Chapter 616

The spiral-shaped aura surging from his fist became a thick wall to defend him from the front instead of being wiped out by Tidebreaker.

Thud!

Raon bit his lip, his entire body throbbing like a heart. He could finally understand why Ogram had told him that he could only learn Tidebreaker by feeling it with his body.

‘The essence of Tidebreaker was inside me all along, not anyone else.’

Tidebreaker was a mysterious technique that could ignore the opponent’s aura and attack their body directly.

He’d thought he naturally had to start by understanding the flow of the opponent’s aura, but that wasn’t the case. Tidebreaker was a martial art that required him to understand himself before using it.

‘It was about making a boat.’

Tidebreaker consisted of building the best boat with his own aura to break through his enemy’s ocean of aura.

Whir!

Once he understood the essence of Tidebreaker, the aura blazing around his fist intensified. A powerful shockwave occurred from the spot where his fist was clashing against Ogram’s.

Crack!

The vibration intensified as if in an earthquake, and a powerful explosion erupted from the gap between their fists.

Whaaam!

The consecutive shockwaves twisted the land, and the ground trembled violently.

A dark, reddish current surged like a tidal wave from the clash between the Tidebreakers, threatening to engulf the land until Ogram shook his hand.

The gesture was as casual as chasing away a butterfly, but the red current and the tremor disappeared in an instant.

Ogram wasn’t using any special techniques. He’d suppressed the shockwave from the Tidebreakers with sheer power. It was an advanced application of aura control, truly befitting a transcender.

“Haa…”

Raon leaned forward and exhaled heavily. He must’ve been too focused, since his body felt weighed down by chunks of steel.

“Hah!”

Raon raised his head upon hearing a dumbfounded laugh. Ogram’s lowered eyes were trembling faintly.

“What the hell are you?” Ogram swallowed nervously and sharply raised his eyebrows.

“What?”

“I’m asking how you managed to achieve Tidebreaker.”

“Did I really use Tidebreaker?” Raon asked in return, looking at Ogram’s wavering eyes. He’d gained a small enlightenment, but he couldn’t be sure yet.

“It was weak, shabby, and completely lacking, but…” Ogram closed his eyes and opened them again before he continued, “What you used was definitely Tidebreaker.”

He licked his lips in acknowledgment.

“You were completely clueless until a moment ago. What changed?”

“Hmm… I observed myself instead of you, Beast King.”

Raon raised his right hand and clenched it into a fist.

“Yourself?”

“Yes. I kept thinking about the meaning of the precept you taught me because I figured there had to be a meaning behind it.”

He recited the precept that Ogram had taught him.

“‘You have to cleanse your soul for the small ocean inside yourself to open the path for you.’ I haven’t managed to completely decipher it yet, but I understood that the small ocean inside myself is the mental world, at least. That’s why I focused on polishing my will and the aura inside of me rather than breaking through your aura.”

Raon told him about how he managed to use Tidebreaker.

“......”

Raon bit his lip tightly upon seeing that Ogram had fallen speechless.

‘Should I have held back?’

He’d thought that it would make him happy if he learned quickly because Ogram went out of his way to personally teach him the precept and the utilization, but he was starting to think that he might be displeased because he learned it even faster than Garona, who’d been learning for a long time.

That’s obvious!

Wrath wrinkled his nose.

Even though he was willing to teach you a special technique, there’s no way he would like you when you learned it even faster than his disciple! You idiot!

He shook his hand, telling him to stop being so stupid.

“Hmm…”

“Wahahaha!”

Raon furrowed his brow while listening to Wrath, but Ogram raised his chin sharply and started to laugh like a madman.

“I see, that’s what happened. That’s why you managed to learn it so quickly.”

A broad smile surfaced on his face as he said that he could finally understand it.

“What?”

“Tidebreaker’s enlightenment usually comes when you’re on the verge of death after getting beaten up over and over again. That was the case for me, and it’s been the case for everyone that I’ve taught so far. He will probably be the same.”

Ogram’s gaze was directed at Garona, who was still collapsed on the ground.

“From my knowledge, Tidebreaker is obtained after repeatedly getting beaten up like that, and when the body becomes one with the mind. However…”

He gave a big nod while looking at Raon again.

“You achieved enlightenment that should’ve required you to be on the verge of death by simply analyzing the precept. I don’t believe in the concept of genius, but it’s a suitable word to describe you.”

Ogram patted his shoulder, saying that it was an amazing feat.

“I said this before, but I can understand now why you are in that position right now. It wasn’t a mere coincidence, as I expected.”

He extended his hand.

“Hmm…”

Raon stared at it blankly, and Ogram shook his hand.

“What are you waiting for? Take my hand.”

“Ah, yes.”

Raon took his hand, and Ogram shook it widely, as if he were shaking the dust off a blanket.

“Congratulations.”

There was no malice at all in Ogram’s gaze. He really was just congratulating him for learning Tidebreaker.

‘How is this even possible?’

