One hour had passed since the children started running around the gymnasium.
Burren and Runaan were still running at the front, and the collaterals, vassal children, and recommended children were neck-in-neck behind them.
Of course, not all one hundred sixty of them were running anymore.
Those who lacked stamina had already given up and were resting in a corner, and the number of quitters kept increasing even now.
"Haaaah."
Rimmer's eyes quickly moved left and right, despite lying down on the platform and yawning.
'The sixty-first guy gave up earlier than his stamina could last, and the sixty-second one lasted longer.'
He was grasping all one hundred sixty children at a glance with sleepy eyes.
However, stamina wasn't the only thing Rimmer was analyzing.
'There is no point in just checking their stamina.'
How much stamina children had depended on how they grew up. Honestly, they were all similar except for the two direct lines and the roughly twenty best children.
Even if their stamina was similar, some children gave up as soon as they were out of breath, and some kept running until the end, while their sides pinched or they cried.
'That difference is the most important thing here.'
Just like there were people who gave up easily, there are also people who never gave up. That difference in willpower that looked small at present would grow to be tremendous in the future.
Stamina could be increased, and talents could be nurtured.
However, it was extremely difficult to develop perseverance.
Children who never gave up wouldn't give up in the future either, and children who gave up easily would grow up to be adults who did the same.
Of course, there were exceptions, as some would realize and change their way. However, that was as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.
Looking for a child who already had the perseverance and the willpower was the easiest way.
'This is pretty much set in stone now.'
Rimmer smiled. Over half of the children had already given up, and the rest were getting slower as they tired.
As Rimmer was preparing to end the exam, the golden-haired child running in the back group crossed his sight.
'Raon Zieghart.'
He was the only child who had exceeded his expectations. Rimmer's eyes shone like stars.
'I don't understand it.'
Raon had run out of stamina a long time ago. He shouldn't have been able to stand, because of the coldness pressing upon his body and shortening his breath. However, he kept moving his feet relentlessly, without breaking his posture.
'This can't even be called perseverance anymore. This is obstinacy.'
He had seen many brilliant talents, throughout countless battlefields.
Among them, there were swordsmen who would stand at the top of the continent with their swords, and magicians who would change the standard of the world with their magic. But none of them had as much persistence as Raon.
He kept running even after running out of stamina, especially when he was a twelve-year-old child who was born with a terrible constitution. Updates are released by novel(ꜰ)ire.net
That wasn't possible without having gone through dozens of life-or-death battles. He couldn't figure out just how a sheltered child possibly ended up with such obstinacy.
'Hmm…'
He looked around the entire gymnasium.
Runaan and Burren, who were staying at the top despite saving their power, were amazing. However, that was nothing compared to Raon, who was still running with no stamina.
The collaterals and the children of vassal families who made fun of Raon were drooling as they ran, as if they didn't want to lose to him.
"Haha."
Rimmer's lips bent into a smooth arc.
"It's going to be fun teaching them."
***
"Hmm…"
Burren Zieghart kept turning back, as he couldn't focus on running. And each time, he had to frown.
'Why? Why is that guy still running?!'
Raon Zieghart. He was an insolent child who talked back to the head of house, and he was unexpectedly still going. He was slow, but he kept running at a constant speed until the end.
'He shouldn't be in a condition to run right now…'
He already knew Raon's condition. He was born with coldness, which not only made him incapable of moving his body properly, but also slowed down his growth.
And when he saw him for the first time, he looked even more pathetic. He was short, and he didn't have the slightest sign of having trained.
'And yet…'
He didn't give up.
The collaterals, children of vassal families, and the recommended children whose talents had been acknowledged were already giving up. And yet, he was still running despite, panting like he was going to die.
'And the person next to me, they're also annoying.'
Runaan, who was the only person who kept up with him, and Raon, who should've dropped out already, were both irritating.
'Alright. I'll show you the clear difference.'
Deciding that he would discourage both Runaan and Raon, he fiercely kicked the ground.
Swoosh!
Using aura, he amplified the muscles in his thighs and calves. Running at a speed that could create tunnel vision, he looked back.
'Those brats?!'
Neither Runaan, who he thought of as a rival, nor Raon were showing any kind of reaction.
They were both running at their own pace, and it was the collaterals and the children from vassal families who were carelessly following him.
"Tsk!"
Burren clicked his tongue and increased his speed. He was now far ahead of Runaan, who used to run next to him, and he had already run past Raon a long time ago.
However, Runaan and Raon's speed didn't change. It was like they were telling him that they weren't interested in him.
'Kuh!'
Realizing that he was ignored by those inferior to him, anger simmered inside him.
'Let's see until when you can keep up that act.'
* * *
* * *
"Huff!"
Raon smiled, exhaling vigorously.
'Power keeps flowing in.'
His stamina pool had gone empty, resembling a dried-up well a long time ago.
His head was spinning so hard that he felt like he would faint, but he managed to withstand it thanks to the vitality the three starred 'Ring of Fire' provided him.
'This is heaven compared to back then.'
In his previous life, wild dogs chased him when he was younger. He'd run down the mountain while grabbing a heart that felt like it would explode.
There were also times when the wild dog had caught him in the end, resulting in a fight to the death. Compared to that hellish life, what he was doing right now was child's play.
"Huff…"
Raon looked forward while panting. The collaterals and the recommended children, who were still running at full speed, were certainly exceptionally talented. However, Runaan and Burren were different from them; they were steadily running from the beginning, at a constant speed.
Just as he thought that they weren't called geniuses for nothing, Burren suddenly sped up. He ran past Runaan and became the front runner.
"Eh?"
"Lo… Lord Burren?"
"Run! Don't fall behind!"
The collaterals and recommended children who saw him forcibly increased their speed.
"Hmph!"
As if telling them to catch up, Burren peered at Runaan and Raon.
What are you doing right now? Are you going to do nothing when you are provoked? Catch up to him and crush those eyes.
Wrath ground his teeth, glaring at Burren, but Raon didn't react.
'I told you before. This isn't a competition.'
The run was a test to show how much stamina and willpower everyone had, not a competition. And there was one more person who knew that fact.
'Runaan Sullion.'
The silver-haired girl running in second place kept her pace, as if she didn't have a speck of interest in Burren.
'She is actually one step ahead of him.'
He'd thought that they were similar, but it looked like Runaan was mentally superior to Burren.
Burren was pretending to be an adult, but he was acting according to his age. If he went onto the battlefield as he was, he would've died quickly.
'That's not something I should care about.'
Raon kept running in the gymnasium, following Runaan's back instead of Burren's.
"Ra… Raon?"
"How…?"
"He… he was still running?"
The collaterals who exhausted themself running after Burren fell behind. They were the ones who were mocking him before the exam had started.
"Huff, huff! Wh… what did you do?"
"Kuh, there's no way…"
As Raon ran past them, the collaterals that were panting slowed their steps and sat down on the ground.
Raon kept running, using their astonished gaze as a driving force.
'Pathetic.'
It's a fact that those who couldn't stop talking no matter where they went were actually worthless. Since he wasn't interested in them to begin with, he forgot about them and kept running.
"Huff…"
Raon kept rotating his 'Ring of Fire' through slow breaths.
'The ring is developing rapidly.'
Even though he hadn't run for a long time, the cultivation of the 'Ring of Fire' was progressing quickly. After all, the 'Ring of Fire' was a cultivation technique that showed its true value upon going all out.
'It's still incredibly difficult, though.'
The rotating ring of fires didn't make the pain disappear. He felt like his heart and lungs were being crushed, and his side hurt as if it was stabbed by a dagger.
How pathetic.
Wrath clicked his tongue as he kept running full out.
I can't accept defeat from you whose body will become mine. Give your body to me right now. I will catch up and completely freeze that blue haired brat right now.
'Shut up.'
It wasn't a test to catch up. It was a fight against himself.
I can't accept defeat as long as The King of Essence has his eyes open.
'Then close your eyes. It's a miracle that I'm still running like this.'
It wasn't a lie.
Even though he had Wrath's system, he still couldn't get rid of the coldness inside his mana circuits. The 'Ring of Fire' was a miracle that allowed him to keep running.
