The conference of the Five Divine Orders had begun.
They started with an explanation about each faction.
The Thespian Emperorâs explanation was calm, the Demon Slaying Spear was energetic, the Demonblade was gloomy, and the Queen of Swords was dry. Each of them stated how their group came to be and what objectives they had.
After that, the reports about what theyâd been doing recently followed. Of course, none of it was about their evil deeds. Instead, they spoke about their fights against the five demons or their good deeds.
Raon stayed one step back from the conference without finding fault with them in order to figure out what intentions the heads of the Five Divine Orders had.
The Thespian Emperor was, of course, the one to lead the conference, and the other three only blabbered on with flexible responses to avoid ruining the atmosphere.
What they were saying was simple.
The Five Divine Orders had no intention at all of antagonizing the Six Kings and the neutral factions, and they were fully ready to fight against the Five Demons in order to protect the continent.
In short, they were saying that they werenât enemies, and they wanted to get along and cooperate.
âWhat weâve said so far is our sincere opinion.â
The Thespian Emperor bowed, saying that she wanted to get along with all factions in the continent.
âThe same goes for us!â
âThatâs what weâd like to request!â
âMost of the good deeds weâve been hearing recently were about the Five Divine Orders! We gladly accept that offer!â
âI also agree. Iâm just thankful that you took the initiative to invite us.â
The heads of the neutral factions sent a round of applause to celebrate the foundation of Five Divine Orders. Since none of them were refusing their offer, the atmosphere inside the conference room became friendly.
It was a natural outcome in a way, as those natural factions were relatively important, but they were still incomparable to the Five Divine Orders. That was why they mustâve felt like they were being treated nicely.
However, Raon smiled coldly, not joining the warmth of the friendly conference room.
âAll of them are naive.â
Raon was well aware because heâd clashed with the Thespian Emperor from the onset. The Five Divine Ordersâ true objective wasnât to get on good terms with the neutral factions.
He couldnât be certain what their true objective was, but one thing he could tell was that they were trying to take advantage of the neutral factions.
âThank you.â
The Thespian Emperor lowered her head once again and leaned towards the table.
âIâm planning to hold a fighting competition where only the warriors below the age of forty can participate so that the youngsters can get acquainted with each other as well. There will be a special reward, so please encourage them to participate.â
She smiled, saying since the people inside the conference room agreed, she wanted to allow the youngsters to do the same.
âThatâs a great idea! After all, there wasnât really any reason for the youngsters to meet!â
âThe reward that Lady Ariel branded as special is worthy of anticipation!â
âIâll make all my crew participate!â
âForty? Itâs a shame, but I wonât be able to join.â
âWhat are you even talking about when you are way past fifty?!â
The heads of the neutral faction nodded at each other, saying that it would be interesting.
âAh, even if you are under forty, you arenât allowed to participate if you are representing your house.â
The Thespian Emperorâs gaze slowly shifted towards Raon. She seemed to be telling him that he couldnât join because he was a representative.
âMay I have a word?â
She started walking towards the center of the conference table and lifted her hand. She mustâve figured that it was the right atmosphere for it.
âIâd like to make a suggestion since we are getting along a lot better than Iâd expected.â
The noisy conference room fell quiet. The Thespian Emperor was dominating the mood.
âHow about we make a temporary alliance between the people present in this place?â
âA-alliance?â
âThis is a bit sudden for an allianceâŠâ
âArenât you being too hasty?â
The heads of the neutral faction widened their eyes upon hearing the sudden mention of an alliance.
âIâm sure everyone is aware, but the current situation in the continent isnât that good.â
The Thespian Emperor came to a halt at the center of the rectangular table. The moonlight falling through the window was adding a divine feeling to her presence.
âThe Black Tower, White Blood Religion, and the South-North Union have started to actively reveal their power, and Eden is raising their demons in their hiding. Moreover, weâve received information that the Holy Sword Allianceâs Master of Sword has recently appeared.â
Her heavy voice was pressuring the previously peaceful conference room.
âTh-the Five Demons?â
âAre the sword demons from the Holy Sword Alliance returning to the worldâŠ?â
âIs Eden making a new demon? What are they trying to do this time?!â
âI-I heard about it too. Yurt City was attacked by the White Blood Religion, and not even ashes remained as a result.â
The heads of the neutral factionsâs shoulders trembled upon hearing that the Five Demons had resumed their activities.
âTheir appearance isnât the only problem. Those monsters used to be bound together in name only, but they are now cooperating with each other.â
The Thespian Emperor closed her eyes before opening them again. A frightening light was glowing from her red eyes. The warriors from the neutral factions swallowed nervously upon meeting her eyes.
