"Huh...."
Raon let out a low sigh as he looked at Evelyn, who had curled her lips.
'How are we supposed to attack the White Blood Religion Headquarters?'
As a martial artist, he tried to think of ways to kill the Kraken and launch a surprise attack on the White Blood Religion Headquarters, but no path came to mind. It seemed impossible to even enter their base while maintaining Zieghart's full strength, let alone launch a surprise attack.
'Grandfather could probably do anything, but it's impossible for me right now.'
If Glenn were to move directly, he could probably cut the Kraken and the White Blood Religion Headquarters in half, but Raon himself didn't possess that level of martial prowess yet.
'The moment I approach their headquarters and start raising my aura, either the First Apostle or the Leader of the White Blood Religion will come rushing out.'
Given enough time, he could probably cut down the Kraken with a single strike. However, the moment he started raising his extreme aura to do so, the Leader of the White Blood Religion would undoubtedly notice and come flying to grab his neck.
'Magic probably isn't much different, is it?'
With magic too, if one were to use mana, they would detect the location from within the White Blood Religion and either move the Kraken or send out an apostle. He couldn't understand how they were planning to attack the headquarters.
'What would you do?'
Raon turned his gaze to Wrath, who was touching Haerang's tail.
-What do you mean, what I would do?
Wrath raised his brightly shining hand as if it were simple.
-I'll just freeze that octopus and the city together, then shatter them.
He confidently shook his chin, saying he could freeze the city along with the Kraken using his own power, despite its size.
-The harder part would be figuring out how to eat the frozen octopus after bringing it out. Since it's quite large, the texture of chewing the flesh would be nice. Maybe we should start with sashimi?
Wrath smacked his lips at length, seemingly only thinking about eating the Kraken.
"Sigh...."
Raon couldn't help but let out a sigh.
'This guy is no help at all.'
The opinions of those who had surpassed even transcendence, like Wrath or Glenn, were of no help to an ordinary person like himself.
-You're not ordinary either! If other people heard that, they'd throw stones at you!
Wrath waved his hand dismissively, telling him not to talk nonsense.
"It's difficult to create an environment for a surprise attack like we initially thought. They'll notice immediately if magic or aura is activated."
Evelyn shook her finger left and right, as if she had read his thoughts.
"However, I think we can make those mosquitoes who are building up their strength at the bottom of the sea fight on equal terms with us."
She nodded, saying it was complicated but had a high chance of success.
"What's that method?"
Raon approached Evelyn, asking her to explain.
"Hmm...."
Evelyn crossed her arms, closed her eyes tightly, then slowly opened her eyelids.
"I can't explain it."
"What?"
Raon blinked blankly.
"If it's because I'm not familiar with magic...."
"It's not that. As I said earlier, we need to create a new type of magic that hasn't existed until now."
Evelyn smiled faintly, saying it wasn't because she was dismissing him.
"I haven't even thought of all the preliminary sketches to draw on the canvas yet, so it's difficult to explain."
She shook her head, saying that the explanation itself wasn't easy.
"But there is one thing I want to tell you."
Evelyn raised her finger and pointed at herself.
"It's thanks to you that I came up with the magic that can draw out the White Blood Religion."
"Thanks to me?"
Raon tilted his head, looking at Evelyn's finger.
"You mentioned that the Kraken has camouflage like an octopus, remember? I already knew that, but your words became the clue to creating new magic."
It seemed she had gotten a hint when he explained the octopus's camouflage to Wrath and then told the same story to Evelyn and Roenn.
"It'll take some time, but I'm sure we can do it. Especially with those people around."
Evelyn smiled mysteriously, seemingly planning to get help from others.
"Now that we've identified the location and condition of the White Blood Religion Headquarters, and found a way to draw them out, it's time to head back."
Roenn laughed, saying it seemed like it was time to leave.
"Hmm...."
Raon smacked his lips as he looked at the small villa they had built in a corner of the city to avoid suspicion.
"Why? Are you disappointed that you can't play with me in that villa?"
Evelyn nudged him with her shoulder, asking if he wanted to stay and play a bit longer.
"Absolutely not."
Raon shook his head with a sigh.
"We need someone to manage that place."
It seemed they would need to ask Lawaine to send someone to look after the house, as suddenly disappearing after building it might raise suspicions.
