Chapter 1087

Chapter 1087

“Hah…”

Raon let out a soft breath, his focus shifting as though the world had paused. The warrior gripping the azure blade gave off a frigid demeanor, looking like someone who wouldn’t flinch after slaughtering an entire army, yet a surprising gentleness lingered in his gaze. Meanwhile, the woman grasping the scarlet blade possessed a soft and delicate beauty, but radiated an intensely biting pressure.

On top of that, observing the Gold Dragon casually soaking in the background only made his temple throb harder.

‘What kind of absurd gathering is this?’

Having observed the clash between the freezing sword technique and the blazing blade strike, he had anticipated encountering the reclusive Blade Queen and Warlord. Even so, he had never envisioned finding them locked in a domestic dispute, nor had he expected the Gold Dragon to be redirecting their destructive energies toward Sturin Mountain.

“How often must I tell you! This is not some petty lovers’ spat!”

The Blade Queen shouted toward the Gold Dragon, her voice filled with battle fervor.

“This is an honorable contest meant to carry out our sect’s ancient purpose!”

She brandished her weapon aggressively, ordering the beast to keep quiet with its absurd remarks.

“She speaks the truth.”

The Warlord gave a firm nod, his tone entirely detached.

“This engagement is a solemn ritual carrying a millennium of tradition. Do not meddle.”

He shook his head, insisting that their martial vows had nothing to do with their shared life as husband and wife.

“Mark my words, before this day ends, I will bring you to your knees and claim both your blade and your martial heritage!”

The Blade Queen pressed her lips tightly, burning with the urge to claim victory.

“I should be saying that to you.”

The Warlord merely shook his head dismissively, unleashing a wave of frost.

‘Are these two actually married?’

Raon felt a slight chill run down his spine as he sensed the sheer bloodlust and fierce rivalry building between the Blade Queen and Warlord.

‘They look more like bitter nemeses.’

The dragon had claimed they were wed, yet the hostility rolling off them made them resemble sworn adversaries set on mutual destruction.

“Prepare yourself!”

“Come, then.”

Just as the Blade Queen and Warlord raised their weapons to resume their clash.

[Wait…]

The Gold Dragon’s gaze drifted toward Raon, who had just walked through the spatial passage.

[What is a strange human doing here?]

Hearing the dragon’s bewildered remark, both the Blade Queen and Warlord abruptly turned to look.

“What a stunning young man!”

“An expert?”

The Blade Queen’s eyes lit up with sheer delight, whereas the Warlord narrowed his gaze into sharp slits, full of caution. They had been so consumed by their duel that neither had sensed Raon slipping into their midst.

“Greetings to Senior Blade Queen and Senior Warlord.”

Raon bowed politely before both of them.

-What?

Wrath’s eyes widened in utter disbelief.

-I expected you to draw blood immediately, yet here you are prostrating yourself!

Wrath shook his tiny fist, insisting that Raon should unsheathe his weapon and charge forward just like always.

‘A diplomatic approach will serve us far better here.’

Raon curled his lips into a subtle grin while remaining in a respectful bow.

-A diplomatic approach?

‘Just watch and see.’

He gave a slight, dismissive flick of his finger, telling Wrath to stay calm.

“You recognize us?”

The Blade Queen lowered her weapon, warmth replacing her combative edge.

“Senior Warlord, renowned for the Sword of Cold Severity, and Senior Blade Queen, revered for the Blade of Scorching Heat, remain legends to every martial artist across the continent.”

Raon bent his waist even deeper as he spoke their grand monikers.

“My word, you truly know of us?”

The Blade Queen’s eyes rounded in sheer astonishment.

“Even though it has been decades since we walked away from the continent?”

She nudged the Warlord with her elbow, marveling at the revelation.

“State your identity.”

The Warlord maintained an icy glare, refusing to drop his guard despite the praise.

“Why are you barking at a boy? He’s young enough to be our grandchild!”

The Blade Queen shot the Warlord an annoyed look.

“Pay him no mind, he is always so sour. What brings you to this place?”

She walked closer to Raon, gesturing that he had nothing to fear.

