Chapter 963
“A way to shorten the time, even a little…”
Martha gulped as she looked at Denier.
“Can it really shorten the time needed to reach the wall of Transcendence?”
She had only recently reached Grandmaster. Even at the fastest pace, it would still take over ten years to reach that wall.
Though ten years might seem short when aiming for Transcendence, thinking of her mother suffering under the White Blood Cult Leader made even a single year feel like a lifetime.
She hadn’t been able to express how stifled and hopeless she felt. Now, hearing Denier say the time could be shortened, her heart began pounding wildly.
“It depends on you, but the possibility is high.”
Denier nodded, saying Martha could definitely do it.
“Mm…”
The wall Martha was resting her hand on crumbled. Her fingers had unconsciously applied too much pressure.
“That doesn’t mean you’ll reach the wall of Transcendence immediately.”
As he swept away the fallen bricks, Denier shook his head.
“It’ll just shave off a bit of time.”
“What’s the method?”
Martha clenched her dust-covered fist.
“Is it a new martial art? Or some special training?”
She was confident she could endure anything, so she asked immediately.
“You’ll need both. But the main focus isn’t training or martial arts.”
Denier slowly shook his head.
“It’s an elixir.”
He pulled out a black-lacquered box from his robes.
“Elixir?”
“Technically, it’s more of a poison than an elixir.”
“P-Poison?”
Martha’s eyes widened at the black case.
“No need to be scared. Do you think I’d ever do something to harm you?”
Denier calmly waved his hand to reassure her.
“Of course not. I was just surprised because you said poison.”
Martha smiled faintly and nodded.
‘If I can’t trust Father, who can I trust?’
Denier had taken her in as an adopted daughter despite opposition from all of Zieghart, treating her like his own.
If he intended to kill or use her, he would’ve done so long ago. Along with Raon, he was one of the few people she trusted completely.
‘Besides, if he really meant to poison me, he wouldn’t say it outright.’
Calling it poison so bluntly meant he had no intention of deceiving her.
“But why poison…?”
She looked at him with trust-filled eyes.
“This is Sea Dew Elixer, an elixir made from the now-extinct Sea Dew Herb, a poisonous plant. It puts the user into a state of suspended animation.”
Denier raised his finger and drew a cloud-like shape in the air.
“Suspended animation?”
“Yes. But not ordinary suspension. It induces the ultimate state of focus—what we call a trance. You enter the deepest part of the mental world.”
He nodded heavily, saying that the moment you take Sea Dew Elixer, you’re thrust deep into the mental world.
“In some ways, it’s similar to the Chamber of Self. You could call it a miniature version of it.”
He said with clenched fists that one could achieve faster growth than anyone by entering that state.
“There was such a thing…?”
Martha exhaled in disbelief.
“I happened upon it during my last mission. Sea Dew Herb is extinct now, so this medicine was forgotten, but its effects are certain.”
He caressed the black box, calling it an elixir worth more than ten million gold.
“Sea Dew Elixer…”
Martha stared at the black box, her fingers trembling.
‘This is completely broken.’
The mental world isn’t something you can enter at will. It’s a realm only accessed at moments of extreme insight. Forcibly entering it—especially the deepest level—was astounding.
‘If it really works…’
She could cut off several years.
If Father was right, it could reduce her training time by at least a few years. Her hands began to sweat without her realizing.
She had to accept, but there were a few things she needed to consider.
“There must be side effects, right?”
She bit her lip, staring at the box.
“Yes. The user might not wake up… or could lose their memory.”
Denier calmly listed the side effects.
“Not waking up, or memory loss…”
Martha frowned.
‘Honestly, that’s not as bad as I expected.’
She thought it might be fatal, given how strong the effect was. But memory loss, depending on the severity, was manageable.
“Of course, there’s a solution. Both side effects come from going too deep into the mental world. If you’re woken up in time, it won’t happen.”
He tapped the box lightly and shook his head.
“If you take it, I’ll guard you personally. No need to worry.”
His eyes gleamed with determination, promising to take full responsibility.
“Mm…”
Martha looked at the box again and shook her head.
“How long would I sleep if I took it?”
“You’d need to remain in the trance for at least two months to see results. But the safe limit is about six months.”
He raised his fingers, saying those who went past six months all suffered side effects.
“Two to six months…”
She lifted her trembling hand toward the box—then stopped.
“I’m grateful, but… I don’t think I can right now.”
“Why not?”
“This is the most important time for establishing the Light Wind Palace’s structure. I can’t be absent as a division leader.”
As much as her mother mattered, Raon and her Light Wind comrades were just as important. She couldn’t let them waste precious time because of her.
Even if she took it, it would have to wait until the system was in place.
“Then there’s no helping it.”
Denier smiled and put the box away, saying to bring it up again when she was ready.
“Thank you. Really…”
Martha bit her lip and bowed her head.
“No need for thanks among family.”
He patted her head and clicked his tongue.
“Also, don’t tell anyone about Sea Dew Elixer. The fewer who know about such treasures, the better.”
“Of course. I won’t tell anyone.”
