Chapter 415
Chapter 415
His entire body was screaming in pain. His fingertips were trembling from the pain that felt like his bones were smashed into pieces and his muscles were being torn apart.
His brain was the most painful part. He felt like his head was being scorched into ash because his upper energy center was overheating.
Kuh
Raon clenched his back teeth and raised his gaze. He could see the Sword Demons undisturbed blue eyes. He mustve expected that Raon would manage that much.
So, I didnt surpass his expectations.
Considering that he wasnt surprised at all, the Sword Demon mustve expected Raons growth during the clash. It was an insight befitting his fame.
Fine. Ill break that composure.
Enduring pain was pretty much breathing for Raon. It felt like his heart and head were about to burst, but he endured the pain and clenched his grip.
Whir!
His upper energy center glowed red from the Ring of Fires heat.
The swords that were buried in his mental world were further revealed and dazzling light radiated from the principle of versatile sword in Heavenly Drive.
One step, and one more step.
The Sword Demon used to be so far away, but he was finally right in front of his eyes, and Heavenly Drive was close enough to reach his sword.
Clang!
Heavenly Drive clashed against the Sword Demons blade. There was no shockwave, nor was there a thunderous noise. The clash between the versatile principles in their swords created a ringing resonance.
Rumble!
Unlike that elegant resonance, the pressure coming from the Sword Demons blade became twice as powerful and started to crush Raons body.
Kuh!
His ankles trembled as if he were standing on mud, and his knees bent at an unnatural angle. He felt like his entire body was screaming at him to stop.
But Im still going to continue. Ill break his composure.
He unleashed the small amount of aura left inside him and made the Ring of Fire resonate.
The world turned white, and he could only see the Sword Demon and his sword.
Along with an illusion that looked like the sword buds in his mental world suddenly rose, the martial art dwelling in Heavenly Drive became more mature.
Crack!
The continuous descent of the Sword Demons blade was stopped for the first time.
Raons versatile sword started to sever the Sword Demons versatile sword like a salmon swimming up a waterfall.
With the cutting sound of thousands of papers, the Sword Demons blade was elevated by more than a handspan.
Hmm
The Sword Demon groaned for the first time, and eyes that used to be completely immobile and emotionless started to waver like a sailboat in a turbulent ocean.
Just a bit more
The physical pain felt like he was dying, but his mind was clearing instead.
I think I can break through the wall.
He had just managed to break through the wall towards the highest level Master, but he had the feeling that he could destroy an even bigger wall.
He mustered the small amount of aura remaining in him and polished his principles to the extreme before incorporating them into Heavenly Drive. The Sword Demons blade was pushed back even further.
Whir!
Raon and the Sword Demon were the only ones inside the white space, but a blue cotton candy suddenly appeared.
You idiyougoing to di
Wrath appeared in front of his eyes and shouted something while floundering his round hands, but Raon couldnt understand what he was saying because he couldnt hear it too well.
Your headburststop
He mustve found another food he wanted to eat.
Ill eat it later for you.
Raon ignored him and unleashed even more power. The distortion of his mental world felt like it was going to expand soon enough, and a majestic brilliance covered his vision.
I can advance even higher.
He started to see the wall to reach a higher realm.
He advanced towards the wall, thinking that he would be able to reach it soon enough but the Sword Demons blade, which had been guiding him, bounced back way too easily.
Ah
Raon felt like he just lost his heart, dropping Heavenly Drive on the ground.
The huge wall that he was about to reach disappeared, and the white space where he was with the Sword Demon faded away.
The world that couldve been a dream or an imagination crumbled away like a fallen leaf.
Damn it! I was almost there. It was so close, I just needed to surpass that wall
Regretting that he was unable to grasp that wall, he clenched his fist. In fact, he was trying to clench his fist but he couldnt muster any strength.
Cough!
He fell on his knees before he knew it from the terrible pain coming from his heart and brain. The pain was actually happening from all over his body.
Huff! Huff!
He couldnt even breathe. He grasped the left side of his chest and forced himself to breathe. Air filled his empty lungs and his vision opened up.
He could see the countless spectators that he had forgotten and a destroyed arena.