“Stay back.”

The Warlord thrust his arm out, intercepting the Blade Queen.

“He could pose a threat. His cultivation far surpasses what should be possible for someone of his years.”

He clamped his jaw, clearly on high alert after sensing Raon’s depth.

“I can tell as much. And yet…”

The Blade Queen waved his arm away with a shake of her head.

“A young man this handsome couldn’t possibly bear us ill will!”

She stepped right up to Raon, assuring him he was safe.

“What is your name, child?”

The Blade Queen nodded warmly, urging him to answer. Though she looked youthful, her demeanor held the gentle indulgence of an elder relative.

“I am Raon Zieghart, Senior.”

Raon stated his identity without hesitation.

“Raon Zieghart…? Wait! I know that name!”

The Blade Queen brought her hands together in excitement.

“You are the scion of Zieghart who claimed the title of Sword Emperor! Sword Emperor Raon Zieghart!”

She nodded repeatedly, as though piecing the puzzle together.

“The golden hair, the crimson eyes… and that crest definitely belongs to Zieghart!”

The Blade Queen let out a cheerful laugh, noting how well he matched the descriptions.

“Though your appearance and raw strength far outshine the tales, don’t they?”

She clicked her tongue, thoroughly impressed by Raon’s presence and skill.

“…You are indeed Sword Emperor Raon Zieghart?”

The Warlord’s sharp eyes widened marginally.

“It is a title far greater than I deserve.”

Raon cast his gaze downward, radiating utter modesty.

“Nonsense, you are more than worthy!”

The Blade Queen dismissed his modesty with a firm wave.

“To be honest, I thought the world had lost its senses when they bestowed the mantle of Sword Emperor onto a youngster barely past twenty, but I was mistaken. They couldn’t have picked better!”

She applauded lightly, thoroughly convinced of his prowess.

“Wouldn’t you say so?”

The Blade Queen prompted the Warlord with a glance.

“Wielding both fire and ice is exceptional on its own, but mastering both to such an extraordinary degree is near impossible.”

The Warlord knitted his brows, having carefully evaluated Raon’s internal energy. Though his face remained composed, a hint of awe slipped through.

“Your renown is certainly well earned.”

He gave a solemn nod, his suspicion fading considerably at the mention of Zieghart and the Sword Emperor title.

[So this mortal is the one called the Sword Emperor.]

The Gold Dragon rubbed his snout as he appraised Raon.

[The Lord instructed us to steer clear of him if possible. It all makes sense now.]

The beast recoiled slightly, remarking that it had been ages since he saw a mortal who made him want to avoid combat altogether.

“I am truly honored that both seniors are aware of my humble name.”

Raon cupped his fists, offering a respectful salute.

“We drop by mortal towns every so often while wandering the realm. Nearly every rumor we caught wind of spoke of you.”

The Blade Queen chuckled, explaining that wherever they stopped, the talk was always about the Sword Emperor and the exploits of Zieghart.

“I grew weary of hearing that moniker repeated, but seeing you in the flesh puts an end to any doubt.”

The Warlord breathed an admiring sigh, visibly struck by the young man’s strength.

“The Destructive King of the North has nurtured a creature even more terrifying than himself.”

He uttered praise that would have made Glenn’s legs tremble with pride had the elder heard it.

“Your compliments are too kind. However…”

Raon’s expression turned slightly perplexed as he surveyed his surroundings.

“What leads the two of you to remain here alongside the Gold Dragon?”

They stood upon a barren expanse of ice featuring a solitary cabin, and he could not fathom why the Blade Queen and Warlord were engaging in intense combat out in the frozen wilderness of the Northern Sea.

“We bear a duty.”

The Blade Queen ground her teeth, casting an intense look at the Warlord.

“A mandate that supersedes life itself: to overpower the other and claim their weapon along with their legacy.”

She nodded solemnly, stating that this burden fell equally upon both their orders.

“What could possibly warrant such a merciless directive?”

“Our roots trace back to a single tradition, but we splintered into mortal adversaries.”

The Warlord calmly brushed off his attire, indicating that was the core of the issue.