Raon couldn’t believe that a person like him existed. He’d decided to teach his secret technique and simply rejoiced when he learned it faster than Garona. He made no effort to try and restrain him.

‘Could I do the same thing? Could I teach my secret technique to someone else and rejoice in their success?

Even though he’d become nicer than in his previous life, it was definitely impossible for him. He could feel a vast difference in broad-mindedness compared to Ogram.

“Thank you.”

Raon lowered his head to Ogram with sincerity and respect.

“It’s nothing to thank me for.”

Ogram shook his hand and shifted his gaze.

“Just don’t lose while using Tidebreaker. That’s enough for me.”

“Hmm…”

“As a last piece of advice, you shouldn’t use Tidebreaker as it is. You should change it to match your style.”

That was the last thing he said before he walked towards the unconscious Garona, acting as if he had no regrets at all. His cool attitude even felt disappointing.

“Haa…”

Raon watched Ogram’s back for a while and sank down onto the crushed land. It was difficult to stand because of how exhausted he was.

‘Did I manage to do it in the end?’

He hadn’t grasped it perfectly yet. The Tidebreaker was a martial art that had to be activated during the split second of a clash against an opponent, which couldn’t be practiced alone.

It was going to require countless practices and battle experiences.

‘But as long as I manage to complete it… I should be able to reach even higher.’

Since he walked his own path as a swordsman, his version of Tidebreaker would evolve into something entirely different from Ogram’s or the warriors from the Union if he managed to make it his own.

‘Which technique should I combine it with?’

He’d learned so many techniques and principles that it was to the point where they couldn’t even be counted on his fingers.

Since the combination could make it the strongest but also the weakest, he had to be careful with his choice.

‘Hmm…’

Raon licked his lips in contemplation, and Wrath popped up.

Hey!

‘Hmm?’

Let’s eat already since training is over! You have to make sure to eat every single meal since you are still in your growth period!

Wrath licked his lips while saying that he should start eating some proper food since he’d been eating whatever for a while.

‘Growth period…’

It wasn’t really a great excuse, as his growth period was already over and it would be problematic if he grew even taller.

‘Seriously, this food waster.’

You didn’t even talk to that kid yet! It would be perfect to chat while eating!

Wrath pointed at Juvel and Judiel, who were carefully looking his way.

‘Now that I think about it…’

He hadn’t been able to have a proper conversation with them yet because Ogram had been holding him hostage since he’d saved the Suran tribe.

It was indeed necessary to come to a consensus before they returned to the house.

‘I never expected you to be helpful.’

What are you even talking about?!

Wrath raised his head sharply.

The King of Essence is always helping you greatly!

‘That’s not true. You…’

Raon started to shake his head, but…

[You’ve learned a Transcender’s martial art faster than anyone else.]

[You’ve accomplished an impossible achievement.]

[All stats have increased by 20.]

[The trait Focus has increased in rank.]

The message immediately announced the increase in stats from learning Tidebreaker and being acknowledged by Ogram.

Argh…

Wrath’s eyes at the sight of the unexpected message.

‘Ooh.’

Raon stroked Wrath’s soft back while slowly reading the message.

‘I misspoke. You really are a big help. You are the giving…’

Shut up!

* * *

The underground cavern was illuminated by soft lighting, similar to the lines connecting constellations.

“Hmm.”

Derus Robert nodded his head, leaning his back against a chair.

“So Raon Zieghart is in the Beast Union now.”

“Yes, he is.”

Cubara placed her hand on her chest and lowered her head.

“They said he stopped the Phantom Assassin division’s attack on the Suran tribe. He also extinguished the fire engulfing the entire forest.”

“Tsk.” Derus gave a long click of his tongue while gazing down on the cavern. “It was only recently that he rampaged at Seipia, and it’s the Beast Union now. What a busy person he is.”

“There are rumors that the Beast King personally visited him to express his gratitude.”

“That should be true and not just a rumor. After all, dignity doesn’t exist for Ogram.”

“......”

“I was wondering why the back of my hand has been aching since a few days ago, but that’s the reason.”

Derus chuckled while looking at the back of his hand, where his black leather glove was completely stuck.

"He is roaming around the whole continent as if it is his own backyard."

He made an eerie smile that made it look like he was pleased and displeased at the same time.

“He is so arrogant.”

“Uhh…”

Cubara’s shoulders trembled as she heard Derus’s desolate voice. Her body trembled before she knew it because of the murderous intent and madness dwelling in his voice.

“I’d love to interfere with Raon Zieghart, but I have something else to do right now…”

Derus shifted his gaze towards the cavern. His pupils landed on the children who were swinging their daggers.

“How is it proceeding over there?”

“Only the final step remains. They should be able to wrap it up within a month.”

Cubara lowered her head, reporting that it was proceeding according to plan.

“I’ll be checking at the end, but make sure to thoroughly prepare since this will signal the start of the great plan.”

Derus licked his lips, his eyes as ferocious as when he was listening to the news about Raon.

“I’ll do my best.”

