Chapter 93

Only those who have received permission from the direct line, major branch, or family head are allowed to enter and train in Sieghart's Grand Training Hall. There are a few exceptions, one of which is the sword duel. When it comes to the duel between swordsmen, who stake their pride on the match, anyone who wishes to watch can enter the Grand Training Hall.

Although the sword duel was still over an hour away, the seats in the Grand Training Hall were already packed due to the fame of the participants. Those who couldn't find seats were busy securing good spots around the training ground.

The noise of the crowd made the Grand Training Hall feel like a bustling market, but the conversations of everyone present followed a similar pattern.

"This is a once-in-a-century, unique sword duel. Anyone who misses today's match will regret it for life."

"Yeah. It's a fight that won't come again."

"Considering it's between a direct-line swordsman and a collateral-line trainee."

"Especially since they are the most talked-about figures these days."

The duel between the direct-line swordsman and the collateral-line trainee, and the fact that both had recently achieved significant feats for the family, had captured everyone's attention.

"Who do you think will win between Raon and Lord Rayden? It would be more interesting if they were evenly matched."

"Hmm, the duel is unique, but the outcome is already clear."

"Even if Raon is exceptionally strong for his age, he can't possibly win."

"But he did cut the Green-Eyed Demon…."

"That wasn't just Raon. The trainees from the 5th Training Ground fought together."

"On the other hand, Lord Rayden single-handedly destroyed a branch of the White Blood Sect. Even if it was a small branch, it's not an easy feat."

Most of the swordsmen believed that Raon's reputation was exaggerated and were certain that Rayden would win the duel.

"Hey, if Raon can just hold his own, that would be fine. If he fights well, the family head might change the terms of the bet…."

"Ha, you're just making excuses."

"Who… ah!"

The swordsmen turned their heads at the cold voice from behind. Marta Sieghart was frowning.

"Making excuses? Lying?"

Marta leaned forward and snorted.

"If it were a lie, do you think I or Barren would have let it slide? You're not just decorations on your heads. Think about it, okay?"

Her harsh words contrasted sharply with her elegant appearance.

"Ugh…."

"That's…."

The swordsmen turned away, muttering. Even formal swordsmen didn't have the nerve to challenge the beloved daughter of Denier Sieghart.

"Watch with those eyes of yours."

Marta crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair.

"Something completely different from your expectations will happen."

* * *

"Denier has raised his daughter poorly."

Balder, sitting on the dais, crossed his legs and smiled coldly.

"Or perhaps he picked her up poorly."

He muttered about the talent of someone with such beady eyes.

However, Balder had no interest in Marta's treatment of the swordsmen. The difference between the direct line, collateral line, and those below them was too significant in this world.

"This fight is already over. I want to quickly finish the duel and hear that arrogant brat's screams."

The outcome of today's match was obvious. No matter how talented Raon might be, he couldn't face Rayden without the experience of a continuous sword.

The thought of Raon's dantian being shattered, his mana circuits torn, and his screams after the duel brought a delighted smile to Balder's face.

"Ah! It's been a while."

"Hmm?"

Balder's head turned involuntarily at the cheerful voice that didn't fit the solemn atmosphere of the dais.

"Rimer?"

The red-haired elf approached with a mischievous smile.

"Why are you here?"

"Oh, I just dropped by when I saw you."

"Then go on your way."

"Ahaha, just joking."

Ignoring the order to leave, Rimer moved closer to Balder.

"Are we on such familiar terms that we can joke around?"

"Because you said something interesting."

"What?"

"Already over, you say? Who do you think won?"

"Even with your broken eyes, you can see the momentum of Rayden and the scum you raised."

"Hmm, there is a clear difference."

Rimer whistled as he looked at Raon and Rayden standing on either side of the Grand Training Hall.

"But a fight isn't always decided by momentum and strength."

