The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 186

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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 186

I forced my eyelids open with great effort. A magnificent ceiling, ornate like a work of art, came into view—a harmonious blend of right angles and curves.

‘Where am I now?’

That grand ceiling made it clear this wasn’t the Healing Center. For some reason, it seemed Rimer had brought me here.

“Ugh….”

As I surveyed my surroundings and tried to sit up, pain shot through every inch of my body. From my fingertips to my core, sharp, stinging sensations radiated across my entire frame.

‘Defeating the Master is no simple task, after all.’

The Master’s killing intent-infused energy was devastatingly powerful—almost unbearable to withstand. Internal injuries began manifesting from the fifth sword clash onward, and during our final exchange, I could barely suppress the blood rushing up my throat.

A healer must have visited and left. Even after sleeping under the effects of Sloth and waking, my body hadn’t fully recovered—a sign that my condition had been catastrophic, nearly fatal.

“Haaa….”

I exhaled slowly and pushed myself upright. The pain was present, but bearable.

-Finally awake, I see.

The moment I threw off the blanket and moved to leave the bed, Wrath burst forth from the ice-flower bracelet.

-Defeated a single opponent and look at the state you’re in. Pathetic. Utterly feeble.

Wrath clicked his tongue disapprovingly, as if ashamed of me.

“Is that so.”

I chuckled softly, watching Wrath with his round eyes narrowed in displeasure.

“Now that I think about it, I never properly thanked you.”
-What thanks are you speaking of?
“You helped me twice during the fight with the 7th Apostle. I’m grateful.”

Wrath had warned me of the 10th Apostle’s ambush before I could even sense it, and prevented me from recklessly engaging in combat without properly assessing the situation. If it weren’t for Rimer and Wrath, the Gwangpung Unit and I might have been annihilated.

“It seems you’ve also judged the 10th Apostle to be quite formidable. Well, if he’s crossed the threshold from Master to Grand Master, that makes sense.”
-What nonsensical drivel are you spouting?

Wrath’s expression twisted in displeasure at my foolish words.

-Master, Grand Master—such trivial distinctions are merely the parasitic ranks you humans have invented. To me, the difference is merely whether one is an ant or a winged ant.
‘Ah….’
-Unless you’re a family head of your caliber, everyone else is nothing but an insect I could crush with a single finger.
‘Then why did you even warn me not to fight?’

I’d thought Wrath’s unusual behavior meant he was finally coming to his senses, but hearing his words now, I realized I’d been gravely mistaken.

-It’s obviously because of the promise, you fool.
‘Promise?’
-Did you not promise to eat a bead ice cream set and two special dishes from this place?
‘…Right, I did.’

I’d made that promise while using Wrath at the Gambling House. But I couldn’t understand why he was bringing it up now.

-You wouldn’t have noticed, but your condition was grave at that moment. If your internal injuries had worsened, you might not have been able to eat proper food until you left this place, or worse—you might have died, you fool. So stopping you was only natural.

Wrath circled around me, as if inspecting my physical condition.

-As expected, my calculations were flawless. With the effects of Sloth, you’ve recovered quite well. By the day after tomorrow, you should be fit enough to visit the Dining Hall.

He clenched his fist, determined not to miss the special dishes this time.

“So you weren’t trying to help me—you stopped me from fighting because if I got hurt, you wouldn’t be able to eat the special dishes?”
-Correct.

Wrath nodded confidently, his expression annoyingly smug.

-I’ve already completed my investigation of this place’s special dishes. First, there’s chicken stir-fried with vegetables….
“Ha.”

I let out a hollow laugh watching Wrath deliberate over what to eat.

‘That makes sense.’

I thought something had changed since he showed concern, but it was a massive misunderstanding. That Demon Lord had blocked me because he feared I wouldn’t eat the promised food or would eat it late.

“I’m sick of it. Sick of it.”

To crave food over anger in such a situation—it was truly befitting of a Demon Lord who placed gluttony at the apex of his priorities.

-Silence, and first remember the name of the food I speak of. Ranslang Stir-fried Chicken and….

Uuuuung!

