Sparring... Ah!"
Raon nodded as he looked at Glenn.
'Right. It was postponed.'
After achieving Transcendence and returning to the family, Glenn had suggested a light sparring match. It was postponed indefinitely due to Alice's poor condition at the time, but now it seemed he wanted to have that match.
"It would be my honor."
Raon bowed, saying he would gratefully accept Glenn's teachings.
-Ugh!
Wrath cried out in displeasure, clutching his head.
-Won't this make it even noisier and harder to sleep!
He let out an irritated groan, complaining that the noise had doubled.
'I'll be quiet.'
-How can you fight quietly with that old geezer!
Wrath gritted his teeth, saying that it wasn't possible.
"There's no need to be so excited."
Glenn slowly raised the Heavenly Tremor.
"I have no intention of going easy on you."
He jerked his chin, as if telling Raon to come at him with full force.
"Hmm..."
Raon bit his lip as he looked at Glenn.
'There are no openings.'
No, should I say it's all openings? Glenn was just standing there holding his sword, but it felt like facing an insurmountable wall. It seemed like there were no openings at all, yet at the same time, everything looked like an opening.
-That is the true meaning of a natural stance.
Wrath narrowed his eyes.
-Every place that can be attacked and cannot be attacked is a trap.
He clicked his tongue, saying that this space had already been consumed by Glenn.
"Are you not coming?"
Glenn wore a thin smile, wrapped in a heavy yet sharp aura.
"If you hesitate, you'll be defeated without even swinging your sword once."
It was just as he said. Just standing face to face with Glenn made Raon's head spin, and cold sweat ran down his back. He could feel Glenn's aura gradually invading his space.
'Then I have no choice but to go with power.'
Raon exhaled heavily as he drew the Heavenly Drive and the Blade of Requiem. The willpower of the two newly forged swords slowly calmed his unstable emotions. He opened his mental world as he thrust the Heavenly Drive and Blade of Requiem into the training ground. Sword Domain. Divine-Demonic Harmony.
A red sun and a blue moon rose over the dark night sky filled with storm clouds.
The aura of heat and cold poured down on Raon like stage lights. Kwaaaa! Raon stood before Glenn again, holding up the Divine Sword forged with the sun's flames and the Demonic Sword crafted with the moon's frost.
'The swords are giving me strength.'
He could feel the flames of the Divine Sword and the frost of the Demonic Sword emitting a more powerful energy than before. As the Heavenly Drive and Blade of Requiem were reinforced, it seemed the level of Divine-Demonic Harmony had also increased.
"I'm coming."
With those brief words, Raon drew out the Supreme Harmony Steps. Leaving a crimson flash that cut through the darkness, he stepped to Glenn's left side. Whooosh! As his toes touched the ground, he twisted the wrist holding his sword.
Within the flames of the Divine Sword, the mad beast of the Fangs of Insanity rampaged, and on the frost of the Demonic Sword, the icy wind of the Blizzard Sword Art blossomed.
He aimed for Glenn's shoulder and waist, imbuing Sheryl's dual sword technique with the extreme meanings of the Fangs of Insanity and Blizzard Sword Art.
"Assessing the opponent's martial prowess and going all out from the start..."
Glenn nodded approvingly with a smile.
"A good strategy, but it's light."
He thrust the Heavenly Tremor into the thin gap where the Divine Sword and Demonic Sword harmonized. It was a strike that instantly disrupted the flow of the dual sword technique that had been interlocking like clock hands. Glenn's lightly swung sword carried the weight of a thousand pounds. The Fangs of Insanity and Blizzard Sword Art shattered simultaneously, and Raon was violently thrown backwards.
"Whew..."
Raon shook off the sweat flowing from his forehead as if nothing had happened and readjusted his grip on the Divine Sword and Demonic Sword.
"Then I'll go a bit heavier."
Biting his lip, he stepped into the Supreme Harmony Step. He rushed forward at a speed that darkened his vision, extending the Divine Sword and Demonic Sword right in front of Glenn's eyes. The flames of the Divine Sword writhed, forming the shape of a dragon, while the frost of the Demonic Sword gleamed as a pure white sphere.
Flame Dragon Strike and Heavy Sky Cannon. Two sword techniques, second to none in power, exploded simultaneously.
A shockwave that seemed to shake the entire Zieghart erupted, twisting the floor of the sparring grounds and causing cracks to appear in the sky above.
"This is quite spicy."
Glenn lightly dusted off his hands as if taking the Heavy Sky Cannon and Flame Dragon Strike head-on was nothing.
