As soon as Raon heard that the Warring Steel Division had sent an urgent request for support, he rushed to the audience chamber.
"I seek an audience with the Head of House."
He knelt before Glenn, who had risen from his throne and was looking out the window.
"Rise."
Glenn slowly turned around, gesturing for him to stand.
"Thank you."
Raon bowed his head once more to Glenn before rising.
"I heard that the Warring Steel Division sent an urgent request for support."
"It seems the Shadow Agents' Leader spoke to you first."
Glenn nodded calmly, looking at Chad standing behind Raon.
"As he said, an urgent request for support came in just now. Though not as much as the Light Wind Division, the Warring Steel Division has also grown significantly while carrying out difficult missions, so it's rare for them to request support first."
He lowered his eyebrows, holding what appeared to be a letter from the Warring Steel Leader, Trevin.
"That means it must be a particularly difficult mission."
Raon exhaled heavily.
"The original mission given to the Warring Steel Division was not difficult."
Glenn shook his head, letting out a short breath.
"What was the initial mission assigned to the Warring Steel Division?"
"Reconnaissance."
"Reconnaissance..."
Raon's eyes widened at the unexpected nature of the Warring Steel Division's mission.
'Did something serious happen during the reconnaissance?'
Reconnaissance missions, while tedious and time-consuming as they only cover the Zieghart territory, aren't particularly dangerous. He grew anxious about what could have happened to prompt an urgent request for support.
"If you move northeast beyond Zieghart's territory, there's a nomadic village called Boardri. It was already quite large, but now it's even bigger with people who lost their homes and villages in the war gathering there."
Glenn suddenly brought up the story of Boardri village, which wasn't related to Zieghart.
"Yes, I'm aware."
Raon nodded, having seen Boardri village from afar before.
"The Warring Steel Division was about to return to the family after completing their reconnaissance mission when they received a request for help from there to fend off monsters."
"The Warring Steel Leader would have naturally agreed to help."
Raon smiled faintly, recalling Trevin's face.
'Of course he would have gone.'
Trevin was someone who had recognized him as a swordsman and didn't look down on him even when he was weak and low-ranking. He would have readily agreed to help even if the nomads requesting aid weren't part of Zieghart. (E/N: Come on, your first meeting with him was when you were nearing the peak of master...or am I the one misrembering?)
"Yes. He asked for my permission first, and I told him to accept."
Glenn smiled slightly, saying that Trevin had characteristically sent a report first.
"Head of House..."
"If that village disappears too, the nomads will have nothing left."
He rubbed his chin as if it were a matter of course.
"That's right."
Raon's lips curled up slightly as he sensed the warmth flickering in Glenn's otherwise dry eyes.
"The first report stated that small numbers of monsters kept appearing. It said they weren't very strong, so they'd handle it themselves and return. However..."
Glenn lowered the first letter Trevin had sent and unfolded what seemed to be the most recent one.
"Now it says monsters are endlessly rising from ground stained purple."
He furrowed his brows deeply.
"He says that no matter how many they kill, more keep coming, and they've been pushed back to the village. He requested help because at this rate, the nomads' very home will disappear."
Glenn read Trevin's letter and folded it in half.
"Monsters appearing from purple-stained ground..."
Raon narrowed his eyes, looking at the letter Glenn had folded.
'Is it one of the three?'
The birth of a king, the Black Tower, or Eden. There was a possibility that a new king had been born and monsters were gathering there, or that Eden or the Black Tower were up to something. It seemed impossible to know the cause without seeing it firsthand.
"In fact, this has nothing to do with Zieghart. There would be no problem if I ordered the Warring Steel Division to return."
Glenn spoke of the current situation in a cold voice.
"Will you still go?"
He lowered his gaze heavily, as if asking for Raon's true intentions.
"Yes, I will go."
Raon nodded without a moment's hesitation.