“If so, are you truly wed to one another?”

Raon shifted his gaze between the Blade Queen and Warlord, seeking clarification on their union.

“Indeed we are!”

“We are.”

The Blade Queen and Warlord spoke in total unison for the very first time.

“How does a lifelong feud culminate in marriage?”

“…”

The Warlord averted his eyes in quiet chagrin, keeping silent.

“After clashing against him relentlessly since we were children, my heart softened toward him. I pursued him first. And well…”

The Blade Queen murmured about the follies of youth, casting a brief glance behind her.

“That meddling drake over there played matchmaker.”

She gave a fond chuckle, admitting that the Gold Dragon had essentially arranged their marriage.

“Mortal nemeses bound in holy matrimony through a dragon’s intervention…”

Raon let out an exasperated breath while glancing from the Blade Queen to the Warlord, and finally to the Gold Dragon.

‘This situation makes less sense by the second.’

-These people are utterly unhinged…

—

“Even after we wed, our travels across the lands were accompanied by endless duels, simply because our sacred obligation remains unfulfilled.”

The Blade Queen gave an easy shrug, clarifying that she still fought the Warlord with everything she had.

“Though our souls are intertwined, our sworn duties remain entirely independent.”

The Warlord gave an assenting nod, mirroring her stance.

“This patch of ice is far too cramped, however, so that scaled beast directs our errant strikes to detonate in another place.”

The Blade Queen chuckled, mentioning that the Gold Dragon’s aid allowed them to clash freely without destroying their shelter.

“There are many things I find bewildering.”

Raon offered a hollow laugh. He was intensely curious about their origins, their solemn vows, and their bizarre dynamic with the Gold Dragon—especially how a grand scaled beast had successfully acted as a matrimonial mediator for lifelong enemies.

“Telling the entire tale would require more than a week.”

She beamed warmly, offering to share the full narrative at a later date.

“What was it that brought you to this isolated place?”

The Warlord narrowed his eyes toward Raon, folding his arms as if refusing to budge until he heard an explanation.

“Haah…”

Raon stayed quiet for a moment, letting out a heavy, weary breath.

“It is a rather painful matter to recount.”

He dropped his chin, murmuring that the truth was difficult to utter.

“What troubles you? Speak your mind!”

The Blade Queen stepped closer, eager to offer a sympathetic ear.

“…”

The Warlord lowered his weapon and turned his full focus toward Raon, waiting intently.

“To be frank…”

Raon bit his lower lip slightly, looking at the pair with a pained expression.

“I crossed into this space to bring certain scoundrels to justice.”

“Scoundrels?”

The Blade Queen opened her eyes wide, taken completely aback.

“Indeed. I ventured through the rift with unwavering resolve to bring an end to the villains who have relentlessly tormented my dear companion and inflicted agony upon countless souls.”

Raon squeezed his fists tight, his expression radiating bitter resolve.

“Who are these wretched individuals?”

The Warlord rested his palm against his hilt, looking prepared to strike down the culprits this very second.

“…”

Raon held his tongue, staring pointedly at the Blade Queen and the Warlord.

“Why the silence? Speak.”

“…”

The Blade Queen and Warlord exchanged an unsettled look.

[From where I sit…]

The Gold Dragon squinted downward at the human pair.

[It appears he is referring to the two of you. And me as well.]

The great beast gave a slow nod, gesturing to its own chest with a massive claw.

“C-could that be true? Us?”

“We are the villains?”

The Blade Queen and Warlord looked on in sheer shock, unable to accept the claim.

“I have ended many lives, but every single one was a wicked criminal! I have never harmed the innocent!”

The Blade Queen thumped her chest, standing firm on her moral standing.

“I can say the same. Many fiends have fallen to my blade, but I have never committed an unrighteous deed.”

The Warlord vigorously shook his head, insisting his conscience was clear.

“Witnessing the truth directly will explain far better than words.”

Raon released a sorrowful sigh and directed his gaze back toward the tear in space.

“Evelyn. Reveal the aftermath on the other side.”

[Right away!]

