Chapter 621

Karoon’s eyes widened at Glenn’s sudden appearance.

‘Why is my father here…?’

His hospital room was located far away from the lord’s manor. He couldn’t understand how he got there, as it should’ve been impossible for him to have noticed that presence from so far away without using aura perception, even for Glenn.

“Gaaah!”

The robed man realized that his wrist and bone were shattered and screamed.

“G-Glenn Zieghart! Why are you here?!”

“You have no right to question me.”

Glenn punched the robed man in the mouth.

Smack!

The man’s teeth scattered like corn kernels. Glenn was preventing him from using the poison in his mouth.

“Uagh…”

The robed man collapsed with a strange groan. He seemed to be completely incapacitated by the lightning energy that Glenn had shoved into him.

“Where did you come from?”

Glenn made the robed man kneel on the ground and turned his chin. It was a short question, but he could learn a lot from it.

“Kuh…”

The robed man simply let out a groan while leaning forward instead of answering his question.

“You don’t need to answer if you don’t want to.”

Glenn nodded, telling him to do as he wished. Crimson lightning sparked, and the robed man started to flail his limbs about as if he were having a seizure.

“Aargh!”

A red flower bloomed on the white robe he was wearing. It was his blood flowing from his pores because Glenn’s lightning energy was scorching his entire body.

“Huff…”

The robed man couldn’t even breathe properly, gasping for breath with a pale face.

Karoon swallowed nervously as he witnessed that scene.

‘His entire body is being controlled.’

Glenn was putting pressure on his entire body with his lightning energy. Forget moving his fingers, he couldn’t even breathe as he wanted.

“You are rather determined for vermin.” Glenn nodded his head with an unwavering gaze. “You can try to withstand it if you want to. However, your body isn’t yours anymore.”

“Kuhuhu.”

Just as Glenn was about to twist the lightning energy like a wire, the robed man groaned and sneered at the same time.

“What do you think is going to happen if it isn’t mine?”

“Hmm.”

Glenn sensed the irregularity and moved his energy rapidly, enhancing the pressure that was controlling him.

“Cough!”

But the man coughed up a dangerous amount of blood, ignoring the intensified suppression.

“Y-your time will end soon, Glenn Ziegha…”

The robed man perished after he murmured something incomprehensible.

“......”

Glenn wasn’t flustered even though it was an unexpected situation. He calmly extended his hand to cut the man’s chest open.

‘There was something about him.’

He had stopped the robed man’s aura and muscles perfectly on top of taking out the poison hidden between his teeth. Considering the fact that he’d still perished after that, there was definitely something hidden inside his heart.

Psh!

Glenn grasped the thing that was showing a small movement inside the robed man’s heart, which was being covered in blood. It was a bug that looked like a centipede, so small that ordinary people couldn’t even see it. However, its teeth were too big in comparison, giving it a grotesque appearance.

“A rage worm.”

Glenn furrowed his brow while looking at the worm, which was going limp as it exhausted its strength.

The shape was slightly different from the ones he knew of, but the rage worm was the only thing that could be hidden inside the heart. He could guess that the man had perished because of that nasty sorcery.

‘A group that uses rage worms…’

The Black Tower and Eden were the only ones who might use the rage worm among the five demons, but that didn’t guarantee that one of them was the perpetrator.

It could be a new group, or the White Blood Religion, judging by the color of the robe.

Glenn pushed back the man’s hood. As expected, his face was unfamiliar. Glenn put his corpse down and shifted his gaze towards Karoon, who had become quiet.

“F-Father…”

Karoon tried to stand up, but he was unable to move because he had no strength left in his body.

“How did you get here?”

“Who is he?” Glenn asked instead of answering.

“I don’t know either.” Karoon shook his head after taking a glance at the robed man’s corpse. “He approached me before and asked for an alliance but I ignored him.”

“What did he say back then?”

“…He said he would make me the head of house.”

“Head of house? How?”

“He said that he would eliminate the successor candidates one by one.”

Glenn furrowed his brow because that was enough for him to understand what happened.

“Did you sell him information about Raon?”

“Haa…”

Karoon briefly licked his lips. The fact that he was asking about Raon implied that he’d heard his entire conversation with the man.

“Yes, I did.”

“But it looks like you didn’t give correct information. What’s the reason?”

“I gave him fake information because I thought figuring out their identity took priority, but they never revealed themselves. They were rather skilled.”

“Then why didn’t you accept the offer of an alliance despite how skilled they are?” Glenn asked, gazing down upon Karoon coldly.

“I…”

Karoon briefly closed his eyes before opening them again. His distorted face showed that he was in pain just from speaking, but he endured the pain to answer his question.

