"If there's a place that's just right for me, perhaps..."
Raon gazed into the air for a moment before turning his gaze to Rector.
"Are you referring to the Holy Sword Alliance?"
Rector's current affiliation was the Holy Sword Alliance, and the Alliance had swords and swordsmanship piled up like mountains. The only place that could be just right for him was the Holy Sword Alliance.
"That's right."
Rector nodded, grasping the sword at his waist.
"As you know, the Holy Sword Alliance belongs to the Five Demons. We've committed many evil deeds, such as killing people and desecrating graves to obtain swordsmanship and swords."
He revealed his own shame while maintaining a confident gaze.
"However, that was the will of the previous Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance. The Alliance, being a group of people obsessed with swords, respects and follows the strong. Since I became the Leader, we haven't committed a single evil deed."
"That's truly respect for the strong."
"Correct. The Holy Sword Alliance doesn't distinguish between good and evil. We simply worship and follow strong swordsmen."
Rector lowered his eyebrows, saying that the Alliance's nature changes depending on its leader.
"Not just the leader, but everyone in the Alliance has their position determined by their martial prowess and swordsmanship. That's also why I was able to become the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance."
He gently lowered his hand and grasped his own shoulder.
"From the leader to the gatekeeper, everyone is obsessed with swords, so the Holy Sword Alliance has accumulated numerous sword techniques and counter-techniques. You could turn all of that into growth and experience."
Rector stroked his chin, saying it would surely be a good opportunity.
"Hmm..."
Raon licked his lips as he looked into Rector's calm eyes.
'It seems like it might be alright.'
Although he had reached the peak of Grandmaster, he hadn't even faced the wall of transcendence yet. It seemed that gaining new experiences to reach higher levels wouldn't be a bad idea.
-This king approves!
Wrath raised his round fist in approval.
'Huh? Why so sudden?'
Raon was surprised that Wrath, who usually preferred staying in the annex building for home-cooked meals, agreed.
-You're the big shot's grandson, aren't you! There will surely be delicious food! Keh-lok!
Wrath licked his lips, curious about what kind of gourmet dishes would be served. As expected, it was an answer befitting a glutton.
"You don't need to worry about safety. We've secretly relocated the Holy Sword Alliance headquarters without the Five Demons knowing."
Rector grinned, saying that none of the Five Demons would know the current location of the Holy Sword Alliance.
"You really were planning to extract information from the start."
Raon smiled faintly as he watched the pleased Rector.
"I just wanted to save you and Sylvia."
Rector let out a short sigh, saying he wanted to protect them both in Edgar's stead.
"Thank you."
Raon bowed politely, feeling Rector's sincerity.
"That's enough. You're not a stranger... Ah, that's right!"
Rector's eyes sparkled as if he just remembered something.
"Recently, someone reached transcendence. Whether you talk or spar with him, it'll be helpful for you."
He twirled his finger, saying he'd arrange a meeting.
"Transcendence..."
Raon tightened his grip on the Heavenly Drive. Even though he didn't know the person's name, face, or age, hearing about someone who had reached transcendence sparked his competitive spirit. It seemed he had become a true swordsman mentally as well.
"I'll go."
Raon immediately ended his deliberation and bowed to Rector.
"However, I'll need to get permission from the Head of House first."
Due to the recent dangerous situation, Glenn's permission was necessary even if he was going with Rector.
"That's fine."
Rector calmly shook his head.
"I've already gotten permission from your Head of House."
"What? He's already given permission?"
"Yes. He said he'd leave it up to your choice."
He laughed, saying it was an uncharacteristic answer for Glenn.
"Ah..."
Raon bit his lip as he looked towards the Lord's Manor. Although Rector said it was unlike Glenn, to Raon, it seemed very much like Glenn's answer.
'The Head of House wants me to grow.'
It was clear that Glenn had made this choice out of trust in him. To live up to his expectations, Raon felt he should go to the Holy Sword Alliance and focus on training.
"When will we depart? Come to think of it, you've been away for a long time..."
"I need to see Sia wake up. I plan to leave as soon as she regains consciousness."
"I understand."
Raon also wanted to say goodbye to his sister, so that timing seemed appropriate.
"Now that our departure is set, shall we have a conversation with our swords after so long?"
Rector drew his sword as if suggesting a light sparring match.
"Sounds good."
Raon smiled faintly as he raised the Heavenly Drive to the upper position.
-By the looks of it, this won't end until tomorrow.
Wrath muttered that he was tired of training and retreated into the ice flower bracelet.
-Yawn.
Raon swung the Fangs of Insanity towards Rector, hearing Wrath's yawn. The sword whooshed through the air.
* * *
"You permitted Raon to go to the Holy Sword Alliance?"
Rimmer frowned as he looked up at Glenn.
"At a time like this? Why on earth?"
He let out a sigh, as if unable to understand.
"In turbulent times like these, staying with the Five Demons is safer than going on missions. Since the Holy Sword Alliance has relocated and no one knows their current location, there's no risk of other Five Demons attacking."
Glenn calmly shook his head, seeming to trust Rector.