At Evelyn’s prompt response, the dimensional passage expanded, projecting an image from the distant realm. Within the shimmering azure glow, the visual of Sturin Mountain tearing apart under the residual wrath of their strikes came into view.

“When your destructive energies exploded through the rift and battered Sturin Mountain, the territorial monsters were driven mad with terror and poured down upon Habun Castle.”

The moment the stronghold was named, the projection shifted to display the castle grounds.

“Gah!”

“W-we cannot hold out much longer…”

“There is no end to them…”

Images unfolded of wounded defenders and rangers of Habun Castle groaning in agony, consigning piles of beast carcasses to flames, and reverently laying fallen comrades into the earth.

“As the brutal skirmishes dragged on without respite, our losses multiplied, and the fortress lord grew weary with distress.”

Raon held his forehead in grief, carefully omitting the fact that Milland had actually relished the thrill of combat, and instead painting him as an old man withered by endless strain.

“I-I had no notion such tragedy was unfolding…”

“Hmm…”

The Blade Queen and Warlord felt their expressions stiffen, their minds reeling from the revelation.

“You could not have known, but Habun Castle enjoyed prolonged peace until now. That peace was bought solely through the sacrifice of my dearest friend.”

Raon continued his recounting with a stifled tremor in his voice.

“My companion shouldered the bleak and grueling duty of keeping those beasts at bay, lingering alone upon the freezing crags of Sturin Mountain. Surviving in such bitter cold meant they were constantly deprived of rest. And presently…”

He clamped down on his lip until it nearly turned white.

“Because of the unending shockwaves of your auras, my friend cannot even close their eyes in peace and suffers endlessly.”

Raon pinched the bridge of his nose, visibly burdened by tragedy.

“Hold on! That sounds absurd! Sturin Mountain borders the Northern Sea! What sort of person could possibly dwell in such a barren wasteland…”

The Blade Queen gestured defensively, arguing that the claim defied belief.

“Evelyn.”

With a flick of Raon’s fingers, the shimmering display shifted to reveal the frozen summit of Sturin Mountain.

“Hauuu…”

Sloth lay nestled beneath heavy blankets with only his face showing, letting out shallow breaths. His complexion was ghastly pale, and the heavy darkness under his eyes made him look completely drained of vitality.

“Kuuuu…”

Nearby, though Dorian was actually shivering in dread beside Sloth, within the projection he seemed to be weeping silently as he tried to withstand the biting chill and overwhelming exhaustion.

“Do you comprehend now? The catastrophic aftermath your combat has wrought.”

Raon let out a heavy, solemn breath while confronting the Blade Queen and Warlord.

“That is the sole reason I stepped through the void to confront the villains responsible. Naturally, I never anticipated finding you two here…”

He clenched his jaw, projecting utter helplessness over what must be done.

“Truly, we…”

“There is no defense for this.”

Both the fiery Blade Queen and the composed Warlord lowered their heads in deep remorse, completely at a loss for words.

“I came through the portal fully prepared to stake my life in battle, but to think the culprits are such venerated elders! I lack the heart to raise my sword against the legendary Blade Queen and Warlord, whose lives have been defined by righteous deeds and glorious feats.”

Raon lowered the hand resting on Heavenly Drive, claiming he could never bring himself to strike figures he revered.

“And yet, I am at a loss as to how this tragedy can be undone.”

He hung his head, acting as though an insurmountable wall blocked their path.

“No! I will make amends! Name anything, and I shall do it!”

“The fault lies with us, so we must shoulder the consequence!”

The spirited Blade Queen cried out while stomping the ice, and even the reserved Warlord stepped forward with an uncharacteristic flush of urgency.

“Truly…”

Raon gently lifted his gaze, his eyes locking onto the Blade Queen and Warlord.

“You are willing to do whatever is required?”

“Without question!”

“Undoubtedly.”

The pair answered in flawless synchronization, displaying their undeniable bond.

-He is spinning them like a top once more…

Wrath’s jaw dropped as he observed Raon concealing a sly smirk beneath a facade of solemn grief.

-The greatest silver tongue across dimensions!