After finishing a light meal with the sandwich Helen had prepared, Raon got ready to leave.
—Um…
Wrath smacked his lips briefly while looking at the empty sandwich plate.
—I could eat a bit more…
He rolled his eyes slightly while suggesting they should fill their stomachs with other food.
There will be plenty to eat at the conference… huh?
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Wrath.
—Haven't you gotten fatter?
Although it didn't make sense for Wrath to gain weight in his current spirit form, his cheeks and arms were puffed up like well-baked bread.
—No, what are you talking about! I am the monarch of the Devildom! I do not gain weight!
Wrath waved his hands, vehemently denying it.
—You've certainly been eating a lot lately.
Raon nodded as he observed Wrath's quivering jowls. It seemed the demon king had gained weight from indulging in happiness, as Raon had bought him all the food he wanted when he kept demanding offerings for his life's benefactor.
—I'm telling you, I don't gain weight!
Wrath shook his head and shouted. His cheeks jiggled like pudding.
—Even suggesting that I've gained weight is an insult to this king!
—Alright, we're going on a diet from now on.
Raon muttered, "Nadine bread every day," and left the room.
—A-Absolutely not! This king is your life's benefactor…
—Yes, yes. That trick doesn't work anymore.
Pushing away the clinging Wrath, he headed for the entrance.
Now the real thing begins.
As he walked down the corridor where soft sunlight was scattering, he thought of Derus Robert. He thickened his mental image to be prepared for whatever move the man might make, raising his concentration.
—Are you leaving now?
Sylvia, who had been waiting at the entrance, approached with a gentle smile.
—Yes. We need to leave on time.
Raon nodded and stood in front of the entrance. He gave a calm smile to reassure Sylvia.
—Helen. The sandwich was delicious.
He handed the empty plate to Helen, clasping his hands together.
—I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it; it makes me feel good too.
Helen smiled softly as she took the plate.
—Raon.
Sylvia's smile faded, her expression turning cold.
—Are you going to fight?
—Pardon…?
Raon swallowed dryly as he turned his eyes to Sylvia.
—What do you mean…
Sylvia doesn't know about what's going to happen today. She should only know about the Six Kings Conference being held after the war, so he wasn't sure what made her say such a thing.
—Your eyes look as determined as when you're about to enter a battlefield. Like when you went to the arena for my sake.
Sylvia's hand trembled as she gripped her skirt, seemingly anxious.
…
Raon bit his lip as he looked into Sylvia's wavering eyes. How did she know?
He hadn't even raised his aura, let alone his fighting spirit. He had only been slowly awakening his concentration while showing a smiling face, so he couldn't understand how she had noticed.
—This is the greatness of a mother!
Wrath snorted, lifting his chin. Though it was unclear why he was boasting, Sylvia's intuition was certainly remarkable.
—I'm not going to fight. I just want to untangle some knots.
Raon took Sylvia's hand, speaking with sincerity.
—Besides, I'm going with the Head of House. Nothing will happen.
He shook his head, saying there was no need to worry.
—That's true.
Sylvia smiled faintly, seeming to trust Glenn as well.
—If there's any problem, go straight to the Head of House. No, to grandfather.
Perhaps because he had died and come back to life, she urged him to stay close to Glenn as if he were a child.
—Yes.
To reassure Sylvia, he agreed without hesitation.
—Well, I'll be going now.
Raon bowed to Sylvia and left the annex building.
That's right. This isn't a fight.
As he had told Sylvia, this wasn't a battle, but a one-sided attack. The conference hall would become an execution ground where all of Derus's secrets would be exposed.
For the sake of mother and the maids, I must reveal Derus's true nature.
Raon waved goodbye to Sylvia and the maids who had come out to the garden to see him off, then headed towards the main building, the gathering place. In front of the main building, the swordsmen of the Light Wind division and Heavenly Blade Division who were participating in the Six Kings Conference were waiting.
—Division Leader. This way, please.
Burren raised his hand, indicating where the Division Leader should stand. A sharp wind like a well-honed blade emanated from him, as if he had done nothing but train during his vacation.
—You're always early for training, but always late when it's time to leave.
Martha frowned, grumbling. She too displayed an aura that had grown as much as Burren's.
—Handsome Raon.
Runaan waved her hand languidly, as if telling him to hurry up. A noble quality could be sensed in her vacant gaze. Though she hadn't achieved as much growth in martial prowess as Burren or Martha, she seemed to have matured greatly mentally.
I heard she confronted Syria.
