abcnovels
Chapter 414
Chapter 414
Chapter 414
The spectators were watching the fight in bewilderment, and the light returned to their eyes the moment Mustan dropped the remaining half of his sword.
A-a single strike?
Did the Sword Demons disciple really lose in a single strike?
What the hell?
H-how is this even possible? Let alone the Sword Demons disciple, was it even possible for a Master to defeat another Master in a single strike?
I cant believe my eyes
W-wasnt it a bit too fast?
It was way too fast. They say much noise, no substance, but this is even worse
The spectators sighed deeply because the match between Raon and Mustan ended in a single strike despite how much theyd been looking forward to it.
Ah
Mustan looked at the remaining half of his sword with a trembling chin. He could see the clean cut at the center of the blade, and the other half of the blade was slammed into the ground.
Whats happening? Did I really lose while using my masters technique?
He couldnt believe that the Sword Demon Rectors martial art was defeated by a single strike from that young bastard. He felt like he was having a nightmare.
Impossible.
Defeat was a possibility since Raon Zieghart had the title Sword Dragon, which signified that he was the strongest among the young warriors.
However, he couldnt understandno matter how he thought about ithow he could lose in a single strike and to a casual sword draw that didnt even seem to be a special technique!
Th-this isnt right!
Mustan raised his broken sword and pointed at Raon.
I haven't lost yet! I wont admit it!
He ground his teeth, saying that he couldnt admit his defeat.
Tsk.
Raon briefly clicked his tongue while watching Mustan shout at him.
Pathetic.
Wrath shook his head while looking at Mustan as if he were an insect.
His unsightly behavior is even worse than his pathetic performance.
Indeed. He fails to surpass my expectations.
Even though it was a single strike, the match was already decided. He wouldve died right there if it was a real battle.
The position as the Sword Demons disciple was too good for him with the way he was denying reality. It was a problem with his personality rather than skill.
So what do you want to do now?
A rematch! I can keep fighting in this state!
Astral energy burst from the remaining half of Mustans blade as he tried to keep going with the fight.
Its a bit annoying, but I should thoroughly crush him while Im at it.
A proper match against Mustan would be a difficult one, but it was going to be rather easy since he was even more agitated than before.
Mustan.
Just as Raon was about to raise Heavenly Drive once again, the Sword Demon entered the arena.
Step.
Even though his footstep was faint, it quietly descended upon Raons ears through the loud clamor from the spectators.
M-master.
Mustan swallowed nervously while looking at the Sword Demons cold eyes.
This is a spar and a duel at the same time.
The Sword Demon raised his hand, and the blade stuck on the ground floated by itself to land on his palm.
You have to admit your defeat, even if it was a single strike, and even if you were being careless. Go down.
Ugh
Mustan bit his lip to the point of bleeding and left the arena.
However, he glared at Raon with bloodshot eyes. He seemed to be saying that he would never forget the humiliation.
I apologize in his stead.
The Sword Demon walked up to Raon and closed his eyes.
Hes lacking manners because he only recently appeared in public. Please understand him.
The broken blade on his hand turned into iron dust and fluttered into the air. Raon wasnt sure if it was supposed to be an apology or a threat.
Its fine.
Raon reluctantly nodded.
Then what about the spar against Sir Rector?
Lets get started in a moment since you must need some rest.
The Sword Demon told him to cultivate before the match and left the arena.
Hmm
Raon licked his lips while watching the Sword Demons back.
Theres no reason to refuse since hes giving me a chance to fight better.
He nodded and sat on the chair right below the arena.
What the hell is wrong with you?
What else? Hes crazy!
Burren gasped, and Martha rolled her lips into a smile.
Raon, super damn handsome.
Runaan gave him a thumbs up to praise him.
Please guard me while Im cultivating.
Raon asked the three to guard him before he closed his eyes.
Mustans swordsmanship mustve been the Sword Demons martial art.
He closed his eyes while thinking about the small portion he could learn from Mustans technique.
* * *
I beg your pardon!
Mustan went on his knees as soon as the Sword Demon left the arena.
