The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 165

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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 165

I lifted my gaze toward the Platform. The hands of the clan leaders rose like pillars supporting the heavens. Every figure standing on the Platform had raised their hand.

The sight of the family’s strongest warriors—those who had ascended to Master rank and beyond—simultaneously raising their hands in recognition of me was a spectacle I would never forget in my lifetime, and it sent a spine-tingling thrill through my entire being.

‘I didn’t anticipate this.’

Denier had predicted it to some degree, but I hadn’t expected even Karun and Valdemar to raise their hands. Yet it seemed I wasn’t the only one taken aback. A sudden silence fell over the Grand Training Grounds where countless spectators had gathered.

Everyone present stood stunned by this unforeseen spectacle, their mouths hanging open in disbelief.

“Did… all of them…?”
“Both the Great Lord and the Branch Lord raised their hands!”
“Is this the first time today?”
“Not just today—the first time since the current Patriarch took office!”
“I’ve watched the selection ceremony countless times, but I’ve never seen all the leaders raise their hands at once…”
“The legend…”

The swordsmen, barely regaining their composure, swallowed hard as their eyes darted between me and the Great Lords.

“The legend? That’s right. This is that legend!”
“The Patriarch’s legend has finally…”
“So that guy becomes Patriarch? But he’s from the Branch Family, not the Main Lineage?”
“Actually, his bloodline is from the Main Lineage.”
“That guy as Patriarch…”
“What legend! It’s just superstition!”

As a handful of swordsmen murmured “legend” while watching the Great Lords’ hands, the words “the Patriarch’s legend” soon rippled through the entire Training Grounds.

‘The legend?’

My eyes narrowed. At the mention of a legend, I recalled the superstition Judith had told me about not long ago.

The legend that if all the leaders on the Platform raised their hands, that swordsman would inevitably become Patriarch. Glen, the current Patriarch, had also caused everyone to raise their hands during his selection ceremony, or so I had been told.

‘Does such a thing hold any real meaning?’

That’s not reality—merely superstition. Besides, I have little interest in becoming patriarch. If I can elevate Sylvia to the Main Lineage and take my revenge on Derus Robert, that’s all I need.

I turned my gaze toward Glen in the center. His expression remained as cold and impassive as always, yet something about him seemed oddly warm—as if he were silently praising me for my resolve.

‘Hmm….’

I rubbed my eyes and looked again, but that impression vanished like morning mist. It must have been my imagination.

‘Of course it was.’

I let out a quiet laugh and turned my head to the side. Karun and the Main Lineage members were trembling with raised hands, their expressions bewildered as they stared at Rimer.

‘It seems the gambling instructor did something.’

The way they glared at him with murderous intent made it clear that Rimer had manipulated the Main Lineage’s psychology to orchestrate this situation. I didn’t know how he’d managed it, but the man was truly remarkable.

-Why does that fool come crying about losing at gambling every single day?

Wrath narrowed his eyes as if utterly baffled.

‘I have no idea either.’

There was no reason for him to lose at gambling, yet he returned empty-handed every day. He seemed to enjoy it, but it clearly wasn’t suited to his nature.

“Do you think this changes anything? A legend? It’s nothing but superstition anyway.”
“Exactly! Who believes in such nonsense?”

Karun and Valdemar declared that the patriarch’s legend was mere superstition, glaring daggers at Rimer.

“You may think of it as superstition, and many won’t believe it. But there’s one thought now embedded in the minds of everyone here.”

Rimer spread his hand wide, gesturing to encompass the entire Spectator Stands.

“The thought that Raon might truly be the legendary figure, and that he could become patriarch someday. That alone is enough for today. Besides, no one lost anything.”
“Grrgh!”
“Rimer….”
“You won’t die peacefully. I’ll make sure of it.”

As he smiled with ease, Karun, Valdemar, and the heads of the Main Lineage gnashed their teeth.