Ugh
Raon wiped the sweat flowing down his cheek with his sleeve. His uniform was turning red. He mustve been bleeding from his eyes and nose.
Wh-whats happening?
You must be insane!
Wrath popped out and grabbed him by his collar.
You almost died just now!
He shook his hand grabbing Raons collar, saying that he almost died from a forceful activation of his upper energy center.
I almost died?
Indeed! You tried to tear off your upper energy centers door by force with your mana of fire and ice at the same time without even breathing. Theres no way your body can survive that!
Ah
Your body belongs to the King of Essence! Dont do anything reckless with it!
Wrath headbutted him, telling him to never do such a crazy thing ever again.
Are you okay?
The quiet voice lessened his nausea.
Hmm
Raon suppressed his groan and raised his head. The Sword Demon was looking at him with the same look in his eyes as at the beginning of the match.
No, it wasnt exactly the same. His pupils looked composed at first, but they were trembling slightly.
Hey, do you realize you almost died just now?
The Sword Demon let out a small sigh while saying the same thing as Wrath.
You couldve learned a lot just from defending against my attack, but you almost suffered a loss from trying to push it back. That loss wouldve been the only life you have.
His eyes were glowing furiously. He seemed to be scolding him from the bottom of his heart. Raons hair stood on end because his piercing gaze felt even sharper than his blade.
Hes right. If that geezer didnt withdraw his sword at that moment, your upper energy center wouldve exploded and you wouldnt be standing here anymore.
Wrath licked his lips, saying that he saw the Sword Demon in a new light.
He withdrew his sword? Ah!
Raon remembered how the Sword Demons sword was pushed back way too easily when he thought he was about to reach the huge wall.
He thought the Sword Demon was hindering his progress, but he was actually saving his life.
Was he really trying to teach me?
Just like the Sword Demon had said before the match started, he mustve been trying to help Raons development as a senior instead of repaying the humiliation of his disciple.
Thank you for saving me.
Raon bit his lip and bowed politely.
Physical injuries can be healed. Internal injuries take a bit more time, but they still can be recovered. However, the energy center can hardly be recovered once it is destroyed.
The Sword Demon tapped on his own temple with his index finger.
The upper energy center is especially dangerous because you can be crippled or lose your mind if you make a mistake with it. You need to control it a lot more delicately than the other energy centers.
Hmm
Some childrens upper energy centers are already open from the moment of their birth, but it usually opens up upon becoming a Grandmaster for most people.
The Sword Demon looked at Yua, who was watching from far away.
However, you dont belong to either of the cases. Your upper energy center wasnt open when you were born, but the path opened up during your growth. Its a special case, but you ended up like this because you tried to use the small gap into the upper energy center beyond its limit and lost control.
He explained how it happened with a calm voice.
You are already an advanced Master at twenty years old. No, I should say the highest level of Master since you just surpassed the wall. You reached the peak way too quickly.
The Sword Demons serious eyes seemed to be observing him.
If the stairs you climbed so far can be compared to sharp rocks, the stairs awaiting you in the future might be made of rotten hardwood or extremely thin pieces of paper.
He mustve been trying to tell him that it was necessary to be more careful in every step in the future, unlike before.
Even an excellent lumberjack needs to sharpen their axe from time to time. You should take it easy for a while since you just surpassed a wall today.
Ill keep it in mind.
Raon nodded while listening to the Sword Demons wise advice.
Hes right.
He managed to reach the highest level of Master from the spar against the Sword Demon and even gained massive enlightenment about the versatile sword.
He still had a long way to go until the realm of Grandmaster and the Sword Field Creation, but he should be able to reach it soon enough if he slowly advanced step by step.
The fact that you entered a trance during a battle implies that youve always done your best during training. Im starting to understand how you managed to reach your realm at your age.
The Sword Demon returned his sword to its scabbard with a faint smile on his face.
Keep working on it.
Yes.
Raon bowed once again, and the spectators started to shout by the time he raised his head.
Whoaaa!
The White Sword Dragon managed to defend against the Sword Demons strike!
Raon! Raon! Raon!
