Chapter 457

Ayad was sitting at the center of the White Lotus division’s training ground with his eyes closed. A dark shadow appeared on his completely immobile body as he seemed to meditate.

Ayad slowly opened his eyes. He wasn’t surprised, even though he witnessed that strange phenomenon where no one was around despite having a shadow.

“I thought you would be here.”

“You seem to be in a good state.”

A low-pitched voice could be heard from the shadow. It was the voice of the masked man who’d previously visited his hospital room.

“They gave me the time to recover and even practice my sword because unfairness can’t be allowed in the sword duel. This house is seriously crazy for swordsmanship.”

Ayad sneered while murmuring the name Zieghart.

“Are you confident you can defeat Raon Zieghart?”

“Are you still asking that after you saw me?”

“……”

The masked man stared fiercely at him, urging him to answer his question.

“Hmph. I’ve already finished absorbing the Blue Spirit Elixir, and I’ve also learned the Hundred Potentials. I’ll cut his arm off and destroy his energy center, just like you wanted.”

“You only need to do one of them.”

“The other one is for me, as I don’t like him either. I want to strangle him to death if I can.”

Ayad declared in an extremely murderous voice and narrowed his eyes.

“Do as you wish. However, if you are a careless fool and end up being defeated…”

”What a useless remark. Just tell your master to rest assured and wait.”

“……”

The masked man didn’t respond. His shadow faded away as if sunlight were shining upon it until it completely disappeared.

“It looks like they are trying to use me as a hunting dog and be rid of me after the hunt is over, but…”

A frightening smile appeared on Ayad’s face as he looked at the ground where the shadow used to be.

“I’ll take it for now. However, I won’t get into the pot like you’re planning.”

* * *

The great training ground of Zieghart was a special training ground that required the head of house or a division leader’s permission to enter. That was why the vision of it brimming with people was a rare sight.

It was obviously because of the sword duel between Raon and Ayad.

Since the great training ground was open to everyone on the day of a sword duel, most of Zieghart’s warriors were sitting in the spectators’ area.

The managers of the great training ground were busily moving around, to set up the arena at the center and make the seats for the higher-ups in preparation for the sword duel.

“A sword duel between the Light Wind vice division leader and the White Lotus division leader. This is going to be such a rare feast for the eyes.”

“I wonder who is going to win.”

“It’s a fight between a division leader and a vice division leader. Even though the White Lotus division leader had a huge problem, the outcome is pretty much decided.”

“Hmm, I guess their experience in fighting with swords is on a whole different level.”

“Yes. Even though Raon Zieghart is an unprecedented genius, he won’t be able to overcome that much of an age difference. It’s not like the White Lotus division leader has been idling around, after all.”

“I agree. I want the Light Wind vice division leader to win, but this is a hopeless fight.”

“I don’t understand why he requested a sword duel since he should’ve just let him get his punishment.”

Most of the warriors in the spectator seats guessed that Ayad would win because his realm was higher and he had way more experience than Raon.

Even though people liked Raon because of the reason behind the match and Ayad’s reputation was at rock bottom, it did not influence their guesses.

“You still don’t know him. Raon Zieghart isn’t such a thoughtless man.”

“That’s right. Did you already forget how he defeated Raden in this same arena? Everyone guessed that Raden was going to win back then.”

“That’s not all. Raon Zieghart has never lost a duel so far. Don’t you remember how he defeated the White Blood Religion’s apostle when he was just an Expert?”

However, a lot more people compared to before were thinking Raon would win because of his great achievements in the past.

“This is different from back then. Ayad isn’t Raden. They don’t even come close!”

“Do you think Raon has been idling around in the meantime? He’s reached the highest level of Master at twenty-one years old! Did you already forget that he’s defeated two floor overseers and the White Wolf Saber during his last mission?”

“The White Lotus division leader can easily do the same. I know Ayad is a son of a bitch, but you shouldn’t involve your emotions when you are guessing the outcome.”

