Raon sighed as he met Denning Rose's sharp gaze.
'I suppose it would be stranger if those madmen didn't come.'
The Holy Sword Alliance are lunatics who consider swords and swordsmanship sacred, willing to kill even their parents and siblings to obtain transcendent swordsmanship.
They would invade even the inner chambers of the Six Kings to obtain the Sword Saint's Legacy, so it would have been more strange if they hadn't come.
"Who came from the Holy Sword Alliance?"
"It's the Demon Sword Master Kroi."
Denning Rose pulled out a document and placed it on the table. At the top was written the name Kroi, and below were details about his activities.
"He was a figure who reached the pinnacle of Master level before the Holy Sword Alliance went into hiding."
"Kroi..."
Raon had heard about the Demon Sword Master Kroi in his past life. His footwork was so exceptional that it was said his real weapon was not his sword, but his feet.
"Then there's a possibility he's reached Grandmaster level by now."
"Do you remember Lisurn?"
Denning Rose suddenly brought up Lisurn's name while talking about the Demon Sword Master.
"Of course I remember."
Lisurn was an agent from the Black Market who guided them to the Siran Tribe when they went to rescue Judiel. He was a former assassin, and I remembered him clearly because he followed my instructions well.
"Even he couldn't properly see the Demon Sword Master's footwork. Baegsau, the previous owner of the tomb map, was skilled in footwork and stealth techniques, but was caught immediately. So while his swordsmanship might not be, it wouldn't be strange to call his footwork Grandmaster level."
Denning Rose tapped the document with her finger, saying he was someone to be careful of. Her heavy heart seemed to resonate in the dull sound.
"Then the Demon Sword Master has already entered the Sword Saint's Tomb."
Unlike the Ghostly Treasure Seeker and Baegsau, the Demon Sword Master had exceptional martial prowess, so it seemed likely he would have found and entered the Sword Saint's Tomb immediately.
"No."
Denning Rose shook her head with a calm gaze.
"The Demon Sword Master is only moving around. It seems he hasn't been able to fully interpret the map yet."
"Interpret?"
"Actually, rather than interpretation, it's that he can't find the terrain that has changed over the hundreds of years."
"Ah..."
He understood what she meant. Hundreds of years had passed since the Sword Saint's death, so much had changed since the map was made, making it difficult to find the tomb's location.
"Both the Ghostly Treasure Seeker and Baegsau moved in the neutral area where Zieghart and Balkar Kingdom meet, gradually heading west."
Denning Rose raised her tone as she pulled out a map.
"And right now, Demon Sword Master Kroi is here."
Her finger pointed to the far edge of Zieghart and Balkar. A little further from there, the word "Black Tower" caught his eye.
"According to our Black Market's prediction, the tomb should be around this area."
Denning Rose traced her finger to form a triangle between Zieghart, Balkar Kingdom, and the Black Tower. It was neutral territory not belonging to any of the three powers.
"Currently, this area is in chaos not only with the Six Kings and Five Demons, but also neutral forces and reclusive masters appearing. Martial artists blinded by the Sword Saint's martial arts are even massacring civilians."
Denning Rose frowned, saying the situation was not good.
After firmly committing the area Denning Rose pointed out to memory, Raon took out a pouch of gold coins he had prepared from his subspace pouch.
The table shook as the heavy pouch of gold coins was placed on it.
"This is..."
"I'll buy all information about this matter in real-time."
"Tracking is possible, but are you really going? I heard you were assigned a reconnaissance mission..."
"I have to go because I was assigned a reconnaissance mission."
Raon caressed the map where Denning Rose had pointed earlier.
"We can't just leave those pigs blinded by treasure, can we?"
The Sword Saint's Tomb is important, and catching the Demon Sword Master would be good, but the top priority should be protecting the family's territory. He couldn't leave those threatening Zieghart's safety unchecked.
"It won't be easy. The Six Kings and Five Demons are dangerous, of course. There are also masters from past eras who have turned their backs on the times, and reclusive geniuses who have hidden their names appearing."
"It's fine."
Raon shook his head with a faint smile.
"If I can't overcome that much, I'll die next year anyway."
"The life-and-death duel..."
Denning Rose nodded briefly, seeming to understand what he meant.
"I suppose there's no point in trying to stop you."
She sighed and brushed back the hair that had fallen to the nape of her neck.
"Then, in the name of the Black Market, we'll do our best to assist you. First, the location of the Demon Sword Master..."
"No. That's for later."
Raon pointed at the map with a diagonal finger.
"The first thing we need to do is..."
* * *
After meeting Denning Rose, Raon headed to the Fifth Training Ground.
The Light Wind division swordsmen waiting at the training ground gathered in front of the platform.
Despite their vacation not being over yet, the swordsmen were sweating in their training clothes.
They had all voluntarily started training after taking just one day of rest.
Those guys had become training maniacs no different from himself.
"Division Leader."
Martha bowed her head respectfully.
"All of the first squad is here."
She showed clear respect and honorifics unlike when he was the Vice Division Leader. I thought she would be the least likely to follow, but it was unexpected.
"Second squad is all here too."
