With a fierce cry, Raon spread his hands again, infusing the Blade of Death with the Ring of Fire and the emotions of Wrath. However, this time the Blade of Death couldn't withstand its role as a vessel and shattered like cracked glass.
"Oh no…"
Raon frowned as he watched the fragments of Wrath scatter from his grip.
—It's only natural for it to break!
Wrath nodded emphatically, seemingly pleased.
—If you kept succeeding at fusing powers for the first time, you'd be a demon god!
He hummed, suggesting Raon would have to work hard.
You're right.
Raon nodded calmly. Harmonizing three powers was no small feat; it would have been strange to succeed consistently without practice.
—At least you admit your shortcomings quickly.
Wrath snorted and lifted his chin.
—But there's one thing you're forgetting.
What have I forgotten now! As if a crow would offer friendship…
—I mean you're forgetting, not me. Don't you know I can't eat if I don't succeed at this?
Ugh…
He gaped, apparently not having considered that possibility.
—I'm not leaving until I succeed for certain.
Y-you vicious bastard…
Wrath's complexion turned even more ashen at the threat.
—Shall we try again?
Raon pushed aside the sweating Wrath and wielded the Blade of Death once more.
—Not yet!
As Raon was about to summon Wrath and the Ring of Fire, Wrath, who had been far away, leapt in front of him.
—You made the aura acting as a vessel too thin! Make it a bit thicker!
Really?
—Did I ever deceive you? Just try it!
Hmm, alright.
Following Wrath's advice, Raon drew out more of the Blade of Death's aura before infusing it with the Ring of Fire and the energy of Wrath. As suggested, this time the vessel didn't shatter. Although the balance between the Blade of Death and Wrath was still quite off, it seemed that with proper control, there wouldn't be a problem.
—I'm not helping you because I like you, but because there's pineapple pizza on tonight's menu!
Wrath snorted and turned his head abruptly.
—Now that we're done, let's go eat…
Not yet.
Raon shook his head, pushing away the clinging Wrath.
I need to practice until I don't fail.
Derus was quicker and more cautious than anyone Raon knew. There would be only one chance to use this blade against him. If he missed that opportunity at the Six Kings Conference, he might never reveal Derus's true identity. So, he must practice until he succeeded a hundred times out of a hundred attempts.
—Damn it all!
Just bear with it a little longer.
Raon honed the Blade of Death in the deserted training ground until sunset.
As the Blade of Death's rank rose to three stars, the success rate improved to the point where he failed only once in ten attempts. There should be time until the Six Kings Conference, so it seemed possible to perfect it by then.
—Then there was no need to make such a fuss today!
Wrath shouted loudly.
If I hadn't done it today, I wouldn't have received your advice.
Raon waved his hand lightly. It was all thanks to Wrath's guidance that he could handle the Blade of Death skillfully in just one day. Without that cotton candy, it would have taken much longer.
—Y-you will never die peacefully! This king will chew your flesh and bones…
We're not late for dinner yet, are we?
—Then what are you waiting for! Run now!
Wrath stopped cursing, licked his lips, and flapped his hands like wings.
Alright. I'll go as fast as I can.
Raon stepped onto the Supreme Harmony Steps, vowing to eat well since Wrath had been so helpful today.
Hm?
As he ran toward the annex building at full speed, he spotted a man hiding at the end of the darkened garden.
"Who's there?"
Raon approached silently and aimed at the back of the man's neck.
"Huk!"
The man, clearly not expecting anyone to approach from behind, collapsed in shock.
"I-I'm not an enemy. I'm…"
"Sterick?"
Raon frowned as he recognized the trembling man's face. It was Sterick from the direct lineage, who had blocked the maids in front of the banquet hall yesterday.
"Why are you here?"
Raon looked down at Sterick, emanating a chilling aura.
"Don't tell me you've come to complain about yesterday's events?"
—Such a delicious smell is wafting through the air! This wretch is wasting time!
Wrath sniffed the air before shouting loudly.
—Just cut his throat and let's go eat!
He patted his plump belly, saying he'd take responsibility.
Should I?
Raon nodded lightly. He placed his hand on the Heavenly Drive, ready to slice off Sterick's mouth if he uttered any more nonsense.
"No, absolutely not!"
Sterick shook his head vigorously while kneeling.
"I'm not here to complain, but to apologize for yesterday!"
He expressed his sincere apologies and held out a box he was carrying.
"What's this…?"
"I-I heard you like beef, so I brought some."
Sterick said it was excellent beef. As he opened the lid of the box, premium beef with abundant marbling revealed its brilliant appearance.
—He's a good one!
Wrath instantly changed his attitude and chuckled.
"Did you put poison in it?"
Raon twisted his lips as he stared at Sterick's trembling eyes.
"T-there's no way. It's top-quality beef I just bought!"
Sterick shook his head, asking why he would do such a thing.
"Well, putting aside the gift, it seems you're apologizing to the wrong person."
Raon removed his hand from the sword hilt and turned his gaze toward the annex building.
"Of course!"
Sterick quickly nodded, seeming to understand what Raon meant.
"If you give me the chance, I'll apologize to the maids as well."
"Wait here."
Raon briefly stared at the back of Sterick's head before entering the annex building.