The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 163

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 163

“I’m asking you as a favor.”

Glen Zigheart’s jaw lifted slightly. His narrowed eyes sharpened, as if trying to discern Rimer’s true intentions.

“I know you’ve been doing nothing but reckless things lately, so I’d rather not hear it.”

“I’m not always joking around, sir.”

Rimer lifted his head and smiled faintly. A glimmer of seriousness flickered in his crescent-shaped eyes.

“Go ahead and speak.”

“It concerns Raon.”

“Raon….”

The moment the name Raon was mentioned, Glen Zigheart’s back straightened slightly from where he had been reclining on the throne.

“Raon’s martial prowess is at the peak of Expert rank. Since he transcends his original realm, he’s strong enough to overwhelm other peak-tier experts unilaterally. There’s no one who can defeat him now unless they’re a Master.”

“I’m aware.”

Glen Zigheart nodded slowly. His lips curved upward slightly without his noticing—the expression of a grandfather proud of his grandson.

“That’s why I suggest entrusting a unit to Raon. What do you think?”

“A unit?”

“Raon’s martial prowess differs somewhat from the other unit leaders, but once he takes on the position and completes various missions, he’ll catch up quickly enough.”

“Hmm….”

Glen Zigheart closed his eyes as if organizing his thoughts. When he opened them moments later, his gaze had turned cold and settled.

“Impossible.”

“May I ask your reason?”

“Unit leaders, division heads, and vice-division heads must be at least Master rank to prepare for emergencies. Perhaps a vice-unit leader, but I cannot place a mere fledgling who hasn’t even reached Master rank as a unit leader of Zigheart.”

He shook his head firmly. Yet beneath his words lay a faint warmth of concern for his grandson.

“Moreover, that boy has never stood alone without someone’s protection. Here there was you, and at Habun Castle there was the Milland Lord. If he were to gradually build experience as a vice-unit leader, that would be different. But giving him the unit leader position is unreasonable both in terms of martial strength and experience.”

“I see your point.”

Rimer smacked his lips and shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, what to do? I’m worried about Raon….”

“Worried about Raon?”

At Rimer’s words of concern for Raon, Glen Zigheart thrust his chin forward.

“Of course I am. Naturally I’m worried!”

Rimer suppressed his rising laughter, exhaled a heavy sigh, and gazed out the window.

“Haven’t various factions within Zigheart already begun extending their hands to claim Raon? Airand and Serena even went out of their way to seek him out directly.”

“That’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it?”

“It could be problematic, depending on the person.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re aware that Raon grew up in the Annex Building and is quite innocent, aren’t you?”

“That’s true.”

Glen Zigheart nodded readily.

“That boy knows nothing of the cold political struggles that occur within this Main Mansion. Though he lived in Habun Castle for a year, the people there rarely engage in internal conflict due to external enemies. In other words, Raon is completely blank when it comes to organizational politics.”

Rimer spread his arms wide like a puppeteer manipulating a marionette.

“Can those who became branch heads and rose to prominence because they desired to become family heads truly guide Raon properly? They might lead him astray or impose corrupted teachings and missions upon him.”

Rimer muttered that his worry had kept him from sleep.

“That’s certainly possible….”

Roen nodded slowly in agreement.

“Precisely, Lord Roen. There’s every possibility that the branch heads and unit commanders might exploit Raon for their own advancement and goals. One can never know what people will do. That’s why it would be wonderful if there were someone without ambition for power who could guide Raon properly.”

“Hmm….”

“Someone with excellent character, outstanding martial prowess, experience at the highest levels, and even a handsome face—surely such a person exists? There must be one, right?”

“….”

Glen gazed down at Rimer in silence, his expression unreadable.

“I see now. So it wasn’t Raon who aspired to become the Patriarch—it was you?”

“Me? How could I possibly aim for such a position? Exceptional character, formidable martial prowess, vast experience, and a handsome face? Wait, hold on! That’s me, isn’t it? I’m right here! The Patriarch’s seat was always meant to be mine!”

Rimer laughed heartily and clapped his hands together.

“Truly, this madman….”

Glen covered his forehead with his hand as if his head ached.

