The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 148

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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 148

I opened my eyes the moment dawn broke. Since it was always the time I woke up, my consciousness returned naturally without any need for additional sleep.

However, there was one thing different from usual. A message before my eyes.

[Due to the effect of Sloth, all stats have increased by a small amount.]

A pleasant message about increased stats was displayed.

‘I can definitely feel it.’

Perhaps because my senses had heightened. I could feel my physical abilities rising, though only slightly.

Compared to when I trained with all my strength, the increase in physical ability was not insignificant.

Naturally it wasn’t a full point but rather decimal places, yet I couldn’t believe my stats had increased this much just from sleeping.

‘It wasn’t for nothing that I became a Demon King.’

When I heard from Wrath why Sloth became a Demon King, I wondered how such a thing was possible, but it was because of this ability. The fact that one could grow stronger just by sleeping was absurd.

‘And besides….’

After pushing myself up, I gently rotated my shoulders and ankles.

‘My body feels so light.’

My body felt as light as a feather without the slightest fatigue. It wasn’t mentioned in the description, but it seemed Sloth also had the ability to enable deep, restful sleep.

Crunch.

Wrath, displeased with all of this, gnashed his teeth the moment he burst out from the bracelet.

-That incompetent slug! You transferred too much power to him!
‘What do you mean?’
-What else would it be? Your stats increased noticeably compared to your training, didn’t they?

Wrath cursed repeatedly, convinced that Sloth had completely lost his mind.

-To bestow such a deranged ability upon a creature already growing monstrously… when I see him in the Demon Realm later, I swear I’ll make sure he never sleeps peacefully again.
‘Hmm….’

I smacked my lips thoughtfully.

‘Come to think of it, they’re both rather pitiful.’

Wrath had witnessed everything while being toyed with, and Sloth had been completely deceived without knowing a thing. I felt a twinge of sympathy for both Demon Kings.

-P-Pitiful? After what you’ve done, how dare you speak of pity! You wretched fiend!
‘A fiend, am I….’

I smiled at the thought that I was probably the first human to be called a fiend by the King of Demons more than once.

‘Still, this ability isn’t perfect.’
-Don’t tell me it has a flaw?

Wrath’s eyes widened at the mention of a flaw.

‘Yes. I’ve developed a desire to sleep a bit longer.’

Perhaps it was the effect of Sloth. Unlike usual, a reluctance to leave my bed was creeping in insidiously.

-Hmm? But you got up right away, didn’t you?
‘My mental fortitude is strong. It’s meaningless.’
-So it’s useless to you! And you’re mocking me again!

Wrath bit his lip, thinking he’d been fooled, and conjured a wind of frigid air.

‘Calm down. Are you really going to give me stat points right after waking up?’
-Ugh!

Wrath let out a strange groan and stopped abruptly. Even in his anger, he was unwilling to hand over stat points.

“Ah.”

I chuckled softly and turned my gaze to the black flower bracelet hanging on my wrist.

‘This bracelet contains Sloth’s soul, right?’
-No, when did I ever say such a thing!
‘You told me yesterday that you took Sloth’s soul. Isn’t this it?’
-Uh…?

Wrath’s mouth fell open dumbly. I’d observed this creature for a long time, but this was the first time I’d seen such a foolish expression on his face.

-That… did I? No, I don’t think so…

He desperately tried to turn his head away and hide his expression, but it was futile. Since he couldn’t lie, his clumsy attempts to change the subject only made it worse.

‘Right then. I don’t know what it is exactly, but it’s an object imbued with Sloth’s spirit.’
-Tch! Your perception is disgustingly sharp!

Wrath clenched his fists and turned away, his eyes gleaming with a murderous glint as he glared at me.

-That damned fool took a liking to your cunning and left behind an object imbued with his soul! What an idiot!
‘As expected.’

I swung the two flower bracelets and nodded in satisfaction.

‘I really should pay closer attention to what you say.’

Wrath didn’t just grant stat increases—he scattered hints and information through his words as well. It reminded me of a tree stump that provided shelter even in death.

