Ayad was sitting at the center of the White Lotus divisionâs training ground with his eyes closed. A dark shadow appeared on his completely immobile body as he seemed to meditate.
Ayad slowly opened his eyes. He wasnât surprised, even though he witnessed that strange phenomenon where no one was around despite having a shadow.
âI thought you would be here.â
âYou seem to be in a good state.â
A low-pitched voice could be heard from the shadow. It was the voice of the masked man whoâd previously visited his hospital room.
âThey gave me the time to recover and even practice my sword because unfairness canât be allowed in the sword duel. This house is seriously crazy for swordsmanship.â
Ayad sneered while murmuring the name Zieghart.
âAre you confident you can defeat Raon Zieghart?â
âAre you still asking that after you saw me?â
ââŠâŠâ
The masked man stared fiercely at him, urging him to answer his question.
âHmph. Iâve already finished absorbing the Blue Spirit Elixir, and Iâve also learned the Hundred Potentials. Iâll cut his arm off and destroy his energy center, just like you wanted.â
âYou only need to do one of them.â
âThe other one is for me, as I donât like him either. I want to strangle him to death if I can.â
Ayad declared in an extremely murderous voice and narrowed his eyes.
âDo as you wish. However, if you are a careless fool and end up being defeatedâŠâ
âWhat a useless remark. Just tell your master to rest assured and wait.â
ââŠâŠâ
The masked man didnât respond. His shadow faded away as if sunlight were shining upon it until it completely disappeared.
âIt looks like they are trying to use me as a hunting dog and be rid of me after the hunt is over, butâŠâ
A frightening smile appeared on Ayadâs face as he looked at the ground where the shadow used to be.
âIâll take it for now. However, I wonât get into the pot like youâre planning.â
* * *
The great training ground of Zieghart was a special training ground that required the head of house or a division leaderâs permission to enter. That was why the vision of it brimming with people was a rare sight.
It was obviously because of the sword duel between Raon and Ayad.
Since the great training ground was open to everyone on the day of a sword duel, most of Zieghartâs warriors were sitting in the spectatorsâ area.
The managers of the great training ground were busily moving around, to set up the arena at the center and make the seats for the higher-ups in preparation for the sword duel.
âA sword duel between the Light Wind vice division leader and the White Lotus division leader. This is going to be such a rare feast for the eyes.â
âI wonder who is going to win.â
âItâs a fight between a division leader and a vice division leader. Even though the White Lotus division leader had a huge problem, the outcome is pretty much decided.â
âHmm, I guess their experience in fighting with swords is on a whole different level.â
âYes. Even though Raon Zieghart is an unprecedented genius, he wonât be able to overcome that much of an age difference. Itâs not like the White Lotus division leader has been idling around, after all.â
âI agree. I want the Light Wind vice division leader to win, but this is a hopeless fight.â
âI donât understand why he requested a sword duel since he shouldâve just let him get his punishment.â
Most of the warriors in the spectator seats guessed that Ayad would win because his realm was higher and he had way more experience than Raon.
Even though people liked Raon because of the reason behind the match and Ayadâs reputation was at rock bottom, it did not influence their guesses.
âYou still donât know him. Raon Zieghart isnât such a thoughtless man.â
âThatâs right. Did you already forget how he defeated Raden in this same arena? Everyone guessed that Raden was going to win back then.â
âThatâs not all. Raon Zieghart has never lost a duel so far. Donât you remember how he defeated the White Blood Religionâs apostle when he was just an Expert?â
However, a lot more people compared to before were thinking Raon would win because of his great achievements in the past.