“Well, that’s a matter for later. Hey, Announcer! Can we get moving now? My arm’s killing me!”
“Ah, yes!”

The Announcer, who had been drooling from his mouth, patted his own cheek and nodded.

“R-Raon Zigheart, please select the organization of your choice!”

Without realizing it, the Announcer had spoken to the new inspector with formal politeness for the first time.

“Hmm….”

I surveyed the leaders standing on the platform in turn, from Latein at the far left to Rimer at the far right.

There were those like Airand and Serena who desperately wanted me, neutral lords who thought it would be nice if I came but wouldn’t mind if I didn’t, and members of the Main Lineage awkwardly raising their hands after falling for Rimer’s scheme.

“Please! Please! Please!”

And there was Rimer, whose composure from moments ago had vanished, clasping both hands together and performing a desperate prayer for me to choose him.

“Hmm….”

I deliberately avoided looking at Rimer and instead gazed toward the left side where Airand, Serena, and Latein stood, scratching my chin as if lost in thought.

“Gasp!”

Rimer let out a cry as if trying to redirect my gaze, but I didn’t even glance his way.

[R-Raon!]

As I pretended to make my selection, smacking my lips, an aura message flew from Rimer. It was a whisper-like voice, dampened so the other lords beside him wouldn’t hear.

[Hey, you bastard! You should come to the Gwangpung Unit! What are you looking at!]

His voice carried an urgency that bordered on desperation.

[This place was made for you guys! I’ll keep things moving so you can build both achievements and strength simultaneously!]

It was quite a tempting proposition, but I hadn’t answered yet.

[Your friends, the ones you led as captain, are mostly here anyway. If you join, you’ll start as vice-leader right away! I’ll let you do everything you want! There’s no need to look elsewhere! Honor and glory are right before you!]

Rimer spoke in rapid-fire bursts, unlike his usual manner. His anxiety was palpable. This was the moment to turn the tables on the fisherman who had deceived everyone.

[Instructor.]

I sent an aura message to Rimer using Glacier, my voice reaching him even more discreetly than his own words.

[Ah, yes! Our Raon! Now you’re finally listening to me!]
[You wagered on me, didn’t you?]
[….]

Rimer’s torrent of words ceased for the first time.

[That, that couldn’t possibly be true. How could I ever gamble with you….]
[I know everything. If you won’t be honest, I’m going to the White Lotus Society.]
[I, I did. I did! I’m sorry….]
[One wager is fine. But you won’t be keeping all of the winnings, will you?]
[….]

His words stopped for the second time.

[That’s… running this organization requires spending money, you see. Plus, we’re just starting out, so there are many places where expenses pile up….]
[The Patriarch is strict about such matters, so he must have provided sufficient funds. Shall I ask him directly?]
[No! No! Absolutely not!]

Rimer shook his head vigorously. From his reaction, it was clear that part of those funds had also gone into gambling.

“Raon Zigheart. I know you’re conflicted, but it’s time to choose.”

The Announcer raised his hand as if to hurry me along.

“One, two….”

As he counted, Rimer’s voice grew louder, betraying his anxiety.

[Raon, Raon! We’re running out of time!]
[How about half of the other money?]
[H-half? Then I won’t have much left to eat….]
[Then you’ll lose it all. I’ll be joining the Public Inspection Unit where Serena is.]
“Three….”
[Raon, Raon! I made you a legendary figure!]
[I’m not entirely sure what that means, but thank you regardless.]

Truthfully, I had no ambitions regarding the patriarch position yet, so it held little significance.

[It’s not just that, you brat! A legend! A legend…!]
[Legend or not, business is business.]

“Four….”

As the Announcer called out four, I turned my head completely to the right.

[Fine, fine! Half! I’ll give you half, you stubborn bastard!]
[Deal.]

“Five….”
“Decision made.”

I bowed my head with gratitude toward the people on the platform, then looked at Rimer.