“What are you truly after, Rimer?”

“I am merely….”

“Speak truthfully.”

Glen’s voice became sharp as a honed blade, his presence so commanding that one misstep in words might result in being cut down where he stood.

“Though it may be somewhat embarrassing, I shall speak plainly. I made a vow.”

“A vow?”

“On the day Raon stood alone against Gwahyeolgwi and saved the trainees, I swore an oath—that I would make that child into a king.”

In Rimer’s eyes, which gleamed with deep intensity, his unwavering resolve burned brightly.

“I saw a throne upon that child’s back. Not just any throne, but one higher and more complete than the Family Head’s. Just as I made you king and protected you, I wish to elevate that child to an even greater height.”

“I see….”

Glen nodded as if he finally understood.

“Very well. I understand your sincerity, and I comprehend that Raon could grow in unexpected ways. However….”

His eyes gleamed with a chilling light once more.

“I’m curious whether someone with a damaged core truly possesses the qualifications to become a leader.”

“I’m handsome, wise, and handsome. I raise children well, I’m handsome, and I’m even skilled at gambling, you know?”

“Spare me such trivial matters. I need to see the extent of your martial prowess.”

“Then let’s test it right here.”

Rimer grinned and grasped his sword.

“Confidence is admirable.”

Glen flicked his fingers, a delighted smile spreading across his face.

“Come. Show me everything you have.”

“I was already planning to.”

Rimer drew his blade. The steel flashed brilliantly as he pointed it toward the sky, while two fingers held straight before him aimed at the ground.

“Sword Realm Manifestation.”

That day, sound vanished from the Audience Chamber.

*

*

*

“I am Latein of the Jeongeom Unit.”

A man of ordinary height, ordinary appearance, and equally ordinary speech patterns—with green hair—smirked.

Yet his power was far from ordinary. The energy brimming in his dantian churned like molten lava. He too was a monster who had transcended the Wall, just like Airand.

“Since I cannot read your nature, I’ll speak plainly. The Jeongeom Unit wants you. If you come to our side, I will do my utmost to cultivate you.”

“What do you mean by cultivating me?”

“Exactly as I said. I can invest in your martial power, mental fortitude, connections—even create the position you desire. I will pour everything I can into you.”

Latein spoke with a light laugh, offering support in every conceivable way. The atmosphere resembled Rimer’s levity, yet this man seemed to be performing that lightness rather than possessing it naturally.

“Then what must I give you in return?”

“….”

Latein’s smile stiffened slightly.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. You must have a reason for wanting me this badly.”

“You understand how the world works. So you’re not just a talented brat after all. I like you even more now.”

His voice had changed as well. A distortion began to creep into the cheerful tone he had maintained.

“Of course, I have my own desires regarding you, but I can’t reveal them now. If you’re curious, come find me at the Jeongeom Unit. I guarantee it won’t be something you’ll dislike.”

He returned to his original light expression and tone, then extended a small box he had brought.

“A small gift. If you come to the Jeongeom Unit, I’ll outfit you from head to toe with equipment that can’t even be compared to this.”

He left those words behind and departed the Annex Building.

-He’s just putting on airs, but there’s nothing inside him. Not worth watching.

Wrath scoffed, calling the man pathetic.

‘As if you have room to talk about anyone being pathetic.’

I watched Latein leave the Garden before turning back. My room and even the Annex Building’s corridor were packed with gifts.

“There are more than I expected.”

Hearing what Rimer and Burren said, I thought some people would come, but I didn’t expect it to be this crowded.

Not only military organizations, but information organizations, administrative organizations, and even the rarely active Hobeop Unit had moved. There were so many gifts that the Annex Building was on the verge of bursting.

“Ufufufu!”

“Hehehehe!”

I glanced upward at the unabashedly joyful laughter. Sylvia and Helen were arranging gifts with radiant smiles blooming across their faces.

“Living this long, I never thought I’d see something like this.”

“This is the first time so many guests have come to the Annex Building.”

“It’s all thanks to how accomplished you are, Raon.”

“So this is what they mean by basking in one’s child’s glory?”

“It’s your blessing, my lady. Your blessing.”