He had heard that Runaan had stood up to Syria while he was unconscious. Though she still seemed to have some fear left, it looked like she would be able to overcome it on her own before long.
—Division Leader. You're here?
It was Dorian. He bowed his head, smiling foolishly.
—Huh…?
Raon's jaw dropped as he looked at Dorian.
—Have you gained weight too?
Dorian appeared with a chubby face, no less plump than Wrath. It was as if he had returned to his trainee days when they first met.
—Hehehe! Maybe it's because all the tension is gone. My appetite just exploded!
—It's not your appetite that's exploding, it's your belly.
Martha frowned in disbelief as she patted Dorian's stomach.
—You can't even control your eating; what a pathetic guy!
Wrath shook his head as if disgusted.
—You're in exactly the same state right now.
—A-Absurd nonsense! This king is the epitome of beauty!
He shook his head vigorously, insisting it wasn't true. His jowls were jiggling just like Dorian's, but Raon kept his mouth shut out of annoyance.
—Raon.
Sheryl approached from the right and tapped his shoulder.
—How can the Division Leader be the last to arrive? You should come early and prepare.
Despite her words, she welcomed him with a smile.
—But our Vice Leader hasn't arrived yet…
—Was he even human?
Sheryl waved her hand, telling him to say something that made sense.
…
He had nothing to say since Rimmer wasn't actually human.
—This is too much!
Rimmer burst out from inside the main building, grinding his teeth.
—I'm a person too!
He rushed at Sheryl, telling her not to ignore him.
—You're an idiot before you're even a person!
Sheryl kicked Rimmer away, furrowing her brow.
—Hm?
Raon's eyes widened as he watched Rimmer trading blows with Sheryl.
Has the Vice Leader been training too?
It seemed Rimmer's martial prowess had also increased. Though not as dramatic a change as Burren or Martha, it was evident he had been training consistently.
As the Light Wind division and Heavenly Blade Division stepped back to avoid Sheryl and Rimmer, captivating footsteps were heard from inside the Lord's Manor. It was Glenn. He walked out with Roenn and stood in front of the two divisions.
—We greet the Head of House!
—We greet the Head of House!
Starting with Rimmer and Sheryl's greetings, the swordsmen of both divisions knelt down simultaneously.
—There's no need for such formal greetings so early in the morning.
Glenn waved his hand as if to restrain them and stepped forward in front of the two divisions.
—Prepare to depart.
—Yes!
The magicians of Zieghart, who had been waiting on the left side, began to move hurriedly to open a dimensional gate. As Raon was looking at the dimensional gate where blue light was seeping through, Glenn approached.
—Take this.
He took out a small dagger from his chest and held it out. It was the Blade of Requiem that had been lost in the Lable River.
—Huh…?
Raon's eyes widened as he looked at the Blade of Requiem.
—Head of House, you had it?
—Yes. I picked it up from the bottom of the river.
Glenn nodded, glancing down at the Blade of Requiem.
—It took some time to return it because I was having a new scabbard made.
—Ah…
Now that he mentioned it, the scabbard of the Blade of Requiem had been replaced with a new one. Judging by its elaborate appearance, it seemed to be Vulcan's handiwork rather than Kuberad's.
—Thank you.
Raon bowed deeply and received the Blade of Requiem.
—It's nothing.
Glenn shook his head and returned to his original position. The Blade of Requiem in his hand raised a clear sword mantra as if glad to be reunited.
Yes, I'm glad too.
Raon gripped the vibrating Blade of Requiem tightly as he looked at Glenn's back. Perhaps because he had received it from him, the Blade of Requiem felt heavier and warmer than before.
Raon emerged from the dimensional gate that had a transparent color like the autumn sky. As he suppressed his churning stomach and opened his eyes, he saw the Beast Union headquarters where he had briefly stayed after saving Ogram.
Normally, one would have to pass through many checkpoints and gates to reach this place, but thanks to Chamber and the Mage Tower Master's prior coordinate adjustments, they were able to arrive at the Beast Union headquarters in one go.
—Raon!
Ogram, who had been leaning against a zelkova tree that could be called a miniature World Tree due to its size, stood up. He called out Raon's name even before Glenn's and came running.
—Union Leader.
Raon bowed his head to Ogram, who was charging like a bull.
—Are you feeling better now?
Ogram stretched out his arms, worrying about Raon first even though he should be in more pain.
—Stop right there!
Glenn stepped in front of Ogram, frowning.
—If you rush in like that, you'll crush this child's bones.
He held up his hand as if to say not to come any closer.
—Raon is tougher than me!
