The Dragon's Challenge

Raon opened the status window to check what he had gained before leaving the cave.

The Eternal Cold Curse had been reduced to just two strands from nine. It was only a matter of time before it vanished completely the moment he reached Master.

Even at this level, he could now manipulate mana at a completely different speed. It felt like he would grow in a direction entirely separate from his previous realm, and he was looking forward to it.

Then Raon opened the title of King of Destruction he had obtained this time.

6% additional strength attached whenever something was destroyed. With his current 138 strength, that meant an extra 8.28 strength when destroying something, bringing him close to 146. As his base strength rose, the number would only increase, so the title grew stronger the more he trained.

-Aigoo...

Unlike his excited self, Wrath drooped like a wet towel.

-How painful. Is life really this painful?

He muttered strange words with his eyes half-lidded. It seemed his condition was poor because he had not seen the sun for two weeks.

-Why must I live a life where I am only imprisoned and taken away...

"I'll be out soon. I'll eat delicious food after going out."

-That's right!

Wrath suddenly perked up and stretched.

-What are you doing! Get out immediately!

"......"

He had said it himself, but it was too easy. It was so easy it was scary. He still could not believe this guy was really the Lord of Wrath.

"Yeah. Let's go. Let's go."

Raon stopped, turned around, and looked back. He swept through the traces of his ancestors that he had erased himself.

'We can see them again.'

Hoping to meet the blonde sword that seemed to guide him once more, he headed toward the cave exit.

His body felt heavy because he had not slept and had fought, but his mood was lighter than ever.

Urek narrowed his eyes at the cave where Raon and Burren would emerge.

'If only the hall master were here.'

Karoon Zieghart had ended the conflict immediately, but due to Glenn's new instructions he had to stay a week longer, so he had not yet arrived at the Heavy Martial Palace.

With no choice, Urek, Leff, Horaine, and other strong inspectors stood in front of the cave.

Just before noon, a noise came from the fifth cave. A moment later, Burren emerged with a slightly pale face and a furrowed brow.

"Brighter than I thought."

Burren raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sunlight, radiating an aura completely different from two weeks ago. It seemed he had trained to his limit in the cave where mana flow was twisted.

Urek slowly nodded at Burren.

'As expected, he's great.'

His son.

Even in that cave where most inspectors wasted time and returned, he continued training. He was truly amazing.

"Chief Administrator."

Burren recognized Urek, approached, and bowed his head. His eyes were still squinted from the glare.

"Hard work."

"Is Raon still inside?"

"Yeah. Will you wait?"

"No. No need to look. That guy will definitely come out stronger."

"You knew that and still said ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠you'd go?"

"Raon is Raon. I'm me."

Burren smiled faintly and shook his head. Despite having seen the spar between Raon and Horaine, his attitude was confident and relaxed. His eyes held a steady light, as if the blood of the Heavy Martial Hall master ran through him.

'He's grown.'

The kid who had been overflowing with arrogance had become a big, solid warrior. The other executives nodded large at Burren's confidence.

"Then go rest. Two days of rest."

"Thank you."

He briefly glanced at the first cave before heading toward the Heavy Martial Palace quarters.

Raon did not appear for three hours after Burren left. Just as he was about to enter the hellish cave again, wondering what to do...

Kwaaah!

A sound like the mountain collapsing echoed from inside the first cave along with violent vibrations. The cutting sound like a saw on stone was the icing on the cake.

"Ch, Chief!"

"Th, this crazy guy, isn't it...?"

Urek and Leff shook hands, trembling. At this moment, they both thought the same thing.

'That Destruction King bastard is smashing the cave too!'

It was not just expectation. It was certain. The crazy guy with the destructive ability would definitely smash the cave.

"Grr..."

Urek gritted his teeth. Causing 9,713 gold loss in the Heavy Martial Palace and now smashing the cave too. What kind of crazy person was this?

"Ch, Chief. Should we go in now?"

"We can't let him do that, right?"

Leff and the executives pointed at the cave where the collapsing sound was still coming out, their eyes trembling.

"No, wait."

Urek shook his head. If he went in and got buried in the collapsing cave, it was over.

"Anyway, that guy doesn't want to die, so he won't smash it much and will come out soon."

Kugugung! Kwaaah!

But the sound of the cave collapsing continued for ten minutes.

"This crazy guy! How much is he smashing!"

Unbelievable. It was as if he had a grudge against the cave and was going to destroy the mountain. His head seemed to have a hole, like he was crazy.

"Chief!"

"What is this sound!"

"Is it an ambush?"

The inspectors in the Heavy Martial Palace, hearing the sound, grabbed their weapons and rushed out.

