Chapter 455

Raon briskly stood up and went to the window.

"My lord, what brings you here…?"

Glenn didn't respond. He seemed to examine the room for a moment before he bobbed his finger. He seemed to be asking Raon to follow him.

"Understood."

Raon bowed and put on the outerwear that he had taken off before heading to the door.

Wait!

Wrath floated in front of the door and swung his round fist.

You promised the King of Essence! You are supposed to sleep without doing anything else today!

He frowned, asking him to please keep his promise.

'I'm sorry, but…'

Raon shook his head while picking Wrath up by his blue head.

'We might not get anything to eat anymore if I don't go right now. Do you want to eat Nadine bread for the rest of your life?'

Na-Nadine bread?

Wrath looked outside the window with trembling lips.

Oh, right! That geezer only eats Nadine bread! What are you waiting for?! Go outside already! Don't eat the bread if he gives you one!

He shouted at him to follow already since he couldn't get on Glenn's bad side.

'Sure, sure.'

Raon smiled faintly and quietly left the annex building.

Glenn was watching the garden with his hands clasped behind his back, and he slowly looked around. The look in his eyes seemed slightly different than when he was sitting on the throne inside the audience chamber.

"Follow me."

He placed his foot on the lake behind the annex building. He walked over the lake with light steps. He seemed to be going to North Grave Mountain.

'What's happening?'

The lake was serene. Glenn didn't create even the slightest wave, as if he were walking on land instead of a lake. He almost looked like he was blending into nature.

"Hmm…"

Raon put his foot on the lake. He was confident in his water walking skill, but it was still impossible for him to create no waves at all like Glenn was doing.

'How is he doing it?'

Glenn wasn't the type of person to move without any intention. Raon tried to think about his movements since it seemed to be a lesson.

'Is it the flow…?'

The tip of Glenn's feet had the same flow as the immobile surface of the lake. He figured that he must've harmonized his energy into the small lake's flow.

'Now that I think about it…'

Glenn and Rector had both mentioned that everything in the world had a flow of its own.

Since the wind had the texture of the wind, while the water had the texture of the water, they'd advised him to try understanding those flows.

Glenn seemed to be demonstrating how to utilize that flow.

'He's really kind.'

Raon closed his eyes while thinking that Glenn might be a lot kinder than he'd thought, just like Yua had said.

He tried to copy Glenn's footsteps, which seemed to be assimilating with the water.

Splash.

He couldn't completely remove the small waves, but the amount of wavering on the surface had clearly decreased compared to before.

Glenn watched him from outside the lake before he started to walk once again. He turned around upon reaching the open area at the entrance of North Grave Mountain.

"Greetings, my…"

"You don't need to greet me every time you see me."

Glenn shook his hand and slowly closed his eyes before opening them again. Raon's fingers trembled upon facing eyes that were as serene as the moonlight.

"I'm just here to give you what I couldn't before."

"What would that be…?"

"You saved the Warring Steel division and the hostages who were kidnapped by the Black tower, disclosed the White Lotus division's corruption, and captured the White Whale's warriors to get information out of them."

Glenn continued with a disinterested voice, as if he didn't really care about it.

"They said that a golden tablet was too small of a reward for an achievement like that."

He pretended he was there because of other people's advice and told Raon that he came to give him an additional reward.

"Hmm… May I say something?"

Raon bowed to Glenn while biting his lip slightly.

"Go ahead."

"The Light Wind division and I aren't the only ones who contributed to the rescue of the hostages. None of them would've managed to survive if the Warring Steel division didn't fight and hold their ground inside the boundary."

Glenn didn't say anything. He seemed to be telling him to continue.

"I might sound insolent, but I'd like you to share half of the reward you are giving to me to the Warring Steel division. They are true warriors who brought honor to Zieghart's name and will keep doing so in the future. I'd like to help them get back up faster."

He declared what he wanted to tell him ever since he was in the audience chamber.

"Hmm."

Glenn stared at him for a moment before he rolled his lips into a smile. It looked like his mouth was twitching.

"You don't need to worry about the Warring Steel division. I've already rewarded them accordingly."

"What?"

