The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 1023
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 1023
“The Heavenly Demon hasn’t arrived yet?”
Lectar settled into the seat across from Derus Robert and tilted his chin.
“Unfortunately, he said he has important matters to attend to and cannot come.”
Derus Robert offered a faint smile, as if he had anticipated the question.
“He asked me to convey his apologies to both of you.
He lowered his head as if to apologize in the Heavenly Demon’s stead.
“In other words, he’s too damn important to bother showing up?”
The cloth mask covering the White Blood Cult Master’s face trembled roughly, as if caught by winter wind.
“Some have no pressing matters, while others have nothing to do?”
She snorted, her pride wounded by the Heavenly Demon’s absence.
“As I’ve heard, he’s a man without any sense of cooperation.”
Lectar placed his hand on the round table as if he had expected as much. The surface felt as cold as the tips of his fingers—a chill that mirrored his current mood.
‘I really wanted to see him.’
Among the leaders of the Five Emperors, he had never met the Heavenly Demon, and he had desperately wanted to gauge that monster’s level at this opportunity. It was a shame that he had not come to the conference hall.
“Please understand. As you both know, something grave has occurred in Eden.”
Derus explained with a light laugh that since Tacheon had died, the Heavenly Demon would need time to put Eden’s affairs in order.
He appeared utterly unmoved, even though one pillar of Eden had crumbled.
“Let us begin with a toast first.”
As Derus Robert gestured, the maidservant standing behind him with doll-like eyes approached from behind his seat.
Splash.
Lectar turned his gaze toward the White Blood Cult Master as he heard the sound of tea being poured into a cup.
‘Is that veil an artifact?’
Considering that even with his keen perception he couldn’t see the White Blood Cult Master’s face, the veil seemed to possess special abilities.
‘Of course, more important than the veil is….’
That woman’s martial prowess.
Originally, the White Blood Cult Master’s strength was superior to his own, but not by a significant margin.
However, after absorbing the blood and soul of Ogram, she had achieved growth that transcended the laws of this world.
‘She’s far stronger than I anticipated.’
He too had grown stronger by breaking through the thick walls of his martial arts after reclaiming his lost family, but he doubted he could stand against the White Blood Cult Master as she was now.
‘The greater problem is….’
Lectar lifted his teacup and met the eyes of Derus Robert, who was smiling at him.
‘This wicked demon.’
He had anticipated it upon hearing rumors that he had overwhelmed Owen’s Silent Sword Master, but seeing him in person, he was a monster beyond comprehension.
‘I cannot even measure his martial power.’
Even though Derus Robert sat before his eyes, it was difficult to sense the aura and caliber he possessed.
It meant he had reached a realm comparable to, if not surpassing, Glen or the Black Night Sword God, the previous Holy Sword Master.
‘This is….’
Lectar gazed at his own reflection in the teacup and bit the inside of his cheek.
‘Dangerous.’
With the Black Tower’s collapse and Tacheon’s death, I had assumed the Five Emperors would gain significant advantage. Yet upon arriving here and examining the situation carefully, I began to doubt that assumption.
‘Even if I consider the Silent Sword Master on par with myself, and the Great Mage of Glory and Tower Master slightly stronger than him, it would still be difficult.’
Silent Sword Master Lecross, Great Mage of Glory Chamber, Tower Master Larian. Among these three transcendents, none seemed capable of facing the White Blood Cult Master in a one-on-one confrontation.
‘Ogram would be weaker than I am now, so he’s out of the equation.’
Ogram hadn’t merely suffered an ordinary wound—the White Blood Cult Master had forcibly stripped away his spiritual essence and martial prowess.
It wasn’t an injury that could be healed through treatment, so in his current state, he would be of little help in a battle among the supreme masters.
‘Damn it….’
There’s no one to stop Derus Robert.
Derus Robert is even stronger than the White Blood Cult Master. Unless Glen or the Black Night Sword God intervenes, only the highest-tier transcendents working together could barely match him.
‘If he’d possessed such power from the beginning, the Five Emperors could have declared war immediately… Ah!’
Come to think of it, he hadn’t been this strong from the start.
When Derus Robert’s identity was exposed to Raon, he hadn’t reached this level yet. If the Five Emperors’ transcendents had exerted their full strength, mutual destruction would have been possible.
But now, with the exception of Glen, the Black Night Sword God, and the Heavenly Demon, he had grown strong enough that no one else could stop him.
