Chapter 962
“Mmm…”
Glenn slowly lowered his trembling hand and looked at Raon again.
‘I thought he wouldn’t have changed much.’
But he had far surpassed that expectation.
The Chamber of Self had existed since the beginning of Zieghart’s history, and countless swordsmen had entered it.
However, not everyone came out stronger. As Karoon had explained, many swordsmen who hadn’t been stuck at a wall left the chamber unchanged.
That was why a temporary rule was created—only swordsmen facing the wall of Grandmaster or Transcendence were allowed to enter.
‘But he was different.’
Even Raon shouldn’t have been able to reach the wall of Transcendence yet. Glenn had allowed him entry based on his will alone, never expecting such a result.
‘I can tell just by looking.’
Glenn exhaled softly as he observed Raon’s calm eyes and deeply settled aura.
‘The amount and density of his aura have skyrocketed, and his muscle quality has changed. On top of that…’
He had reached the realm of swordsmanship.
Just seeing Raon’s stance while speaking revealed it. He hadn’t just grown physically and in aura—he had made immense strides in martial comprehension too.
‘What on earth happened in there?’
Swordsmen in the Chamber of Self break through their walls and advance, growing as a whole.
But Raon had not broken a wall—yet he returned with growth in his body, aura, and swordsmanship.
Even scouring all of Zieghart’s history, this was almost unprecedented.
‘He didn’t break the wall, but he grew as if he did…’
You never cease to amaze me.
Before entering the chamber, Raon was equal to Karoon and likely on par with the leaders of the Five Divine Pilars excluding the Thespian Emperor.
But now… he seemed to be in a different league entirely.
‘He may not have reached the Five Kings, but he’s likely just beneath them.’
The Five Divine Pilars were next after the Five Kings in standing, but even among them, there were huge gaps in power. They had banded together precisely to survive among the Five Kings.
‘He’s my grandson, but there’s no other word for him but monster.’
Just entering the Chamber of Self, Raon had crossed half the sea that separated mortals from the supreme beings.
‘He’s still not there yet, but with more experience and strength, he’ll reach it.’
He couldn’t yet face the heads of the Five Kings.
But it wouldn’t take long for him to stand among them.
“Hm…”
Glenn narrowed his eyes as he watched Raon chatting with Burren, Martha, and Runaan.
‘The more I look at that child, the stranger I feel. It’s like a prickling sensation in my heart…’
He couldn’t define it exactly, but something about Raon had changed—not just his strength, but something deep within his soul.
He felt detached from life and death, like a monk. A peculiar flow surrounded Raon, one Glenn hadn’t achieved himself.
It was an eerie sensation no human should possess, but it didn’t feel malevolent. It was clearly a power that benefited Raon.
“Ahem!”
After checking his grandson’s state, Glenn cleared his throat loudly.
“Let’s talk later.”
As soon as he heard Glenn’s cough, Raon left Burren, Martha, and Runaan behind and stepped toward the platform.
“Greetings, Head of House.”
Raon knelt and bowed, saying he had safely returned from his journey.
“It seems you’ve gained much.”
Glenn didn’t hide the surprise and pride in his eyes as he nodded.
“It’s more than just a gain…”
Karoon exhaled in disbelief and shook his head.
“It’s hard to believe even if he said he trained for over ten years.”
He let out a hollow laugh—not from jealousy, but because the change was too overwhelming to accept easily.
“I just passed the various trials prepared by the Chamber of Self, and somehow I grew in the process.”
Raon smiled faintly as he recalled the trials in the sand mountain.
“Various trials?”
“There’s more than one?”
Glenn and Karoon widened their eyes.
“Yes. First was climbing a scorching sand mountain without aura, a test of stamina, spirit, and body. Then came swordsmanship and combat trials, and finally a trial to refine aura.”
Raon explained each of the trials he underwent in the chamber—excluding anything related to Wrath.
“…What kind of swordsmanship trial?”
Karoon stepped forward, curious about the details.
“I dueled a golden-eyed, blonde-haired swordsman who had mastered [Thousand Swords]. The format…”
Raon explained the duel’s format without mentioning that the man was the First Head of House.
“That explains the pressure I felt from your sword.”
Karoon’s fingers trembled on his sword hilt.
“Blonde hair and golden eyes…?”
Glenn leaned forward, more interested in the instructor than the methods.
“Do you remember the sword?”
“Yes. It had a silver blade with golden flames etched along it. Its shape was…”
Raon raised his hand and described the sword of the First Head of House he saw in the chamber.
“So it really was connected…”
Glenn nodded heavily as if a puzzle had been solved. His lips trembled, and a blush colored his cheeks.
“Head of House?”
Karoon blinked, noticing Glenn’s emotional shift.
“Ahem, seems I asked too many questions. You must be tired after a long time inside. You may return for now.”
Glenn waved his hand, saying they’d talk more later.