Then give your body to me.
Wrath transformed into the blue flame that he had seen the day before. His anger made him nauseated as it stimulated his emotions.
'Not now, of all times…'
Raon bit his lip. Wrath's stimulation felt twice as painful than the day before because of how tired he was.
'It's pointless, so go back to sleep already.'
He kept his calm expression using his 'Ring of Fire' at full force. He kept moving his legs, pretending he wasn't affected.
Kuh! Why does The King of Essence's power not work on you?!
Wrath kept stimulating the angry emotion relentlessly.
"Huff…"
Raon withstood Wrath's mental attack with his already empty stamina.
'I'm dying…'
Cold sweat ran down his back. He felt like he would faint at any moment.
Thanks to the balance between the 'Ring of Fire' and the experience of his previous life—one of countless life or death situations—he barely managed to hold on.
You stubborn brat!
'Give up and piss off!'
"Haa!"
While Raon was pushing back Wrath's power, Rimmer, who was lying on the platform suddenly stood up.
"Everyone, stop!"
The children who were running in the gymnasium stopped as they heard his clear voice.
"Huff! Huff!"
"Kuh!"
"Aww!"
The children could hardly keep their eyes open as they panted, sitting on the ground or holding their knees.
"Huff…"
Raon looked like he would die as he panted heavily.
What a monster.
Wrath grinded his teeth and went back to the bracelet.
'I told you, you can't.'
He wiped the cold sweat off his forehead. The test was difficult, but withstanding Wrath's attack was even more so. If he'd kept running, he could've really died.
'This life isn't normal either… Hmm?'
A new message popped up while he was drinking.
Ding!
An extreme stamina-surpassing action was performed.
Ability points have increased.
Strength, Agility, and Stamina have increased by 2.
"Hah…"
Raon gasped.
'That's actually true.'
His muscles twitched, starting from his forearm then down his entire body. When he clenched his fist, he could feel that his grasping power had become a bit stronger than before.
Tap.
His body was light, as if he got rid of a small lump of metal from his body, as he tried jumping in place.
'So the actual body changes when the stats increase, huh?'
Did you think the system made by the King of Essence was fake?
'This is crazy.'
Raon was speechless. It didn't make any sense that his physical abilities would improve as a reward for training past his limits. He was about to say that the system was too overpowered, when the second set of messages appeared.
Successfully withstood
Ability points have increased further.
Agility, Stamina, and Energy have increased by 1.
They were messages announcing an additional increase in abilities from withstanding Wrath's disruption.
What is that?
'…'
Raon's eyes shone as he stayed silent, feeling the euphoria rush through his body.
Wh-what is this? How come it gives you extra stats for withstanding my disruption?!
'Did you not know about it either?'
Of course! The system has never been stolen from me before, and the King of Essence had never failed to take over a human's body!
Wrath transformed into a blue flame and flew around in front of his eyes. He looked flustered as he acted like a bee.
'I guess so.'
When Raon nodded, a thumping sound could be heard from above the platform.
"Good job, everyone."
Rimmer, who had stomped the ground, was smiling as he clapped his hands.
"Kuh…"
"Hmm…"
"Damn it!"
To his cheerful smile, the children who gave up frowned and lowered their heads.
"Sigh…"
"I barely made it."
"I thought I would die."
On the other hand, those who managed to hold on until the end smiled in satisfaction, despite their tired expressions.
"Don't worry. I won't fail you out yet."
"Eh?"
"Pardon?"
Children opened their eyes at Rimmer's lighthearted voice.
"I said you were going to be tested, but I didn't say that the decision would be made today."
"Oh…"
"Is… Is that true?"
"Yes. However, if you keep training like today, then most of you will fail out."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Wh-what does that mean…?"
The children stared at Rimmer in disbelief. Since there were over fifty people who managed to run until the end, it was difficult to believe that most of them were going to fail.
"I clearly mentioned that you should run at full speed, but you saved your strength while running. Among the one hundred sixty of you, there was only one person who ran at full speed the entire time."
Rimmer looked at Raon for a very short moment.
"Except for him, everyone else preserved their strength as they ran. It's pathetic that some of you ended up giving up despite that."
"Ugh…"
"Th-that is…"
As the children were exposed, they couldn't find their embarrassment and their faces turned red.
"In addition, the sly ones that used their aura in order to not fall behind should reflect on their actions."
"Hmm."
As Rimmer finished his sentence, several trainees, including Burren, bit their lips.
"Well, I actually don't really care about what you do. The ones who take the test are you, not me."
Rimmer grinned. It was a mysterious smile that was serious and crafty at the same time.
"Your status will be 'Temporary Trainee' from now on. I will remove the 'temporary' from it if you manage to pass the test that will take place in six months."
"Wh-what is that test?"
The green-eyed child who wanted to give Raon a cracker earlier raised his hand with blurry eyes.
"It wouldn't be fun if I told you about it. There won't be a ranking, but there will be a first place, so do your best."
"How hard do we have to train?"
"I will give you a simple but straightforward hint."
Cracking his neck, he looked down at the children. Everyone's eyes were shining with expectations.
"For six months, complete all the training that I give you. If you just follow my instructions, without involving your personal opinions, then you will pass your test for sure."
"Oh!"
"Is… Is that true?"
"Doesn't that sound too simple?"
The children's expressions brightened, as if they were facing the sun, when they heard that following instructions was enough.
"I don't lie. If you follow my instructions, you will pass. However…"
The corners of Rimmer's lips lifted.
"That won't be easy. I'm just going to give you the instructions and let you train however you want. If you follow them the way you did today, then everyone will fail without exception."
"Hmm…"
"No way…"
The expressions on the faces of the twelve- to thirteen-year-old children were filled with urgency, as they couldn't go back home without any results.
However, there were people who stayed calm, as if they weren't concerned. They were Raon and Runaan.
They didn't show any reaction, despite hearing what Rimmer said.
"Damn it…"
On the other hand, Burren, who had finished first, didn't look good.
He didn't say any names, but Rimmer reproached him and complimented Raon. Despite running faster than anyone, he felt like he had lost to that trash collateral.
'What insolence!'
Burren kept glaring at the back of Raon's head instead of listening to Rimmer's explanation on the test.
"You will live in the fifth training ground's dormitory from now on. It has the best facilities and treatments, so enjoy yourselves for six months."
Rimmer pointed at the dormitory, which could be seen behind the training ground.
"Hmm…"
"That's the dormitory…?"
The children's expressions didn't get better, despite hearing that it had the best treatment. That was because they knew those benefits were only temporary.
"Since this is the first day, I'll finish here. You can go rest or keep training here however you want. There is also an indoor gymnasium on the left side, so feel free to use it."
Rimmer went down the platform as he finished his speech. However, when he was halfway down the stairs, he turned his head and grinned.
"Oh, one more thing. Social standing doesn't exist here. Whether you are a king, a commoner, or a slave, you are all equals. Make sure to get along with your fellow trainees."
He waved his hand, showing he really had nothing else to say now, and left the training ground. Half the instructors followed him and left, while the other half looked over the children with their backs against the wall.
That rude, pointy-eared…
'What do you dislike about him so much?'
Raon showed his confusion as he looked down on Wrath.
I don't like his face. He dares to look down on the King of Essence, thinking he has everything in his grasp. Ten thousand years of imprisonment in ice won't be enough punishment for such insolence.
'…'
He explained, but Raon still couldn't understand it. It looked like Wrath was just a psychopath.
'I'd better ignore him.'
Shaking his head slightly, he relaxed his tired body and mind using the 'Ring of Fire'.
'I should check out the gymnasium.'
Ignoring the murmuring Wrath, Raon entered the indoor gymnasium that Rimmer mentioned.
"Hmm…"
* * *
* * *
"Raon Zieghart."
"Just how did you even run?"
The collaterals and children of vassal families couldn't take their eyes off Raon's back as he entered the indoor gymnasium.
There was too big of a difference between what they saw earlier, and what they had heard of him before.
They still couldn't believe that he managed to hold out for longer than they had, despite them constantly training their stamina.
"It must be thanks to the elixir."
Krein Zieghart frowned. He was the collateral who first picked a fight with Raon.
