambling Monster squinted suspiciously.
“You never did any of this when you were the division leader.”
“If I had stayed the division leader, I wouldn’t be doing this either.”
Rimmer shook his head as he inspected the well-packed training ground floor.
“But Raon is the division leader now. I don’t want to disgrace his name.”
A faint smile played on his lips.
“You’re serious about this…”
The Gambling Monster narrowed his eyes, sensing Rimmer’s newfound resolve.
“You truly see Raon as your king.”
“I’ve always said so. Our king. He’s still a bit rough around the edges, though.”
Rimmer muttered that things would change even more in the future and told The Gambling Monster to remember that.
“Hmph. Your king, not mine.”
The Gambling Monster shook his head firmly.
“You say that, but your heart has already yielded.”
Rimmer smirked at him.
“Besides, you’re here at this hour because of Raon, aren’t you?”
“S-Shut up! I was just asked to—”
“Every time Raon comes back with booze, you start panting like a dog. And you call that just a coincidence?”
Rimmer waggled his tongue at him teasingly.
“W-Who are you calling a dog?!”
The Gambling Monster’s face turned bright red as he gritted his teeth.
“Dog or cat, it doesn’t matter. The point is, Raon is going to return stronger, and we can’t afford to sit idle either.”
Rimmer dismissed the argument and resumed his work on the training ground.
“Let me ask you one thing. If Raon has no interest in becoming the head of Zieghart, what will you do?”
The Gambling Monster’s gaze turned sharp as he stepped forward, pressing his presence upon Rimmer. Depending on his answer, he seemed ready to push back.
“I want Raon to become the family head. But even if he doesn’t, it doesn’t matter. If I’ve sworn loyalty to him as my king, isn’t it only natural that I follow wherever he goes?”
Rimmer simply shrugged, as if the question were trivial.
“Hmm…”
The Gambling Monster loosened his grip, seemingly caught off guard by the response.
“Forget about me and go worry about that side instead.”
Rimmer gestured toward the family head’s quarters just as a heavy tremor shook the entire Zieghart estate.
The ground quaked as if an earthquake had struck.
“That old man is stomping his feet from his Raon withdrawal symptoms again, shaking the entire estate every morning!” (T/N: HAHAHAHAHA.)
Rimmer yelled, pointing at the visibly vibrating mansion.
“There’s no sleeping with that man around!”
—
Before Raon’s return, Rektor hosted a small banquet in the mansion’s training grounds.
It was nothing compared to Zieghart’s grand festivals, but since all the food and drinks had been made with ingredients grown by the swordsmen themselves, there was a distinct, rich flavor and aroma to everything.
— That one! Eat that first!
‘You don’t need to shout. I can hear you just fine.’
Raon picked up the pumpkin pie Wrath had pointed at and took a bite.
The crispy crust, the sweet pumpkin filling, and the nutty peanuts blended together in a surprisingly pleasant combination.
— Interesting! It’s a healthy taste, but strangely addictive!
‘Agreed. It starts out mild, but the flavor keeps pulling you in.’
Raon nodded and popped another piece of pie into his mouth.
— It’s not flashy or overwhelming, but you can taste the care put into it. This is nice once in a while.
Wrath smacked his lips in satisfaction.
‘You’re so picky.’
— It’s not that I’m picky. You’re just dull!
Wrath snapped, waving for Raon to try another dish.
‘Yeah, yeah.’
Raon moved toward the next dish Wrath had set his sights on while glancing to the side.
Burren, Martha, and Runaan were deep in conversation with the Holy Sword Alliance’s swordsmen. Having sparred together daily, they now carried a camaraderie akin to that of war comrades.
‘Bringing them along was the right decision.’
Though they hadn’t quite broken through the Grandmaster’s wall, all three of them had reached the peak of the Master level.
Now, all they needed was the right opportunity to break through. The experience they had gained was invaluable.
‘But the biggest change belongs to him.’
Raon’s gaze landed on Dorian, who was flitting around the banquet as if it were his own home.
Thanks to his natural sociability, he had become close with nearly everyone in the Holy Sword Alliance, happily distributing supplies and sharing laughter with them.
‘His martial growth may be negligible, but…’
He’s stronger than ever.
Dorian still didn’t realize it, but if he fought while using his opened Mind’s Eye, he could even defeat swordsmen stronger than himself.
The ability to read an opponent’s thoughts was that absurdly powerful.
‘Of course, I too…’
Raon smiled and turned his head—only to lock eyes with Lawrence.
Leaning against the wall, Lawrence was glaring at him sharply, as if something had been bothering him.
“Sir Lawrence?”
Raon approached him with a curious tilt of his head.
“Is something wrong?”
“Nothing!”
Lawrence furrowed his brows, as if telling him to mind his own business.
“…Ah!”
Raon observed him for a moment before letting out a faint chuckle.
“Are you sad that I’m leaving? Ah, so you do get lonely—”
“W-What kind of bullshit is that?! I feel completely relieved!”
Lawrence flailed his hands as if to ward off nonsense, his movements so frantic that the liquor in his cup splashed everywhere.
“He’s right.”
Jarek stepped beside him and nodded.
“He cried because you were leaving.”
He laughed, recounting how Lawrence had shed tears at the drinking table with Rektor.
“This senile old man must’ve lost his mind! Who cried?!”
“You did. You cried, saying you’d be alone again…”
“Shut your mouth! You wanna fight? Huh?!”
Lawrence’s face turned beet red as he shouted at Jarek.
“Can I be the one to fight instead?”
Raon grinned, pointing at himself.
“I’ve had some new insights during my meditation over the past few days.”
“Shut up, you brat!”
Lawrence clutched his head as if he was about to go insane.
While the group continued enjoying their time together, a lone figure appeared at the entrance of the rocky mountain leading to the Holy Sword Alliance.
A red-haired man, his eyes concealed beneath a black blindfold, smirked as he slung his tattered dragon robe over his shoulder.
“As expected… he came here.”