‘So what ability does this have?’
-I don’t know.
‘What?’
-I truly don’t know. Since it’s not Sloth himself but only a fragment of his soul that’s been imbued, the ability will be determined by your actions in the future. And…
‘And?’
-Hmph! Figure out the rest yourself!

Wrath snorted and turned away. From the look on his face, it seemed he wouldn’t speak for a while.

‘That’s more than enough.’

I smiled with satisfaction. If Sloth’s soul was imbued within it, this would be no ordinary object. I could simply wait patiently for it to reveal itself.

-Let me give you one piece of advice.

Wrath turned back around. A murderous aura shimmered from his azure eyes.

-If you had encountered Pride, Envy, or Greed, you would never have survived. Had you faced Lust, there wouldn’t even be bones left to collect, and if you’d been in the same space as Gluttony, you would have been devoured outright….
‘Isn’t Gluttony you?’
-Listen here!

He couldn’t maintain his serious expression for long before irritation flickered back into his gaze.

-In any case, remember meeting this foolish Sloth as the greatest fortune of your lifetime.

I wanted to tell him that my greatest fortune was meeting Wrath, a complete pushover, but I barely held back the urge to cause a commotion.

-You’ll never have an opportunity like this again.
‘Hmm….’

I watched Wrath floating in the empty air and licked my lips.

Seeing Wrath diminished after exhausting all his power yesterday, I felt something strange—truly strange—as if the very names of the Demon Lords carried the essence of pushovers.

‘Rather than that….’

I couldn’t wait to meet them.

*

*

*

I headed to the Training Ground to acclimate my body to the rapidly elevated stats I’d gained in such a short span.

After a light warm-up, I brought my blade down vertically. With an eerie sound of air splitting, the fallen blade carved a vivid mark across the floor.

Sword wind blooming naturally without channeling aura—a marvel born from raw strength, agility, and refined sensation.

Boom!

Planting my foot firmly, I held the blade at mid-height. The gentle flow of flowing swordsmanship extending along the horizon. The undulating blade slash cleaved through the cold darkness of dawn.

The moment Raon twisted his ankle slightly, his sword energy underwent a dramatic transformation. What had been a calm, endless-flowing river now undulated like ocean waves crashing against the shore.

Radiant Sword. Fierce slashes like a starving beast tore through the air, carving crimson scars across the void.

The immense wave of power fractured the Training Ground’s floor like a spider’s web, and the cool air ignited with summer’s heat.

“Phew.”

I exhaled the breath building in my chest and lowered my sword.

“That’s more than I expected.”

The power from my increased stats exceeded my calculations. It seemed I would need considerable time to perfectly control my strengthened physical abilities.

“Still, it’s good to see a path forward for growth.”

In my past life, I could never see a path to becoming stronger. It felt like walking alone through darkness, but now it was different. Even if it would take time, seeing a clear path to growth made my heart race with excitement.

“Let me try that.”

I raised my sword again and activated Mana Circulation at full power. The heat blooming above my shoulders turned the snowy plain below into roiling lava.

Roooooar!

Brilliant crimson flames danced across the blade like a serpent’s tongue, covering the entire sword and spilling into the air, weaving the shape of a dragon.

When the dragon’s horns became two, I kicked off the ground and unleashed my blade.

Kuoooo!

That day, a dragon’s roar erupted from the center of the Training Ground.

*

*

*

Zigheart Family Estate.

“Patriarch!”

Rimer burst through the massive door with such force it nearly shattered, striding into the Audience Chamber.

“That man. Is there nowhere to lock him up?”

Glen Zigheart frowned as he watched Rimer approach with a cheerful gait.

“If you lock him away, he’ll dig tunnels to escape.”

Roen shook his head with a gentle smile.

“Patriarch! Have you seen this?”

Rimer waved the letter in his hand with a refreshed smile.

“That is….”

Glen’s eyes narrowed as he examined the wax seal on the letter.

“Why is a report from Habun Castle in your hands?”
“I snatched it while someone was bringing it to be delivered.”

Rimer laughed heartily as if it were something to boast about.

“You’re insane.”