"E-elixir?"
"But those living in the annex building were abandoned by the direct line."
"That's right. And he is the worst among the collaterals. How could he have gotten an elixir?"
"Even if he got an elixir, it shouldn't have been a good one."
"I heard that the Ragged Saint gave it to him, not the family."
Krein explained the situations to the collaterals, who were all wondering.
"Ah!"
"The Saint did!"
"In the end, he managed to run thanks to the power of the elixir, not on his own."
"And he's so proud!"
Hearing that he'd taken an elixir given to him by the Ragged Saint, the children looked disgusted.
"Tsk!"
"What a lucky guy!"
"He got a lucky elixir despite being a mere collateral, there is really nothing likable about him."
Krein smiled, as the collateral children expressed their resentment.
"That's why I'm saying,"
"Huh?"
"Shouldn't we teach him a small lesson?"
"That's true. Apparently, he talked back to Lord Burren as well."
"I guess we need to show him what's up."
"Then when he goes back to the dormitory today…"
"Stop it."
When the collaterals were about to plan their assault, a low voice was heard from beside them.
"L-Lord Burren?"
"You will dirty the name of Zieghart."
Burren gave a cold glance at the collaterals.
'How pathetic.'
He didn't like Raon Zieghart either, but oppressing him using group violence was disgraceful.
He couldn't let them plan such a thing as someone who'd received the name of Zieghart.
"He is a mere insect that will drop out soon enough. Just ignore him and focus on your training."
Narrowing his eyes at their unsightly behavior, he left the training ground.
"Ah, hmm…"
"He… He told us to stop."
"Hmm."
"Are you really that stupid?"
Krein clicked his tongue, seeing the discouraged collateral children.
"What?"
"He is actually telling us to do it."
"What?"
"He was saying that he didn't want to get his own hands dirty, so we should proceed with it. Did you really not get it?"
"Ah?"
"Is… Is that so?"
"Of course. Finish preparing already. If we give Raon a proper lesson, Lord Burren will also be satisfied."
The four trainees gathered in a circle and started to plan how they would discipline Raon.
And after that…
Runaan Sullion, who hadn't looked at anyone so far, focused her gaze on a certain location.
It wasn't Burren who finished first place, nor the collateral or the children from vassal families, nor Rimmer, who was called the Sword of Light of Zieghart.
Raon Zieghart.
Her gaze was fixated on Raon's back, whose performance had been less than average during the test. And then, she murmured one word.
"Weird."
***
Rimmer left the training ground and climbed up the North Grave Mountain, located behind the main building. Reaching the tiger-shaped rock at the mountainside, he lifted his head.
"There is a guest at my napping site."
When he spoke to the rock, the golden-haired old man standing on top of it inclined his head. It was Glenn Zieghart.
"How did it go?"
"There's no point in asking me that question."
Rimmer smiled bitterly while leaning his back against the rock.
"As you already know, I have a good eye for people. And yet… I couldn't see through Raon. I couldn't analyze his condition at all."
"…"
"I'm sure it was completely empty. It was as dry as a dry mop that had been squeezed out countless times. I don't understand at all how he could run until the end."
Curiosity and astonishment dwelled inside Rimmer's smiling eyes.
"Burren and Runaan have the best talent, and the other children aren't bad, either. They can certainly become the pillars that will support the family in the future. However…"
"You were unable to judge Raon."
Glenn gaze went past Rimmer, towards the fifth training ground.
"You are correct. His talents, potential, future, and tendencies—none of them could be seen. It's my first time being in the dark like this since I met you, my lord."
Rimmer giggled.
"It has been boring ever since my energy center became ragged, but this looks fun for once."
"Your job isn't to look for fun. It's to raise the children into warriors befitting the name of Zieghart."
"Of course. I know that. Am I not Zieghart's the most loyal subject?"
Rimmer nodded like a hoodlum.
"If you weren't a patient and a comrade in war, your head would be flying right now."
"Wow, I guess having wounded my energy center was helpful for once!"
"…"
Glenn looked at Rimmer's energy center and around his heart, then turned his head away.
"You asked for the position of head instructor, so focus on your job instead of getting distracted." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NoveIꜰire.net
"Of course. I feel like one of the trainees this year will become someone worthy of entrusting my future."
Rimmer turned his gaze towards the training ground, where Glenn was looking.
"Do you mean Burren or Runaan?"
"That's a possibility, but it could be one of the recommended children, or an obstinate commoner, or a child that has been abandoned by the family."
"It's just a coincidence. That child can hardly become a warrior."
Glenn walked down the North Grave Mountain after saying that. Rimmer stared at the back of his most esteemed warrior, and grinned.
"You already know it isn't."
***
Raon walked outside of the indoor gymnasium after checking the different equipment.
'Not bad.'
The training equipment was the latest and the best, just like Rimmer had said. The training ground certainly looked like it would raise the trainees to be the best if they could follow directions.
Since he had started to train in the afternoon, the sky was already getting dark. He went out of the training ground, and was about to head over to the dormitory…
"Hey."
From the alleyway to the right side, a low voice could be heard. When he turned his head, the four collaterals who picked a fight that morning were glaring at him with intimidating expressions.
"I heard you ingested an elixir before your first birthday."
"And that's how you became so cocky?"
"If I consumed an elixir like you, I would've been way better than you. I'd be right behind Lord Burren already."
The four children seemed to believe that they were speaking with authority as they approached.
Are you really being looked down on by children? I want to end my life now.
'Don't worry.'
The flame in Raon's eyes was ignited.
'You will be able to see what you want this time.'
Hmm…"
Raon's hands trembled, despite his calm mind.
"You don't need to be so nervous. We just want to talk."
The long-haired collateral at the front approached him. Raon knew his name already. Krein Zieghart. He was the guy who picked a fight with him that morning, and he had also shown a rather brilliant talent during the Judgment Ceremony.
"Hey."
The three children who were next to Krein stuck themselves to Raon's sides and his back, when Krein pointed with his chin.
"Talk? What kind of talk do you want?"
He wanted to step back, but it was impossible to retreat with three people blocking his way.
"You'll know once we get there."
"Follow quietly."
Krein gestured with a grin, and the two guys next to him started to push him with their shoulders.
Since Raon was small for his age, while the collaterals were rather big, it looked like adults taking away a kid.
"Wa-wait a second. How about we talk here?"
"It's too late."
"You shouldn't have been so arrogant."
As Raon shrugged and lowered his gaze, the collateral children giggled and put their arms under his armpit.
You told me you would show me what I wanted to see, but what are you doing now?
'Simmering the rice takes time. This is the same, so wait a little.'
"Kuh!"
Raon was thrown to the wall after being dragged helplessly to the training ground's vicinity. It was a dark and secluded place, with no one in sight.
"Wh-why are you doing this?"
"You elixir-boosted punk."
"What?"
"You got abandoned by the direct line, but you dare to boast with the power of a lucky elixir?"
"You wouldn't even have been able to run today if it wasn't for the elixir you got from the Saint."
"You wimp!"
The collaterals' expressions became fierce, like savage beasts who presented with their prey.
'For that ridiculous reason…'
The childish and shabby reason seemed to prove that they were still kids.
'And they don't seem to think that they might lose, not at all.'
Raon sneered.
'I guess that's normal.'
Unlike him, who was twelve years old, the collaterals were thirteen years old, and their bodies were also a lot bigger. Since they had been training for a long time, they didn't even consider the possibility of losing.
"Don't worry, we will make it unnoticeable."
"It's not the first time we've done this, after all."
"Just like what the instructor said, we are going to just have a chat between fellow trainees."
The collaterals approached while swinging their fists.
"You're right."
Raon raised his head and smiled.
"Damn right."
The fear and confusion in his eyes could no longer be seen.
"You bastard!"
The one with the bowl cut at the right side of him punched him.
After twisting his shoulder to dodge the fist, Raon used his right elbow to strike his chest.
"Gack!"
The bowl head quacked with his head on the ground, unable to breathe. He kept scratching the ground, trying to respire.
"Wh-what happened!"
The narrow-eyed one to his left kicked at him. Read full story at novel✶fire.net
Whack!
