A ring of fire, which had been forming in an arc, shattered like dry leaves the moment it touched the fifth ring.
"Hoo..."
Raon exhaled a breath filled with frustration as he looked at the remnants of the shattered ring.
'It's not easy, as expected.'
To increase the number of Rings of Fire, he had to create new rings while avoiding the ones already spinning.
When there was only one or two rings, as long as he had enough mana, he could easily create new ones. But as the number of rings increased, the difficulty of creating new ones rose sharply.
Currently, there were seven Rings of Fire, and their rotation speed had also increased, leaving little room to create new ones.
'Even if it's difficult, I have to do it.'
There's no other way.
The only way to overcome this dire situation was to create the eighth Ring of Fire and break through the wall. Even if all the mana filled with the elixir was drained, he had to complete the ring.
Raon drew in pure mana and condensed it around his heart. Carefully, as if pulling threads from a cocoon, he manipulated the mana to form a new Ring of Fire.
Screeeech!
But the new ring shattered into pieces before it could even form a half-circle, colliding with the second ring.
'Again.'
There was no time to be discouraged by failure. He immediately drew out mana and continued the challenge.
Screeeech!
This time, the seventh ring dug in and crushed the mana the moment he started forming it.
'Again.'
'Again.'
'Again.'
He continued to challenge without rest, but the trajectory of the spinning Rings of Fire was so erratic that he couldn't find a way.
It felt like it would be better to engage in a life-and-death battle with a Grandmaster.
"Hah..."
Raon lifted his gaze and let out a hollow laugh as he watched the spinning rings in the mental world.
"They're quite territorial."
The seven Rings of Fire did not open the gate as if they didn't need a new ring. They spun so fast and brilliantly that they shattered every thread of mana approaching.
'Keep breaking. Let's see who wins.'
The mental world has a different time axis from reality. It was like a serendipitous encounter that he could shape the Rings of Fire here, so he had to see it through.
'Then again... Hm?'
Raon stopped drawing mana to shape the Ring of Fire.
'Is it still there?'
Many versions of himself were still wielding their swords in the mental world.
Normally, when one gains enlightenment, the form that gave the enlightenment disappears, but it was strange that it remained until now.
Raon dispersed the condensed mana and looked at himself swinging the sword again.
Young Raon focused on basic swordsmanship, adolescent Raon immersed himself in creating his own sword style, and young adult Raon delved into transcendent swordsmanship.
Although they depicted different swordsmanship, there was one common point.
At any point in time, he poured everything he had into wielding the sword.
It seemed like a reflection of always giving his all in training since he was young.
Not giving up. That was something he was more confident in than anyone else.
'Then there's no time to waste like this.'
Raon smiled faintly and stopped trying to form the Ring of Fire again.
'Wait a moment...'
Have I really never put anything into my sword until now?
He lifted his gaze again. It was unbelievable that he had wielded his sword so diligently from childhood to adulthood without putting anything into it.
'Sword...'
At the moment he saw his younger self wielding the immature Heavenly Drive, he remembered a forgotten conversation with Vulcan.
[What is your goal?]
[I want to be a swordsman who is unyielding to anyone or any situation.]
It wasn't just revenge against Derus that he wanted, he expressed his will to become an unyielding swordsman to achieve all the goals he set.
That will was alive and breathing in his heart, which is why he could always wield his sword with all his might.
Willpower is the force imbued with the spirit in the will set by oneself. He had the will to achieve willpower from the beginning.
[Learning complex and diverse swordsmanship is good. But every swordsmanship must have a purpose in its execution.]
[It's not difficult. The answer is all within you.]
The conversation between Sword Demon and Glenn echoed once again, and the mental world stopped.
His younger self, his adolescent self, and even his self from yesterday planted their swords in the ground again.
They nodded slightly as if they had delivered what they needed to, and dispersed into smoke.
Clink!
The seven Rings of Fire slowly halted. The rings, igniting grand flames as if awaiting a new flow, opened the way.
As if mesmerized, he lifted his finger. Moving the golden mana, he inscribed a new line within the halted Ring of Fire.
As the most beautiful circle was drawn, the mental world began to vibrate.
Raon felt the eight Rings of Fire burning hot and closed his eyes. In the darkening world, he fell deeper into a state of enlightenment.
"Block it at all costs!"
"Drag him down no matter what!"
The ones who reacted first to the shouts of Rimmer and the Dragon Sword Master were naturally the Light Wind division.
The squad leaders and Mark Goetun, who knew Raon's situation, leaped forward before they could even think.
"Light Wind division, follow as quickly as possible!"
Burren gritted his teeth at Raon floating in mid-air while giving orders to the bewildered Light Wind division.
"You said you wouldn't get caught, but now you're broadcasting that you've entered a state of enlightenment! You crazy bastard!"
Despite his curses, he wore a desperate expression as he moved.
"I knew this would happen."
Martha let out a dry laugh and shook her head.
"That lunatic never fails to cause trouble!"
Contrary to her words, she let out a refreshing laugh and took her position in the north, raising her sword.
