Chapter 738

Glenn silently looked at Chamber, urging her to continue.

“Looking back now, Raon and Derus’s conversation was quite strange.”

Chamber struck the round table with the palm of her hand.

“It seemed like he understood, but he didn’t. I felt like things didn’t add up, you know?”

She shook her head, recalling the conversation between the two.

“I thought so too.”

King Lecross briefly stroked his chin.

“It seems there’s a history between the Light Wind division leader and Derus that we don’t know. I felt like they were facing a bitter enemy.”

He swallowed, saying that he couldn’t even imitate that level of anger.

“It was… terrifying…”

Larian fiddled with her sleeve, looking down at her feet.

“B-but since the conversation was incomprehensible, I’m even more curious…”

Unlike other times, she blushed, seemingly intrigued.

“Raon first met Derus at the Six Kings Conference, right?”

Chamber looked at Roseline, the Black Market leader, as if seeking confirmation.

“That’s correct.”

Roseline nodded with a calm expression.

“The Six Kings Conference was the first time their paths crossed. However…”

She briefly licked her lips as she examined the continental map.

“Since Derus Robert concealed his true identity using a helmet, there’s a high possibility that they met elsewhere.”

Roseline rolled her eyes, suggesting that Raon and Derus might not have met for the first time at the Six Kings Conference.

“Somehow, it might be natural that we can’t understand the conversation between Raon and Derus.”

Chamber waved her slender finger like a baton.

“What do you mean?”

Ogram narrowed his eyes at Chamber. She shook her head, saying that she couldn’t understand anything.

“There’s no one in history who has reached Raon’s level at such a young age, in their early twenties.”

Chamber lowered her eyebrows, saying that even if they searched through the entire continent’s history, they wouldn’t find anyone like him.

“That’s true. It would be shocking to become a Grand Master at that age, let alone reach the peak of Grand Master. But…”

King Lecross continued with an uncertain look.

“What’s truly remarkable is his ability to fight. The Light Wind division leader defeated Masters when he was an Expert, and Grand Masters when he was a Master. That’s something that can’t be explained by talent alone.”

He rubbed his wrist, saying that Raon’s battle sense was the most amazing.

“Is it because we lack information…?”

Larian offered an answer instead of Chamber.

“That’s right.”

Chamber snapped her fingers and nodded.

“We can’t understand their conversation because we don’t have the information that Raon and Derus have.”

She lifted her witch’s hat, saying that was the reason.

“It’s not just Derus. Even Archangel Uriel was surprised to see Raon. He called it an ugly power, didn’t he?”

Chamber recalled Uriel’s distorted expression as she took out a new lollipop.

“Raon has many secrets. His history with Derus, the power that breaks Uriel’s divine power, and his incredible growth.”

Glenn remained silent, arms crossed.

“Ah, of course, I don’t mean to say that Raon would betray us, or that he has hidden motives detrimental to us.”

Chamber waved both hands as she met Glenn’s gaze.

“If it weren’t for Raon, we wouldn’t have discovered Derus’s identity, and these two old men wouldn’t be here.”

She pointed at Glenn and Ogram in turn.

“I just mean that we… no, at least you old men, should know about that child’s circumstances.”

“I think the same.”

King Lecross nodded in agreement with Chamber’s words.

“There’s no need to tell us, but I think at least the Head of House should know about the Light Wind division leader’s history.”

“I-I’m curious, however…”

Larian, while observing Glenn’s reaction, managed to express her curiosity. Glenn closed his eyes as he felt the Five Kings’ gazes directed towards him.

“Even I was shocked, so it’s natural that it seems strange to you.”

As Chamber said, Raon and Derus had a conversation that seemed to stem from a long-standing grudge. It felt somewhat understandable yet uncomfortable, which kept him thinking it was strange.

“It was the same with Uriel.”

The Archangel called Raon’s aura, which broke his divine power, an ugly force. It seemed to imply that it wasn’t human power.

“Could that be it?”

At some point, he had sensed a mysterious aura from Raon. It was warm yet cold, fierce yet gentle. He had thought it was his imagination, but considering the recent events, it seemed that he had really sensed something Raon possessed.

