Raon pushed away Wrath, who was flailing in the air, and checked the first message that appeared.
[You have slain a being who has transcended human limitations and touched the heavens.]
[You have achieved a great feat that cannot be attained at your current level.]
[All stats have increased by 30 points.]
All stats increased by 30 points. It was an unprecedented increase in a single reward.
Th-thirty....
Wrath couldn't close his gaping mouth in shock.
Go-o-o-o!
A new vitality surged through his entire body. It felt like his muscles and mana circuits were vibrating with extreme elasticity.
Wrath had said that the higher the stats, the harder it was to feel the effects, but with such a significant increase, the difference was undeniable.
Raon clenched his fist. After feeling a grip that could crush steel, he checked the second message.
[A new trait
[A new trait
He narrowed his eyes at the two new traits.
"Snow Flower..."
Given that the name included "Snow Flower," it must be a technique associated with Wrath, but the exact meaning wasn't clear.
Th-this is given? Why are they giving this!
Wrath glared at the message and tore at his hair.
This is too much!
"What is it?"
I-I won't tell you!
He firmly shut his mouth, determined not to reveal anything.
"Hmm...."
Raon smacked his lips while looking at the message again.
"They wouldn't just give anything."
The system always provided rewards corresponding to the achievements and actions he had performed.
In other words, Snow Flower Absorption and Piercing Spear were likely techniques Wrath had demonstrated when he descended.
"Absorption and Piercing... Ah!"
Raon exclaimed and clapped his hands loudly.
"Isn't this the technique where you used ice to pull and push your opponents?"
Wrath had used ice to push away the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance's black sword and pull the Leader of the White Blood Religion into his grasp.
The newly obtained traits were undoubtedly those abilities.
N-no, they're not.
Wrath's eyes leaked blue energy as if there were holes in them. Despite his denial, his trembling eyes and voice revealed the truth.
"I liked that ability, it's perfect."
This damn system! How much more are they going to give you! Haven't they learned any moderation!
Wrath cursed the system loudly.
"Next."
This time, he checked the new title he had obtained.
[A new title
A title given to a martial artist who thinks of their comrades' injuries before their own.
Ability: When healing others with Divinity Born from Darkness, the effect is doubled.
The content was simple, but the ability was not.
From now on, healing someone with Divinity Born from Darkness would have double the effect, which was incredible.
"Thank goodness."
It meant he could treat the members of the Light Wind division more quickly and effectively if an incident like Orgoth's attack occurred again, which made him feel relieved.
Hmph....
Wrath also seemed to think that it was an ability for his subordinates, as he remained silent this time. He was a very consistent fellow.
Raon finally looked at the traits that had increased.
[The trait
[The trait
[The trait
[The trait
[The trait
As expected, the abilities Raon and Wrath used in the battle had increased in rank. He didn't expect five traits to increase, though.
This is driving me crazy!
Wrath pulled his lips tight as he looked at the trait rank-up messages.
Isn't this too strange!
"What is?"
I did everything, I saved everyone, so why are you getting all the rewards!
Wrath shuddered with round shoulders, complaining that this was unfair.
"Well, in my opinion...."
Raon pointed at himself with his finger.
"I offered my level to summon you between my soul and body."
And?
"Though you killed the enemies and saved the Light Wind division, it was ultimately done with my hands and feet, so the rewards came to me."
Though he called it an opinion, it was certain. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense for him to receive such rewards.
Krrrrk....
Wrath's face turned red like a tomato upon hearing the truth.
I've decided!
"What?"
As soon as I return to the Devildom, I will destroy that damned system! I'll make sure it can't do this ever again!
"Do as you wish."
I'm serious! I will take back all the stats the system gave you!
"Sure. Go ahead."
Raon waved his hand dismissively. There seemed to be no chance of Wrath returning to the Devildom, so there was no need to worry.
"I received great rewards, but...."
The realm of the soul didn't rise.
Although the system recognized the transcendental being Wrath killed as his own kill, the realm of the soul didn't increase. It seemed it had to be a kill achieved by his own hands and abilities.
Are you really talking about the realm of the soul right now? You heartless fellow!
"I was just thinking."