“I will be joining the Gwangpung Unit.”
“The Gwangpung Unit! Raon Zigheart, who has been chosen by all the commanders on the platform, has officially joined the Gwangpung Unit! Let us all give him our applause!”
“Woooooo!”
“Raon!”
“Young master!”

The first cheers came from the direction where the Annex Building family was seated. They paid no mind to legends and were simply delighted that the selection ceremony had concluded safely.

“Yaaaay!”
“I thought you weren’t coming!”
“Looking forward to working with you!”
“We’re counting on you!”

The swordsmen who had also joined the Gwangpung Unit applauded and patted my shoulders.

“Newly assigned inspectors, please salute toward the platform!”

I drew my sword along with the other new inspectors. I pulled the blade, gleaming in the sunlight, toward my chest and offered the salute.

My eyes met Glen’s between the sword blades. The corner of his mouth was lifted ever so slightly, as if amused.

‘Is he… smiling?’

The thought seemed impossible, so I closed and opened my eyes. Sure enough, his expression remained as coldly impassive as when I first saw him. I couldn’t understand why I kept seeing things that weren’t there today.

“This concludes today’s selection ceremony. Thank you all for your efforts.”

Rion bowed to the audience and surveyed his colleagues from the 5th Training Ground.

Most were delighted, but one among them—Burren—stood with his head bowed, his expression as though he had lost everything.

‘Hmm…’

I looked back at the platform. Karun, Burren’s father, paid no mind to his disappointed son, his eyes blazing as he glared only at me and Rimer. He had rejected Burren not to test his son, but because Burren simply did not meet his own standards.

‘Perhaps it’s for the best.’

It was far better to understand what kind of man Karun truly was and rise to my feet now, rather than trust him only to be betrayed later.

I brushed away the elegant golden thread that Burren had given me and turned to leave.

I approached Burren, whose lips were trembling, and tapped his shoulder. Meeting his wavering gaze, I spoke softly.

“I’ll be waiting. As your goal.”

*

*

*

The atmosphere of the Patriarch’s Reception Hall was different from usual. Glen’s lips were lifted slightly as if he were pleased, while Rimer’s expression was contorted with displeasure.

“That was entertaining.”

Glen lifted his chin slightly, his smile deepening.

“You mocked the leaders on that platform, yet you were the one toyed with by Raon instead. I could barely contain my laughter.”

He knew everything, having heard the aura messages from Raon and Rimer.

“That bastard doesn’t even appreciate the favor….”
“I’ve felt it for a while now, but that boy has no desire to become the patriarch.”
“What? How is that possible?”
“It’s true. He shows absolutely no inclination to become patriarch. His only goal is to elevate Sylvia to the Main Lineage.”

Glen slowly closed his eyes as if delighted. The image of Raon’s confident declaration about raising Sylvia to the Main Lineage came to mind. Just thinking of that moment brought a smile to his face.

“Then why does that good-natured boy treat me this way?”
“You gambled using yourself as collateral. Consider yourself fortunate he’s only taking half.”
“You really do have sharp instincts. How did you know about the gambling?”
“A dung fly doesn’t simply pass by dung. It’s plain as day to my eyes.”
“Again with the dung fly! Aren’t you underestimating the commander of the Gwangpung Unit?”
“It would be amusing to see the Gwangpung Unit’s commander get beaten like the wind.”
“No, I am indeed a dung fly!”

The moment Glen’s hand rose, Rimer bent his waist at a right angle and rubbed his hands together like a fly.

“But… what about Burren?”

Rimer’s eyes grew dark, like mud settling at the bottom of a pond. Burren was presumptuous, but he was a precious disciple. He couldn’t help but worry about that boy who couldn’t decide his own path alone.

The reason he had mocked Karun more than necessary was because of Burren’s drooping shoulders.

“His strength, mental fortitude, and character all grew, yet I never expected Karun to reject him outright.”
“I became narrow-minded because I was too obsessed with the sword during my time. However, choosing a swordsman is the patriarch’s exclusive right. That’s something I cannot control either.”

