The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 162

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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 162

“Airand.”

I stood before Airand, the patriarch of Zigheart and a master-level powerhouse who had ascended to that realm long ago, yet I remained composed. Without a hint of intimidation, I met his gaze directly.

“If you wish for me to join the White Lotus Society, then come back with a clear explanation of what the organization’s primary mission is, what I would learn, and what I would gain.”
“Hm…”

Airand’s eyes wavered once more. A master is a supreme warrior whose body and mind have both achieved perfect stability—such shifts in expression were rare to witness, yet he seemed genuinely taken aback.

But this was only natural.

‘I’m the one holding the advantage right now.’

As Burren had said, now that my training period had ended, various organizations could extend recruitment offers to newly qualified swordsmen.

Airand had come directly to recruit me the moment the training concluded. A man like that wouldn’t back down after a single rejection.

“You’re bolder than I heard.”

Airand’s expression returned to its original state. Not merely his face, but his spirit seemed to stabilize as well. He was truly a warrior who had reached an elevated realm.

“It’s not boldness—I simply said what needed to be said.”
“You’re right. I did come rather unprepared.”

He lifted the corners of his mouth slightly and nodded. Seeing him acknowledge it so readily, despite his iron-like countenance, his temperament seemed refreshingly straightforward.

“But my desire to have you is genuine.”

Airand’s eyes gleamed a brilliant blue.

“Outstanding martial prowess, loyalty toward your comrades, an indomitable spirit even before the strong, and the audacity to commit to reckless endeavors. Everything about you appeals to me.”

His sincere conviction radiated outward as a palpable pressure.

“I’ve conducted countless selection trials throughout my life, but this is the first time I’ve moved personally. Let me say it again, Raon Zigheart. Join the White Lotus Society. I will open a path for you to ascend higher.”

Airand extended his hand once more. His straightened fingers seemed as though they would tear open the very path ahead to make way.

“What, what?! Is the White Lotus Society Master personally recruiting?”
“I’ve never seen the Master step forward like this before.”
“Raon Zigheart….”

The swordsmen standing nearby alternated their gazes between me and Airand, their mouths falling open in astonishment.

“I apologize, but I cannot make a decision at this moment.”

Since he was so sincere, I offered a proper refusal this time as well.

“You understand your position quite well. Are you saying you wish to hear proposals from other places?”

Airand’s momentum faltered, and he let out a soft chuckle.

“Precisely. I must obtain what I can while I hold the advantage.”
“I would have crushed the mouth of anyone else for such words, but from an Expert-rank recruit swordsman, it’s rather humble. Good. I’ll come prepared next time.”

With those words, he turned away. He vanished from the spot as though he had never been there. A footwork technique that could be sensed but not seen—truly the power befitting a Master.

-Ugh….

Wrath’s expression twisted sharply as he watched where Airand had disappeared.

-Don’t be pleased that he took a liking to you. When I dwelled in the Demon Realm, tens of thousands of demons came to me each year, offering treasures and pledging their loyalty. Compared to me, your level is….
‘Yeah, yeah. You’re impressive.’
-Listen properly! Hearing of my deeds in the Demon Realm is a blessing comparable to great fortune….
‘Sure thing.’

I let Wrath’s words go in one ear and out the other as I quickened my pace toward the Annex Building.

‘This scent is….’

The moment I arrived at the Annex Building, a fragrant aroma of food wafted toward me.

-Ooh!

Wrath grasped the door of the Annex Building, his hands trembling with excitement.

-Ah, the scent of apple meat pie and pineapple pizza! The aroma of foods I’ve never tasted before fills the air!

The creature, who had been rambling endlessly about tales from the Demon Realm, closed its mouth and simply sniffed contentedly.

‘They must have prepared it in advance.’

It seemed Sylvia and the maids, knowing today was the last day of the training period, had prepared party food.

-R, Raon, hurry! Go inside quickly!
‘Good grief.’

A Demon King who loses his composure at the mere scent of food—I’d be too embarrassed to even mention traveling with him.

Raon shook my head and opened the door.

