The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 192

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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 192

I opened my eyes, bathed in sunlight streaming through the spotless window. The light fell gently across my face.

‘I feel refreshed.’

Thanks to the curse Wrath had spat out, there was no drowsiness—my entire body brimmed with vitality.

‘That beast really isn’t a Demon King after all. He’s more like a tree that gives without reservation.’

I chuckled softly while gazing at the ice flower bracelet when a message materialized before my eyes.

[Sleep quality elevated to the extreme has enhanced the efficiency of 【Sloth】.]
[All stats have increased.]

The message indicated that thanks to 【Sloth】, I had slept well and all my stats had risen.

“Ah, now that I think about it….”

I recalled Wrath cursing Sloth when I closed my eyes. It seemed he had anticipated this effect and thrown a tantrum because of it.

-Grrrr!

Wrath poked his head out from the bracelet, his expression contorted in displeasure.

-I knew it would come to this. That filthy, despicable fraud of an ability!

He bit his lip as he stared at the message showing all stats had increased.

-Just sleeping and all stats rise? How is that even possible! Even this king doesn’t possess such an absurd ability!
‘This happens sometimes, doesn’t it?’
-Sometimes? My stats are rising every single day, albeit in small amounts!

A cold aura of fury began seeping from Wrath’s shoulders.

-I shall never forget. I will ensure that fool Sloth never sleeps peacefully for the rest of his life.
‘But aren’t you getting beaten up by Sloth because he drained all your power from you?’
-What nonsense are you spouting! Just because I lost some power, you think I’d lose to that lazy bastard?

Wrath furrowed his brow, insisting I speak sense, though his voice trembled slightly.

-Hmph, even if such a thing were to happen, it matters not. I’ll admit defeat only after I flee while ensuring that wretch can never sleep!

He grinned, convinced he’d win no matter what.

‘Ah….’

I opened my mouth in astonishment. Imagining Wrath being overpowered by Sloth, fleeing while merely disrupting his sleep, I suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for him.

“Would you like some pearl ice cream?”

Feeling a bit sorry for him, I pulled out the ice cream box from the drawer.

-Y-you! What are you scheming! What are you trying to do to me!

Wrath raised his hand defensively and licked his lips.
Seeing him torn between wanting the ice cream and his anxiety about what I might demand in return made me feel even more sympathetic.

‘After we eat, I’ll let you finish all the ice cream inside.’
-I don’t believe you! Reveal your true intentions!
‘There’s nothing like that.’

I sighed and opened the door. As I headed to the washroom to clean up, I encountered Yua coming out into the corridor.

“Oh, Raon!”

Yua was wearing a bright-colored outfit, unlike her usual attire.

“Where are you going?”
“Roen said he would teach me music and martial arts starting today.”

Her twin braids swayed with anticipation.

“Then I’ll come with you. Just wait a moment.”
“What? No, I can go alone. You should rest, Raon….”
“I slept well, so it’s fine. I’ll get ready quickly.”

Raon waved his hand and hurried into the washroom.

-Heh heh, I knew it. There’s no way you’d eat ice cream without putting up a fuss.

Wrath descended onto Yua’s head and laughed coldly.

-I know. Yeah, I know, but why does my chest feel so tight….

A heavy sigh escaped.

*

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*

The Swordsman’s Cafeteria stood near the 5th Training Ground.

Originally a dining hall accessible only to trainees, it had been opened to everyone after the 5th Training Ground became the Gwangpung Unit’s headquarters and fewer people visited.

However, since the nearby facilities were the 5th Training Ground and the Facilities Management Division, most of the cafeteria’s patrons were members of the Gwangpung Unit and technicians.

“What?”

A loud voice rang out from the serving counter of the cafeteria.

“He was struck by lightning?”

Burren Zigheart frowned as he looked at Dorian.

“That’s what they say. And apparently he was struck twice in a single day.”
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“It’s true. That’s why the unit leader has been in the Medical Office since two days ago.”
“But it’s been clear weather lately. How could he be struck by lightning?”
“I have no idea either. There is such a thing as a bolt from the blue, after all.”

Dorian shrugged while holding his tray.

“Your leave ended, but I didn’t see you around, so I thought you’d gone to the Gambling House. Lightning? You certainly keep things interesting, Master.”

Burren ladled the last of the stew onto his tray and let out a hollow laugh.

“So why hasn’t Raon shown up?”
“He’s exhausted, apparently.”
“Exhausted? What for this time?”
“He trained for two straight days, or so I heard. I’m not sure if that’s even possible, but….”

Dorian shook his head slowly, muttering that it was relentless.

“Two days….”

Burren swallowed hard.

‘That monster could do it.’

If it were anyone else, I’d tell them to stop lying, but Raon—that beast was more than capable of such a feat.

“The Master struck by lightning and hospitalized, the Vice Master training until collapse. The household is running beautifully.”

Burren exhaled with exasperation and turned away.

“Still, Raon should be back by tomorrow… Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

Dorian, who had been walking ahead, lost his balance and fell. The food on his tray scattered through the air and landed on the uniform of a tall swordsman seated at the table in front.

“Oh no! I’m so, so sorry! I’ll have it cleaned right away….”
“You bastard.”

As Dorian reached for a handkerchief from his pocket, the swordsman rose with gritted teeth.

“Do you know what this uniform represents!”

The tall swordsman ignored Dorian’s apology and threw a clenched fist.

“Ugh!”

Dorian, caught off guard, took the punch squarely to his jaw and flipped the table on his right.

“What the hell are you doing!”
“Are you picking a fight right now?”
“Get him! Stomp him!”

The swordsmen seated at that table, as if they’d been waiting for this moment, began punching and stomping Dorian.

