'Greed is awakening?'
Raon narrowed his eyes as he read the message stating he had obtained Greed.
'Has the adaptation to the Authority ended so quickly?'
Typically, the Authorities of demon kings take considerable time to awaken without special circumstances. However, the
-Why else would it be?
Wrath furrowed his brow as he read the message.
-It's because you're as greedy a pig as that damned miser!
He snorted, asking why Raon was questioning the obvious.
'Me?'
Raon chuckled as he looked at Wrath.
'I'm quite generous, you know? If others knew my true nature, they'd call me a saint.'
-What a load of nonsense!
Wrath rolled his blue eyes.
-A saint? You, who've stripped this king to the bone? You're just a scoundrel!
He raged, refusing to accept the term 'saint' for Raon.
'Anyway, this isn't because of my greed...'
Raon shook his head as he looked at the message again.
'It's probably due to my past experiences and newly acquired traits.'
After using various authorities in the battle against the Black Tower Master, he had acquired the trait
'So, what's next?'
As Raon was about to raise his finger to check the next message, someone grabbed his shoulder.
"Palace Master? Lord Raon? Young Master?"
It was Dorian. His eyes were half-rolled back as he called Raon by three different names.
"Aren't you going in? I, I can't wait any longer..."
He trembled like a puppy needing to pee, his arms and legs shaking. As a man obsessed with supplies, just the thought of entering the Zieghart treasury seemed to have driven him mad.
"That's right! Let's go in before the Central Martial Palace takes everything!"
Martha stomped her feet, urging everyone to enter the treasury quickly.
"Well, I'm finding it hard to wait this time too..."
Burren swallowed hard, seemingly excited.
"The Rakshasa woman has no patience..."
Runaan waved her hand, saying it was typical of a Rakshasa.
"Don't call me Rakshasa! You ice queen!"
Martha gritted her teeth and lunged at Runaan.
"But I'm a fairy, you know? The Full Moon Fairy."
Runaan placed her hands on her hips, asking to be called by her pretty alias, the Full Moon Fairy.
"Damn..."
Martha stopped in her tracks, grinding her teeth audibly. She seemed upset that Runaan was now a fairy while she was still called a Rakshasa.
"Um, shall we stop and get ready now? He might die."
Krein pointed at Dorian, who had started foaming at the mouth, and broke out in a cold sweat.
"Treasury. Treasury! Treasuryyyy!"
Dorian, seemingly gone mad, waved his arms up and down, shouting only 'treasury'.
"Sigh..."
Raon chuckled as he looked at the frenzied Dorian. Not just Burren, Martha, and Runaan, but all the other Light Wind Palace swordsmen were filled with anticipation, so it seemed unwise to delay any longer.
"Let's go in."
He beckoned to the Light Wind Palace swordsmen and crossed the dimension shimmering with golden light. A warm sensation, like diving into a summer sea, washed over his entire body. As his feet touched the ground and he lifted his eyelids, a space larger than even the Grand Training Hall appeared before him.
On the right, unknown elixirs with vibrant vitality were placed in glass cases, and on the left, weapons crafted by renowned masters were lined up on luxurious wooden boards.
Behind them, various artifacts gleamed brilliantly in display cases, waiting for their owners. Finally, at the end of the golden treasury, a circular bookshelf rose as if reaching for the sky. It was the same bookshelf that had gifted him the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation.
"Ah!"
Seeing Zieghart's thousand-year history piled up, an exclamation involuntarily escaped his lips.
'This place is the same. No, it seems there's even more now.'
Despite not being his first time entering this treasury, he couldn't help but be amazed.
"As expected, it's incredible..."
Burren chuckled as he looked at Zieghart's treasury, which couldn't be taken in at a single glance.
"This is insane. We can take anything from here?"
Martha licked her lips, seemingly conflicted about what to choose.
"I want that..."
Runaan moved without hesitation, as if she had already made her decision.
"This place never fails to amaze me."
Trevin shook his head, his attitude suggesting he had been here before.
"Wow!"
"I'm speechless..."
"There's so much, I don't know what to take?"
"Should we just look around first?"
The Light Wind Palace swordsmen, overwhelmed by the scale of the treasury, hunched their shoulders and scattered in different directions.
"Kyaaaah!"