"No big deal. Go back and do your work."

He simply told them to return because the cave was collapsing. They would not be helpful here anyway.

Kugugu...

When only the executives remained in front of the cave, the sound and shaking from the first cave finally stopped.

'Did I lose? Is he coming?'

Hoping it was the first one, he waited. Small footsteps came from inside the cave. After a while, the owner of the footsteps appeared.

"Hah!"

Urek had been looking up from the shoes covered in dust when he met Raon's eyes and felt a chill run down his spine.

'Those eyes...'

The red eyes were calm like a night lake yet deep, already possessing the demeanor of a completed expert. The crazy monster had grown again in this short time.

'Is this real?'

He thought stories of becoming stronger through crisis or hardship were only in old novels, but here was the case before his eyes. His hair stood on end.

"After finishing the hardship, I came out."

Raon approached and bowed respectfully. He chose crazy things, but when it came to this, he was polite.

"Wh, what sound did you hear inside the cave?"

Urek wiped the sweat from his forehead and pointed at the first cave where Raon had come out.

"Ah, suddenly the cave collapsed. I barely escaped."

"Grr..."

He muttered that he had almost died and swept his chest. The sight of him making a show of it made Raon's fist clench.

"You didn't smash it, did you?"

"You don't want to be buried in the cave, so why would I smash it. You know well that I can't properly use mana inside there either."

"Grum..."

Urek frowned. It was true, but this guy could smash the cave without mana.

"After saying the hardship is over, you come out to greet me like this. Thank you."

Raon's momentum, shining with red eyes, dominated the space.

"Uhm..."

Horaine, who had shown similar power two weeks ago, stepped back, sweating at his temple.

'Raon Zieghart...'

Urek clicked his tongue. Raon was usually quiet, unaware of martial arts, but when his true intent was revealed, he was huge and fierce like a tidal wave.

'Even if I look at it, he's a treasure...'

Not just power, but mental strength and even strategies were beyond his age.

It was completely different from Burren, who had sighed earlier.

'It's a pity.'

The more he saw, the more pity he felt. If he took this guy in, it could be a big help when Karoon aimed for the hall master position.

'Should I make a proposal?'

Raon was great, but he was just an individual. The Heavy Martial Palace was a powerhouse group in Zieghart. If he extended his hand first, this crazy guy would have no choice but to be caught.

'Explanation later to the hall master.'

If Raon sincerely asked for forgiveness, Karoon would accept it. He knew this guy's talent was top-tier.

If ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠not, then go and beat him then.

"Raon Zieghart."

"Yes."

"I know why you chose the Heavy Martial Palace as your training ground."

Urek stood with his back to Raon.

"But that choice is the worst. Even if it's damage you caused, it would be just a speck in the entire Heavy Martial Palace."

He said it with words, but actually suffered serious financial damage, yet maintained a forced calm expression.

"The Heavy Martial Palace is the strongest martial group in Zieghart, and Karoon-nim is a vessel that can accommodate your guy even if he takes you in. Ask him for forgiveness and throw yourself into the Heavy Martial Palace. This is the best and the best choice given to you."

Since he was not stupid, saying this much would be enough for him to understand and move.

"Forgiveness..."

Raon laughed faintly.

"What did I do wrong that I need forgiveness?"

"What?"

"You said you need forgiveness. I asked what I did wrong."

"Th, that..."

No words. Actually, Raon had not done anything wrong, and Karoon had simply hated and suppressed him unilaterally.

"Y, you know better!"

"Really?"

Raon tilted his head and smiled faintly. His eyes were scanning through the other party's thoughts.

"I'm grateful for the offer, but I can't accept it."

"Stupid! This is the last chance given to you. If you're under Karoon-nim, you would be walking on a golden road..."

"Chance or whatever. How does a dragon cub become a dragon under a drake? Embarrassing."

"What?"

"Mi, crazy!"

"What did this kid just say!"

The executives who heard it trembled.

"Grr..."

Urek's eyes widened. Raon had compared himself to a dragon and Karoon to a drake, saying he could not enter because of the difference in level.

'This crazy bastard...'

It was bold and unbelievable, but strangely, he could not refute it.

Actually, Raon had come to the Heavy Martial Palace himself and challenged, and Karoon, even though he was higher up, was trying to cut off the young nephew's sprout.

"Uhm..."

Urek's back, feeling Raon's huge vessel, was covered in cold sweat.

"I'll go now."

Raon bowed again and passed by Urek and the executives.

"Be careful. Arrogant guys who are cocky in this world don't last long."

