Chapter 830

–P-Play with her?! What nonsense are you spouting!

Wrath is speaking as he suddenly popped out, tail flicking upward.

–That [Soul] is overflowing with malice! It’s burning with the will to kill not just humans, but all living things!

He clenched his fist, declaring that she had to be subdued by force.

‘Looks like you didn’t see it.’

Raon clicked his tongue briefly as he looked at the now-giant girl.

If Wrath had seen the girl’s life, he wouldn’t be saying something so reckless about using force.

He must have arrived too late to witness what Raon saw alone.

–What do you mean by that…?

‘I’ll tell you later.’

Raon exhaled softly as he walked toward the girl.

‘Right now, it’s time to play.’

Raon made a silver flower bloom above his palm. Fragments of frost scattered, erasing the black flames falling from the girl.

Goooooh!

The girl’s somber gaze dropped onto Raon.

“Let’s play tag. If you catch me, I’ll give you this body and let you leave.”

He nodded at the girl who was spewing flames of despair.

–You lunatic!

Wrath is speaking as he leaped in fury, eyes bulging.

–Are you out of your mind?! Hand over your body?! That body belongs to this king!

He grabbed Raon by the collar, shouting if he’d truly lost it.

‘It’ll be fine.’

Raon gave a faint smile and shook his head.

‘Probably.’

–Probably?! Did you just say probably?!

Wrath is speaking as he let out a long, trembling breath.

–This is the realm of the [Mental World]! Any promise made here will be fulfilled unless the other party refuses!

‘I know.’

Raon understood better than anyone the weight of promises made in the [Mental World]. He made the bet fully aware.

–If you know so well, then why?! Your [Soul] may be strong, but that malice is beyond the norm!

Wrath is speaking with a scowl, saying he could feel an abyssal rage and despair.

‘Probably even greater than mine.’

Raon calmly nodded.

‘That nameless girl’s life was as tragic as my past life. Maybe worse.’

To endure all that and still possess a normal [Soul] would be stranger.

“But that size is cheating. Return to your original form.”

Raon beckoned to the girl with a flick of his finger.

Goooooh!

The girl gazed at him quietly, then gave a small nod.

Her massive form gradually shrank until she returned to the figure of a girl in her early teens, just as Raon had seen in the memory.

Her entire body was still engulfed in black flames of resentment, but for now, that was enough.

“Let’s begin. If you catch me, I’ll give you anything you want.”

Just like the first child who had once approached her, Raon slowly extended his hand.

“……”

The girl responded by releasing even darker flames of malice, as if to say she wanted nothing from him.

“Then let’s begin.”

As Raon lightly kicked off the ground and retreated, the girl followed like a shadow.

An overwhelming speed. Despair and resentment were lending her strength.

“You’re fast, but…”

Raon spun his ankle lightly and pivoted to the right.

Kugugugu!

Unable to control her momentum, the girl shot past in a straight line and stopped only far in the distance.

Haaa…

She let out black embers from her mouth and charged again. She was faster—but that was all.

Thunk!

Raon stepped diagonally using [Flowing Spatial Steps] and easily avoided her.

–Wh-What is this?

Wrath is speaking as he frowned in disbelief.

–She can’t even utilize that tremendous strength properly!

‘I told you not to worry.’

Raon smiled as he watched the girl charge like a rampaging beast.

‘She’s just an ordinary child. One who just wanted to play.’

–I’m not sure about that…

Wrath is speaking as he shook his head, staring at the girl burning with malice.

“You’ll never catch me like that.”

Raon grinned and wagged a finger at her.

“Watch my movements carefully. Try to follow if you can.”

He told her to wait, then demonstrated the footwork he had just used.

Kwaaaang!

The girl stared at her own feet for a while, then charged, raising pitch-black flames from the ground.

“Let’s see…”

Just as before, Raon twisted his ankle lightly and stepped right.

Thump!

The girl followed as if she had been waiting, spinning her ankle and matching Raon’s move.

“That’s it!”

Raon clapped, impressed by her footwork.

“Your speed’s fine now. Try lifting your heels and positioning yourself to move freely. That’s the basic stance.”

“……”

Once again, she ignored his advice and rushed in recklessly.

But after realizing it was futile, she recalled the advice and began mimicking his footwork.

“Nice!”

Raon gave a big nod of approval.

“Now let’s use not just your ankles, but your legs too.”

He explained how to use her calves and thighs in combination.

“Ugh…”

The girl groaned faintly as she tried to imitate his movements.

It seemed she now understood she couldn’t catch him unless she learned.

She still retained the talent she once had in her dreams—soon enough, she was perfectly mimicking his footwork. A child worth teaching.

Paaang!

She became a black flash as she charged. Within the straight movement was a touch of smoothness, making it harder to dodge.

Pang!

Just before her hand touched his stomach, Raon drew a semicircle with the back of his hand to deflect her attack.

“It’s not enough to touch—you have to really catch me.”

He gestured again, provoking her to come at him harder.

“Ugh…”

The girl trembled with frustration, then charged again. She attacked from all sides, like using a [Cloning Technique], but Raon lightly brushed her aside using only his right hand.