White Sword Dragon! White Sword Dragon! White Sword Dragon!
They kept shouting the White Sword Dragons name without realizing that the Sword Demon had pulled his sword back for Raons sake.
How is he getting stronger every single time I see him?
What realm is he in right now?
Do you think he can win against the top dogs of the Twelve Stars of the Continent?
Its easy for him!
The spectators cheered while discussing Raons realm.
Thats not the case!
Raon raised his hands.
As for this match, I
He wanted to tell them that the Sword Demon withdrew his sword on his own, but it was pointless because every single spectator around the arena was shouting.
Its okay.
The Sword Demon shook his head.
But it will sully your reputation if I dont explain it to them
I dont care about my reputation.
He declared that reputation was meaningless for him before he lowered his gaze.
I cant exactly say anything in return for that, but may I ask you a few questions?
Of course
Raon nodded, then suddenly heard Rimmers shout from behind.
A flower path! The flower path is waiting for me in the future!
Even though countless people were shouting at the same time, Raon could still perfectly hear Rimmers voice for some reason.
Ill answer any question as long as I can. However, can I
Raons eyes sparked in a frightening glow as he looked back.
Burn some flowers before then?
* * *
* * *
Rimmer jumped towards the arena as soon as he realized the accident inside Raons body but stopped himself.
He seems to be fine now. What a relief.
Raon was forcing his upper energy center beyond the limits, but the Sword Demon fortunately had stopped him in time.
That was unexpected because I heard he had a cold-hearted personality.
He stayed alert just in case the Sword Demon might try harming him, but he actually helped Raon increase his realm and saved him from the crisis.
This proves once again that rumors shouldnt be trusted.
Considering how he was even advising Raon when hed humiliated his disciple, he was a broad-minded man despite the rumors that described him as dangerous.
The spar ended successfully, and I
am rich once agaaaaain!
The money hed entrusted to Owens third prince was further increased from the gamble, and he was even about to get the 40% tax. He was pretty much raking in the money at that point.
Some of them will fight back because of the commission, but they should calm down once I tell them Ill be supporting House Arianne with the money.
He expected them to riot once they heard about the 40% commission fee, but they had no other choice than to accept it if he told them he was using it for House Arianne.
Im such a genius. And
Rimmer put his hands together and started to pray towards Raon who was facing the Sword Demon.
Raon, you are my lucky charm and the only god of wealth I serve. Im looking forward to your cooperation in the futuhmm?
Rimmer narrowed his eyes while looking at the Sword Demon, who was standing in front of Raon.
Oh, this is why he felt so familiar.
He finally realized why the Sword Demon looked so familiar to him even though it was his first encounter.
He waved his hand towards Dorian, who was blankly applauding from the next seat.
Dorian.
Yes?
Dont you think that Raon and the Sword Demon have similar appearances?
Whaat? The Sword Demon is rather handsome, but hes not as good as our vice squad leader.
Watch their facial features carefully instead of looking at their hair and eye colors.
Dorian examined Raon and the Sword Demons faces one after the other while scratching his head.
Huh? Ooh!
He rapidly nodded while looking at Rimmer.
They definitely look similar when I see them like this! Sir Raon is a lot more colorful, but he looks similar to the Sword Demon in some aspects!
Dorian nodded, saying that they actually looked the exact same on top of being similar.
Is this a coincidence? Or Hmm?
Rimmer licked his lips, but Raon suddenly waved his hand towards him. He was asking him to come into the arena.
Squad leader, I think the vice squad leader is calling you.
Indeed. I wonder why.
Since they talked about training just now, he might be trying to praise you by saying that it was all thanks to you that he managed to defend against the Sword Demons attack.
Hmm, maybe.
Since Raon never cared about his fame, Rimmer figured he might be trying to avoid an annoying situation by shifting the praise.
Ahem! Its time for me to make an appearance.
Rimmer cleared his throat and straightened his clothes before entering the arena.
Whoaaa!
The Light Wind squad leader!
Hes the teacher of the White Sword Dragon!
Because of how amazing Raons performance was, people cheered for Rimmer just because he was Raons teacher.
Am I needed?