"It may not be Zieghart's business now, but it could soon become our problem. Moreover, there's a possibility that the Five Demons are up to something, so it's right to prevent it in advance."
Even if it happened outside Zieghart's territory, it could become their problem someday. It was right to stop it before it grew bigger.
"The Warring Steel Leader said he wanted to join the Light Wind Palace, and now he's already asking for a mission to prove himself. I like it."
Raon bowed his head, asking for this mission to be assigned to him.
"I see."
Glenn's cold expression warmed into a smile, pleased with Raon's answer.
"As you say, it's right to cut off dangerous sprouts before they grow."
He nodded calmly and lowered his hand.
"Actually, I could assign this mission to the Central Martial Palace, but since the Light Wind Division will be working with the Warring Steel Division, it seemed best for you to go."
Glenn smiled faintly, explaining why he had called for Raon.
"I think the same. Thank you for calling me first."
Raon placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head.
'It's a perfect opportunity.'
Since it was almost certain that the Warring Steel Division would join the Light Wind Palace, it seemed like a good chance to assess the skills of his new subordinates.
"As you said, the Light Wind Division will take on this support mission."
He bowed at the waist, telling Glenn that he would accept the mission.
"Since it's an urgent support request, there's no need to report to me separately. Depart as soon as you're ready."
He waved his hand as if telling him to go quickly.
"I'm leaving on an expedition in two days, and you're just as busy as I am."
Sheryl said she wouldn't be able to see him for a while, turning her chin slightly.
"Be careful."
She waved her hand slightly, saying she'd see him later.
"Ho ho ho."
Roenn laughed heartily as he stepped forward.
"Division Leader, you hardly need any advice. I just hope you return safely."
He bowed his head carefully, as if entrusting Trevin to Raon.
"Well then."
Raon bowed to Glenn, Roenn, and Sheryl in turn before leaving the audience chamber.
"In the past, that retreating figure looked a bit uncertain..."
Roenn shook his head briefly, looking at the door Raon had exited.
"Now it just looks reassuring. No matter what situation the Warring Steel Division is in, I feel he'll rescue them safely."
He laughed, saying he hadn't expected Raon's back to become so dependable.
"I felt something similar."
Sheryl nodded, holding her left wrist with her right hand.
"When Raon stood in front of me during the last mission, it felt just like looking at the Head of House. As if he wouldn't lose no matter who the enemy was."
She smiled faintly, saying there was no need to worry about the Warring Steel Division.
"Ahem!"
Glenn, pleased with Sheryl and Roenn's praise of Raon, slightly rotated his ankles as if dancing.
"He's not quite at that level, but he can certainly hold his own anywhere."
Despite his modest words, he couldn't hide his bright expression, as if a spotlight had been turned on.
"Not long ago, when he sparred with me, he kept moving even after taking consecutive hits from my lightning attacks. Though he still shows some inexperience, with more experience, there will be few martial artists who can stand above that child."
Glenn smacked his lips, saying that only the leaders of the Five Kings and Five Demons, as well as perhaps the Five Divine Orders were above Raon now.
"Head of House."
Chad, the Shadow Agents' Leader, approached the platform and bowed his head.
"Another report came in on my way to fetch Raon."
He held out a white envelope from his chest while keeping his head bowed.
"It's a letter from an agent monitoring the Five Divine Orders."
"Five Divine Orders..."
As soon as Glenn read the letter Chad had given him, he lowered his gaze, which had been warm with color. A cold aura, befitting his title as the King of the North, emanated from around him.
"Are they finally going to make a foolish choice?"
* * *
As soon as Raon left the audience chamber, he returned to the Fifth Training Ground.
The Light Wind Division swordsmen had all remained in the training ground on standby, having heard Chad's message. Raon climbed onto the platform, facing the stern faces of the Light Wind Division. Burren, Martha, and Runaan stood at attention in front of their respective teams, while Mark Goetun stood at the corner of the platform with his hands clasped in front.
"As you've heard..."