Like master, like disciple—the very words Wrath always said to Raon, Glen now directed at Rimer.

“Roen. Throw that fool into a cave immediately. Line the floor and ceiling with iron plates, and never let him out.”
“Gasp! Why, why are you doing this?”

Rimer shook his head rapidly while waving the letter.

“I rushed here as fast as I could to bring the Patriarch news of Raon, and you respond like this? I’m hurt!”
“You’re not doing this for me—you want to know yourself.”
“Well, that’s true too. Every time I receive a report, I’m amazed, so I can’t help but look forward to it.”

The other trainees each displayed excellent performances in their designated positions, but none could match Raon’s achievements.

Just hearing about it made it clear that the gap between Raon and the other trainees had widened even further.

“Then I’ll open it.”
“Wait.”

Glen Zigheart flicked his finger. The letter held in Rimer’s hand floated gently upward and landed in his grasp.

“Y-you’re using formless technique just to take the letter?”
“….”

Rimer let out an incredulous laugh, but Glen Zigheart didn’t even glance at him as he tore open the envelope.

“Using the absolute martial art just to see his grandson’s exploits first….”

What he’d just used wasn’t a simple aura manifestation, but a formless technique that could only be wielded by those who’d reached the pinnacle. I never imagined he’d use such an absolute martial art just to snatch a letter.

“Hmm….”

As Glen Zigheart read through the letter, the corners of his mouth trembled like a fishing hook bobbing on the sea.

“W-what could be in it that he’s like this?”
“I’m not sure. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him pleased like this.”

Glen Zigheart’s expression didn’t change much, but the two could tell he was genuinely delighted.

“Hmm, nothing special.”

Glen Zigheart muttered that it was trivial and tossed the letter. The flying letter landed so naturally at Rimer’s feet, as if telling him to read it quickly.

“Hmm….”
“Let’s take a look.”

Rimer and Roen nodded and simultaneously read the letter.

The small paper stated that Raon had once again saved Habun Castle and become a hero there, and that everyone at Habun Castle had decided to become his strength.

“Gasp!”
“Wow….”

The two men couldn’t tear their eyes from the letter, gasping in astonishment.

“This guy is really something, isn’t he?”

Rimer stood before Glen Zigheart with his mouth agape.

“Saving everyone is one thing, but even that stubborn old Milend standing behind Raon? That’s no ordinary feat! This is a real achievement!”
“It’s nothing particularly special.”

Unlike Rimer, who was making a fuss, Glen Zigheart shook his head calmly. Yet he couldn’t hide the corners of his mouth twitching upward.

“Nothing special, you say!”

Rimer continued, his expression growing stern.

“Habun Castle is a land of warriors. Their loyalty runs deep, their convictions are unwavering, and their martial prowess is exceptional. Winning the hearts of such people will become a tremendous strength for Raon in the future.”
“I agree as well. Habun Castle is a place of great honor. Wherever Raon goes and whatever he does, they will come to his aid.”
“We’ll see about that once time passes.”

Despite his gruff words, Glen Zigheart’s lips kept quivering. He seemed unable to suppress his laughter at this unexpected news.

“Come on, stop holding back and laugh freely.”

Rimer stretched his own lips into a wide grin.

“You used an invisible technique just to hear about your grandson first, and you’re forcing your facial muscles to suppress that rising smile—why? If you showed even a tenth of your true feelings, Raon would call out ‘Grandfather!’ and embrace you. Honestly, your stubbornness is legendary even among the Zigheart line—ack!”

Rimer cried out and threw himself to the side.

Boom!

The spot where he had been standing blackened and caved inward.

“B-Brain Fracture? Are you really trying to kill me?”

Rimer stared at the scorched ground and swallowed hard.

“That wouldn’t be so bad.”

Glen slowly pushed himself up. Rimer’s pointed remark had apparently embarrassed him, as a faint blush colored his cheeks.

“Now, wait just a moment. My disciple and the Patriarch’s grandson have accomplished something great on this auspicious day. Surely it would be inauspicious if someone were to die….”
“Having a sacrifice isn’t entirely unwelcome.”
“A, a sacrifice? Me?”

