Chapter 729

After finishing a light meal with the sandwich Helen had prepared, Raon prepared to leave.

– Mmm...

Wrath clicked his lips briefly as he looked at the empty sandwich plate.

– I could eat a little more...

He rolled his eyes slightly, suggesting they should fill their stomachs with another meal.

‘There will be plenty to eat at the conference... huh?’

Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Wrath.

‘Haven’t you gained a little weight?’

While it didn’t make sense for Wrath to gain weight in his current spiritual form, his cheeks and arms were puffy like well-baked bread.

– No, what are you talking about! I am the Monarch of Devildom! I don’t gain weight!

Wrath waved his hands, vehemently denying it.

‘You’ve surely been eating a lot lately.’

Raon nodded as he observed Wrath’s trembling jaws. It seemed the demon king had gained weight from indulging in happiness, since Raon had bought him all the food he wanted when he kept demanding offerings for his benefactor in life.

– I’m telling you I don’t gain weight!

Wrath shook his head and shouted. His cheeks were trembling like pudding.

– Even suggesting I’ve gained weight is an insult to this king!

‘Alright, from now on we’re going on a diet.’

Raon muttered "Nadine bread every day" and left the room.

– A-Absolutely not! This king is your benefactor in life...

‘Yeah, yeah. That trick doesn’t work anymore.’

Pushing aside Wrath, who was clinging on, he headed toward the entrance.

‘Now the real thing begins.’

As he walked down the hallway where soft sunlight was scattering, he thought about Derus Robert. He intensified his mental image to be prepared for any move the man might make, increasing his concentration.

“Are you leaving already?”

Sylvia, who had been waiting at the entrance, approached with a gentle smile.

“Yes. We need to leave on time.”

Raon nodded and positioned himself in front of the entrance. He gave her a calm smile to reassure Sylvia.

“Helen, the sandwich was delicious.”

He handed the empty plate to Helen, clasping his hands.

“I’m glad you liked it; that makes me feel good too.”

Helen smiled softly as she took the plate.

“Raon.”

Sylvia’s smile faded, her expression turning cold.

“Are you going to fight?”

“Excuse me...?”

Raon swallowed hard as he directed his gaze toward Sylvia.

“What do you mean by that...?”

Sylvia didn’t know what was going to happen today. She should only know about the Six Kings Conference that would be held after the war, so he wasn’t sure why she had said something like that.

“Your eyes look as determined as when you’re about to enter a battlefield. Like when you went to the arena for my sake.”

Sylvia’s hand trembled as she gripped her skirt, seemingly anxious.

“...”

Raon bit his lip as he looked at Sylvia’s hesitant eyes.

‘How did she know?’

He hadn’t even raised his aura, let alone his fighting spirit. He had only been slowly awakening his concentration while showing a smiling face, so he couldn’t understand how she had noticed.

– This is the greatness of a mother!

Wrath snorted, raising his chin. While it wasn’t clear why he was boasting, Sylvia’s intuition was certainly remarkable.

“I’m not going to fight. I just want to untangle some knots.”

Raon took Sylvia’s hand, speaking sincerely.

“Besides, I’m going with the Head of House. Nothing will happen.”

He shook his head, saying there was no need to worry.

“That’s true.”

Sylvia smiled faintly, seeming to trust Glenn as well.

“If there’s any problem, go straight to the Head of House. No, to Grandpa.”

Perhaps because she had died and returned to life, she urged him to stay close to Glenn as if he were a child.

“Yes.”

To reassure Sylvia, he accepted without hesitation.

“Well, I’m leaving now.”

Raon bowed to Sylvia and left the annex building.

‘That’s right. This isn’t a fight.’

As he had told Sylvia, this wasn’t a battle, but a one-sided attack. The conference room would become an execution ground where all of Derus’s secrets would be revealed.

‘For the sake of Mother and the maids, I must reveal Derus’s true nature.’

* * *

Raon bid farewell to Sylvia and the maids who had come out to the garden to see him off, then headed toward the main building, the meeting place. In front of the main building, the swordsmen of the Light Wind Division and the Heavenly Blade Division who were participating in the Six Kings Conference were waiting.

“Division Leader. This way, please.”

Burren raised his hand, indicating where the Division Leader should be. A sharp wind like a well-sharpened blade emanated from him, as if he had done nothing but train during his vacation.

“You always arrive early to train, but always late when it’s time to leave.”

Martha frowned, complaining. She also displayed an aura that had grown as much as Burren’s.

“Handsome Raon.”

Runaan waved his hand lazily, as if telling him to hurry up. A noble quality could be felt in his vacant gaze. While he hadn’t achieved as much growth in martial prowess as Burren or Martha, he seemed to have matured greatly mentally.

‘I heard he confronted Syria.’