Cubara looked at Derus calmly despite her passionate response.

“You can leave.”

“Yes, Sir.”

She bowed politely and disappeared into the shadows.

Derus Robert rubbed his chin while watching the children swing their daggers with bloodshot eyes.

“Raon Zieghart…”

Eden, the White Blood Religion, the South-North Union, the Black Tower, the Holy Sword Alliance, and House Robert. So many groups tried to kill him, but none of them succeeded in doing it.

There was no way his strength alone allowed his survival. Misfortune was definitely following him.

Derus lifted the glass on the table and took a sip.

“I’m curious if your luck is still going to do its job within the flames of war.”

* * *

Raon had a simple dinner before heading to Judiel and Juvel.

“Young master?” Judiel’s eyes widened as she stood up from her seat.

“N-nice to meet you,” Juvel stammered as he nodded, his eyes trembling like marbles.

“Sit down, both of you.”

Raon shook his finger with a faint smile on his face.

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Judiel nodded calmly and took a seat, but Juvel was still standing, completely flustered.

“Don’t worry and sit down.”

“Ah, hmm.”

She made Juvel sit next to her and looked at Raon.

“Aren’t you supposed to be training now?”

“It ended.”

Raon shook his head and sat next to Judiel.

“But Sir Garona still seems to be training.”

“It hasn’t ended for him.”

“Ah…”

Judiel finally understood what happened and swallowed nervously while looking at Raon.

Her expression showed her disbelief at the fact that he managed to learn the technique faster than Garona even though he’d started to learn way later.

“Well, let’s stop talking about training.” Raon leaned forward to the table and asked, “Did you have enough time to talk?”

“Yes. We could talk about all kinds of things, thanks to you.”

Judiel smiled softly. It wasn’t the forced smile she had before she joined the annex building, nor was it the fake smile she’d been making since she joined the annex building. It was a smile coming from the bottom of her heart.

“I apologize for being late with my gratitude!" Juvel stood back up and lowered his head. “Thank you for saving us!”

He sincerely expressed his gratitude with a trembling voice, unlike Judiel.

“It was troublesome indeed because your sister suddenly left,” Raon chuckled and nodded his head.

“Huah!”

“I-I’m sorry!”

Juvel’s shoulders trembled, and Judiel bowed.

“I thought I could suppress my urge, but my body moved before I knew it…”

“I was just kidding.”

Judiel apologized with trembling lips, and Raon shook his hand.

“I’m not narrow-minded enough to be incapable of understanding it. And…”

He smiled faintly while looking at the forest, where the greenery was gradually returning.

“We managed to save your brother thanks to that. It was dangerous, but the results were good.”

He was able to defeat the Phantom Assassin division leader and its high-ranking members thanks to Judiel and Juvel escaping to the village, and he also managed to confirm that Karoon was behind them.

Since no one died, the misfortune ended up being a blessing.

“Juvel.”

“Yes!”

“You will be joining Zieghart’s annex building alongside Judiel. Your job will be that of a butler and a secret guard. Can you do it?”

“Hmm, about that…”

Juvel didn’t respond right away, hesitating unexpectedly.

“What are you doing? Tell him you will do it already!” Judiel slapped Juvel’s shoulder, urging him to answer.

“W-wouldn’t it be an inconvenience for you and my sister if I went there?” Juvel raised his trembling gaze.

“Inconvenience?”

“I already heard about it. My sister and I were sold to Zieghart’s Central Martial Palace, and Karoon Zieghart is the master of that place. If I’m going to cause trouble for my sister, I’d rather stay alone…”

He shook his head, saying that he couldn’t cause issues for his sister.

Raon smiled faintly while looking at the determination in Juvel’s gaze.

‘Is this how siblings are?’

Even though they were separated a long time ago, they lived for the sake of each other and still worried for each other after they were reunited. Even though they were strangers to him, he could feel a warmth welling up in his heart.

Even though he didn’t have any siblings, he could understand what Juvel was thinking because he had his mother and the maids.

‘I wonder if I would’ve acted the same way if my sister were still alive.’

Sylvia had told him that he used to have a sister, but even her corpse couldn’t be found after Eden got her.

Raon thought that they could’ve had a similar relationship as theirs if his sister were still alive.

‘It’s meaningless to think about it.’

His current life was already a happy one that he couldn’t have even dreamed about in his previous life. There was no reason to think about something that would never happen.

“No,” Raon said, shaking his head while looking at Juvel. “If they have any sense, they’ll be unable to harm us.”

“But what if they make a move behind the scenes…?”

“That’s alright. I’ll haunt him before he makes a move.”

“Haunt him?”

“Yes. You should focus on thinking about how to live happily with your sister. After all, that was the promise I made with your sister.”

“Young master…”

Judiel’s lips trembled as she made an expression that Raon had never seen before.

“Leave the rest to me.”

Raon shook his head, looking at Juvel and Judiel one after the other. Crimson lightning sparked in his eyes.

“I’ll make it so that no one can harm you.”

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