Federick came up to him with his eyebrows lowered in worry.
âItâs a bit different from my expectations, but I think I can.â
Raon nodded, then took his hand off Enciaâs wrist. Once Glacierâs coldness left her, she started to groan once again.
âHeavenly Blade division leader.â
âHmm?â
âIâm sorry, but can you find me a transparent glass bottle with a lid?â
âOkay.â
Sheryl left the room without questioning the request. Raon mustâve gained quite a bit of trust through the last incident.
âSir Saint, please watch Lady Enciaâs condition. Iâm going to need to gather some aura.â
âSure, I can do that much.â
Seeing that Federick had grabbed Enciaâs wrist, Raon sat on the ground and closed his eyes.
âI need to use both Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier.â
He needed all threeâRing of Fire, Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation, and Glacierâin order to absorb the hell wormâs energy and remove it alive. Even though the Evil Eye of Wrath was difficult to use, it would allow him to precisely locate where the hell worm was hiding.
Raon circulated the Ten Thousand Flames Circulation while drawing the image of removing the hell worm in his mind with his eyes closed. All three energies were important, but the Five-Star Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation was the protagonist of the day.
Whir!
He activated the formerly stiff Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and opened his eyes. Sheryl had already returned, and a glass bottle was placed on the table.
âA-Are you starting it now?â
âYes. Everything will be done once you wake up from a short sleep.â
Raon smiled, pressing down slightly on a specific place on the back of Enciaâs neck. She briefly groaned before closing her eyes, her head hanging down.
âIâm going to begin. Sir Saint should improve Lady Enciaâs vitality.â
âI donât even remember the last time I assisted in a treatment.â
Federick put his hand on Enciaâs shoulder while standing on the other side of Raon. He had apparently decided to trust him until the end since it had already started.
Whir!
Raon gently controlled Glacierâs coldness, as if he were dealing with a baby, and inserted it inside Enciaâs mana circuit.
Even though it looked like he was cooling down Enciaâs body and starting from the bottom, he didnât completely fill her mana circuit with coldnessâhe left the bottom part empty. That space was going to be the passage to enable him to absorb the hell wormâs energy.
Tssh!
Glacierâs pure coldness cooled down her mana circuits one after the other. The moment it was headed to Enciaâs neck, the hell worm came out of hiding to spread heat.
âUuhâŠâ
Although Encia was put to sleep, her body was shivering. Raon could feel the hell wormâs heat even though her wrist was the only contact he had.
âItâs only getting started.â
Raon resonated with the Ring of Fire to increase his focus to control the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation. The Five-Star Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation smoothly seeped into the empty space of Enciaâs mana circuit, the area that had been filled with Glacier.
Whir!
Raon sent the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation to the mana circuit in Enciaâs head, pretending it was the hell wormâs heat. The hell worm was only paying attention to the coldness, while believing that the pure heat from the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation belonged to it.
âI knew it!â
It was going according to plan. He needed to progress to the second stage.
Whir!
Raon used Absorption, which became available once Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation reached five-stars.
âI can devour its heat by using this technique.â
The Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs Absorption was a special technique capable of absorbing heat. Even though it wasnât capable of taking a lot of energy at once, it was a perfect ability against opponents like hell worms, which slowly spread heat around.
Whir!
He controlled Absorption at an extremely slow pace to take in the hell wormâs heat.
The heat neatly piled up in his lower energy center, which had enough room to spare after he became a Master, resulting in a faster recovery speed for his body.
Whap!
The hell worm kept emanating heat without even realizing it was getting taken away.
âItâs pretty much a frog in boiling water.â
The frog would jump out right away if it were placed inside boiling water, but it wouldnât realize the danger if the waterâs temperature gradually increased until it was boiled to death.
The hell worm was no different from that frog. Forcing it to continuously emit heat would leave it empty once it exhausted its power.
âAnd I just need to absorb all of it.â
All the wasted energy from the hell worm became Raonâs aura and stamina, without any exceptions, while even increasing his proficiency in Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation. It was pretty much an elixir getting automatically absorbed.
While feeling the exhilaration of his injuries getting healed and Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs aura being accumulated, Raon easily took in the hell wormâs heat.
Once three hours had passed, the hell wormâs heat had become significantly weaker, and Raonâs energy center was completely full of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs energy.
âItâs even more than before.â
He could only laugh. He was still injured, yet he already had much more aura than before he fought against the Masters.
âHeâs going to be pretty angry once he finds out.â
The hell worm developed by Derus Robert through dozens of years of research became an extremely delicious elixir for Raon. A smile appeared on Raonâs face from the joy of having completely shattered his plan.
How is this even happening?
Wrath popped out from the bracelet and ground his teeth.