Runaan raised her hand with a blank look. It was honorific, but didn't sound like an honorific.
"Third squad is all present as well."
Burren came out last and bowed his head.
"Good work."
Raon nodded lightly and looked over all the members of the Light Wind division. Perhaps because they had been training in the practice grounds, no one seemed to have complaints despite being summoned during their vacation.
No, there was just one.
"I'm dying here. The world looks like it's split in two."
Rimmer, who was sitting leaning against the platform, waved his hand.
"I'm about to die from exhaustion, why are you calling us..."
Even after two days, Rimmer was still groaning and holding his head as if his hangover hadn't subsided.
Ignoring Rimmer, Raon looked down at the Light Wind division and opened his mouth.
"As you all know, we've been assigned a mission from the Round Table Conference."
"I heard! It's a reconnaissance mission, right?"
Dorian raised his hand.
"Reconnaissance, huh? Just hearing that puts my mind at ease. Sounds like nothing will happen."
He smiled, thanking them for giving a safe mission.
"It's going to be boring."
Martha clicked her tongue as if displeased.
"Who would dare invade Zieghart territory?"
"That's something we don't know."
Burren shook his head as he looked at Martha.
"The name Zieghart isn't invincible. You should have experienced that enough, right?"
"Hmph."
"It's a noble mission to protect and explore the family's territory. Everyone, stay alert."
He rallied the Light Wind division's morale with a composed voice.
'Is it because of Karoon?'
Perhaps because of Karoon's incident, Burren's personality seemed to have become a bit more rigid. His shoulders looked heavier than usual.
"We can sleep while walking."
Runaan blinked, saying her sleep time would double. To say such a thing right after Burren's speech, her consistency was impressive in its own way.
Clap.
Raon clapped his hands to gather the Light Wind division's attention.
"The third squad leader is right."
He nodded at Burren.
"Some of you may have already heard, but currently a storm is brewing on the continent regarding the Sword Saint's Tomb.
"I've heard about that too. They say it's already causing a commotion?"
Krein raised his hand high.
"But that tomb has nothing to do with us, right?"
"That's right. We just need to do reconnaissance."
Others also nodded, seeming to have heard about the tomb.
"No, it does concern us. The prevailing theory is that the Sword Saint's Tomb is located not far from Zieghart territory."
"Is, is that really true?"
Burren's eyes widened as if he hadn't known this fact. Other swordsmen also gasped, their mouths agape.
"Yes. Our mission is to patrol Zieghart's territory, identify potential threats, and eliminate them. In other words, it's closely related to this matter."
"Division Leader."
Martha approached the platform, curling her lips.
"You aimed for this from the start when you accepted the reconnaissance mission, didn't you?"
Raon smiled faintly without answering.
"As expected, our Division Leader is crazy."
Contrary to her words about him being crazy, Martha wore a refreshing smile. Her expression showed she liked this much more than simple reconnaissance.
"How did you come up with such an idea when it's your first time at the Round Table Conference..."
Burren shook his head as if he couldn't understand.
"A true genius is a genius indeed."
"That cunning of his is good at times like this."
"The Sword Saint's Tomb..."
Other Light Wind division swordsmen also chattered about the tomb with light smiles, seeming interested.
'...'
Rimmer quietly watched Raon and the Light Wind division from behind without saying anything. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Let's save the chatter for later."
Raon gathered the Light Wind division's attention again.
"The Sword Saint's Tomb itself is dangerous, but with numerous monsters gathering around it, this will be a difficult journey. Since your vacation isn't even over yet..."
He continued, raising a finger.
"I'll be taking volunteers for this mission. Those who don't want to go can rest at the family estate."
He was sincere. Since their vacation wasn't over yet, he didn't want to take everyone with him.
"What are you saying!"
Martha jumped forward, furrowing her brow.
"After being tormented by you for three weeks, it's time to settle the score. Why would I refuse that!"
She clenched her fist with a cracking sound, saying she wanted to crush the enemy right away.
"That's right."
Burren ground his molars.
"We trained in hell for three weeks, we have to reap the benefits!"
He too gripped his sword hilt, saying he needed to release his pent-up stress.
"I'll make sure none of them can even take a breath."
Runaan shouted that she wouldn't let the others sleep either as she widened her eyes. Though her blank stare wasn't particularly frightening.
"I'm going too!"
"If you leave me behind, I'll crawl after you if I have to!"
"I'll kill them all!"
"No, I'll tear their throats out."
Not just the squad leaders, but all members of the Light Wind division bared their teeth with fierce determination.
Their eyes didn't look human, but like dogs - rabid dogs with a yellowish glint.
"Urgh..."
Dorian hesitated until the end, watching others' reactions before reluctantly raising his hand.
'Their spirit is good, but...'
Raon tilted his head as he looked at the half-crazed eyes of the Light Wind division.
'Why do they all seem insane?'
-Have you no conscience? You're the one who drove them crazy!
Wrath let out an exasperated sigh. He frowned as he watched the Light Wind division's madness grow more intense.
-Even a circus trainer feeds and lets their animals sleep, you crazy bastard!
'...'