“And that’s why Raon is going to win. There’s no way he hasn’t planned for this when his influence is going to be no joke once he wins this sword duel.”

“Then let’s go to the gambling area and have a go. What about betting the entire month’s wage to the one you think is going to win?”

“I’ll take it. Let’s go with a year’s worth of salary!”

They stopped arguing about who was going to win between Raon and Ayad and ran towards the gambling area located on the training ground’s outskirts with golden coin pouches in their hands.

Burren smiled faintly while watching the migration of the spectators.

“There are more and more people who understand Raon.”

Most people had bet on Raden during the previous sword duel in the great training ground, but a lot more people were betting on Raon.

‘They must’ve acknowledged Raon’s abilities.’

It was a fight between a division leader and a vice division leader. The difference in age and experience was even larger than that, but some of them were still betting on Raon. That implied that a lot more people had acknowledged Raon’s prowess.

“Yaawn…”

He turned his head to the right upon hearing the sound of someone yawning. Runaan was dozing off while licking her lips.

“Wake me up when it starts.”

She powerlessly shook her hand and started to sleep.

‘She’s not nervous at all.’

She even managed to fall asleep instead of being nervous. She seemed to believe that Raon was obviously going to win.

Burren couldn’t tell whether he should say that she had nerves of steel or she had a strong trust in Raon.

“There are so many idiots.”

Martha snorted while watching the people in the gambling area who were betting on Ayad.

“There’s no way he would ask for a fight where he was going to lose.”

She also sounded like she believed without any doubt that Raon was going to win the sword duel.

“Indeed. Our vice division leader is such a snake, and he would never pick a losing fight.”

Krein licked his lips while agreeing with Martha.

“I can’t even imagine our vice division leader losing a fight at this point.”

Even Dorian was casually eating his snack despite being the most cowardly person in the Light Wind division.

They weren’t the only ones. Everyone in the Light Wind division undoubtedly believed that Raon was going to win as they waited for the sword duel to begin.

Burren smiled quietly while watching the Light Wind division.

‘Interesting.’

In the beginning, Dorian and Runaan were the only ones in the Light Wind division who were favorable to Raon.

Many of them used to hate him, like a needle stuck in their fingers, yet they came to trust him so much that they could even entrust him with their lives. That fact was surprising and strange at the same time to Burren.

‘It must be because so many things have happened in the meantime…’

The Ragged Saint, Federick, came next to Burren while he was absorbed in the old memories.

“Why are you the only ones here? Where is that elf?”

Federick tilted his head after checking the Light Wind division’s members.

“The dung fly is on dung. Where else would he be?”

“Dung?”

“Over there.”

Martha immediately noticed who he was looking for and pointed below.

The red-haired elf was located where her finger was directed to.

“I’m first! I’ll be the first one to bet! You bastards, get out of my way! And don’t bet on Raon!”

Rimmer was shouting amid countless gamblers while hugging a gold pouch.

“Hey, owner! I’m betting my entire fortune on Raon Zieghart!”

“……”

Federick and the Light Wind division shook their heads while watching Rimmer’s pathetic demeanor. 

* * * 

Sedate footsteps brushed past the great training ground’s main entrance.

The Black Dragon Coat’s dignified appearance made Raon look like he was wrapped in darkness, and his graceful face could be seen above it.

His calm red eyes contrasted with his blond hair, which was shining even more brightly because of the sunlight.

“Erm…”

“I-is he really Raon?”

“What an outrageous pressure…”

“This isn’t a vice division leader’s level. It wouldn’t be strange even if he were a division leader!”

The spectators’ lips parted as they watched him, in awe because of his extremely dignified and handsome appearance.

“Whoaaa!”

“Raon Zieghart!”

“I believe in you! Mess Ayad up!”

“Trash like him can’t be recycled!”

“I bet my entire fortune on you!”

The spectators finally snapped out of it and shouted while waving their hands.

Raon went to the arena prepared at the center of the training ground while listening to the shouts of the crowd in the spectator seats.

This is different from before.