He had heard that Runaan had stood up to Syria while he was unconscious. While he still seemed to have some fear, it seemed he could overcome it on his own before long.

“Division Leader. Are you here already?”

It was Dorian. He bowed, smiling foolishly.

“Eh...?”

Raon’s jaw dropped as he looked at Dorian.

“Have you gained weight too?”

Dorian appeared with a chubby face, no less puffy than Wrath’s. It was as if he had returned to his apprentice days when they first met.

“Hehehe! Maybe it’s because all the tension is gone. My appetite just exploded!”

“It’s not your appetite that’s exploding, it’s your belly.”

Martha frowned in disbelief as she patted Dorian’s stomach.

– You can’t even control your eating; what a pathetic type!

Wrath shook his head in disdain.

‘You’re in exactly the same state right now.’

– Nonsense! This king is the epitome of beauty!

He shook his head vigorously, insisting it wasn’t true. His jaws were trembling just like Dorian’s, but Raon kept his mouth shut out of annoyance.

“Raon.”

Sheryl approached from the right and tapped him on the shoulder.

“How can the Division Leader be the last to arrive? You should come early and prepare.”

Despite her words, she greeted him with a smile.

“But our Vice Leader hasn’t arrived yet...”

“Was he even human?”

Sheryl waved her hand, telling him to say something that made sense.

“...”

He had nothing to say since Rimmer wasn’t really human.

“This is too much!”

Rimmer burst out from inside the main building, gritting his teeth.

“I’m a person too!”

He lunged toward Sheryl, telling her not to ignore him.

“You’re an idiot before even being a person!”

Sheryl kicked Rimmer, frowning.

“Huh?”

Raon’s eyes widened as he saw Rimmer exchanging blows with Sheryl.

‘Has the Vice Leader been training too?’

It seemed that Rimmer’s martial prowess had also increased. While not as dramatically as Burren or Martha, it was evident that he had been training consistently.

As the Light Wind and Heavenly Blade divisions stepped back to avoid Sheryl and Rimmer, captivating footsteps could be heard from inside the Lord’s Mansion. It was Glenn. He came out with Roenn and stood in front of the two divisions.

“Greetings to the Head of House!”

“Greetings to the Head of House!”

Starting with the greetings from Rimmer and Sheryl, the swordsmen of both divisions simultaneously knelt.

“There’s no need for such formal greetings so early in the morning.”

Glenn waved his hand as if he wanted to restrain them and stepped forward in front of the two divisions.

“Prepare to depart.”

“Yes!”

The magicians of Zieghart, who had been waiting on the left side, began to move hurriedly to open a dimensional portal. As Raon watched the dimensional portal where the blue light was filtering through, Glenn approached.

“Take this.”

He pulled a small dagger from his chest and held it out. It was the Blade of Requiem that had been lost in the Lable River.

“Huh...?”

Raon’s eyes widened as he looked at the Blade of Requiem.

“Head of House, did you have it?”

“Yes. I retrieved it from the bottom of the river.”

Glenn nodded, looking down at the Blade of Requiem.

“It took me a while to return it because I was making a new sheath.”

“Ah...”

Now that he mentioned it, the Blade of Requiem’s sheath had been replaced with a new one. Judging by its elaborate appearance, it seemed to be the work of Vulcan rather than Kuberad.

“Thank you.”

Raon bowed deeply and received the Blade of Requiem.

“It’s nothing.”

Glenn shook his head and returned to his original position. The Blade of Requiem in his hand resonated as if it was happy to be reunited.

‘Yes, I’m happy too.’

Raon held the vibrant Blade of Requiem tightly as he looked at Glenn’s back. Perhaps because he had received it from him, the Blade of Requiem felt heavier and warmer than before.

* * *

Raon emerged from the dimensional portal that was a transparent color like the autumn sky. As his stomach fluttered and he opened his eyes, he saw the Beast Union headquarters where he had briefly stayed after saving Ogram.

Normally, one would have to go through many checkpoints and gates to reach this place, but thanks to Chamber and the previous coordinate adjustments by the Magic Tower Master, they were able to reach the Beast Union headquarters in one go.

“Raon!”

Ogram, who had been leaning against a zelkova tree that could be called a mini World Tree due to its size, stood up. He called out Raon’s name before even Glenn’s and came running.

“Union Leader!”

Raon bowed to Ogram, who was charging like a bull.

“Are you feeling better now?”

Ogram extended his arms, worrying first about Raon even though he should be in more pain.

“Stop there!”

Glenn stood in front of Ogram, frowning.

“If you charge like that, you’ll crush this boy’s bones.”

He raised his hand as if to say not to come any closer.

“Raon is stronger than me!”

Ogram shook his head, insisting that Raon’s body was like steel.

“Even so, you can’t.”