"So cold."
Evelyn pouted, as if disappointed that he had different thoughts from her.
"But we can come back after taking down the White Blood Religion, right?"
She quickly brightened up, grinning as she suggested returning after destroying the White Blood Religion.
"Kyarung?"
Haerang raised its sad-looking eyes, as if it hadn't expected them to leave so soon.
"We'll be back soon. So, I have a favor to ask you...."
Raon stroked Haerang's head as it floated in the sea.
"Can you keep track of where the Kraken and the white city move to?"
He held Haerang's hand, saying it was crucial because everything would be for nothing if the White Blood Religion Headquarters disappeared from beneath the valley.
"Kyaooooo!"
Haerang let out a cute cry, looking up at the sky as if to say it could be counted on.
-That one's quite adorable.
Wrath nodded, saying he liked it, perhaps because he had seen Haerang's will and courage.
-I'd like to take it to the Devildom and raise it later.
He smacked his lips, saying he wanted to touch Haerang's fur and tail himself. He really seemed to find it cute.
'It feels different from ordinary animals, but it's even more pleasant.'
Just as Raon was explaining the sensation of touching Haerang.
[You have achieved communication with a high-level spirit and soul.]
[Your soul's rank has greatly increased.]
[The grade of the trait
Messages appeared saying that thanks to Haerang, his soul's rank had increased and the grade of his Soul Sword had risen.
"Wow...."
Raon let out a hollow laugh while still holding Haerang's front paw.
'This guy is really a lucky charm, isn't it?'
He hadn't expected the grade of his Soul Sword to rise just from giving a name to the sea spirit because it was inconvenient to call and having a conversation with it.
-Ugh....
Wrath's jaw trembled as he looked at the message, as if he couldn't believe it.
-How is this possible! Why are you suddenly getting rewards!
'I guess people really should live kindly.'
He couldn't help but smile, thinking it seemed like a reward for not destroying Haerang and trying to save it somehow.
-You mutt!
Wrath screamed, calling Haerang, whom he had just called cute, a mutt.
-I don't want to see you anymore, so get lost!
"Kyaong!"
Haerang just let out a happy cry, unable to hear Wrath's words.
***
The 10th Apostle stood like a statue at the watchtower overlooking the sea outside the headquarters, scanning the area. As he stood there, the back door opened and the First Apostle entered.
"10th Apostle."
The First Apostle called out, throwing some documents onto the floor of the watchtower.
"Why are you here?"
He frowned, asking why an apostle was standing guard in the watchtower.
"Two days ago, some dead fish appeared and were caught by the Kraken."
The 10th Apostle spoke without turning around.
"The 9th Apostle died, and the Blood Spirit Ship was broken. I thought it might not be a coincidence, so I wanted to check personally."
He nodded slightly, saying he was standing guard to prepare for any possible situation.
"So, has this possible situation you're worried about appeared?"
The First Apostle twisted his lips, as if mocking the 10th Apostle.
"Nothing has happened yet."
The 10th Apostle shook his head, saying nothing had appeared.
"You're overreacting."
The First Apostle clicked his tongue as he looked out at the vast sea.
"Even if the 9th Apostle was stupid enough to die for not knowing his place, he wouldn't have revealed the secrets of this place."
He dusted off his hands, saying it was a waste of effort.
"Thanks to you doing this, I hear the bishops' work is being delayed. Come back after you've had your fun."
The First Apostle turned his back, making footsteps as if telling him to return after he'd had enough.
"Besides, unlike that guy who crossed the wall, you're still just a Grandmaster. You should focus on your training now."
He left a piece of advice, or perhaps a warning, telling him not to waste time like this and to at least swing his spear once, before descending the tower.
"..."
The 10th Apostle continued to watch the sea without moving, even after the First Apostle had left.
"10th Apostle."
He only turned his gaze when a blonde Archbishop came to find him after another two days had passed.
"Has it been four days?"
"Yes, exactly four days."
The blonde Archbishop nodded, saying it was the promised time.
"I see."
The 10th Apostle nodded calmly and turned around for the first time.
"Let's go back."
He let out a short breath, as if his suspicions had disappeared, and descended the tower. Despite not moving a finger for four days, his steps were frighteningly firm.