‘He bought time until he obtained that power.’
Derus had clearly hidden himself and cultivated strength until his martial prowess reached overwhelming heights. The Black Tower and Tacheon didn’t seem to be particularly important pieces for him.
‘The Five Emperors’ Four Demons. No, rather the Six Emperors’ Three Demons.’
The number of supreme masters had become insufficient.
Even if Glen held back the Heavenly Demon and the White Blood Cult Master was contained by the Tower Master and the Great Mage of Glory, there was no one to face Derus Robert.
‘If I ambush from behind while the Silent Sword Master engages Derus….’
Lectar’s eyes narrowed as he considered a hypothetical battle with Derus.
‘This is difficult.’
Derus Robert was an exceptionally suspicious man. If I approached him during combat, I would accomplish nothing and my true intentions would be exposed.
‘And there’s also the Archangel, who could emerge at any moment.’
This war was proving far more complicated than anticipated.
‘How should I prepare for this… Ah!’
Lectar exhaled silently within himself, then clenched his fist beneath the Round Table.
‘No, there is actually one method.’
Upon reflection, there was precisely one way to counter Derus Robert.
“How have you both been faring?”
Derus Robert opened the conversation first, apparently believing he was now ready.
“How have we been? Confined to an underground without a trace of sunlight, simply cultivating strength.”
The White Blood Cult Master clicked her tongue as if questioning why he would ask something so obvious.
“Of course, I did discover something rather intriguing in the South…”
She smacked her lips, having found something to pique her interest.
“I share the same sentiment.”
Lectar turned his gaze toward Derus Robert.
“All we can do now is strengthen our foundations.”
He nodded, explaining that he too had only trained with his subordinates.
“Indeed, both of you have grown incomparably stronger than before.”
Derus Robert showed no sign of the tremendous transformation he had achieved, and applauded lightly instead.
“Then let us begin the meeting. First, I shall organize the events that have transpired thus far. The catalyst for the Black Tower’s collapse stems from the confrontation between Sageomma and Raon Zigheart, so I must address that first….”
He explained the preceding events before broaching the formal agenda.
‘He speaks as though he were present at that very moment.’
Derus Robert possessed detailed knowledge of information that had not circulated externally.
It was evident he had embedded spies within the Five Emperors to extract intelligence.
‘It must be through Zigheart.’
Given his intimate familiarity with the circumstances surrounding Raon and Zigheart, it appeared he had placed operatives within Zigheart itself among the Five Emperors.
“…And thus Tacheon fell at the hands of Raon Zigheart.”
Derus stated that Raon had slain Tacheon, his gaze shifting toward me. Perhaps coincidence, yet my spine inexplicably chilled.
“Fools.”
The White Blood Cult Master derided both the Black Tower Master and Tacheon simultaneously.
“They feigned mastery of this world’s principles, yet could not conceal their desires. That is how they perish.”
She shook her long, elegant fingers in contempt.
“Your words hold truth. In fact, following the Black Tower’s fall and Eden’s assault, the reason for Tacheon’s death is simple.”
Derus placed his hand upon the Round Table, lowering his chin.
“Though we bear the name Sama, we are not truly bound together.”
He smiled thinly, his fingers gliding smoothly across the Round Table’s surface.
“When the Nambuk Alliance fell, they mocked the weak. When the Black Tower crumbled, they mocked the foolish. It is hardly surprising they all collapsed.”
Derus shrugged toward the White Blood Cult Master as if to say, was he not right?
“Continue.”
The White Blood Cult Master nodded as if willing to listen.
“….”
Lectar said nothing, merely crossing his arms.
“The Nambuk Alliance and the Black Tower—no, including Tacheon, that’s three factions. If we had truly committed ourselves, we could have saved them. Of course, the Previous Holy Sword Master is a different matter. He was a moth drawn to the flame itself.”
Derus Robert narrowed his eyes as he looked at me. His face showed no regret whatsoever as he spoke of their deaths with indifference. Goosebumps rose on my arms, as if I were watching a puppet show.
“Since such oversights have occurred, wouldn’t it be wise for us to compensate for each other’s shortcomings going forward?”
Derus Robert nodded, proposing an alliance worthy of the name Four Demons.
“An alliance is good. However….”
The White Blood Cult Master narrowed her eyes as she looked at Derus Robert.
“We’re all hidden so thoroughly that we can’t even see a strand of each other’s hair. How exactly will we communicate and help one another?”