'As expected, it doesn't break through.'
Raon furrowed his brows as he watched Glenn dispelling the smoke.
'Overpowering him with strength is impossible.'
Seeing how Glenn blocked the Heavy Sky Cannon and Flame Dragon Strike without even using his full strength, it seemed impossible to pressure him with power alone.
"Now it's my turn."
Glenn swung his sword lightly. It was a sword strike as relaxed as if he were just stretching, but the result was anything but light. The darkened night sky split open, and red lightning poured down. It was Glenn's Lightning Aura, stronger and faster than thunder.
'Just blocking won't be enough...'
If he got pushed back by Glenn even once, the fight would end without him being able to swing his sword properly. No matter how strong the incoming sword strike was, he had to keep a counterattack in mind. Whoosh! First, he erected a Fire Wall with the flames of the Divine Sword to block the falling lightning.
While enduring the overwhelming force of the incoming Lightning Aura with his physical strength, he raised the Demonic Sword he had lowered.
Chiiiiing! A white wave emanating from the blade of the Demonic Sword shattered the Fire Wall and swallowed up the incoming red Lightning Aura. It was a counterattack technique that erased the opponent's offensive - the White Shadow Slash.
"Quite sharp!"
Glenn nodded with excitement and twisted the tip of the Heavenly Tremor. The White Shadow Slash burst apart, scattering pieces of lightning like water spray.
"I can put a bit more strength into it."
Glenn smacked his lips briefly as he approached. The Lightning Aura concentrated in the Heavenly Tremor rushed forward as red light rays. It was an extremely swift sword technique that transcended even the word 'fast'.
He managed to block Glenn's slash by raising the Divine Sword and Demonic Sword diagonally, but the defense wasn't perfect, allowing the Lightning Aura to penetrate his aura and press down on his bones and flesh.
"From now on, you'd better keep your eyes wide open."
Glenn said something incomprehensible and raised the Heavenly Tremor above his head. A deep and wide night sky settled above the Heavenly Tremor, with red lightning streaking across it. It was the sword path of the Celestial Thunder Arts that he had personally taught.
But Glenn's Celestial Thunder Arts now held a power of a different dimension compared to when he was teaching it. It seemed his words about not going easy were sincere.
'Still, I have to endure.'
Raon gritted his teeth and stood against the Celestial Thunder Arts that seemed to contain the sky itself. The swordsmanship Glenn was showing was no different from a serendipitous encounter for a swordsman. He had to keep up somehow and learn even one more thing.
'So this is how the Celestial Thunder Arts is used.'
Facing the Celestial Thunder Arts directly wielded by Glenn, Raon got a sense of how to use it in the future. A sword that pressures the enemy's vitals. The Celestial Thunder Arts wasn't just fast and strong; it was a cruel sword technique that could erode the enemy's body and mind.
"You're enduring well. I can increase the intensity."
Glenn smiled with satisfaction as he imbued the Heavenly Tremor with even denser Lightning Aura. The waves of red lightning were engulfing the entire Fifth Training Ground.
'It's breaking through...'
Glenn's Lightning Aura was piercing through the flames of the Divine Sword and the frost of the Demonic Sword, layering shocks onto Raon's body. The pain and numbness that started from his fingertips were spreading throughout his entire body.
"The power of Lightning Aura isn't just strength and speed."
Glenn moved his lips as he gradually intensified the pressure. His sword was mystical one moment and then sharply extended like a beast the next, making it difficult to grasp its flow.
"Hmm..."
Raon bit his lip. Even though he knew the sword path, the Lightning Aura was slowing down his body's reactions, making it difficult to block properly. The more he fought, the more he seemed to sink into the swamp of Lightning Aura.
"Penetrating power."
Glenn looked at him with a calm gaze that one wouldn't expect during a sparring match.
"Lightning Aura has the penetrating power to pierce through the opponent's aura. If you don't know about it in advance and pay attention, you'll inevitably be overwhelmed."
He gave a faint smile, saying that Lightning Aura was a great help in prolonged fights.
"It must be hard to move your body now, so let's end this."
Glenn seemed to have intended to teach about the usage of the Celestial Thunder Arts and the effectiveness of Lightning Aura from the beginning, and now he was trying to end the sparring match. But Raon hadn't been able to try anything yet. He couldn't let the match end here. Huk!
As Glenn brought down the Heavenly Tremor towards his shoulder, Raon exhaled the breath he'd been holding and drew out a newly gained power.
