Chapter 749

Raon nodded, tightening his grip on the Heavenly Drive.

We've been cooped up in the family for a long time this time.

Generally, when a martial division returns from a mission, they rest for two weeks or a month depending on the severity of their injuries before taking on the next task. The Light Wind division was able to focus solely on training for almost four months thanks to Glenn's consideration.

It's time for the swordsmen to get some real combat experience.

The Light Wind division's current martial prowess was undoubtedly strong. With two top-tier Grand Masters, four high-ranking Masters, and everyone except Yua and Julius at least at the Master level, it wasn't an exaggeration to call them the strongest martial division in Zieghart.

However, since all the swordsmen had only been training and sparring for four months, they felt the need for real combat experience. It was the right time to receive a mission.

"Understood."

Raon lowered the Heavenly Drive and looked at Glenn.

"I'll attend the next executive meeting to receive our mission."

"There's no need for that."

Glenn dismissively waved his hand.

"The mission for the Light Wind division has already been decided."

He lowered his gaze, indicating he had made the decision himself.

"What kind of mission is it?"

While practical experience was indeed important, the mission's content was equally crucial, so he immediately asked the question.

"We've received information that a Floor Master from the Black Tower and a Sword Lord from the Holy Sword Alliance are meeting."

Glenn's red eyes turned as dry as dried blood.

"Cross-verification between the Shadow Agents and the Black Market is complete, so the information is reliable."

"If a Floor Master and a Sword Lord are meeting…"

Raon frowned. With the Black Tower and the Holy Sword Alliance meeting, he could guess the reason.

"Yes. The reason is obvious."

Glenn nodded, reading Raon's expression.

"It's likely to be an exchange of sword techniques or swordsmanship for artifacts."

He twisted his lips, suggesting the two forces would be making a deal.

"I think the same."

Raon rubbed his chin, following Glenn's gaze.

The Holy Sword Alliance is obsessed with swords, while the Black Tower is obsessed with demonic energy and artifacts.

Since the Holy Sword Alliance and the Black Tower desired different things, the possibility of them meeting to exchange items was the highest.

"Your mission is to ambush the exchange between the Black Tower and the Holy Sword Alliance, seize their swordsmanship techniques and artifacts, and eliminate the Sword Lord and the Floor Master."

Glenn lowered his eyebrows, indicating that facing two forces wouldn't be easy.

"Can you do it?"

"We will."

Raon met Glenn's cold gaze with a slight smile.

"The challenge makes it worthwhile."

While facing the Black Tower and the Holy Sword Alliance simultaneously would undoubtedly be arduous, it was a fitting mission to test his and the Light Wind division's martial prowess.

–Ugh, you're a pervert…

Wrath shuddered as if displeased.

–I apologize to my subordinates!

He raised his hand high, promising to save them someday.

"Where's the location?"

Raon pushed Wrath aside and approached Glenn.

"It's in the Hollam Lawless Zone, located in the southwest. However, the exact time is uncertain."

Glenn frowned, suggesting they would have to go in advance and wait.

"The Leader of the Shadow Agents will visit the Light Wind division tomorrow, so get the detailed information from him."

"Understood."

Raon nodded, mentally reviewing the information he had received from Glenn.

"Then let's begin the final lesson."

Glenn smiled slightly, mentioning that today would be the last.

"It's a bit disappointing."

Raon briefly smacked his lips. Thanks to these sessions, he had been able to understand many intricacies of swordsmanship, but hearing that it was the last, he involuntarily sighed.

"Ahem!"

Glenn cleared his throat, his earlobes turning red.

Does that mean he wants to be with me?

Hearing his grandson express regret at the end of their time together, Glenn's heart pounded as if it were about to burst, and heat rose to his face. He forcefully suppressed the corners of his trembling mouth.

"Well, if you achieve an appropriate merit, there's no reason I can't continue teaching you."

Glenn forced strength into his weakened voice and diverted his wavering gaze.

"I'll do my best."

Raon nodded, striking his left chest with his right hand.