"Moreover, the current Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance is strong. If his internal injuries are fully healed, he could compete with the leaders of the Five Demons."
"I'm asking about something other than the safety issue..."
"Something else?"
"You don't want to send Raon to the Holy Sword Alliance, do you? You enjoy spending time with your grandson so much."
Rimmer raised his eyebrows slightly, as if he knew everything.
"I'm curious about that too."
Roenn also looked at Glenn questioningly.
"I haven't spent much time with Raon either, but he's done even less. He became the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance to protect Raon, so I wanted to give them time together. I'm not that narrow-minded."
Glenn looked down at Rimmer with eyes that seemed to say he was pathetic.
"That's a noble thought. But what will you do if Raon ends up liking his biological grandfather more after you've been so accommodating?"
Rimmer rolled his eyes with an exaggerated expression, as if teasing Glenn.
"T-That's not possible."
Glenn shook his head tremblingly, as if saying that would never happen.
"It seems quite possible to me."
Rimmer shook his finger, disagreeing.
"Raon still doesn't call you 'grandfather' much. He calls you 'Head of House' more often."
"T-That's because it's in official settings..."
"As you know, Head of House, Raon is like a child when it comes to family relationships. He's like a newly hatched chick. And you're sending him to his biological grandfather now?"
He curled up the corners of his mouth.
"They'll become close right away! Later, he might call Rector 'grandfather' while continuing to call you 'Head of House'."
Rimmer looked at Roenn as if to say, "Don't you think so?".
"Hahaha!"
Roenn just laughed, finding Rimmer's words amusing.
"Ah, I just stopped by the training ground earlier, and Rector was teaching Raon swordsmanship. Raon kept calling him 'grandfather' and laughing. Is that the power of a biological grandfather?"
"Training ground? Which training ground!"
Glenn sprang up from his throne.
"The fifth training ground, of course."
Rimmer spread out his right hand, showing the number five.
"Ahem, I'm having indigestion..."
Glenn clutched his stomach as he descended from the platform and immediately left the audience chamber.
Contrary to his words, he didn't head for the bathroom but started running towards the fifth training ground, jumping out the window.
"Kehehehe!"
Rimmer burst into laughter as he watched Glenn's retreating back.
"I knew he'd do that! Such a show-off!"
"You went too far."
Roenn shook his head heavily. However, an unmistakable smile was visible on his lips too.
"Let's go see how those two fight now."
Rimmer headed towards the fifth training ground with his arm around Roenn's shoulder.
He wore a mischievous smile as he imagined Raon's struggling face.
* * *
As Raon was demonstrating the Mystic Soul Sword as per Rector's advice, the door of the training ground suddenly burst open.
"Hm?"
Thinking it might be Rimmer, Raon turned around to see Glenn glaring at them with fierce eyes.
"Head of House? How did you..."
"Ahem, I came for a walk because of indigestion."
Glenn waved his hand, his eyes looking more like he was out for a hunt rather than a walk.
"Ah, I see..."
Raon nodded awkwardly and resumed demonstrating the Mystic Soul Sword. As he was about to thrust towards the upper left with the fifth form, he heard Glenn click his tongue.
"It would be better to extend a bit faster and stronger there."
Glenn crossed his arms, muttering that the speed and power of the swordsmanship should be enhanced.
"Understood."
Raon enhanced the subtleties of the Strong Sword and Quick Sword techniques following Glenn's advice.
"No, that's not right!"
Rector shook his head firmly.
"Doing it that way will indeed increase power and speed, but it weakens the unique character of the Mystic Soul Sword. The balance is off. Try it again as I showed you."
He demonstrated the stance, telling Raon to return to the original form of swordsmanship.
"Yes..."
Raon nodded and demonstrated the original Mystic Soul Sword again. While the speed and power decreased, the unique flow of the Mystic Soul Sword was revived, enabling smooth combinations.
"Ahem..."
Glenn fell silent, seemingly acknowledging Rector's superiority in the Mystic Soul Sword. Raon, after practicing the Mystic Soul Sword under Rector's guidance, immediately demonstrated the Azure Sky Sword without taking a break.
"It's still good swordsmanship. However, I think it would be better to draw the sky higher."
"Understood."
Following Rector's advice, Raon concentrated power into his sword to execute the Great Bind of the Heavy Sky. It felt as if a high and noble autumn sky was imbued in his sword.
"That's not it!"
Glenn stepped forward, shaking his head as if it was his turn.
"The Great Bind of the Heavy Sky in the Azure Sky Sword prioritizes grandeur and magnificence!"
He demonstrated himself, emphasizing focus on vigor and breadth rather than height.
"Ah, yes."
Raon quickly nodded and demonstrated the Great Bind of the Heavy Sky as per Glenn's advice. The sword strike, filled with the characteristic grandeur of the Azure Sky Sword, soared as if to split the sky.
"Hmm..."
"Ahem!"
This time, Rector fell silent as if acknowledging defeat, while a smile appeared on Glenn's face. After that, Glenn and Rector continued to offer advice, and Raon demonstrated his swordsmanship according to their instructions, breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Raon! Use the Strong Sword there!"
