The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 146
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 146
The moment Wrath admitted defeat, a cascade of victory messages flooded my vision.
[All stats increase by 5 points.]
As my stats rose and a thrilling surge coursed through me, I couldn’t help but smile—then a second message appeared.
[Unique Title 【One Who Mocks Kings】 has been created.]
The second reward was a title with a name that pleased me immensely.
-What fool named this title such a ridiculous thing?
Wrath’s expression twisted in irritation.
-I am displeased!
‘I don’t know who came up with it, but I certainly know who it’s about.’
I chuckled softly and pulled up the title’s description.
【One Who Mocks Kings】
A title granted when one outwits a being of royal majesty through means other than force.
Effect: When conversing with those of greater power or status than yourself, their affinity and trust toward you increase.
A crimson gleam flickered across my eyes as I examined the title’s ability.
‘This is rather useful.’
One cannot always suppress enemies through combat alone. The persuasion boost this title offered was genuinely appealing.
Wrath and Sloth had appeared—there was no guarantee other Demon Kings wouldn’t follow. This title’s ability would prove invaluable in such dire circumstances.
‘It should work on the family head as well.’
It would be effective even against elite warriors like Glen Zigheart, making it a remarkably useful title in many ways.
-Hmph.
Wrath snorted after reading the title’s description.
-Do you truly believe I would fall for such a trivial title’s ability? Convincing me is an impossible task.
‘Yet it’s possible right now.’
All I needed to do was mention Apple Meat Pie or Mint Chocolate, and persuading Wrath became as easy as taking candy from a baby.
-I am a noble existence. I do not heed the words of others! Increasing my stats would have been far superior to such a title….
‘Don’t worry.’
-What?
‘They’ll go up soon.’
I smiled faintly and pointed to the third message appearing.
[You have achieved your sixth victory against Wrath.]
[Additional stats increase due to the 6-win streak effect.]
[Strength increases by 2 points.]
[Stamina increases by 2 points.]
[Endurance increases by 2 points.]
Three stats rose by 2 points each due to the 6-win streak effect.
‘Today’s a jackpot.’
All the stats that rose today totaled 9 points, and each individual stat increased by 2 to 3. This was the first time so many stats had increased since I obtained the system.
-Oh, just how many stats have increased today?
‘Well, counting all stats, roughly 11 points total.’
-11? Did you say 11?
Wrath’s hands trembled like aspen leaves as frost emanated from them.
-Damn it! Those 11 points. You extracted them all from my body!
‘Well, I suppose so.’
I nodded calmly.
—Squeezed dry by Sloth, then wrung out by me. You’re nothing but a walking financial disaster!
‘Speaking of which, what is this?’
While thinking of Sloth, I lifted my wrist and pointed to the black flower bracelet.
—Why would I tell you about that!
Wrath stared intently at the bracelet before snorting.
—Figure it out yourself. I have no obligation to explain it to you.
‘From his reaction, he doesn’t know either.’
I chuckled and shrugged my shoulders.
‘A Demon King, yet there’s so much he doesn’t know.’
—W-What nonsense! There is nothing in this world that I don’t know!
‘Then what is this?’
—I said I have no intention of telling you.
‘Which means you don’t know.’
—You weasel!
Wrath finally unleashed the fury he had been holding back. An overwhelming chill and rage erupted, piercing through my entire body like thorns.
Zzzzzing!
The 25 points of rage embedded in my soul awakened as well, beginning to gnaw at my body and spirit from within.
‘This is… quite something.’
I lowered my head, my hands trembling violently.
—When Sloth came, the 15 points of rage hadn’t fully integrated into your soul. Only 10 of those 15 were even operational.
Wrath drew upon an even greater surge of rage, crushing down on my entire body.
—But now the 25 points of rage have fully awakened! I will devour your body at this rate!
‘You’re making a big mistake too.’
Gritting my teeth, I simultaneously activated Mana Operand and Glaceia.