This foolish disciple ruined my masters reputation!
He almost sounded like he was screaming as he slammed his head on the ground.
However!
Mustan raised his bleeding forehead. His eyes were distorted like a fiend.
I really was just careless. I can win if I do my best
Mustan.
The Sword Demon furrowed his brow while looking down on Mustan.
Did you just say that you can win if you arent careless?
Indeed! He only won by sheer coincidence! Ill recover our honor if you give me another chance!
Are you telling me that you can win without even looking at your opponent?
What?
Mustans lips parted in surprise since he was unable to comprehend.
Your sword was directed at me instead of that boy. Your mind was sparring against me instead of Raon.
The Sword Demons cold eyes were staring at his disciples trembling shoulders.
Werent you solely focused on showing me some advanced technique instead of facing the opponent in front of you? Do you truly believe you can win against a Sword Dragon in that state?
A-about that
Mustan couldnt respond and hung his head.
Hes right I wanted my master to watch my swordsmanship, not Raon.
He was defeated in a single strike because he used the versatile sword that he hadnt mastered yet, intending to prove that he was the only disciple of the Sword Demon.
Damn it!
He finally realized it. His defeat was only natural because hed used an inexperienced technique without focusing on his opponent.
You finally realized it.
The Sword Demon slowly nodded.
You wouldve had a good match against him if you did your best instead of trying to copy my technique.
Agh
Mustans body trembled as he bit his lip.
Todays defeat will become a foothold to reach even higher in the future. Dont forget about it for the rest of your life. And
The Sword Demon took another step towards Mustan.
You are gravely mistaken about something. Let me tell you.
What?
Mustan blankly raised his head.
It wasnt my decision to take you as my disciple, but I have no intention of canceling it. Dont worry about pointless things and focus on training, since you are the only disciple I have.
The Sword Demon turned once he made his declaration.
It should be enough with everything I told him.
Mustan had always had low self-esteem and became easily agitated because he had always been concerned by the fact that the Sword Demon didnt personally choose him as his disciple.
Even though he took a disciple against his will, he had no intention of going back on the decision. Rector wanted his disciples shortcomings to be fixed through the incident.
Haa
Raon was cultivating with his eyes closed, and the Sword Demon weakly bit his lip while watching him.
Its strange no matter how I think about it. He doesnt look similar, but he does at the same time.
Raon Zieghart kept reminding him of that child.
He had different hair and eye color than Raons flashy blond hair and red eyes, but the perfect facial features were way too similar to be normal.
Hes reminding me of bad memories.
The Sword Demon sighed while watching Raon, and Mustan also glared at him while clenching his fist.
* * *
* * *
The gamblers came back to their senses after the shock of the first match and ran towards Rimmers stall.
Ziegharts Sword of Liiiiight!
Hey! You fucking scammer!
Give my money back!
Are you telling me that worthless guy killed an apostle and a floor overseer? Bullshit!
Hes just some shitter!
I shouldve never believed in an elf!
The rushing gamblers looked like they were about to break the stall as they grabbed Rimmer by his collar. Madness was overflowing from everyones eyes because theyd lost their money way too easily.
Hieeeh!
Dorians lips trembled violently because of their bloodshot eyes.
Hey, calm down, everyone.
Rimmer didnt panic at all and shook his hand to calm people down.
Business is business! Raon won in a single strike, but he still took a significant amount of damage. You can see that hes cultivating over there.
He pointed at Raon, who was cultivating with his eyes closed, and the gamblers stopped screaming for a moment.
Ladies and gentlemen, theres a saying that people get three chances in their lives. Your first chance was that you got to witness this match, and your second chance was that you could bet your money on this match. Your third chance is the fact that theres another game ahead of you!
Rimmer shouted, and everyones jaw dropped whether they won or lost.
A-a chance?
We are getting another chance?
What do you mean?
Let me go for now and take a step back, please.
The spectators released Rimmers collar and withdrew.
You should already be aware, but the upcoming match is a spar between Raon and the Sword Demon. Its more like a small lesson rather than a spar, but the situation has changed.