As Wrath thrust his head forward like a buffalo while reciting the food’s name, the Soul Reaper Sword on the table began to vibrate.

“Soul Reaper Sword?”

I grasped the trembling Soul Reaper Sword in my hand.

“Yes. You worked hard too.”

It was no exaggeration to call the Soul Reaper Sword the greatest contributor to this battle. Without it, I couldn’t have dealt such a blow to the 7th Apostle.

“Next time, I’ll slay the 10th Apostle and find your enemy as well.”

[The Soul Reaper Sword offers the purified blood energy.]

As I thanked it and wiped the blade clean, a refined energy surged from the Soul Reaper Sword, and a message materialized before my eyes.

‘It’s incomparably greater than before.’

The Soul Reaper Sword had only drunk the blood of the Archbishop and the 7th Apostle, yet a far denser energy began flowing through my mana circuits than when I had slain dozens at once in the past.
It seemed the quantity was determined not by numbers, but by the level of blood energy itself.

Uuuuung!

The purified blood energy flowed through my entire body’s mana circuits like pure mana, strengthening muscles and bones, and even restoring the damaged organs.

“Phew.”

Raon let out an exclamation without realizing it. The aura was so pure that my body accepted it without the slightest burden.

[Purified blood energy restores your misaligned body.]
[All stats increase by 6 points.]

Six points across all stats. Considering how much higher my abilities had become compared to before, it was an astronomical increase. But the messages weren’t finished yet.

[The rank of trait 【Demonic Energy Adaptation】 rises to 3-star.]

The grade of Demonic Energy Adaptation, which allowed me to handle demonic energy more effectively, had also risen. The demonic energy blooming from the Soul Reaper Sword now felt as familiar as the aura within my body.

“Haa….”

Raon pushed myself up and clenched my fists. The pain had diminished considerably, and my body radiated a strength greater than before. I could feel the tangible growth through my very skin.

‘Excellent.’

After confirming my nearly recovered condition and turning my head, Wrath floated there with a sullen expression.

“What’s gotten into you, being so quiet?”

Normally he would have already made a fuss, but today he showed no reaction.

-When I was in the Demon Realm, I was a lord renowned for my gravitas and composure. All bowed their heads before my nobility.

Wrath wrinkled his nose as he looked at the Soul Reaper Sword.

-I already knew that wretched thing was purifying blood energy before you collapsed. Why would I be surprised?
‘I see.’

Raon sighed from the moment Wrath claimed to have such gravitas. It was absurd hearing something lighter than a feather speak of weight.

-If you wish to astound this Lord of Wrath, you’d need to bring me an event on the scale of half the Continent disappearing….

Just as Wrath was about to continue while sniffling, a new message appeared.

[You have achieved victory in an unwinnable duel.]
[The achievement 【Ring of Fire】 has greatly increased.]
[The trait 【Indomitable Will】 has advanced to 3 stars.]
[The trait 【Concentration】 has advanced to 3 stars.]
[All stats increase by 6 points.]

As the messages continued to pour in, my mouth fell open in astonishment.

“Wow…”

I had been satisfied with merely recovering my body and gaining stat increases thanks to the vital energy from the Soul Reaper Sword, but I never expected my traits to advance in rank and my stats to rise even further.

Whoooosh!

My fingertips trembled with the exhilaration of another stat increase.

Vitality surged through my entire body, and a vigor far greater than before I had collapsed flowed through every fiber of my being. I felt no sense of having sustained serious injuries. I was in a state where I could immediately engage the 7th Apostle in a rematch without issue.

-Wh-what is this?

Wrath examined the second set of messages, his jaw dropping.

-You merely crushed a mere brat, yet so much has risen! Are you trying to completely exhaust my true form?!
“He was a Master, though—hardly a brat.”
-If I say he is a brat, then he is a brat! If I returned to my true form, I could crush him with a single finger.
“But you can’t, can you?”
-Ugh…

Struck by the sharp truth, Wrath’s tantrum momentarily ceased.

-B-but this is still excessive! The reward for defeating a mere insect who barely crossed one Wall is far too much!