Not just Sylvia and Helen—even the servants were savoring this moment. The Annex Building, which had only ever been scorned and made a scapegoat, had become the center of attention. And the fact that I had made it happen seemed to fill them all with happiness.

-Your grin stretches from ear to ear.

‘If they’re happy, then I’m happy too.’

It wasn’t a lie. When Sylvia, Helen, and the servants were content, I felt the same warmth and joy. I couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason, but my emotions simply moved that way, and I followed them willingly.

-To be pleased by such trivial matters? You’ll never amount to anything. I, the King, remain unmoved in all circumstances….

‘That’s nonsense.’

-Nonsense?! Is there anyone as impassive as I?! Doesn’t my very power manifest as frigid cold?!

‘That’s the real mystery.’

I can’t fathom how someone so quick to rise to trivial provocations—so sanguine by nature—came to wield the power of bitter cold.

His true essence lies in gluttony and volatility, yet the aura he commands is glacial. Such a contradiction was almost laughable.

-You insolent worm. Before my true form, you would cower and crumble to dust….

‘Then bring your true form here.’

-Kugh….

I teased Wrath with that remark, then entered my quarters and approached the wall stacked with gifts.

‘Let me see what’s here.’

I opened the gifts scattered throughout the room. Most were practical items for combat—gloves, boots, belts, sword sheaths, and bindings for securing blades.

After sorting through them casually, I turned my attention to three boxes on the desk. These were gifts from the Lords I had met in person.

‘This is….’

I opened the first box from Airand—small but exquisitely crafted. Inside lay a pair of thin gloves that, even at a glance, were of a quality far superior to anything else.

I slipped them on. They felt weightless, as though I wore nothing at all, yet they clung perfectly to my hands. The grip on a sword felt nearly identical to bare skin, and the material was so resilient that even a blade would struggle to cut through it.

“So his personal visit wasn’t without purpose.”

The fact that he would send such a treasure as a mere gift made it clear—he truly wanted to recruit me.

“This one is….”

I opened the box Serena had given me. Inside were boots—brown leather ones that felt almost weightless in my hands.

“Wow….”

The moment I put them on, my body felt lighter, as though my weight had diminished. I could sense I’d be able to jump higher and farther. These were no ordinary equipment either.

Finally, I opened the box Latein had given me. Inside was a golden ring, which I slipped onto my finger.

‘Strength enhancement, perhaps….’

The difference wasn’t dramatic, but I could distinctly feel my strength increasing. It appeared to be a ring enchanted with strength-enhancing magic.

“Not bad at all.”

These gifts were truly exceptional—befitting nobles of their standing. As I was about to examine the equipment more thoroughly, three knocks sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Without a word, the door opened and Judith entered, bowing her head.

“I’ve investigated the organizations that will appear in the selection tournament.”

She spoke while extending a booklet toward me. It appeared she had compiled it personally, just as before.

“Thank you.”

I nodded and carefully reviewed the entire booklet. Just as she said, it contained most of the organizations belonging to the family. There was quite a bit of information I hadn’t known before, making it an engaging read.

“While investigating the Selection Ceremony, I discovered something that seems almost like a superstition.”

“A superstition?”

“Yes. According to the records, every swordmaster who received the selection of all the Military Organization leaders participating in the Selection Ceremony without exception became the Family Head. In fact, it’s written here that the current Family Head also received the selection of all the organizations.”

“Family Head, huh….”

Since becoming Family Head wasn’t particularly my goal, I simply nodded, finding it an interesting piece of trivia.

“Judith. What do you think? Which one do you believe would be the best choice?”

After finishing the booklet, I looked toward Judith.

“Our options are quite limited. It would be difficult to join the Main Lineage or Branch Family organizations that follow them. We need to find alternatives.”

“Our….”

“Is there a problem with that, sir?”

“No, nothing.”

I shook my head. Judith, who had never been able to commit her heart to any place, was now using the word “our”—and I found that rather heartening.

“In truth, there’s no need to speak of how formidable the power of bloodline is within Zigheart. Most of the upper echelon Military Organizations are controlled by the Main Lineage. However, there are several places that are no less impressive.”