Wrath furrowed his brow while looking around at the spectators.

Almost no one was rooting for you last time.

‘Indeed.’

Raon nodded with a smile. Not even a handful of people were cheering for him during his previous sword duel against Raden.

However, more than half of the swordsmen inside the training ground were shouting his name.

Even though Ayad was guilty, Raon didn’t expect so many cheers.

‘The head of house was right.’

Glenn had said that Ayad’s downfall wasn’t going to be the only outcome of the sword duel. He’d mentioned that Raon’s influence inside the house would increase tremendously if he won.

Raon could tell that he was right after seeing the reaction of the spectators.

Raon stood in front of the arena while calming his pounding heart.

Ayad had already arrived on the opposite side. He was sitting at the waiting bench and was looking at Raon coldly.

‘He’s not a complete idiot.’

Raon had thought that Ayad was going to get furious the moment he saw him, but Ayad’s eyes remained cold.

He was fully aware of how to control his emotions. He was a division leader for a good reason.

“You look like you are doing great.”

Ayad nodded with a faint smile on his face.

“I was having an easy life thanks to a certain person.”

He’d actually been working so hard that he could die because of Glenn’s lessons, but he simply shook his hand, pretending that he was taking it easy.

“I can understand your confidence. You must feel like the entire world is under your feet considering how powerful you are at your age. However…”

A frightening red light crawled from Ayad’s eyes.

“I was wielding my sword even before you were born. Regardless of our realms, our battle experience is on a whole different level. You will regret requesting a sword duel against me.”

“You would’ve requested one eventually even if I didn’t.”

Raon tilted his chin while tapping on Heavenly Drive’s scabbard.

“I just wanted to get rid of the trashy eyesore quickly. I’m not even interested in your realm or experience.”

“You can talk like always.”

Ayad simply frowned without yielding to the provocation. He must’ve been properly polishing his mind for the last week.

‘This is going to be more interesting than I thought.’

Raon smiled in satisfaction and sat on the waiting bench.

He waited for a moment, and people started to fill the executives’ seats.

In addition to Serena, whom he’d met a moment ago, Karoon, Denier, and Balder also made their entrances and sat on the higher seats.

Raon waited for the duel to start while watching the executives, and two swordsmen standing in front of the great training ground’s main entrance slammed their great swords into the ground.

Wham!

Their shouts could be heard alongside a huge resonance that felt like an earthquake.

“Our lord is making his entrance!”

Glenn entered through the main entrance of the great training ground with golden sunlight shining upon him. The sublime presence emanating like a divine sword from him was overshadowing Sheryl and Roenn behind him.

It was truly an outstanding presence even though he wasn’t spreading any aura or pressure. He was in the same league as the demon kings that Raon had encountered in Habun Castle.

“Greetings, my lord!”

Raon and everyone inside the great training ground bowed at Glenn.

Glenn didn’t even nod at them, instead going to the highest seat on the platform. The supreme ruler Raon was witnessing wasn’t the same person as the one who’d taught him swordsmanship every night and ate sandwiches with him.

“You may stand.”

Everyone inside the great training ground finally stood up after Glenn shook his hand towards them, and they became able to breathe once again.

“Begin.”

The master of ceremonies, who’d been waiting under the platform, took a step forward upon hearing his order.

“The participants of today’s sword duel, the White Lotus division leader Ayad and the Light Wind vice division leader Raon Zieghart, shall enter the arena!”

The master of ceremonies shouted, and Ayad was the first to enter the arena. The cold emotions dwelling in his eyes implied that he was mentally prepared.

Raon looked at the spectator seats instead of entering the arena.

Sylvia was praying while holding hands with the maids, the Light Wind division looked like they had complete faith in him since they were casually eating Dorian’s snacks, and Rimmer was waving his hand from above the signboard of the gambling place.

Raon looked at the White Lotus swordsmen after that. Their desperate gazes felt like they were pleading for him to save them from Ayad.