Raon parted his lips, looking down at the Light Wind Division swordsmen with calm eyes.
"The Warring Steel Division has sent a request for support. Considering that these people, who would normally resolve matters on their own, have asked for urgent support, this will certainly be a dangerous mission."
He rubbed his chin, saying it definitely wouldn't be an easy task.
"However, when we were in danger, the Warring Steel Division rushed to help us without hesitation. Now it's our turn to help them."
Raon placed his hand on the Heavenly Drive, saying it was time to repay the debt they owed. (E/N: I guess we are forgetting the whole arc where they rushed to their help previously)
"You're stating the obvious. No, even if that weren't the case, we'd have to go!"
Martha nodded vigorously, exclaiming that they must help their family no matter what.
"It's strange to hear you talk about family."
Burren chuckled, looking at Martha.
"But you're right. It's proper to help comrades no matter what situation they're in."
He clenched his fist, saying they should help even at the risk of their lives.
"Trevin... cried a lot when Raon was said to be dead..."
Runaan bowed her head slightly, saying that Trevin had been truly saddened when he went missing.
"Now it's our turn to help..."
She hugged her newly sharpened Snow Flower, saying she really wanted to help.
"Is it to the east? The Hospun trees that grow there are good because they're both sturdy and flexible!"
Dorian grinned, saying he should gather supplies while they're there.
"You seem even more obsessed with supplies these days?"
Krein shook his head, saying he understood less and less.
"There's a ghost that just uses things without bringing them back, so I have to stock up when I can!"
Dorian stomped his foot, subtly cursing someone.
"Sir Mark Goetun."
Raon called out to Mark Goetun, ignoring Dorian's words.
"I guess we'll have to fit the new uniform when we get back."
"Of course."
Mark Goetun smiled faintly, saying it was fine.
"Actually, this works out well. I've been wanting to gain some real combat experience after all the sparring, so this seems like a good opportunity."
He rubbed his chin leisurely, saying it was even better. It really seemed like his capacity had grown.
"Then prepare for departure and gather here by evening."
"Yes!"
The Light Wind Division shouted as if they had been waiting for this and rushed to their dormitories and homes.
-Hmm...
Wrath let out a low exclamation as he watched the Light Wind Division leave.
-Those brats have really grown a lot. They say you grow fond of what you see for a long time, and it's not bad.
He nodded, saying the Light Wind Division had grown well thanks to his teachings.
'Well, that's not entirely wrong.'
Raon chuckled and nodded.
'But why are you so quiet?'
-What are you talking about? This king has always been taciturn.
Wrath tilted his chin, saying his nickname was the Silent Demon King.
'What nonsense...'
-H-how dare you call this king's words nonsense!
He waved his hands up and down, telling Raon to take it back.
'Instead of spouting nonsense about being the Silent Demon King, it's strange that you're not saying much even though we're suddenly going on a mission.'
It was surprising that he was quiet when normally he would be complaining about having to sleep outdoors and eat bad food.
-You kept your promise to this king, so this king must endure as well.
Wrath wiggled his hand, saying he was holding back because Raon had kept his promise to eat whatever he wanted for ten days.
'Wow, you can even think like that?'
Raon patted Wrath's head, giving him a sincere compliment.
-Hmph. This king is the ruler of Devildom! Giving and taking is the way of the sword!
Wrath snorted, his face red with pleasure at being praised.
-But shouldn't you be thinking about something other than this king right now?'
'What do you mean?'
Raon tilted his head, looking at Wrath.
-I'm talking about your sister. She's gotten a taste for learning swordsmanship from you, so she'll be thrilled when you tell her you're leaving!
Wrath grinned, as if looking forward to Sia's expression.
'Ah.'
Raon swallowed dryly, recalling Sia's face.
'I'm doomed...'
* * *
As it was an urgent support mission, the entire Light Wind Division gathered at the Fifth Training Ground well before evening.