"I gave them elixirs to heal their wounds and strengthen their bodies and energy centers, and books of martial arts that will allow them to reach even further. They will return even stronger even if you don't worry about them."

"Ah…"

Raon lowered his reddened face. He'd thought that Glenn didn't take care of them, but he must've seen even further into the future than himself.

"I beg your pardon! It was impertinent of me…"

"No, I don't mind it."

Glenn's voice was blunt. However, it looked like his eyes weren't as cold as before, unlike his voice.

"How much did you manage to learn of the Azure Sky Sword?"

"I barely managed to learn the basic forms."

Raon shook his head. He'd read the book multiple times, but he couldn't be considered to have learned the sword art.

"Did you not use it when you were fighting the Black Tower or the White Whale's warriors?"

"I only used the other techniques since it would've been foolish to use a technique that I haven't mastered yet."

"I see."

Glenn stroked his beard and showed his approval. His voice also sounded less cold than before.

"The reward I'm about to give you isn't that big of a deal. I'm going to teach you the Azure Sky Sword for an hour every day at midnight until the day of your sword duel against Ayad."

"Ah…"

Raon's jaw dropped, and he was unable to reply.

'Is he really saying that it's not a big deal?'

Lessons from the transcender who was the closest to being the strongest in the continent was definitely a big deal. It was an extremely special opportunity that could never be obtained no matter how much one paid for it.

However, there was one thing that was bothering him.

"Didn't you decide to postpone the sword lessons until Sir Rector's return?"

"The situation has changed. And…"

Glenn turned around and rolled his lips into a smile.

"It's his problem for not being here."

He shook his hand as if telling him to draw his sword already since it was the Sword Demon's fault for not being around.

'Either way… It's a great opportunity for me.'

Raon nodded and unsheathed Heavenly Drive.

"Try using the Azure Sky Sword that you've imagined while reading the book."

"Understood."

Raon slowly took a deep breath and demonstrated the Azure Sky Sword while focusing on each technique's completion rather than the power or speed.

"It's superficial."

Glenn narrowed his eyes. He seemed to be disappointed.

"The other swordsmanship you've learned so far should've been somewhat effective even if they were superficial, but the Azure Sky is different."

He raised his right hand so slowly that it felt boring to watch. He wielded his hand like a blade and pointed at the sky.

Rumble!

Glenn's hand looked like a sword. His hand was even sharper than the noted blades forged by the Continent's Blacksmiths, and it created a single line in the dark sky, no moon in sight.

Sparkle!

The rain clouds were split apart, and the moon—as red as Glenn's eyes—made its appearance. It was an overwhelming display that made Raon speechless as he watched.

"An advanced martial art requires an appropriate method. It's better to practice the basic techniques for the rest of your life if you are only going to focus on the technique's perfection."

Glenn explained as he used the Azure Sky Sword with his hand. The heaven and earth howled according to his hand's movement. The entire space was within Glenn's grasp.

"I believe I told you before. Everything in the world has its own flow and texture."

"Yes."

Raon nodded while thinking about the water walking technique that Glenn had demonstrated a moment ago.

"Dominating the sky, land, and your space with the power of your sword that you've been accumulating is the Azure Sky Sword's principle."

Glenn's hand fell, and the pressure brimming with frightening energy of sharpness dissipated as if they were wiped out by water.

"Can you do it?"

"..."

Raon fixed the grip on Heavenly Drive with trembling hands. It wasn't because he was having a hard time or because he was afraid. His heart was pounding violently because of the anticipation of getting stronger.

"Of course."

Raon smiled while raising his eyes, which looked like lightning was striking inside.

"I'll follow even if I have to die in the process."

Zieghart's Main Building

Medical Department

Ayad was lying on the bed, all alone in the hospital room. He was chewing his lips while looking at the ceiling.

"Damn it…"

'How did it end up going so badly?'

He didn't manage to achieve anything during the mission, he was injured from Merlin's attack, and he was being investigated by the Heavenly Blade division before he could even rest because of Raon's tattling.

The superior members of the White Lotus division defended him by telling them that he'd never sacrificed any division members, but he couldn't avoid any punishment because of the normal members' testimonies.

