Chapter 946
“The Chamber of Self, huh….”
Glenn narrowed his eyes as he looked at Raon.
“I haven’t checked recently, but no one’s entered since Karoon, so you should be able to go in now.”
He nodded, saying enough time had passed for the Chamber of Self to recover its power.
“But why now, all of a sudden?”
“Because I realized through this war just how lacking I still am.”
Raon let out a short sigh as he looked at the surface of the lake where the moon rippled.
“My current strength probably places me in the upper ranks of the Five Divine Order—like the Thespian Emperor or the Ghost-Slaying Spear. Thinking of my age, it’s honestly absurd even to me….”
He raised his eyes to the vivid moon that wasn’t reflected on the lake and bit his lip lightly.
“But the enemies the Light Wind Palace and I must face from here on out are even stronger. The White Blood Cult, Eden, Derus Robert. Not a single one is easy.”
The White Blood Cult Leader, the Fallen One, the Heavenly Demon, and even Derus Robert and the Angels. Every one of his enemies possessed such overwhelming power that he couldn’t reach them without the help of other transcendents.
If he wanted to even leave a scratch on them, he couldn’t be satisfied with his current strength. He had to move forward.
-The Chamber of Self?
Wrath’s lips trembled as he shifted his gaze.
-So that’s why you told me to get used to Nadine Bread! You bastard!
Grinding his teeth, he finally realized Raon’s intent.
-You leech! We’ve only had one decent meal since we came back home! Why are you so desperate to starve again?!
Wrath shook his head, begging Raon to stop tormenting him.
‘It’s not starving. I’ll just be eating Nadine Bread.’
-That’s even worse!
‘Yup. Gotta eat it.’
Raon pushed the wailing Wrath aside and shook his head.
“There’s no problem letting you enter the Chamber of Self. However….”
Glenn furrowed his brow slightly in concern.
“Are you really sure about this?”
“…Sorry?”
Raon tilted his head, not understanding Glenn’s words.
“What do you mean by that?”
He’d received permission to enter the Chamber of Self a long time ago. He didn’t understand why Glenn was questioning it now.
“The Chamber of Self is a place for swordsmen to break through their walls. Many warriors have destroyed the walls blocking them for years, even decades, and advanced to the next level in there.”
Glenn raised a finger and drew a small door in the air.
“On the other hand, swordsmen who didn’t face such walls entered the Chamber of Self and came back with nothing. You should know this better than anyone—there’s no wall in front of you right now.”
He squinted, as if fully aware of Raon’s current level and condition.
“You can only enter the Chamber of Self once in your life. That’s why I’m asking—are you sure now is the right time?”
“Hmm….”
Raon exhaled quietly, rubbing his chin.
‘So that’s what he meant.’
He hadn’t known the Chamber of Self wouldn’t yield great results if the swordsman wasn’t facing a wall. Now he understood why Glenn had said that.
“I originally planned to let you enter the Chamber of Self to help you reach transcendence. But….”
Glenn slowly turned his eyes.
“You reached transcendence on your own, through sorrow and your own strength. In a way, you created your own opportunity, so perhaps entering now wouldn’t be a loss after all.”
He nodded, eyes filled with deep sorrow as he looked at Raon.
“Hmm….”
Raon nodded his chin toward Wrath.
‘What do you think?’
-Don’t you dare go in! I never want to eat that damn Nadine Bread again!
Wrath grimaced, saying he could still taste rubber on his tongue.
-But… I’ve also seen fools who died saving opportunities like this. Hoarding ends in waste, you know.
He smacked his lips, saying good food should be eaten before it spoils.
‘Thanks for the heartfelt advice.’
Raon gave a faint smile as he looked at Wrath’s puffed-up cheeks.
‘We’re thinking the same thing.’
He’d saved this chance to enter the Chamber of Self in order to surpass the wall of transcendence.