“Oh! Young Master!”
“My Lady! Young Master has arrived!”
“Raon!”
“Lord Raon!”

Sylvia, Helen, and the maids, who had been scattered throughout the house, rushed out and gathered before the entrance. Yua, who had been in the Kitchen, also emerged with a bright smile and waved her hand.

“I’m back.”

Raon met everyone’s eyes and smiled softly.

*

*

*

After a quick shower, Raon emerged to find an array of various dishes spread before me. Many were familiar favorites, but there were also quite a few dishes I had never seen before.

“This new creation was made together by Helen and Yua.”

Sylvia pointed to the pot in the center. Meat, seafood, and vegetables were simmered deliciously, with fried rice spread beneath.

“This one too. It’s a soup made with tomato, beef, and chicken—truly delicious.”

This time, I pointed to the red soup in a wide bowl.

“And this one….”

She introduced each dish one by one—a pizza with lobster, ham that had been dried and laid long across bread, and a transparent stew with shrimp.

“All of these bear Yua’s touch.”

Sylvia placed her hand on Yua’s shoulder beside her.

“Yua. Have you been well?”
“Yes! There was so much I could do—it was so much fun!”

Yua nodded, her twin braids swaying. Though a hint of longing for Grandfather lingered in her slightly downcast eyes, her joy was genuine. It seemed Sylvia and the maids had treated her like a younger sister or daughter.

“Why is our Yua so adorable!”

Sylvia opened her arms and pulled Yua into a tight embrace.

“She cooks so well, sings beautifully, and is so cute! There’s nothing she can’t do!”

With those words, she rubbed her cheek against Yua’s.

‘She’s experienced this plenty.’

I smiled faintly watching Yua and Sylvia. That’s what Sylvia does when she’s in a good mood. Seeing the two of them getting along so well brought a smile to my face naturally.

-Ughhhh! Raon.

As I was smiling at Yua, Sylvia, and the maids, Wrath let out a groan. Looking down, he was trembling as if afflicted with a fatal illness, cold air streaming from his mouth.

-W-what are you doing? The food is dying! Hurry and pick up your weapon!
‘His way of saying to eat quickly before it gets cold is way too dramatic.’

Not even a minute had passed since the food arrived, yet his exaggeration was excessive.

“Raon. You worked hard during training.”

Sylvia smiled brightly as she ladled tomato soup for me.

“Yes. Uh, Mother?”

I reached for the soup, but she wouldn’t release the bowl from her hands.

“But why do you keep doing such dangerous things? You completely destroyed the Central Intelligence Agency!”
“Well, that’s….”
“I know you have your reasons, and I know you’re strong, but it’s the Central Intelligence Agency, so I can’t help but worry.”
“That’s right, Young Master. She hasn’t even slept properly.”

Sylvia’s brows furrowed slightly. At her words, all the maidservants nodded in agreement.

‘It’s only natural, I suppose.’

Since Karun hadn’t even treated Sylvia and me as human beings, it was only natural that they worried I might be killed or gravely injured.

“I always create escape routes before I move. Don’t worry too much.”

I infused my voice with the essence of Manwha-gong to reassure them all.

“I know you’re wise. It’s just that your Uncle Karun isn’t the patient type. Try not to clash with him if you can help it.”
“Okay.”
“You always answer well, at least.”

Sylvia sighed softly and ladled out the soup.

-It’s all done now. Hurry, hurry….

Wrath looked like he was about to wither away from impatience. The way he gestured for me to eat resembled a grim reaper.

‘How tiresome.’

I sighed and picked up my utensils. Just as I was about to eat the soup Sylvia had served, a knock sounded from the entrance.

“I’ll go check.”

Judith, who had been at the far end, left the Dining Hall. However, she returned in less than ten seconds with a pale face and called out to me.

“A, a guest has come looking for you, young master.”
“A guest?”
“Yes. I believe you should go out and meet them yourself….”
“Understood.”

I nodded and rose to my feet.

‘Who could it be to warrant such an expression?’
-I’ll kill any who dare obstruct us! Anyone at all!

Together with Wrath, whose fury burned more intensely than ever before, I made my way toward the entrance.