She let out a scornful laugh, noting that even the Four Demons were wary of each other.
“That’s precisely why I’ve prepared something.”
Derus Robert snapped his fingers, and a maidservant brought forth a gray-hued orb, placing it before him and the White Blood Cult Master.
“It’s an artifact we created. You can converse from anywhere, and it can open a Dimensional Gate to our side—but only once.”
He gestured, explaining that it would provide an escape route in moments of peril.
“The Dimensional Gate will be blocked by those damned mages, won’t it?”
The White Blood Cult Master furrowed her brow, questioning whether the Great Mage of Glory and the Tower Master would simply stand idle.
“This is different from conventional Dimensional Gates. It draws power from something other than mana as its source.”
Derus Robert shook his head, assuring her it wouldn’t be blocked even by transcendent magic.
“Could it possibly be divine power?”
Lectar watched the undulating currents of energy within the orb and parted his lips.
“You’re quite perceptive. That’s correct. The orb is called a Whiju.”
Derus Robert laughed as if confirming the answer.
“Divine power has the ability to repel mana. Even the Great Mage of Glory or the Tower Master wouldn’t be able to pierce through it.”
He nodded, saying that even if an encirclement were established, he could still retreat sufficiently.
“If you shatter the orb in a critical moment, a Dimensional Gate will open right there.”
Derus Robert laughed, saying it would be even better if he contacted him before retreating.
“It’s currently a one-way passage, but with a bit more research, we should be able to create a path for us to go to your side as well.”
He interlaced his fingers and extended his hands forward, saying that if that happened, they could overcome the numerical advantage the Five Emperors possessed.
“By the way, the Heavenly Demon also received one.”
Derus Robert laughed as if asking what the White Blood Cult Master would do about the Heavenly Demon having taken one as well.
“The Heavenly Demon….”
The White Blood Cult Master pondered for a moment before placing the orb into her bosom.
“Next….”
Derus Robert laughed knowingly and explained what precautions needed to be taken regarding the Five Emperors.
‘It was fortunate to come here.’
Lectar fingered the Whiju that Derus Robert had handed him and smacked his lips briefly.
‘There’s so much information I need to tell Raon.’
I had confirmed the combat capabilities of Derus Robert and the White Blood Cult Master, learned about a new item called the Whiju, and gained some ability to predict the movements of the Four Demons.
If I sent this information, it would be of tremendous help to Raon and Zigheart.
Whoooosh.
Lectar didn’t notice Derus Robert’s eyes gradually dimming as he recalled the face of his beloved grandson.
*
*
*
“Then we shall return to Zigheart.”
I bowed my head to Heekyuk Je and Akgeomhu, who had come to see me off at the entrance of the Magic Tower.
“Isn’t that a bit too soon?”
Akgeomhu smacked her lips as if she found it somewhat regrettable.
“We have our duties, but the Divine Continent Five Regions must have much to attend to as well.”
I smiled faintly, observing Heekyuk Je’s eyes brimming with vitality.
“That’s right. We have many tasks we’ve neglected, so we won’t have time to rest for a while.”
Heekyuk Je exhaled heavily, mentioning the administrative work he’d postponed while trapped in the Heart Demon’s grip.
“I… I can’t do that…”
Akgeomhu’s eyes trembled as if she had no desire to look at documents.
“Then train your body and aura.”
I raised my finger, pointing toward the Training Ground.
“Body and aura?”
“Brianna’s martial prowess cannot transcend the limits of Bridget’s body and aura. If she surpasses that constraint, she will become far stronger than she is now.”
Brianna wields the swordsmanship and footwork she has mastered flawlessly, yet she remains confined within Bridget’s body. If that vessel and its aura grow, she too could become as formidable as a tiger sprouting wings, advancing by leaps and bounds.
If my body and aura grow, then she too will be able to become rapidly stronger, like a winged tiger with wings.
“Hmph. Why would I do anything for my sister?”
Bridget snorted as if she would absolutely refuse, yet her eyes were already fixed on the Training Ground.
“Upon my return, I shall contact Chad and the Black Market Master to coordinate with the White Whale.”
Raon laughed, saying that information would soon pour in like madness.
“I shall be prepared.”
Heekyuk Je nodded calmly, as if he welcomed the prospect.
“Then I shall take my leave. Perhaps we shall meet again.”