Raon fended off against it using his left hand. Then he approached him and struck his solar plexus using his fist.
"Kuh…"
The narrow-eyed child tumbled on the ground, grabbing his stomach as his eyes turned white.
Wham!
The guy from behind slammed down with his two fists clenched together. Raon deflected it with his palm and kicked his abdomen.
"Huff!"
The biggest guy gasped, collapsing on the ground.
"Wh-what are you all doing? Why are you losing to that bastard?!"
Krein, who was the last one standing, stepped back. His hands were shaking as he stuttered.
"We are having a talk between fellow trainees, just as you said.'
Raon approached Krein, matching his steps to his retreat.
"Don't come any closer!'
Krein swung his left fist as he shouted, followed by his right fist. It was a well-trained, consecutive attack.
However, the one on the receiving end wasn't a normal twelve-year-old child.
Crack!
Raon's hand twisted up like a poisonous snake. He grabbed Krein's left arm and twisted it to the right.
"Kuah!"
Krein shrieked, unable to finish swing his right fist due to the arm-breaking pain.
"It's not over yet."
Using his left hand like a blade, he chopped across Krein's right waist.
"Kak! Kuaah!"
Krein rolled on the ground while screaming as if he was facing his last moment.
That's a marvelous scream. But his skull is still intact. Break it right now.
'Always the skull…'
Raon shook his head and looked at the four collaterals, who were squirming on the ground.
"What shall I do?"
Raon turned his head and approached the collateral children with killing intent in his eyes.
"Waa!"
"Uhhh!"
"Wh-what…"
The collaterals shivered in anguish. Their expressions weren't just confused, but terrified.
"Uhh…"
Krein's teeth chattered, as if he were cold.
'What is this guy…?'
It was a spirit that couldn't be felt from Burren, nor from the older children of the direct line. From Raon they felt something other than aura, something darker than that.
'It's like facing an adult…'
And it wasn't just any adult. It was the same chilly feeling as meeting the eyes of one of the leading figures of the family.
"The deeper the talk, the better."
"Uugh!"
"Pl-please!'
As Raon approached with a smile, the collaterals' teeth chattered as if they were looking at a god of death.
* * *
* * *
Smack! Smaaack!
Unable to even scream, the collaterals rolled up like maggots as he kept punching them.
This is refreshing for once. It's the first time that I took a liking to you.
'Thank you, I guess.'
Raon kept beating up the collaterals, so much that Wrath applauded. Moreover, he was hitting where it hurt the most, although it didn't look obvious.
"Kuh!"
"Uwaa…"
The collaterals couldn't even meet Raon's eyes anymore. They were just curling up like shrimps, fresh out of water.
"Pl-please, stop…"
"I'm sorry!"
"Ugh!"
Raon taught them a clear lesson. They shouldn't even look at his toes.
"What we had today was a talk between fellow trainees, right?"
"Eh, yes!"
"Th-that's right!"
"Am I right to assume that you won't tell anyone about our talk?"
"Of… of course!"
"Definitely!"
Since Krein and the collaterals wanted to stop getting beaten up, they nodded their heads.
"Then let's get the finishing touch before ending our conversation."
"Fi-finishing touch?"
"What do you mean…?"
"Who convinced you to do this? Was it Burren?"
"Uh…"
"Sorry? N-no, that's not the case."
The collaterals shook their heads.
"Then what is it?"
"Lo-Lord Burren never ordered us to do th-this."
"That's right. He actually told us to stop. It was just that we…"
"Is that so?"
Raon sneered. Judging from their frantic expressions, they weren't lying. Burren really must not have been involved.
'He isn't completely rotten.'
Burren clearly wasn't favorable to him, and had a foul mouth, but he didn't seem to be complete garbage.
"You'd better behave if you don't want to have another talk tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!"
"Certainly!"
"We won't even step on your shadow!"
Raon turned around, hearing the collaterals' responses. When he was about to leave the alley, a notification tone could be heard.
Ding!
***
Tap.
In the alley that Raon and the collaterals left, Rimmer stepped down.
"Hmm!"
Looking at the collaterals, who were helpless as they left, he licked his lips.
'That was an entertaining sight.'
He was just wasting his time like always, but he ended up watching something great.
'I get more curious the more I watch him.'
The Raon that he saw today wasn't the pathetic patient that Glenn and Sylvia had mentioned.
'Is he a genius?'
Raon had never been taught martial arts. He had never hit anyone, nor was he ever hit by anyone. However, the movements that he had shown proved otherwise.
He avoided the first fist with the least movement possible and struck back immediately after.
He finished his second and third opponents before they could even grasp the situation with a single strike on their vitals. It was a bit rough, but his punches weren't at the level that a first timer could have pulled off.
He'd thought that he just had excellent willpower, but it also looked like he was talented in martial arts.
'I guess he isn't a Zieghart for nothing.'
Rimmer grinned, remembering how Raon beat up the collaterals and threatened them.
It reminded him of the Glenn that he had met back in the days when he had thought he was the strongest. He didn't look exceptional at first, but he was more extraordinary than anyone when he acted.
He had even managed to impress Rimmer, who used to despise humans. Needless to say, that was the type of man he was.
'On top of that…'
The way Raon threatened the collaterals using their own words was even more like Glenn.
"A mysterious talent among the best talents…"
Rimmer cheerfully rolled on the ground.
"My heart is racing."
The corners of lips twisted up smoothly.
***
Raon entered room 405, following the number on the key that the instructor gave him in front of the dormitory.
It was a wide room, not much different from his room in the annex building. The bed looked comfortable, and there was enough space to train the 'Ring of Fire'.
'Then…'
After quickly looking around the room, he sat on the bed and brought up the message from earlier.
It was a message telling him that his agility had increased, along with a message saying that Wrath was satisfied.
'I can increase my stats like this?'
Apparently, satisfying Wrath gave him points, just as withstanding his intervention did.
However…
It's a mistake! The King of Essence isn't satisfied! It's still not enough! You should have at least cut their heads off!
Since Wrath was making a fuss, he got it regardless of Wrath's intentions.
Those stats that you've been getting! Where do they even come from?!
Apparently, Wrath didn't know where the stats came from either.
'Do you not know either? It's your own ability, yet you know nothing.'
This all happened because you stole it from the King of Essence!
"Well, the fact still remains that you don't know."
Kuh…
Wrath's voice trembled, as if all his pleasure from earlier had vanished.
Alright, I'll check on it. Wait for me.
With that, Wrath's presence disappeared. The bracelet was still there, but his soul seemed to be gone. Raon tried swinging his hand, but nothing happened.
"It's silent for once."
Raon lowered his hand. Thinking that he would use this opportunity to take a bath, he headed to the bathroom on the fourth floor.
After taking a quick bath, he returned to the room. Without even drying his hair, he sat down on the ground.
'He is actually a goose that lays golden eggs.'
He grinned, looking at the flowery bracelet on his wrist. Gaining stats for being acknowledged, or withstanding his interruption, was as good as getting them for free.
Since he had the 'Ring of Fire' and 'Water Resistance', he wasn't going to lose to Wrath, either. Only benefits existed.
'Shall I train before he comes back?'
Satisfied, he closed his eyes to practice the 'Ring of Fire'.
It was as he was about to start the training that he heard it.
Kuh!
"Are you back already?"
When he opened his eyes, clicking his tongue, Wrath was on his wrist and shivering.
You thief!
"Thief?"
You were stealing the power that the King of Essence had left in the main body!
'Main body?'
When he thought about it, Wrath had said he was the king somewhere, calling himself the King of Essence. He didn't remember because it wasn't important.
It's devildom! I was the monarch of the devildom!
'I see.'
He nodded slightly, since he wasn't interested.
Crack!
He could hear Wrath grinding his teeth.
What's that answer?! You are just a dung fly, stealing the power of the King of Essence! You should kneel and worship me!
"You aren't giving it to me because you want to, so is there any reason why I should be thankful?"
Kuh…
Wrath just groaned, as he couldn't say anything about it.
Your arrogance truly reaches heaven.
"Not really."
Raon shook his head. He never thought about anything like that. Wrath was just too used to being worshiped, to the point that he couldn't handle direct answers.