âSince a disaster can happen at any time on the continent, weâd like your cooperation.â
She returned to the edge of the table and turned around.
âHmm?â
âC-cooperationâŠ?â
âYou said alliance at first. What did you mean by that?â
The headsâ lips parted upon hearing the Thespian Emperorâs request for help.
âOur Five Divine Orders have only recently appeared in the world. We are confident in our might, but we donât have enough of a footing yet. Weâd like you to fill that part for us.â
Once the Thespian Emperor changed the alliance into a request for help, small smiles started to appear from the mouths of the leaders. Her voice was dominating the conference room while changing in different colors like a rainbow.
âIt would be beneficial for everyone indeed. Itâs like a give-and-take⊠Hmm?â
Raon was putting his thoughts together and furrowed his brow.
âWhy was I thinking just nowâŠ? Of course it wouldnât be beneficial for everyone.â
It was simply obvious that if they accepted the alliance, the Five Divine Orders were going to keep all of the reputation for themselves while the neutral factions became the cannon fodders. It definitely wouldnât be beneficial for them.
âBut why was I thinking like that just now?â
Raon was continuously thinking about how to criticize her, but his head suddenly became blank and a strange thought entered his mind. It was clearly not a normal situation.
âDonât tell meâŠâ
Raon slightly bit his tongue.
âWas that the Thespian Emperorâs doing?â
Even though she wasnât using any aura in her voice, he could clearly hear her as if she were speaking right next to his ears. There mustâve been something behind it.
Whir!
Raon immediately activated the Ring of Fire. The seven rings resonated with each other, and he could see the energy inside the conference room.
âAs expected, she wasnât using any aura.â
The Thespian Emperor wasnât using the slightest amount of aura. However, the air inside the conference room was jolting whenever she spoke. It was clear that there was something in her voice.
Did you finally realize it?
Wrath muttered as if he were looking at someone pathetic.
âWhat is that?â
What else? Itâs her will.
He frowned while looking at the Thespian Emperor.
Will is the technique used through the power of your soul that can be increased by gaining achievements. Thatâs why the will is the power of the soul. Sheâs incorporating her will in her voice to convince those idiots.
âIs that even possible?â
It can result in the opposite effect if itâs excessive, but she is doing it so smoothly. She mustâve done it many times before.
âWhat an extraordinary way of using it.â
Raon had never thought that the will could be used like that since heâd believed that it could only be used for martial arts. The Thespian Emperor couldnât be underestimated after all.
By the way, that woman is really no good. She mustâve been acting when she came to save her subordinates.
âDid you finally realize that?â
He wanted to believe in her.
Wrath shook his head, saying that he didnât want anyone who loved their subordinates to be a villain. Raon had the impression many times before, but the demon king was so gentle towards his subordinates.
âAnyway, sheâs using her will, right?â
Indeed. However, breaking it wonât be an easy task.
âLet me try.â
Raon clenched his fist while looking at the Thespian Emperor, who kept using her will in her voice.
âI agree.â
âI second it.â
âIâm honored to be on the same boat as the Five Divine Orders!â
The heads of the neutral factions raised their voices, saying that they wanted to seal the alliance right away. Since her will didnât have anything malicious, they didnât seem to realize what was happening to them. The perfect result was created by the combination of reasonable pretext, the Thespian Emperorâs eloquence, and her will.
âIâm just thankful that we are understood.â
The heads of the neutral factions stood up from their seats and raised their hands. The Thespian Emperor bowed at them while meeting their eyes one after the other.
âSince we happen to have guests from Zieghart and the Magic Tower, would you do the honor of becoming the witnesses of this alliance?â
A sweet smile appeared around her mouth, as she looked at Raon. She seemed to have regained her confidence.
âThespian EmperorâŠâ
Raon touched his fingertip while meeting the Thespian Emperorâs eyes.
âWas this her objective all along?â
She was trying to seal the alliance with the neutral factions and make them unable to cancel it by having the Six Kings as witnesses.
The Five Divine Orders were certainly powerful, but they were still lacking in numbers and fame. They mustâve been filling that opening with the neutral factions.
Raon could guess that they were trying to expand their influence even further, without being satisfied with their state.
Raon licked his lips while watching Dumptkan and Biten shouting in anticipation of the alliance.
âI donât really care what happens to strangers, butâŠI wonât let them play along the Thespian Emperorâs ploy. After all, Iâm here to turn this into a mess.â
It was time for action since he wasnât there to be a sitting duck.
Raon exhaled roughly and stood up from his seat. He smiled while coldly looking at the Thespian Emperor.
