The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 1027
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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 1027
“Annihilation?”
I placed my hand on the table, my brow furrowing.
“Even if a village were destroyed, I wouldn’t use the word annihilation….”
It struck me as odd that Rabawin would use such a term for a small village—not a kingdom or a clan, but a mere village.
“I wouldn’t choose to express it that way either, but since it truly has been annihilated, I have no choice but to describe it as such.”
Rabawin bit his lip so deeply that teeth marks remained.
“A village where over two hundred people lived—not a single survivor remains, and every building and structure has crumbled to dust.”
He exhaled heavily, saying that such devastation could only be described as annihilation.
“Both villages collapsed in identical fashion?”
I drummed my fingers on the table, my brow lowering.
“Yes. Both appeared as though they had been annihilated decades ago—everything had decayed completely.”
“Are the two villages adjacent to each other?”
“No. They are quite far apart.”
Rabawin shook his head, explaining that there were several harbors and cities between the two devastated villages.
“Then the harbors in between….”
“They are intact. Nothing happened there, according to reports.”
He furrowed his brow, noting that even the waves had remained calm.
“If that’s the case….”
I exhaled softly, observing Rabawin’s hardened expression.
“So it’s not a natural phenomenon.”
The fact that the harbors between the two villages remained intact meant this was absolutely not a natural occurrence.
“That’s correct. I thought the same thing, so I investigated and….”
Rabawin’s fingertips trembled as he looked toward me.
“I encountered a monster in the sea.”
“A monster?”
I swallowed hard and leaned forward toward Rabawin.
“To explain from the beginning, I heard rumors that the same phenomenon was occurring in villages outside our territory, so I went to investigate immediately.”
Rabawin gripped his trembling right hand with his left, lowering his voice.
“There too, I saw no corpses, but the entire village was drenched in seawater. It was as though a massive tidal wave had swept over it.”
His brow furrowed as he described watching seawater rise and fall across the entire village.
“Then it was natural after all….”
“Actually, I was already convinced it was artificial, so I thought it strange and searched the surrounding coastline, and….”
“Don’t tell me.”
I swallowed hard, watching Rabawin’s widened eyes.
“You encountered it directly?”
“Yes.”
Rabawin clutched his head as if recalling the moment he met the monster.
“While sailing on Cheongpung and following an unfamiliar water path I’d never seen before, that enormous monster suddenly burst forth from the endless sea.”
His voice trembled, as though he still felt the overwhelming disparity in power.
“What kind of monster was it?”
“A… a wolf.”
Rabawin mentioned the name of a beast entirely unrelated to the sea.
“A wolf?”
“Not an ordinary wolf. It was a being that carried the sea within both its body and soul. It was so massive that it felt as though the sea itself was looking down upon me.”
He released a deep groan, speaking of an entity whose soul was so immense that it rendered him insignificant by comparison.
“The creature showed no interest upon seeing me and simply vanished, but had we fought in that moment….”
Rabawin’s brow furrowed as though the outcome was already written.
“We would have been annihilated. The aura that wolf possessed rivaled that of a Transcendent.”
His shoulders trembled as though he were still exposed to the beast’s oppressive presence.
“Hmm….”
I narrowed my eyes as I observed Rabawin’s fearful expression.
‘A wolf capable of frightening Rabawin….’
Rabawin is an experienced Grand Master. If even he trembled with such dread, this was certainly no ordinary monster.
‘Though it’s unlikely to be Transcendent-tier.’
Transcendent-tier monsters are exceedingly rare, save for ancient dragons.
At that time, Rabawin’s judgment would have been clouded by tension and anxiety, making it highly probable that he had misperceived its power.
“So you returned to seek Aris Zigheart’s assistance because of that incident?”
I nodded, finally understanding why Rabawin’s expression had been so dark.
“Indeed. I am insufficient, but Aris Zigheart should be more than capable of hunting that wolf. Moreover, the number of other pirates in the area continues to grow….”
Rabawin sighed, explaining that he had deemed it a matter requiring the swiftest resolution and had immediately returned to the Zigheart estate.
“However, I do not know when Aris Zigheart’s training will conclude….”
His brow lowered as though he remained anxious about the other villages and harbors even at this very moment.
“Then that matter….”
I set down my teacup and placed my hand on the table.
“We at Gwangpung Hall will take care of it.”
“Pardon?”
Rabawin’s eyes widened in confusion at my meaning.