The body of the King of Essence is currently linked to you. That's why the status window has been passed on to you.
'Hmm…'
So, I have a suggestion.
"Suggestion?"
Let's make a bet. If you win, I'll give you the stat points. But if you lose, you shall take my wrath.
Wrath's voice contained anger and resentment, just like when he'd met him the first time.
A bet?"
Raon narrowed his eyes.
"What kind of bet are you talking about?"
He couldn't understand why Wrath suddenly wanted to make a bet.
You don't need to be nervous. The King of Essence doesn't lie, nor try to deceive you. I will show you myself.
A new message appeared as soon as he said that.
Condition: Pass the test for official trainees first in the list.
Upon success: All stats +2, a random trait.
Upon failure: Creation of 10 points of emotion in
He could understand what he meant upon reading the message. It looked like Wrath intended to hand over his own abilities if Raon managed to win the bet.
"Are you talking about ending up first in the test to become an official trainee that Rimmer mentioned?"
That's right. He said that there will be a first place, so the result will be clear.
"Hmm…"
He still had a few questions.
"What do you mean, a random trait?"
One of the traits that The King of Essence possesses will be granted to you. Of course, its level will be downgraded to match your mediocrity.
"A trait…"
Raon looked at Wrath, who was burning as if fuel had been added. He had always called himself a monarch of devildom.
He couldn't trust him on that, but it was obvious that he was a special existence. That meant that his random trait was most likely going to be a useful ability.
"One more thing. This is the most important part. What do you mean by creating ten points of emotion in wrath upon failure?"
It means what it says. You will gain the emotion of wrath, which the King of Essence possesses.
"Are you saying that you are capable of controlling my feelings?"
It's not that much. I will be giving you a very small amount of wrath. It really is a little bit. However…
Wrath's voice contained an obvious expectation.
Just like the saying goes, many a little makes a mickle.* If you keep taking in the King of Essence's wrath, you won't be able to control your emotions anymore… No matter how strong your willpower is.
"Was that your goal all along?"
Raon looked down on Wrath coldly. It seemed that he was trying to slowly take over his body, giving up on doing it at once.
You should've realized that your body changes according to the stats in the status window by now. If you partake in this bet, you will be one step closer to your revenge.
Wrath calmly worked to convince him to accept his suggestion, despite being the King of Essence. Raon felt frustrated by him for the first time.
'Why is he making a bet like this?'
Since his main body existed still, he could've just used that to conquer his mind. Raon couldn't understand why he had to use such an elaborate method instead.
As I've already said, the abilities of the main body of the King of Essence are connected to you. If I could use that power, I would've taken over your body already.
Wrath responded as if he read his mind.
"Are you sure there's no lie?"
The King of Essence is a monarch of devildom. And a monarch of devildom doesn't lie.
"Haaah…"
Raon sighed lightly. Wrath was certainly a psychopath, but he had never lied about anything when he answered him.
"Do I have no choice but to eat this poisonous apple?"
He couldn't refuse, not when the reward was two points in all stats and a new special ability.
On the other hand, the risk upon failure was relatively small—if dangerous when accumulated.
"Hmm…"
There were many outstanding children in the fifth training ground. Not just Runaan and Burren, but the collaterals and the recommended children also had special talents.
An average child couldn't ever dream of being first place.
However, he had been reincarnated.
Whatever the test was, no matter how talented the children were, he was confident he wouldn't lose if he made use of his previous life.
"Alright, I accept."
A wise decision.
You have accepted the bet with
Raon looked into Wrath's eyes through the message. He was smiling, confident that he would win.
So he smiled back.
'It won't go the way you think it will.'
***
The Next Day, Before Dawn.
Burren opened the door to the training ground and entered.
Despite being so early that the sun hadn't even risen yet, his hair was properly brushed, and his training uniform was ironed out. He was indeed an exemplary noble.
"Hmm?"
Krein and a few other collaterals, who used to greet him excessively, looked away after bowing awkwardly.
'Why are they doing that?'
He remembered the incident from the day before as he wondered.
'Don't tell me… Did they harass him?'
Burren frowned. He didn't like Raon either, but harassing him personally was an act that would stain the name of Zieghart.
'Pathetic bastards.'
Just as he was about to approach the idiots to scold them, the door opened and Raon entered.
"Hmm?"
He was completely fine. There were no injuries nor bruises, so it didn't look like he'd been hit. Instead, he looked even more confident than the day before.
"Eek!"
"Hie!"
On the other hand, Krein and the collaterals hid in the corner like dogs as soon as they saw Raon.
'What? Just what happened?'
Burren swallowed. He couldn't understand what kind of situation this was.
"Hey."
He couldn't stop himself from approaching the trembling collaterals.
"Lo-Lord Burren!"
Krein and the other collaterals lowered their heads with gaping mouths.
"Why are you trembling like that?"
"Th-That is…"
"Ahem!"
The collaterals closed their mouths upon seeing Raon, not Burren. Fear could be seen in their eyes.
'They are afraid of Raon, instead of me?'
Just what did Raon do to them, for them to be so afraid?
"No, nothing happened."
"That's right. Nothing really happened."
"Hehe!"
The collaterals scratched their heads with awkward expressions.
'Did they get beaten up instead?'
That was the only possibility.
The collaterals must've been beaten up instead when they tried to teach him a lesson.
Burren turned around to look at Raon. Just like the day before he was just standing silently, as if he wasn't interested.
'So he was hiding his abilities.'
It was laughable that a talentless patient would hide their puny level of skills.
'Struggle as much as you want.'
No matter what he did, he was going to remain at the bottom. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ NoveI-Fire.ɴet
* * *
* * *
While stretching his neck, Raon met the eyes of the collaterals that he'd had a 'talk' with the day before.
"Ugh!"
"Kuu!"
The collateral children let out strange sounds and backed away.
"Huh?"
"What's that?"
The collaterals, who were openly insulting him the day before, were taken aback. The sight made the other trainees wonder about the situation.
Raon turned his head at the scornful laughter. Burren was clearly jeering at him.
'I bet he's thinking that it doesn't matter, no matter what I do.'
Whatever Burren was thinking was as clear as day. He must've been thinking that it was meaningless, no matter how much a talentless boy struggled.
'That's a huge mistake.'
Since Raon had the 'Ring of Fire', talent was meaningless. By the time he graduated from being a temporary trainee, he would be way ahead of Burren.
That snake's eyes are annoying. Pluck them out.
'Not again.'
Back in the devildom, whoever dared to move their eyes would all…
'Please shut up.'
Raon tapped his bracelet. With a zapping sound, Wrath went silent.
Y-you bastard!
'You talk too much.'
The door to the training ground opened as he tried practicing with the 'Ring of Fire', ignoring Wrath.
Stomp!
Past the creaking door, Rimmer and the trainers entered.
Unlike the trainers, who were properly lined up, Rimmer ran up to the platform with a skip to his steps.
"Good morning."
Rimmer smiled as he looked down at them.
"Yes!"
The temporary trainees responded loud and strong, despite it being so early in the morning.
"Yesterday must've been difficult since you ran at full speed—even if you've been training your stamina. So…"
Rimmer nodded his head and smiled.
"Today you'll run again. At full speed!"
"Pardon?"
"A-again?"
"The limit of a human's stamina increases each time it is exhausted. So, sprint until I tell you to stop."
While the children were frowning, two people kicked the ground. It was Runaan and Burren.
Pang!
Unlike the day before, where they had been saving their stamina, they ran with everything they had.
"Ugh!"
"It's a sprint again!"
The children who thought that they were going to learn something that day started running, all while complaining.
Are you running again? This is boring. You can become stronger without something like this. If you kill an enemy…
'I'm fine with this.'
Raon cut Wrath off. He kicked the ground after inhaling deeply.
Really? Do you enjoy endlessly running and eating dust?
'I can become stronger by running.'
You idiot! If you leave your body to the King of Essence, you could become the strongest within a year…
'But there's no point if I'm not myself anymore.'
Stopping Wrath from talking any more nonsense, he kept moving his feet.
'I'm faster than yesterday.'
Thanks to his increased agility and stamina, he could run faster than before.