Rimmer smiled coldly while pointing at the Sword Demon.
Raon just blew up his precious disciple in a single strike. Do you think the Sword Demon would overlook this matter? What do you think? Im asking you right there!
He pointed at the gambler whod been holding his collar until a moment ago.
Dear customer, what would you have done if you were the Sword Demon?
I-Id destroy him in a single strike just like he did.
Correct! The Sword Demon is still a human being, and skin is nearer than a shirt. He must be harboring an extreme hatred towards Raon, who humiliated his disciple. He is obviously going to try crushing Raon in a single strike. Thats why!
Rimmer slammed the table and stood up.
We are getting our third chance! Can Raon withstand the Sword Demons first strike or not? Lets start gambling!
He announced the new gamble and asked them to start betting already.
Wh-what the hell?
Isnt that too one-sided?
I know, right? The Sword Demons strike is way too powerful, even for Sir Raon.
I agree. This doesnt even work as a gamble!
Shut the hell up and give my money bac
People sneered, saying that no one was going to bet on Raon unless they were idiots.
They were simply glaring at Rimmer without betting any money when the third prince pushed his way through the crowd to reach the table.
Im going to bet the money I won from the last round and the original sum that the swordsman Raon will withstand the first strike.
The third prince declared that he didnt need to get the money back since he was going to bet on Raon.
Thank you!
Rimmer lowered his head with a smile on his face when he heard the third princes aura message.
[Ill be counting on you to keep your promise and tell me Lady Marthas preference.]
[Oh, of course. Ill tell you what she likes the most after its over.]
He immediately nodded while looking at the third prince.
She just likes fighting and insulting. Its not anything special.
Since Martha was never going to fall for the third prince, he was planning to tell him whatever she liked and call it quits.
Dorian, make sure to write it down.
Yes!
Dorian nodded and wrote down the third princes bet on his account book.
W-wait, didnt the third prince wager five hundred gold coins earlier?
He did. It mustve increased to a thousand gold because he won
Is he seriously gambling all that money?
What the hell?
He has the nerve of steel
People swallowed nervously while looking at the third prince, who bet a large sum without hesitation.
I-Im betting on the Sword Demon!
Me too!
God damn it! Take my emergency fund!
This is the third chance! Hes so right! I need to take this third chance no matter what!
Im going to Cameloon after this!
Everyone started betting once again, whether they won the previous round or not, and the table was filled with money.
Rimmer grinned while watching a pile of money grow big enough to cast a shadow.
He gathered his hands and lowered his head towards Raon, who opened his eyes after his cultivation and started to pray ardently.
Oh, my god of wealth!
* * *
Raon shook his head while watching the huge ruckus at Rimmers gambling stall.
Hes definitely not starving to death no matter what he does.
The way he turned the crisis in his favor like a snake was almost admirable.
Let me pull those long earsoff!
Wrath angrily punched into the air with his round fist.
Yeah, its irritating to watch.
Raon chuckled and entered the arena. Since he warmed up during the previous match and the cultivation replenished his aura, his condition was even better than during the match against Mustan.
The Sword Demon had been looking at him, and he nodded before walking into the arena.
Are you ready?
Yes.
Raon nodded heavily.
Thank you for enlightening my disciple.
The Sword Demon narrowed his eyes while looking back at Mustan.
He still has many shortcomings because he lacks experience. He shall be able to reach even higher in the future thanks to your lesson.
Im glad to hear that.
Raon licked his lips while looking at the bloody look in Mustans eyes despite what Sword Demon was saying.
Since youve enlightened my disciple in a single strike, Id also like to finish this match in a single strike. Do you want to try it out?
Im honored.
Raon slowly caught his breath and unsheathed Heavenly Drive.
Here I go.
The Sword Demon drew his sword from ten steps away from Raon.
The blade reaching towards the sky was slightly red. A majestic amount of power could be felt from his form, which was too natural to be called the upper posture.
Whir!