Ogram shook his head, insisting that Raon's body was like steel.
—Even so, you can't.
Glenn stood his ground, refusing to let him through.
—I'm not going to eat your grandson!
—No means no.
—Argh! You stubborn old man!
Ogram ground his teeth and raised his fists.
—Union Leader doesn't understand either.
Rimmer chuckled as he watched the two Transcendent Warriors bickering like children.
That's not about protecting Raon.
Glenn was simply displeased that Ogram was trying to hug Raon first, as he had never hugged him before. It was a childish fight, but that's what made it amusing.
—Are the preparations ready?
Glenn jerked his chin at Ogram, who was backing off.
—All done.
Ogram snorted and nodded.
…
Raon narrowed his eyes as he observed this.
That's not about conference preparations.
The "all done" the two men spoke of meant that the preparations to reveal Derus's true nature were complete.
It seemed Ogram and the Beast Union had finished all preparations within a week.
—Brother!
As Raon was smiling with satisfaction, Garona jumped out from behind Ogram.
—It seems your wounds have all healed!
He nodded his large head emphatically, saying it was truly fortunate.
—Yes, I'm better now.
Raon smiled as he lightly tapped his chest where he had been wounded. Garona too seemed to have reached a higher level after experiencing this war.
—Raon.
Ogram, who had been glaring at Glenn, tilted his head as he examined Raon.
—Has your level in the Fierce Wave Arts risen again?
He bulged his eyes, immediately grasping Raon's level in the Fierce Wave Arts.
—Yes. I was lucky.
—Hahahahaha!
Ogram burst into laughter so loud it made his ears ring, holding his forehead.
—At this rate, my techniques will truly be known by the name Raon Zieghart. You all need to step up!
He chuckled, looking around at the Beast Union executives.
—It's fine if it's Lord Raon.
The Vice Union Leader smiled softly, as if to say it was alright to give anything to Raon.
—How about it, Raon? Why don't you become my successor…
Ogram reached out his hand as if joking.
—Are you out of your mind!
Glenn swatted away Ogram's hand, veins popping on his forehead. He seemed genuinely angry, his face turning red.
—It's a joke, a joke!
Ogram grinned, as if enjoying Glenn's reaction.
—Ahem, haven't the others arrived yet?
Glenn cleared his throat briefly and averted his gaze, as if realizing he had gotten too excited.
—You're the first to arrive.
Ogram pointed to the circular building set up behind them, saying they could go to the conference hall first if they were bored.
—For that, there sure are a lot of people here.
Dorian blinked as he looked at the people moving around the union.
—They're not the Six Kings. They're neutral factions invited to this conference.
Ogram lowered his finger, explaining that many factions had been invited because this conference was important. Raon nodded as he scanned the people filling the Beast Union.
As planned.
The neutral factions weren't invited because of the conference's importance. It was to expose Derus's true nature in front of as many people as possible, to make him and Robert public enemies of the continent.
—Then, let's…
As Glenn was about to enter the conference hall, a blue dimensional gate opened in the air, and Chamber hopped out.
—Ah, it's far. So far.
Chamber muttered that using magic was troublesome as she lifted her witch hat that had fallen to her forehead.
—Oh, seeing you in person…
She squeezed between Ogram and Glenn, popping a candy into her mouth.
—You old geezers have a lot more wrinkles. Take care of yourselves.
Chamber laughed, teasing the two Transcendent Warriors.
—You're the oldest… ugh!
Ogram started to bring up the age topic but quickly shut his mouth when he saw Chamber's eyes turn red.
—Did you come alone?
—Of course not.
Chamber pinched Ogram's side and pointed behind her. From the dimensional gate that hadn't closed yet, Balkar's magicians walked out. Among the magicians was Princess Jayna.
—Gasp!
Dorian let out a low groan as he recognized Jayna.
—It's the bratty princess!
—Indeed.
Raon nodded, smiling. Jayna's delicate face remained the same, but the scent of mana emanating from her had deepened considerably. She too seemed to have achieved significant growth during their time apart.
—Hmph.
Jayna snorted and turned her head away sharply as soon as she recognized them.
—Still the same.
Raon let out a hollow laugh as he looked at Jayna. Seeing her act so haughty despite being on a leash was almost cute now.
—She's quite something…
Dorian seemed to share the same thought as he shook his head.
The next to open a dimensional gate after Balkar was Owen. The Silent Sword Master Lecross, clad in black armor that seemed to devour the sun, appeared with his knights.
—Are we a bit late?
King Lecross approached Glenn, removing his helmet.