“Ah, no. This isn’t a matter for Zigheart, but rather for our Pirate King….”
“When you think about it, the Pirate King isn’t merely an ally of Zigheart—it’s essentially a subordinate organization of our family, just like Gwangpung Hall.”
Now that Aris had returned to Zigheart, the Pirate King faction she commanded could reasonably be considered part of Zigheart’s Military Force Division.
“It’s only natural that we protect that village, and besides, our swordsmen have done nothing but train for a month—they need real combat experience.”
I shook my head, telling him not to worry.
“B-but it seems like it would be far too much of an imposition….”
“It’s a good opportunity to repay what I received from my aunt, so please don’t refuse.”
I bowed my head, framing it not as help but as a favor I was asking of him.
“Hah….”
Rabawin let out a bewildered breath, startled that he wasn’t the one asking for help, but rather receiving a request instead.
‘He’s changed again.’
The Raon of before had been virtuous yet carried an air of forcefulness.
But now he seemed to be maturing not just as a warrior, but as a person.
“Understood. Then I’m grateful for your assistance.”
Rabawin thanked me for my help and bowed deeply, as he would to Aris.
*
*
*
After instructing Rabawin to prepare for departure, I entered the Audience Chamber and explained Rabawin’s circumstances to Glen Zigheart.
“So….”
Glen Zigheart stroked the armrest of the newly restored Jade Throne, his eyes narrowing.
“You mean to venture out to sea this time?”
“Yes.”
I nodded calmly.
“By now, everyone knows that the Pirate King is Aris Zigheart. In essence, the villages protected under the Pirate King’s name are effectively under the banner of Zigheart.”
Though that might not be entirely accurate, I pointed to the map, explaining how it appeared to outsiders.
“Two such villages have already fallen. Our allied forces may be growing fearful and anxious. Normally, Aris would have rushed out herself, but since she’s focused on her training, we’d like to handle this in her stead.”
I informed Glen that I would handle this matter alongside Gwangpung and bowed respectfully.
“Hmm….”
Glen Zigheart turned his gaze toward the window, stroking his chin.
“Is something troubling you?”
“Since Rabawin witnessed it himself, that sea wolf must be the culprit. However….”
He let out a low murmur, looking back at me.
“What concerns me is that the wolf possessed an aura rivaling that of a Transcendent.”
Glen Zigheart furrowed his brow, noting that if it truly possessed such power, it could prove dangerous.
-The sea is vast enough to harbor all manner of creatures, after all.
Wrath nodded in agreement with Glen’s sentiment.
-Venture into the deep sea, and you might encounter monsters even you’d struggle against.
The boy raised his round hand as if to intimidate.
“I believe Rabawin misunderstood, but if they truly are a transcendent-class being, I would actually welcome it.”
Raon laughed, saying that was precisely what he hoped for.
“That monster’s battle will elevate me to greater heights.”
At my current level, training in the Training Ground offers little benefit.
Venturing outside to face stronger opponents would yield far greater gains.
“True enough. Few exist who could defeat you as you are now.”
Glen Zigheart nodded reluctantly.
“Very well. I grant you permission.”
He waved his hand, cautioning me to travel carefully.
“Thank you.”
I had just expressed my gratitude and was turning to leave the Audience Chamber when—
“Ahem! Wait a moment.”
Glen Zigheart raised his hand with an exaggerated cough.
“When you go, send me a letter as well. Don’t send one only to him.”
He glanced sideways, asking that I send letters to him too, not just to Lectar.
-Wow….
Wrath let out a hollow laugh of disbelief.
-He sees his grandson every day, yet he’s jealous over a single letter. What in the world is wrong with that old fool?
He shook his head, wondering how I’d endured such an incorrigible man all this time.
“Understood.”
I nodded with a smile, telling Glen I would send him steady letters during the voyage before leaving the Audience Chamber and returning to the 5th Training Ground where the swordmasters were still training.
“You can’t just leave during training hours!”
Martha furrowed her brow, asking where I had disappeared to while she was instructing.
“But Raon gets a pass…?”
Lunan shook his head, saying that Raon was the master of this place.
“Sigh, lecturing the master himself….”
Burren rubbed his temples, unsure where to even begin.
“Enough joking around. Everyone gather here.”
I summoned the swordmasters scattered throughout the training ground and ascended the platform.
“You all know better than anyone that a month of training has brought tremendous growth to both your martial prowess and mental fortitude.”
