Raon opened the status window to check what he had received before leaving the cave.
Status Window
Name: Raon Zieghart.
Title: âThe King of Destructionâ.
State: Curse of Frost (Two Strands)
Trait: Wrath, Sloth, Ring of Fire (Six-Stars), Water Resistance (Five-Stars), Perception of the Snow Flower (Three-Stars), Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation (Four-Stars), Glacier (Four-Stars), Fire Resistance (Three-Stars), Bleeding Curse (One-Star), Backstab (Two-Star), Iron Will (Two-Star), Adaptation to Ghastly Energy (One-Star), Focus (One-Star).
__
Strength: 138
Agility: 134
Stamina: 132
Energy: 136
Perception: 152
Wrath: 25
He managed to achieve an incredible amount of growth in the last three weeks at the Central Martial Palace. It would be a lot easier for him to defeat Holline now.
âTwo strands, huhâŠâ
There were only two out of nine original strands of the Curse of Frost left. He could assume that it would disappear completely once he reached Master level.
âItâs already good enough, so once it actually disappears entirelyâŠâ
The speed of his mana control would reach the next level. It was something to look forward to, since it was another way of getting stronger besides becoming a Master.
âThenâŠâ
Raon opened the King of Destruction title that heâd recently obtained.
King of Destruction
Title given to one who completely destroys everything they see.
Effect: Strength is increased by 6% upon destroying something.
Raonâs jaw dropped upon reading the description.
That 6% increase meant that he would gain an additional 8.28 strength on top of his current 138, resulting in 146 strengthâs worth of power.
And while the increase was 8 for now, the amount would go up according to his strength, meaning that the title was more effective the stronger he got.
AhâŠ
Wrath drooped like a wet towel in contrast to Raonâs delight.
Itâs too painful. Has life always been so painful?
He was spacing out while saying strange things. It seemed he was in bad condition after not seeing the sun for two weeks.
Why do I have to keep on living while being extorted and locked upâŠ
âWe will go outside soon enough. Letâs go out and eat some delicious food.â
You are right!
Wrath became energetic in an instant as he stretched.
What are you doing? Go outside right now!
ââŠâŠâ
Although Raon did it on purpose, he was too easy to manipulate. It was almost scary how easy it was. Raon couldnât believe he was really the monarch of Wrath.
âAlright, letâs go.â
Raon started to leave, then stopped and turned around. He looked around at the marks of his ancestor, the ones that heâd erased.
âI guess I will meet you again.â
Hoping to meet the blonde swordsman that seemed to guide him once again, Raon walked towards the exit of the cave.
His body felt heavy from overworking himself without sleeping, but he felt more light-hearted than ever.
* * *
Urek narrowed his eyes, looking at the caves that Raon and Burren would be leaving soon.
âI wish the palace master were here.â
Karoon Zieghart ended the conflict as soon as he arrived in the troubled region, but he hadnât returned to the Central Martial Palace because he had to stay there for an extra week in accordance with Glennâs new orders.
Therefore, Urek had no choice but wait in front of the cave alongside Reff, Holline, and the other relatively powerful swordsmen that still remained in the Central Martial Palace.
At around noon, he could hear someone walking out of the fifth cave. Soon enough, Burren stepped out with a frown, his face slightly pale.
âItâs more dazzling than I thought.â
As Burren raised his hand to block the sunlight, he felt like a completely different person from two weeks ago. It seemed he did his best at training inside a cave with a distorted flow of mana.
Urek slowly nodded at Burren.
âHe is indeed amazing.â
As expected of his son.
Burren was truly praiseworthy, as he kept training inside the cave that most swordsmen just wasted their time in.
âGeneral Administrator.â
Upon noticing Urek, Burren walked up to him and bowed. He was still frowning as his eyes became accustomed to the light.
âGood job.â
âIs Raon still inside?â
âYes. Are you going to wait?â
âNo, itâs not necessary. He mustâve gotten stronger anyway.â
âIn that case, why are you leaving?â
âBecause Raon is Raon, and I am me.â
Burren shook his head while smiling slightly. He was still confident and relaxed, despite having witnessed the spar between Raon and Holline. His unwavering eyes made him think that he was indeed a descendent of the Central Martial Palace master.
âYouâve grown up.â
Although he used to be an egocentric kid, he had already grown up to be a big and sturdy warrior. The other officers also gave a big nod at Burrenâs confidence.