"Yes!"
The Archbishop let out a sigh of relief and followed behind the 10th Apostle.
The 10th Apostle and the Archbishop, who had already turned their backs, failed to notice the blue eyes of a young wolf trying to peer inside from beyond the barrier.
Grrrr.
***
Raon immediately returned to Zieghart and went to the Lord's Manor where Glenn was waiting.
"I've come to see the Head of House...."
"That's enough."
Glenn waved his hand dismissively, as if to say greetings weren't necessary, as he leaned back from his throne. Many wrinkles that hadn't been seen before were etched on his forehead, as if he had been worrying a lot.
"Well. Is everyone unharmed?"
Glenn lowered his gaze, seeming more concerned about the condition of Raon, Roenn, and Evelyn than the details of the mission. He looked like a completely different person from the time when he was called the Destructive King of the North and exuded cold energy.
"We had a comfortable trip thanks to Raon."
Roenn nodded, laughing heartily.
"It's just a shame I couldn't enjoy traveling with Raon."
Evelyn waved her finger, saying everything else was good except for that.
"We didn't clash with the White Blood Religion at all."
Raon straightened his back, saying there had been no problems whatsoever.
"Then, did you find the Blood Demons' headquarters?"
"Yes, we found it."
He nodded, saying they had found it by luck.
"Hmm...."
Glenn rarely widened his eyes, as if he hadn't really expected them to find it.
"However, it wasn't in the location I originally thought, but somewhere else. It might be in a different place by the time we go there later."
Raon smacked his lips, saying it could be in a different location now.
"What do you mean?"
"To explain in detail...."
"Just a moment!"
As he was about to explain what had happened to Glenn, Evelyn raised her hand and stepped forward.
"Grandfather. Can you contact Chamber and the Mage Tower Master right now?"
"If it's really important, I can call them."
Glenn raised his eyebrow slightly at being called 'grandfather' but nodded.
"Whether they answer or not is another matter."
He tapped the armrest of his throne with his finger, saying they might not be able to answer if they were busy or doing something else.
"Then could you call them? There's something I want to explain to them as well."
Evelyn clasped her hands together, telling Glenn it was absolutely necessary.
"It is necessary."
Raon nodded at Glenn.
"Oh, grandfather."
Evelyn took a step closer to Glenn, her voice laced with a playful tone.
"I-I'll call them, so don't come any closer!"
Glenn quickly waved his hands, as if he found Evelyn burdensome.
"Wait a moment."
He took out a round box from his chest and touched two spots on it. As a strange resonance burst forth, two blue windows appeared above the box.
[W-What's this! Has Zieghart been attacked? Why the emergency call!]
Chamber, who had been sitting with her feet on the desk and a candy in her mouth, fell over in surprise at the beeping sound and shouted.
[Ugh, uuuugh.]
On the opposite window, the image of Larian, the Mage Tower Master, groaning like a zombie from a king-size bed was captured.
"Raon and Evelyn asked me to call, so I used the emergency network."
Glenn calmly nodded, saying he had used the emergency line because a formal call would take too long.
[You crazy old man! Even if you're busy, how could you!]
Chamber gritted her teeth, asking if he had really gone senile.
[Ugh, too... tired... ow....]
Larian mumbled something incomprehensible as she crawled out of bed like a slug.
[What's wrong with you!]
[I-I haven't slept for a week.]
She panted, saying she had been up for a week and had fallen asleep less than an hour ago.
"Just listen. Raon has something he wants to say."
Glenn showed Raon, who was standing below the platform, to Chamber and Larian as if telling him to start now.
-To burst the emergency network that's only used for crises....
Wrath lowered his eyebrows as if he couldn't believe it.
-Even the Nadine bread old man isn't normal.
He shook his head, saying there wasn't a single normal person in this household. Raon couldn't refute that.
[It better not be trivial!]
[Uuuugh....]
Chamber gritted her teeth in anger, while Larian let out a groan, seemingly still sleepy, as they looked at Raon.
"First of all, are there any other people near you two right now?"
Raon asked, looking at Chamber and Larian.
[I'm alone in my office.]
Chamber said she was alone, waving her half-eaten candy.
[I-I'm in my bedroom....]