I continued speaking while observing each swordmaster, noting how they now wielded their aura with the proficiency of seasoned warriors.
“Now it seems the time has come to test what you have built here.”
I nodded, saying that the moment for actual combat had arrived.
“Finally, you’ve brought us a mission!”
Martha clenched her fist triumphantly, striking it against her palm.
“What sort of mission is it, sir?”
Burren’s eyes gleamed with analytical intent, as though he was already formulating a strategy.
“I wouldn’t mind staying here….”
Lunan let out a small yawn, sounding reluctant to venture out.
“This mission is….”
I relayed to the Gwangpung examiners everything I had heard from Rabawin.
“A, a Transcendent-rank Monster?”
“Such a thing exists?”
“W-we must have seen it wrong. The distance was too far!”
“If it’s real, can we even call it a monster?”
“Real or not, anything capable of leveling an entire village is no ordinary creature….”
The examiners’ pupils trembled with tension at the mention of a Transcendent-rank Monster.
Yet they were not simply afraid—they licked their lips eagerly, as though eager to test their own strength in this mission.
-At last, the children are breaking through their shells.
Wrath nodded, pleased by the examiners’ reaction.
‘Indeed. They’ve changed greatly.’
The willingness to test one’s own strength despite knowing the danger—that was the very essence of a Zigheart examiner.
‘Though there are some exceptions….’
I exhaled softly and turned my gaze to the right.
“Transcendent is a bit much, isn’t it? If we fall into the sea, we’ll drown before we even draw our blades….”
“Right. I’m not really interested….”
Crain and Dorian muttered to each other quietly, as though unconvinced.
“Stop spouting nonsense and prepare yourselves.”
Martha smiled coldly as though she would kill them here if they backed out, linking arms with Crain and Dorian.
“N-no, of course not!”
“We’re definitely going!”
Dorian and Crain forced smiles, insisting they had no intention of backing out.
“Then once preparations are complete, gather here by dawn tomorrow.”
I looked down at the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen and gave a slight nod.
“By dawn tomorrow?”
“That’s only a few hours away!”
The swordsmen’s eyes widened in shock at the rushed timeline.
“We don’t know when another village or harbor might be attacked, so we need to depart as quickly as possible.”
I shook my head, explaining that I’d nearly left immediately.
“That makes sense!”
Martha nodded, impressed by the reasoning.
“We’ll only get ten hours of sleep…”
Lunan Slion turned to leave first, muttering that he needed to return quickly.
“Understood!”
Burren Zigheart acknowledged the order and briefed the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen on what to watch for.
“I’ll verify the supplies!”
Dorian also rushed toward the warehouse, his mind already on his own tasks now that departure was decided.
“Hmm…”
Raon gazed at the bustling Training Ground and gently curved the corners of his mouth upward.
“Since you said many strong pirates have increased, it’ll be perfect for Gwangpung Hall to gain real combat experience.”
Of course, the most important thing is that wolf.
“I wonder how strong a dog living in the sea could be.”
*
*
*
The next day.
Following Rabawin’s guidance, Raon and Gwangpung traversed a series of dimensional gates and arrived at the coastal area where Cheongpung lay anchored.
“This ship is still quite massive.”
Martha whistled as she gazed up at the enormous hull of Cheongpung.
“It seems to have grown even larger….”
Lunan blinked, noting that Cheongpung appeared to have expanded since last he saw it.
“Indeed. We reinforced the outer hull with blackwood, making it considerably wider than before.”
Rabawin nodded, explaining that he had added sturdy blackwood plating to the exterior due to the battles with pirates. Though he wore a smile, his eyes trembled faintly with concern—worry for the villages and harbors that might yet fall under attack.
“Are all preparations complete?”
I touched the blackwood-reinforced hull and turned my gaze toward Rabawin.
“Yes. Since we were uncertain when Miss Aris Zigheart would arrive, we prepared provisions and supplies in advance.”
Rabawin nodded, assuring me that we could endure for over two months even if we departed immediately.
“Then let us depart at once.”
I nodded upon seeing the tension etched into Rabawin’s features.
“We cannot know when another village might come under attack. It would be wise to move swiftly.”
“Ah, was I that transparent….”
Rabawin scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.
“My apologies. And my gratitude.”
He thanked Rabawin for his consideration, then ascended the staircase onto the ship ahead of the others.