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Are you even obtaining power from a worm now? Why does the entire world crave giving you all of the power?
He pounded his chest while blaming the unfair world.
Take care of the King of Essence now!
âIâll take care of you later, so calm down for now.â
Raon stopped the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs Absorption while leaving Glacier on one side only.
âI need to finish it now.â
âHaaâŠâ
He secretly caught his breath and pulled out his wrath to focus on his eyes.
Creak!
Once he thought he wanted to see the hell worm inside Enciaâs head, his vision became capable of seeing inside of her head. A very small red worm was extending its body on top of an unidentifiable membrane located inside her skull.
âIt became even more grotesque than before.â
The hell worm had a repulsive appearance, with four teeth protruding from its mouth and ten legs as sharp as thorns attached to its body. It was trembling significantly, like a man panting from exhaustion.
âIt must be hungry, since it lost a lot of energy.â
The hell worm had used up most of its heat. Since the despondency shouldâve been unbearable, it was bound to be attracted to the heat.
Raon brought Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs heat, which had achieved an even higher purity, around Enciaâs head. He controlled the auraâs movement while examining the hell wormâs state through the Evil Eye of Wrath.
âItâs moving.â
The hell worm carefully moved its legs upon feeling the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs heat. It moved towards Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs location while paying attention to Glacier, which was located in the mana circuit on the other side.
âIâm glad I took it out in advance.â
The hell worm moved away from where it had been staying for several years, following Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs aura to the lower part.
Raon controlled the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivationâs energy like a fishing pole to lure a fish, slowly making the worm move down. Thanks to the Evil Eye of Wrath, it wasnât difficult to lead the hell worm to the exit.
âHmmâŠâ
His head was hurting, probably because his body wasnât suited to use the Evil Eye of Wrath, but he endured the pain to maintain his focus in order to lead the hell worm towards Enciaâs nasal cavity.
âItâs almost there.â
Raon opened his eyes and looked at Enciaâs nose. The moment the tip of her nose trembled slightly, he put his finger inside to grab the hell worm.
âHeavenly Blade leader!â
âI got it!â
Sheryl immediately realized what he wanted, throwing the glass bottle in her hands at him. Raon caught it right away, putting the hell worm inside before closing the lid.
Tap Tap Tap!
The hell worm finally realized it had been tricked. It started to scratch the hell out of the bottle. The way the ten legs wriggled at the same time was extremely creepy.
âIâm glad sheâs sleeping now.â
Raon sighed while looking at Encia. No matter how cool her personality was, she was bound to be shocked if she saw the worm coming out of her nose. Making her fall asleep before starting the treatment was the correct decision.
âW-Was this inside Enciaâs body?â
Federick came next to him with his eyes wide and examined the hell worm.
âYes, this worm is the one that has been emanating heat from Lady Enciaâs head.â
Raon nodded and showed the worm to Federick and Sheryl.
âHuhâŠâ
âHiee!â
Unlike Federick, who was speechless, Sheryl freaked out and took a step back.
âCan you bring this worm with you and research it, Sir Saint?â
âResearch?â
âConsidering the fact that Temas was targeting Lady Encia, there should be more worms like this. Since it might have been used on other people as well, we need a systematic method to remove it.â
That was the reason he removed the hell worm.
âHmm, Iâm sorry, but I canât guarantee success. Iâve never seen this before.â
âThatâs alright. And can you also look into how to deal with rage worms?â
âRage worm⊠That also must be because of Temas.â
Since Federick had heard the entire story, he was aware that the rage worm was the cause of Temasâ death.
âIâll do my best.â
He gave a big nod, despite the difficulty of the issue.
âAh, and one more thing.â
âAgain? Is there one more?â
Cold sweat appeared on Federickâs forehead. He really started feeling uncomfortable about it.
âThe maid who injected that worm into Lady Encia mustâve been brainwashed.â
âBrainwash?â
âIâd like to find a way to undo that brainwashing.â
A crimson flame was ignited in Raonâs eyes.
âItâs the foremost priority in order to shatter Derusâ plans.â
Dealing with the people manipulated by him was necessary in order to destroy Derus Robert. Destroying the hell worm, rage worm, and brainwashing should remove one third of his power.
And the best expert suitable for the job was the Ragged Saint Federick standing in front of him.
âYou must be worried about the ringleader behind this incident.â
âIndeed.â
âAlright, Iâll do my best to investigate them.â
Federick nodded with serious eyes.
âAbout brainwashing, I know an expert in that area. Talking with him should do the job.â
He apparently already had a plan, as his eyes sparkled while looking at the hell worm inside the bottle. He looked rather interested in it himself.