Wrath abandoned the composure and gravity he always carried, revealing a lightness like that of a fallen leaf. This shamelessness was Wrath’s true face.

-I absolutely refuse to accept this!

He glared at the system window as if to deny it, though of course the system offered no response and seemed to have already vanished.

-Unless my head is struck by a blade…

The moment Wrath mentioned that a blade had struck his head, I swung the back of my fist against his skull without even drawing the Soul Reaper Sword.

-Ow! What in blazes are you doing?!
“You said you got hit by a blade, didn’t you? Mission accomplished.”
-You absolute madman!

Wrath abandoned all pretense of royal dignity, his form swelling as though he might lunge at me any second.

“But you’re a lord of the Demon Realm, aren’t you? One of the highest-ranking ones at that.”

I tapped the pointed crown of his head repeatedly, tilting my head with curiosity.

-Indeed! I am one of the Seven Great Lords of the Demon Realm! I have ascended the throne that all bow before!
“If you’re such a magnificent lord, your stats must be absolutely extraordinary.”
-Of course! You cannot even begin to compare with me!
“Then if I take just a little, it wouldn’t even register as a loss for someone of your caliber, would it?”
-Of course it wouldn’t…wait?

Wrath finally sensed something amiss, his tone lifting slightly at the end.

“If it wouldn’t matter, then you can spare a little without issue.”
-Even if I were to give, it’s not something so trivial. I should first complete something more… substantial….
“Who created this system anyway?”
-Ugh….

Wrath had no answer. He pouted his lips and glared at me, trapped by his own words and unable to argue further.

“Don’t be so upset. Your body has fully recovered now, so all that remains is for you to keep your promise.”
-Is that… truly so?
“Thanks to the Soul Reaper Sword, my internal injuries are nearly healed. I should be able to eat right away.”

I nodded. I wasn’t sure how many days I’d been asleep, but the moment my body recovered, my stomach began demanding sustenance.

-Even Cerberus’s excrement has its uses, so I suppose even a worthless thing like that can be helpful.

Whooooom!

The Soul Reaper Sword vibrated harshly, its pride wounded by Wrath’s remark.

-Then what are we doing? Let’s hurry and grab some ice cream first.
“Wait a moment.”

I restrained Wrath, who was dancing in midair, and got to my feet. As I was about to head outside, footsteps echoed from a distance, and the door swung open.

“Raon.”
“Oh! Master Lunan! You’re awake!”

It was Lunan Slion and Dorian. The two of them rushed to the bedside and thrust their faces forward.

“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m sorry….”

Lunan Slion’s shoulders sagged. He seemed to be apologizing for not being by my side at such a critical moment.

“There’s no need to apologize.”

I smiled and waved my hand. If Lunan Slion had been there, something like what happened with Gwahyeolgwi might have occurred instead. In truth, it had worked out for the best.

“Where is this place?”
“They call it the Annex Building, opened when distinguished guests visit the city. It’s more magnificent than City Hall itself.”

Dorian laughed heartily as he glanced around the room.

“Ah, this isn’t the time for that. I’ll go inform the others right away!”

Before I could stop him, he waved his hand and rushed out of the room.

-Don’t waste time. Let’s leave now and head straight to the Dining Hall. I know a place worth visiting.
‘I need to handle one thing first.’
-One thing? What else could there be….
‘It’s simple.’

I nodded.

“There’s someone I need to have a word with.”

*

*

*

Martha sat in a daze, gazing up at the sky.

“Sigh….”

Looking at the dim gray expanse above, my thoughts drifted to four days ago. The moment I finally faced the enemy I’d waited for so long, yet could do nothing but stand helpless and powerless.

“Damn it.”

The 10th Apostle who had smashed through the Village’s Wall over a decade ago and slaughtered people like insects hadn’t changed one bit. No—he’d grown even stronger.

The vast gulf between us made all the years of training feel utterly meaningless.

What was most pathetic was that it wasn’t I who had defeated the 7th Apostle and declared war on the 10th Apostle—it was Raon, who had no vendetta against them whatsoever.

“He’s absolutely insane.”

Raon’s internal injuries were incomparably severe compared to mine. In fact, he still hadn’t regained consciousness and remained bedridden.