—No, these guys just arrived early.
Ogram shook his head, pointing at Glenn and Chamber.
—Lord Raon!
Prince Greer of Owen jumped out from among the knights, waving his hand.
—I've reached Master level too! Thank you!
He smiled brightly, saying he had broken through the Master's wall thanks to Raon.
—What? I didn't do anything…
Raon waved his hands as he looked at the third prince.
—Every time I heard about your exploits, my determination grew stronger. Just seeing the swordsman I sparred with reach such heights gave me courage.
He bowed his head again, expressing his gratitude.
—No, it's all thanks to Your Highness's efforts. I didn't do anything.
Raon smiled as he grasped the third prince's shoulder.
—Thank you for saying so.
The third prince smiled and turned his gaze to Martha.
—Um, Martha. I'm now a Master too…
—I'm at Advanced level. You're small fry.
Martha lifted her chin as if to say 'so what?'.
—Ugh…
The third prince slumped down, his shoulders drooping like someone who had been rejected. As the third prince's soul seemed about to dissipate like mist, the magicians from the magic tower appeared as the third group. Unlike Balkar's magicians, they walked out slowly, their entire bodies covered in robes.
—Where's the Mage Tower Master?
Chamber squinted as she looked up at the magic tower's magicians.
—She is over here.
As a magician with grayish-white hair stepped back, a blonde magician crouched down, wrapped in a robe like a blanket, was revealed.
—I-I'm here.
The Mage Tower Master raised a trembling hand but never revealed her face.
—Geez! Someone might think you're a vampire! Are you going to die if you touch sunlight?
Chamber approached and pulled out the Mage Tower Master, looking exasperated. The magicians didn't seem surprised, standing still in their places as if used to this sight.
—L-Lord Raon!
A tall giant stepped out from beside the Mage Tower Master and removed his robe.
—Ironclad Yuria?
It was Ironclad Yuria, whom he had met at the Five Divine Orders festival. He had a good memory of him as he had seen him saving citizens even in dangerous situations.
—I-It's been a long time…
Unlike when he had shown a brave appearance, he trembled his voice as if shy.
—I've been consistently following your exploits through books.
—Books?
—This.
Yuria took out Raon's biography. He opened the first page, asking for an autograph.
…
Raon closed his eyes tightly. Seeing someone holding that book right in front of him made his face turn red with embarrassment.
—B-But isn't this a new book?
—Of course it's new. I have separate copies for reading and distribution.
Yuria opened his subspace pouch to show dozens of copies of Raon's biography. This guy wasn't normal either…
—Whew…
As Raon was signing Raon's biography with a sigh, the last dimensional gate opened. For a moment, silence fell, and the gazes of the Six Kings converged on one spot. Derus Robert, wearing a black robe, his youngest son Lephon, and two divisions of swordsmen walked out, pushing aside the blue light.
—It seems I'm the last to arrive.
Derus bowed politely as if apologizing for being late.
—There's still time, no need to apologize.
Ogram smiled, suppressing his emotions even though he must be more furious at Derus than anyone else.
—That's right. The old geezers just came too early.
Chamber also waved her witch hat left and right, saying it was fine.
—I wanted to come last…
The Mage Tower Master panted as if already tired.
—Still, I should have come earlier to prepare. I apologize.
Derus bowed his head once more to the leaders of the Six Kings, as if truly sorry.
—It's fine, let's go to the conference hall.
Ogram pointed to the conference hall, saying he had finished the preparations.
—Isn't it dirty?
Chamber glanced sideways, chewing on the candy in her mouth.
—Don't worry. We've laid out new carpets.
Ogram pushed Chamber's shoulder and entered the conference hall first.
—Ah, Lord Raon.
Derus stopped in his tracks in front of Raon as he was about to follow.
—I heard you performed remarkably in this war as well. I truly regret not being there.
He let out a low sigh, saying he wished he could have seen Raon's exploits in ending the war single-handedly.
—No. Guarding the rear is more important.
Raon smiled naturally, suppressing the fury boiling up from the depths of his soul.
—You're different in many ways, Lord Raon. You'll be able to overcome the wall of transcendence soon.
Derus held out his gloved hand as if for a handshake. A sinister smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth, as if daring Raon to open the scar on the back of his hand.
Is he challenging me?
Derus revealed a confident gaze as if he knew everything. His hand seemed to glisten in a dark color as if it had risen from hell.
—I still have a long way to go.
Raon twisted the corners of his mouth upwards and extended his right hand towards Derus's grasp.