Rimmer asked in a dignified voice. It was difficult to believe he was running the gambling stall until a moment ago.
Im going to let everyone know about my squad leaders great deed.
Great deed?
Even though he said a great deed, Rimmer noticed a disturbing glow in Raons eyes. He almost looked like a hawk targeting a rabbit.
Raon raised his hand, and the shouts inside the arena suddenly came to a halt. He nodded in satisfaction and stood at the center of the arena.
Everyone should be aware that our squad leader was running a gambling stall.
People tilted their heads in bewilderment because they couldnt understand why he was suddenly talking about gambling.
You mustve thought it was strange because Ziegharts squad leader was running a gambling stall. However, it was actually our squad leaders great plan.
Hmm
What Raon was saying definitely sounded like a compliment, but Rimmers heart tightened for some reason.
You shouldnt be aware, but our squad leader set a 40% commission fee for this gamble.
F-forty?
Wh-what the hell is that?
In which world do you commission 40% from gambling?!
Hes a fucking scammer!
Catch him and pull his ears off!
The 40% commission fee was written on Rimmers stall in extremely small letters that only Masters could read.
Because people finally realized that fact, they drew their swords and activated their auras as if they were about to jump into the arena right away.
Wh-what?! Why are you telling them about it now?!
Rimmer covered Raons mouth with his hands.
Whats happening right now?!
He wanted Raon to explain it to him, but he didnt even look in Rimmers direction.
You must want to insult him right now. You must want to scream at him, that even the loan sharks are less greedy than him. However, our squad leaders plan is only getting started.
Raon raised his hand with an evil smile on his face.
Our squad leader decided to donate all of the commission from the two rounds of gambling to House Arianne, which was devastated from the previous war!
Huh? Did I?
Rimmers face turned pale upon hearing that, and the people cheered once again.
Whoaaa!
Light Wind squad leader! I knew I could count on you!
There was a good reason behind the 40% commission! It was for a greater purpose!
Im fine with it if hes donating it to House Arianne!
Rimmer! Rimmer! Rimmer!
People shouted Rimmers name once again, their swords still raised into the air.
Moreover!
However, Raon hadnt finished talking. Rimmer wanted to stop him right away, but he couldnt muster any strength.
Our squad leader additionally decided to donate a thousand gold and hold a second festival in two days!
Uhh
Donating a thousand gold meant that he had to cough up all the money he won by making the third prince bet in his stead. Everything was going wrong.
N-no! I never said that, you lunatics!
Rimmer tried to deny it by flailing his whole body, but no one was listening to him.
Woooooow!
Rimmer! Rimmer! Rimmer!
Sword of Light! Sword of Light! Sword of Light!
Rimmer, you are the donation angel! I cant live without you!
Thank you!
The cheers from that were the loudest so far, and people from House Arianneincluding Wendythanked him with teary eyes.
Sword of Light.
The Sword Demon walked up to Rimmer and bowed slightly.
I thought you were unsightly because you were running a gambling stall, but I never expected you to have such a great purpose. I need to apologize.
He smiled gently, saying that he was seeing Rimmer in a new light.
Thats our squad leader for you!
You are so cool!
I thought you were just blinded by greed, but you actually had such a nice plan!
Ill follow you from the bottom of my heart!
Even the Light Wind squad applauded Rimmer with gazes filled with admiration.
Ah
Rimmer lowered his hand and stopped trying to stop them.
Im screwed.
If he tried to deny it, he would be stabbed to death by thousands of blades.
I originally wanted to donate with my personal fund, but I dont need to anymore thanks to the squad leader. Im really grateful.
Raon lowered his head while feigning ignorance.
You should wave your hand to everyone. This is the flower path you wanted.
Raon went ahead and waved his hand, urging Rimmer to repeat after him.
You crazy bastard! This isnt a flower path!
This is a flower path too. The flower path of doom.
O-of doom
Rimmer forced a smile onto his face and waved his hand at the spectators. A tear slid from his eye.
You are the worst son of a bitch
Wrath giggled while watching Rimmer, who couldnt even let out his despair.
You used to be his young king, but now youre the worst son of a bitch.