While he didn’t believe Raon would betray Zieghart or commit evil acts beyond reason, he wanted to know about Raon’s relationship with Derus and what kind of power he possessed.

“However…”

Unsure if he had the right to ask, Glenn couldn’t help but feel conflicted whenever he saw Raon. Just as Glenn was about to speak, intending to postpone this matter, Ogram slammed his fist on the table.

Boom!

“I don’t care.”

Ogram lifted his chin, the round table still trembling from his blow.

“What do you mean you don’t care?”

Chamber tilted her head, as if to ask what he meant.

“I mean I will support that child no matter what his intentions are.”

Ogram exhaled heavily through his nose, as if to emphasize his sincerity.

“I owe Raon my life. If it weren’t for him, I would have withered away, with my blood constantly being sucked out by that mosquito woman.”

He clapped loudly, saying that the reason was enough. Glenn swallowed as he watched Ogram cover his ears. He realized that he had one more option. It felt as if all his previous worries were clearing up.

“I already said we don’t suspect Raon.”

Chamber frowned, seemingly frustrated.

“But Raon might have information that could help us prepare against the Angels or Derus!”

She slammed the table, insisting that the more information they had, the better.

“As expected.”

King Lecross smiled slightly and shook his head.

“It seems the Head of House must make the decision.”

“I suppose so.”

Glenn met the eyes of everyone present with a gaze that seemed to burn with intensity.

“I’ve made my decision.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Raon was standing on the beach, lowering the Heavenly Drive.

Whoosh!

With a light downward slash, the beach and sea parted, raising a shower of azure water.

The speed and power of his swordsmanship had increased so much that even his basic techniques now rivaled special moves.

“Has it changed that much?”

He chuckled and shook his head. Usually, as skills increased, the effects lessened, but with a 70-point increase at once, the change seemed drastic.

“Should I continue?”

He performed the Blizzard Sword Art, Fangs of Insanity, Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation swordsmanship, Raon Zieghart-style swordsmanship, and finally the Azure Sky Sword before lowering the Heavenly Drive.

“It feels like I’m using someone else’s body.”

Although his swordsmanship achievement hadn’t increased significantly, the overwhelming physical growth had changed the power of his swordsmanship itself. It felt as if his martial prowess had increased by more than one rank.

–Of course!

Wrath yelled, bursting upwards.

–You’ve taken more than 120 skill points from me recently. Wouldn’t it be weirder if there were no changes?

He gritted his teeth, calling Raon a ruthless human.

“It’s not like I wanted to receive all that.”

Raon shrugged as he sheathed the Heavenly Drive.

“What am I supposed to do with what they give me? Throw it away?”

–You...!

Wrath bit his lips and shook his hands.

–You will never die peacefully! You’re destined to ascend to the heavenly realm and live with those despicable beings!

“Is that a curse?”

In the past, he might have thought it was a blessing, but after seeing Uriel, his opinion had changed. For Wrath to compare him to Angels was nothing but a ruthless insult.

–It’s a terrible curse!

Wrath snorted, telling him to go to the heavenly realm and never return.

“Since I’ve been cursed, I better check my status window.”

Raon pushed the struggling Wrath aside and called up his status window.

-----

[<Status Window>]

[Name: Raon Zieghart.]
[Title: <Fate Changer>]
[Status: None.]

[Traits]
<Wrath>, <Sloth>, <Envy>, <Gluttony>, Ring of Fire (8 stars), Water Resistance (9 stars), Fire Resistance (9 stars), Perception of the Snow Flower (10 stars), Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation (8 stars), Glacier (8 stars), Bleeding Curse (5 stars), Backstab (12 stars), Iron Will (9 stars), Adaptation to Ghastly Energy (6 stars), Focus (10 stars), Poison Resistance (5 stars), Evil Eye of Wrath (6 stars), Spiral Power (6 stars), Water Affinity (5 stars), Array Analysis (2 stars), Fire Affinity (4 stars), Snow Flower’s Veil (4 stars), Holy Power Born from Darkness (7 stars), Aura of Death Resistance (4 stars), Snow Flower’s Magic Armor (6 stars), Snow Flower Absorption (2 stars), Snow Flower Piercing Spear (2 stars), Wrath Release (1 star), Flame Overcoming Death (4 stars), Blade of Death (5 stars), Divine Power Resistance (1 star).