A young woman stood at the entrance of the Annex Building, her radiance illuminating the darkened foyer with brilliant light.

-This woman! I shall freeze her on the spot!

I forcibly suppressed Wrath’s attempt to unleash his frigid aura back into the bracelet, then examined the woman before me.

Her hair blazed like crimson flames, and her eyes held the transparent azure of a lake. Her features were exquisitely refined—a beauty one could never forget at a single glance—yet what I perceived was not her appearance.

‘She’s strong.’

An immeasurable and formidable aura enveloped her entire being. A Master. Someone who stood at a level that rivaled—no, surpassed—even Airand, whom I had just witnessed. A true powerhouse.

“I’ve been watching you since the trainee entrance examination.”

Her voice was as clear as her gaze. She slowly closed her eyes, then opened them again before continuing.

“I was captivated by your mental fortitude to remain composed in any circumstance, your wit to exploit situations, and above all, your transcendent genius in the martial arts that surpasses everything else.”

She extended a slender, pale hand toward me.

“My name is Serena Calvin. I am the commander of the Gonggeom Unit and the one destined to become the Patriarch of Zigheart. Become my strength, Raon Zigheart.”

I narrowed my eyes as I gazed into her azure depths.

“The Commander of the Gonggeom Unit, Serena Calvin herself… coming here personally….”
“Is, is this a dream?”
“She’s among the highest-ranking commanders….”
“Young, young master!”

The maidservants standing behind swallowed hard upon learning Serena’s identity.

‘Serena Calvin….’

I’d heard that name before. A legendary woman from a vassal family—neither Main Lineage nor Branch Family—who had declared her ambition to become the Patriarch of Zigheart. A martial artist renowned for her ice-cold composure and blazing, fierce power.

‘Is she also after me for the military organization?’

It seemed Serena had come at this hour for the same reason as Airand—to recruit me into her military organization.

“The military organizations of Zigheart discriminate against anyone who isn’t from the Main Lineage or the highest-ranking Branch Families. But the Gonggeom Unit under my command is different. We evaluate based on skill and achievement. It will be the best home for you.”
“Discrimination….”

I had indeed heard that lower-ranking Branch Families faced discrimination within their units regardless of their abilities.

“That gaze. I’ve liked that look in your eyes from the beginning.”

Serena smiled faintly as she observed my calm, unwavering gaze.

“Will you stand at the pinnacle of this family alongside me?”
“Raon. Who exactly is—ah!”

Sylvia, who had been coming out to the entrance, caught sight of Serena and her eyes widened in surprise.

“Se, Serena…?”
“It’s been a while, Sylvia.”

Serena gave Sylvia a slight nod of acknowledgment.

“Today was merely a courtesy visit. I’ll return another time with a gift.”

She gazed at Sylvia for a moment, then turned and left the Annex Building as she had come.

“She’s still the same.”

Sylvia clenched her hands tightly as she watched Serena’s retreating figure.

“Do you know her?”
“Yes. She was my mother’s superior when Mother was a new inspector.”

A faint smile crossed her face as she recalled those days.

“Even back then, she said she would become the Patriarch of Zigheart. She hasn’t changed at all.”
“She said she’d become the Patriarch of Zigheart even when she was a subordinate?”
“Yes.”

Sylvia nodded immediately.

‘That’s impressive.’

It would be one thing if she were already a superior like now, but to say such things as a subordinate? Her audacity was extraordinary. The title of “hero” seemed well-deserved.

‘She’s magnificent.’
-I don’t know about magnificent, but I’m dying from hunger!

Just as I was marveling at her greatness, Wrath ground his teeth.

-Let’s go eat already!

*

*

*

The next day.

Raon headed to the 5th Training Ground to report that he had successfully completed his training. The interior was already filled with trainees, and Rimer was, as expected, late.

“Raon! You defeated Horain!”
“What exactly are you?”
“Insane! Absolutely insane!”
“My achievements are completely overshadowed because of you!”
“This guy is the real deal!”
“Did you eat a Dragon Heart by yourself or something?”