Burren followed, taking his place in the south.
"Raon, the handsome guy who keeps his eyes closed and mouth shut."
Runaan bowed her head blankly and stood in the east.
"Hehe."
Mark Goetun also smiled faintly and took his place in the west.
"What are you smiling at!"
"The fact that the Vice Division Leader entered a state of enlightenment here means he trusts us that much. That makes me happy."
"..."
The three squad leaders didn't respond to his words. They simply stared at the approaching enemies with deeply sunken eyes.
"What the, what the hell is this!"
"Why is that guy floating in mid-air!"
"Is he really in a state of enlightenment? How can a human be so bold!"
"He said he killed a dragon, but now he's becoming one. Is he ascending?"
Although the Light Wind division arrived earlier than the Sword Fanatics, they exhaled in disbelief at the situation itself.
"Formation!"
At Burren's shout, the Light Wind division surrounded Raon and formed the Light Wind Formation. The swordsmen, who had just been complaining, emitted an aura more solid than ever before.
"Charge ahead!"
"Break through!"
"Kill them all!"
The Sword Fanatics of the Holy Sword Alliance, who arrived late, unleashed savage sword attacks, but the aura barrier raised by the Light Wind division did not waver an inch.
"What are you doing! Push forward! At least make contact!"
The Dragon Sword Master shouted in frustration.
"Raon Zieghart can't do anything right now!"
"Ignore the Light Wind division! Aim your sword aura at Raon!"
"Avenge Cloud!"
Emboldened by the Dragon Sword Master's words, the Sword Fanatics charged with savage aura, but the momentum of the Light Wind division was even greater.
The swordsmen focused solely on defense, not caring for their own lives to protect Raon.
"Hold your position!"
"Don't let them break through."
"We win if this bastard wakes up! Guard him with your lives!"
Hearing the shouts of Burren, Runaan, and Martha, the defense of the Light Wind division grew stronger.
The Sword Fanatics launched direct and destructive attacks, only to be countered and splattered blood on the ground.
Woooom!
As the aura of the Light Wind division condensed in the center and the Light Wind Formation became more solid, eight rings floated above Raon's head.
The rings, each burning fiercely as if alive, spun and absorbed into Raon's heart.
"What, what is that...?"
"Flames?"
Both the Light Wind division and the Sword Fanatics held their breath at the bizarre sight.
But Raon's transformation wasn't over yet. This time, three flowers bloomed above his head.
The flower on the left was red and splendid, the one on the right was blue and delicate, and the one in the center was modest but held the most radiant golden light.
The petals, fluttering thinly as if they were covered with morning dew, released a faint fragrance with a mysterious light.
"Damn!"
The Dragon Sword Master gritted his teeth and kicked the air.
'That bastard! He's surpassed the wall of Grandmaster!'
Those three flowers symbolized the aura of the three energy centers, and their blooming meant that the lower, middle, and upper dantians were all connected.
Thinking he was breaking through the wall was a huge mistake. That lunatic had broken through the wall of Grandmaster in this short time and was moving forward.
The Dragon Sword Master swung the Demonic Sword Criatus to cut through the Light Wind Formation.
As the black pillar of demonic energy surged from the Demonic Sword, a cold wind blew to block it.
Claaang!
Rimmer's Light Sword pushed back the Dragon Sword Master's Demonic Sword, creating a massive lightning storm in mid-air. The exploding lightning incinerated all the demonic energy.
"Your opponent is me. Where do you think you're going?"
"Move aside!"
The Dragon Sword Master scowled and swung the Demonic Sword Criatus with terrifying momentum. As if he had been holding back his strength until now, the power and speed of his sword attacks surged instantly.
Screeeech!
Rimmer extended his Light Sword to block the trajectory of the Demonic Sword, but his wrist trembled as if it would break.
'Damn it...'
So he had been holding back his strength.
Protecting Raon and the Light Wind division from the demonic energy consumed more than 30% of his aura, leaving him with no energy to spare. His internal injuries flared up, causing sharp pain in his chest.
'Even if I die, I must hold on.'
Thanks to the lightning and wind wrapped around his sword aura, the influence of the demonic energy was greatly reduced. Even if he died here, he couldn't let go of his sword aura.
"Get lost!"
The Dragon Sword Master shouted in urgency, twisting his Demonic Sword sharply. The demonic energy surged like waves of the sea and poured down towards the Light Wind division.
"You're the one who should get lost!"
Rimmer stomped on the ground heavily, raising a storm of light and lightning. His Light Sword formed a pillar, the storm clashing against the waves of demonic energy.
Boom!
The clash of demonic energy and lightning sparked a massive explosion that shook the heavens and the earth.
"I won't let you pass!"
Rimmer wiped the black blood from his mouth and bared his white teeth.
"You, protecting something? A wretch like you?"
The Dragon Sword Master sneered, lifting the Demonic Sword Criatus horizontally.
"What do you think you can protect, a bastard who survived by devouring his subordinates!"
With a frustrated expression, he shot the Demonic Sword. The Demonic Sword Criatus, as if alive, floated in mid-air and emitted dozens of strands of demonic energy towards Rimmer. Each strand was a deadly, fierce attack.