Their pupils looked just like his own in his previous life, back when he hadn’t managed to escape from Derus Robert’s leash.

Raon clenched his fist as his heart became colder.

He briefly caught his breath before entering the arena.

“Forward!”

Raon and Ayad faced each other at the center of the arena in accordance with the master of ceremonies’s direction.

“You don’t realize how much I’ve been looking forward to this moment.”

Ayad faintly rolled his lips into a smile. Raon had the feeling that his body and aura had both become sturdier upon facing him.

‘It’s not just an impression. He really has gotten stronger than before.’

There was no way his senses were lying. He decided to trust his perception and assume that Ayad had become stronger as he fought.

“Thank you.”

Ayad’s twitching fingers looked like he was going to draw his sword at any moment.

“It’s all thanks to you that I’ll be able to lead the division once again after nothing but a small punishment.”

He seemed to be planning to nullify his crime by using the golden tablets that he would obtain from winning the sword duel.

It was fully possible to achieve that considering the achievements he’d gained so far.

“You can dream all you want.”

Raon placed his hand on Heavenly Drive’s hilt while feeling his frozen heart.

“What?”

“Your punishment will be carried out right here by my own hands.”

Raon bobbed his chin at Ayad with a sneer.

“You’d better brace yourself, as it won't be as gentle as the punishment from the house.”

“You arrogant…”

Ayad’s frown deepened. However, it didn’t seem to be enough to agitate him.

“Are you both ready?”

“I am.”

“I’m ready.”

Ayad and Raon nodded at the same time.

The master of ceremonies took a step back and raised his hand towards the sky.

“The sword duel between the White Lotus division leader and the Light Wind vice division leader…has begun!”

He lowered his hand like lightning and left the arena.

The match had started, but Raon and Ayad both remained immobile. They were simply staring at each other’s eyes, their hands on their hilts.

Whir!

The pressures of the two highest-level Masters slowly ascended like the rising sun and created a tremendous amount of pressure inside the arena.

Crack!

Once Raon and Ayad’s pressures clashed against each other, the nicely flattened arena crumbled and the rubble started to float in the air.

Once a stone the size of a finger reached the height of his waist, Raon drew Heavenly Drive.

The extremely swift sword draw was an application of the Blue Rain, and a blue light sparkled at the same time as its thrust. Ayad had also drawn his sword at the exact same time.

Claang!

The clash between Heavenly Drive and Ayad’s sword created a huge tremor that echoed throughout the training ground.

The two swords bent and were bounced back from the tremendous impact.

Ayad was trying to withdraw alongside his sword, but Raon moved differently.

Thud!

Raon kicked the ground with his left foot and advanced. He closed the distance to Ayad while reducing the impact with the Supreme Harmony Steps, crushing the land.

“What insolence!”

Ayad noticed his movement in an instant and bashed down with his left elbow. It was obvious he was going to do that since his right hand, which was holding his sword, was at the rear.

Raon analyzed Ayad’s movement in a split second and grabbed his sleeve with his left hand.

Tap!

His wrist smoothly bent through the principles of the soft sword. 

Wham!

He slashed Heavenly Drive downwards with his right hand, where he used the Supreme Harmony Steps to reduce the impact.

“Kuh!”

Ayad groaned and created a wall of astral energy to block Heavenly Drive’s trajectory.

It felt even harder than the iron wall, but the flame covering Heavenly Drive was even sharper than that.

Slash!

Ayad’s wall of aura was split apart, and his chest was lacerated in a diagonal slash, with blood gushing from it.

“You bastard…”

Ayad bit his lip while looking at the wound on his chest.

“Battle experience? Higher realm?”

Raon shook off the single drop of blood that was staining Heavenly Drive’s blade. He pointed at Ayad with the blade reddened from the heat, an expression of contempt on his face.

“I can just destroy petty differences like that.”

***

If you find any errors or have suggestions, please feel free to provide feedback.

Thank you for reading!

[Author – Writing Ant, 글개미]

[Translator – Kyangi]

[Proofreader – Harley]