"That's..."
Raon swallowed dryly as he watched a human figure rise from Marang's corpse.
The Black Tower Master?
That eerie mist carried an aura unlike anything Marang possessed. It felt as though his very soul was being crushed beneath darkness.
This necklace...
Raon bit his lip as his gaze fell on the black-and-white bead necklace upon the table.
Was it really that important?
He had never expected someone of the Black Tower Master's caliber to concern himself with such a trivial transaction. Clearly, the necklace brought by the White Demon Swordsman was no ordinary trinket—it was an artifact of immeasurable value.
Then this might be our lifeline.
If the Black Tower Master had truly come for the necklace, perhaps they could negotiate a way to survive. Ignoring the Heavenly Martial Sword Technique and the Azure Sky Sword, Raon tightened his grip on the bead necklace where black and white mists contended for dominance.
"Raon."
Rimmer's hands trembled as he spread his arms wide, blocking the path.
"Don't you dare come forward!"
His breath came ragged, but his vow to protect Raon burned firm in his eyes.
"Vice Leader..."
—Hmm…
As Raon stared at Rimmer's back, bracing against death itself, Wrath smacked his lips.
—Sorry to break it to that posturing pointy-eared fool, but that's not the real deal.
What do you mean?
—It's just a projection, born of the demonic energy from that idiot you ambushed.
Wrath snorted, his tone dismissive.
—However… that one's demonic energy…
He frowned deeply, as if recognizing something sinister.
A projection?
Raon narrowed his eyes. Indeed, while the aura was vast and suffocating, the actual demonic energy felt thin, limited. Wrath was right—this wasn't the true Black Tower Master, but a shadow born from Marang's energy.
So, once that demonic energy runs out, the projection disappears too?
—Of course. Even parasites fall away when there's nothing left to feed on.
Then it's worth a try.
If he stayed calm and played his cards right, there was a chance to survive.
The mist shimmered. A chilling glow flickered in the darkness, and with a voice that seemed to echo directly into his mind, the Black Tower Master spoke.
"Raon Zieghart. It's you again."
The sound bypassed his ears, striking straight into his consciousness.
"If you don't want to suffer even in death, hand over the Black and White Spirit Bead."
He stretched a misty hand forward, demanding the necklace.
"Hah, what nonsense."
Rimmer's jaw trembled, but his words were resolute.
"That's our lifeline! Raon, don't you dare hand it over!"
He lowered his brows, realizing now just how precious the necklace was.
"Then I'll kill you both and take it."
Pitch-black flames flared in the Black Tower Master's hand, the heat so suffocating it felt as though reality itself might melt.
Raon clenched his jaw and placed a steady hand on the Heavenly Drive.
That's just a bluff.
The real Black Tower Master could have killed them with a mere glance. This shadow was dangerous—but it wasn't insurmountable.
"Raon!"
Rimmer panicked, seizing his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"It's alright."
Raon gave him a calm smile, one that stilled Rimmer's trembling hands. The elf hesitated, then reluctantly stepped aside.
"Black Tower Master."
Raon stopped ten paces from the mist-shrouded figure, raising the necklace.
"How long are you going to keep up this bluff, you cotton candy that would blow away in the wind?"
The flames surged, but Raon was ready. He drew the Heavenly Drive, unleashing the Azure Sky Sword. A burst of blue frost slashed through the black fire, extinguishing it before it could touch the necklace.
His wrist ached violently, nearly breaking under the strain.
To think he could wield such power even with this limited energy… Truly one of the Five Kings and Five Demons.
But that very limitation meant Raon had a chance.
The battle continued—projection versus swordsman, deception versus resolve. Each clash tested Raon's wit as much as his strength. And with each moment, Marang's demonic energy dwindled further.
Raon knew the truth. He couldn't overpower the Black Tower Master… but he could outlast him.
And if he bluffed well enough—perhaps he could even extort something in return.
"That's..."
Raon swallowed dryly as he watched a human figure rise from Marang's corpse.
The Black Tower Master?
That eerie mist carried an aura unlike anything Marang possessed. It felt as though his very soul was being crushed beneath darkness.
This necklace...
Raon bit his lip as his gaze fell on the black-and-white bead necklace upon the table.
Was it really that important?
He had never expected someone of the Black Tower Master's caliber to concern himself with such a trivial transaction. Clearly, the necklace brought by the White Demon Swordsman was no ordinary trinket—it was an artifact of immeasurable value.
Then this might be our lifeline.
If the Black Tower Master had truly come for the necklace, perhaps they could negotiate a way to survive. Ignoring the Heavenly Martial Sword Technique and the Azure Sky Sword, Raon tightened his grip on the bead necklace where black and white mists contended for dominance.
"Raon."
Rimmer's hands trembled as he spread his arms wide, blocking the path.
"Don't you dare come forward!"
His breath came ragged, but his vow to protect Raon burned firm in his eyes.
"Vice Leader..."
—Hmm…
As Raon stared at Rimmer's back, bracing against death itself, Wrath smacked his lips.
—Sorry to break it to that posturing pointy-eared fool, but that's not the real deal.
What do you mean?
—It's just a projection, born of the demonic energy from that idiot you ambushed.
Wrath snorted, his tone dismissive.
—However… that one's demonic energy…
He frowned deeply, as if recognizing something sinister.
A projection?