The trainees who saw me approached with warm smiles. There was no more jealousy or envy. Only admiration and genuine joy at my outstanding performance.

“….”
“Hmph. If you’re first rank, you should be able to do that much.”

Burren simply furrowed his brow without comment, while Martha crossed her arms and snorted, saying it was only natural for the top student of the 5th Training Ground.

“Raon. Sorry. It wasn’t ice cream. But I’ll share it with you later.”

Lunan muttered something incomprehensible while clutching my sleeve.

‘Coming here really does put my mind at ease.’

Though not quite like the Annex Building, this 5th Training Ground was one of the few places that brought me comfort. I felt a slight pang knowing that the time I had left to spend here with them was running short.

“Don’t you all ever get tired?”

A light voice drifted down from atop the wall. Rimer descended, scratching his disheveled hair vigorously.

“You’re late, instructor.”

Burren stepped forward to block Rimer’s path.

“The training’s already finished. How can I be late?”
“You set the meeting time yourself, and you arrived late. That’s being late.”
“Everyone’s late once or twice in life.”
“You’re not late once or twice—you’re late every single day.”
“Goodness, you’re so strict! You’ll lose your hair at this rate!”

Rimer used a movement technique to leap over Burren and climbed onto the platform.

“Hmm….”

Burren swept back his blue hair with both hands and checked his fingers. Seeing that barely any strands had come out, he let out a sigh of relief.

“Ahem, everyone worked hard during training. Though it’s been a short period, I believe you’ve all gotten a rough understanding of how each organization trains and what they do.”

Rimer brought up the main topic before Burren could press further.

‘I have no idea….’

I narrowed my eyes. All I did at the Central Intelligence Agency was destroy things, hit things, and destroy more things. I’d grown stronger, but I had no clue what the Central Intelligence Agency actually did.

“One week from now. The Selection Ceremony you’ve all been waiting for will begin.”

The Selection Ceremony was the most important day to conclude five years of training and determine each person’s final assignment. It was no exaggeration to say that all the effort up until now would bear fruit.

“For some of you, it may have already arrived, but starting today, the units and organizations will begin making recruitment offers to you.”

Rimer’s gaze briefly turned toward me.

“Since this is where your five years of effort will be decided, don’t get caught up in fleeting fame or profit. Make your choice carefully.”

He offered his advice with unusual seriousness.

“If I give you a hint, choose a smaller organization. Larger organizations have so many people that it’s difficult to go on missions in the first place. On the other hand, smaller organizations mobilize most of their members for various missions, so it’s easier to build up accomplishments. And….”

Rimer pointed to his own face and grinned wickedly.

“The more handsome the unit commander, the better. Tender-hearted and good at gambling is even better, a generous spirit that cares for the members is important too, and strong swordsmanship with elegant footwork. Especially something like the wind….”

Suddenly his story veered off course—and not just slightly, but far off into the distance.

-That bastard’s at it again. His mouth never stops running.
‘I wonder who he resembles.’
-Is there another person who talks this much?
‘Yeah. Even more so.’
-Crazy bastard.

I held back the words “That’s you” and listened to Rimer’s nonsense when Burren approached from the side.

“Take this.”

I accepted the box Burren offered. Peeking inside, I found a golden cord adorned with jewels. Judging by its color, the form of its knot, and the gemstone at its center, it was clearly no ordinary item.

“Why are you giving me this…?”
“It’s a jeweled cord worn on formal attire. I have extras, but yours is bare. Take it and attach it. If the head of our unit looks shabby, it reflects poorly on all of us. Make sure you wear it properly.”
‘He must have noticed during the training period.’

The decorations on my formal wear at the beginning and end of the training had been modest. Sylvia and Helen had done their best to procure them, but they lacked the splendor of those worn by the Main Lineage and Branch Family members. It seemed Burren had given me this cord with that in mind.

“Thank you.”
“It’s just something I picked up, so don’t worry about it.”

Burren waved his hand dismissively and stepped aside.

‘A benefactor, then…’

Just as he’d said yesterday, he was repaying a debt.

Even if it was debt repayment, the fact that someone else had thought of me felt genuinely good.