"Huff..."
Rimmer aimed his Light Sword at the floating Demonic Sword Criatus. Wind and lightning spread out in a fan shape, tearing apart the approaching demonic energy strands.
Woooom!
The Demonic Sword Criatus made a displeased sound and was sucked back into the Dragon Sword Master's hand.
"Ugh..."
Rimmer's hand trembled as he coughed up black blood.
'Damn it...'
His suppressed internal injuries worsened. Seeing pieces of his internal organs in the blood meant he really couldn't hold on much longer.
He wanted to recuperate even a little, but with the Dragon Sword Master's fierce gaze, such luxury was impossible.
Boom!
Rimmer cut through the surging demonic energy and trembled. His mind was becoming hazy. He was truly at his limit.
Just as despair set in, the three flowers blooming above Raon's head transformed into lights and were absorbed into Raon's body.
"Damn it!"
Sensing time running out, the Dragon Sword Master gripped the Demonic Sword Criatus with both hands and raised it high.
Rumble!
The blade of the Demonic Sword soared as if reaching the sky, emitting an ominous aura.
The Dragon Sword Master, as if pouring all the Demonic Sword's energy at once, unleashed a highly compressed Astral Ring.
"Try blocking this if you can!"
With a voice mixed with mockery, the Demonic Sword fell. The Astral Ring, burning with black demonic energy like a black sun, caused an immense wave as it cut through the sword aura.
"Ah..."
Rimmer bit his lip as he watched the approaching Astral Ring.
'I can kill him.'
The Dragon Sword Master was so focused on the attack that he neglected his defense.
If he acted now, he could slit the Dragon Sword Master's throat and complete his revenge. He could avenge his fallen subordinates with his own hands.
But the already descending sword couldn't be stopped. If he succeeded in his revenge, Raon and the Light Wind division would all die.
'There's nothing to think about...'
As he was about to move to save the Light Wind division, the faces of his deceased subordinates floated before him.
Their eyes, torn out by the Dragon Sword Master, stared at him with blood-stained gazes as if asking for revenge.
He closed his eyes. Choosing the Light Wind division here would mean never getting another chance for revenge. Even if the Dragon Sword Master died, it wouldn't be by his hand. He felt with his soul that his lifelong desire would never be fulfilled.
Slowly opening his eyes again, the faces of his dead subordinates were still there.
Smiling, he bid them a farewell.
'There's no way you guys would make such faces.'
I'll save your juniors no matter what.
Step.
Rimmer, having made his decision, walked forward without hesitation, raising his Light Sword in front of the Astral Ring.
"I told you. Get past me first!"
The lightning burning on the blade settled, and thick wind filled its place. The wind's pulse from below formed a sturdy wall.
Sound vanished, creating a windless zone.
Not the Song of Wind and Lightning, but the Eye of the Typhoon.
Returning to the source, focusing on one goal, the sword aura changed.
The most noble wall of wind blocked the demonic blade.
Boom!
The black-burning Astral Ring melted away before reaching its target. The wall of wind, having done its job, also faded.
It was a victory for the one who held on, but Rimmer's sword could no longer stay in his hand.
Screech!
He clutched his torn right shoulder and vomited blood.
"You..."
The Dragon Sword Master widened his eyes, unable to believe even this had been blocked.
"Haha."
Rimmer forced a laugh, shaking his head.
"I told you. You won't get past me..."
"This is the end!"
The Dragon Sword Master ignored Rimmer and charged at the Light Wind division. Just as he was about to pierce Krein with his Demonic Sword, Rimmer stepped in front again.
Thud!
Rimmer blocked the Demonic Sword Criatus with his body, smirking.
"Did you go deaf? I said you have to kill me first!"
"Fine! If that's what you want, die!"
The Dragon Sword Master was about to explode the sword when—
Boom!
A massive flame erupted from the center of the Light Wind division. The blazing fire, like the initial spark of creation, burned fiercely and extended outward, scorching the demonic energy.
Step.
From within the firestorm, a golden shadow approached, grabbing the Demonic Sword protruding from Rimmer's abdomen.
Whoosh!
The intense flames burned away the blade and sealed Rimmer's wound.
"Huff..."
Rimmer collapsed backward, supported by the golden shadow.
"You're late."
"Sorry. I overslept a bit."
Raon, who had extinguished the flames, smiled faintly.
"Leave it to me now."
"You really are..."
Rimmer, realizing that Raon had returned his words from when facing the Blood Fiend, let out a dry laugh and closed his eyes.
"I entrust it to you."
Raon carefully laid Rimmer down and entrusted him to Dorian.
"You, you bastard..."
The Dragon Sword Master felt Raon's aura change drastically and took a step back.
"Even if you've reached the Grandmaster level, it's useless! I'm still..."
Raon didn't answer and drew the Heavenly Drive.
Thousands of flames connected, reaching the sky.
Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation.
Dance of the Golden Flame.
Within Raon's golden eyes, the spirit of the flames resided.