Glenn maintained his position, refusing to let him pass.

“I’m not going to eat your grandson!”

“He’s not no.”

“Argh! You’re a stubborn old man!”

Ogram gritted his teeth and raised his fists.

“The Union Leader doesn’t understand either.”

Rimmer laughed as he watched the two Transcendent Warriors arguing like children.

‘It’s not about protecting Raon.’

Glenn was simply unhappy because Ogram was trying to embrace Raon first, since he had never embraced him before. It was a childish fight, but that made it entertaining.

* * *

“Are the preparations complete?”

Glenn pointed his chin at Ogram, who was backing away.

“All ready.”

Ogram snorted and nodded.

“...”

Raon narrowed his eyes as he observed this.

‘It’s not about preparations for the conference.’

The “all ready” they were talking about meant that the preparations to reveal Derus’s true nature were complete.

It seemed that Ogram and the Beast Union had finished all the preparations in a week.

“Brother!”

As Raon smiled with satisfaction, Garona jumped out from behind Ogram.

“It seems your wounds have all healed!”

He nodded his large head, saying it was truly a great relief.

“Yes, I’m better now.”

Raon smiled as he lightly touched his chest where he had been injured. Garona also seemed to have reached a higher level after experiencing this war.

“Raon.”

Ogram, who had been looking at Glenn, tilted his head as he examined Raon.

“Has your level in the Fierce Wave Arts increased again?”

His eyes widened as he immediately picked up Raon’s level in the Fierce Wave Arts.

“Yes. I was lucky.”

“Hahahahaha!”

Ogram burst into laughter so loud that Raon’s ears buzzed, holding his forehead.

“At this rate, my techniques will truly be known by the name Raon Zieghart. All of you need to work harder!”

He laughed, looking at the Beast Union executives.

“It’s okay if it’s Lord Raon.”

The Union Vice Leader smiled softly, as if to say that it was okay to give anything to Raon.

“What do you think, Raon? Why don’t you become my successor...?”

Ogram extended his hand as if joking.

“Are you out of your mind!”

Glenn pushed Ogram’s hand away, veins bulging on his forehead. He seemed genuinely angry, his face turning red.

“It’s a joke, a joke!”

Ogram smiled, as if enjoying Glenn’s reaction.

“A moment, haven’t the others arrived yet?”

Glenn cleared his throat briefly and looked away, as if realizing he had gotten too emotional.

“You’re the first to arrive.”

Ogram pointed to the circular building they had installed behind them, saying they could go to the conference room first if they were bored.

“For that, there are many people here.”

Dorian blinked as he looked at the people moving around the union.

“They’re not the Six Kings. They’re neutral factions invited to this conference.”

Ogram lowered his finger, explaining that many factions had been invited because this conference was important. Raon nodded as he scanned the people filling the Beast Union.

‘As planned.’

The neutral factions weren’t invited because of the importance of the conference. It was to expose Derus’s true nature in front of as many people as possible, to make him and Robert public enemies of the continent.

“Then, let’s go...”

As Glenn was about to enter the conference room, a blue dimensional portal opened in the air, and Chamber jumped out.

“Ah, it’s so far. So far.”

Chamber mumbled that using magic was troublesome as she lifted her witch’s hat that had fallen over her forehead.

“Oh, seeing you in person...”

She squeezed between Ogram and Glenn, stuffing a candy in her mouth.

“You old guys have so many more wrinkles. Take care of yourselves.”

Chamber laughed, mocking the two Transcendent Warriors.

“You’re the oldest... ugh!”

Ogram started to mention the subject of age, but quickly shut his mouth as he saw Chamber’s eyes turn red.

“Did you come alone?”

“Of course not.”

Chamber pinched Ogram’s side and pointed behind her. From the dimensional portal that hadn’t closed yet, the magicians of Balkar came out. Among the magicians was Princess Jayna.

“Gasp!”

Dorian let out a low groan as he recognized Jayna.

“It’s the spoiled princess!”

“Indeed.”

Raon nodded, smiling. Jayna’s delicate face was still the same, but the scent of mana emanating from her had deepened considerably. She also seemed to have achieved significant growth during their time apart.

“Hum.”

Jayna snorted and turned her head in disdain as soon as she recognized them.

“She’s still the same.”

Raon let out a hollow laugh as he looked at Jayna. Seeing her act so proud even though she was on a leash was almost cute now.

“It’s something...”

Dorian seemed to share the same thought as he shook his head. The next to open a dimensional portal after Balkar was Owen. The Silent Sword Master Lecross, dressed in black armor that seemed to devour the sun, appeared with his knights.

“Are we a little late?”

King Lecross approached Glenn, taking off his helmet.

“No, these guys just arrived early.”