“I’m the Northern Conqueror’s son. While I may commit inhuman acts, I will never do anything to betray Zieghart. Just as I told him, I have no intention of letting outsiders set foot on this land, even if it means destroying Zieghart with my own hands.”

He declared his true intention like a pledge.

“......”

Glenn was speechless. He was still staring at Karoon coldly.

“You…”

Just as he was about to speak, Federick violently opened the door and entered.

“Wh-what’s going on?! Why is there a corpse here?!” Federick shouted in astonishment.

“We’ll need to change his room. Move Karoon to somewhere near the main building.” Glenn pointed at Karoon’s bed.

“Hey! Tell me what happened before you leave! Who is this guy?!”

“Let’s have a drink later.”

He left after only saying that much. Glenn went to Sheryl and Roenn, who’d been waiting outside the hospital room, and handed over the rage worm corpse.

“This is…” Roenn narrowed his eyes while looking at the rage worm that fell into his hand.

“It was a peculiar rage worm. Don’t limit yourselves to the Five Demons—investigate every single faction that is rumored to use rage worms.”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

Sheryl and Roenn responded seriously, unlike when they were talking about Raon, and disappeared towards the lord’s manor.

“Did you say that my time will be over soon?” Glenn touched Heavenly Tremor’s scabbard while glancing towards the annex building.

“You will be the first to perish before my time is over.”

‘I’ll make you regret ever making Zieghart your enemy.’

* * *

Raon unsheathed Heavenly Drive, standing on the lake behind the annex building. Just as he was about to raise his sword overhead, Wrath suddenly appeared.

Hell yeah!

Wrath exclaimed while rubbing his plump belly.

The food at home is the best! He can never get tired of it no matter how many times he has it!

Wrath licked his lips thoroughly, saying that he was satisfied with the meal.

It would feel like heaven if a bead ice cream was added on top. Didn’t someone promise to give me some delicious things for a while…?

Wrath rubbed his hands, wanting to be in heaven despite being a demon king.

‘That was last time though.’

You are supposed to do it more than once! Keep your promise!

‘Haa, let’s go to the shop tomorrow.’

Raon quickly shook his hand because he had a feeling that Wrath was going to keep talking all day long if he didn’t do anything about it.

Wow! You actually became broad-minded upon being promoted to division leader! You might become a big man once you become a demon king.

‘That’s never going to happen.’

You never know.

Wrath returned to the bracelet, telling him that he’d see him again the next day.

Raon shook his head and raised Heavenly Drive above his head.

He slashed downwards with a soft snap of his wrist. The graceful wind caused by the sword cut through the moon reflected on the lake.

Cring!

The mysterious sight looked like the moon was splitting apart, but Raon shook his head with a furrowed brow.

“This isn’t right.”

Glenn had destroyed Karoon’s advanced attack with a simple swing of his sword, similar to a basic technique.

Raon wanted to recreate his prowess, which seemed to merge his emotions and will, but it obviously wasn’t working out too well.

‘Doing it is indeed different from watching.’

Raon briefly clicked his tongue and rapidly slashed upwards.

The swing looked like a huge serpent ascending to the sky upon becoming a dragon. It was the Azure Sky Sword technique that Glenn had displayed.

Cring!

The red current ascended along with the blade. Its momentum looked like it was going to split the sky apart but faded away eventually. A red trail was left in the air like a comet.

‘This isn’t right either.’

Unlike his slash, Glenn’s sword was so majestic that it looked like it was forging the sky itself. The difference was laughable because it was even greater than the difference between a mighty long spear and a toothpick.

‘I guess it’s impossible to mimic his move right away after all.’

Even though his mental world had improved and the Ring of Fire was with him, it was impossible to immediately learn a transcender like Glenn’s technique and enlightenment.

‘Of course, that’s not enough reason to give up.’

Raon’s real weapon wasn’t a talent to copy other people’s moves, but his tenacity to keep trying until he could. He resolved to keep trying until it worked and activated the Azure Sky Sword once again.

Cring!

He furrowed his brow because the balance was even worse than his first attempt, then he suddenly heard a heavy voice from behind him.

“You lost your posture.”

“Huh?”

Raon swallowed nervously and turned around. Glenn had arrived before he knew it and was standing in front of the lake.

“My lord?”

He hadn’t even noticed his arrival. Raon’s heart pounded even though he hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Gr-greetings, my lor—”

“That’s enough.”

He was trying to greet him, but Glenn shook his hand and walked onto the lake. Even though he was stepping on water, it didn’t even create the smallest wave on the surface. It was as if he were walking on the ground.

“What brings you here?”

“That idiot Ogram said that you’ve repaid my debt in my stead.”

Glenn furrowed his brow as if it hurt his pride.

Raon blinked while looking at Glenn’s serious gaze.

‘Hmm? It looks like he’s feeling a bit better.’

