"Let's see what we have here."
Raon checked the glowing messages, leaving Wrath simmering behind him.
[You have achieved a great feat.]
[All ability scores increase by 30 points.]
[The rank of the trait increases.]
[The rank of the trait increases.]
[The rank of the trait increases.]
[The rank of the trait increases.]
Perhaps because he had driven away the Black Tower Master and defeated three Grandmasters single-handedly, his ability scores had risen by thirty, and four traits had advanced in rank at once. It was a reward befitting his achievement.
—Why… why so much…
Wrath, who had barely managed to rise, collapsed again at the sight. But the messages weren't over yet.
[The title is enhanced to .]
Raon's eyes widened.
This title…
had been earned when he crushed the Thespian Emperor in a war of words. That title caused slight mental confusion in opponents of higher status. It seemed the effect had worked on the Black Tower Master as well.
Now, it was bestowed upon one who defeats opponents of higher standing through words alone, without force. Its ability was the same—mental confusion—but the word "slight" had been removed.
The effect has grown stronger.
He flicked his finger and smirked. This will be useful. Not every crisis can be overcome with strength. When faced with a transcendent like today, this could open an escape route.
—This… this isn't right…
Wrath trembled, floating unsteadily.
Hmm, I did receive quite a lot today…
—That's not it!
Wrath's face turned crimson as he shook his fists.
—That tongue doesn't just mock heaven and earth—it mocks dimensions themselves! Didn't I tell you before?
He demanded the title be changed to The Tongue that Mocks Dimensions.
Raon chuckled. For once, it was refreshing to see the demon king arguing that he deserved even more credit.
"Raon."
Rimmer approached, his expression unusually grave.
"Things worked out today, but be careful. There are those who won't be swayed by your silver tongue—The Fallen, Derus… others like them. Remember, if you die, the other children die too."
"…I understand."
Raon bowed, recalling how Rimmer had shielded him even under the suffocating weight of the Black Tower Master's aura.
"Alright."
Rimmer patted his shoulder, then his eyes gleamed as he spotted something nearby.
"By the way, you've hit the jackpot."
He licked his lips, staring at the Changla Sword lying on the ground.
"The Changla Sword, a renowned blade of the continent… even the Black Tower Master coveted it!"
Rubbing his hands together, he looked like a merchant calculating profit.
"That's not all."
Raon shook his head and held up the sword manuals for the Holy Sword Technique and the Black Thunder Sword.
"They're both transcendent swordsmanship techniques."
He resolved to memorize them before handing them over to Glenn. They would aid his mastery of the Ten Thousand Swords.
But the greatest reward was the experience itself.
Though the three Grandmasters had not been at their peak, they were formidable opponents. The battles with the White Demon Swordsman and the Demon would serve as a foundation for breaking the wall of Transcendence.
The Light Wind Division burst into the observation deck.
"Di-Division Leader!"
"Are you alright?"
"What happened here?"
"We… we felt an impossible aura…"
They were drenched in sweat, still shaken by the Black Tower Master's presence.
"The Black Tower Master was here."
Rimmer sighed.
"The… the Black Tower Master? Why would that monster—"
Burren's lips trembled. Martha nodded, saying only such a being could emit that kind of energy.
"… Are you okay?"
Runaan's flat eyes softened, filled with quiet worry.
"They're both fine. He drove him away."
Rimmer pointed at Raon with a grin.
"The… the Division Leader? How?"
Dorian and Krein gaped.
"With his tongue, of course."
Rimmer made a talking-mouth gesture.
"That makes sense."
"The Division Leader's tongue is on par with the Head of House's swordsmanship."
"Handsome tongue."
The Light Wind Division nodded seriously.
Raon blinked. Is it really that impressive?
"It is," they said without hesitation.
"We've never seen you lose in a war of words."
"There were rumors the Thespian Emperor suffered internal injuries from your tongue."
"To be honest, your mouth is scarier than your sword…"
Rimmer muttered that he had nothing left to teach.
—This king too!
Wrath flailed indignantly.
—Send him to the heavenly realm! Let him cause civil war among gods themselves!
Raon waved him away, exasperated.
Then Mark Goeten called out, pointing at a collapsed wall.
"Division Leader! Come here!"
He pulled out pouch after pouch filled with gold coins.
"Incredible…"
"Unbelievable…"
"Was all this hidden here?"
The Light Wind swordsmen trembled as the gold piled high.
"I'm rich! Filthy rich!"
Rimmer tossed coins in the air like confetti.
"Not quite."
Raon snatched the jewels from his hands.