[Skill Scores]
Strength: 916
Agility: 910
Vitality: 901
Energy: 924
Perception: 946
Wrath: 180
Sloth: 100
Envy: 100
Gluttony: 50

-----

His mouth dropped open as soon as he saw the status window. The contents had increased so much that it almost covered his entire field of vision.

–W-what! Why is it so big?!

Wrath, who could only see the messages but not the status window itself, trembled at its enormous size.

“Yes, you have the right to curse…”

There were more than thirty traits. And they weren’t mediocre either, each possessing outstanding abilities. Even to him, it seemed unbelievable.

“The ranks have also increased a lot.”

The ranks of the traits were all high. However, he felt that he should pay a little more attention to the ranks of the traits he didn’t use frequently.

“Next is…”

Raon shifted his gaze from the traits to examine his skill scores.

“Eh…?”

Is this correct?

All his basic skill scores had surpassed 900. It seemed that he had achieved these ridiculous figures due to the series of large rewards he had recently obtained.

“No wonder my body not only felt light but moved on its own.”

Raon shook his head as he looked again at the skill scores that had surpassed 900. It seemed that he would have to train like crazy to adapt to his current state.

–L-let me ask one thing.

Wrath raised a finger, his chin trembling.

–What are your skill scores now?

“They’re all above nine hundred.”

–N-nine hundred? Nine hundred! Gaaah!

Wrath grabbed his neck and thrashed about.

–Nine hundred already! It’s over! This king won’t even have any cartilage left!

He fell onto the sand, squawking indignantly.

“Wrath. What level is my physical body at now?”

Raon called out to Wrath as he clenched and unclenched his fist.

–Y-your physical level has already reached Transcendence!

Wrath gritted his teeth, saying that while Raon’s martial arts achievement was still far behind, his physical abilities and senses were at the threshold of Transcendence.

“No wonder it was too easy to deal with the Phantom King today.”

Although subtle, he had been able to predict the Phantom King’s position and strike before he moved, suggesting that he had overwhelmed him with his physical abilities.

“Now, only Transcendence remains.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be easy. Thanks to Wrath, he had managed to stop Derus, but his actual martial prowess had barely reached the highest level of Grand Master. He couldn’t even guess how long it would take him to reach Transcendence from here.

“I have to do it, even if it kills me.”

To kill Derus, he was sure he could overcome any difficulty. He had to reach that realm as quickly as possible, even if it meant grinding his bones and spitting blood.

“But…”

Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Demon Kings’ emotional values that appeared at the end.

“Why did those emotions increase?”

While he could understand <Wrath> increasing since he received it directly, it was strange that <Sloth>, <Envy>, and <Gluttony> had also increased.

–What are you asking! Of course they increased since you used the Demon King’s Authority!

Wrath muttered that Raon was stupid and shook his head.

“But I’m not affected by those authorities, am I?”

He was even more puzzled because he wasn’t lazy, he didn’t envy anyone, and he didn’t overeat often, except when trying to improve Wrath’s mood.

–That’s why it’s strange!

Wrath pushed his blue-tinged face forward.

–No matter how I look at it, you don’t seem human! Why aren’t you affected?!

“Hmm…”

Raon touched his left chest where his heart was, looking again at the Demon Kings’ emotions.

“Is it because of the Ring of Fire?”

Just as he had blocked Wrath’s anger in the early days, the Ring of Fire, which could be called his foundation, seemed to be preventing him from falling into the Demon Kings’ emotions.

“The more I look at it, the more amazing it is.”

Raon narrowed his eyes as he felt the flow of the ring surrounding his heart.

“What exactly is this power?”

* * *

Raon returned to his lodging after finishing his night training.