Glenn’s face was extremely stiff, but he seemed a lot brighter than when he was punishing Karoon before.

“What you’ve done is definitely not a simple matter. It wouldn’t have been strange if a war broke out between Zieghart and the Beast Union. And you stopped that war.”

Glenn walked up to him with an expression that could hardly be read and nodded his head.

“Good job.”

“It was nothing.”

He just wanted to save Judiel and Juvel. Raon shook his head since he hadn’t done that for such a great purpose.

“The fact remains, even if you act humble.” Glenn took a book and a golden tablet from his clothes. “I summarized my interpretation of your sword techniques and the Azure Sky Sword. I wrote down my personal thoughts, so just use it without trying to follow it—no matter what.”

He handed him the book as he spoke. It was giving off the characteristic scent of a new book, implying that it was recently written.

“Ah…”

Raon carefully accepted the book and opened it.

The interpretations of his martial arts were written in beautiful and powerful handwriting, and every single one was extremely detailed. Raon could feel that Glenn had been watching him thoroughly.

“Since there isn’t much time left until the duel to death, it should be better to take another look at yourself instead of learning a new sword technique or martial art.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Ahem, you don’t need to thank me like that. I didn’t make it alone.”

Glenn shook his head, saying that the leader of Shadow Agents and Sheryl also worked hard on it.

“And…” He slowly turned around. He closed his eyes, stepping on the moon reflected on the lake. “Congratulations on becoming the division leader.”

It was the last thing he said before he left the lake.

Raon lowered his head towards Glenn as he quietly left. The book in his hand felt warm for some reason.

* * *

Dawn at the fifth training ground was busy, unlike other times.

“Did you hear the news?” Burren licked his lips while walking up to Martha.

“The one about Raon becoming the division leader?”

“So you knew about it.”

“Of course I did. The entire house is making a fuss about it.”

Martha shook her head, saying that you had to be deaf not to know about it.

“It will be a bit easier for us in the future because that lazy beggar isn’t our division leader anymore.”

She smiled, saying that the Light Wind Division was finally going to run as it should.

“Well, anyone would be better than that division leader,” Burren chuckled while looking at the platform where Rimmer usually took a nap.

“But doesn’t it feel rather strange? Because the person who's been training with us all along is becoming a division leader…” Martha smiled faintly, as if she were thinking about the past.

“That’s true. He was just a little kid back then…” Burren rubbed his chin while reminiscing about the past.

“By the way…” He followed Martha’s gaze but suddenly furrowed his brow. “What should we call Raon from now on?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“While he was the vice division leader, we called him by his name and spoke to him casually. He didn’t really mind it either, but now he is a division leader…”

“Why are you even asking?” Martha shook her hand as if it were an obvious question. “Naturally, we have to call him the division leader and speak with courtesy.”

“What?”

Burren’s eyes widened at Martha’s words. He even gasped because of how strange it was for her to say that since she looked like she was going to hate the idea the most.

“The division leader is the position that leads the entire division from the front. Everyone’s lives will be in danger if the line of command is broken. We have to treat him accordingly when the other members are watching, although it could be fine when it’s just between us,” Martha calmly declared, showing that she’d already made up her mind.

“Division Leader Raon?” Runaan secretly approached them and nodded.

“Yes, call him that from now on.” Martha nodded and showed her approval.

“Team Leader Miss Rakshasha?” Runaan pointed at Martha next, and very slightly raised the corners of her lips.

“You damn sleepyhead!” Martha violently ground her teeth and dashed at Runaan.

“Miss Rakshasa, pwease don’t get angry.”

“Shut up!”

“Okay.”

Runaan froze up the ground and leaped backward.

Burren narrowed his eyes while watching Martha as she started to rampage.

‘How unexpected.’

Since Martha had always spoken to Raon casually, Burren had thought that her attitude wouldn’t change even though he had become a division leader.

However, she’d declared that they should show their respect towards Raon before anyone else. It made him smile before he knew it because it felt like the child with a bad personality had matured.

Wham!

As Burren was smiling while watching the small war between Martha and Runaan, the training ground’s door opened and Rimmer entered along with Raon.

“Line up!”

He immediately gathered the Light Wind Division and ran up to the platform.

Raon stood at the vice division leader’s position behind the platform and Rimmer stepped forward.

“I’m sure everyone has heard about it.” He chuckled as he faced the Light Wind Division’s gazes, which seemed to burn red with passion. “The leader of this division changed yesterday.”

Rimmer calmly examined the team leaders and all the plain members one after the other and nodded his head.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about it in advance, but I thought it was time for it. Thank you for going through the pain of following this unbefitting division leader so far.”

“It really was a huge pain,” Krein shook his head while looking at Rimmer.

“I even want to praise myself for not being influenced by that laziness,” Martha said as she looked at Rimmer with a frown.