Dorian screamed, twisting his cheeks as soon as he entered the treasury.
"I can die without regrets now! I've fulfilled all my dreams!"
He knelt down, shouting for someone to kill him.
"I'm too happy..."
"Shut up already!"
Krein, unable to bear it any longer, shoved his glove into Dorian's mouth. If he hadn't stopped him, he felt his eardrums might have burst.
"..."
Raon quickly averted his gaze, thinking Karoon might get angry at the commotion. He was simply surveying the treasures like appreciating art pieces, without choosing any item.
"Be quiet..."
Raon flicked Dorian's forehead while keeping an eye on Karoon. He stepped forward slightly and pressed the Greed message that was still visible before his eyes. [Greed: Whenever you receive something you desire from others, all your abilities and Authorities increase. The higher the value of what you receive, the greater the increase]
'This is not bad.'
Getting stronger every time he received something he wanted from others - it was a trait perfectly suited for him.
'And it activated at just the right moment.'
It was fortunate that Greed had awakened just before he was about to obtain the desired treasures from Zieghart's treasury. Since all the items here were of high value, he could significantly increase his abilities and Authorities.
'Is it really watching over me?'
-I'm telling you, it is watching!
Wrath gritted his teeth and pressed his head against his cheek.
-This damn system is only watching over you while thinking of ways to torment this king!
He swung his fist in the air, insisting it was certain.
'Then I should be grateful, right?'
Raon bowed his head to the air before heading towards the glass case containing the elixirs.
"What should I take to catch up to those guys?"
Burren took a deep breath, pressing his nose against the glass case as if trying to choose an elixir.
"Hmm..."
Raon stood next to Burren, examining the elixirs imbued with natural energy.
"Are you thinking of choosing an elixir?"
Glenn approached from the side and nodded slightly.
"Elixirs won't mean much to you now, will they?"
He slightly lowered his eyebrows, suggesting that Raon should choose something else.
"They're not for me to consume, but for Olga's treatment. I think I'll need about two top-grade elixirs to reconstruct her body."
"...I see."
Glenn nodded, seeming to understand now.
"Then take the elixirs for free."
He opened the glass case, saying he would give the elixirs for Olga without charge.
"Are, are you sure?"
Raon widened his eyes as he looked at Glenn.
"Didn't you say it yourself? That we couldn't have won this war without the Saintess bringing the Suphren Holy Kingdom. Compared to that value, a couple of top-grade elixirs are practically nothing."
Glenn reached out and took two elixirs himself.
"This is the White Dew Pill, made by refining a hundred spiritual herbs, and the Spirit Water Pill, made by boiling the inner cores of spirit beasts."
He smiled faintly, saying these two elixirs should be enough to reconstruct Olga's body.
"Thank you."
Raon bowed his head to Glenn as he received the two elixirs.
[The trait
[All abilities increase by 3 points.]
[The value of the trait
Along with the message that Greed had been activated, he could feel the Authority of Greed sleeping in his soul growing stronger.
-Wh-what?
Wrath gaped in disbelief.
-This was given for free! Why is Greed increasing?
'That doesn't matter. The point is whether I receive something I want from others.'
Even though the elixirs were for Olga, they were still something he wanted, so it was natural for Greed to activate.
-Damn it!
Wrath grabbed his blue hair, saying it was starting again.
'Now, next...'
After pocketing one more elixir for emergencies, Raon headed towards the artifacts.
"Hm hm hmm..."
Martha, contrary to her Rakshasa nickname, was humming as she tried on beautiful artifacts on her fingers and arms. Raon quietly slipped away, thinking she might cause a scene if she knew he had seen her like that.
'I should go somewhere else... Hm?'
As he was about to head towards the weapons, a ring and necklace placed in a corner caught his eye. The ring set with topaz emanated a heavy earth energy, while the necklace crafted from emerald exuded a cool yet sharp wind.
'Are they a set?'
Although the energies contained in the two artifacts were different, their essence was similar. They seemed to have been created as a set from the beginning.
'Not bad.'
Having grown to the point where wind and earth energies could now be his weapons, it seemed good to use these artifacts to enhance their power. Raon pocketed the ring and necklace before walking towards the weapons.
"Hmm..."