âAs the last one.â
Raon grabbed Enciaâs wrist once again. He absorbed all of the remaining hell wormâs heat inside her before cleansing her mana circuit with Glacier.
Federick treated her after that, and her skinâwhich used to be swollen and redâreturned to the original color.
âLady Encia.â
Raon called out Enciaâs name while standing next to her.
âHmmâŠâ
Encia slowly opened her eyes before slowly raising herself.
âWow, Sir Raon is so damn handsome, even though I was looking at you sideways while lying down. How is that even possible?â
She exclaimed while staring at Raonâs face.
âItâs literally a piece of art⊠Huh?â
She raised her hand to express her feelings, then suddenly stopped.
âWh-WhatâŠ?â
Encia turned her head once she noticed that her arm and hand had become thin and white.
âWhat is happeningâŠ?â
Her lips were trembling as she looked around at Raon, Federick, and Sheryl, one after the other.
âI-It doesnât hurt, either. Itâs not painful at all! And my body feels cool!â
Tears started to drip from her big eyes.
âAm I cured now? A-Am I not going to suffer anymore?â
Her lips were shivering.
âI-I can work again, right? Can I chase my dream once again?â
âYou are fine now.â
Raon nodded at her while looking at the wave pouring from Enciaâs eyes.
âTh-Thank you. Thank⊠sniff!â
Encia covered her face with her hands and burst into tears. Her cries were storming with all kinds of emotions, the ones that she had been suppressing so far.
Raon, Federick, and Sheryl smiled faintly as they silently watched Enciaâs lamenting wail.
* * *
[Translator â Kyangi]
[Proofreader â Harley]
* * *
âMy lord! My looooord!â
Rimmer shouted while kicking the audience chamberâs door open to enter, just like when he usually entered the training ground.
âTh-That news is apparently true!â
âWhat?â
Glenn briskly stood up from the throne. It was an extremely rare reaction coming from him, but neither Rimmer nor Roenn paid any attention to that.
âItâs true that Raon became a Master and saved the Saint by slaying the Blood Raving Demon, Red Wolf Demon, and Black Winged Demon! The Shadow Agents have confirmed it!â
Rimmer violently shook the letter in his hand. He was so surprised when he first heard the news that he figured it mustâve been a lie or an exaggeration at least. However, that wasnât the case.
Raon really became a Master to slay three Masters from Eden and managed to save the Saint. Because of that outrageous feat, his name was spreading throughout the continent, let alone inside Zieghart.
âHmph!â
Glenn narrowed his eyes, and the letter in Rimmerâs hand floated by itself to fly towards the throne. He opened the letter to read the contents. Just like Rimmer had said, it was about Raonâs actions, and the seal of the Shadow Agents leader was stamped on it.
âI knew he would become a Master sooner or later, but I didnât expect it to be so soon, and I never imagined he would slay three Masters right after becoming one!â
Rimmer fell onto his back while speaking about how ridiculous that was.
âHonestly, I can only describe it as crazy.â
Roenn was also standing there dumbfounded, his jaw dropped, despite the way he usually maintained his smile.
âEighteen years old! Our Raon is the youngest Master in the continentâs history!â
Rimmer started dancing, rejoicing Raonâs feat as if it were his own business.
âCalm down a little.â
Glenn narrowed his eyes and shook his hand, but he couldnât hide the fact that the corners of his lips were about to reach the ceiling.
âYou should say that again after hiding your smile.â
Rimmer giggled, pointing at Glennâs mouth.
âAhem!â
Glenn cleared his throat and forced himself to grimace, but a faint smile reappeared on his face before he knew it.
âWas he injured?â
âI read about that as well. It said he was severely injured, but there wonât be any lasting effects! I guess thatâs obvious, since the Saint is right next to him.â
Rimmer immediately responded, since heâd already checked that part as well.
âHonestly, we all knew that Raon would become a Master.â
âIndeed.â
Roenn nodded.
âHowever, Iâm sure no one wouldâve even imagined that he could slay the Blood Raving Demon before becoming a Master, and slay both Red Wolf Demon and Black Winged Demon together right after becoming one. He doesnât just surpass common sense, but even imagination!â
Rimmer jumped around in excitement, just like when he won a large amount of money from gambling.
âMy lord, you should give him a grand welcome once he returns! Heâs the youngest Master and has slain three Masters of Eden, and even managed to save your dear friend the Saint, after all!â
âOf course. Iâm planning to reward him accordinglyâŠâ
âIâm not talking about that! Not as the head of house!â
Rimmer pounded his chest in irritation.
âIâm saying that you should praise your grandson and tell him that he did a good job, as a grandfather! How long are you planning to sit back and watch? You love him so much, yet why do you never tell him about it?â
âHmmâŠâ
Glenn was unable to respond, simply closing his eyes. Once he managed to sort out his thoughts, he shook his head.