âDid you want us to be the witnesses?â
âYes. I believe they wouldnât make any false promises, but Iâd like to ask for you since we are sharing the joy of this day.â
âBy the way, what is the purpose of this alliance?â
He used the Ring of Fire to incorporate his will in his voice in a similar manner as the Thespian Emperor. He couldnât do it as smoothly as her, but he tried to copy it at least.
âLike I said before, itâs in order to prepare for the disasters in this dangerous timeâŠâ
âAnd how are you planning to make that preparation? Who will take the lead when a war breaks out? Whatâs the price for the help? Who gets the spoils of war, and how are the casualties compensated? Arenât you just asking them to gather under the Five Divine Ordersâ name instead of asking for an alliance?â
He spoke in a brusque manner and incorporated his powerful will to enlighten the people from the Thespian Emperorâs bewitchery. In fact, heâd used too much power even without trying because he wasnât used to controlling the will yet.
Zap!
The warm atmosphere the Thespian Emperor had created shattered at once along with an incongruous sparking sound.
âHmmâŠâ
âI-indeed. We need to make sure to decide that before sealing the alliance.â
âYes. An alliance is an extremely important matter. Why was I so excited for itâŠ?â
âIt wasnât time to get in the mood.â
The heads of the neutral factions finally came back to their senses and returned to their seats while saying that it was necessary to come to an agreement before the alliance.
WowâŠ
Wrath widened his eyes while watching that scene.
âIt was thanks to your hint.â
The King of Essenceâs hint?
âYou said it had the opposite effect if it was excessive. Thatâs what I used.â
Since Wrath had said that being excessive caused the opposite effect, Raon had used an excessive amount of power on purpose to snap the chain of will from the Thespian Emperor. Judging from the outcome, it mustâve worked perfectly.
You are so cheap! You always steal his information and never feed him!
ââŠIâm sorry.â
Raon shut his mouth because he had no excuse for that.
âAhâŠâ
The Thespian Emperor's eyes curved like the moonlight reflected on the window. Raon had never seen that look in her eyes before. She seemed to be flustered from the bottom of her heart.
âIndeed, we need to start by deciding that.â
She regained her composure in an instant despite her astonishment. It was proving once again that the Thespian Emperorâs true power was her willpower instead of her might.
âThe Five Divine Orders seem to be always looking for a gap.â
Raon pressed the table with his palm and tilted his chin.
âWhat do you meanâŠ?â
âWhen you raised your reputation, you shoved yourselves into the gap between the Six Kings and the Five Demons, and the same goes for now. You were trying to achieve the alliance in such a conniving manner to have the other factions on your back.â
âThatâs not true, it was mutually beneficialâŠâ
âArenât you confident in your own power?â
Raon snorted and shook his hand.
âZieghart has reached our current position by scattering our flesh and blood to the continent.â
Red lightning sparked in Raonâs eyes and cleaved through the darkness.
âYou will never be able to move up from your position if all you want to do is to steal the blood, blades, and achievements of others.â
The heads of the Five Divine Orders and the neutral factions closed their mouths tightly upon feeling the presence coming from the man called Raon.
âIâll stop here for today.â
Raonâs cold gaze brushed past everyone before he turned around.
âIâll be taking my leave as well.â
Denning Rose immediately stood up after him, and Encia stood up in order to get the right focus for her camera. He could still hear the clicking sound. She really was the same type of person as Merlin.
âWahahahaha!â
The Demon Slaying Spear grasped his head and burst into laughter as he walked forward.
âI seriously like you. If you donât wanna join the Demon Spear Guild, wonât you be my sworn brother?â
âBut our ages are too far apart.â
âSworn brothers donât care about such a trivial matter!â
He giggled, saying that heâd never seen anyone crush the Thespian Emperor like that.
âAh, and make sure to come to the competition in two days. Iâve prepared something great.â
âIâll think about it.â
Raon nodded and left the conference room. The noisy conference room showed that theyâd started to argue.
âAre you two okay?â
âYes. It felt nice to watch.â
Denning Rose nodded, saying that her mood had improved. Her complexion was brighter than usual, showing that she was telling the truth.
âDid something happen?â
Encia tilted her head while taking photos with her camera. She apparently didnât really care what happened as long as she could take photos.
âHahâŠâ
Raon blinked in bewilderment just as the conference roomâs door was opened and Yuria walked out. He shut his mouth tightly and directed his powerful gaze at Raon.
âDo you have a business with me?â
Raon narrowed his eyes while looking at Yuriaâs body, which was as large as a bear.
ââŠâŠâ
Yuria exhaled roughly without saying anything. He looked like a bison about to start its charge.
His wide shoulders trembled, and he eventually shook his head and left the conference room.