Martha raised her hand, promising not to say a word.
“Oh, but why don’t you use it, Father? Why give it to me…?”
“I don’t need it. I wanted you to have it.”
He lowered his gaze as if it didn’t matter to him.
“You don’t need it?”
“Yes. I’m already standing before the wall of Transcendence. Sea Dew Elixer won’t help me climb it.”
He smiled faintly, saying it was better used by someone who could benefit more.
“The wall of Transcendence…?”
Martha stepped closer.
“Then did you enter the Chamber of Self when you reached Grandmaster?”
“No. I never entered.”
Denier shook his head.
“What? Why not? If you’re before the wall, you could go in and pass it like the Palace Lord did!”
She grew curious—why wouldn’t he go in if he had the chance?
“I didn’t think it was the right time. Unlike my brother, I haven’t stood before the wall for long.”
He rotated his wrist, saying he still needed more training.
“That’s not always true! Raon wasn’t even at the wall, but he came out stronger than anyone who was! The Head and Palace Lord said so!”
Martha recited Karoon and Glenn’s assessment of Raon’s power.
“When the chamber opens, go in! You’ve done more than enough to earn it!”
She grabbed his hand, insisting he had to go.
“If you become a transcendent too, Zieghart will have five transcendents!”
“Still only four.”
“Huh? It’s five, isn’t it?”
She narrowed her eyes.
“There’s the Head, Aris, Palace Lord Karoon, Palace Lord Raon, and you. That’s five.”
She tilted her head, confused.
“…You’re right.”
Denier tapped her head gently, admitting his mistake.
“Eh, that was underwhelming.”
Martha chuckled.
“Anyway, you have to go in! Promise!”
She held out her pinky.
“Alright. I promise.”
Denier smiled faintly and linked pinkies with her.
“I’ll see you at dinner then. I have to help prep things for the Light Wind kids.”
Martha left to prepare for the palace duties.
“…”
Denier watched her enter her room, then quietly went up to the second-floor study.
Thud.
He placed the black-lacquered box on the desk and opened it.
The box that was supposed to contain Sea Dew Elixer was completely empty.
“Five, huh…”
He closed the box with a dry smile, like a falling leaf. (T/N: Hmm, I wonder what Denier’s role realy is here. Is he like Professor Snape from Harry Potter?)
—
Zieghart’s Fifth Training Ground.
It was usually quiet due to being far from the main building, but today the ground shook from construction work for the Light Wind Palace.
Raon entered through the door, feeling joy at the vibrations.
The palace swordsmen stood in formation at the front, wearing black uniforms, waiting for him.
The sharp pressure radiating from their fingertips pricked at his skin.
‘They’ve become seasoned.’
Their strength couldn’t be judged by age.
-They’re mine, so obviously they’re this good!
Wrath nodded proudly, saying it was only natural.
‘Maybe.’
Though young, they had experienced real combat and harsh training. Their strength and experience now rivaled peak warriors.
Remembering each of their beginnings, pride welled in his chest.
Step.
Raon climbed the platform, letting his pride show.
“Greetings, Palace Lord!”
“Greetings, Palace Lord!”
At Burren’s call, every swordsman of the Light Wind Palace bowed deeply.
“You may rise.”
Normally, he would wave off the formality. But today was important, so he accepted their greeting.
“Did you all rest well while I was away?”
Raon scanned the group and smiled.
“You went to train—how could we rest! All we did was train!”
Martha shook her head firmly.
“I felt lacking, so I stayed home and trained with my sword.”
Burren frowned, saying he also trained.
“I just slept. Deeply…”
Runaan yawned, saying she spent her time happily in bed.
“I restocked all our supplies! We’re good to go!”
Dorian grinned brightly, clearly having enjoyed himself.
-Then tell him to take out some bead ice cream now!
Wrath waved his pudgy hand excitedly.
“I almost died chasing him around…”
Krein sniffled, saying following Dorian was worse than shopping with parents.
“What about you, Palace Lord? Rumors say you came back much stronger.”
Trevin licked his lips, curious.
“You’re back, and now it’s loud again. Damn Light Wind…”
The Gambling Monster waved from where he lounged on the stage, nursing a hangover.
“Haha.”
Mark Gorton laughed, enjoying the noisy Light Wind atmosphere.
“Just set up the system already. I’m going nuts.”
The Gambling Monster drank water, demanding structure.
“Understood.”
Raon nodded and stepped forward.
“I’ll now announce the organizational structure and system for the Light Wind Palace. There was some talk about the name, but I’m keeping it.”
If it were anything else, he’d accept opposing views. But for Rimmer’s memory, he wanted to keep the name Light Wind.
“Yes!”
The swordsmen all nodded without objection.
“First, the Iron Division will remain as the first official division of the Light Wind Palace. Trevin remains division leader.”
Their strength, experience, and merit earned them the position.
“We accept the order.”
Trevin and his men knelt and bowed.
“The Light Wind Palace lacks numbers, so they’ll be formed into squads based on their leaders.”
He looked to Burren, Martha, and Runaan and nodded.