âYou shall rest, then. Iâll give you a two-day break.â
âThank you.â
He looked at the first cave for a moment before heading towards his residence in the Central Martial Palace.
Although three hours passed after Burren left, Raon still hadnât come out. It was as Urek started wondering whether he needed to enter the dreadful cave once again that it happened.
Whaam!
The sound of an explosion and a heavy vibration came from the first cave. While it sounded like a collapsing mountain, it was accompanied by the sawing sound of a rock.
âG-General Administrator!â
âNo way, d-did that crazy bastard reallyâŠâ
Urek and Reffâs hands were trembling as they met each otherâs eyes. The same thing came up in their minds in that instant.
âThat damn King of Destruction, heâs even destroying the cave!â
It wasnât a guess, since they were sure the crazy bastard was destroying the cave with his destructive instincts.
âArghâŠâ
Urek ground his teeth. The Central Martial Palace had already lost 9713 gold because of him, yet he was even destroying the cave now. He couldnât believe such a nutcase could even exist.
âG-General Administer, shouldn't we go in?â
âShouldnât we stop him from doing that?â
Reff and the officers pointed at the cave, which sounded like it was collapsing, with trembling eyes.
âNo. We will wait.â
Urek shook his head. It was pointless to enter a collapsing cave just to be buried inside.
âAs he likely isnât trying to kill himself, he should stop his destruction soon enough and come out.â
Slam! Baam!
However, the collapsing sound of the cave continued for over ten minutes.
âThat crazy bastard! How much is he trying to destroy?â
It was ridiculous that he was trying to destroy the entire mountain. Thinking about what sort of grudge Raon could be holding against the cave, Urek felt like a hole was pierced into his brain from going out of his mind.
âGeneral Administrator!â
âWhat is that sound?â
âAre enemies attacking?â
The swordsmen that were in the Central Martial Palace came running at them after hearing the sound, their weapons in hand.
âItâs not a big deal, so return to your routines.â
He ordered them to return, telling them that it was just a collapsing caveâthey werenât helpful against Raon, anyway.
RumbleâŠ
Once the officers were once again the only ones remaining in front of the cave, the ear splitting sound and vibration stopped from the first cave.
âDid he die? Or is he coming out?â
Urek waited while praying for the former to be true, and small footsteps could be heard from inside the cave. And the man that made that racket appeared soon enough.
âGasp!â
Urek saw Raonâs shoes, covered in dust, and looked up. His skin crawled upon meeting his eyes.
âThose eyesâŠâ
The red eyes, as serene and as deep as a lake in the middle of the night, were those of a complete expert. He realized that the crazy monster had grown once again during that short time period.
âHow does this make any sense?â
He thought getting stronger through crises and hardships was only possible in those old novels, yet he was witnessing it with his own eyes. His hair stood on end.
âIâve completed my abstinence.â
Raon walked up to him and bowed politely. Although he did all kinds of crazy things, he acted politely at times like that.
âWh-What was that sound from the cave just now?â
Urek wiped off his sweat and pointed at the first cave.
âAh, the cave suddenly started to collapse. I barely managed to avoid it myself.â
âArghâŠâ
He smoothed his hand over his chest in relief, murmuring that he seriously couldâve died. Since Urek could tell that he was obviously acting, he unconsciously clenched his fist.
âWerenât you the one that destroyed it?â
âWhy would I destroy the cave? I would have to want to be buried under it. Moreover, the general administrator should know better than anyone that itâs impossible to properly control the mana in there.â
âAhemâŠâ
Urek wrinkled his nose. He was right, but he was fully capable of destroying the cave without using mana.
âThank you for coming to see me at the end of my abstinence.â
Raonâs pressure was already dominating the space with his eyes shone red.
âHmmâŠâ
Holline took a step back and started sweating from his temples, despite having fought him in equal grounds two weeks ago.
âRaon Zieghart, huhâŠâ
Urek licked his lips. Raonâs usual composure could be easily mistaken for him having never learned any martial arts before, but his true nature was as huge and violent as a tidal wave.
âHe really is impressiveâŠâ
It wasnât just his prowessâhis willpower and craftiness were also far beyond his age.
He was on a completely different level from Burren, who he had admired earlier.