Judith opened the central section of the booklet.

“First, there’s the White Lotus Society led by Airand. It’s primarily composed of practical swordsmen who move through battlefields as if they owned them, and they undertake numerous missions. Airand’s martial prowess is said to rival even the Main Lineage.”

She nodded approvingly and turned the page.

“Second is the Gonggeom Unit, led by Serena who visited yesterday. They primarily employ sharp and precise swordplay. Given her ambition, she accepts numerous missions and requests, steadily building her reputation. The Jeongeom Unit that came today is somewhat calculating, but once they commit, they complete every mission without failure. And…”

Judith flipped through the booklet, listing out the organizations worth recommending one by one. However, the places truly worth considering were those led by Airand, Serena, and Latein.

“Instructor Rimer said to go somewhere with fewer members, saying that’s where you can build more achievements.”

I relayed what Rimer had said, of course excluding all the nonsense about being handsome and skilled at gambling.

“That’s also sound advice. Smaller organizations dispatch support to more locations, and members can participate in most missions, creating more opportunities to build achievements. Of course, that comes with greater danger and busier schedules.”

“I see.”

To make Sylvia part of the Main Lineage, I needed to accumulate as much merit as possible. Rather than going to a large organization where I couldn’t move freely, it seemed better to join a smaller one, participate in numerous missions, and provide support to other organizations.

“Then shall we examine the smaller organizations in detail?”

“No, there’s no need.”

I set down the booklet and shook my head.

“I’ve already decided where to go.”

There was no way I could have missed it—that gambler had promoted it so blatantly.

“Fortunately, I’ve been drowning in gifts.”

I smiled faintly as I gazed at the mountain of presents piled before me.

*

*

*

The day of the Selection Ceremony.

An unprecedented crowd had gathered at the Grand Training Grounds. Even those with days off or leave had forgone rest, rushing to the Training Ground and squeezing into every available seat.

The reason was simple.

The question of which unit the trainees from the 5th Training Ground—who displayed growth far exceeding that of ordinary trainees—would join had become an unprecedented matter of interest within Zigheart.

Especially that monster of a trainee, Raon Zigheart, the top of his cohort.

After earning the epithets “Young Sword Demon” and “Flame Wall” at Habun Castle and returning to demolish the Central Intelligence Agency, his choice had become the subject of such intense speculation that betting pools had formed around it.

To be honest, half the people gathered in the Grand Training Grounds had come for no reason other than to witness my Selection Ceremony.

As the Spectator Stands filled to bursting, figures ascended onto the Platform above the Training Ground.

The swordmasters, cloaked in formidable auras and an eerie dignity, bore emblems of different shapes and colors inscribed upon their chests.

The heads of the military organizations—the Grand Masters and Masters—who were the true power of Zigheart, began taking their seats one by one on the towering platform.

Not only Airand and Serena, who had visited Raon directly, but also the Main Lineage Masters from the Central Intelligence Agency, Jinmu Hall, and Seonghyeon Unit took their places in the chairs arranged on the platform.

They exchanged only brief greetings as if keeping each other in check, then gazed down at the Training Ground below.

“You’re all targeting Raon, aren’t you?”

As the Grand Masters and Masters deliberated over whom to recruit, a cheerful voice rang out. It was Latein, the Master of the Jeongeom Unit. All eyes on the platform turned toward him.

“I’ve seen him in person. He’s even more impressive than I expected. His aura feels so subtle that it seems he hasn’t learned any martial techniques, yet his internal completion is already approaching Master level. That boy will grow stronger still. Now I understand why not only the family head but the elders are taking an interest in him.”

The Main Lineage Masters frowned uncomfortably, while the Masters from external origins nodded in agreement.

“Still, that boy is mine… ah, here comes today’s protagonist.”

Latein stopped speaking and pointed to the swordsmen from the 5th Training Ground entering through the door. They wore crimson ceremonial robes adorned with the Zigheart emblem and walked one by one toward the center of the Training Ground.

At the end of that procession was Raon. Dressed in a crimson ceremonial robe trimmed with golden thread, his red eyes gleaming like sunlight itself, he was a living portrait.