Larian pulled up her blanket with teddy bears on it, as if embarrassed.
"Then please put up a mana barrier to prevent sound from escaping and listen to my story. I...."
Raon began explaining from the time he went out to sea with Lawaine to catch the sea wolf.
"After that, we set out again to find the headquarters...."
Just as he was about to mention leaving for the sea again with Evelyn after returning to Zieghart, a square white window appeared from Evelyn's hand with a whirring sound, and scenes they had directly experienced began to play.
"This is...."
"I put a recording spell on my eyes. It's easier to understand if you see it with your own eyes."
Evelyn smiled faintly, displaying the video of that time whenever she explained something.
[Um....]
[But why do we only see Raon?]
Larian and Chamber frowned, saying that all they could see through Evelyn's perspective was Raon's face.
"Because Raon was in front of me."
Evelyn shrugged her shoulders, not seeming embarrassed at all.
[Kids these days are scary....]
[Mmm....]
Chamber and Larian rubbed their goosebump-covered arms as if they felt more embarrassed themselves.
"It's about to start now."
In Evelyn's video, which had only been showing Raon, the White Blood Religion Headquarters submerged deep in the sea appeared.
[Ha! They've hidden like dogs. No wonder we couldn't find them.]
Chamber let out a hollow laugh, saying she hadn't expected the White Blood Religion to be under the sea.
[A-A Kraken big enough to carry a city....]
Larian took a deep breath, wondering how it could withstand the pressure of the deep sea with such a huge body.
"Under the sea...."
Glenn furrowed his brow, as if he thought they couldn't take advantage of their information superiority.
[Even if we attack first, it's meaningless in a place like that.]
Chamber clicked her tongue, saying that even decent martial artists or magicians wouldn't be able to use their power in such deep waters.
[Judging by the magic, there are many things that reduce the power of magic and aura. If we attack from afar, the Kraken might move and escape....]
Larian also frowned, saying it didn't seem easy to attack.
"That's why we need to step in."
Evelyn stepped forward with a grin.
[How?]
[D-Do you have a way?]
Chamber and Larian narrowed their eyes as they looked at Evelyn.
"As you saw in the video, the Kraken uses octopus camouflage. It's even stronger than the original species characteristics. You two obviously know that octopuses are cephalopods, right?"
Evelyn waved her finger with a smile.
[Species characteristics and cephalopods... Oh!]
[Ah, could it be....]
The two of them widened their eyes round, as if they had realized what Evelyn meant.
"Yes. That method should make them come out on their own."
Evelyn nodded with a smile.
"However, there's a lot to prepare. It's not just connecting one or two spells."
She reached out her hand, saying she needed the help of the two.
[Sounds good. It's been a while since I've had fun.]
Chamber nodded, saying she was getting excited.
[Yes! It sounds interesting.]
Larian also threw away the blanket covering her face and came forward. It seemed all her sleepiness was forgotten now that an interesting magic had come up.
"You two probably know better, but let's start by organizing the necessary magic. I think we should start with magic that enhances animal instincts...."
[No, we should prepare magic to break barriers first.]
[I-I think we should start with summoning....]
The three of them started discussing magic as if they had already begun working.
"Huh...."
Raon let out a hollow breath as he watched Evelyn, Larian, and Chamber seriously debating.
'Was it really possible?'
When Evelyn had asked him to trust her, he had been worried, but seeing them engaged in such a serious discussion now, it seemed highly possible.
"Raon."
As Raon was blankly listening to the magicians' conversation, Glenn approached him.
"It seems you've grown again in the meantime."
Glenn patted his shoulder with a gentle smile, as if he had noticed that Raon's Soul Sword had reached an even higher level.
"I was lucky."
Raon shook his head calmly.
"I just gave a name to the sea spirit because it was inconvenient to call it, and had a conversation with it, but the level of my Soul Sword increased."
"It's not luck. Your actions and nature have influenced your swordsmanship."
Glenn shook his head, saying it wasn't something that could be attributed to luck alone.
"...Thank you."
Raon bowed his head, saying he was grateful for Glenn's words.
"The magicians' conversation won't end quickly, so return to the annex first."
Glenn curled his lips as he turned his gaze towards the direction of the annex building.
"An important guest has arrived for you."