Wrathâs jaw dropped, so much so that it started to tear.
âAh, yes. There was a bonus for consecutive wins.â
Raon nodded while looking at the message. It looked like there was another bonus reward for consecutive victories.
âDonât worry about it so much, itâs just some stats.â
The reward for the four consecutive victories was an increase of 1 to 2 points in strength, agility, and energy. Since it would be a similar amount, it wasnât that big of a deal.
Even then, they are stats taken from the King of Essenceâs main body.
âThink about the food instead.â
Wrath licked his lips since he had no choice.
[All stats have increased by 2 from the additional reward.]
âHuh?â
A-all stats?
Both Raon and Wrathâs eyes widened when they read that all stats had increased instead of a few different stats. However, the message wasnât over yet.
[Two traitsâ performances have increased from the additional reward.]
Apparently, he was getting two traits rank increases instead of one. He could guess that the reward for the consecutive victories increased drastically every five wins.
âI like it.â
Raon smiled faintly, looking at the fading message. Since it took a long time to increase a traitâs performance despite having the system, increasing the ranks of two traits was a great reward. It surpassed his expectations by far.
Wh-Why is the trait�
Wrathâs head was trembling in confusion.
Increasing all stats is outrageous on its own, so why is it increasing the trait ranks?
âYou said it before.â
Raon waved his hand to suppress Wrathâs frost, which was bursting out like a flame.
âThe perfect system does its best to make its owner stronger. This must be for the same reason.â
He repeated the sentence Wrath boasted with before.
B-But this canât be happening. If I knew there was such an additional reward, I wouldnât have admitted my defeat so easily!
âWell, thatâs your problem for forgetting about it. After all, we already knew that there was a reward for consecutive victories.â
UghâŠ
Wrath ground his teeth, unable to say anything.
Raonâs mouth was curved with anticipation as waited for the next message.
[Backstabâs rank has increased.]
Glacierâs rank has increased.]
âHuh?â
Raon swallowed. Backstab was fine, but he never imagined that Glacierâs rank would increase despite having just acquired it.
He immediately closed his eyes and opened the ocean of perception.
âItâs crazy.â
The ocean of perceptionâs range was much bigger than the last time heâd done that, and the wavesâ purity had increased. He could now feel what people were doing outside the scout's quarters, not just inside.
Tremble!
A huge wave soared right in front of him. It was obvious who was doing that.
KrrâŠ
He opened his eyes and saw a tremendous amount of frost and anger coming from Wrath.
Whoosh!
The coldness erupted like a volcano, its waves coiling around Raonâs entire body like a snake.
Iâll definitely finish you off today!
âYouâd better give up. You will only end up donating more stats.â
It was Raonâs sincere advice. Even though his body hadnât completely recovered, his energy center was almost empty, his head was hazy, and his bones were hurting, there was still no way he would lose to the Wrath the way they currently stood.
Shut up! I can easily swallow you right now, as empty as you are!
Wrath snapped, then struck him with the tidal wave of ice and wrath. The terrible cold poured down on Raonâs head to press upon his body and mind.
âHmmâŠâ
Raon frowned. Even though his Water Resistance had increased, he still felt like his skin was getting torn apart. Wrath was certainly getting stronger over time.
âHowever.â
He was getting stronger at a faster rate, and he even had an invincible shield now. There was no way he would lose.
âHaaa.â
Raon caught his breath and used Glacier, which had reached two stars. He made walls of ice with his mental image to block his mana circuit and defend against Wrathâs ice.
Sizz!
The flesh-grinding pain quickly subsided as he blocked the ice with ice. The mental stress also decreased because the physical pain wasnât there anymore. It was at a level that he could endure for an entire day, no, his entire life.
Freeze! You cheating weasel!
Wrath shouldâve been aware of that fact, but he was taken over by his anger and kept pouring ice over him.
âIs it not over yet?â
Since Raon felt slightly guilty, he suppressed his yawn and pretended to endure.
He was planning to persuade him after putting up with it for a bit, but it didnât even take a few minutes before the message appeared.
âAh, my stats have increased.â
Ugh!
* * *
Reaper Scans
[Translator â Kyangi]
[Proofreader â Harley]
Join our discord for updates on releases! https://dsc.gg/reapercomics
* * *
Is it true?
Wrath shrunk down and anxiously trembled, his stats taken away once again.
âYes, I keep my promise.â
Raon nodded. Since he benefited a lot from Wrath, fulfilling the promise of eating food wasnât an issue.
âIâm getting hungry, too.â
Since he didnât eat anything for three days, he was really hungry even if Wrath didnât say anything. He put on his outerwear and left the room.
âHuh? Young master!â
Dorianâs eyes grew wide on his way back from bringing water and a wet towel.
âWhen did you wake up?â
âJust now.â
âHow is your body? Youâve been asleep for three whole days!â
âMy head feels a bit hazy, but Iâm fine.â
He nodded and twirled his arm.