* * *
Lusen Village, straddling Zieghart and neutral territory.
An unprecedented number of martial artists entered the small village where all the villagers collectively managed an orchard.
"This is the place. Search everything thoroughly."
A middle-aged man riding a black horse revealed a fierce gaze as he flicked his finger.
It was Bulrant, the leader of the Black Flag Brigade known as the Wind of Death in the White Orchid Desert.
"Yes!"
"Open all the doors!"
"Don't miss even an ant, search everywhere!"
Bandits wearing black hoods rode horses, destroying the village and breaking apple trees.
Though their weapons differed, the eyes of all the bandits were filled with the fire of greed.
Crack!
The apples carefully nurtured by the Lusen villagers were crushed and burst under horse hooves. Apple trees were endlessly cut down until the orchard looked barren.
"W-why are you doing this?!"
The village chief of Lusen approached Bulrant, who was on his black horse.
"Please stop this!"
"If those trees die, we'll die too!"
"If it's money you want, we'll give it to you!"
The villagers followed behind their chief, kneeling and bowing their heads.
"Do you want to die?"
The sword scar across Bulrant's forehead twitched grotesquely. It wasn't a question. He looked ready to kill if they said one more word.
"Ugh..."
"Ah..."
The village chief and villagers, who had never experienced martial artists before, retreated with pale, trembling lips.
"Brigade Leader."
The vice-leader of the Black Flag Brigade, wearing an eye patch over his left eye, approached Bulrant and bowed his head.
"We've cut down all the trees in the orchard and searched the houses, but there's nothing. Are you sure this is the right place?"
"The map the Demon Sword Master saw when he killed Baegsau clearly had a marking in this area."
Bulrant shook his chin, affirming it was certain.
"But we haven't found anything..."
"Set it on fire."
"What?"
The vice-leader's eyes widened in surprise.
"We've cut down the trees, but we still can't search properly because of the brush. Burn it all."
"But this area is close to Zieghart territory. If they happen to show up..."
"Even Zieghart will be preoccupied with the Demon Sword Master right now. If we finish quickly, it'll be fine."
Bulrant flicked his finger, saying they should deal with it swiftly and leave.
"Hmm, understood."
The vice-leader nodded as if agreeing and gathered his subordinates.
"Set fire to the orchard and village."
"As ordered."
Four magicians wearing gray robes released flames from their hands.
The blazing red flames raced like beasts, engulfing the entire village and orchard.
"Wa-water! Bring water! Hurry!"
The village chief shouted for water, his chin trembling. Overcoming his fear, he crawled on his knees towards Bulrant.
"Please stop this! I'll give you all the money I have! Please..."
As he wrung his hands, Bulrant swung the spear he had slung over his shoulder.
Thwack!
The village chief slumped over with a dark hole in his chest.
"Gah-hack!"
He tried to cover the wound on his chest, but blood kept flowing like a broken dam.
"Kyaaaaaah!"
"Chief!"
"Ah..."
The villagers sat down blankly, as if unable to believe their chief was dead.
"Get rid of these ones too."
"Yes!"
"I've been waiting for those words."
"This is indeed easier."
"Who cares about Zieghart anyway."
The bandits urged their horses forward with eerie smiles, pleased that their job had become easier.
Just as their fire-heated spears were about to pierce the villagers, a massive explosion erupted from the orchard entrance.
Boom!
The bandits standing guard at the entrance were split in half and thrown into the flames.
"What the..."
Bulrant glared into the gray smoke, raising the spear he had lowered.
"Open the way."
A low voice emerged from a shadow rising out of the gray smoke.
The moment that calm voice touched the ground, three swordsmen sprang forth.
Boom!
The black-haired, black-eyed female swordsman who charged first thrust her sword forward. A massive energy like a tidal wave gathered at the sword's tip before exploding all at once.
The bodies of the vice-leader and elite guards protecting Bulrant were torn to shreds.
Slash!
The blue-haired swordsman who followed drew an elegant light like a crescent moon in the sky. A pristine line not of this world extended out, cleanly severing the necks of the magicians preparing to defend.
Whoosh!
The purple-eyed female swordsman who came out last swept her sword across the ground. Frost gathered at the blade's tip spread with the wind, freezing the legs of both bandits and horses.
"You, who are you..."
Bulrant stepped back, his lips trembling as he saw the burning sword emblem on the swordsmen's clothes.
"Z-Zieghart?"
He gasped, gripping his spear tighter.
"Why is Zieghart here!"
As if answering his cry, a chilling footstep echoed from the parting gray smoke.
Step.
The black-haired swordsman who had shattered the vice-leader's body, the blue-haired swordsman who had beheaded the magicians, and the purple-eyed swordsman who had frozen the entire bandit group all stepped back.
Rising behind the three was a pair of red eyes burning more intensely than the sun. Just meeting that gaze made one's heart feel like it would burst from tension.
"W-wait!"
"Just."
The golden-haired, red-eyed man calmly shook his head. He knew. There was only one young swordsman who could command such monsters.
"Raon Zieghart..."
"Consider yourself unlucky."
With a chilling sound of rending air, Bulrant's head fell.