But there was no guarantee he’d reach the next stage beyond transcendence before he died. It was better to use the chance now to grow even a little stronger.
“The Chamber of Self was created by the First Head of House, right?”
Raon placed a hand on the sheath of Heavenly Drive and looked at Glenn.
“Yes.”
Glenn nodded slowly.
“I heard it was created even before the first building of Zieghart was erected. I’ve never seen it myself, so I’m not sure if that’s true.”
He lowered his finger, saying the Chamber of Self was one of the oldest places in Zieghart.
“Then I’ll go.”
Raon clasped his hands together as he declared his decision.
‘If it’s a place created by the First Head of House, it might have hidden arrangements.’
The First Head had left seeds for the future in various places. If Glenn was right, he might discover some of those plans in the Chamber of Self.
“Then I’ll make the preparations.”
Glenn nodded, as if accepting Raon’s request.
“Well then—”
“Wait, Grandfather.”
Raon stopped Glenn, calling him grandfather.
“If it’s alright with you, could you show me a demonstration of Sky Piercing Thunder?”
He wanted to see for himself the Sky Piercing Thunder Glenn had newly created before entering the Chamber of Self.
“Ahem!”
Glenn gave a light cough and rolled his shoulders.
“You combined Azure Sky Sword and Heavenly Thunder Art into a new martial art. It’s been on my mind so much I can’t sleep. I really want to see it with your sword, Grandfather.”
“If you insist, then I suppose I have no choice! Very well! Come with me!”
His earlobes flushed red as he cheerfully led the way past the lake toward the base of Northgaze Mountain.
“Thank you.”
Raon followed Glenn across the lake with a smile.
-So you’ve finally figured out how to manipulate that Nadine Bread fogey….
Wrath furrowed his brows at Raon’s light steps.
-You’re so slow! You clueless brat!
He snorted, saying Raon should’ve figured it out three years ago.
‘Wasn’t that around when the Head hated me?’
Raon tilted his head.
-Never mind. I’m done talking….
Wrath waved a hand, as if it wasn’t worth explaining.
-How can you be so dense in that one area? Are you even human?
—
KWA-RRRRRUM!
Lightning shot from Raon’s sword, soaring into the sky before falling as a crimson bolt. The brilliant flash split the earth, brighter than the rising sun.
KWA-AANG!
A deafening boom followed, leaving a blackened crater in the ground so deep it was hard to measure—clearly beyond human power.
Zzzzzrkt!
Raon lowered Heavenly Drive, still crackling with lightning, and let out a dry laugh.
“It’s definitely different.”
Though Glenn had said Sky Piercing Thunder was a blend of Azure Sky Sword and Heavenly Thunder Art, using it himself revealed that it was on another level entirely.
‘It’s like he combined only the best aspects of both.’
A sword path that captured the grandeur of Azure Sky Sword and the piercing aggression of Heavenly Thunder Art. Sky Piercing Thunder was a peak-level martial art that only someone at the top of transcendence could create.
‘Though the drawback is that it takes time to activate.’
Each technique had its strengths and weaknesses. It seemed all three sword arts could be used in different situations.
‘This will help improve my mastery of fast swords, spear-like swords, long swords, and thunder swords.’
Sky Piercing Thunder also helped supplement the subtleties he was lacking in swordsmanship. It was a martial art he could use in many ways.
“Hmm….”
Glenn looked calmly at the crater Raon had created and nodded.
“To think it had that much power even after I blocked it with my aura… You really do learn fast.”
He clicked his tongue briefly, seemingly filled with both pride and regret.
“Your flow is still lacking, but you should be able to train on your own.”
He sheathed his Heavenly Tremor, implying he had nothing more to teach.
“It’s all thanks to you, Grandfather.”
Raon smiled faintly, giving credit to Glenn.
“Hmph! It’s nothing.”