âThis is different from back then. Ayad isnât Raden. They donât even come close!â
âDo you think Raon has been idling around in the meantime? Heâs reached the highest level of Master at twenty-one years old! Did you already forget that heâs defeated two floor overseers and the White Wolf Saber during his last mission?â
âThe White Lotus division leader can easily do the same. I know Ayad is a son of a bitch, but you shouldnât involve your emotions when you are guessing the outcome.â
âAnd thatâs why Raon is going to win. Thereâs no way he hasnât planned for this when his influence is going to be no joke once he wins this sword duel.â
âThen letâs go to the gambling area and have a go. What about betting the entire monthâs wage to the one you think is going to win?â
âIâll take it. Letâs go with a yearâs worth of salary!â
They stopped arguing about who was going to win between Raon and Ayad and ran towards the gambling area located on the training groundâs outskirts with golden coin pouches in their hands.
Burren smiled faintly while watching the migration of the spectators.
âThere are more and more people who understand Raon.â
Most people had bet on Raden during the previous sword duel in the great training ground, but a lot more people were betting on Raon.
âThey mustâve acknowledged Raonâs abilities.â
It was a fight between a division leader and a vice division leader. The difference in age and experience was even larger than that, but some of them were still betting on Raon. That implied that a lot more people had acknowledged Raonâs prowess.
âYaawnâŠâ
He turned his head to the right upon hearing the sound of someone yawning. Runaan was dozing off while licking her lips.
âWake me up when it starts.â
She powerlessly shook her hand and started to sleep.
âSheâs not nervous at all.â
She even managed to fall asleep instead of being nervous. She seemed to believe that Raon was obviously going to win.
Burren couldnât tell whether he should say that she had nerves of steel or she had a strong trust in Raon.
âThere are so many idiots.â
Martha snorted while watching the people in the gambling area who were betting on Ayad.
âThereâs no way he would ask for a fight where he was going to lose.â
She also sounded like she believed without any doubt that Raon was going to win the sword duel.
âIndeed. Our vice division leader is such a snake, and he would never pick a losing fight.â
Krein licked his lips while agreeing with Martha.
âI canât even imagine our vice division leader losing a fight at this point.â
Even Dorian was casually eating his snack despite being the most cowardly person in the Light Wind division.
They werenât the only ones. Everyone in the Light Wind division undoubtedly believed that Raon was going to win as they waited for the sword duel to begin.
Burren smiled quietly while watching the Light Wind division.
âInteresting.â
In the beginning, Dorian and Runaan were the only ones in the Light Wind division who were favorable to Raon.
Many of them used to hate him, like a needle stuck in their fingers, yet they came to trust him so much that they could even entrust him with their lives. That fact was surprising and strange at the same time to Burren.
âIt must be because so many things have happened in the meantimeâŠâ
The Ragged Saint, Federick, came next to Burren while he was absorbed in the old memories.
âWhy are you the only ones here? Where is that elf?â
Federick tilted his head after checking the Light Wind divisionâs members.
âThe dung fly is on dung. Where else would he be?â
âDung?â
âOver there.â
Martha immediately noticed who he was looking for and pointed below.
The red-haired elf was located where her finger was directed to.
âIâm first! Iâll be the first one to bet! You bastards, get out of my way! And donât bet on Raon!â
Rimmer was shouting amid countless gamblers while hugging a gold pouch.
âHey, owner! Iâm betting my entire fortune on Raon Zieghart!â
ââŠâŠâ
Federick and the Light Wind division shook their heads while watching Rimmerâs pathetic demeanor.
* * *
* * *
Sedate footsteps brushed past the great training groundâs main entrance.
The Black Dragon Coatâs dignified appearance made Raon look like he was wrapped in darkness, and his graceful face could be seen above it.
His calm red eyes contrasted with his blond hair, which was shining even more brightly because of the sunlight.
âErmâŠâ
âI-is he really Raon?â
âWhat an outrageous pressureâŠâ
âThis isnât a vice division leaderâs level. It wouldnât be strange even if he were a division leader!â
The spectatorsâ lips parted as they watched him, in awe because of his extremely dignified and handsome appearance.
âWhoaaa!â
âRaon Zieghart!â
âI believe in you! Mess Ayad up!â
âTrash like him canât be recycled!â
âI bet my entire fortune on you!â
The spectators finally snapped out of it and shouted while waving their hands.