“You’ve gotten used to using your lower body. Now try using your upper body too.”

Raon smiled and began demonstrating swordsmanship through his hand movements.

“……”

The girl, seemingly intrigued by the idea of learning, stopped in place and mimicked Raon’s hand movements.

Faintly, but unmistakably, traces of swordsmanship began to form at the edge of her hand.

“You don’t always have to be fast. Going slow but correct is the right way.”

Raon gave her more precise guidance, showing the correct posture and movements.

“Ugh…”

Though it seemed difficult, the girl let out a low groan and repeated the motion several times until she was able to follow it perfectly.

Thump!

Gaining confidence, the girl slipped in from the left and reached out her hand.

Fwooom!

Raon struck her hand with a [Palm Blade] containing the flow of [Radiant Light Style] and nodded.

“Good movement!”

Hoping she would follow further, he now demonstrated the flow of the [Snow Flower Swordsmanship].

“Huff.”

The girl answered that expectation by charging in, her right hand flowing with [Radiant Light Style], her left imbued with [Snow Flower Swordsmanship].

A talent that understood ten things from being taught one. She reminded him of Burren, Runaan, and Martha.

“…Too fast.”

For the first time, human speech escaped the girl’s blackened lips. She was expressing her frustration at being unable to catch him.

‘Looks like it’s going well.’

To express emotions other than rage and despair meant her [Soul] hadn’t been fully consumed by darkness.

“I’m not fast.”

Raon stood before her and waved a hand.

“And you’re not slow either.”

He told her it wasn’t about speed and nodded gently.

“You’ll only catch me if you predict my movements. Try using your energy more efficiently.”

He then explained how to use her [Energy] more precisely and introduced softer movement techniques.

“Mmm…”

The girl mimicked even Raon’s subtle nod, soaking up his teachings. Her movements gradually began to show fluidity. It seemed she was starting to enjoy this game.

–After taking so many blows to the head earlier…

Wrath is speaking as he shook his head at Raon and the girl.

–You’ve really lost it, haven’t you?

* * *

“If you don’t hit, it’s all pointless! Be more accurate!”

Raon offered critical yet precise advice like a father.

“Eheh! You won’t catch me like that!”

He teased like a friend, drawing out the girl’s interest.

“Yes! That’s it! Perfect!”

And when she succeeded, he gave sincere praise, letting her experience something she’d never had before.

To the girl, everything now was new.

“Huh!”

Amidst the black flames of malice, a laugh escaped the girl’s lips. It was small, but it was undoubtedly a joyous laugh.

“You’re enjoying this! Let’s keep going!”

Raon told her to come and retreated like he was running away.

“Okay…”

The girl nodded and followed from the left. Unlike before, she didn’t fall for fake movements—she pursued him precisely.

Even if this was the [Mental World], it was an astounding level of talent.

Fwaaaah!

As the girl approached, Raon twisted his ankle and waist, letting her grasp slide past.

Fwaaaah!

The girl responded a beat late, adjusting to his movement and matching him.

“This is getting serious now.”

“Heh…”

As their endless game of tag continued, the black world split open and a light-green breeze swept in.

Fwoooosh!

The clear wind danced with the girl, calming the black flames that had wrapped around her.

Delicate ankles—not typical for a swordsman—overcame corruption. Calloused hands pushed back the flames. Shoulders smaller than a sword bore the weight of despair.

Lastly, the darkness above her neck melted away, revealing the girl’s face.

A pink-haired girl with round eyes was smiling brightly, as if she were truly happy.

–Th-That tiny girl… was wrapped in all that malice?

Wrath is speaking in disbelief, exhaling hard.

Fwaaaah!

The girl smiled with a bright blue glow and thrust her hand forward. Her movements contained all of Raon’s teachings.

“Well done.”

Raon no longer ran. He stood still and accepted her outstretched hand.

–You lunatic! What do you think you’re doing?!

‘It’s fine.’

–Fine?! How is this fine—you’re… huh?

Wrath is speaking as he opened his eyes wide, realizing nothing had happened.

–What… what is this…?

He blinked, confused.

‘You said it yourself. In this world, if the other side doesn’t reject the promise, it’s always fulfilled.’

–Then… that means…

‘She didn’t wish for it. She just wanted to play.’

Raon quietly exhaled, then reached out and patted the girl’s head.

“Hehe.”

The girl couldn’t hide her joy as she laughed happily.

“Did you have fun?”

Raon bent down and met her gaze.

“Yes.”

She smiled brightly, like she was truly happy. There was no more malice surrounding her.

It seemed that their game of tag had awakened a small happiness inside her.

“What’s your name?”

Just like the first child in her dream, Raon carefully reached out his hand.

“……”

The girl bit her lip and couldn’t take his hand. She must have remembered the father who had struck that same hand away.

“It’s okay now. Only good things will happen from here on.”

Raon crouched lower and shook his head gently.

“What’s your name?”

“Ravera.”

She said her name and finally took his hand.

“My name is Raon.”

Raon held Ravera’s hands tightly and nodded.

“I’ll introduce you to a friend even better than me. I’m sure you’ll get along well.”