"Hmm."

Glenn bit his lip as he looked at Raon again. Martial prowess, character, personality, and even an appearance similar to his own. The image of his grandson, who lacked nothing, made him feel full despite not having had dinner. However, to properly educate this child, he had to continue proceeding seriously from now on.

"Then, let's begin today's lesson."

Glenn exhaled a long breath, cooling the heat of his volcanic face.

"The final lesson always includes a test."

The smile that had been on his face cooled into a severe expression.

"Clash with everything you've learned and accumulated."

Glenn raised the Heavenly Tremor, his voice dry. Raon swallowed the saliva accumulating in his throat.

Everything…

Unlike the duel with Rimmer, Glenn seemed to want Raon to show a sword encompassing everything he had in an instant.

Then there's only one option.

Sword Domain: Heaven's Rift. The Heaven's Rift that grew with the Ten Thousand Swords was the only way to answer Glenn's test.

–You're right, brat.

Wrath curved his lips as he looked at Glenn.

–That old man wants to feel the very essence of your martial prowess.

He frowned with a voice that sounded somewhat envious.

I understand.

Raon took a deep breath and stood in front of Glenn. He heightened his concentration, resonating the Ring of Fire to its extreme. As if Glenn Zieghart were the only one who existed in this world, the sky faded, the earth sank, and time slowed down. All he could see before him was the strongest martial artist.

"Sword Domain: Heaven's Rift."

Uttering words that sounded like a spell, he swung the Heavenly Drive downwards. As the silver blade cut between heaven and earth, he drew out all the swords and techniques he had accumulated in his mental world.

The precision sword and the demonic sword intertwined, darkening within the white light of the sword. However, the energy within the Heavenly Drive sword didn't diminish; instead, it amplified, producing a brighter and more vivid golden glow.

Boom!

An immense sword strike of unfathomable range spread out, twisting the earth's axis and crumbling all the surrounding walls. Glenn's Heavenly Tremor, which had blocked the Heavenly Drive, trembled slightly. His hardened expression changed into a smile, as if proud of Raon.

"Your path isn't straight, but it's the right one."

As Glenn rotated his wrist upwards, Raon's Heaven's Rift surged like a divine dragon, bringing a faint dawn to the purple morning sky.

"Hah…"

Raon exhaled deeply and collapsed. Having poured everything out in an instant, he didn't even have the strength to stand.

Has it changed…?

He had thought he hadn't grown much, but the power of the Heaven's Rift had become stronger than he had imagined. If this sword domain had emerged during his duel with Rimmer, the latter would have been severely injured.

"Excellent."

Glenn smiled as he shook the Heavenly Tremor that was finely trembling.

"Your achievement in swordsmanship is especially outstanding. Even a Transcendent Warrior would find it difficult to defeat you with swordsmanship alone."

He nodded in approval.

"Ah…"

"The efforts you've made as naturally as breathing are accumulating in your body and soul. That foundation will explode like fireworks the moment you reach Transcendence, so don't be impatient."

Glenn offered advice with a soft voice, as if understanding all of Raon's worries.

"Then, the test…"

"You've passed, of course. You can go now."

He patted Raon on the shoulder, asking him to take good care of the Light Wind division. Raon bit his lip and nodded. Being acknowledged for his swordsmanship by Glenn made him happier than receiving numerous rewards. He could feel his heart pounding strongly.

"Come to the Lord's Mansion with the Light Wind division on the morning of your departure."

With those final words, Glenn left the training ground.

"Phew…"

Raon lay sprawled on the shattered ground of the training ground.

"This is fun."

Having someone who could accept everything was incredibly pleasant. A smile naturally spread across his face.

–N-Next time…

Wrath rolled his round eyes as he descended onto Raon's shoulder.

–I might receive it too.

Huh?

–I'm talking about your Sword Domain! I'm saying I'll receive it next time!

He moved his round hand, saying it was fine for him to attack with all his might.

Why so suddenly?