Askara's Fighting Spirit, residing in his liver, pushed back the Lightning Aura that had been numbing his entire body. The King's Fighting Spirit didn't yield even to Glenn's Lightning Aura, instantly restoring Raon's body and mind to their original state.
Raon stomped his right foot on the ground and struck Glenn's Heavenly Tremor with his Divine Sword and Demonic Sword.
Raon Zieghart Style Swordsmanship.
Sixth Form Divine-Demonic Harmony Linked Technique: Invincible Azure-Red Sword.
The flames and frost burning on the straight blade exploded as if unleashing their final breath, sweeping over Glenn's entire body.
"What...?"
For the first time, confusion flickered in Glenn's eyes. It wasn't because of the Invincible Azure-Red Sword, but he seemed surprised that Raon could move despite being consumed by the Lightning Aura. Even in his surprise, he slashed with the Heavenly Tremor imbued with Lightning Aura, instantly quelling the flames and frost of the Invincible Azure-Red Sword.
'I expected that.'
Even with Askara's Fighting Spirit, the difference between Glenn and himself was still like heaven and earth. Knowing he wouldn't be able to break through, Raon unleashed the final move he had prepared. Chiiing!
The Wooden Ring moved directly from its sheath and sprang out behind Glenn's back. Void Slash. His unique Sword Control technique, harmonizing the Fierce Wave Arts and Spatial Sword, pierced through the red lightning and shot towards Glenn.
As the revived waves of the Invincible Azure-Red Sword pushed from the front and the Void Slash struck from behind, Glenn's eyes widened at the two-pronged attack.
"Ha!"
For the first time, a deep smile appeared on Glenn's lips.
"Impressive."
With his admiration, a lightning of a different caliber from before arose. The lightning that had been as small as a marble a child might play with spread in an instant, shattering both the Invincible Azure-Red Sword and the Void Slash.
"Ugh..."
Raon exhaled tiredly as he rolled on the ground. If Glenn had unleashed that Lightning Aura seriously, Raon would have already been gone from this world. It seemed Glenn had been holding back until the end. His true martial prowess was still beyond what Raon could handle.
The Divine Sword and Demonic Sword, returned to their original forms, were weakly embedded in the ground, while the Wooden Ring bounced far away and stuck into the wall.
"Huh..."
As Raon lifted his head, breathing heavily, he saw Glenn standing there with a smile.
"It seems you've gained something again."
Glenn brought over the Heavenly Drive, Blade of Requiem, and Wooden Ring and handed them to Raon.
"You always develop beyond my expectations, but this time it's truly surprising."
He let out a soft exclamation, seeming genuinely impressed.
"Thank you."
Raon bowed, saying that thanks to Glenn, he was able to test many things.
"All three swords have different personalities, but they suit you well. I look forward to your future even more."
Glenn nodded, congratulating Raon on obtaining good swords.
"I won't disappoint you."
Raon sheathed his swords, stood up, and gave a faint smile.
"Hmm, but..."
Glenn's smile faded as he approached with a serious expression.
"How, how close have you become with Karoon?"
He suddenly brought up Karoon, furrowing his brows deeply.
"Well, we're not particularly close."
Raon was momentarily blank before shaking his head. Although Glenn seemed to want him to be close with Karoon, Raon honestly told him that their current relationship wasn't deep.
"Is, is that so?"
However, Glenn curled up the corners of his mouth briefly, as if pleased.
"Yes. I think it's admirable that he's reflecting on his past and showing change, but we're not close yet."
"What's admirable about that guy! Absolutely not!"
Glenn shook his head, saying it was still far from that.
"Just like now. Keep it exactly as it is now."
Glenn patted Raon's shoulder as if telling him not to get close to Karoon, then left the training ground with lighter steps than before.
"Uh..."
Raon blinked blankly as he watched Glenn leave the training ground.
'What's this about? Is Karoon an enemy?'
-Yaaawn.
Wrath yawned long and shook his head.
-I wonder when these fools will ever understand each other.
He urged Raon to go to sleep quickly, tapping his head.
* * *
"From now on, your name is Dark Wave. It means burying enemies in the waves of death!"
The swordsman of the Light Wind Division's 1st team raised a black sword, curling his lips into a long smile.
"That level of wave won't even keep up with the toes of this Green Wave ver.3, right? Look at this brilliantly shining blade!"
The swordsman of the 2nd team exclaimed while looking at his sword with a faint green glow.
"Super Haksaru, Destiny of Fate, I'm sorry! My new sword Storm of Tempest is guiding my soul!"