An aura brimming with molten heat surged through my mana circuits, melting away the chill, while Glaceia’s ice barrier held firm against the tide of rage clawing at my mind.
But that was far from all.
My soul’s rank, elevated through enduring Sloth’s energy waves and Wrath’s interference, rose up and crushed the surging anger instead.
-How… how is this possible…?
‘I didn’t just blindly accept your rage.’
I wiped the sweat trickling down my forehead and smiled.
‘I was certain I’d grow stronger by accepting your anger.’
Even if I received 15 points of rage from Wrath, I had the confidence to endure it—that’s why I proposed the deal to him in the first place.
Thanks to the Ring of Fire, the Ten Thousand Manifestations, and Glaceia, Wrath’s attacks had been reduced to manageable levels. At this point, I could withstand far more.
-Impossible!
Wrath refused to yield, pouring even more power into his assault, but I matched him by drawing upon greater aura and rank to shield both mind and body.
Crackle, crackle, crackle!
After roughly thirty minutes of this clash between human and Demon King, a blue window materialized before my eyes.
[You have withstood the interference of 【Wrath】.]
[Agility stat increases by 1 point.]
A message confirming I’d endured the interference. This was the second time today.
‘Is today my birthday or something?’
-You’ve got to be kidding me!
*
*
*
I was laughing at the sulking Wrath when the Dormitory door opened and Dorian walked in.
“Ugh!”
Dorian rushed over with his mouth agape, seeing me awake and unharmed.
“You’re awake!”
He placed his hand on the bed, tears glistening in his eyes.
“Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine.”
I rolled my shoulders and nodded. More than fine—I was in peak condition.
“Thank goodness, truly.”
“How long was I unconscious?”
“Four days now.”
Dorian exhaled deeply and straightened up.
“You should wash up first. Have some water and soup!”
As he spoke, he reached into his satchel. He pulled out a wash basin, a water jug, and a bowl of soup, setting them on the round table.
“Why are you carrying a wash basin around? And where did that soup come from?”
“I didn’t know when you’d wake up.”
Dorian chuckled and filled the basin with water, pouring some from the jug into a cup for me.
“Thank you.”
I smiled faintly and approached the table. Realizing he’d been carrying these things around for my sake, warmth bloomed in my chest.
“I’ll go report to the Commander!”
“Wait!”
I tried to stop him, questioning why he needed to report something so trivial, but Dorian had already vanished from the room.
“He’s in a hurry.”
I clicked my tongue and finished washing up. After rinsing my mouth with water, I took a spoonful of soup filled with finely chopped vegetables.
The flavor was exquisite—savory yet clean. The texture of the vegetables scattered throughout remained crisp, making each bite a pleasure.
“Yua made this.”
This was soup prepared with a proper recipe. It seemed Yua had made it and brought it, not Dorian.
-Indeed. One can taste the pineapple girl’s affection in every spoonful.
Wrath, who had been sulking moments before, had drawn close and was savoring the taste. Truly, an easy Demon King to please.
-The handiwork of my loyal attendant. Why do you hesitate? Eat more.
“Sigh…”
I shook my head at the grumbling Wrath and continued eating the remaining soup.
Though I was hungry, the delicious flavor made it go down smoothly, bite after bite.
In no time, I had emptied the bowl completely, and just as I was drinking water, the door opened again and Dorian entered.
“You’ve finished it all already?”
Dorian smiled as he looked at the empty bowl and cup.
“I was hungry.”
And a certain glutton had been urging me on.
I sighed quietly, glancing at Wrath. After much consideration, I realized Wrath wasn’t a gourmet at all—just a voracious eater who loved food.
“The Commander wanted to see you. Would you be able to come?”
“If he calls, I must go.”
How could I refuse a summons from the lord of Habun Castle?
‘I need to explain the situation anyway.’
He would undoubtedly ask how I had sent Sloth away, so this was a confrontation I had to face eventually.