'That motherfucker!'

It was all because of Raon Zieghart.

That shitty situation wouldn't have happened if he hadn't unraveled the Black Tower's secret and tattled to Glenn.

Rumble.

Ayad's clenched fist trembled violently—to the point where his bed started to shake.

'You will definitely pay for this.'

He gritted his teeth while resolving himself that he was going to inflict a critical injury on top of winning the duel.

'But it was strange… What was he even thinking?'

Ayad was facing the Grandmaster's wall.

He was on a whole different level from the opponents Raon had been facing. That was why he couldn't understand why Raon had confidently requested a duel.

'Moreover, he has even wagered his belongings… He must be somewhat confident, considering he wagered two golden tablets to request the sword duel. He isn't a fool, after all.'

Raon Zieghart wasn't an idiot.

He didn't lose to Rimmer when it came to making a mockery of his opponent. He must have requested a sword duel because he was certain of his victory.

'What is he plotting… Hmm?'

While he was guessing Raon's intention, a dark shadow appeared above his head.

"Wh-who are you…?"

"..."

A man whose face was covered with a mask was standing behind his bed even though he didn't even notice the presence. The masked man covered his mouth. He seemed to be asking him to remain quiet.

"Don't speak except for a reply since we need to finish before the Heavenly Blade division leader returns. It's not a bad offer for you."

Ayad hadn't heard the voice before. Considering that a man powerful enough to reach that location while hiding from the Heavenly Blade swordsmen wouldn't be foolish enough to reveal his real voice, it must've been a voice created for him to hear.

"Your victory against Raon Zieghart isn't guaranteed in your current state."

"What kind of bullshit—"

"I told you to not speak."

The masked man glared sharply at him and placed a thick booklet and a wooden box on the bed.

"Wh-what is this…?"

"It will allow you to crush Raon for sure."

"Hmm…"

Ayad licked his lips and picked up the booklet. Hundred Potentials Martial Art was written on the cover.

"It's a technique that amplifies your energy more than twice for a short time. You will get an internal injury upon using it, but the Blue Spirit Elixir will enhance your body."

The masked man opened the wooden box to show him. A clear fragrance of an elixir tickled his nose.

"B-Blue Spirit Elixir?"

It was the best elixir when it came to making mana circuits and energy centers stronger.

Ayad couldn't understand why he was giving away such a priceless elixir.

"We have one job for you. Either destroy Raon Zieghart's energy center or cut his right arm off. You should be fully capable of doing that with your power and those two treasures."

He lowered his gaze and stared at Ayad. He seemed to be asking for his response.

"Are you giving me this Blue Spirit Elixir just for that?"

"You are stupider than I thought. If Raon Zieghart defeats you, it will be an entirely different problem than before."

The masked man's voice was sneering.

"Raon Zieghart has various achievements that should've been impossible for his age, but he hasn't been that influential in the house. He didn't try to get the spotlight and kept carrying out his missions without really being interested in the house's affairs. However…"

His serious eyes became ice cold.

"It will be a different story once Raon defeats you. He requested the sword duel against you for the sake of the common swordsmen of the White Lotus division. If he wins this duel, his influence in the house will be incomparable to before. It will be so huge that even the executives won't be able to ignore him."

"Ah…"

Ayad swallowed nervously while listening to the masked man. He was right. Ayad realized that he'd been forgetting the most important part because he was fixated on Raon's confidence.

"I can understand why you don't want me to kill him."

The masked man in front of him wanted Raon's downfall instead of his death so that no one except for the direct lines would gain a high position in the house.

"Let me add one more thing. My visit—"

"I'm not an idiot."

"..."

The masked man nodded quietly.

"Your master's wish will come true."

"…I'll be counting on you."

The masked man wasn't surprised despite the mention of his master.

He nodded, and the wind suddenly blew violently enough to the point where he couldn't open his eyes.

By the time Ayad forced his eyes open, the masked man was gone and the window was very slightly opened.

"I'll do as you wish. However…"

Ayad bit his lip tightly while taking the book and the elixir.