Runaan was blinking her eyes, holding a white hairpin that could also be used as a dagger.
'That's no ordinary item.'
An unusually strong chill and killing intent emanated from the small hairpin. It seemed to possess demonic energy, like the Blade of Requiem.
'She'll handle it well.'
Runaan was now a Grandmaster. Trusting her mental strength and judgment, he stepped back.
'Black gloves?'
Raon stopped in his tracks as he was about to turn right, noticing a pair of black gloves.
'Gloves that never tear?'
The black gloves, said to have been made by a continental master 500 years ago, were described as indestructible, made from ground dragon teeth and scales.
'These are pretty good.'
I don't need weapons anymore. With three swords plus the Thousand Slaughter Dagger and the Black Dragon Coat, any more weapons would be meaningless for him. These gloves should be enough to protect his hands while wielding swords.
'Then lastly, a martial arts manual...'
Raon headed towards the area with martial arts manuals, where most people had gathered.
"Kyooooh!"
Dorian was spinning around the bookshelf without choosing any item. He truly looked like a madman for the first time in a while. The swordsmen ignored Dorian and placed their hands on the center of the bookshelf, each receiving a martial arts manual most needed for them.
"Huooooh!"
Mark Goetun trembled, his eyes filled with happiness and shock, as if he had obtained the martial arts manual he wanted from the bookshelf.
'Looks like he got something good.'
Raon smiled slightly and placed his hand on the center of the bookshelf. The circular bookshelf rotated clockwise, emitting an intense light, and then a book from the top slowly descended like a baby bird's fluttering wings. Raon reached out and grabbed the book.
'Silent Sword?'
The book was titled Silent Sword, and even just flipping through the cover, he could tell it was a supreme-grade swordsmanship.
'This means there's something I need within this swordsmanship.'
That bookshelf doesn't just give out high-level martial arts; it provides the martial art most needed by the swordsman who touches it. The Silent Sword technique he received would surely have strength and other characteristics beyond just being powerful.
'It's good that I got an excellent swordsmanship, but...'
Raon clicked his tongue briefly as he held the Silent Sword.
'I want more.'
He had taken five items in total - the emergency elixir, two artifacts, the black gloves, and the Silent Sword - but he still felt greedy.
"Have you chosen everything?"
Glenn approached him, looking down at the five items he was holding.
"Yes. It's a bit regrettable, but I've chosen everything."
Raon nodded with a smile.
"You still feel greedy after choosing five items?"
Glenn smiled faintly, as if finding it amusing.
"That's not it."
Raon calmly shook his head.
"What I really wanted was the Head of House's martial art, but it didn't come out, so I feel a bit disappointed."
He bowed his head deeply, remembering Glenn who had embraced him in Montiro.
"Hup!"
Glenn took a deep breath, his fingertips trembling.
"Are, are you serious? That Silent Sword is the 5th Head of House's swordsmanship."
"I know this Silent Sword technique is amazing, but for me, the Head of House's martial art is the best."
Raon nodded, saying he was using the Supreme Harmony Steps, Azure Sky Sword, and Celestial Thunder Arts well. He slightly raised his eyes, creating a pitiful look.
[Ahem! Then I'll go find one for you.]
Glenn sent an aura message so others couldn't hear, then hurriedly left. His earlobes and cheeks were reddened as if excited.
'It worked.'
Raon licked his lips as he watched Glenn's slightly trembling shoulders.
'I threw it out there just in case, but I didn't expect it to work so well.'
Glenn had clearly shown his favor towards him in Montiro. Believing in that, he had sent a signal asking for teachings, and it seemed to have worked perfectly.
'If I get grandfather's swordsmanship, it's as good as getting Greed.'
Greed's value increases dramatically each time something valuable is obtained, so if he receives Glenn's teachings, he should be able to gain a large amount of ability points.
-Urgh...
Wrath gritted his teeth as he looked at Raon.
-No matter how I think about it, you should have become the demon king of Greed! You greedy pig!
'Okay. Then you're Gluttony.'
Wrath waved his hand in dismissal of his anger.
[The trait
[All abilities increase by 10 points.]
[The value of the trait
As if calculating all the items obtained after the elixir at once, his abilities increased by 10 points, and he could feel the Greed buried in his soul growing stronger.
-See!