The swordsman of the 3rd team shed tears while hugging his sword from which blue wind was emanating.
"Haa..."
Raon let out a deep sigh as he watched the swordsmen displaying their madness for swords after a long time.
'They're still like that.'
Even in the early days of the Light Wind Division, they competed by giving childish names to their swords, and it was ridiculous that they were still doing this now that they were older, just because they received new swords. However, they weren't the only ones rejoicing.
Thanks to all the Light Wind Division swordsmen receiving swords made from dragon bones, the Fifth Training Ground was now filled with happy laughter instead of shouts of exertion.
"I really like this sword after all..."
Runaan blinked her blank eyes as she swung her new sword, which retained the form of Snow Flower.
"Because what's familiar tastes the best."
Martha also drew a deep smile, seemingly pleased with her newly forged sword based on the one Denier had given her.
'Hmm? This aura is...'
As Raon was smiling at the swordsmen enjoying their new swords, he felt a familiar presence approaching the Fifth Training Ground.
Thud.
The door of the Fifth Training Ground opened, and Mark Goetun, wearing a gray robe, entered.
"Huh?"
"Mr. Mark Goetun!"
"You're back?"
Dorian, Burren, and Martha ran towards Mark Goetun, seemingly glad to see him.
"It's been a while."
Mark Goetun gave a slight bow to the Light Wind Division swordsmen and walked towards the platform.
"I greet you, Division Leader. I've returned after completing my training at the Holy Sword Alliance."
He knelt down with a heavier gaze than before and bowed his head.
"You've worked hard."
Raon came down from the platform to greet Mark Goetun.
"It seems you've made quite some progress."
"After training diligently day by day, I saw a small path."
Mark Goetun smiled faintly, saying that training never betrays you.
"As you said, Division Leader, Lawrence seemed cold but was actually very considerate. Every time I went to him, he helped me in various ways."
He nodded, saying that he was able to grow a lot thanks to Lawrence.
"It seems so. Though I'm sure Lawrence was annoyed."
Raon narrowed his eyes as he examined Mark Goetun's aura.
'He really has grown a lot.'
Even though it wasn't a short period, Mark Goetun had returned with surprising growth. Before going to the Holy Sword Alliance, he had felt on par with Runaan or Martha, but now he was slightly ahead. It seemed that Mark Goetun would be the first to break through the Grandmaster barrier.
-It seems he's gained some composure too.
'Indeed.'
Mark Goetun had always lived with a sense of urgency after being called a genius but then having his skills stagnate at the entrance to Master level. But now, his eyes held the relaxed and composed look of a seasoned martial artist.
"When I heard the news about the Vice Leader, I wanted to come right away, but the Alliance Leader stopped me. He said that person wouldn't want me to leave my training."
Mark Goetun bit his lip and bowed his head, apologizing for not being able to attend Rimmer's funeral.
"No, that's correct."
Raon smiled and shook his head.
'Master would have said the same thing.'
Rimmer had always been indifferent to death. If Mark Goetun had missed the funeral due to training, Rimmer would have been pleased instead.
"But it seems like everyone has changed somehow."
Mark Goetun looked around at the Light Wind Division swordsmen and tilted his head.
"We got new swords!"
Dorian proudly waved his newly received sword.
"Swords? Ah, from that dragon you caught?"
Mark Goetun nodded as if he now understood.
"How about you make a new sword for yourself with this opportunity, Sir Mark?"
Raon pointed at the other swordsmen's swords, suggesting that Mark Goetun should also make a sword.
"It's a good opportunity, but this sword given to me by the Division Leader is enough for me."
Mark Goetun shook his head, saying he had no greed for weapons. He looked like a detached sage with no worldly desires.
"We can improve upon that sword as a base."
"Is that possible?"
"The people in Mirtan Village right now are quite extraordinary..."
Raon nodded and told him about the master craftsmen in Mirtan.
"That, that sounds appealing. No, I want to make one!"
Mark Goetun's detachment ended in an instant. It seemed even he couldn't resist a sword made by a continental master.
"Then let's go right away since we're on the topic."
As Raon was leaving the training ground with Mark Goetun to go to Mirtan Village, he saw Shadow Agents' Leader Chad running towards them.
"Division Leader!"
Chad approached with a stern expression and bowed his head.
"The Head of House has summoned you."
He exhaled softly, saying they should go to the audience chamber now.
"Is it urgent?"
"Yes. From the Warring Steel Division out on a mission..."
Chad nodded heavily and continued.
"An urgent request for support has come..."
He bit his lip with a grim expression.