He could run as fast as some of the collaterals and recommended children, who he could only catch up to at the end of the test the day before.
"Huh?"
"Hmm…"
"Ra-Raon?"
The eyes of children in the middle-lower group widened as they saw him. It looked like they couldn't understand how Raon was running alongside them.
'I'm growing fast, for sure.'
Raon smiled lightly and ran with them. Having stat points on top of the 'Ring of Fire' was making his growth unbelievably fast.
However, despite running in full force, Burren and Runaan were getting farther and farther away. It looked like their talents and the amount that they had trained weren't at a level he could catch up to.
Yet.
'It's not an unpleasant environment.'
They made him go all out, and there were many children to catch up to. It was the perfect environment to improve himself.
Raon looked at Rimmer, who was dozing off on the platform. He was a frivolous guy, but his training method was reliable.
'Your training… I'll make good use of it.'
***
"Stop!"
The sprint that began before dawn only ended after the sun finished rising.
"Kuah!"
"Haah!"
"Huff!"
Without exception, the children were panting and lying on the ground.
Barely anyone was standing, as most of them had run at full speed.
"This is the end of daybreak training."
"Day… daybreak…"
"Not even morning, but daybreak…"
The children shook their heads when they heard that daybreak training had ended.
"The air is fresh at daybreak, and you can feel the mana more easily. You'd better get used to it, since you will keep doing this even after you become an official trainee."
Rimmer spun his finger. It was a gesture describing how the children were going to run endlessly.
"Now, go get your breakfast."
"After running so much, how can we have breakfast…?"
"I… I can't eat!"
"No way I can swallow!"
The children complained, still lying on the ground.
"You'd better eat, even if it's difficult. Since training will continue, you won't be able to handle it without eating. Although, like always, the choice is yours."
With that, Rimmer left. It was as if he was telling them to do whatever they wanted.
'To tell us to eat after running so much…"
"I… I think I should eat. Even if I throw it up later…"
The children staggered as they went to the dining room. The food was light, not at all greasy. It seemed they had considered the intensity of daybreak training.
Warm soup, soft bread, lean meat, and a few kinds of vegetables were the entirety of the menu.
"The food is really terrible."
"I think I can eat this."
The collaterals looked at Raon who was just staring at the food on his plate.
"Look at him."
"He isn't eating."
"I guess he can't eat that since he grew up sheltered in the annex building."
"True. Despite being the worst in rank, he must've always gotten the better treatment as a patient."
Despite the other children giggling as they mocked him, Raon was thinking about something completely different from their expectations.
'They give food?'
He would've understood it if it was after training ended. However, he had never been given food during training in his previous life.
Since he had eaten grass or hunted animals on his own to appease his hunger, even when he was younger than his current age, he had never imagined that they would feed him.
'This place is really the best!'
T/N: 'Many a little makes a mickle' is a saying that means many little things add up into a large number of things, or a larger piece.
After breakfast, Raon returned to the training ground.
The food tasted terrible. If such food were brought to me back in devildom, the King of Essence would have smashed the chef's head in.
'Huh? Did you taste it?'
The King of Essence can indirectly share your senses, especially your sense of taste. The King of Essence has been a well-known gourmet, back in devildom…
'You really talk too much. You could've simply said you could taste it because we share senses.'
Silence! The King of Essence is famous for his reticence… ugh!
'Stop talking for a bit. You are making it difficult for me to digest my food.'
Raon stopped Wrath from talking by tapping on his bracelet, then looked up on the platform.
Rimmer was lying on the platform as if he was napping. He didn't show the slightest movement, as if he had become a statue.
Just looking at him irritates me. I want to pluck off his pointy ears.
Wrath was billowing ice from his mouth. It looked like he was boiling with anger whenever he saw Rimmer.
'The Sword of Light of Zieghart, huh…'
Rimmer's prowess must've been excellent, since he was called the Sword of Light of Zieghart. However, rumors said that his personality wasn't just light, but frivolous.
Raon had thought that was bullshit. But looking at Rimmer, he realized it was incredibly accurate.
'But there's no openings.'
Despite his careless appearance, he wasn't showing any weakness.
He'd heard Rimmer had retired because of a severe injury, but apparently a master's prowess hadn't disappeared completely.
The moment the King of Essence takes over your body, those ears will be plucked.
'Whatever.'
It wouldn't happen, though.
Yawning, Rimmer lazily stretched long after all the temporary trainees had finished gathering.
"Have you finished eating?"
"Yes."
Since the children's stamina didn't recover completely, their voices were more exhausted than at daybreak.
"Then we will start the next part of your training immediately."
Rimmer grinned. When he looked at the wooden swords placed on a side of the training ground, the children's expressions brightened.
"You don't need a sword, just mimic my posture."
As if he was teasing them, he stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, then bent his knees.
"Are… are we not going to learn how to use a sword?"
One of the collaterals shouted, raising his hand.
"We aren't."
"We thought we were going to learn with swords…"
"He's right. Sir Sword of Light is famous for his swordsmanship, so why…?"
"Sword? That's all good, but can you run before learning how to walk?"
Rimmer's corner of lips twisted up. His cool smile seemed to blow a chilly wind towards them.
"You don't have enough stamina or willpower, nor do you have the proper posture yet. Do you think you can really learn how to handle a sword properly?"
"Ah…"
"I've said this already, but you don't need to follow my instructions. Since the consequences are yours to manage, anyway."
It was a playful voice, but the training ground fell silent.
"Follow me if you want. Those who wish to do other training should move over to the right."
Naturally, nobody moved. Everyone stood still and looked at Rimmer.
"Then let's start over. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, bend your knees with your thighs parallel to the ground."
"Yes, sir!"
The children followed the posture without difficulty.
"This posture is called the riding position. It's how you ride a horse, and it's also a basic posture for every martial art—including sword, spear, and fist. Keep the riding position until I tell you to stop."
"Yes!"
The children raised their arms after answering loud and clear. Since it was one of the basic postures, nobody failed to follow it.
Humans really are inferior, to train their bodies in such an awkward position.
'And you failed to take over such a human's body.'
Kuh! That's different…
'I have to focus, so hush.'
Raon hit the flowery bracelet and closed his eyes.
'This is an important moment.'
Even in that kind of basic training, he could gain a lot by using the 'Ring of Fire'. He could make his training way more efficient than the other children.
"I'm gonna take a nap."
Rimmer laid down and started to doze off again, and the riding position continued forever.
"Groan…"
"Ugh!"
"H-How long do we have to keep this up?!"
The children's limbs trembled, as if there was an earthquake. Despite the riding position being a basic posture, it was their first time maintaining it for such a long time.
There was an exception, though. The upper tier children, including Runaan and Burren, kept their proper posture.
"Wh-what's wrong with that guy?"
"How is he able to hold on!" Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel★fire.net
"He… He was supposed to have the worst constitution!'
"I heard he was a patient…"
Raon kept his posture while sweating heavily. The posture's accuracy alone was better than anyone in the training ground.
"Gaaaah!"
"I… I can't lose to him."
"There's no way I'll stop when he is holding on like that!"
The children from the lower tier were about to give up. Upon seeing Raon still holding on, they kept their posture and grit their teeth.
However, Raon still had enough stamina to spare, despite how he looked.
'This is easy.'
In his previous life, he trained the riding posture while carrying rocks on his back and thighs. He was even younger then than he was now. The current training was nothing compared to that time.
Of course, the coldness spreading throughout his tired body was creating unbearable pain. He felt like his flesh was being torn apart, and his bone was being frozen, but it was an opportunity for him to become stronger.
Whir.
Raon took in the coldness in his body by rotating the rings of fire, all while keeping the riding position.
As painful as it was, he could absorb a considerable amount of coldness, and the 'Ring of Fire' progressed further.
At the rate he was going, he felt like he could easily win the bet against Wrath, although he must've been unaware of it.
When Raon was so focused that he almost forgot it was a training on the riding position, a clapping sound could be heard from above the platform.
"Stop!"
When he came to, Rimmer stood up and nodded. The other children were sitting down massaging their thighs like they were dough.
How long are you going to ignore the King of Essence!
'I'm sorry, I missed it.'