As all the swordsmen stood at attention in front of the platform, Raon opened the door and entered the training ground.
"Huh?"
Burren's eyelids trembled slightly as he watched Raon climb onto the platform.
"D-Division Leader. Your hair..."
He let out a gasp, seeing Raon's hair curled up like a swallow's nest.
"Is this Sia's handiwork?"
Martha giggled, as if she had expected this.
"This time it seems she didn't pull it out as much."
She waved her hand, saying it was fortunate.
"I'm envious..."
Runaan licked her lips, envious of something she couldn't quite place.
"As expected of Lady Sia! Only Lady Sia can subdue the Division Leader!"
Dorian pounded his chest, shouting that it was refreshing.
"I didn't know he'd let himself be treated like that even by his sister. Right, Gambling Monster?"
Krein turned to the Gambling Monster, saying it was the first time he'd seen Raon in such a weak state.
"Ahem..."
The Gambling Monster, who would normally have said it was pathetic, cleared his throat and looked away, being weak to Sia himself.
"Enough."
Raon swept his disheveled golden hair back like Glenn and stood at the edge of the platform.
"As I said, this is an urgent support mission, so there will be almost no rest time. Be prepared to keep moving, as we'll have to run continuously."
In the past, they would have had to allocate rest time, but now that all members of the Light Wind Division were Masters, they could minimize even sleep time.
"This support mission could be the last one you undertake as the Light Wind Division, so I hope you'll finish strong until the end."
Raon nodded, making eye contact with each member of the Light Wind Division.
"Understood!"
The Light Wind Division swordsmen, without exception, stomped their feet and roared.
"Then we depart."
Raon stepped down from the platform and walked through the center of the Light Wind Division in formation. The swordsmen he passed followed behind, forming a shape resembling a sword. Even without forming a sword formation, they had reached a level where they boosted each other's energy. The Light Wind Division's advance was accompanied by an aura as heavy and sharp as the sword skills they had built up.
* * *
Raon and the Light Wind Division moved to the edge of Zieghart's territory through a Dimensional Gate and then headed east. While most places could be reached within days using Dimensional Gates, the area the Warring Steel Division had crossed was beyond that realm, so they had no choice but to run through the night.
By limiting sleep time to two hours and eating Nadine bread while enduring Wrath's tantrums, they fortunately managed to arrive near their destination more than half a day earlier than the time requested by the Warring Steel Division.
-Ugh...
Wrath shook his head, wiping his tongue with his hand.
-I can endure not sleeping, but I'm going crazy because of the Nadine bread! It's not just tasteless, it's too tasteless! How can bread taste like rubber!
He rubbed his tongue vigorously, saying he was dying.
'We're almost there.'
Raon lightly patted Wrath's head as he whimpered like a puppy.
'Once we put out the urgent fire, we'll be able to have a proper meal. Just hang in there a bit longer.'
While he could eat Nadine bread for the rest of his life without issue, he knew Wrath and the other swordsmen were struggling, so they'd need to rest after reaching the village.
'Still...'
Raon smiled faintly as he looked at the Light Wind Division swordsmen climbing the mountain behind him.
'They're enduring well.'
In the past, they would have shown signs of physical and mental fatigue on their faces, but now none of them showed any signs of struggle, climbing the mountain with firm steps.
-Even those little ones are coming up, so they'd better not complain about being tired.
Wrath snorted, looking at Yua and Julius, whose complexions were brighter than the others.
'That's right.'
Yua and Julius were following with even brighter faces to avoid burdening their seniors. Because of those children, the swordsmen absolutely couldn't show any signs of fatigue.
"Once we cross this mountain, we should see the village right away. Just a little more effort."
He climbed to the top of the mountain first, encouraging the Light Wind Division.
"Huh?"
However, the nomad village that should have been to the east was nowhere to be seen. Instead, what filled the mountainous area and plains where the village should have been was a sea of purple with a gloomy hue.