Raon went to the arena prepared at the center of the training ground while listening to the shouts of the crowd in the spectator seats.
This is different from before.
Wrath furrowed his brow while looking around at the spectators.
Almost no one was rooting for you last time.
âIndeed.â
Raon nodded with a smile. Not even a handful of people were cheering for him during his previous sword duel against Raden.
However, more than half of the swordsmen inside the training ground were shouting his name.
Even though Ayad was guilty, Raon didnât expect so many cheers.
âThe head of house was right.â
Glenn had said that Ayadâs downfall wasnât going to be the only outcome of the sword duel. Heâd mentioned that Raonâs influence inside the house would increase tremendously if he won.
Raon could tell that he was right after seeing the reaction of the spectators.
Raon stood in front of the arena while calming his pounding heart.
Ayad had already arrived on the opposite side. He was sitting at the waiting bench and was looking at Raon coldly.
âHeâs not a complete idiot.â
Raon had thought that Ayad was going to get furious the moment he saw him, but Ayadâs eyes remained cold.
He was fully aware of how to control his emotions. He was a division leader for a good reason.
âYou look like you are doing great.â
Ayad nodded with a faint smile on his face.
âI was having an easy life thanks to a certain person.â
Heâd actually been working so hard that he could die because of Glennâs lessons, but he simply shook his hand, pretending that he was taking it easy.
âI can understand your confidence. You must feel like the entire world is under your feet considering how powerful you are at your age. HoweverâŠâ
A frightening red light crawled from Ayadâs eyes.
âI was wielding my sword even before you were born. Regardless of our realms, our battle experience is on a whole different level. You will regret requesting a sword duel against me.â
âYou wouldâve requested one eventually even if I didnât.â
Raon tilted his chin while tapping on Heavenly Driveâs scabbard.
âI just wanted to get rid of the trashy eyesore quickly. Iâm not even interested in your realm or experience.â
âYou can talk like always.â
Ayad simply frowned without yielding to the provocation. He mustâve been properly polishing his mind for the last week.
âThis is going to be more interesting than I thought.â
Raon smiled in satisfaction and sat on the waiting bench.
He waited for a moment, and people started to fill the executivesâ seats.
In addition to Serena, whom heâd met a moment ago, Karoon, Denier, and Balder also made their entrances and sat on the higher seats.
Raon waited for the duel to start while watching the executives, and two swordsmen standing in front of the great training groundâs main entrance slammed their great swords into the ground.
Wham!
Their shouts could be heard alongside a huge resonance that felt like an earthquake.
âOur lord is making his entrance!â
Glenn entered through the main entrance of the great training ground with golden sunlight shining upon him. The sublime presence emanating like a divine sword from him was overshadowing Sheryl and Roenn behind him.
It was truly an outstanding presence even though he wasnât spreading any aura or pressure. He was in the same league as the demon kings that Raon had encountered in Habun Castle.
âGreetings, my lord!â
Raon and everyone inside the great training ground bowed at Glenn.
Glenn didnât even nod at them, instead going to the highest seat on the platform. The supreme ruler Raon was witnessing wasnât the same person as the one whoâd taught him swordsmanship every night and ate sandwiches with him.
âYou may stand.â
Everyone inside the great training ground finally stood up after Glenn shook his hand towards them, and they became able to breathe once again.
âBegin.â
The master of ceremonies, whoâd been waiting under the platform, took a step forward upon hearing his order.
âThe participants of todayâs sword duel, the White Lotus division leader Ayad and the Light Wind vice division leader Raon Zieghart, shall enter the arena!â
The master of ceremonies shouted, and Ayad was the first to enter the arena. The cold emotions dwelling in his eyes implied that he was mentally prepared.
Raon looked at the spectator seats instead of entering the arena.
Sylvia was praying while holding hands with the maids, the Light Wind division looked like they had complete faith in him since they were casually eating Dorianâs snacks, and Rimmer was waving his hand from above the signboard of the gambling place.