Raon offered a respectful bow to Heekyuk Je and Akgeomhu before stepping into the Dimensional Gate that had opened within the Magic Tower.
The swordsmen standing behind him followed, their movements accompanied by the chilling aura befitting the name Zigheart.
“I’ll rest a bit before I go.”
Akgeomhu said she would rest, but walked toward where the Training Ground was located. After hearing Raon’s words, it seemed she was going to the Training Ground to start training first.
“She’s adorable, I tell you.”
Heekyuk Je chuckled softly and entered the mansion’s office. She gazed at the documents piled upon her desk before retrieving the Sun and Moon Scripture tucked at her hip.
‘Perhaps…’
Now I might be able to understand what manner of person Raon Zigheart truly is.
The prophet’s intuition speaks to me—now that I comprehend Raon, I shall perceive the heavenly secrets differently than before.
A soft breath escaped her.
Heekyuk Je’s fingers halted just as she was about to open the Sun and Moon Scripture.
‘No…’
She pushed the Sun and Moon Scripture deep into her desk and shook her head.
‘Now is not the time to rely on that book.’
Though I would need to use it eventually, this moment was not yet upon me.
Crack!
Heekyuk Je tapped her own cheek with the hand that had been about to open the book, then withdrew documents she hadn’t seen in ages.
“Where should I begin?”
For the first time in what felt like forever, vitality and the gentle whisper of pen strokes bloomed once more in her office.
*
*
*
“You’ve already finished and returned?”
Glen Zigheart blinked blankly, having never expected Raon to complete the mission in a single day.
“Yes. My conversation with the two of them went smoothly.”
Raon nodded calmly.
-Smoothly, my foot!
Wrath exhaled in exasperation.
-You smashed them to pieces with your fists and blade!
He shook his head as if to say that was hardly a conversation—it was nothing but punches and sword strikes.
‘In the end, we understood each other.’
Raon smiled and glanced around the Audience Chamber.
‘Fortunately, no one is here today.’
Unlike other missions, this one was completed in just a day, and since we returned through a Dimensional Gate, only Glen Zigheart, Roen, and Sheryl were present in the Audience Chamber.
Without the executives present as usual, the atmosphere felt more relaxed.
“Ahhh….”
“Allow me to report first. Upon arriving at Barene, we immediately sought out Heekyuk Je and Akgeomhu, and….”
Since Glen might suddenly summon others, I explained everything that had transpired in Barene, the Divine Five Elders City.
“…and so, Baekgyeong and Mugeomgak have agreed to stand with us Five Emperors. Heekyuk Je will be contacting us shortly.”
I bowed my head, having awakened Heekyuk Je and Akgeomhu, and having heard their oath to stand with us until the end of this war.
“I expected we’d return with an alliance forged, but I never thought you’d accomplish it in a single day….”
Sheryl blinked in disbelief at the sheer impossibility of it.
“You’ve even subdued Akgeomhu—or rather, Brianna. Truly remarkable.”
Roen laughed heartily, saying it exceeded all expectations. He too seemed aware of Akgeomhu’s condition.
“She was certainly formidable. I learned much from the encounter….”
“Sheryl, Roen.”
Just as I was about to respond, Glen raised his trembling hand, calling to Sheryl and Roen.
“Right now! Summon every executive in the family immediately!”
He stamped his foot, demanding all the executives be brought at once.
“H-Head of House?”
I swallowed hard, sensing something unusual in Glen’s demeanor.
“Why suddenly call the executives….”
“Why, you ask?”
Glen’s face flushed with pride as he curled his lips into a smile.
“How could I alone witness such a magnificent achievement—awakening Heekyuk Je and Akgeomhu, opening their hearts, and forging an alliance!”
He destroyed the armrest of the Jade Throne roughly, telling them to speak again once everyone had gathered.
“Wait, hold on….”
Raon tried to stop them, but Sheryl and Roen had already opened the doors of the Audience Chamber and rushed outside.
“Hehehehe!”
“I share the same sentiment!”
The two waved their hands, promising to return as quickly as possible, and dashed out of the Patriarch’s Hall.
“Khm-khm!”
Glen rubbed his hands together eagerly, already curious about how the executives would react to his story.
“Aah….”
Raon exhaled a sigh, his shoulders drooping.
-Has that old geezer really lost it?
Wrath let out an exasperated breath.
-This isn’t just being eccentric—he’s gone senile!
Why would anyone listen to that long story twice!
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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