Raon narrowed his eyes. Indeed, while the aura was vast and suffocating, the actual demonic energy felt thin, limited. Wrath was right—this wasn't the true Black Tower Master, but a shadow born from Marang's energy.
So, once that demonic energy runs out, the projection disappears too?
—Of course. Even parasites fall away when there's nothing left to feed on.
Then it's worth a try.
If he stayed calm and played his cards right, there was a chance to survive.
The mist shimmered. A chilling glow flickered in the darkness, and with a voice that seemed to echo directly into his mind, the Black Tower Master spoke.
"Raon Zieghart. It's you again."
The sound bypassed his ears, striking straight into his consciousness.
"If you don't want to suffer even in death, hand over the Black and White Spirit Bead."
He stretched a misty hand forward, demanding the necklace.
"Hah, what nonsense."
Rimmer's jaw trembled, but his words were resolute.
"That's our lifeline! Raon, don't you dare hand it over!"
"Then I'll kill you both and take it."
Pitch-black flames flared in the Black Tower Master's hand, the heat so suffocating it felt as though reality itself might melt.
Raon clenched his jaw and placed a steady hand on the Heavenly Drive.
That's just a bluff.
The real Black Tower Master could have killed them with a mere glance. This shadow was dangerous—but it wasn't insurmountable.
"Raon!"
Rimmer panicked, seizing his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"It's alright."
Raon gave him a calm smile, one that stilled Rimmer's trembling hands. The elf hesitated, then reluctantly stepped aside.
"Black Tower Master."
Raon stopped ten paces from the mist-shrouded figure, raising the necklace.
"How long are you going to keep up this bluff, you cotton candy that would blow away in the wind?"
The flames surged, but Raon was ready. He drew the Heavenly Drive, unleashing the Azure Sky Sword. A burst of blue frost slashed through the black fire, extinguishing it before it could touch the necklace.
His wrist ached violently, nearly breaking under the strain.
To think he could wield such power even with this limited energy… Truly one of the Five Kings and Five Demons.
But that very limitation meant Raon had a chance.
The battle raged—projection against mortal resolve. Blades clashed, shadows split, walls shattered. Raon was hurled from the observation deck into the open air, blood at the corner of his mouth.
"This is your last chance."
The Black Tower Master loomed, his fingers curling like a judge's verdict.
"Hand over the Black and White Spirit Bead."
"Chance, my ass."
Raon wiped the blood away and sneered.
"You're not the real deal anyway."
Rimmer blinked in confusion, but Raon explained coolly, "If that were the real Black Tower Master, we'd already be dead. This is just a projection. Look closely—the energy is burning away."
Even Rimmer finally sensed the truth.
The Black Tower Master's misty form shifted, irritation creeping into his dry voice.
"You're clever. But know this—if I wish, I can summon my real body here, even at a loss."
Raon's heartbeat spiked, but he forced his expression calm.
Wrath. Is that true?
—Probably. Demons can exchange places with their projection, or manifest outright. But it drains them heavily.
Damn it… then I need to make sure he doesn't risk it.
If the true Black Tower Master appeared, everything—Raon, Rimmer, the Light Wind division, even Hollam itself—would be annihilated.
So Raon gambled.
"Go ahead."
He crooked his finger at the misty figure.
The Black Tower Master's aura flared, shaking the arena itself.
"You think I won't?"
"You probably can. But will you?" Raon countered smoothly. He lifted his chin, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Do you know who's behind me?"
The Black Tower Master froze.
"...Glenn Zieghart?"
Raon didn't answer—he only smiled faintly.
"If I send one signal, a Soul Sword will cut through your soul."
The mist faltered. Fear seeped into the figure's eyes.
Wrath, unseen, flailed. —No way! This sneaky brat is lying again! There's nothing up there!
But the Black Tower Master couldn't hear him. Doubt had already taken root.
He began to retreat.
Raon pressed. "What's wrong? If you don't believe me, summon your real body. Let's see who's faster—your manifestation, or my grandfather's sword."
The Black Tower Master's mist wavered, his lips trembling. In the end, caution won.
"Raon Zieghart… I will kill you. You and Glenn Zieghart both!"
He turned to vanish—
"Where do you think you're going?"
Raon raised his blade again, his voice sharp. "I opened a path for you to escape. Don't you think you owe me something in return?"
The mist hissed with fury.
Tick, tick—Raon mimicked the sound of time running out, flames flickering on his sword tip.
"Fine!"
The Black Tower Master hurled a black book, its aura heavy with power—the Black Thunder Sword manual.
"Take it. But know this—our next meeting will be your last."
With those words, the mist unraveled. Marang's body collapsed like a puppet cut from its strings.
Raon exhaled long and heavy, sweat chilling his brow.
"Raon…" Rimmer asked weakly, "was Glenn really here?"
"Do you think that's possible?"
Raon laughed softly. "Grandfather would rather throw me to the wolves than save me."
Rimmer dropped to the ground, hollow laughter spilling out. "Are you insane? Bluffing the Black Tower Master…"
—Sucker!
Wrath screamed, stomping in frustration. —I've never seen a bigger sucker than me…
A message appeared before Raon's eyes.
[You have achieved a great feat.]
[All abilities… enhanced.]
[Characteristics… improved.]
Wrath collapsed foaming, and Raon sighed.
Sorry, Wrath. But truly—there's no bigger sucker in the world than you.