Grr! This is so frustrating that my stomach is growling with thunder!
"That's because you're hungry...."
Then feed me!
"Hmm...."
Raon took out his subspace pouch while looking at the flailing Wrath.
"Oh!"
After checking the pouch, he smiled.
"There is something to eat, but...."
If it's beef jerky, I'll kill you!
"It's not beef jerky."
Raon awkwardly smiled and took out a slightly burnt brown bread.
"There is Nadine bread...."
Die!
"Phew…."
Burren sighed as he looked at Rimmer lying in the rocking chair.
"How long do we have to stay here?"
"Until you fully recover."
Rimmer wiggled his fingers without even turning his head.
"We're all recovered already."
Martha tilted the chair Rimmer was sitting in backward with a frown.
"Not yet."
Rimmer shook his head slightly.
"Your physical wounds are mostly healed, but you've suffered a lot of mental trauma. Since you were prepared to die, you need to rest thoroughly."
He gave his explanation and then slumped back into the chair like a slug.
"Lazy."
Runaan pouted her lips as she looked at Rimmer.
"You have no right to call me lazy."
"I'm still better than you, Vice Division Leader."
She mumbled under her breath and turned her head abruptly.
"Don't be so impatient. To be honest, you don't even know what happened to you guys."
Rimmer let out a short sigh and looked up.
"You don't know if it was Merlin who healed you or some passing nameless saint. Now is the time to be careful."
He raised his finger and pointed at Burren's eyes.
"Are your eyes okay? You don't see ghosts, do you?"
"Hmm…."
Burren touched his regenerated blue eye with a calm expression.
"It sees better than my original eye. Though it feels a bit tired…."
"No matter how holy the power, regenerating a burst eye is unprecedented. And in a different color, too. Now is the time for you to rest and monitor your body."
Rimmer waved his hand, saying it wasn't time to do anything.
"But…."
Burren smacked his lips.
"It's frustrating not knowing what happened to Raon."
"What on earth is that guy doing? Is he even alive?"
Martha bit her lip slightly, showing her concern for Raon.
"I have to boast to Raon…."
Runaan sighed softly and hugged her knees.
"It's okay."
Rimmer gave a faint smile as he looked at the leaders of the Light Wind division.
"If it's him, he'll come back healthier than any of you."
"Are you sure?"
Martha narrowed her eyes sharply.
"Y-yeah."
Rimmer nodded, though not very confidently.
"Hmm."
Runaan stood up abruptly after hearing Rimmer's assurance.
"Where are you going?"
"If I want to boast when Raon returns, I can't afford to sit around."
She said she would train and headed straight for the door.
"Well."
Burren nodded.
"He'll probably come back and not care about me becoming a Master, but scold me for not training."
He chuckled and followed Runaan.
"If you're lying, I won't let it slide."
"Sure. Sure."
"Phew…."
Martha sighed briefly and walked toward the door.
Click!
As soon as Runaan opened the door, the swordsmen of the Light Wind division who were leaning against the wall came into view.
"We'll join you."
Dorian and the swordsmen opened a path for the leaders, saying they would train together.
Without hesitation, the Light Wind division moved to the rehabilitation training ground attached to the healing facility.
"Phew…."
Rimmer leaned back in the rocking chair with a sigh. The creaking sound of the chair somehow resonated with unease.
"Raon is with that troublemaker…."
I hope everything is alright.
Raon stood at the center of the deck and looked up.
The hammock where Alice was lying swayed gently in the wind.
"Alice."
"What?"
A drowsy voice, as if she had just woken up, came from the hammock.
"Is it really okay for me to be doing this? I want to help, even with something small…."
While Lawaine, Kuberad, and all the crew were busy preparing for war, he felt uneasy meditating alone.
"They have their tasks, and you have yours. Focus on closing the expanding hole in your mind."
Alice waved her hand dismissively, telling him to stop worrying and prepare for the fight.
"It's closed."
Raon looked up at the hammock and answered calmly.
"What?"
Alice immediately lifted her upper body and looked down. She stared at Raon's head for a moment before her mouth dropped open.
"Really? Since when?"
"Since last night."