Ogram shook his head, pointing at Glenn and Chamber.

“Lord Raon!”

Prince Greer of Owen jumped out from among the knights, waving his hand.

“I’ve reached the Master level too! Thank you!”

He smiled brightly, saying he had overcome the Master wall thanks to Raon.

“What? I didn’t do anything...”

Raon waved his hands as he looked at the third prince.

“Every time I heard about your exploits, my determination grew stronger. Just seeing the swordsman I trained with reach such heights gave me courage.”

He bowed again, expressing his gratitude.

“No, it’s all thanks to Your Highness’s efforts. I didn’t do anything.”

Raon smiled as he grabbed the third prince’s shoulder.

“Thank you for saying that.”

The third prince smiled and turned his attention to Martha.

“Um, Martha. I’m a Master now too...”

“I’m at the Advanced level. You’re a small fish.”

Martha raised her chin as if to say ‘so what?’.

“Ugh...”

The third prince slumped, his shoulders drooping as if he had been rejected. As the third prince’s soul seemed about to dissipate like mist, the Magic Tower magicians appeared as the third group. Unlike the magicians of Balkar, they came out slowly, their bodies covered in robes.

“Where’s the Magic Tower Master?”

Chamber narrowed her eyes as she looked at the Magic Tower magicians.

“She’s here.”

As a gray-haired magician stepped aside, a hunched blonde magician wrapped in a robe like a blanket was revealed.

“I-I’m here.”

The Magic Tower Master raised a trembling hand, but never revealed her face.

“Wow! One might think you’re a vampire! Are you going to die if you touch sunlight?”

Chamber approached and pulled out the Magic Tower Master, looking exasperated. The magicians didn’t seem surprised, remaining still in their places as if they were used to this sight.

“L-Lord Raon!”

A tall giant emerged from beside the Magic Tower Master and removed his robe.

“Ironclad Yuria?”

It was Ironclad Yuria, whom he had met at the Five Divine Orders festival. He had a good memory of him since he had seen him saving citizens even in dangerous situations.

“Ha-It’s been a long time...”

Unlike when he had shown a brave appearance, his voice trembled as if he were shy.

“I’ve been constantly following your exploits through books.”

“Books?”

“This one.”

Yuria pulled out Raon’s biography. He opened the first page, asking for an autograph.

“...”

Raon closed his eyes tightly. Seeing someone holding that book right in front of him made his face flush with embarrassment.

“B-but isn’t this a new book?”

“Of course it’s new. I have separate copies for reading and distribution.”

Yuria opened his subspace bag to show dozens of copies of Raon’s biography. This guy wasn’t normal either...

“Uff...”

As Raon signed Raon’s biography with a sigh, the last dimensional portal opened. For a moment, silence fell, and the gazes of the Six Kings converged on one place. Derus Robert, dressed in a black robe, his youngest son Lephon, and two divisions of swordsmen emerged, pushing the blue light.

“It seems I’m the last to arrive.”

Derus bowed politely as if apologizing for being late.

“There’s still time, no need to apologize.”

Ogram smiled, suppressing his emotions even though he must have been angrier with Derus than anyone else.

“That’s right. The old ones just arrived too early.”

Chamber also moved her witch’s hat back and forth, saying it was okay.

“I wanted to arrive last...”

The Magic Tower Master gasped as if she were already tired.

“However, I should have arrived earlier to prepare. I apologize.”

Derus bowed his head once more to the leaders of the Six Kings, as if he truly regretted it.

“All right, let’s go to the conference room.”

Ogram pointed to the conference room, saying he had finished the preparations.

“Isn’t it dirty?”

Chamber looked sideways, chewing the candy in her mouth.

“Don’t worry. We’ve laid down new carpets.”

Ogram shoved Chamber’s shoulder and entered the conference room first.

“Ah, Lord Raon.”

Derus stopped in front of Raon as he was about to follow.

“I heard you also distinguished yourself in this war. I truly regret not being there.”

He let out a low sigh, saying he wished he could have seen Raon’s exploits in ending the war on his own.

“No. Protecting the rear is more important.”

Raon smiled naturally, suppressing the fury that was bubbling up from the depths of his soul.

“You’re different in many ways, Lord Raon. Soon you will be able to surpass the barrier of transcendence.”

Derus extended his gloved hand as if for a handshake. A sinister smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth, as if challenging Raon to open the scar on the back of his hand.

‘Is he challenging me?’

Derus revealed a confident look as if he knew everything. His hand seemed to glow with a dark color as if it had emerged from hell.

“I still have a long way to go.”

Raon twisted the corners of his mouth upwards and extended his right hand toward Derus’s grasp.

***

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

Thank you for reading!

[Author – Writing Ant, 글개미]

[Translator – MurimTang]

[Proofreader – Mayank]