Raon tightened his grip on the Heavenly Drive. They had spent an unusually long time within the family grounds. Normally, a martial division would rest for two weeks to a month after a mission, depending on injuries, before taking on the next assignment. But thanks to Glenn's consideration, the Light Wind division had been able to focus solely on training for nearly four months.
It's time for the swordsmen to gain real combat experience.
The division had grown impressively strong. With two top-tier Grandmasters, four high-ranking Masters, and everyone else (except Yua and Julius) at least Master level, they were arguably the strongest martial division in all of Zieghart. Still, despite their power, real battle experience was necessary.
Raon lowered the Heavenly Drive and spoke to Glenn.
"I'll attend the next executive meeting to receive our mission."
"There's no need for that," Glenn said dismissively. "The mission for the Light Wind division has already been decided."
Raon raised an eyebrow. "What kind of mission is it?"
Glenn's red eyes were as dry as dried blood. "A Floor Master from the Black Tower and a Sword Lord from the Holy Sword Alliance are meeting."
Raon immediately understood. "The reason for their meeting is obvious."
Glenn nodded. "It's likely an exchange—swords or sword techniques for artifacts. The Shadow Agents and Black Market verified this information, so it's reliable."
The Holy Sword Alliance values swords. The Black Tower covets demonic energy and artifacts…
Glenn continued, "Your mission is to ambush this exchange, seize their techniques and artifacts, and eliminate both the Sword Lord and the Floor Master."
Raon met Glenn's gaze with a faint smile. "We will. The challenge makes it worthwhile."
Wrath muttered, exasperated. "Ugh, you're such a pervert… I pity my subordinates!"
Ignoring him, Raon asked, "Where is the location?"
"It's in the Lawless Zone Hollam, southwest. The exact time is uncertain," Glenn said. "You'll need to go in advance and wait. The Shadow Agents' leader will provide detailed information tomorrow."
"Understood," Raon replied, reviewing the details in his mind.
Glenn smiled faintly. "Then let's begin the final lesson. Today will be the last."
Raon exhaled. He had learned so much from Glenn; the thought of ending these sessions left him slightly disappointed.
Noticing Raon's reaction, Glenn forced a calm voice. "If you achieve appropriate merit, I may continue teaching you."
Raon nodded, thumping his chest. "I'll do my best."
Glenn's eyes, though disciplined, betrayed warmth as he looked at his grandson, whose martial prowess, character, and even appearance reflected his own. Yet he knew he must remain serious. "The final lesson always includes a test. Clash with everything you've learned and accumulated."
Raon swallowed. Unlike previous sparring sessions, this test required him to unleash everything at once.
There's only one option…
"Sword Domain: Heaven's Rift."
With the invocation, Raon swung the Heavenly Drive. All the swords and techniques he had built in his mental world poured into the strike. The precision sword and the demonic sword intertwined, creating a brilliant golden glow without diminishing the energy within the Heavenly Drive.
The strike extended with unfathomable reach, twisting the earth's axis and crumbling surrounding walls. Glenn's Heavenly Tremor trembled slightly, but his expression softened into a proud smile.
"Your path is not straight, but it is the right one," Glenn said. Raon's Heaven's Rift surged like a divine dragon, casting a dim dawn across the purple morning sky.
Exhausted, Raon collapsed on the shattered training ground. Has it changed? He had thought his growth minimal, but the power of Heaven's Rift had exceeded his expectations.
"Excellent," Glenn said, shaking off the tremors from his sword. "Your swordsmanship is outstanding. Even a Transcendent Warrior would struggle against you. The foundation you've built will explode like fireworks the moment you reach Transcendence. Be patient."
Raon's test was complete, and Glenn nodded approvingly. "You've passed. Take good care of the Light Wind division."
Raon felt a surge of joy at Glenn's acknowledgment before leaving. Wrath, ever excitable, muttered about wanting to inherit the Sword Domain next time.
Preparation for the Mission
The following day, Chad, leader of the Shadow Agents, climbed onto the platform to brief the division.
"This mission is dangerous. You will ambush the transaction between the Holy Sword Alliance and the Black Tower, eliminate both forces, and seize their items. Hollam has no security and is open on all sides—escape is easy for them. Prepare carefully. Leaders control certain areas, so caution is essential."
Raon bowed politely. "Thank you for coming all this way."
The swordsmen, despite their confidence, felt the pressure of facing two elite forces simultaneously. Raon clapped his hands loudly.
"This mission is dangerous. Precision and execution must be perfect. If we fail to move as one, we will fail. But remember—this mission is a sign of the Head of House's trust in us. Show the martial prowess you've built without reservation. It's time to prove the Light Wind division is the strongest martial force on the continent."
The swordsmen drew their swords in unison, over thirty auras blazing to form a mystical greatsword piercing the sky. Chad's jaw dropped. This is unbelievable…
Family Support
Before departure, Raon practiced the Mystic Soul Sword by the lake. Sylvia, his mother, appeared with a tray of steaming toast.
"Mother?" he asked.
"Ah! S-sorry," she said, patting her cheeks. "I prepared this so you won't go hungry."
Raon smiled, accepting the toast. "I feel like I won't lose to anyone right now."
Sylvia's reassuring smile remained. "Be careful out there."
Wrath, inspecting the toast, shouted happily, "Premium ham! Premium cheese! This is Mother's taste of happiness!"
Raon laughed, finishing the toast, and left for the Lord's Manor to formally announce the mission.
Advice Before Departure
At the audience chamber, Raon and the Light Wind division knelt. Glenn observed their calm composure with satisfaction.
Balder stepped forward first, complimenting their strength and warning of the Black Tower's dirty tricks.
Karoon, the Central Martial Palace Master, emphasized the importance of never underestimating an opponent, advising the division to wield their swords as if facing a lion, even against a rabbit.
Glenn, intending to give his advice, found it overshadowed by his sons' words. Finally, he waved weakly, telling them to return safely.
Raon performed a sword salute, pledging his commitment, and left the chamber with the Light Wind division.
But just as he and Karoon were about to depart, the door slammed shut. Glenn's voice cut through the chamber like ice.
"Where do you think you're going? You two are staying."