"Hmph, that might be true for the scum. Once you reach the Expert level, the difference in realm is hard to overcome. Besides, Rayden is a continuous swordsman. Your disciple's flesh and bones will be torn apart."

"Then would you like to make a bet with me?"

"What?"

"If you're so confident, let's make a bet."

Rimer smiled and extended both hands.

"Are you trying to use some trick, like the false rumor about fighting the Blood Demon?"

"Even the family head is here today. Do you think my tricks would work?"

"Hmm…."

Balder's pupils dilated. The difficulty in dealing with Rimer lay in this very point. The man still occasionally met with his father, the family head.

"Since you're so confident, let's put something on the line. If you're scared, you can back out…."

"Shut up!"

Balder's scowl caused the platform he was standing on to buckle.

"Ahaha, just joking."

"What will you put on the line?"

"This."

A leaf-shaped dagger emerged from Rimer's robes. In the sunlight, it emitted a fresh, mysterious light, like a real leaf.

"This is…."

"Do you know what it is?"

"Are you really going to bet this item?"

"Of course. A bet is a single shot! A single shot!"

"…Then what do you want? My Dragonfang Sword?"

"No, I don't need that."

Rimer shook his head and grinned, the same expression he had when teasing Barren and playing with Raon.

"I…."

* * *

Raon stretched his wrists and ankles, warming up. This was his first time in the Grand Training Hall, and many people were watching, but he wasn't the least bit nervous.

'The medicine is working well.'

Thanks to the Tranquilizing Water given by Marta, his mind was clear, and his heart beat calmly and steadily.

The medicine from Barren had also worked, and his physical injuries were completely healed. He felt he could perform at his best, just like during training in the open field or the 5th Training Ground.

Raon looked at Rayden standing opposite him. Despite the impending duel, Rayden was leisurely sipping wine.

'He's trying to show his confidence.'

The reason for Rayden's relaxed demeanor was simple. He was deliberately staging this to show the difference between them.

'But…'

Such a display is only made when there is an overwhelming difference or a guaranteed victory.

Raon smiled coldly as he watched Rayden being massaged by a maid. Rayden would regret this day for the rest of his life.

"The sky of Sieghart enters! Everyone, show your respect!"

As Raon was stretching, the swordsmen at the entrance of the training ground shouted.

Creak!

The massive doors split open, and Glen and the Thousand Sword Guard entered simultaneously.

Despite the large number of people, only Glen was visible. His overwhelming aura made the air in the training ground sharp and piercing.

The more powerful he became, the more it was evident how high he stood. Each time Raon saw him, he felt a chill run down his spine.

"Salute the family head!"

Raon, like everyone else in the training ground, knelt and bowed.

-Every time I see you bow and salute, humans are truly troublesome.

Lass clicked his tongue in annoyance, but there was a hint of envy in his voice.

From being a ruler of the demon world to a humble tenant in his bracelet, he seemed to envy Glen, who commanded respect and fear from everyone.

'You're just petty.'

-What did you say?

'Nothing.'

Raon smiled slightly while keeping his head bowed.

"Everyone, rise."

Glen, seated on the jade throne at the center of the dais, spoke. His voice, though soft, was heard clearly by everyone.

"Thank you!"

The swordsmen of Sieghart bowed again and then stood up.

"Good."

Glen slowly looked down at Raon on the west side of the training ground and Rayden on the east side, nodding.

"Begin the duel."

"Yes!"

The announcer, standing below the dais, bowed deeply to Glen and turned around.

Whoosh!

As he raised his hand, the flag bearers at the perimeter of the Grand Training Hall waved flags with the emblem of the Flame Sword.

As the flags fluttered, the entire training ground was transformed into a scene of flickering flames.

"Duellists, step forward!"

"Finally."

Rayden grinned and extended his hand. A maid behind him brought a scabbard, from which he drew a wavy sword longer than a spear.

Swoosh.

The long, thin continuous sword undulated like a living snake, emitting a strange sound.