It was true. No matter how much authority the patriarch held, he couldn’t force a swordsman onto a leader who didn’t want them. Even if he did, Burren would only end up looking more pathetic.

“Then….”
“Take Burren with you. With the changed personality that boy now has, he should be able to do well in the Gwangpung Unit.”
“I’m not really a caretaker though….”
“Tsk.”
“Yes! I will do my best to help Burren’s wounds heal!”

The moment Glen clicked his tongue, Rimer nodded readily.

“So you were serious about making Raon the patriarch.”
“Of course. After today’s events, the family’s swordsmen will have planted the seed of possibility that Raon could become patriarch. This will prove far more valuable than any position or achievement in the future.”
“True enough. But he’ll face considerable opposition because of it. Just as I did.”

Glen’s eyes grew cold and sharp. He too had been chosen by all the heads, and the countless obstacles that followed had put his life in danger more than once.

“If he cannot overcome that, he has no right to be patriarch. And…”

Rimer’s eyes flickered with the spark of anticipation.

“That boy is a master at overcoming crises. He will never disappoint us.”
“Hmm, we’ll see about that.”

Glen’s tone was gruff, yet his voice carried warmth no less than Rimer’s.

“Then I’ll take my leave now.”
“Off to the Gambling House, I presume. You’ll head straight to the Casino once you collect your winnings.”
“N-no, that’s not it. I’m simply exhausted from preparing for the selection ceremony and thought I’d rest a bit.”

Rimer turned away with an unbothered expression, nodding politely. He wiped the cold sweat trickling down his forehead and let out a sigh.

‘The old man sees through everything. Absolutely everything.’

*

*

*

After the selection ceremony concluded, I didn’t return to the Annex Building but instead made my way to the bustling district in the Southern Region of Zigheart. I settled into the largest tavern, though it was weathered, and suppressed my presence to that of an ordinary person.

“Have you heard? Raon Zigheart recreated a legend during the selection ceremony?”
“I didn’t just hear about it—I saw it with my own eyes! Watching all the heads raise their hands to recruit Raon was a sight to behold. I’ll never forget it as long as I live.”
“Damn, I should have seen that!”
“So does that mean Raon will become the next patriarch?”
“That’s just a legend. Who knows what will actually happen.”
“True, there is quite an age gap between him and the current patriarch candidates.”
“Still, the possibilities are endless, right? At seventeen, he’s reached the highest level of Expert—the greatest genius in Zigheart’s history!”
“There are rumors he’ll reach Master rank soon, so that legend might become reality. A patriarch of Zigheart from the Branch Family. I like it!”

Hearing so many people in this tavern speak my name and hold such expectations for me wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. To be honest, it was quite enjoyable.

“By the way, what happened with the gambling? Did anyone correctly bet that Raon would join the Gwangpung Unit?”
“Not the Gwangpung Unit, but someone bet he’d join a third organization.”
“Who was that?”
“Some middle-aged man who comes by occasionally and usually loses money. This time he hit the jackpot. The payout was insane.”

Hearing the conversation about gambling, I realized I’d found the right place.

-Hm? Aren’t you mistaken? That guy has red hair.
‘Instructor Rimer is a party to this bet, so there’s no way he’d come in his true form. He must be in disguise.’

Rimer could be called the organizer of this gambling event. If he participated directly in the betting, complaints would arise from all sides, so he certainly came in disguise.

-Your perception really is something else.
‘I’ve known Instructor Rimer for more than just a day or two.’

I chuckled softly and waited for Rimer to emerge. After killing about thirty minutes, the inner door of the tavern opened, and a burly middle-aged man with blue hair, carrying a large pouch, stepped out.

“Wooooow!”
“Congratulations!”
“How much did you win anyway!”
“When will I ever make that kind of money? I’m so jealous.”
“Live well and prosper!”

The tavern patrons applauded and cheered for the blue-haired middle-aged man.

“I’m feeling generous! Drinks are on me tonight!”