Raon shook his head while watching Yuriaâs back.
âWhatâs wrong with him?â
* * *
* * *
Raon went to the restaurant in front of the lodgings alongside Denning Rose and Encia. He was guessing that the shop was already closed because the Thespian Emperor was talking too much, but he still decided to check it out because Wrath was urging him so much.
âHmm?â
âThe light is on.â
He thought it was obviously going to be closed, but he could feel many presences from inside.
H-hurry up! Get in there already!
Raon opened the door and entered the restaurant, and the Light Wind division was drinking beers with some simple side dishes.
âHuh? You are finally back.â
âYou are so late!â
Krein and Dorian were sitting at the table right in front of the entrance and waved their hands at him.
âHow did the conference go?â
Burren was sitting deeper inside and asked about the conference with a smile.
âWhy did the conference take so long?!â
Martha frowned, saying that it was so late at night already.
âSit down already.â
Runaan hit the seat next to her and pointed at it to ask for Raon to sit.
âHmmâŠâ
Raon narrowed his eyes while looking at the Light Wind division. He couldnât smell any food, and there was nothing other than dry side dishes and beers on the tables.
âDid you not have your dinner yet?â
âHow could we have it when you werenât here yet?â
Martha clicked her tongue, saying that it was only obvious.
âYeah, we didnât have our treat person.â
Burren chuckled and nodded.
âEveryone has been waiting.â
Runaan hit the chair even faster, telling him to sit down already.
âYouâve finally arrived!â
A middle-aged woman came from the kitchen and bowed at him. She was the manager that heâd met when he was making the reservation.
âIt looks like my crew forced you to wait. I apologize for this.â
âItâs fine.â
âThe people from the Light Wind division paid an extra fee and said that they wanted to wait until your arrival.â
The manager smiled brightly while saying that theyâd already paid enough.
âIâll prepare the meal right now.â
The manager returned to the kitchen, saying that the ingredients and personnel were ready. The kitchen started to become noisy.
âYou didnât need to wait. Why would you do that?â
Raon wrinkled his nose while looking at the Light Wind swordsmen.
âYou shouldâve just had your meal and returned.â
He was being blunt, but he felt warm in his heart for some reason.
The Light Wind division waiting for him with smiles on their faces made him feel like heâd returned to the annex building after a long mission.
âHeâs being shy, so damn handsomeâŠâ
âHuhu.â
Encia was in front of him before he knew it and was pressing the button on her camera. Denning Rose was smiling while covering her mouth with her hand, as if she were enjoying the scene.
Hmph!
Raon looked to the right upon hearing the snorting sound. Wrath was flushed with teary eyes.
You all!
The wetness around his eyes showed that he was moved by the Light Wind divisionâs actions.
Alright! The King of Essence will take care of all of you! You are still so young, but you already know the importance of a bond!
Wrath nodded, saying that he loved the Light Wind division. He was so easy.
Raon chuckled and sat on the chair that Runaan had been hitting.
âCome here, everyone.â
Since it looked like it was going to take some time until the food was ready, he explained to them what happened at the conference.
âIt shouldnât be a simple alliance.â
âIt looks like the Five Divine Orders are trying to absorb the neutral factionsâŠâ
âThey are making their moves so quickly.â
The Light Wind swordsmen nodded while murmuring that the situation was no good.
âI have one more piece of news.â
Raon lifted his index finger.
âThey are holding a fighting competition in two days. Since they said that any warrior under the age of forty is allowed to participate, all of you shall join.â
âDonât we need to register?â
âItâs not necessary since they set it up so that we can participate without any registration.â
Denning Rose responded in his stead, telling them that they could simply participate.
âIf the age limit is forty, there should be some Masters.â
âI wanted to test out my current ability. Thatâs great.â
âIâm definitely going to participate!â
âMe too!â
The smile on the Light Wind swordsmen looked like they were looking forward to the matches.
âIâm glad to hear that you like the idea. But if Zieghart doesnât winâŠâ
He clenched his fist to the point where it made a cracking sound.
âYou are all going to die.â
âErrâŠâ
âTh-thatâs a bit unreasonableâŠâ
âThere should be some Masters among participants, though.â
âA-are you asking us to win?â
âI donât care about that.â
A frightening smile appeared on Raonâs face as he looked at the Light Wind division.
âIf the winner isnât among the Light Wind division, we are going to do the focus enhancement training for an entire month after we return to the house.â
The Light Wind divisionâs laughter and warm atmosphere suddenly disappeared upon hearing his cold and frightening voice.
You punk!
Wrath yelled while smacking the back of Raonâs head.
Why are you messing your subordinates up now?!