–W-Well, there's what you said before. Ahem, for various reasons…

Wrath quickly diverted his gaze, seeming embarrassed.

I don't know the reason, but I won't be eating any night snacks.

–It's not about the night snacks!

He shouted, grabbing his neck.

–Idiot!

* * *

Chad, the Leader of the Shadow Agents, mounted the platform with heavy steps. He bowed his head, meeting the eyes of the fervent swordsmen.

"I am Chad of the Shadow Agents. This mission is a dangerous task to ambush the transaction between the Holy Sword Alliance and the Black Tower, and eliminate both forces. The location is the Hollam Lawless Zone…"

Rustle…

Chad flipped through the documents, explaining the details of the mission.

"As befits a lawless zone, Hollam has no security and is open on all sides, allowing escape in any direction. If you don't catch them at the moment of the transaction, you might lose them, so you must be prepared. In addition, there are leaders who control that area…"

After mentioning the points to keep in mind, he stepped back.

"Then, I wish the Light Wind division good luck in battle."

"Thank you for coming all this way."

Raon hid his inquisitive gaze and bowed politely to Chad.

"The Black Tower and the Holy Sword Alliance?"

"We're facing both at once?"

"…It won't be easy, right?"

Even in their confident state, the swordsmen felt the pressure of facing two forces simultaneously. Raon stood in front of the platform and clapped loudly.

Clap!

The swordsmen stopped chatting, straightened their backs, and looked up.

"As you all have heard, this mission won't be easy. We need to eliminate both the Black Tower and the Holy Sword Alliance, and seize their items. It's naturally dangerous, and our plan and execution must be perfect. If our sword team doesn't move like a well-oiled machine, we're bound to fail."

"Ugh…"

Dorian gulped, his eyes swaying like a pendulum.

"However!"

Raon lowered his hand and gripped the hilt of the Heavenly Drive.

"This mission was given directly to the Light Wind division by the Head of Family. That means he trusts us."

Upon mentioning Glenn's trust, the swordsmen's eyes shone as sharp as blade points.

"Through this mission, show the martial prowess you've developed without reservation. It's time to prove that the Light Wind division is the strongest martial force on the continent."

Shiiing!

Raon unsheathed the Heavenly Drive and pointed it to the sky. The swordsmen also unsheathed their swords as if they had been waiting for this moment, thrusting them toward the sky. More than thirty sword auras shone simultaneously, forming a huge great sword that seemed to pierce the heavens.

"Huh!"

Chad, who had stepped back, let out a gasp at witnessing the strange yet mystical scene of all the swordsmen who had reached the Master level.

This is incredible…

He had heard that most of the swordsmen in the Light Wind division had become Masters, but seeing it with his own eyes caused a shock beyond mere admiration. It wasn't an exaggeration to call them the strongest martial force on the continent, as Raon had said.

I'm glad I established connections here!

The Leader of the Shadow Agents rubbed his hands like a fly as he looked at Raon's broad back.

My life is set!

* * *

The next dawn. Before going to see Glenn, Raon unleashed the Mystic Soul Sword at the lake behind the annex building. As befits a Transcendent sword technique, it showed different aspects the more he practiced it, and with his mind at peace, he had been focusing on the Mystic Soul Sword lately.

After performing the final form of the Mystic Soul Sword, he turned around to find Sylvia standing blankly, holding a tray.

"Mother?"

"Ah! S-Sorry."

She patted her cheeks lightly as if coming to her senses.

"Is something wrong?"

"…No, it's nothing."

Sylvia shook her head and extended the tray she was carrying.

"I prepared this so you wouldn't be hungry on your way to the mission."

She offered toast that was still steaming, telling him to eat it before it got cold. However, Sylvia still seemed confused. She seemed worried, probably knowing the content of this mission.

"Don't worry too much."

Raon smiled as he accepted the toast Sylvia had prepared.

"I feel like I won't lose to anyone right now."

"…I see."

Sylvia showed her usual smile, as if choosing to believe him.

"Be careful out there."

As always, she said she trusted him and returned to the annex with weary steps.