"You will have to worry about me instead of Raon in the future."

* * *

Raon's Heavenly Drive pointed at the sky.

A majestic wave occurred on the calm lake alongside the auspicious energy dwelling in the silver blade.

The huge and heavy pressure of the sword divided the lake down to the ground, and the water droplets floated into the air.

Whir!

The droplets flew around along with the blade's movement and looked like they were responding to Heavenly Drive. They combined into a blue waterspout and soared all the way to the dark sky.

Raon swirled Heavenly Drive as naturally as dancing, and the rising droplets rained back down to become the lake.

Shring.

The turbulent lake returned to being calm as if nothing had ever happened, quietly reflecting the world.

"Haa…"

Raon sighed and lowered Heavenly Drive.

'It's really not easy.'

He was only controlling the lake instead of dominating the sky with the Azure Sky Sword, but he was already so tired.

Incorporating will into nature couldn't simply be described as difficult.

"Hmm…"

Raon turned his head around to look at Glenn, who was standing outside the lake.

He was covering his mouth with his right hand. His lowered eyebrows looked like he was displeased with the performance.

'Is he disappointed in me?'

His expression didn't look too good. He seemed to be disappointed because Raon couldn't properly use the Azure Sky Sword even though two weeks had passed.

However, Glenn wasn't actually disappointed at all, despite what Raon was thinking.

Glenn was trying his best to stop the corners of his lips from soaring into the sky while looking at the dejected Raon.

'He really is a genius! No, genius isn't enough to describe this!'

The Azure Sky Sword was an extremely advanced swordsmanship. It was a real martial art that required blending into nature to show any results, unlike the other techniques that were already effective enough with nothing but principles.

He'd thought that it would take years of training to get started, even for Raon, but he'd started to grasp it in only two weeks and was blending his will into the water.

'It's so enjoyable to teach him.'

One lesson was enough for Raon to analyze and calculate ten others. Glenn could understand why Rimmer was trying to raise him by himself instead of leaving to others.

'And his personality is commendable.'

It would've been understandable if he became arrogant or lazy considering the talent he had, but he was working even harder than a trainee.

He was callous when he needed to be and warm when he should be. His talent and personality were both great enough to reach the peak in any situation. Glenn wasn't just thinking that because he was his grandson.

'He should be able to use one technique at least by the time he fights against Ayad.'

Glenn nodded in satisfaction. He forcibly suppressed his twitching lips and walked up to Raon.

"Raon."

"Yes."

Raon briefly sighed and lowered his head.

"What do you think about the sword duel that is going to take place in two weeks?"

"What do you mean by that question…?"

"So, you are not aware."

Glenn nodded while looking at Raon's questioning eyes.

"You were just trying to release the swordsmen who'd fallen victim to Ayad by defeating him, weren't you?"

"…Yes, I am."

Raon reluctantly nodded.

'I have another reason, but…'

It was also because they reminded him how Derus Robert treated him in his previous life, but he couldn't say that.

"You are still so young."

"What?"

"The common swordsmen are the majority in Zieghart. The executives are more influential, but public opinion isn't created by them but by the swordsmen."

Glenn continued while looking at the moon reflected on the lake.

"And you pointed your sword at Ayad, who is stronger than you, for the sake of those common people. What do you think is going to happen if you win this duel?"

"Ah…"

"Yes. The common people will be more likely to support you. The swordsmen have only been cheering for you so far, but they are going to start following you. As a result, you will gain influence in the house."

He slowly turned around with his eyes closed.

"This is a story of a far future, but it will have an impact to realize the restoration of Sylvia's status to the direct line like you've been wanting to."

"Hmm…"

Raon groaned. He'd obviously thought that it would have an impact, but he didn't think that it was important enough for Glenn to point it out. He realized that what he was doing was such a big deal.

"That's why I'd like to ask you this question. It's a question that I've already asked in the past."

Glenn calmly opened his eyes. The vanity that used to fill his eyes was gone, and a subtle fervor was replacing it.

"Is your path directed to the peak of this house?"

Raon swallowed nervously while meeting Glenn's eyes, filled with a look that he'd never seen before.

"I…"