–Ugh…

Wrath snorted, rubbing his reddened nose.

–It’s cold. My bones ache.

He mumbled that he had lost so many skill points that even his subcutaneous fat had melted away.

–I’m shivering! I want to wrap myself in a blanket!

“…Are you cold?”

Honestly, it was ridiculous for a frost-using Demon King to complain about being cold.

“So, what do you want…”

–Pizza and bead ice cream!

Wrath jumped up as if he had been waiting for this moment.

–Bring a fat shrimp pizza, grilled lobster with butter, steamed clams and abalone in wine, braised fish, and bead ice cream!

Wrath listed the foods that could be enjoyed on the coast, licking his lips.

“Pizza, grilled food, food steamed in wine, braised food, and ice cream?”

Raon let out a hollow laugh as he looked at Wrath.

“I thought you said you were cold…”

–W-when you’re cold, you’re supposed to overcome it by eating something even colder. Haven’t you heard of combating cold with cold?

Wrath wrinkled his nose, asking if humans didn’t know about combating cold with cold.

“Aren’t you a Demon King?”

–Stop talking nonsense and let’s go quickly. The restaurants will all close!

“Whatever.”

Raon shook his head and got up. As he was leaving the lodging to buy the food Wrath wanted, he saw Glenn standing in front of the entrance.

“Is the meeting over?”

He cautiously tilted his head towards Glenn.

“It’s over for today.”

He replied briefly, saying that there were still things to discuss.

“Do you have time?”

Glenn looked at him with cold eyes, as if he had something important to say.

–I don’t. We have to eat now…

“Yes.”

Raon pushed Wrath aside, who had jumped in front of him, and nodded.

“Then, let’s walk a bit.”

Glenn turned his back and walked towards the beach, as if telling Raon to follow him.

“Understood.”

Raon slowly bowed his head.

“I have a bad feeling about this.”

He sighed briefly and followed Glenn. Finally, Glenn stopped in front of the beach where Raon had been training earlier.

“Raon.”

He called Raon’s name without turning around.

“Yes, Head of House.”

Raon swallowed, feeling Glenn’s heavy atmosphere.

“You were talked about at the Five Kings’ conference today.”

Glenn continued, looking at the night sky.

“First was that there’s a hidden bad relationship between you and Derus that we don’t know, and second was that you possess a special power that even surprised Uriel.”

He recounted exactly what the other Five Kings’ leaders had brought up in the meeting.

“I see…”

Raon lowered his gaze and bit his lip.

“So it’s come to this.”

It was something he had been expecting. It was natural for the others to find it strange because of the conversation that took place while he was uncovering Derus’s identity.

“So that’s why their eyes seemed worried.”

Judging by the instability in Glenn’s eyes, it seemed that he had been constantly thinking about this.

“However, the problem is…”

No matter what excuse he gave, he couldn’t completely deceive them. The Five Kings weren’t fools, after all.

“Still, I don’t regret it.”

Even if he could go back, he would mock Derus in the same way. He couldn’t miss the chance to see that guy crumble right in front of him.

–This king was also curious!

Wrath raised his hand high.

–I said I’d wait earlier, but when will you tell me!

He shook his head, pleading to be told now.

“Right. There’s also this guy’s matter.”

What Uriel called an ugly power was Wrath’s authority. He would have to explain about Wrath as well, so honestly, he had no answer.

“Head of House. Actually…”

“Wait. Let me speak first.”

Glenn raised his hand as Raon was about to give his prepared answer.

“You saved my friend, you saved my life, and you uncovered Derus’s identity.”

Glenn lowered his hand and slowly turned around.

“But there’s something even more important than that.”

His eyes were no longer worried. They were calm, as if he had solidified his resolve.

“The fact that I accepted you into the direct lineage.”

“Pardon? What do you…”

“If I can’t trust the grandson I accepted with my own hands, what can I trust?”

Glenn nodded with a slight smile.

“When you’re ready, speak. I will wait until then.”

His red eyes, once cold and dry, now looked down warmly like sunlight.

“I believe in you, Raon.”

***

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]