"Understood. Ah, thank you for letting me in here. Thanks to you, I can become stronger."

Raon waved his hand and headed to the quarters.

"Grr!"

Urek glared at Raon's back like he wanted to kill him, then turned to the executives.

"Forget everything he said. If it reaches the hall master's ears, not only him but us will die."

"Ah, yes!"

"Ah, understood."

The executives bowed their ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠heads, their necks trembling.

"Hoo..."

Urek clenched his fist while looking at the first cave where Raon had come out.

'It's better to deal with it quickly. Before he gets stronger or causes trouble...'

After mocking Urek, Raon returned to the quarters, washed, and sat on the bed.

-Raon Zieghart!

Wrath popped up on the bracelet.

"Why..."

After not sleeping properly for over ten days, after showering in warm water, his strength was gone and his voice came out thin.

"Let's go to the dining hall right now! This King needs all the food I want!"

He was dancing with his arms, with an excited smile.

"I have to go. I have to..."

Raon answered but fell on the bed. After using Flower Spirit endlessly and fighting with Urek, he had no more energy to stay awake. Raon closed his eyes and fell into sleep.

-...

The quarters, full of Wrath's expectations, now only heard Raon's low breathing.

-Hey! Hey, kid! What is this situation!

Wrath slapped Raon's head with his arm that was dancing.

"Uhm..."

Raon opened his eyes for a moment, properly lay down, pulled the blanket, and started sleeping properly.

-I, I knew this would happen! I knew it!

Even demons keep promises, but humans are truly evil. Especially this guy was the worst.

-Grr, if only I could get up...

Wrath gritted his teeth when Raon's message appeared in front.

Raon did not see the message and fell deeper into sleep.

-Um.

Wrath peeked his face over the message and clicked his tongue.

-Somehow uneasy...

When he woke up, scorching vitality surged through his whole body.

No drowsiness after sleep, and vitality he had not felt before filled his ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠whole body.

"Hah..."

Raon laughed. It was unbelievable that he had the most refreshing morning since birth at the Heavy Martial Palace quarters.

-You crazy kid!

Wrath popped up from the bracelet, spraying cold energy wildly.

-This King did not keep the promise and slept for two days!

"Promise?"

-Didn't you say right after coming out of the cave that you'd eat delicious food right away!

"I did not say right away, I said a little later."

-That's what I said!

"In the human world, it is different."

"What?"

"If I say 'I'll eat dinner soon,' when do you think I'll eat?"

-Um, about a week?

Wrath scratched his chin and looked up.

"No. No meeting. Or it might take a few months."

"What?"

"A little later or 'I'll have one meal' is actually not meeting or saying we'll see later."

-Eh...?

Wrath's eyes rolled wide at the sudden explanation.

"Anyway, I did not break the promise. If I go now, it is fine. Right?"

"Wh, if the meaning in the human world is like that..."

Wrath stopped being angry and nodded with determined eyes.

"Yeah. Let's go."

Raon smiled faintly and quickly washed and headed to the dining hall. Since the Heavy Martial Palace had many members, the dining hall was large, and he could order any menu he wanted.

It was dinner time, so there were not many Heavy Martial Palace members in the dining hall.

-First, smoked duck rice, seafood stew, vegetable oven bake with cream shrimp. And...

"......"

Wrath listed various foods that were hard to remember the names of. He was hungry too, but it did not seem easy to eat all of them.

'Still, I made a promise.'

Even if there were problems a few times, he waited quietly, so he decided to eat this much and ordered all the foods Wrath mentioned.

While waiting for the food, he remembered that the usual message did not come.

'Today, there was no stat increase message due to the effect.'

-The message that came when you slept, raising sleep quality with the effect of . It must have been focused on that.

Wrath muttered that it was fortunate there was no problem and chuckled.

'So that's why my body is light.'

Raon clenched and opened his fist, nodding. Thanks to raising the quality of sleep as per the message Wrath saw, vitality was still full in his whole body.

-If you slept well, that is enough. Asking for stats is wishful thinking. Humans cannot use all of the Demon King's power.

Wrath clicked his tongue, saying the Demon King's power was not that easy.

"Food is ready!"

While listening to Wrath's nagging with one ear and letting it flow with the other, food came out one by one from the kitchen.

It was nothing special, but when the fragrant smell of the foods rose, saliva filled his mouth.

-You are just a novice using the Demon King's power. Do not think of easily raising stats, eat your meal first. This King will start with the stew...

Wrath pointed at the stew with a chuckle when a message appeared.

Raon saw the message and his eyes sparkled, and Wrath closed his chattering mouth tightly.

"Eh?"

-My tongue is gone...