To think of fighting the 10th Apostle while bearing such grievous wounds, and to declare he would kill him in the future—it seemed nothing short of madness.
Beyond admiration, I felt only awe and shock.

‘Is this what they mean by a difference in caliber….’

Power, mental fortitude, fighting spirit—in every way, I and Raon were worlds apart. I never expected to feel such self-doubt before someone a year younger than me.

Yet I was grateful to Raon above all else. Without him, I would have died without uttering a single word to the 10th Apostle.
Of course, because of me, the first unit that couldn’t maintain formation would have been annihilated as well.
I could only feel gratitude toward Raon in every way.

“Sigh….”
“The Branch Master is awake! Raon has regained consciousness!”

As I bit my lip and tried to stand, Dorian’s voice called out from behind me.

After a moment of hesitation, I swallowed hard and slowly walked toward the Room where Raon was staying.

*

*

*

When Dorian informed the Gwangpung Unit members that Raon had awakened, they streamed into the room in a rush.

“Raon!”
“Are you alright?”
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Hey! Show some respect! He’s the vice-captain!”
“But the mission’s over. Shouldn’t we be able to act normally now?”
“Huh? I… I’m not sure either.”

I gazed at the Gwangpung Unit members filling the room and offered a faint smile.

‘They’ve all become family now.’

When we first met, we were busy being wary and mocking each other, but now the only emotions shining in their eyes were concern and relief. Those feelings touched my skin, warming my chest.

“What about the wounded?”

I looked at Burren Zigheart standing in the center and asked.

“Martha still has some internal injuries remaining, but most of the others sustained only minor wounds and have completed treatment.”

Burren Zigheart still spoke formally, as though the mission were ongoing.

“What about the hostages?”
“All safe.”

Lunan Slion, who had been sitting beside the bed, nodded.

“Anything unusual?”
“Just as you predicted, Vice-Captain, the moment the Branch fell, the White Blood Cult members hiding in Porban City made their move. Salamander responded immediately and suppressed them, but as they fled, they set fires that completely destroyed several grain warehouses.”
“Any casualties?”
“None.”
“That’s fortunate.”

Raon nodded as he listened to Burren Zigheart’s report.

“Where is the Unit Master?”
“After confirming that the healer was treating the Vice Unit Master, he left and hasn’t returned. It seems….”

Burren Zigheart exhaled a long sigh and furrowed his brow.

“He must have gone to the Gambling House.”

Raon nodded. The Vice Unit Master’s injuries were severe but not fatal—he’d confirmed that much—and since the mission was complete, it was certain he’d headed straight to the Gambling House.

-Truly a consistent fool, indeed.
‘Right?’

Wrath let out an admiring breath. To receive recognition from the Demon King—Rimer truly was a remarkable elf.

“Everyone did well. Thanks to each of you fulfilling your roles, we were able to complete the mission without casualties.”

Raon swept his gaze across the Gwangpung Unit members and nodded. Normally this would be the Unit Master’s duty, but since he’d disappeared, I had to conduct the post-mission debrief myself.

“Huh?”
“No, that’s not right.”
“What did we even do….”
“That’s true. The Vice Unit Master did everything.”
“To defeat an Apostle….”

Raon had only captured two White Blood Cult members, but since they were the Archbishop and the 7th Apostle, he waved his hand dismissively, saying the Gwangpung Unit members had nothing to do with it.

“However, not everything went perfectly. First, Team Two.”
“Yes?”

At Raon’s call, Lunan Slion, the leader of Team Two, widened his eyes.

“You did well evacuating the hostages as instructed and holding your position, but you failed to account for the few hostages remaining in the mansion.”
“Ah….”
“Next time, count all the hostages, don’t miss a single one, and evacuate them all.”
“Yes. I mean, understood.”

Lunan Slion responded and bowed his head.

“Next, Unit 3.”
“Yes.”

Burren straightened his neck and back. His eyes blinked rapidly—a sign of his nervousness.