You inferior bastard…
Wrath swore at Raon, who only stared in response. It looked like he'd been mumbling all along.
"Huff…"
Ignoring Wrath, Raon kept relaxing his thigh and waist muscles with a refreshing breath.
* * *
* * *
Ding!
An extreme stamina-surpassing action was performed.
Stamina has increased.
A message announcing an increase in stamina appeared once again. Feeling his vitality return to his trembling thighs, he stretched from his waist.
"Just like yesterday, some of you held on until the end while others gave up."
Looking at those who were still standing, Rimmer wagged his finger.
"Let me repeat. I'm just giving you the instructions. I won't directly interfere with your training. Break through your limits by yourselves. Give your mind a hard smack when it starts saying you did enough. That's how you will pass the test in six months."
He continued, maintaining his tricky smile.
"I won't repeat this again. From now on, I won't care whether you give up or hold on until the end anymore."
After telling them to loosen up their thighs in preparation for the next day's training, Rimmer left.
A mere pointy-eared bastard who believes in the nature god is talking about idealism. How ridiculous. And willpower is nothing in front of overwhelming power.
'That's not true.'
What do you mean?
'You do need willpower.'
Raon shook his head while loosening up his legs.
You believe that because you are a weakling that has never felt an overwhelming power. If you felt the power of the King of Essence, you would be worshiping me right now…
'I managed to withstand your attack with willpower.'
That… That's because the King of Essence hasn't recovered the original power yet!
'And I'm just a kid.'
Th-that is…
Wrath's voice dropped powerlessly.
'Of course, willpower isn't meaningless.'
Willpower was similar to stamina and strength. There was a limit, but it got stronger the more it was used.
He had been in many pinches in his previous life, and he had managed to survive because of his extreme stamina and willpower.
'Then let's get going.'
After loosening his thigh and hip muscles, he entered the indoor gymnasium.
There were many training tools to help increase his strength and agility.
Are you training again?
'Yes, I am.'
He nodded. The stats increased when they were pushed to the limit, like squeezing a dry mop trying to get water out of it.
Raon didn't think of the extra training as something painful or boring. It was something to look forward to.
He started with basic training, including pushups and planks.
This is so annoying. It's like watching a caterpillar hanging on a tree.
'A caterpillar that can only crawl will one day become a butterfly and fly away.'
The only way for you to become a butterfly is to hand over your body to the King of Essence.
'That's not a butterfly. It's a poisoned moth. Stop daydreaming.'
Raon shook his hand and bent his arms once again. For push-ups, the number wasn't the important part. He slowly bent and stretched his arms in a way that would stimulate his muscles the most.
He felt like his chest muscles were going to snap, but he welcomed that pain. It would become his stats and stamina.
After push-ups, he started to exercise his abdominal muscles. That was when the other children started to enter the gymnasium.
After throwing him a glance, they separated to start their own training.
Runaan and Burren also entered and checked out the different equipment.
Runaan isolated herself and got herself a tool, and Burren walked out after glaring at Raon for a bit.
Burren went to where the wooden swords were placed and grabbed one to start swinging it.
Woosh!
The collateral children who usually followed Burren got themselves a wooden sword as well, and began to practice the swordsmanship that they had trained in.
He grabbed a sword.
'He did.'
Aren't you going to do the same?
'I don't need it yet.'
What Raon needed wasn't a sword, but the stamina, strength, and agility to serve as a base.
Burren and other children's swordsmanship wasn't even at a beginner level. For novices, training with swords without an instructor was just a waste of time.
Without caring for what the others were doing, Raon continued the boring yet difficult training, only wishing to achieve more progress the next day.
***
Runaan Sullion wasn't interested in others.
That didn't mean that she looked down on others due to her outstanding talents.
It was because she had locked the door to her heart the day she had been terribly disappointed by the one she trusted.
However, there was one person who had caught her eye recently.
It wasn't Rimmer, the Sword of Light, nor Burren Zieghart, who everyone said was her rival.
Raon Zieghart.
Sylvia's son, who was kicked out of the direct line to become a collateral, kept attracting her attention.
'Why do I keep paying attention to him?'
It was the first time she was interested in someone or felt familiar with someone.
'Is it because of the coldness?'
Rumors said that Raon's mana circuit bore an extreme amount of coldness. It was possible that her frost ability was making her feel familiar with his coldness.
'That must be it.'
Since she realized the reason, she tried to stop paying attention to him.
However, no matter how much she tried she couldn't take her eyes off him.
'He is growing quickly.'
Raon's growth was abnormally fast.
When she had seen him a month ago in the audience room, he had been a skinny boy with no muscles. However, he had gained some muscles since then.
'Moreover…'
He was at the lowest tier the other day, but he had managed to catch up with the middle-lower tier.
Everyone said Runaan herself was born with a heavenly talent, but she thought it was impossible for her to progress that quickly. It just didn't make any sense.
"Huff!"
Comfortably lifting a 60kg weight, she kept stealing a glance at Raon.
"It's really strange."
Unlike the other children panting on the ground, collapsed from their training, Raon sat on the equipment for training the chest muscles after exhaling lightly.
'This isn't called a legendary cultivation technique for nothing.'
Although his body was extremely tired, the rings of fire rotating around his chest recovered his stamina and willpower.
He had just exhausted his stamina from training, but he became capable of going all out once again. There was a good reason that it was called one of the most valuable treasures of the continents.
"Huff…"
Setting the weight to 5kg heavier than the day before, Raon lifted the weight. He slowly moved in a way to maximize the range of motion of his pectoral muscles, to stimulate it as much as possible.
Tap.
When he got up after finishing six sets, he heard someone sitting down at the equipment next to him.
'Who is it?'
The only person who would come near him was the green-haired weirdo with a pocket on his belly. Raon thought it was strange and turned around.
'Runaan?'
The person sitting next to him was Runaan Sullion, with her long silver hair flowing down.
Runaan set her weight to be a lot heavier than Raon's and started to use the equipment.
"Hup!"
Her weightlifting posture was remarkably similar to Raon's. She didn't care about the lifting count nor the weight but focused on stimulating her muscles.
What was that?
'I don't know, either.'
After watching her for a bit, Raon left. In order to stimulate his muscles more thoroughly, he sat on other training equipment.
"Hup!"
After setting the load to exceed his maximum capacity, he lifted the weight while rotating the 'Ring of Fire'.
"Huff!"
He normally should've subtracted 10kg from that weight, but the 'Ring of Fire' allowed him to handle that much, and more often.
He could hear someone sitting next to him again. He put the weight down after training until his arms and chest trembled.
'Really?'
He turned his head without getting up. As expected, Runaan was there. She set a weight higher than him once again and started to lift.
'Why is she doing this?'
Raon narrowed his eyes. Runaan didn't pay any attention to Rimmer, let alone other trainees. He couldn't understand why she was copying him, by lifting weights the exact same way he did.
'I must be mistaken.'
When he thought about it, it was normal to train the smaller muscles after training bigger muscles. Raon got up, thinking that it was just a matter of coincidence.
However, he headed to the equipment to train shoulder muscles just to be sure.
Creak!
After setting the weight, he lifted it while feeling the stimulation to his shoulders. When he finished a set, Runaan appeared in front of him.
After staring at him for a bit, she sat down next to him and set her weight. It was a heavier one, once again.
"Huff!"
She casually started lifting the equipment while looking in front of her.
Are you really going to do nothing after being provoked like this? How long are you going to hide like a rat!
'A provocation…'
Raon turned his head to look at her. Runaan just kept lifting, as if she wasn't interested in him.
'What is she thinking?'
The first and second times could've been coincidences. However, her copying his shoulder training couldn't have been one.
Yet, he couldn't understand what she was thinking. Her eyes were as cold as ice, yet they were also blurry, making it impossible to grasp her intentions.
You don't understand, huh? She is clearly provoking you by acting as if she is better than you. Punch her in the face, right now!
Whether it was a child, an adult, or a woman didn't matter to Wrath. He was angry at everything, just like his name suggested.
'Please stop. For just a moment, just stop.'
Raon ignored Wrath's anger and left the equipment to start squatting. As expected, Runaan followed him and bent her thighs with a heavier weight.