I slipped the small box into my pocket. Rimer’s nonsense seemed slightly less tiresome now.

*

*

*

Sigh.

I exhaled with a slightly exhausted expression.

‘I’m dying here.’

After enduring an hour caught between Rimer’s rambling and Wrath’s grumbling, I felt more drained than if I’d fought an actual battle.

As I crossed the Garden thinking I should hurry and get some training in, the central path leading to the Annex Building was packed with people, and the entrance to the Annex was blocked by neatly wrapped boxes.

‘Hmm?’

Looking at the packaging, all the boxes in front of the door were gifts, and every person standing in line was a warrior radiating formidable presence.

‘What on earth is this?’

As I walked toward the Annex Building, puzzled by the strange sight, a warrior who recognized me widened their eyes.

“Raon!”
“It’s Raon!”
“Raon Zigheart! Come join our Gyeokho Unit!”
“No, our Jeokgyeol Unit will support your back!”
“What are you saying! The Daemyeong Unit is the best place to nurture Raon!”

The people standing in line rushed at me as if they’d spotted an enemy, surrounding me from all sides. Familiar organizations and unfamiliar ones alike called out their names, urging me to join them.

“Hmm….”

Now I understood. All of these people had come from the Main Mansion to recruit me.

“Raon!”

As I examined the people one by one, Sylvia and her attendants approached from the side.

“All of these people came because they want to recruit you!”
“All those items are gifts for you, Lord Raon!”
“That’s not even all of it! There’s more inside!”

Sylvia and her attendants smiled more brightly than ever, pointing to the countless gifts throughout the Annex Building.

“I’m so proud of you….”

She seemed deeply moved that so many people had gathered at the Annex Building and toward me, who had never received anyone’s attention before. Tears even glistened at the corners of Sylvia’s eyes.

“Don’t cry just yet.”

I gently wiped away the tears from Sylvia’s eyes with my sleeve and smiled faintly.

“This is only the beginning.”

Right now was merely the starting line. There would be plenty of time for tears once I ascended to the Main Lineage.

‘Someday, I’ll show her that sight again.’

I made a silent vow to reveal that spectacle to her once more.

*

*

*

Rimer stood face to face with Glen Zigheart inside the Patriarch’s Reception Hall after a long time.

“The other candidates are receiving scouting offers from various places, but Raon is undoubtedly the most sought after.”

He continued with an animated smile.

“Aside from the military organizations operated by the Main Lineage and the Branch Families that follow them, nearly all the others have sent gifts and representatives to the Annex Building. Airand and Serena even visited in person yesterday. Everyone is burning with desire to take Raon with them.”
“Hmm….”

Glen’s lips curved slightly upward, as if pleased by the report.

“That’s only natural. A new inspector with Expert-rank peak power—this is the first time in Zigheart’s history, perhaps in the last several centuries.”
“Well, that’s true.”
“He’s truly exceptional. Exceptional! Whoever raised him did an outstanding job. Hah!”

Rimer patted his own chest and chuckled with satisfaction.

“You must have been just as remarkable at that age, Patriarch?”
“I received recruitment offers from many lords as well, but not to the extent Raon is now. That boy has surpassed my younger self.”

Glen’s eyes, which had seemed as rigid as stone, softened slightly. Combined with his slightly raised lips, a genuine smile emerged.

“See? He’s even more proud of his grandson than himself. That’s the classic behavior of a doting grandfather.”
“I thought so too. The Patriarch is truly a hopeless Raon enthusiast….”

Rimer whispered to Roen beside him, and Roen nodded readily in agreement.

“Ahem! Quiet!”

Glen cleared his throat and forced his lips downward.

“You didn’t come here just to say such things. What is it you truly wish to tell me?”
“Wish to tell you?”
“I’ve known you for more than a day or two. That wild gleam in your eyes—today you have something worth hearing to say.”
“You know me well indeed, Patriarch. Then I won’t waste time with pleasantries.”

Rimer’s light demeanor evaporated like morning mist. His eyes grew sharp and resolute, burning with the intensity of a gathering tempest as he knelt.

“I have a request for you, Patriarch.”

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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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