“Excellent work.”
“Huh?”
“Despite arriving late to training—no, despite not participating in the training at all—you spent the night studying formations and strategies. As a result, you operated the Gwangpung Formation nearly flawlessly. Unit 3 had the fewest casualties, and that’s because of you. You did well.”
“Ah….”

Burren hadn’t expected praise. His Adam’s apple bobbed noticeably, and from the way his lips pressed together, I could see his emotions churning.

“However, we were unable to participate in combat against the Apostles.”
“Your mission was infiltration and blockade from the rear. Preventing the White Blood Cult members coming from behind was more than enough.”

The numbers from the rear were fewer, but there were more priests and bishops. By stopping them, Unit 3 had essentially completed their mission perfectly.

“Finally, Unit 1.”

At my call, Martha and Unit 1, who had been hiding in the back, flinched and their shoulders trembled.

“You were the worst.”

I fixed them with a cold gaze.

“A unit leader consumed by rage, rampaging alone like a madman. Unit members fluttering about like flies trying to keep up with such a leader. If this had been a direct confrontation instead of an ambush, there would certainly have been casualties.”
“We… we were wrong. We didn’t have the skill to keep up with the unit leader….”

As the vice leader of Unit 1 stepped forward, I raised my hand.

“You have your faults too, certainly. But the greatest problem lies with the unit leader who recklessly lost control without considering her members. Martha.”

At my call, Martha bit her lip and stepped forward.

“I know you have a grudge against the White Blood Cult. But this was a mission. You should have prioritized the lives of your unit members and the hostages over your personal vendetta.”
“….”

Martha said nothing and silently accepted the rebuke.

“Team Two’s failure to secure the hostages as they moved toward the center falls partly on your shoulders as well. If Team One had established the formation and created a secure perimeter, we could have accounted for every hostage. What do you think, Team One Leader?”
“…I’m sorry.”

At my question, Martha lowered her head at a perfect right angle, as if acknowledging everything. Her shoulders and neck showed no trembling—it didn’t seem forced at all.

“Hmm?”
“Ah….”

Because this was the first time anyone in the Gwangpung Unit had seen her bow like this, every member’s eyes widened in shock.

“The members of Team One must have been equally bewildered by my reckless decision. I didn’t communicate with them, so this is entirely my fault.”

As she lifted her head, her eyes held a light that was difficult to describe in words. Sorrow, pain, anger, or perhaps gratitude—it seemed a mixture of many emotions.

“So you’re admitting your mistake.”
“Yes.”
“You mentioned a village called Alain, didn’t you?”

I met Martha’s gaze and spoke the name of the village she had cried out to the 10th Apostle.

“….”
“Your revenge may not be ours, but the Gwangpung Unit has already boarded the same ship. We will certainly clash with the White Blood Cult again.”

I continued speaking, looking not just at her but at the other members of the Gwangpung Unit.

“When you’re ready in your heart, I’d like you to tell us your circumstances.”
“Understood.”

Martha slowly closed her eyes, then opened them and nodded.

“Gasp!”
“What, what is it?”
“Wow….”

At another unexpected response, the members of the Gwangpung Unit gaped in astonishment.

“And you did one thing well too.”
“What?”
“When the 10th Apostle appeared, you rushed forward to save your team members.”
“Huh?”
“Really?”
“N-no, that’s not it! I just wanted to interfere with that bastard, so I moved!”

As the members of Team One turned to look, Martha shook her head, her face flushed crimson.

“Well, anyway, the reflection session ends here.”

I ignored Martha’s excuse, stood up, and clapped my hands together like Rimer.

“Did the Branch Master go to see the Mayor?”
“He went with me after all the work was finished and we made our report. He hasn’t gone since then. The Mayor has been quite busy handling Branch affairs.”

Burren muttered that Rimer was probably busy running around working too.

“Perfect timing.”

I smiled faintly and removed my patient gown.

“You haven’t fully recovered yet. Where are you trying to go?”
“I need to meet the Mayor before the Branch Master arrives.”

The Mayor had said he would do anything once the work was resolved. I’d already received everything I could in terms of ability, so now it was time to secure material compensation.

Before that gambler showed up.

-No, no, no! You said we were eating!

I ignored Wrath’s whimpering for now.

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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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