“Let’s go.”
Raon gestured for the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen to board immediately, then climbed onto the Cheongpung.
‘Nothing’s changed here.’
Unlike the reinforced exterior, the ship’s interior remained largely unchanged from before. The memory of first meeting Aris Zigheart in this very place surfaced unbidden, drawing a smile to my face.
“Prepare for departure!”
While I was lost in nostalgia, Rabawin summoned the crew and began the departure preparations.
“Captain.”
After completing all departure preparations in thirty minutes, he approached me.
“Please give your orders.”
Rabawin bowed respectfully, stating that even if only temporarily, he served as captain.
“Set sail.”
I nodded toward Rabawin and the crew members who watched only me.
“Set sail!”
“Aye, setting sail!”
As Rabawin and the crew echoed my command, the sails rising from the center of the deck unfurled magnificently, as if veiling the sea itself, and the massive vessel began to move slowly forward.
Whoooooosh!
The Cheongpung, weightless as a feather, cut through the Blue Sea following the wind’s currents.
“It will take half a day to reach the harbor we protect, so please retire to your cabin and rest.”
Rabawin bowed, suggesting I rest in the ship cabin since things would be chaotic for a while.
“No, I just wanted to see the sea after so long.”
I turned away after telling them I would remain on the deck.
“Those of you who need rest, take it. Those who wish to train, do so.”
I waved my hand, instructing the Gwangpung swordsmen to act as they saw fit.
“Got it….”
Lunan Slion entered the ship cabin immediately, saying he would sleep first.
“I shall meditate for a while.”
Burren Zigheart moved to a corner of the deck, closing his eyes as he mentioned lacking intuition in martial arts.
“I’ll check on our supplies! We might be running low!”
Dorian descended into the warehouse to inspect the provisions as though the Cheongpung were his own ship. His professional spirit was truly unwavering.
“I, I’ll just rest a bit….”
Crain blinked wearily and headed toward the ship cabin.
“No.”
I raised my hand, blocking Crain’s path.
“You’re the one who needs it most. Train your aura beside me.”
“Ugh….”
Crain’s eyes darted about as he considered escape, but finding no way out, he sighed and sat down.
Whoooosh.
As I pushed heat and cold into Crain’s back to begin his torturous training method, Martha approached.
“I’d like to ask for the same.”
Martha nodded, requesting that I teach her the torturous training method as well.
“You…”
“I want to grow stronger, even if only slightly, before that day comes.”
She bit her lip, determined to raise her strength by any means before facing the White Blood Cult Master.
‘Her resolve has hardened even further.’
Ever since Martha broke through the barrier of mid-tier Grand Master, she had been hungering for power more intensely than ever. Knowing her circumstances, I couldn’t simply refuse her.
“Sigh.”
I exhaled softly and placed my hand on Martha’s back.
“This will hurt considerably.”
Given how much she had grown, I increased the intensity, channeling the heat from Manhwagong and the cold from Glacsia into her.
“….”
Though Martha felt as though her entire body was being torn apart, she didn’t let out a single groan. Instead, she sat there and began her aura cultivation.
-She’s ruthless.
Wrath gazed at Martha with bitter eyes, contradicting his own words.
‘Ruthless, yes. But I would have done the same.’
If I had been burdened with circumstances like Martha’s, I would have whipped myself just as mercilessly—no, even more brutally.
‘I can’t remain as I am.’
I clicked my tongue briefly and leaned my back against the deck.
‘I need to become stronger to help her.’
Martha alone could never rescue her mother from the White Blood Cult Master.
Only with myself and another supreme transcendent could we barely stand against the White Blood Cult Master.
‘Whether I slay the White Blood Cult Master or save her body….’
What truly mattered was advancing my Heart Sword cultivation.
If my Heart Sword achievement didn’t progress, I would never be able to save Martha’s mother.
‘Focus….’
As I opened the gates of my soul to enter the realm of the Heart Sword while the sea breeze caressed my face, something shifted.
Whoooooosh!
The moment my soul laid bare, a chilling aura swept across me from the distant horizon of the sea—as though something was gazing down upon me.
It was no human gaze. It was an eerie sensation, as if the very forces of nature itself were looking down upon me.
“What is this….”
I spun around urgently, my eyes fixed upon the sun-drenched coastline.
Roooooar!
From the immeasurable depths of the sea, the colossal face of a wolf emerged, its mane formed of crashing waves.
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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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