Raon tightened his grip on [Heavenly Drive] as he watched the army of the Supere Holy Kingdom bring light to the darkness. From the beginning, he had requested support from the Supere Holy Kingdom, believing they were stronger than Owen or Balkan when it came to fighting demons and monsters. However, after the death of their previous Holy King, Supere had shut its borders and focused on strengthening from within, making communication nearly impossible. He had begged them to come even if late, and now, it seemed that message had finally reached them. The paladins and clerics of the Supere Holy Kingdom unleashed overwhelming [Divine Power] to make up for lost time, pushing back the demons and monsters. The once tiny white speck now filled half the black canvas. Raon let out a quiet breath as he watched the army erase monsters without hesitation. ‘I didn’t expect this much.’ Truthfully, the paladins of Supere weren’t as strong as the elite of the Five Kings or Five Demons. But blades imbued with [Divine Power] sliced through monster hides like tofu, and their armor, resonating with hymns, resisted [Demonic] spells. On land soaked in [Demonic Energy], the paladins of Supere were practically the strongest force imaginable. -That damned [Divine Power]… Wrath clicked his tongue in irritation. -But there’s no helping it this time. He closed his eyes, resigned to enduring it for today. Wrath had once told him that gods weren’t what people imagined. Raon didn’t necessarily doubt that—but the [Divine Power] they granted was undeniably real. The paladins and clerics of Supere pushed through demons and monsters and finally reached the allied forces. “Start with the wounded!” Following King Hofen’s command, the high-ranking clerics approached the wounded and began their healing prayers. Scattered [Divine Light] began healing rotting flesh. The pale, nearly-dead faces regained color. This was a true miracle—something even the finest holy elixirs couldn’t accomplish. Saint Olga pulled a cigarette from her nun’s robes and stuck it between her lips. “Don’t just sit there getting all emotional. Go do your job, will ya?” She lit the cigarette and flicked her chin. Her [Divine Power] and martial strength had grown immensely—but her personality hadn’t changed one bit. -Why do all these little brats like putting things in their mouths… Wrath wrinkled his nose, likely reminded of Chamber and her candy. “Benefactor! Leave this place to us!” The newly crowned Holy King Hofen pounded his chest and bowed his head. His eyes were filled with pride, not just as a king—but as a paladin. ‘Reliable. He’s changed a lot.’ Unlike his naive past, Hofen now stood proud and noble—worthy of being Supere’s ruler. Seeing him like that filled Raon with a strange sense of joy. -But it’s not just his attitude that’s changed. His [Divine Power] has grown several times stronger. Most people would lose their faith after what he endured… but his only deepened. Humans are still baffling. He narrowed his eyes. Raon looked at the demons and monsters being pushed back by the holy army. ‘For now, I need to focus on closing that gate.’ Thanks to the overwhelming [Divine Power], the resurrection of enemies had slowed significantly. With Karoon still holding strong, it felt like everyone could hold out until he shut the [Gate to the Devildom]. “Palace Lord! Don’t worry about us—go!” Burren waved his blood-soaked hand, smiling despite being wounded himself. “Quit hesitating and finish this already! We’re fine here!” Martha wiped blood from her throat and lifted her chin, standing tall despite a near-fatal injury. Runaan nodded with a faint smile—so faint, yet filled with trust. The Light Wind Palace swordsmen raised their swords, pointing them toward the [Gate to the Devildom]. Even with exhausted hands, their eyes shone with conviction. Karoon gave a wordless nod, his gaze calm and firm. “…Please take care of the rest.” Raon met each person’s eyes in turn before turning around without hesitation. -Just a moment ago, you were panicking… Wrath narrowed his eyes at him. -Now you’re finally resolved? Took you long enough, you frustrating idiot! Raon closed his eyes. ‘I just didn’t want to see anyone else die.’ Rimmer’s death still haunted him. He didn’t want to lose anyone else he cared about. But that hesitation nearly caused more deaths. ‘I’ll push forward now.’ Raon slowly opened his eyes and looked at the [Gate to the Devildom]. More demons and monsters had emerged, covering the gate itself. “There’s nothing left to fear.” He aimed [Heavenly Drive] at the enemies. The flame spinning along its silver blade created a gravitational pull that sucked everything in. Raon Zieghart Swordsmanship – Form Two: [Midair Cannon]. The demons and monsters tried to flee its range, but swordsmanship on a transcendent level ignored their will and dragged them in. The compressed heat exploded, obliterating every monster and demon caught within, leaving no trace behind. Using the blast’s recoil, Raon ascended toward the gate. When he arrived, cutting through demons, a familiar massive shadow blocked his way again—the one that had pushed him back before Supere’s army arrived. A grotesque creature with a dragon’s body and eagle’s wings. Before, even his full power couldn’t cut through