–Mother's smile is fake.

Wrath narrowed his eyes, as if he had also sensed something off about Sylvia.

You're right.

Raon took a bite of the toast.

–No, it's not that! Judging by this crispy and savory toast, everything is completely normal!

Wrath raised his arms high, insisting there was nothing to worry about.

–Premium ham, premium cheese! This is Mother's taste!

He smiled, saying Sylvia's taste was the taste of happiness.

"Hmm…"

He swallowed the remaining half of the toast in one gulp and smacked his lips.

I'll have to ask her after the mission is over.

Although he was worried, there was no time now. Raon wiped the oil from his hands and headed toward the Lord's Mansion to announce his departure.

"Division Leader Raon Zieghart and the Light Wind division. We will complete the mission as the Head of Family ordered and return."

Raon and the Light Wind division knelt in the center of the audience chamber and bowed their heads.

"Hmm!"

Glenn looked down at the Light Wind division with his composed gazes and smiled with satisfaction.

They're all so dedicated.

There were no longer any children showing inexperience. Each of them exuded an aura like seasoned veterans, so despite the difficult mission, he wasn't worried. However, summoning the Light Wind division wasn't just to see this scene.

Raon.

He wanted to encourage his grandson in front of the executives before his first mission since becoming part of the direct line.

"Ahem. Well…"

Just as Glenn was about to offer the advice he had been refining for two days, Balder, the Master of the True Martial Palace, stepped forward.

"You've become unrecognizably strong since the last time I saw you!"

Balder nodded his head vigorously, as if impressed.

"With your current strength, you could fold anyone in half! But be careful of those Black Tower fellows! They always resort to dirty tricks!"

"We'll keep that in mind."

Raon nodded toward Balder, who had offered the first piece of advice.

"Yes! Let's have a drink when you return!"

Balder laughed heartily, gesturing to drink a cup.

"Ugh…"

Glenn's brow furrowed deeply.

That damn fool…

The first piece of advice was supposed to be his, but that rude son of his had butted in and ruined everything.

No, it's fine.

Balder's words were more like well-wishes than advice. There was no need to be the first to speak.

"Phew."

Just as Glenn took a deep breath and was about to speak, Karoon, the Master of the Central Martial Palace, lifted his chin.

"You are undoubtedly strong. Strong enough to be confident. However, that confidence must not lead to recklessness. When you're on a mission, even if your opponent looks like a rabbit, wield your sword as if you're facing a lion. Give your all at every moment."

Unlike Balder, Karoon offered necessary advice to the Light Wind division in a respectful tone.

"…Thank you for your advice."

Raon briefly met Karoon's eyes before bowing his head.

Chak. Glenn raised his hand and smacked his forehead. His two sons had given the first words of encouragement and the first piece of advice. The words he had prepared beforehand vanished from his mind.

"G-Go and return safely."

In the end, he weakly waved his hand, unable to say the words he had prepared.

"Sigh…"

Rimmer, who had caught onto the situation, shook his head.

"Yes. We will all return safely."

Raon gave a sword salute as if making an oath, then exited the audience chamber.

"It's incredible. How did he raise those kids to Master level?"

Balder laughed, saying the Light Wind division had progressed faster than he himself had reached Master level.

"But why the sudden advice, brother? Have you finally matured a bit?"

"Is that something you should be saying?"

Karoon snorted and turned his back.

"I know everything, you know? I heard you called Burren and taught him separately! What's with this change of heart?"

Balder smiled, sticking to Karoon as if teasing him.

"Keep your useless thoughts to yourself."

Karoon pushed Balder away and stood in the center of the audience chamber.

"Head of Family. I'm leaving now."

"Ah, me too! I have some matters to attend to."

As the two bowed to Glenn and were about to exit the audience chamber, the door slammed shut with a force that seemed like it might break.

Boom!

"Where do you think you're going?"

Glenn's eyes glowed red as if looking at mortal enemies, and his voice was as cold as ice.

"You two are staying."

***

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]