âWhat a shame.â
The more he saw him, the more regrettable it feltâhaving him on their side would be greatly helpful in making Karoon the head of house.
âShall I make a suggestion?â
No matter how excellent Raon was, he was just an individual. Meanwhile, the Central Martial Palace was one of the most powerful organizations in Zieghart. Urek figured that, if he reached out to him, he would have no choice but to accept it.
âI can explain it to the palace master later.â
If Raon begged for mercy from the bottom of his heart, Karoon should also accept it. After all, he also knew that Raonâs talent could be called unprecedented.
And if he ended up refusing, he could just kick him out.
âRaon Zieghart.â
âYes.â
âI know why you chose the Central Martial Palace for your internship.â
Urek stood in front of Raon with his hands behind his back.
âBut that choice was the worst possible strategy. The damage you inflicted is no more than a speck for the Central Martial Palace.â
They actually suffered a lot financially, but he forced himself to look as if it were nothing.
âThe Central Martial Palace is the strongest armed organization of Zieghart, and Sir Karoon is tolerant enough to accept you. Beg for his forgiveness and join the Central Martial Palace. That is the best choice that I can offer you.â
Since Raon wasnât a fool, Urek figured that would be enough to convince him.
âForgiveness, huhâŠâ
Raon snickered.
âWhat mistake have I made to beg for forgiveness?â
âWhat?â
âYou said I have to beg for forgiveness. I asked you what mistake I made to need it.â
âTh-ThatâsâŠâ
There was nothing he could say. Raon had never actually done anything wrong, and it was Karoon that one-sidedly hated him and held him in check.
âY-You should know better than anyone else!â
âIs that so?â
Raon tilted his head and smiled faintly. His eyes suggested he was skimming over all his thoughts.
âThank you for the suggestion, but I canât accept it.â
âHow foolish! This is the last chance given to you. If you submit to Sir Karoon, a silk road is pretty much waiting aheadâŠâ
âI donât care about chance or whatnot. Thereâs no way a hatchling would serve a drake that couldnât even become a dragon. That would be embarrassing.â
âWhat?â
âY-You are insane!â
âWhat did that bastard say just now?â
The officers started trembling upon hearing that.
âArghâŠâ
Urekâs eyes widened, to the point that they seemed likely to tear apart. Raon compared himself to a dragon, and Karoon to a drake, to tell him that he couldnât join him because they were on different levels.
âThis guy is seriously nutsâŠâ
The insolence was preposterous, but he was unable to refute for some reason.
In fact, Raon personally came to the Central Martial Palace to pick a fight, and Karoon had been trying to nip the young bud despite being in a much more superior position.
âHmmâŠâ
Cold sweat flew down Urekâs back as he felt the huge potential Raon had.
âIâm leaving, then.â
Raon bowed once again, walking past Urek and the officers.
âYouâd better be careful, as the arrogant ones usually donât last long around here.â
âIâll keep that in mind. Ah, thank you for putting me in there. I managed to get stronger.â
Raon waved his hand and went to his lodgings.
âArgh!â
Urek sent a killing glare at Raonâs back before turning his head to the officers.
âForget everything that bastard said. If the master ends up hearing about this, he is going to kill us all, on top of that bastard.â
âAh, yes!â
âU-Understood.â
The officers lowered their heads and trembled.
âHaaâŠâ
Urek clenched his fist, looking at the first cave.
âI should deal with him quickly, before he gets even stronger or causes more troubleâŠâ
* * *
[Translator â Kyangi]
[Proofreader â Harley]
* * *
After making fun of Urek, Raon returned to his lodgings to wash himself, then sat at the bed.
Raon Zieghart!
Wrath popped up from the bracelet.
âWhyâŠ?â
Since he took a warm shower after being unable to sleep for over ten days straight, his strength had left his body and his voice sounded weak.
Letâs go to the cafeteria right now! Youâd better order every food that the King of Essence asks for!
He smiled in excitement, tap dancing with his arms.
âYes, I shall. I know I should, butâŠâ
Raon couldnât finish his answer, collapsing on the bed. Because heâd been continuously using Flame Spirit in the cave, then waged psychological warfare against Urek, he had no energy left in him to stay awake. He closed his eyes just like that and fell asleep.
âŠâŠ
Although the lodgings used to be filled with Wrathâs anticipation, the sound of Raonâs breathing was the only thing that could be heard now.