I had already prepared an excuse for that, so there was no problem leaving now.
-Humans are naturally suspicious creatures. I’m curious how they’ll react.
Wrath chuckled, patting his belly as if anticipating catastrophe.
‘What you’re hoping for won’t happen, so stop thinking about it.’
I pushed away the clinging Wrath, threw on my outer robe, and stood up.
“Let’s go.”
*
*
*
“Huh? Raon!”
“You’re awake!”
“Raon! Are you feeling alright?”
The moment I stepped out of the Dormitory, the Scout Unit members approached and asked about my condition. Their eyes were glistening with worry.
“I’m fine. Fully recovered.”
“Phew, thank goodness.”
“We were really worried.”
As I waved my hand with a smile, the Scout Unit members let out sighs of relief.
It wasn’t just the Scout Unit. Everyone I encountered on the way to the Command Center showed an almost burdensome level of concern for my well-being.
‘Their gazes have changed quite a bit.’
If they had previously seen me as a hero, now they seemed to regard me almost like a god—though it was embarrassing to say so.
Moreover, people who had previously spoken casually suddenly began using formal speech with me.
‘What’s going on?’
I understood their gratitude for saving their lives, but the sudden shift to formal speech felt odd. Something else seemed to be going on.
As I arrived at the Command Center while pondering what it could be, I heard a single word.
Zigheart.
A word that shouldn’t have been spoken here.
“Dorian?”
“Ah, yes….”
Dorian scratched the back of his head, as if he’d known this was coming.
“Our identities have been revealed. The Commander told you directly?”
“I suspected as much.”
The scale of the incident had grown too large to cover with the excuse of being mercenaries anymore.
“So everyone knows?”
“Yes. But there’s no need to worry. We didn’t reveal our identities ourselves.”
“I know. It’s just….”
I shook my head with a bitter expression.
“I don’t think people will approach me as easily as they did before.”
“That’s actually for a different reason.”
“A different reason?”
“Ah, let’s head up first.”
Dorian flinched slightly before pointing to the Command Center directly ahead.
“Understood.”
I nodded and headed up to the Conference Room.
Contrary to my expectations, the Conference Room was packed not just with Milend and Terian, but with all the executives.
It seemed everyone except those on duty or standing watch had gathered in the Conference Room.
I scanned their faces and let out a sigh of relief.
‘They’re all alive.’
I had worried something might have gone wrong, but fortunately, it seemed no one was seriously injured.
-Stop pretending to be virtuous.
Wrath descended onto my head with a cold laugh.
-Even if you saved them, humans will fear you for possibly having formed a connection with the demon race. You’d do well to worry about yourself instead.
‘That’s probably true.’
I nodded. Thinking back to the humans I’d encountered in my past life, it was entirely plausible.
However, Wrath was making a grave miscalculation.
I hadn’t saved them with any expectations in mind—I simply wanted them to live. Since I harbored no expectations, there was nothing to be disappointed about.
“I greet you, Commander.”
I gathered my thoughts and bowed my head to Milend.
“Good to see you awake. Sit there.”
“Yes, sir.”
I took a seat in the chair at the center, following Milend’s gesture.
“I thought recovery would take longer. Yet here you are, stronger than before.”
Milend examined my complexion carefully and let out a hollow laugh.
“Many talented individuals have sought this place for training, but you’re the first I’ve seen grow so rapidly.”
“I was fortunate.”
“It’s not fortune. That’s willpower and skill. Soon enough, I’ll be beneath you.”
Milend waved his hand as if dismissing nonsense. The other executives smiled as well.
“Now that you’ve fully recovered, this should be easier to discuss.”
He leaned his upper body toward the table.
“How did you send that monster away?”
“Well….”
I lowered my chin slightly, careful not to let it show.
‘Here it comes.’
It was the inevitable question I’d known would come. Of course, I had prepared an answer for it.