Raon looked at the White Lotus swordsmen after that. Their desperate gazes felt like they were pleading for him to save them from Ayad.
Their pupils looked just like his own in his previous life, back when he hadnât managed to escape from Derus Robertâs leash.
Raon clenched his fist as his heart became colder.
He briefly caught his breath before entering the arena.
âForward!â
Raon and Ayad faced each other at the center of the arena in accordance with the master of ceremoniesâs direction.
âYou donât realize how much Iâve been looking forward to this moment.â
Ayad faintly rolled his lips into a smile. Raon had the feeling that his body and aura had both become sturdier upon facing him.
âItâs not just an impression. He really has gotten stronger than before.â
There was no way his senses were lying. He decided to trust his perception and assume that Ayad had become stronger as he fought.
âThank you.â
Ayadâs twitching fingers looked like he was going to draw his sword at any moment.
âItâs all thanks to you that Iâll be able to lead the division once again after nothing but a small punishment.â
He seemed to be planning to nullify his crime by using the golden tablets that he would obtain from winning the sword duel.
It was fully possible to achieve that considering the achievements heâd gained so far.
âYou can dream all you want.â
Raon placed his hand on Heavenly Driveâs hilt while feeling his frozen heart.
âWhat?â
âYour punishment will be carried out right here by my own hands.â
Raon bobbed his chin at Ayad with a sneer.
âYouâd better brace yourself, as it won't be as gentle as the punishment from the house.â
âYou arrogantâŠâ
Ayadâs frown deepened. However, it didnât seem to be enough to agitate him.
âAre you both ready?â
âI am.â
âIâm ready.â
Ayad and Raon nodded at the same time.
The master of ceremonies took a step back and raised his hand towards the sky.
âThe sword duel between the White Lotus division leader and the Light Wind vice division leaderâŠhas begun!â
He lowered his hand like lightning and left the arena.
The match had started, but Raon and Ayad both remained immobile. They were simply staring at each otherâs eyes, their hands on their hilts.
Whir!
The pressures of the two highest-level Masters slowly ascended like the rising sun and created a tremendous amount of pressure inside the arena.
Crack!
Once Raon and Ayadâs pressures clashed against each other, the nicely flattened arena crumbled and the rubble started to float in the air.
Once a stone the size of a finger reached the height of his waist, Raon drew Heavenly Drive.
The extremely swift sword draw was an application of the Blue Rain, and a blue light sparkled at the same time as its thrust. Ayad had also drawn his sword at the exact same time.
Claang!
The clash between Heavenly Drive and Ayadâs sword created a huge tremor that echoed throughout the training ground.
The two swords bent and were bounced back from the tremendous impact.
Ayad was trying to withdraw alongside his sword, but Raon moved differently.
Thud!
Raon kicked the ground with his left foot and advanced. He closed the distance to Ayad while reducing the impact with the Supreme Harmony Steps, crushing the land.
âWhat insolence!â
Ayad noticed his movement in an instant and bashed down with his left elbow. It was obvious he was going to do that since his right hand, which was holding his sword, was at the rear.
Raon analyzed Ayadâs movement in a split second and grabbed his sleeve with his left hand.
Tap!
His wrist smoothly bent through the principles of the soft sword.
Wham!
He slashed Heavenly Drive downwards with his right hand, where he used the Supreme Harmony Steps to reduce the impact.
âKuh!â
Ayad groaned and created a wall of astral energy to block Heavenly Driveâs trajectory.
It felt even harder than the iron wall, but the flame covering Heavenly Drive was even sharper than that.
Slash!
Ayadâs wall of aura was split apart, and his chest was lacerated in a diagonal slash, with blood gushing from it.
âYou bastardâŠâ
Ayad bit his lip while looking at the wound on his chest.
âBattle experience? Higher realm?â
Raon shook off the single drop of blood that was staining Heavenly Driveâs blade. He pointed at Ayad with the blade reddened from the heat, an expression of contempt on his face.
âI can just destroy petty differences like that.â
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