âThatâs a relief! I went to the commander and the medics, but they only said that you were fine and that I should never disturb youâŠâ
Dorian wiped his tears with his sleeve and murmured that he could finally sleep comfortably. It looked like heâd been worried the entire time Raon was unconscious.
Since he was a bit embarrassed to express his gratitude, he simply patted his shoulder.
âBut where are you going right after waking up?â
âI need to eat something. Iâm starving right now.â
âLetâs go together! I need to eat as well.â
He put down the water and walked next to him.
âAh, and donât be surprised once we are outside.â
âAbout what?â
âYou will find out soon enough, huhu.â
âWhat are you talking about?â
Just ignore that guy. Move faster and keep your promise with the King of Essence.
Raon tilted his head because he couldnât understand what he meant, and Wrath stuck to him like a leech and waved his arm.
âI got it, so stop whining.â
Raon sighed a little and left the scout's quarters.
âThe defense hasnât been so easy for a long time.â
âI love the part where we can sleep longer. I wish every day was like this.â
âNow we just need him to wake up.â
The castle was busier than usual. It looked like the fever still remained after riding out the wave.
âSo⊠huh?â
âHmm?â
âH-Heâs!â
As they were walking towards the Branch of Frost while listening to the soldiers' laughter, the noisy street fell silent as if they were grasped by a hand. People were all looking at Raon with their mouths tightly shut.
âSir Raon!â
âRaon!â
âDid you finally wake up?â
âHe finally woke up! The hero of the wave!â
âWoaaah!â
Everyone ran up to Raon and started shouting, soldiers, knights, and swordsmen alike. Their eyes and mouth were moving at the same time into true smiles. They were all rejoicing his awakening from the bottom of their hearts.
âWhy are they acting like this?â
Raon furrowed his brows. Heâd only saved the soldiers by buying some time. He was confused because he couldnât understand why they were so happy about it despite being simple acquaintances.
âRaon is still a patient! Step back, everyone!â
A familiar voice could be heard between the ear-splitting cheers. It was Terian. He pulled Raonâs arm and made the soldiers back off.
âAh!â
âU-Understood!â
âSir Raon! Please recover quickly and drink with me!â
âThank you for saving my companions!â
âIâll repay this gratitude one day!â
The soldiers spoke while backing off. They were all worried about him, expressing their gratitude and wishing him a quick recovery.
âYou are still the same.â
Terian smiled broadly, looking at Raonâs furrowed brows.
âPardon?â
âAre you unable to understand why the soldiers, knights, and swordsmen that you arenât intimate with are worried about you and are cheering for you?â
Raon nodded, as he thought it wasnât a big deal that he blocked the path to save the soldiers.
âThere were a lot of scouts among those who fell down, but they were mostly unrelated to you. And there were also Snow Strikers that looked down on you among them.â
He continued, looking at the soldiers that were shouting Raonâs name.
âAnd yet, you still didnât disregard any of them. You wielded your sword for them and created a wall. You are the hero that risked your life to block the path for the soldiers that even the commander gave up on. If they arenât attached to a man like that, they donât deserve to stay in Habun Castle.â
Terianâs eyes were sparkling with a blue light. It looked like he was one of the warriors of Habun Castle that were attached to the hero.
âThis is the vice-commanderâs expression of gratitude.â
He slowly bowed his head.
âRaon, thank you for saving our soldiers. Iâll repay this favor in the future whenever you desire.â
Raon met Terianâs eyes as he raised his head. His determined smile came from his heart.
âMe, too! Iâll also help you!â
âPlease call me whenever!â
âRaon! Iâll help you too! Iâll come whether I can help or not!â
âI-Iâll come too if I can help you.â
The soldiers, knights, and scouts raised their hands, telling him to call them whenever. Even the Snow Striker swordsmen did the same.
âHahâŠâ
Raon breathed out in excitement. His heart was feeling scorching hot.
It was the scene he had wanted to witness when he first came to the castle. The scene of everyone being united during or after a fight. His heart was pounding fiercely as he stood in the middle of that scene. He felt a new emotion, the driving force to keep on living in the world.
He smiled faintly, looking at the soldiers and the knights shouting out his name.
âŠWhen are you going to keep moving?
* * *
Because Wrath was urging him, Raon entered the Branch of Frost and left the peopleâs cheers behind him. Inside the pub was also an uproar, with people telling him that they would buy his meal, or they would offer him a drink, or the food would be free for the rest of his life.
âIs this what you were talking about earlier?â
âYes, although this is worse than I expected.â
Dorian sighed, using his hand to fan himself.
âDear swordsman! Are you okay now?â
Yua ran out from the kitchen, fluttering her twin tails.
âYes.â
âThatâs a relief. I went to visit you!â
âYou came to visit me?â
âYes, I brought some soup, but you couldnât eat it.â
âI ate that one!â
Dorian smiled and raised his hand.