"Raon! Use the Quick Sword! Speed is the priority!"
Glenn and Rector, as if their earlier meeting in the annex dining hall had been a joke, offered different swordsmanship advice each time with increasing intensity. Raon's head was spinning so much he could barely tell which sword technique he was using.
'My heart aches...'
Raon's chest ached from Glenn and Rector's earnestness. While he felt his skills were improving, it was hard to endure.
'The only good thing is...'
Both were swordsmen who had mastered the Ten Thousand Swords, so they were quick to acknowledge good techniques. Glenn and Rector both clearly recognized what was right and offered appropriate advice. Of course, this made things even more chaotic for Raon.
"Huff..."
As Raon exhaled heavily and continued swinging his sword, he sensed someone approaching the training ground.
'Mom? Please let it be Mom...'
Hoping for Sylvia's appearance, Raon looked at the training ground door, but it was Rimmer and Roenn who appeared.
"I was right, wasn't I?"
Rimmer clapped his hands as he saw Raon caught between Glenn and Rector.
"I told you it would turn out like this!"
He held his stomach, laughing at Raon's miserable expression.
"Hahaha."
Roenn also let out a hollow laugh, as if he hadn't really expected this to happen.
"Now that it's come to this, shall we make a bet? On whose advice will be taken more. I choose the Head of House..."
Rimmer pulled out a gold coin, openly suggesting a bet.
"Raon. What are you doing? Hurry and show your swordsmanship."
"Raon. This time, bring out that Sense Sword."
Glenn and Rector continued to focus on their swordsmanship advice competition, ignoring Rimmer. Raon almost wished they would just fight each other instead.
"Ugh..."
Raon gritted his teeth at Rimmer as he lifted the Heavenly Drive with his weakened hand.
'You. No salary for a year!'
* * *
Even after being tormented by Glenn and Rector all day, Raon couldn't catch a break. Naturally, it was because of Wrath.
-Didn't you promise to buy me everything I want to eat! Hurry up and go!
'But we ate yesterday too...'
-It was only 4 servings!
Wrath slapped Raon's back, saying he wanted to eat more Bead Ice Cream.
-Buy a box of mint chocolate and a box of the new product!
He snorted, demanding Raon keep his promise.
'Sigh...'
Raon shook his head and entered the Bead Ice Cream store. As he approached the counter to order, he saw a familiar face.
"Runaan?"
Runaan, who had been standing like a statue in front of the ice cream display, calmly turned her gaze.
-Oh, the ice cream girl! As expected, she's here!
Wrath grinned, claiming he had found a kindred spirit.
"Raon."
Runaan blinked her blank eyes, seeming pleased.
"How are your injuries?"
"All healed."
She waved her arms and legs as if dancing, indicating she was fine. Raon found it amusing that she answered the question about her recovery in such a way.
"Did you come to eat Bead Ice Cream?"
"Yes. I'm going to eat with Mom and Dad."
Runaan nodded, saying she planned to buy several.
"I'll buy them for you. Choose whatever you want."
"...Okay. Thank you."
Runaan's eyes brightened a little. She immediately buried her face in the display case again, as if ready to choose.
-Let's hurry and choose ours too!
Wrath also followed Runaan's lead, his eyes sparkling as he examined the display case.
'We've already decided. Mint chocolate and the new product.'
-Hmm, now that I look, that one is tempting too...
He licked his lips while looking at the pink strawberry Bead Ice Cream.
'Three boxes would be too much.'
-We don't come here every day, do we! Buy it! I'm telling you to buy it!
Wrath flailed in the air, shouting for Raon to buy the ice cream.
'Sigh, fine, I'll buy it. But you're only eating one today.'
-That's fine!
He nodded his fleshy chin, agreeing to the condition.
"Huh..."
Raon let out a sigh-like groan.
'I can't tell if I'm dealing with a demon king or raising a child...'
He still couldn't figure out what kind of being Wrath was, so different when serious versus when eating.
"Raon."
As Raon was about to order the Bead Ice Cream Wrath wanted, Runaan approached him.
"Have you chosen?"
"Can you do me a favor other than buying ice cream?"
Runaan lowered her eyes slightly, as if she had something to say.
"What kind of favor?"
He asked, thinking he would grant about whatever she asked anyway.
"Spar with me in front of my mom and dad."
Runaan bowed her head, as if earnestly requesting.
* * *
While Raon and Runaan were discussing the sparring match.
"Something's not right..."
Federick took a deep breath and grasped the wrist of the still unconscious Sia. He examined her pupils, breathing, and internal mana flow, then lifted her trembling eyelids.
"I see..."
Federick bit his lip, as if he finally understood.
"Why? What's her condition?"
Glenn, who had been watching, lowered his gaze heavily.
"She's very healthy. All her wounds have healed, her vitality is abundant, and her three energy centers are stable."
Federick smacked his lips, saying she was too robust to be called a patient.
"Then why can't she wake up?"
Rector looked at Sia, parting his trembling lips.
"There's no problem with her body. Her soul is fine too. However..."
Federick brushed Sia's hair back, letting out a deep sigh.
"The problem lies between the two."