“Okay.”

As the name Ravera was spoken, and as the girl took Raon’s hand, it was as if a key had turned—causing the world of darkness to collapse.

Zzzzzkt!

The hell of despair split open, and the warm light Ravera had longed for descended into her world.

Fwoooosh…

The darkness scattered like it had lost its way, then gathered at Raon’s feet.

“I’ll wait for you.”

Ravera ran toward the brightened world with a smile. The black malice that had once shackled her was no longer visible.

“You…”

Raon smiled faintly as he watched Ravera’s back, now seeming to match her real age.

“You’re definitely going to make a good friend.”

With those words, he closed his eyes.

–S-She’s a little young to be friends with this king, but… well, maybe I should hear her out first…

Wrath is speaking while smacking his lips as if the idea made him uncomfortable.

‘Not you…’

* * *

When Raon opened his eyes again, he was standing right where he had been—by the shore. Surrounding him were Aris and the Light Wind Division, spread out as if guarding him.

“Raon!”

Aris approached with a dry gulp.

“What happened?!”

“You stayed frozen in that position for an hour.”

Rimmer added, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Did you reach another enlightenment or something?”

Burren gestured, urging him to explain.

“If it’s him, it’s possible. I heard he once entered a trance while taking a dump.”

Martha wrinkled her nose, absolutely certain of it.

“I don’t think that’s it…”

Runaan blinked, guessing there was another reason.

“I didn’t gain any enlightenment, but…”

Raon raised his hand, showing them the Soul Stone he held.

“I found the Soul Stone.”

“Huh…?”

“R-Really?”

Aris and Rimmer widened their eyes at the small Soul Stone he held.

“Yes.”

Raon nodded and gestured for them to follow.

“Let’s go out first. I’ll explain everything.”

–Yes, yes, hurry up and explain! This king is dying of curiosity!

Wrath is speaking as he wagged his tail excitedly.

“Well, when I touched this stone…”

Raon sat by the shore and explained what had happened inside Ravera’s [Mental World].

–So that’s what it was… That’s why you said you’d play with her.

Wrath is speaking with a long sigh, now understanding.

–Well done. This king almost made a terrible mistake.

He furrowed his brow, saying he couldn’t sense it properly due to his weakened state.

“This has happened before, hasn’t it…”

Aris bit her lip in pity.

“It used to be even worse. Back when our territory was smaller, human trafficking was rampant.”

Rimmer shook his head, saying things were much better now.

“So then, what happens to the girl named Ravera?”

Surprisingly, Runaan stepped forward. It seemed Ravera’s story had deeply touched her.

“As far as I know—”

“She’ll be with the young lady from now on!”

Merlin popped out from between the Light Wind Division, beaming.

“Merlin?”

Rimmer widened his eyes, as if asking what she was doing here.

“The needle goes where the thread goes.”

Merlin shrugged like it was only natural.

“Hm…”

Raon turned around. He could faintly sense the [Authority of Lust] nearby—subtle but unmistakable. Lust must be close too.

“So the girl in the Soul Stone is going to be with Sia?”

Aris narrowed her eyes at Merlin.

“Yup, Si-auntie.”

Merlin nodded at Aris.

“S-Si-auntie? What’s with that…”

“Normally, just experiencing the [Mental World] is enough to receive a Soul Stone, but this child suffered so much that she became a vengeful spirit, consumed by hatred toward humans.”

She continued unfazed, despite Aris’ confusion.

“But Raon played with her, and that was a form of [Soul Soothing]. That’s when a soul is comforted and pacified. Originally, she would’ve given her power and disappeared, but instead, she stayed within the stone. She’ll be a great source of strength for the young lady.”

Merlin clapped her hands, saying it was a wonderful outcome.

‘Just as I thought.’

Raon smacked his lips as he looked at the Soul Stone. Just like Wrath remained beside him, it seemed Sia would now be accompanied by Ravera.

‘That’s not a bad thing.’

Ravera had returned to her true form. A kind child whose only wish had been to play with friends.

She would surely enjoy spending time with Sia.

–Like this king, you say?!

Wrath is speaking as he shouted.

–This king is a Monarch of the Devildom! There’s no way that little brat could be anything like me!

He violently shook his head in denial.

‘I didn’t mean it like that—I just meant they’d be good friends.’

Raon waved his hand at Wrath.

–Ah… R-Right. That’s what you meant.

Wrath is speaking as he blushed in embarrassment.

–W-Well, if it’s like that, I suppose I can understand. A little. This king might even call you a frie—

As he was glancing around and trying to say the words…

[You have accomplished an impossible feat through a brilliant idea.]

[You have defeated a Transcendent.]

[You have pacified a vengeful soul.]

[All stats have—]

The rewards for defeating the Second Apostle and acquiring the Soul Stone all came flooding in at once.

–We’re not friends.

‘Huh…?’

–Not friends!!

Wrath is speaking as he grabbed Raon by the collar, unable to take it anymore.

–You’re a filthy thief!!

‘I-I didn’t steal anything!’

–A fence is even worse!

‘That’s not what I—’

–Just shut up!