âItâs true that heâs my grandson and has achieved a great feat. Iâm going to give him enough rewards for his achievement. However, Iâm only doing that as the head of house. Iâve never given any special treatment to my sons or daughters.â
âArgh! Seriously!â
Rimmer violently shook his head.
âI donât even know anymore! Iâm so annoyed that I need to gamble today!â
He swirled his hand before leaving through the door of the lordâs manor.
âHmm, I agree with Sir Rimmer this time. I think it would be better to at least express some of your feelings.â
Roenn politely bowed before leaving the lordâs manor, just like Rimmer.
âHmm.â
Glenn stared at the door for a moment before leaning back on his throne. He frowned while looking at his right hand, where a long scar still remained.
âOf course, I know that. HoweverâŠâ
When Sylvia had a hard time in the house, with no one to help her, and when she gave up everything and left the house⊠Heâd never done anything for her. He completely forgot about his youngest daughterâs existence and focused on getting stronger and shedding his enemiesâ blood.
He looked for Sylvia when he finally realized his mistake, but it was too late. His granddaughter and son-in-law were already dead before he could even see their faces.
It was impossible for him to show affection to Raon and Sylvia after everything heâd done.
âHaaâŠâ
Glenn closed his eyes. His face wasnât an emotionless god of war anymore, but a human being in distress.
* * *
Every member of Light Wind, including Runaan, were gathered inside Raonâs room. It was an unusual sight, since they were calmly staring at Raonâs mouth.
âFirst of all, the middle energy center opens once you become a Master. You get a shattering feeling of a small wall inside your body, and your aura becomes a lot sturdier.â
Raon pointed at his middle energy center at his solar plexus.
âHow did it feel when your middle energy center opened? Did it feel refreshing?â
Dorian asked, his eyes wide.
âRather than refreshing, itâs thrilling. It felt like lightning passed through me from head to toe.â
âThen, do you become capable of using astral energy as soon as that middle energy center opens? Do you automatically get knowledge about astral energy?â
Burren shoved his head forward, with nervous gazes.
âYou donât get the knowledge, but you instinctively realize how to use the middle energy center.â
âDoesnât it become slower to circulate your aura if it goes past the middle energy center?â
âThat makes sense, but the mana circuit becomes more activated once the middle energy center opens, making the circulation even faster overall.â
âHow much faster does it get?â
Martha, who was pretending she wasnât interested, also stepped up to him and asked.
âIt becomes at least twice as fast, and the auraâs quantity and qualities also increase. It almost felt like I became a completely different person, even though it was a single wallâs difference.â
Since Raon also used to be curious about Master level when he was an Expert, he answered every single one of their questions.
âWhich ice cream do you prefer?â
Runaan asked a strange question. She apparently thought that was enough questions about Master level.
Mint chocolate!
Raon ignored Wrath and looked at Runaan, and her face was serious. It was apparently a serious question.
âHmm, I prefer cookies and creamâŠâ
When he was about to answer, a knocking sound could be heard at the door, and Federick entered after opening the door.
âSir Saint?â
âI heard you are leaving in two days.â
Federick smiled faintly while walking inside.
âYes. We shall return to Yonaan, since weâve finished Lady Enciaâs treatment.â
âSince the war has ended here, Iâll go with you. I need to observe Enciaâs condition for a bit longer, and I also need to see the maid over there.â
âThank you.â
Raon nodded.
âHmm, and I need to talk to you about somethingâŠâ
Federick cleared his throat and averted his eyes.
âLetâs go, since thereâs nothing more for us to hear.â
Martha was once again the first one to realize his intentions and stood up.
âI didnât get his answer though? About the ice creamâŠâ
âYou can do that later!â
She took the slow Runaan out of the room, and Burren, Dorian, and Krein followed them.
Tap.
After confirming that the door was completely closed, Federick straightened his back and walked up to Raon.
âI realized that I hadnât properly said this to you yet.â
âWhat?â
âYou saved this old manâs life, and Yuliusâ as well. Iâm really grateful.â
He politely bowed, despite his position and rank.
âPlease donât do this!â
Raon briskly stood up in surprise. He never thought the Saint would do that to him.
âI was only returning the favor for your actions during my childhood. I actually didnât even manage to return it completely, since thereâs a lot more left to be repaid.â
He wasnât being humble. He only managed to become a Master at a young age because of Federick visiting him every year to activate his body and give him an elixir. What he did was only a portion of what needed to be repaid.
âYes, I need to talk about that, as well.â
Federick sighed deeply and sat on the ground.
âI have something to tell you about your childhood.â