His sword slowly descended. It was so slow that even a kid wouldve been able to easily dodge, but Raons heart tightened to the point of bursting.
What is going on?
The speed was so slow that he could get bored, and the blade wasnt even surrounded with aura, let alone astral energy. However, Raon couldnt even begin to guess how to defend against it.
Kuh!
Im going to die if I dodge, but Im also going to die if I block it.
His body was being crushed by the swords pressure, which felt like the entire world was falling toward him.
His bones were creaking and he couldnt even breathe anymore. He started to wonder if it was even possible for a human being to use such a technique.
This is an interesting lesson.
Wrath seemed to be entertained as he licked his lips. His voice acted like cold water pouring onto Raon and he returned to his senses.
I cant lose like this. I need to find a way
He stimulated his heart, which was frozen in fear, and activated the Ring of Fire.
The rings slowly rotated and resonated with each other to release his body from the pressure that was binding him like a chain.
However, he still couldnt figure out how to defend against the strike even with the Ring of Fire. The only way to dodge was to kneel in front of him.
Is he trying to make me pay the price for humiliating his disciple?
The Sword Demons attack was a supreme one for Raon, who was facing him, but it only looked like a joke to the spectators.
Raon could guess that the Sword Demon was trying to return his disciples humiliation with interest.
This is a bit unsightly if hes serious about this.
He started to boil with rage because hed never thought the famous Sword Demon would resort to such a cheap trick.
Raon bit his lip tightly and clenched Heavenly Drive.
The techniques Ive used before arent going to work.
None of the techniques hed learned and created in the past was capable of stopping the Sword Demons attack.
If my current realm isnt enough I just need to advance even further.
Raon increased the Ring of Fires output to the maximum while watching the Sword Demons attack.
Cring!
The resonance of the rings stimulated his upper energy center, which wasnt completely open yet. His heated brain felt like it was melting, and a new scene was displayed in front of him.
The slow descent of the Sword Demons blade looked faster instead, and he could see the principles inside it like a panorama.
This technique
It was the same technique as Mustans, but it was on a whole different level of completion.
The dignity of the versatile sword that combined countless principles of swordsmanship was roaring towards the world.
No emotion could be read from the Sword Demons eyes behind the completed versatile sword. He looked so apathetic that he looked like he was crushing a bug to death.
Raon didnt want to lose once he realized the techniques nature and saw the Sword Demons look of disdain.
Whir!
The seven rings combined into one, and he could feel the worlds energy as if the mana in his body returned to nature.
The Sword Demons sword was fast, slow, heavy, light, powerful, soft, flexible, precise, variable, and illusory at the same time.
Even though it shouldve been impossible for those contradicting principles to coexist, they were dwelling together inside that single strike.
I wouldve never been able to defend against it if It was my first time seeing this. However Ive witnessed an even more amazing technique from the closest spot.
The flow was different, but he'd witnessed the sword of a warrior whod managed to combine all of the martial principles in the world.
Glenn Zieghart.
Watching his back came with an expensive return.
Because hed witnessed the sword of the Destructive King of North, he could bare his fangs at the versatile sword falling towards him.
Im going to advance.
One step, two steps.
Raon imagined the sword of the transcender who managed to push back the White Bloods Religions leader and the Fallen at the same time.
The Ring of Fire rotated as fast as possible, and the huge resonance coming from their distortion sounded like they were about to break.
Inside his mental world There was nothing but sword buds in that white world, but a new sprout slowly emerged.
Raon enjoyed the burning pain of his brain and fixed the grip on Heavenly Drive.
Whir!
He controlled the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivations heat and Glaciers coldness at the same time as he extended his left foot.
Thud!
The extreme heaviness of his step created a huge fissure in the arena.
He connected that majestic power with his waist and remembered the martial arts hed learned before.
I cant incorporate all of them at once.
Mustan was the perfect example of that. It was better to leave out the principles that werent mastered yet.
Raon chose the techniques that hed been practicing all along to incorporate into himself.
Raon Ziegharts fast, powerful, variable, and precise sword soared along with a majestic radiance.