"These were obtained on a mission. They must be reported to the Head of House."
"Oh?" Rimmer curled his lips. "Trying to win Grandpa's favor?"
Raon ignored him.
"Wallet."
"Yes!"
Dorian sprinted over like a trained soldier.
"Wa-wallet here!" He cried, puffing up like he really was a wallet.
"Put everything inside."
"Understood!"
Grinning foolishly, Dorian filled his belly pouch while the others looked on solemnly.
—See!
Wrath jabbed a finger at Dorian.
—You treat him the least like a human being! He really is just a wallet to you!
Ah… unconsciously…
Raon scratched his head. Perhaps he had picked it up from Rimmer.
—That's even worse! You weren't born human—you're an angel! Your home is the sky!
…Let's not use profanity.
Rector's Meditation
In the pitch-black underground training ground, Rector sat deep in meditation. His body glowed faintly with blue light, muscles taut as if regaining their prime.
But when the glow reached his chest, it faltered, fading like dying embers before crossing his neck.
"Huu…"
He opened his eyes with a regretful sigh.
"Not yet, it seems."
Pulling a nearby cord, he summoned Mustan.
Thump, thump. The ceiling opened, and Mustan bowed low.
"Master! Congratulations on your great achievement!"
"What achievement? I've only grasped a small clue."
Rector dusted himself off and climbed up.
"How's the situation in Hollam?"
"It goes according to plan. Lord Raon captured Marang, the White Demon Swordsman, and the Greedy Demon."
"Raon alone?"
"Yes. One by one, he defeated them."
Rector smiled faintly. He's grown again. At this pace, he'll touch Transcendence soon.
"And the information?"
"Spread perfectly. It appears to have come from the Greedy Demon. Not even the Black Market will suspect us."
"And the White Demon Swordsman?"
"Dead on the spot."
"Perfect."
The troublesome swordsman who had tried to split the Alliance was gone. Raon had gained experience, artifacts, and manuals—it was the best outcome.
Then Mustan hesitated. "Master… there's more. The Black Tower Master appeared in Hollam."
Rector's eyes widened. "Then Raon…"
"He's alive. He… drove him away. With words."
"Kuhahaha!"
Rector roared with laughter. "I wondered where Edgar's silver tongue had gone. Now I see."
Mustan swallowed nervously. "But Master, this means the Black Tower Master is after him too. Alongside The Fallen, Derus, the White Blood Religion…"
Rector's eyes shone calmly. "That's why we act. Don't worry. I'll protect that child, even at the cost of my life."
Return to Zieghart
After the arena's destruction, Raon and the Light Wind Division returned to Zieghart.
"Welcome back."
External Commander Illiune bowed respectfully. The swordsmen on the walls saluted with solemn blades.
"Thank you."
Raon returned the bow, walking toward the Lord's Manor. Along the way, whispers followed.
"He defeated three Grandmasters…"
"And not just anyone—Marang, the Greedy Demon, and the White Demon Swordsman!"
"He'll reach Transcendence soon."
"If so, Zieghart will have four Transcendents—the strongest on the continent!"
Now no one mocked or envied him. Every gaze was filled with awe.
Mother would be pleased if she could see this.
At the Lord's Manor, the audience chamber doors stood open. Executives lined the pillars, bowing.
"We greet the Head of House!"
Raon knelt before Glenn, the Light Wind Division following suit.
"Rise."
"Yes."
Raon stood, bowing again.
"Ahem. I hear you brought down Hollam itself. Explain."
Raon recounted everything. With each feat, Glenn's shoulders squirmed, his legs restless.
"Three Grandmasters alone? Absurd…"
"And the Light Wind Division fought three factions with no casualties!"
"Perfect planning and execution."
The executives buzzed with admiration.
"These are the spoils."
At Raon's signal, Dorian poured forth treasures until they reached the dais. Gasps filled the chamber.
"The Greedy Demon's wealth indeed touched the sky…"
"Transcendent manuals… the Changla Sword…"
Glenn's face flushed as he coughed.
Did he do this just to receive more of my training?
The thought made him grin helplessly. He forced it down, licking his lips.
"With this much, I must acknowledge it. Speak—what reward do you desire?"
"I…"
Raon slowly lifted his gaze.
Say you want to learn from me, Glenn urged silently, his heart pounding.
But Raon's eyes turned not to Glenn but to the right.
"I would like to spar with the Central Martial Palace Master."
His gaze locked on Karoon, burning with passion.
"What?!"
Glenn's benevolent eyes blazed crimson as they shot toward Karoon.