Hey! You bastard! How can you do this to me?
Wrath stopped tap dancing with his arms and used them to smack Raonâs head.
âHmmâŠâ
Raon opened his eyes for a moment to lay down properly and cover himself with a blanket so that he could start sleeping.
I-I knew this would happen! I knew it!
Humans were the true evil, since even devils kept their promises. And that bastard was the worst of them all.
Grrr, once you wake upâŠ
As Wrath was grinding his teeth, a message appeared in front of Raon.
[You held back your sleep to the extreme limit.
Your sleepâs quality is increased to the maximum with the effect of Focus.]
Raon was unable to read the message, falling into an even deeper sleep.
Hmm.
Wrath licked his lips, poking his head out of the message.
For some reason, I have a bad feeling about thisâŠ
* * *
Raon opened his eyes, and vitality dashed through his body like a raging fire.
He couldnât feel the usual drowsiness from waking up in the morning at all, and a vitality that heâd never felt before was filling his entire body.
âHuhâŠâ
Raon laughed bitterly. He couldnât believe that he was having the most refreshing morning of his life in the Central Martial Palace.
You bastaaaaard!
Wrath soared from the bracelet and started spreading coldness everywhere.
You broke your promise with the King of Essence once again and slept for two whole days!
âPromise?â
You said you would eat delicious food right after exiting the cave!
âI didnât say right after, but in a moment.â
Thatâs the same thing!
âItâs actually different in the human world.â
What?
âFor example, if one said âletâs have a meal together soon.â, when do you think that would be?â
Hmm, in about a week, I guess?
Wrath scratched his chin and raised his head.
âWrong. They will never meet each other, or it will take multiple months.â
What?
âThe expression I mentioned earlier, about having a meal together soon, means that they will never actually meet with each other againâor if they do, it will take a very long time.â
Huh�
Wrathâs eyes widened upon hearing the sudden explanation.
âWhat Iâm saying is that I didnât exactly break the promise, since we can just go now. Am I wrong?â
Well, i-if thatâs how it works in the human worldâŠ
Although Wrath used to be angry, his eyes turned blank as he started nodding.
âGood. Letâs go.â
Raon snickered and quickly washed himself before heading to the cafeteria. Since the Central Martial Palace had many members, the cafeteria was also large, and people were allowed to order any menu item they wanted.
Since it was already past mealtime, there werenât that many warriors inside the cafeteria.
First of all, the smoked stir-fried duck, seafood stew mix, oven-baked vegetables, and cream shrimp. ThenâŠ
ââŠâŠâ
Wrath was mentioning so many menu items that it was difficult to memorize them. Although Raon was hungry, he didnât feel like he would be able to eat all that.
âHowever, I did make a promise.â
Since Wrath waited patiently despite multiple troublesome incidents, Raon decided to eat that much for him and ordered everything he said.
While waiting for the food to be ready, he remembered that the usual message didnât appear.
âI didnât get a message about my stats increasing from Slothâs effect today.â
There was a message about increasing your sleepâs quality with Slothâs effect while you were sleeping. The system mustâve been focusing on that.
Wrath mumbled that it was a relief that nothing special happened and grinned.
âIs that why I feel so refreshed?â
Raon nodded, clenching and opening his fist. His body was still full of vitality, probably thanks to the increased quality of sleep that the message Wrath mentioned referred to.
You should be satisfied with having a good sleep, since wanting some stats on top of that would be unreasonable. A human canât fully utilize a demon kingâs power.
Wrath clicked his tongue, telling him that a demon kingâs power wasnât easy to use.
âFood is ready!â
As Raon was halfheartedly listening to Wrathâs nagging, dishes came from the kitchen one by one.
Although he wasnât particularly thinking about food, his mouth watered as he smelled that delicious fragrance.
You are nothing but a novice that canât use the demon kingâs power yet. Stop trying to find an easy way to increase your stats and start eating already. For now, the King of Essence wants the stewâŠ
Wrath pointed at the stew while trying to annoy him, and a message appeared.
[The efficiency calculation has finished.
The quality of sleep that was increased to the maximum enhanced Slothâs abilities.
All stats have increased.]
Raonâs eyes sparkled upon reading the message. Wrathâs mouth shut tight.
âHuh?â
I lost my appetiteâŠ
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