Raon ignored Rayden's murderous gaze and turned to look behind him.

Sylvia, gripping the railing so hard it might break, bit her lip. He communicated with her through his eyes, telling her not to worry and to wait patiently.

Next to Sylvia were Helen and the maids, clasping their hands tightly and trembling as if in prayer.

He refocused his mind. This wasn't just a fight with Rayden; it was a war to protect them.

"Hmm…."

Raon exhaled to clear his mind and walked to face Rayden.

* * *

"Hah!"

Rayden tilted his head back and looked at the sky. How long had he been waiting for this day? A week felt longer than a year.

'Now I can finally repay them.'

The humiliation from the annex. The chance to change the way the swordsmen looked at him when they saw him.

He suppressed his excitement, gripping the continuous sword tightly.

'Come on, come on… you brat.'

Rayden gritted his teeth. Raon was looking at Sylvia and the maids behind him, not at him.

The indifference shown just before the battle made his stomach churn.

'I'll just cut off your limbs.'

The thought of cutting off Raon's arms and legs in the duel, and severing his dantian and mana circuits, brought a thrill up his spine.

"Prepare yourselves."

At the announcer's signal, Rayden rotated his wrist. The continuous sword writhed like a snake with just a slight movement.

"I'm ready."

Raon nodded without even drawing his sword.

"Hah, I've never seen such an arrogant brat."

Rayden leaned in, wrinkling his nose.

"Let me tell you how lucky you were that day."

"Luck?"

Raon stroked the scabbard and smiled.

"You really…."

"Step back."

The announcer pushed Rayden back forcefully.

"I'll see if you can still smile when your arms are cut off and your dantian is torn."

"Then we won't see each other again."

Raon maintained his smile, gripping the sword hilt.

Crack.

Rayden ground his teeth and stepped back. It was better to start the duel quickly rather than engage in a verbal exchange with that brat.

The announcer's eyes asked if they were ready, and both nodded.

"Then the duel between Rayden Sieghart and Raon Sieghart begins!"

The announcer raised his hand, which had been blocking Rayden and Raon, and stepped back.

"Ha ha ha!"

Rayden laughed maniacally and struck with the continuous sword. With a hiss, the sword coiled like a ribbon and fell toward Raon.

Swoosh!

Raon twisted his body like a fluttering petal, evading the continuous sword.

"You think you can dodge?"

With a flick of his wrist, the continuous sword undulated like a wave, chasing Raon.

"Ugh…."

Raon frowned and tried to evade the continuous sword with the Garimbo technique, but Rayden already knew the pattern.

"I told you, it's different this time! Keep running!"

Rayden grinned and unleashed the third form of the Continuous Sword Technique, the Demon Blade. The blade zigzagged, aiming for Raon's legs.

Sss!

Raon drew his sword and swung it downward. It seemed he thought he couldn't evade the Demon Blade and was trying to block it with his sword.

"Kuh!"

Rayden licked his lips.

'Fool!'

The Continuous Sword Technique is extremely difficult to defend against due to its rapid changes in direction. Defending a visible target often results in being cut elsewhere.

The same was true for Raon. Thinking the blade was aiming for his legs, he brought his sword down, but that was a big mistake.

Sss!

As Rayden flicked his wrist, the continuous sword, which had been aiming for Raon's calf, shot upward like a snake climbing a vine.

'As I warned, I'll take your arm!'

He imagined the sharp blade slicing through Raon's arm, causing him to scream.

"Huh?"

Rayden swallowed hard. Before the continuous sword could slice his arm, Raon, who had been in front of him, disappeared.

"Huh, where… ah!"

Rayden screamed and trembled, feeling a cold sensation at his throat. Turning his eyes, he saw Raon, who had disappeared, pressing his sword against his neck.

"What, what's going on…."

"First."

"F-first? What do you mean by first!"

"You'll die eight times today."

With that, Raon's fist struck Rayden's face.

Thud!