“He commuted to the gambling house more often than the training ground, after all,” Burren sighed.

He seemed to be thinking about how he had to visit various gambling houses in order to find Rimmer.

“I’m sleepy.” Runaan shook her hand, asking them to quickly proceed with it.

“You bastards! Can’t you read the mood? You should act nicely at a time like this!” Rimmer’s face turned red because he’d imagined a beautiful scene of departure.

“How could you have a beautiful departure after everything you’ve done?”

“And you aren’t even leaving. You are just being demoted to vice division leader.”

“Isn’t that too good for him? He will be a salary thief since he’ll be paid without doing anything at all.”

“I’m jealous of his life.”

“Stop it.” Raon stepped forward, stopping the Light Wind Division as they started to rustle.

“He might be a sloth, a gambling addict, a drunkard, and a beggar, but he was still our division leader. You should restrain yourselves.”

“…Y-you’re defending me, right?” Rimmer clutched his chest as if he were in pain and his lips trembled.

“He didn’t work, nor did he train or do any maintenance, but…”

“Stop right there! It hurts!”

He shook his head with an even more pained expression than when he was beaten up by Glenn.

“Division leader.” Raon performed the sword salute towards Rimmer with a faint smile on his face. "Thank you for your work so far.”

"Thank you for your hard work!"

Upon hearing his shout, the Light Wind Division also unsheathed their swords and performed a sword salute. The playful atmosphere was completely gone. The fifth training ground was brimming with courtesy and seriousness.

“Hmm…”

Rimmer looked at the swordsmen one after the other, all of whom used to be his disciples but had become his subordinates.

“Thank you for your work, too.” He took a step back with a smile. “It’s time for the old man to step back, and for you to greet your new division leader.”

Rimmer gestured with his hand, and Raon stood at the front of the platform.

“I’m the new division leader, Raon Zieghart.”

Raon performed a sword salute, meeting the Light Wind Division’s eyes, which felt like they were sparkling.

“I’m looking forward to your cooperation.”

“I’m looking forward to your cooperation, too!”

The Light Wind Division, including the team leaders shouted loudly and lifted their swords towards Raon. Their voices were at least twice as loud as when they were sending Rimmer off.

“…I hate you.” Rimmer briskly turned his head to show his displeasure.

“As the new division leader, my goal is to promote the Light Wind Division into the Light Wind Palace. There will be many difficulties in the future, but I hope that you will follow me well.”

“Yes!”

“Of course!”

Everyone in the Light Wind Division nodded with bright smiles on their faces upon hearing that becoming the Light Wind Palace was their goal.

“Now then, to commemorate my promotion to division leader…”

“Are we going to dine together?” Krein immediately raised his hand.

“We’ll be doing a special training.”

The fifth training ground fell silent upon hearing the following speech.

“…Training?”

“In this situation and mood?”

“Our division leader seriously can’t read the mood.”

Runaan, Burren, and Martha gasped at once.

“This training will be focus enhancement training that lasts for a week, and it will consist of duels in the North Grave Mountain. Let’s start by dividing into the chaser and survivor teams…”

Raon explained the training that he’d prepared. The Light Wind Division gradually turned pale as he continued his explanation.

“B-but continuously training for a whole week while even risking our lives in duels is too much!” Krein’s eyes trembled in fear.

“I-I’ll just kill myself.” Dorian took out a steel hammer from his belly pocket.

“I agree…” Burren’s chin trembled violently.

“I forgot that he’s a demon!”

“Moreover, he isn’t an ordinary demon. He is a demon king.”

“The demon king has returned…”

The Light Wind Division recalled their memories of Raon’s training in the past with trembling chins.

“D-Division Leader. Please stop Sir Raon!”

Dorian put his hands together while looking at Rimmer.

“Ahaha.” Rimmer quickly shook his head. “He’s the division leader now. I’m taking my leave since I have a lot to do…”

He tried to escape, but Raon blocked his path.

“Where are you going?”

“Huh? I’ll be staying out because I have an appoint—”

“Everyone in the Light Wind Division has to participate in this training. Naturally, the vice division leader also has to join.”

Raon grabbed Rimmer’s wrist with a frightening smile on his face.

“Ah…” Rimmer gasped while looking at Raon’s hand, which was gripping him like a handcuff. “H-how could that be? I’m the vice division lea—”

“You saw it happen just now.” Raon shook his head with a grin. “The vice division leader will also have to participate in every training session in the future.”

“W-wait a moment, this isn’t what I wanted! Revert, revert it! I don’t want to be the vice division leader!”

He wanted to enjoy a sweet life by working as the vice division leader in name only while being paid for it, but he was unexpectedly being dragged into training.

“It’s already too late for that.”

“You damned demooon!”

***

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]