Glenn waved his hand, trying to brush it off. His face, red like an autumn apple, betrayed his mood. (T/N: Wherever you are Rimmer, I’m sure you would be smiling ear to ear seeing this.)
“So, when will you enter the Chamber of Self?”
He tilted his chin, ready to prepare if Raon gave the word.
“I’d like to enter right away.”
Raon shook the leftover lightning off Heavenly Drive and nodded.
-I, on the other hand, do NOT want to go in right away!
Wrath shook his head fiercely, saying he still had lots to eat.
-I’ve heard about that place! The flow of time and space is completely different! If you go in unprepared, we’ll both suffer!
He shouted, saying they should think carefully first.
‘I’m ready.’
Raon pushed away the grumbling Wrath and waited for Glenn’s response.
“Right away, huh….”
Glenn rubbed his chin and slowly shook his head.
“I understand how you feel, but the Chamber of Self isn’t like a regular training chamber. Time and space shift. You should be thoroughly prepared before going in.”
He shook his head, warning against rushing in.
“You’re still carrying fatigue from battle. Enter after one week.”
“I’ll do as you say, Grandfather.”
Raon didn’t object at all and bowed immediately.
-Huh?
Wrath’s eyes widened in disbelief.
-I said the exact same thing! But you ignored me and listened to that old man?!
He raised his fist in protest, crying foul.
“Thank you for understanding. I’ll see you in a week, then.”
Glenn said to come to the main building before walking away from the clearing below Northgaze Mountain.
-Don’t ignore me!
Wrath banged his pudgy fist on Raon’s shoulder like a puffed-up dream.
-I’m still a King in the Devildom! I outrank that old man!
He kept jabbing, demanding the respect due a Monarch.
‘Alright, alright. Calm down.’
-How can I calm down after being treated like this! Such blatant favoritism…
‘Well, we’ve got a whole week now. I’ll eat whatever you want.’
-Then I’m satisfied!
Wrath immediately nodded as if nothing had happened.
‘…Unbelievable.’
Raon had planned to indulge Wrath anyway, but hadn’t expected his tantrum to vanish so quickly. He really was a remarkable Monarch.
Raon patted Wrath’s head lightly and returned to the annex.
The sun had long risen. Smoke curled from chimneys, and delicious smells wafted from the kitchen.
-Perfect timing! Let’s eat breakfast and then head straight for some bead ice cream!
Wrath beamed, uplifted by the scent of food.
‘Not a bad idea.’
Raon nodded as he opened the annex door.
Olga, her face still dewy as if freshly washed, froze mid-step when she saw him.
‘Now that she’s awake, I can really tell.’
She’s like a different person.
The original Olga had skin marred by holy power, dark lines across her entire body like tattoos.
But after her complete transformation, her skin was milk-white, like that of a newborn child.
Once a villainess exuding despair, she now gave off the bright, warm aura of a saint.
“You finally look the part. It suits you.”
“Mmm….”
Olga blinked, dazed, and stepped back.
“Training again? Seriously, you just can’t sit still, can you!”
Silvia stepped out from behind Olga, shaking her head in exasperation. She glanced sideways at Olga with a knowing look, as if urging her to do something.
“Ah!”
Olga quickly straightened her posture and bowed to Raon.
“Thank you. Honestly, I didn’t believe in you at first. I never imagined you’d change me this much. Thank you so much.”
She bowed deeply again, repeating her thanks.
“Empty words?”
Raon tilted his chin, looking at Silvia’s head.
“H-huh?”
Olga trembled, flustered.
“I used up quite a bit to heal you. Two of the highest-grade elixirs, for starters.”
“But those were given by the Head….”
“They weren’t free. I had to persuade him for them.”
Raon shook his head firmly, insisting he didn’t get them for nothing.
“I also exhausted all my aura—still haven’t recovered. Even my mental strength is drained. I still have a pounding headache. Honestly feels like I fought another war with the Black Tower.”
“Ugh….”