it. But now, he felt no fear. Instead of retreating, Raon charged head-on, slicing through the black wind spewing from its mouth with his body and raised the [Twin Ring Sword]. The polished edge of swordsmanship and unwavering resolve merged with the wrath of a [Demon King]. A sharp blue radiance flared along the silver blade. The silver arc split the sky. The monstrous creature never even realized it was dead—it collapsed midair, its bisected body scattering blood-soaked frost blossoms. Raon leapt through the air, flames blooming from [Heavenly Drive] like cherry blossoms. They incinerated every escaping monster. He aimed [Heavenly Drive] at the demon with black hands floating above the gate. He jerked his chin, challenging the demon to come. The black-handed demon looked down at the coalition and Supere’s forces, then slowly lifted his gaze. His obsidian eyes locked onto Raon. He licked his lips, eyes gleaming like an explorer who had found treasure. “My name is Zircon. I’ll see whether you or he is truly worthy.” As Zircon extended his hand into the air, a lightning-shaped sword formed in his grasp. “Worthy? What nonsense are you spouting?” Raon narrowed his eyes. From the beginning, this demon had behaved differently from all others. “You just need to swing that sword at me.” Zircon pointed at [Heavenly Drive], revealing a chilling gaze. “Put all your intent to kill into it. With everything you have.” He flicked his wrist. “If you can’t kill me in one strike… you will die.” As if casting a curse, Zircon pulled his blade behind him. Black lightning surged across the sword. The massive [Demonic Energy] from the gate gathered into his weapon. Dark currents blazed around him. His sword now appeared large enough to blot out the sky. Raon’s senses twisted from the sheer force of it. Zircon warned there would be no second chance. He lowered his body, raising his sword. Raon closed his eyes as he felt the pressure. ‘This won’t be easy.’ The [Demonic Energy] might be terrifying, but the sword felt even more dangerous. This was beyond master-level skill. ‘I must end it here.’ If he didn’t cut Zircon down, the gate would never close. ‘Only one sword art will do.’ There was no room for gambling or holding back. He had to give everything to close the [Gate to the Devildom]. Raon sheathed the [Twin Ring Sword] and gripped [Heavenly Drive] with both hands. He resonated the Ring of Fire at full power, gathering all of his aura. “If you’re ready… let’s begin.” Zircon stepped forward, raising his sword. His surroundings faded into complete darkness, and within that abyss, lightning cracked. He had become lightning itself, aiming for Raon’s life. The power of nature, shaped by [Demonic Energy]. Before Raon could even react, Zircon’s sword was already at his throat. The edge hadn’t touched him yet, but blood trickled from his neck. ‘Good thing I decided.’ No sword art he possessed could stop this strike— Raon slowly raised his sword. It was both slow and fast, heavy and light, fierce and tranquil. [Sword Field Creation – Genesis Blade] One sword. Ten thousand swords. He swung [Heavenly Drive] while envisioning the strongest blade he could conjure. Golden light that pushed away night and summoned dawn collided with the black lightning. Zircon’s attack was powerful enough to feel like fighting real lightning. The clash shredded flesh and splattered blood. But though Raon’s body trembled, his sword did not. The infinite variations of [Genesis Blade] continued through the light, cutting through the sky-covering lightning. Zircon’s sword shattered, and his body was torn in two. He disintegrated into black ash. Even as death approached, Zircon smiled in satisfaction. Leaving those words behind, he melted into the darkness. “I’d rather we didn’t.” Raon shook his head, hunched over. He couldn’t guarantee victory if they met again. He had to close the gate before Zircon revived. Without pause, Raon soared toward the pulsating gate. Blood dripped from his lips as he raised [Heavenly Drive]. “Glad I brought the new flavor.” Chamber pulled a yellow-glowing lollipop from her pocket. “To abandon your subordinates and isolate me…” The Black Tower Master’s crimson eyes gleamed like rubies. “Were you that desperate for revenge?” Chamber popped the lollipop in her mouth and shook her head. “I believe in them. Something you could never understand.” She shrugged, stating her faith in her allies. “Worms who worship a false god might hold out a little longer—but if the [Gate to the Devildom] isn’t closed, everything will be consumed by darkness.” The Black Tower Master lifted his chin, certain of victory. “And you will be buried in this space as well.” “We’ve got the King of Variables on our side.” Chamber twirled her fingers. “Raon Zieghart. I doubt you predicted the death of Garet, the Demon Thunder.” She giggled, mocking the loss of his subordinate. “No matter what happens—your plan will fail.” The Black Tower Master extended his dark, writhing hand and twisted his lips. “You’ll never defeat me. I’ll make you beg for your life again.” “There’s no such thing as ‘never.’” Chamber shook her head, recalling one person. “This time will be different.” She bit down on her candy and raised two fingers. “Let’s end this long, bitter feud—right here.”