“It’s Raon!”

“Raon Zigheart.”

“What kind of face is that….”

“He feels even stronger now?”

“Not again?”

“At seventeen, reaching the rank of Section Master isn’t impossible.”

The Masters marveled at Raon’s appearance, yet recoiled at the eerie premonition that emanated from him like a drawn blade. Their eyes gleamed with predatory hunger, each reflecting a different shade of ambition.

*

*

*

Upon entering the Grand Training Grounds, I made my way toward the center alongside the other swordsmen.

“Raon!”

“Young Master!”

“Lord Raon!”

I smiled and waved to Sylvia and her attendants cheering from the right end of the stands, then took my place at the front of the swordsmen.

“R-Raon, sir. Have you decided?”

Dorian’s fingers trembled as he spread them wide.

“The decision isn’t ours to make—it’s theirs.”

I gestured toward the Section Master and Master standing on the platform, looking down at us.

“Still, you must have made up your mind, haven’t you?”

“More or less.”

“Where are you going?”

“Not there.”

“Pardon?”

At those words, not just Dorian but also Lunan Slion, Martha, and Burren Zigheart—who had been listening intently—flinched in surprise.

“Not there?”

“What are you talking about! We’ve come all this way!”

“That’s right. Every commander of the Military Organization is here except for the Moonlit Hall, which is outside. You’re not thinking of going to the administrative division, are you?”

Not just the three of them—all the swordsmen gathered around, pressing me for details about where I intended to go.

“What are you thinking!”

“What insane thing are you planning now!”

“Let’s just go normally.”

“The insane one won’t be me—it’ll be that lazy bastard, so don’t worry.”

I chuckled softly, calming the swordsmen who were rushing toward me.

“Lazy bastard? Instructor Rimer?”

“That gambler—what’s he got to do with this?”

“If you wait, something interesting will…ugh!”

Just as I was about to drop a hint, a terrifying aura began pressing down from behind. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was—the absolute presence of Glen Zigheart, the Northern Sovereign King and master of this household. His aura grew more formidable with each passing moment, and a chill ran down my spine.

“The true sky of Zigheart! The household head, Northern Sovereign King Glen Zigheart, makes his entrance!”

“We greet the household head!”

At the cry of the Heavenly Sword Squad, everyone in the Training Ground dropped to their knees and bowed their heads.

Thud.

Glen silenced that thunderous voice with a single step, ascending to the center of the platform and settling into the golden throne.

“Rise.”

“Thank you!”

Even the senior masters, who had remained silent until now, cried out their gratitude in grand voices as if they had returned to their days as recruits.

“Well then, we shall now begin the selection ceremony for the 5th Training Ground graduates….”

“Wait.”

Glen raised his hand as the Announcer was about to commence the ceremony.

“One person hasn’t arrived yet. Rather, one individual is missing.”

“Pardon? What? All forty-three graduates are present.”

The Announcer counted the numbers directly and confirmed there was no issue.

“Not there—here.”

Glen Zigheart pointed not below the platform, but above it—to where the Lord and the Unit Commander stood.

“Pardon? The numbers on that side are also in order….”

“Ah, my apologies. That’s my seat.”

As the Announcer fumbled with his documents in confusion, a verdant gale erupted from atop the stone wall on the left. A striking man with flowing crimson hair kicked off the wall with ease and ascended to the platform in a single bound.

“Rimer!”

“How dare you!”

“What are you doing here!”

“Only the Lord and Unit Commander are permitted on this platform!”

Karun and Valdemar, along with the other Lords of the Main Lineage, furrowed their brows with murderous intent.

“I know. That’s exactly why I’m here.”

Rimer swayed his feet leisurely and continued speaking.

“From now on, address me not as Rimer, but as Rimer, Unit Commander of the Gwangpung Unit.”

“What!”

“A, a Sword Master?”

“You’ve become a Sword Master?”

Everyone in the Grand Training Grounds widened their eyes in bewilderment at his declaration-like words.

‘That person is late even on a day like this.’

But Raon smiled knowingly, as if he had expected it. Now that everyone had gathered, the true selection ceremony was about to begin.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————