Thanks to consistent meditation and the operation of the Ring of Fire, the expanding hole had completely stopped.
Now, if he could just fill that dark hole, he would regain his original power.
"You're an amazing guy."
Alice sighed in disbelief.
"I can see why my father is looking for you."
"Pardon?"
"No, forget it. Just rest."
She cut off her words and lay back down in the hammock.
"I'm saying that resting is uncomfortable…."
"Isn't it better than getting beaten up?"
Alice raised her fist while lying down. A cracking sound echoed from her clenched hand.
"Phew…."
Raon sighed and walked to the end of the deck.
"She's a really unique person."
Grr….
As Raon looked down at the sea, Wrath smacked his lips loudly.
There's so much food, but I can't touch any of it. It's infuriating.
Wrath clasped his hands together, begging to at least go fishing for food.
I'm really about to lose my mind!
"We'll arrive at the city soon, so bear with it."
Really?
"Yes. They said we'd arrive around noon."
Raon looked up at the sky. Judging by the position of the sun, they would reach the city in about two hours.
"As soon as we get to the city, I'll let you eat whatever you want."
I'd like to believe you this time, but there's always some interruption….
"This time, there won't be any. The coastal city of Aikar is quite large. There are plenty of seafood restaurants."
Well, in that case….
Wrath closed his eyes and smirked, imagining the seafood he wanted to eat.
Raon chuckled at Wrath. While he consoled the demon king and continued sailing for over two hours, it happened.
Grrr!
Wrath screamed as he looked into the distance.
I knew this would happen! Nothing ever goes right!
"What?"
Raon tilted his head in confusion at Wrath's cry filled with rage, when Alice leapt off the hammock.
Her gaze was cold, as if she were speaking of Kaivar.
"Lawaine, Raon."
Alice called out, and they ran toward her.
"What is it?"
Lawaine, who had been in the captain's quarters, also rushed out and stood next to Alice.
"Aikar is under attack."
Alice bit her lip as she looked toward the eastern coast.
She's right! The city far ahead is under attack!
Wrath confirmed that Alice was correct, narrowing his eyes.
After about twenty more minutes, they saw a huge city shrouded in gray fog. The walls protecting the harbor were half-destroyed, and sea monsters were flooding in.
He wanted to take a closer look, but the fog obscured everything.
However, the sight of black smoke rising along with the fog suggested a severe situation.
"They've broken the walls and defense systems with magic and sent sea monsters and the Haemujok. It's Kaivar's doing."
Alice gritted her teeth as she stood at the bow of the ship.
"Lawaine, steer the ship at full speed. Raon, follow me."
As soon as she spoke, she kicked off the deck and ascended into the air.
"Yes!"
Lawaine nodded and climbed to the upper deck.
"Let's go."
Alice ran through the air without touching the water, heading toward the city filled with smoke and fog.
Thud!
Raon followed Alice and jumped off the ship. The sea rippled more than when he had stepped on the river, but maintaining his balance was not difficult.
Even though he used the Supreme Harmony Step at his fastest speed, it was not easy to catch up with Alice. She entered the city much earlier than him, crossing the broken wall.
"Hmm…."
As soon as Raon penetrated the fog, he let out a groan.
Not only had they smashed the wall with magic, but they had also completely destroyed the city's defense system. Bodies of what appeared to be strong martial artists and magicians were scattered everywhere.
Those who had survived were sweating profusely while dealing with numerous monsters, and the civilians were dying without any protection.
"You know what to do?"
Raon nodded at Alice's question.
"Then do it!"
She gave a directive-like instruction and moved toward the city's center.
"I'll start with the closest ones."
Raon didn't look at Alice and moved to the right where screams were coming from.
Behind the collapsed building, a water-attribute monster with a shark's head and mole's claws, Sharkmaw, was baring its teeth at an elderly couple.
"Y-you monster!"
The old man swung a wooden cane, but Sharkmaw snickered and extended its claws toward him.
Thud!
Raon fiercely pushed off the ground.
"Too far!"
He was too late to reach them, and using a large force might cause the building itself to collapse. At this rate, he wouldn't be able to stop it.
"Then...."