Olga’s shoulders shrank as Raon went on. She glanced nervously at Silvia.
“Hrk.”
Silvia’s chin trembled—she hadn’t expected Raon to say all this. She quickly turned her back to avoid Olga’s eyes.
“S-so what do I have to do…?”
Realizing she couldn’t fully repay her debt, Olga sighed deeply.
“What should you do? Start with singing and dancing. I like music. Whenever I get bored, you’ll play and sing. Oh, how about cooking? If you can’t, learn. You’ll be making a lot in the future.”
Raon chuckled, suggesting things Olga would normally never do.
“Grrr….”
Olga inhaled sharply, imagining the hellish future ahead.
“Oh, fine! Bring it on! Singing, dancing, whatever! You bastard!”
She stomped, shouting that she’d go all in. It looked like her old fiery personality had returned.
“That’s more like it.”
Raon smirked and tapped her on the head with his finger.
“It was boring when someone who cursed like she breathed went quiet. Just act like usual.”
He lowered his hand, saying that was enough.
“That’s all?”
“Yeah.”
He’d never intended to demand payment from Olga. He only wished for someone who had sacrificed her life for others to live a little happier.
Besides, even if he didn’t ask, she’d show up when the continent—or Zieghart—was in danger. There was no need to ask for anything else.
“If you understand, let’s eat.”
Raon left the words behind and walked into the dining room.
“Told you! My son never asks for compensation over something like this.”
Silvia laughed as she put a hand on Olga’s shoulder.
“You didn’t seem to believe that earlier.”
Olga narrowed her eyes at Silvia.
“W-what’re you saying!”
Silvia jumped like a guilty child caught stealing.
“You avoided my eyes.”
“No way! Must be your imagination!”
“But….”
“Oh? Helen? You want help too?”
Silvia suddenly called for Helen and dashed into the dining hall.
“Haa….”
Olga followed after them, a clear smile forming on her lips.
“Like mother, like son.”
Jealously so.
—
After breakfast, Raon stood at the front door.
-Hurry up and go! I need to eat bead ice cream before this perfect fullness fades!
Wrath patted Raon’s back, saying a perfect day must start right.
‘Okay, okay. Stop nagging.’
Raon pushed Wrath aside and looked back.
“Noona.”
He waved to Sia, who was wearing a white hat.
“If you’re ready, let’s go.”
He had promised to take her out, so they were headed to the bead ice cream shop together.
“Mm!”
Sia nodded brightly, excited for their outing.
“Let’s go!”
She pressed her hat and moved close to his side.
“You look pretty today.”
Raon gently patted her head as they stepped into the annex garden.
As they walked toward the bustling town, two men approached from the main building.
On the right was Balder of Central Martial Palace, and on the left was Karoon of True Martial Palace.
‘Why are those two together?’
Though it felt odd, Raon approached and bowed to them.
“Greetings, Palace Lords.”
“Hello!”
Sia also bowed along.
“No need for formalities! We’re family!”
Balder shook his head with gusto.
“Sorry for the early visit.”
Karoon returned the greeting while apologizing with a wave.
“It’s no problem. But… what brings you here?”
Raon tilted his head, curious as to why they had come.
“Hmm….”
“Ahem!”
Karoon and Balder exchanged glances, staying silent.
“Raon! Let’s go already!”
Since they weren’t speaking, Sia tugged his sleeve, thinking it unrelated to them.
-Your sister’s right! If they’ve got nothing to say, ignore them!
Wrath agreed and urged him forward.
“Wait a sec, Noona. I think they do have something to say.”
Raon held back Wrath and Sia and looked at the two men.
“Then just bring them along!”
Sia wiggled her finger, saying they could talk while eating bead ice cream.
“Hmm, would that even work?”
Raon clicked his tongue and glanced at them.
“We were just heading out for bead ice cream…”
He extended his hand slightly toward the awkward Karoon and Balder.
“Want to come with us?”