âThank you anyway.â
âNo problem, itâs important to look out for the regular customers!â
Yua smiled brightly and put down the menu. Whether she was serious or not, the way she said it was pretty cute.
âWhat are you ordering today?â
âThe apple meat pie I couldnât eat last timeâŠâ
Wrath inhaled deeply the moment he said apple meat pie. His inhale was full of anticipation.
âAh, Iâm sorry.â
Yua furrowed her brows.
âThe apple meat pie is currently sold out because we are out of apples.â
âYou donât have them?â
âNo, because there were a lot of customers after the wave ended.â
Huh? What?
Wrathâs eyes lost focus. It looked like he was about to explode again, with his lips trembling intensely.
âWhat about the pineapple pizza?â
âThatâs not up to me, butâŠâ
Yua looked at Dorian instead.
A-Ask him already! The first subordinate of the King of Essence must have a pineapple and an apple!
âUnfortunately, I donât have either of them.â
Dorian shrugged his shoulders.
âWe gave away the pineapple cookies to celebrate the end of the wave, so I ran out of them.â
âWhat about the apples?â
âI gave them to the scouts and Sir Raon a long time ago as snacks.â
Raon remembered the yellow apple he gave him before. He used to tell him that the morning apple was good for health each time.
âIt doesnât make any sense if apples and pineapples infinitely come out from a pocket.â
Dorian scratched his belly pocket and laughed. It was ridiculous that he was talking about his pocket as if it made any sense at all.
âThen, how about boulders and logs?â
âThose are useful objects. They are must-haves!â
âHuhâŠâ
Raon went speechless. There was a huge problem with Dorianâs common sense.
âWhat a mysteriousâŠâ
What a useless guy!
Wrath grit his teeth, glaring at Dorian. Although he called him his first subordinate, he was abandoned in an instant.
Apple meat pie, pineapple pizza, and pineapple cookie. Are you telling me thereâs none of those three? This canât be happening! This canât be reality!
Wrathâs scream was filled with despair.
What are you going to do about this?
âIt canât be helped. What can I do when we donât have the ingredients?â
Thatâs none of the King of Essenceâs business! Keep your promise!
âCalm down for a moment.â
Raon pushed Wrath back, as he kept screaming in his ear, and looked at Yua.
âThen, whatâs available right now?â
âThe knight set menu, swordsman set menu and scout set menu. The basic barbecue is also available.â
âThen Iâll order a scout set menuâŠ
Bread, stew, roasted meat and scrambled egg! Itâs so average that itâs boring! A set menu is what the King of Essence hates the most!
Wrath screamed and puffed up like a pointy puffer fish. Raon wouldnât normally care about what he did, but Raon felt bad about him because he looked like a baby puffer fish who had his stats and traits taken away that day.
âIt canât be helped.â
Raon realized it was time to use his secret weapon.
âThen, how about this?â
Shut up! The King of Essenceâs gourmet taste canât be satisfied easilyâŠ
âI still have the bead ice cream Runaan gave me.â
Huh?
Wrathâs pointy spikes of coldness rounded and returned to his body.
âYou know, Runaan gave me the ice creams when we left. I still have them.â
B-Bead ice creamâŠ
Wrathâs madness-filled eyes regained focus.
âIf I remember correctly, thereâs also mint chocolateâŠâ
Mint chocolate!
As soon as he said mint chocolate, coldness soared from Wrathâs mouth like a bamboo. The speed of his reaction could be called a reflex at that point.
A-Ahem.
Wrath covered his mouth to keep from drooling, awkwardly clearing his throat.
ErrâŠ
âHmm?â
You will eat at least two, right?
He raised two fingers with a refreshed voice containing no trace of anger.
What is a gourmet?
Raon started pondering about it.
* * *
Milland and the officers were reviewing the situation after the wave inside the commanderâs room.
âSince Raon woke up, how about we hold a festival for a day?â
âI agree. Since theyâve never had a good rest, it would be nice to give them a break for a day.â
âWe will be able to raise the morale to the max by rewarding Raon on that day. After all, he is without a doubt Habun Castleâs hero right now.â
The officers kept talking about Raon with soft voices that were filled with favor.
âFestival, huh. I guess one day would be okay.â
Milland nodded. The monsters donât attack for a while once the wave ended. Since Raon woke up, holding a festival for a day seemed to be a good idea.
âThen, Charles takes care of the festival. About the award for RaonâŠâ
As he was about to discuss the next issue, the door burst open. It was the second scouting partyâs leader Kizen, who returned from his scouting mission.
âC-commander!â
Kizen was grabbing onto the door with a trembling chin. It was the first time they saw him acting like that, as he was the bravest person among the scouts.
âWhat did you even seeâŠ?â
âL-Lord! An ice troll lord has appeared!â
That frightening sentence made the cheerful atmosphere fall into a heavy silence.