In the past, he would have had to let them die, but now there was a way to save them. He activated the newly acquired Snow Flower Absorption.
Go-o-o-o!
His upper dantian heated up as if stimulated. With the cold of Glacier, the colorless aura emerged and pulled Sharkmaw towards him. It wasn't wind but a mysterious harmony of the upper dantian and aura.
Growl?
Sharkmaw groaned in confusion but had no means to resist the absorption.
Slash!
Raon instantly dove between the buildings and slashed Sharkmaw's neck.
"Grr…."
Sharkmaw fell backward, not knowing what had happened. Its massive body collapsed, and gray smoke rose from the ground.
No way….
Wrath gaped at Sharkmaw, whose head had been severed.
Y-you used it in actual combat right away?
Wrath was dumbfounded that he had used the absorption ability in real combat and blinked in disbelief.
"I saw you do it."
Having seen Wrath use absorption and piercing spear against the transcendents, it was only natural to follow suit.
You damn….
Wrath ground his teeth in frustration.
"Thank you."
"Th-thank you…."
The elderly couple, who had collapsed in fear, expressed their gratitude.
"Head toward the harbor. A ship will arrive soon."
Raon directed the couple to safety and ran towards the source of another scream.
Thud, thud, thud!
A giant manta ray-like monster, Mantacoon, was charging into a circular shelter. Its thick head rammed into the building, causing the ground to tremble.
Crrrunch!
Finally, the shelter couldn't withstand Mantacoon's assault, and a hole was punched through. The sea monsters riding on its back prepared to leap inside.
Buzz!
Raon activated the Snow Flower Piercing Spear. As his upper dantian surged like a wave, he reached out. The colorless aura burst forth from his hand, pushing the monsters that were about to enter the shelter to the ground.
Buzz!
Using the Supreme Harmony Steps, he unleashed the Fangs of Insanity. The red-hot line of the Heavenly Drive sliced through the thick body of Mantacoon, which was larger than the building itself.
Slash!
The sharp, fiery blade cut through Mantacoon and even tore the sea monsters that had fallen to the ground.
"Aah…."
"We're saved…."
"What just happened?"
The people in the shelter looked up at the gaping hole in relief, breathing heavily.
"Just wait a bit longer. The rescue team will arrive soon."
Raon blocked the hole in the shelter with Glacier's cold and moved northward. The strongest aura was moving there.
Climbing over the buildings, he saw a man with ash-gray skin and a sky-blue robe.
'The Haemujok Kaivar mentioned.'
With ash-gray skin, fins protruding from their calves, forearms, and backs, and the ability to control fog at will, it was undoubtedly the Haemujok.
Buzz!
The Haemujok manipulated the gray fog skillfully, pushing the martial artists into a corner. Despite six martial artists joining forces, the Haemujok protected their body with the fog while striking the vital points of the martial artists.
'These guys created the fog that traps this city.'
Raon calmed his breathing and penetrated the fog. As he prepared to thrust the Heavenly Drive, the Haemujok's gaze turned toward him.
"...."
The Haemujok didn't panic but formed a shield with the fog and prepared to attack with a chop from the right hand.
Chiing!
Raon broke through the fog and slashed with the Fangs of Insanity. The claws of a beast pried open the rippling fog.
"Ugh!"
The Haemujok staggered backward in shock, but it was too late. The fangs of a mad beast never let go once they bit down.
Slash!
The continuous strikes of the Fangs of Insanity severed the Haemujok's head, leaving its surprised expression intact.
"Phew…."
Raon lowered his sword and exhaled briefly.
"Unbelievable…."
"He cut down a Haemujok so easily?"
"In just four strikes…."
"Who is he…."
The martial artists who had been fighting the Haemujok trembled with astonishment.
"The Pirate King will arrive soon. Please move to the harbor."
Raon told the martial artists to head towards the harbor and sprinted in the direction where the presence of monsters and the Haemujok was strongest.
As he ran with all his might, a seagull flew next to him. It wasn't unusual for a coastal city to have seagulls, but it was strange for one to approach a human in such chaos.
"Could it be…."
He swallowed dryly and narrowed his eyes as the seagull's beak moved.
"Found you!"