“Understood.”
Raon bowed his head, clicking his tongue internally.
‘So the Head of House knows about the First Head of House.’
As current Head of Zieghart, Glenn likely possessed such information.
-Let’s go already! I’m starving to death!
Wrath thumped Raon’s head, eager for a home-cooked meal.
‘Hold on. I’ve still got one more thing.’
Raon turned to Karoon, standing to the left.
“Do you remember our promise before I entered the chamber?”
“Of course.”
Karoon calmed his surprise and nodded.
“When shall we do it? I’m fine with tomorrow.”
Raon said he wanted to test the achievements he’d gained and clenched his fingers.
“You may feel fine now, but the fatigue will catch up. Let’s recover and meet next weekend in top condition.”
Karoon proposed a full-powered match the following weekend.
“Got it.”
Raon nodded and turned to Glenn once more.
“Then I’ll be heading out.”
He bowed and left the chamber with Burren, Martha, and Runaan.
“…”
“…”
Glenn and Karoon remained silent, staring at the door Raon had exited.
“…He seems very different now.”
Karoon clenched his fist and bit his lip.
‘To a level I can’t win against anymore.’
His sense as a transcendent told him that Raon before and after the chamber were entirely different beings.
Dueling might leave room for variables, but he was certain Raon had surpassed him.
“Yes. You’re exactly right.”
Glenn nodded calmly, but his lips trembled harder, filled with joy.
“The golden-eyed man Raon fought… was it someone from our family?”
Karoon asked, recalling Glenn’s shaken expression earlier.
“He was the First Head of House.”
Glenn nodded slowly.
“T-The First Head…”
Karoon clenched his jaw so tightly the veins bulged on his cheeks.
“Now that it’s come to this…”
Glenn looked up at the ceiling and let out a short sigh.
“Raon’s aura cultivation technique is [Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation], left behind by the First Head. For a thousand years, it rejected all others… but it chose Raon.”
He recalled the moment the cultivation technique descended and settled into Raon’s hands. With Karoon no longer burdened by inferiority, he felt it was time to share this long-held secret.
“I see. So that’s why…”
Karoon nodded heavily, as if he finally understood Raon’s strength. He seemed disappointed, frustrated, and perhaps even proud.
“It’s true that Raon has risen much higher. He’s surpassed your level.”
Glenn joined his fingers as he looked at where Raon had stood.
“But that doesn’t mean your path ends here. There’s no reason you can’t surpass him again.”
“You don’t need to comfort me. I know how hard it is to catch up to someone who grows every day.”
Karoon swallowed bitterly.
“I’m not trying to comfort you.”
Glenn shook his head firmly.
“The realm of Transcendence is strange. A rookie who’s only been a transcendent for a year can rise to the top, while a warrior stuck at the bottom for decades can suddenly become a top-tier powerhouse.”
He pointed into the air. A dot became a line, then a surface, then took on the shape of a sharp blade.
“Right now, you can do it.”
Glenn nodded, confident in Karoon’s potential.
“…I’ll return after my match with Raon.”
Karoon bowed and left, as if he had something to say afterward.
“…”
As soon as Karoon exited, Glenn bowed deeply and trembled all over.
“Ha ha ha!”
Roenn chuckled quietly below the platform.
“Seems like fortune keeps coming our way.”
He nodded, saying it was one good thing after another.
“How…”
Glenn’s voice trembled with emotion.
“How is he so amazing! And he came back successful again!”
He stomped his feet and roared.
“And he was chosen by the First Head, no less! He really is my grandson!”
Glenn stomped joyfully, overcome with love for Raon.
“Ha ha ha…”
Roenn tried to suppress the sound and vibration, but Glenn’s excitement was too much, shaking the entire audience chamber.
Ruuuuuumble!
Everyone inside screamed and rushed outside at the beast-like roar.
—
“Sorry. I’m late.”
Raon bowed to Burren, Martha, and Runaan.
“How much stronger did you get?”
Burren shrugged, curious.
“Yeah! Tell us! The Head and the Palace Lord’s faces were intense!”
Martha jabbed his side, demanding an answer.
“Did you surpass transcendence…?”
Runaan blinked.
“I did grow stronger, but not that much.”
Raon shook both hands, saying it was a misunderstanding.
“Th-Then maybe you reached the level of the Five Kings…?”
Martha asked with hopeful eyes.
“Unfortunately, not even close.”
Raon shook his head firmly.
“I still wouldn’t be able to beat one alone.”
He had stopped Wrath’s full strength, but that was only because he’d faced the same attack a hundred times. If Wrath attacked differently, he wouldn’t be able to stop him.
‘Still, that experience wasn’t meaningless.’
Beyond strength, he had gained something more.
Every living being feels fear before death. Even the strongest warriors can’t perform at full power in that state. But he had died a hundred times and overcome that fear.
This surreal experience would prove invaluable in the coming war.