Lightning crackled from Glen’s elongated fingers with enough brilliance to incinerate the world itself. Just as that radiance began to extend, Rimer gritted his teeth and clasped his hands together.

“I can’t die like this! Sword Realm Manifestation!”

At that grand proclamation, Glen hesitated for a moment, and Rimer kicked off the ground, bursting through the Audience Chamber doors.

“You won’t mention this to anyone, right? I’ll come back later! I’m just going to—huh?”

Rimer’s eyes widened as he attempted his bluffing escape. His feet no longer touched the ground. Somehow, Glen’s aura had already seized him, lifting his body into the air.

“Y, you most illustrious Patriarch in Zigheart history. Please forgive me just this once….”
“Roen. Dig a hole.”

Rimer’s hands fluttered desperately like a fly’s wings, but Glen’s gaze grew only colder.

“Today is that insolent fool’s memorial day, after all.”
“Nooooooo!”

A brilliant golden bolt of lightning crashed down in the Zigheart Audience Chamber.

*

*

*

I exhaled slowly, almost to the point of tedium, and opened my eyes. My crimson gaze—a harmonious blend of composure and gravity—settled into profound depths.

‘Perfect.’

Over four months, I had completed my adaptation to my progressively strengthening body, and I had elevated the mastery of my newly acquired martial techniques. Just as I had aimed, four months had forged me into my peak physical state.

‘I’ll be able to fight with real flavor now.’

I couldn’t hope to defeat Milend, but I wouldn’t disgrace myself with a shameful loss either.

As I gathered my thoughts and rose to my feet, the dormitory door opened and Dorian entered.

“Young Master, it’s time!”

He swallowed hard, his eyes gleaming with both worry and anticipation.

“Commander Milend is already waiting outside.”
“Understood.”

Today was the day of the sparring match with Commander Milend that I had promised four months ago.

I was fortunate to be able to begin this final opportunity at Habun Castle in peak physical condition.

“Let’s go.”

I retrieved the sword hanging on the wall and left the dormitory.

“Raon, win this!”
“You must defeat the Commander before you leave!”
“We believe in you!”

I nodded to the soldiers’ cheers and encouragement as I entered the Training Ground. The outer perimeter was packed so densely with knights, swordsmen, and soldiers that there was barely room to stand.

“Are you prepared?”

Milend, standing in the center of the Training Ground, cast a serene gaze toward me.

“Thanks to your patience, I’m in perfect condition.”

I smiled and bowed my head respectfully.

“Good. This won’t be boring then.”

Milend discarded the thick coat he wore and placed his hand on his sword hilt, his heavy footsteps echoing across the ground.

“Then there’s no need to waste time. Come.”

A gentle aura like spring breeze transformed in an instant into a devastating torrent of energy.

Milend’s aura, accumulated over decades standing on battlefields, began to press down upon my entire body.

Goooooh!

I grasped my trembling hands and resonated the ring of fire. Drawing upon the essence of my soul, I ignited the Thousand Flower Technique.

Boom!

With force enough to shatter the ground beneath me, I kicked off and lunged into Milend’s space. The opening strike was the Mad Fang Blade—fangs of a rabid beast descending like lightning.

Crash!

The sword strike was flawless in speed, power, and trajectory, yet Milend simply raised his blade and shattered the Mad Fang’s teeth.

My attack was completely blocked, but my eyes remained unchanged. The Mad Fang Blade was a sensory sword that carved through an opponent’s openings. Now the true battle began.

Ching! Ching-ching!

Silver brilliance erupted from our hands as we clashed countless times.

Tremendous shockwaves shattered the frozen earth, and fierce waves of force tore through space and exploded outward, yet Milend didn’t yield an inch. He stood as an iron monument.

“Your strength and speed are commendable, but you lack sharpness. Is that all?”

Milend’s voice fell with chilling composure—the gaze of one looking down from heaven upon the earth.

“That cannot be.”

Crimson flames flickered across my eyes. Budding flowers bloomed like starlight along my blade.

“This is where it truly begins.”

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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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