-I’m curious what excuse you’ll make. These fools must know Sloth is a demon, after all.
Wrath chuckled as if amused.
“I….”
“Wait. I asked the question, but you don’t need to answer.”
Just as I was about to voice the excuse I’d prepared, Milend raised his hand.
“Everyone here knows that thing is a demon. A Demon King-class monster at that. You must have made a deal to send it away.”
“That’s correct.”
As expected, they already knew the general truth.
“A demon of that caliber would only want a soul or a body.”
“Hm…?”
My response came a beat late, caught off guard by Milend’s unexpected deduction.
“Just as I thought!”
“So that’s what happened.”
“Raon….”
Interpreting my silence as confirmation, Milend and the executives clenched their jaws.
-This… something feels off about how this is going.
Wrath’s raised eyebrows trembled with unease.
“You really are something else….”
“Huh? No, that’s not it. I was… what?”
Just as I was about to offer the excuse I’d hastily prepared, Milend shot to his feet. The executives followed suit, rising in unison.
“Thank you! Raon!”
“Thank you so much!”
Milend and the executives bowed deeply in perfect synchronization.
“Uh….”
-Huh?
Raon and Wrath’s eyes widened at the sudden formality.
“What’s gotten into you all….”
I understood they were grateful for being saved, but the gesture felt excessive. Besides, I hadn’t even said anything yet.
“You don’t need to say anything more.”
“That’s right. We understand that one cannot speak lightly of dealings with demons.”
Milend and Terian shook their heads in unison.
“You must have made a deal with that demon, wagering your soul and body.”
-What are you talking about?! This fool didn’t wager his body and soul!
Wrath’s mouth fell open in disbelief.
“We’re not fools. We know something precious of yours has been mortgaged to that demon.
“That’s correct.”
“While we were unconscious, we came to understand all the hardships Lord Raon endured alone.”
“Lord Raon….”
At Terian’s words, the eyes of all the executives glistened with sorrow and admiration.
-These fools really are idiots, aren’t they?
Wrath’s nose bridge wrinkled at the bizarre turn of events.
“I honor your sacrifice of your own soul to save Habun Castle, Raon Zigheart.”
“I have received a debt I can never repay in a lifetime.”
“Thank you, Raon!”
The officers clenched their fists with sorrowful eyes. Some of them glistened with tears.
-What insane nonsense is this! It wasn’t this con artist who gave up his soul—it was that stupid lazy bastard!
Wrath shrieked and rapped Milend’s round head repeatedly.
-A Demon King had his very essence drained by humans! It wasn’t this fool’s soul that was sucked away—it was mine and that idiot Sloth’s!
Though they couldn’t hear him, Wrath wailed and circled above the officers’ heads.
“There is a saying on the battlefield. Steel for steel. Blood for blood. And life for life.”
A noble radiance gleamed in Milend’s eyes.
“Since you gave your soul and body to the Demon King to save us, we must offer something worthy in return.”
“Of course.”
“Naturally, that’s how it should be!”
The officers nodded in agreement.
-Argh! This is suffocating! This bastard conned the Demon King and only profited from it! Come to your senses!
Even as Wrath raged and threw a tantrum, the officers’ respect and reverence toward me never wavered.
-My throat feels completely blocked. If I could just speak one word, I’d gladly lose a part of my soul! Please! Just one word!
He stretched his face with his palms, screaming as if he would die.
Milend and the officers stepped forward from the table and stood facing me directly.
Thump!
They struck their left chests where their hearts lay with their right fists and straightened their spines. It was the highest honor and praise given on the battlefield.
“We will. No—Habun Castle will stand behind you, Raon Zigheart!”
“Ah….”
I swallowed hard, a chill running down my spine as I met the resolute gazes fixed upon me.
-Ugh….
Meanwhile, Wrath slumped like a deflated balloon, shaking his head in despair.
-What a ridiculous world this is. Let’s just die. Yes, death would be preferable to witnessing this….
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————