Wrath screamed as he saw the newly appeared message.
-Even Greed isn't as bad as you! You conscience-less human!
* * *
Raon left the Lord's Manor after gathering all the treasures. As he was about to return to the annex building, he saw Saintess Olga leaning against the wall, as if blocking the way.
"What are you doing here?"
He didn't understand why she was waiting here when he had assigned a guide to take her to the annex building.
"I was waiting for you?"
"Huh?"
"There are so many strangers..."
Olga slightly lowered her eyes, saying how could she go alone when everyone was a stranger. It was surprising to see the delinquent Saintess, who would curse at strangers and smoke cigarettes, feeling shy in such a place.
"Then let's go together."
Raon gestured to Olga, saying he would guide her personally.
"Umm..."
Olga bit her lip, seeming a bit anxious, and followed behind him.
"What treasures did you choose?"
She slightly tilted her chin, seeming somewhat interested.
"A martial arts manual, artifacts, gloves, and elixirs."
"Martial arts manual?"
Olga shook her head.
"You're already so strong, do you need more martial arts manuals?"
"Of course."
Raon nodded calmly.
"There's no end to the path of the sword. Even the Head of House is constantly refining his swordsmanship."
If even Glenn never stopped walking the path of the sword, he couldn't be satisfied yet. Whether it was Silent Sword or other techniques, he had to keep training and advancing.
"No end, huh..."
Olga closed her eyes, a hint of emptiness in her voice. It seemed she still didn't believe she could live longer.
"..."
Raon remained silent to give Olga time, quietly guiding her. As they passed through the garden of the annex building, various food aromas wafted from the dining hall.
-Wow!
Wrath exclaimed even before seeing the food.
-Beef bone soup, pineapple pizza, lamb chops, steamed lobster, and even whole roasted pig! They have everything!
He grinned widely, having figured out the entire menu just from the smell. It was amusing to see the demon king of Gluttony calling him greedy.
"Come in."
As Raon opened the entrance, Sylvia and Sia jumped out as if they had been waiting.
"Raon. You must have been through so much..."
Sylvia hugged him, thanking him for returning safely after such a difficult battle.
"Good job!"
Sia followed Sylvia and hugged him as well.
"Thank you. And we have a guest."
Raon patted Sylvia and Sia's backs and pointed to Olga, who was standing four steps away.
"You must be the Saintess! I've heard so much about you!"
Sylvia bowed her head to Olga, welcoming her.
"Big sister. You look cool!"
Sia widened her eyes, saying the tattoos on Olga's body looked cool.
"...I'm Olga."
Olga bowed her head with proper manners, unlike her usual self, perhaps because they were his parents.
"Your beautiful face is full of fatigue."
Sylvia clapped her hands, and maids came out from the inner corridor and stood beside Olga.
"We'll escort you."
"Huh? Oh! Wait..."
Olga was dragged to the bathroom by the maids before she could do anything.
"Scrub her thoroughly. You don't want to be embarrassed tomorrow."
Raon laughed as he watched Olga reaching out her hand as if asking for help.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
Olga widened her eyes, not understanding what he meant.
"We're starting the treatment tomorrow."
Raon smirked as he shook the elixirs he had brought from Zieghart's treasury.
"Your smell will be quite intense, so make sure to wash every nook and cranny properly."
"You..."
Olga's face reddened as she finally understood what he meant.
"Raon!"
Sylvia couldn't hold back and slapped Raon's back.
"How can you say such things to the Saintess!"
"No, I was just giving sincere advice..."
"Who gives advice like that! Say it properly, will you?"
She frowned, telling him to speak properly.
"Please wash up well. We need to treat you tomorrow."
Raon bowed his head, unable to look Olga in the eye.
"Hah!"
Olga let out a sigh as she looked at Raon.
"So you can't stand up to your mom either. I thought you'd be ordering your parents around too."
She shook her head, finding it curious.
"How much of a troublemaker do you think I am..."
-It's entirely possible!
Wrath nodded, saying it was plausible.
'It's not possible! You bastard!'
Raon pushed Wrath away and gave Olga a heavy look.
"Anyway, prepare well. The treatment will be more painful than you think."
"Don't worry."
Olga shook her head as she started walking on her own.
"I'm not afraid of pain anymore."