"Wh-what?"
"Why are those two together?"
"Why is Lady Runaan paying attention to that loser?"
The children in the gymnasium opened their mouths wide, watching Runaan training right next to Raon.
Screech.
Burren, who came back to the gymnasium after swordsmanship training with the collaterals, grit his teeth.
"Uhhh…!"
"Why is Runaan there…?"
The collaterals saw Runaan training next to Raon and glared at them.
"Hmm."
Raon looked at Runaan, who attracted everyone's attention.
With silver hair shining like moonlight, fair skin as white as snow, and thin and sharp facial features, she was an ethereal beauty. Except her eyes, which looked senseless, like she had a piece missing.
"Do you have something to say to me?"
When Runaan finished a set, he approached her.
"…"
Upon hearing his question, she stared at him for a while, as if he was a curious creature.
"No."
After responding, she started to lift her equipment once again, with more weight this time.
'I don't know, either.'
Raon shrugged and got up from his equipment. Since she was going to lose interest soon anyway, he decided to just ignore her.
As he was thinking about what to do since his routine was suddenly changed, he heard small stepping sounds behind him.
When he turned around, he could see Runaan scanning different parts of his body with her purple eyes.
"If you have something to say, say it."
"…"
Without responding, Runaan met his eyes. Her eyes looked like a cat that had just finished its nap.
"Haa."
Raon sighed quietly and walked over to another piece of training equipment. Runaan followed right after him and used the same equipment.
* * *
* * *
One week had passed since Runaan Sullion began observing Raon Zieghart.
"Hmm."
She looked for Raon as soon as she entered the indoor gymnasium. Like always, he was lifting weights before anyone else.
'It's heavier than yesterday.'
Raon's weight was 5kg heavier than the day before, which wasn't actually that strange.
It wasn't strange to increase weight if you worked out hard enough.
However, what if that weight increased every day? That wouldn't be normal.
'How is he doing that?'
Most people didn't realize it, but Raon Zieghart had increased the weight of his equipment by over 10kg last week. Even considering that growth was faster for a child, the number was ridiculous.
'He was supposed to be a patient…'
His face was pale, and his limbs were as weak as twigs. However, he could withstand better than anyone in the training ground.
'Is it thanks to the posture?'
The posture Raon used to lift his weights was a bit different from the others. She thought his absurd speed of growth might have been thanks to that posture.
With that conclusion in mind, Runaan sat on the equipment next to Raon, who was training his chest. She started to lift the weights the same way Raon did.
'Hmm.'
It didn't feel much different from usual. Only her muscles felt slightly more stimulated.
'It's not a big deal.'
Thinking that it was meaningless, she was about to go back to her usual posture.
'Huh?'
When she inhaled a cool and mysterious fragrance coming from Raon, her weight became as light as a feather.
'What happened?'
She felt like her strength and agility had suddenly increased. The weight that should've been difficult to raise had become so light.
However, once Raon—who was watching her for a while—left, that strange sensation immediately disappeared as well.
"Ah…"
Missing the sensation, Runaan stared at Raon's back as he headed to the next piece of equipment.
'Perhaps…'
Runaan followed Raon and moved next to him. She set her weight to be heavier than usual and lifted.
"Ugh…"
It looked like it was too much since it was too difficult to lift it. However, once Raon started to exercise, the cool air coming from him made her weight become lighter once again.
'That was it.'
It wasn't her imagination. She was capable of lifting a weight 10kg heavier than usual, as if her abilities really were enhanced.
"Huff!"
Despite lifting more than she could handle, it didn't seem to overload her shoulders nor arms at all.
Once she cheerfully finished her exercise, Raon was standing in front of her.
"Do you have something to say to me?"
Blond hair and red eyes, the boy with the proof of his Zieghart heritage spoke.
"No."
Runaan shook her head, and Raon moved on to the next piece of equipment after staring at her for a moment.
'I should try following him around.'
Eyes shining like a cat's, she followed Raon.
She liked that she could train with heavier weights, but she was even more attracted to the cool fragrance coming from him.
***
Rimmer climbed the mountain behind the main building in Zieghart.
"Tsk."
He shook his head and clicked his tongue as he was about to climb up the flat rock at the mountainside.
"You must be really worried about your grandson, to visit my napping rock every day."
From the top of the rock, an old man who gave the impression of a sharp sword came down. It was Glenn Zieghart.
"…"
Without saying anything, Glenn stared at the barely visible mountain ridge.
"Hmph."
Rimmer snorted and leaned back against the rock. The two of them watched the setting sun for a long time, not saying a word.
"Haaah… You should just ask instead of acting so dignified."
Rimmer sighed and jumped up on the rock where Glenn was sitting.
"The children are doing great. They are training so hard that they are honestly exceeding my expectations."
"Exceeding your expectations?"
"I've let them train on their own accord."
"I know that."
"Honestly, a twelve- or thirteen-year-old child doesn't have much willpower. I thought most of them would start slacking after a week. However!"
He wasn't exaggerating. When he planned his training, his intention was to pick about twenty people out of the one hundred sixty.
"More of them are going to pass than I thought, thanks to my lord's grandson."
"My grandson? Are you talking about Burren?"
"Stop pretending when you already know I'm talking about Raon."
"I don't know what happened on the training ground. You told me to not mind it, since you would take care of it."
"Hah, seriously?"
Rimmer scratched his red hair. It was annoying that this old man, who had been waiting for him because he was worried about his grandson, was pretending he didn't know anything.
"That guy, he is different from what my lord and Sylvia believe."
"What do you mean?"
Glenn's eyes were the same, but his voice was clearly different.
"You wanted him to drop out as soon as possible to avoid getting hurt, since he was weak both mentally and physically."
"I never said that. I just told you to not discriminate."
"Anyway, I also tried to fail him out as fast as possible."
Rimmer's blue eyes shone.
"He's a monster. His willpower isn't anywhere near normal. It's even better than a warrior who has gone through tens or hundreds of battlefields."
Rimmer had seen plenty of talents throughout his life, and even among them, Raon was exceptional. It was difficult to believe how much he had grown, that he had to look at him twice every morning.
"When the training started, Raon was one of the worst among the one hundred sixty people. Only three weeks later, he's in the middle tier. Do you think that should be possible?"
"…"
"I once thought that Raon wasn't actually a patient and was just hiding his strength. However, that isn't possible. His body still has a brutal coldness running through it."
Recently, he kept paying attention to Raon during training, as he really went all out on every moment.
"I'm considering singling him out to give him personal training."
Since he did his best in the training that he had prepared, Rimmer couldn't help but feel more affection for Raon than the others.
"You would go that far?"
"He won't stop, even if his body becomes frosty like a winter tree. The other children are training hard because they are stimulated by him. He is the fifth training ground's stimulant."
"Hmm…"
Glenn scratched his chin with an expressionless face, but he couldn't hide his slight rise to the corner of his lips.
"It looks like a lot more children will end up passing than I expected."
Despite murmuring it was bothersome, his eyes were smiling.
"Isn't it overloading Raon's body?"
Glenn finally spoke.
"Hmm…"
Rimmer secretly gulped.
'It's more than I thought.'
He already knew that Glenn had a special affection for Raon, but he didn't think he would specifically ask that.
It looked like the affection he couldn't give to his youngest daughter was transferred to Raon.
"Well, that part is a bit strange. He is certainly overworking himself, but he recovers so quickly that it's mysterious."
"Is it impossible to figure out, even for you?" Chapters fırst released on novelꞁire.net
"That's what I'm saying. It's the first time my eyes can't grasp someone after the Ten Heavens of the Continent."
Rimmer tilted his head as he answered. He was better than anyone at analyzing others' potential or condition, but Raon was different.
Honestly, Raon was more mysterious than Glenn, who rose to the rank of the continent's strongest.
"Rimmer."
"Yes?"
"You aren't Raon's personal instructor, but the head instructor of the fifth training ground. Pay attention to everyone who will become the family's strength, instead of only thinking about Raon."
Glenn walked down the mountain after saying that with a lot of dignity.
"Hah."
Rimmer snorted to that ridiculousness.
"What the hell is he saying when he came to listen to Raon's story?"