“Squads?”
“I guess there aren’t enough to be divisions.”
“I’m fine either way.”
They smiled, satisfied just to be appointed.
“The squads are named after their leaders’ titles. Runaan’s will be the Blue Moon Squad, and…”
He turned to a blushing Martha and spun his finger.
“Martha’s will be the Rakshasa Squad, after her title…”
“You bastard!”
Martha stomped and jumped onto the platform.
“Rakshasa Squad? You wanna see a real rakshasa?! Huh?!”
“C-Calm down! This is a formal event!”
Burren grabbed her shoulder to stop her.
“Mm. Nice name…”
Runaan murmured with a peaceful smile. She was mischievous in her own way.
“Ugh! Ice Queen gets Blue Moon, and I’m Rakshasa?! You’re all dead!”
Martha screamed in protest.
“Well, it’s set for now. We’ll hold a selection soon to bolster the squads and promote them to a full division.”
He nodded, saying both squads would become a full division.
“Sounds good.”
“I agree…”
Burren and Runaan nodded.
“I object! No one will join something called the Rakshasa Squad!”
Martha shouted.
“It’s a cool name. I’d rename the entire palace to Rakshasa Palace if I could.”
Raon smacked his lips.
“Not bad. Sounds strong.”
Krein nodded.
“Change the insignia to a ghost and it’d look cool.”
Burren grinned, drawing a ghost in the air.
“Strong agree!”
Runaan shouted, raising her hand.
“You’re all insane…”
Martha slumped.
“Jokes aside…”
Raon waved to calm them.
“Huh? Oh…”
Martha looked at him with hope.
“Next, Sir Mark Gorton.”
Raon crushed that hope by calling another name.
“You said you prefer working alone, so I appoint you as the palace’s Protector.”
Respecting his wishes, he gave him the role of solitary guardian.
“An honor! I’ll protect the Palace Lord with my life!”
Mark knelt solemnly.
“I’ll assign Dorian and Krein to assist you.”
Outside the squad leaders, they were the strongest with unique skills.
“Uh…?”
Burren blinked. This wasn’t the structure he expected.
“And…”
Raon smiled at him.
“I appoint Burren Zieghart as Vice Palace Lord.”
Without hesitation, he named Burren his second-in-command.
“M-Me…?”
Burren trembled, clearly expecting Mark to get the role.
“Burren, only you can control and guide this palace in my stead.”
Raon stepped down and clapped his shoulder.
“Ugh…”
Burren closed his eyes, overwhelmed, then knelt.
“I will repay this trust with my life!”
His response wasn’t gratitude, but a pledge. Raon liked that even more.
“The remaining members of Squad 3 will be split between the two new squads.”
With that, he completed the personnel structure.
“Now that the foundation is set… let’s establish the real system.”
“Huh?”
“Isn’t it done?”
“Aren’t system and structure the same?”
The swordsmen looked confused.
“Training.”
Raon smiled thinly and tilted his head.
“The true system of a swordsman is their strength. I’ve prepared a very special training program.”
He rotated his wrist.
“Oh! Palace Lord’s training?”
“Looking forward to it.”
“Training from a transcendent—what a blessing.”
The Iron Division smiled, eager.
“It’s here…”
“I should’ve used my leave…”
“Damn! I didn’t think it’d start now!”
The Light Wind Division turned pale.
“Everyone, to the foot of Northgaze Mountain.”
“L-Let’s go…”
Burren, as Vice Lord, led the nervous group.
“Hmph…”
The Gambling Monster stood slowly and shook his head.
“From squad to palace… guess I’m done.”
He muttered about retiring.
“There’s still more ahead.”
“Where are you going?”
Raon shook his head.
“I said I’m done…”
“You’re misunderstanding something.”
He waved with a smile.
“W-What are you talking about…?”
The Gambling Monster swallowed dryly.
“You’re not the Light Wind Palace’s administrator… you’re the annex’s administrator. Did you forget?”
Raon shrugged.
“Huh? O-Oh!”
Memories returned to The Gambling Monster.
“In other words, you can’t escape.”
Raon smiled.
“W-Wait! How long do I have to stay?!”
“For life.”
He shook his head.
“Also, you’re going to Northgaze too. You’ll be training with us from now on.”
To keep him from slacking off.
“Daaamn it!”
The Gambling Monster clutched his head, regretting opening his mouth.
-To enslave even an old man…
Wrath trembled, watching Raon laugh and The Gambling Monster cry.
-Truly a cruel one.
‘If I can enslave a Demon King, what’s an old man?’
Raon waved casually.
-Enslave a Demon King? Who…
Wrath tilted his head.
‘You.’
He pointed.
-M-Me? Ah!
Wrath finally realized he too was like Raon’s slave.
“Aaaaagh!”
-Aaaaargh!
Raon ascended Northgaze Mountain to a harmony of human and demon screams.
“As long as they don’t die.”
Let’s start with hellfire hiking.
(T/N: Just a reminder the heiriarchy of group is as follow : Squad -> Division -> Palace)