“I see…”
Martha smacked her lips regretfully. She still seemed worried about her mother, held captive by the White Blood Cult Leader.
“Oh! We got access to the Chamber of Self too!”
Burren waved, trying to lighten the mood.
“It’s thanks to you. Thanks.”
“No, it’s thanks to you guys.”
Raon shook his head. Without them, he wouldn’t have been able to fight the Black Tower Lord freely. They more than deserved access to the chamber.
“Are there beds? Soft ones?”
Runaan was most curious about whether there were beds in the chamber. Classic sleepyhead question.
“Can’t say. Everyone sees a different place inside.”
Raon explained it had to be experienced firsthand.
“You’ll probably get one.”
“Really?”
Runaan waved happily at the thought.
“Yeah.”
Raon clicked his tongue softly, watching her smile blankly.
‘There might be a bed, but it could be hell.’
Runaan’s chamber would probably be mentally taxing despite its comfort. Same for Martha and Burren.
“Oh, one more important thing.”
Burren raised his hand.
-You damn eyeball! Why are you so talkative today!
Wrath thumped Raon’s shoulder, saying to ignore him and go.
“What is it?”
Raon ignored Wrath and nodded at Burren.
“The Light Wind Palace still doesn’t have a proper system. Everyone’s lost now that vacation’s over.”
Burren twirled his finger, saying they needed a structure.
“Don’t worry. I thought about it in the chamber. Not just structure, the training is going to be incredible.”
Raon smiled coldly, and the trio’s faces paled.
“Happy, fun, and powerful training. Everyone will love it.”
Hearing that ominous voice, the three began backing away slowly. It sounded like the usual Raon—but something was different.
“Ugh…”
“Damn it! He’s doing it again!”
“I’m going to bed…”
The three screamed and ran.
“What’s with them?”
Raon tilted his head, watching them flee.
-Say that after you’ve seen your face. You looked like a lunatic.
Wrath shook his head, saying he was like a Celestial.
‘Watch your mouth.’
Raon smirked and turned toward the annex.
‘My body feels light.’
Even without the stat bonuses, his body and aura had grown so much it felt weightless.
‘Let’s give it a try.’
Though he usually walked slowly, he wanted to test his new power. He stomped and activated [Supreme Harmony Steps].
Fwoooosh!
Just one step narrowed and darkened his vision. The speed of [Swift Harmony Step] was now infused into his default stride.
“Hah…”
Arriving at the annex much faster than expected, he let out a laugh.
‘Didn’t expect this much change.’
With his physical and aura growth—and his mastery of the footwork from the sea—the speed was astonishing.
‘Maybe I grew more than I thought?’
It felt like multiplying, not just adding. He may have grown far more than he’d realized.
-I don’t care if you’re strong. What’s for dinner is what matters!
Wrath nodded, saying they should decide on the menu first.
‘Got anything in mind?’
-What’s the point of asking! First, I want spicy pasta to erase the dryness of that Nadine Bread! Then sweet-and-salty pineapple pizza to coat my tongue, followed by the savory richness of well-grilled beef…
Wrath babbled endlessly, possessed by Edgar’s spirit.
‘Alright, alright.’
Raon half-listened as he entered the annex.
As soon as he stepped in, peace and warmth returned to the afternoon.
Soon, smoke rising from the chimney reflected the happiness within like a mirror.
—
“I’m home!”
Martha entered the Black Tortoise Palace residence and called out as usual.
“Welcome back.”
Standing at the entrance, Denier smiled gently and nodded.
“Huh? You’re back?”
“Finished the mission early.”
He dusted off his collar, saying he’d just returned.
“Did you come from training?”
“No, from the main house.”
“The main house?”
“Yeah. We went to see when Raon would come out, and he came out right then.”
Martha said she had seen both Raon and Glenn.
“How was the Palace Lord?”
“He looked the same to me, but the Head and Palace Lord seemed shocked.”
She laughed, recalling Karoon and Glenn’s reactions.
“Usually you need to be at a wall to gain much from the Chamber of Self, but he came out with incredible results anyway.”
She waved her hand, calling him a lucky bastard.
“…”
Denier watched her with a still, doll-like smile.
“If even the Head of House said that, he must have grown a lot.”
He smiled as if impressed.
“Right? Oh, and I got access to the Chamber of Self too.”
Martha raised her hand, smiling.
“Not now though—only once I reach the wall of Transcendence…”
She bit her lip slightly, thinking it would take too long.
“You’re thinking of your mother.”
Denier nodded, reading her mind.
“Sorry. I keep thinking about her…”
Martha bowed, her eyes slightly red. A side she only showed to Denier.
“There’s nothing to apologize for.”
He slowly shook his head.
“The wall of Transcendence. It’ll take time. But there may be a way to shorten it slightly…”
He smiled warmly and extended his hand.
“Shall we give it a try?”