The man responded to the cheers by stacking gold coins on the tavern counter before heading outside.

“Yaaaaaaah!”
“Now that’s someone who knows how to spend money!”
“Come back again!”
“We’re counting on you next time!”

We were deep within Zigheart, and given how excellent the security was here, no one harbored any designs on his wealth. They simply reveled in the free drinks and appetizers.
Everyone except one person.

I smiled faintly and followed the Ogre Warrior out.

“Hmm!”

The blue-haired middle-aged man, in high spirits, hummed a tune as he made his way toward the heart of the bustling district. From the direction he was heading, it appeared he was bound for the Casino.

Whoosh.

I followed him while adjusting the density of my aura, employing an assassin’s technique to mask my presence. After pursuing him for some time, the middle-aged man stopped, as though the pursuit had grown tedious.

“There are still foolish thieves around these days. This is annoying, so hurry and att—gack!”

When the middle-aged man turned around, I removed the robe I’d been wearing on my head.

“Why do you seem so startled?”
“Oh, no….”
“You seem to know me.”
“I don’t know you?”

The middle-aged man whistled and rolled his eyes. He wasn’t hiding his expression at all.

No wonder he only loses at gambling.

“Let’s drop the act, Instructor. Or should I say, Unit Commander.”
“Tch, how did you figure it out? And how in the world did you track me down!”

The middle-aged man gritted his teeth and placed his hand on his face. The ordinary visage of a middle-aged man vanished, revealing Rimer’s face, filled with astonishment.

“You mentioned it once before, didn’t you? That you occasionally placed bets at that tavern.”

I pointed toward the distant tavern. When I’d eaten with the former 6th Training Ground trainees, Rimer had told me he sometimes gambled there.

“That’s why I came here first to wait. If the family traced me, it would be obvious.”
“Damn it! My cursed mouth!”

Rimer cursed and slapped his own lips.

-Ear-boy. I understand, Your Majesty. Once this bastard hears something, he never forgets it. A monster. A monster!

Wrath ground his teeth while looking at me, as if in agreement.

“W-wait, how did you see through the disguise? Did you grow a dog’s nose or something?”
“It was obvious. In the bet, you’re the only one who would wager on a new organization. And…”

I pointed to Rimer’s core.

“That brisk, wind-like essence flowing within you can’t be hidden.”
“Y-you can sense that? Even other masters would have difficulty detecting it?”

Rimer’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“My senses are quite keen, after all.”
“Damn it, that supernatural perception!”

He tore at his hair and cursed.

“I understand everything, but why did you come here? I told you I’d give you half. You could have just waited!”
“That.”

I pointed to the casino Rimer had been heading toward.

“I was worried you might foolishly think of going there and having me called out. So I came to find you.”
“W-who would have such a crazy thought!”

Rimer laughed awkwardly, unlike his usual manner.

‘That ghost of a man!’

Whether grandfather or grandson, they were both masters at reading people’s hearts. I felt like I was losing all my hair because of those two.

“Hand over half. Now.”
“B-but if I take it out, two becomes four, four becomes eight with this magic….”
“Half. Right now.”
“Ugh….”

Rimer swallowed back his tears and handed over half of the gold coins from the cloth bundle.

“I won’t keep this for myself. I’ll use it as public funds for the Gwangpung Unit. It seems like more than just your money went into this.”

I exhaled deeply as I gazed at the gold coins. Judging by their number, funds meant for preparing the unit had been included as well. If I’d left everything to Rimer, it would have all vanished by today.

“Hah….”

Rimer sighed with hollow, defeated eyes. I’d thought he was merely skilled in combat, but his cunning and meticulous nature exceeded even Glen’s.

“D-did I choose a good vice-commander? My heart feels so at ease!”
“I will continue to serve you well as commander, ensuring you refrain from foolish conduct.”

Seeing my cold smile, a chill ran down his spine.

‘I think I’ve dug my own grave here….’

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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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