“That’s enough.”

Burren Zigheart set his tray down on an empty table and released his aura. The swordsmen who had been beating Dorian frowned and turned to face him.

“First you trip him, then you use your aura to knock him off balance, and now this? I haven’t seen you around here before. Did you come to pick a fight with the Gwangpung Unit?”
“We wouldn’t dare pick a fight.”
“Huh!”

At the sudden sound near his ear, Burren spun around in alarm. Behind him, where there had been no one, stood a tall, lean man with a faint smile.

“G-Garon Zigheart.”

It was Garon Zigheart, the second son of Jinmu Hall Master Valdemar and commander of the Geumcheom-dan under Jinmu Hall.

“So you’re Commander Garon Zigheart.”
“G-Commander Garon. We apologize.”
“Yes, yes. I’m a generous man, so I can overlook this much. But…”

Garon smiled and tilted his chin upward.

“There’s something that bothers me about what you said.”
“Sir?”
“Picking a fight? Why would my men pick a fight? Look at this.”

He pointed to the uniforms of the swordsmen who had been stomping on Dorian.

“They’re made from the finest materials and fabrics, uniforms that haven’t even been properly broken in yet, and this man spilled filthy food all over them. Wouldn’t it be strange for them to just stand there?”
“If Dorian had truly spilled food by accident, that would be one thing. But this time, that man deliberately tripped him first and used his aura to pressure him, causing him to lose his balance.”

Burren pointed to the swordsman with the unpleasant expression who had tripped Dorian.

“Do you have any proof that our unit leader did that?”
“Pardon?”
“Proof that he tripped someone and manipulated his aura. Do you have that?”
“It was plain to see, but this kind of sophistry….”
“The sophistry is coming from you right now. You’re the only one who saw it.”

Garon raised his arm and gestured to the surroundings. The technicians eating their meals scrambled outside with their trays, fearing the sparks would fly their way, while the cooks and staff hid inside the Kitchen.

Such blatant behavior made it clear he had come looking for a fight.

“Is your target Raon?”

The reason Geumcheom-dan, the armed unit belonging to Jinmu Hall, would pick a fight with the Gwangpung Unit was obvious. It was likely because Raon had defeated Raven before and halted Jinmu Hall’s activities for a year.

“Raon? Why would that kid have anything to do with this?”

Garon shook his head firmly.

“Why would I target a child who might become the pride of our house?”

He chuckled softly and leaned against the table.

“Get up.”
“Y-yes, thank you.”

Burren Zigheart watched Garon carefully as he helped the fallen Dorian to his feet. His face and body were covered in bruises from the aura-infused fists. Though he didn’t particularly like Dorian ordinarily, this dirty method of fighting filled him with rage.
Even though he didn’t care much for Dorian normally, this underhanded tactic made his blood boil.

“Then what do you want?”
“If you put it that way, I sound like a villain. It was truly just a coincidence.”
“There’s no need for false modesty at this point. Tell me plainly.”
“If you insist on being so direct….”

Garon smiled faintly and tapped his sword sheath.

“Let’s have a sparring match.”
“What?”
“A group sparring match between your Gwangpung Unit and our Geumcheom-dan.”
“All of a sudden, what is this….”

Burren’s eyes narrowed. He’d expected Garon to demand that Raon be handed over or to pick a fight about him, but not to propose a sparring match.

“When I think about it, it’s rather unfair.”

Garon rose from the table and approached Burren.

“Consider this: I became the commander of Geumcheom-dan and successfully completed my first mission, yet Jinmu Hall was suspended from operations. I completed the mission but received no reward, and no one acknowledged it.”

His eyes gleamed crimson.

“And I can’t take on other missions either. Since Jinmu Hall, the higher authority of Geumcheom-dan, has been shut down! I’ve spent over a year doing nothing like some unemployed vagrant, and now I thought I’d finally get moving, but you all completed your first mission and received such lavish praise? Doesn’t that seem rather unjust?”
“That’s because Rayden, who belongs to Jinmu Hall, caused the problem….”
“It would be Rayden.”
“I don’t wish to call someone who brings shame to the Zigheart name my brother.”
“Ah, I like that resolve. I don’t consider that bastard my brother either.”

Garon nodded with a grin, his emotions shifting in an instant. A dangerous aura emanated from him.

“Anyway, I’d like to see that celebrated Gwangpung Unit spar with us from Geumcheom-dan, who’ve been stuck in the gutter. Can you arrange it?”
“That’s not a decision I can make.”

Burren shook his head. Now he understood Garon’s true purpose. He’d come here to settle his resentment over a year of suspended operations and to claim the glory of the Gwangpung Unit.
But unlike the foolish Rayden, he was employing a far more troublesome approach.

“Is that so? Then we should rest here for a while.”

Garon kicked over the tilted table and sat in an empty chair. The Geumcheom-dan swordsmen who followed him pushed tables aside or sat atop them, creating an oppressive atmosphere.

“Bring us some roasted Rotin lamb ribs and whole grilled Tutan pork.”
“And fry up some chicken!”
“And bring alcohol!”

They ordered dishes made from ingredients difficult to procure in this place, speaking with casual arrogance.

“T-that’s impossible right now….”
“Impossible? There’s no such thing as impossible! You do what you’re told!”
“Ugh!”

As the swordsmen shouted, groans echoed from the kitchen staff. They trembled with fear.

“Stop this at once. The technicians and staff are terrified.”
“Hmm? They’re scared, so I should stop?”
“They’re all afraid, are they not? As a swordsman of Zigheart, I should protect the weak and….”
“Ah, everyone’s afraid? I see. A chef can’t be scared. They won’t be able to cook. Oh, I made a mistake. I nearly committed a grave error! Here I am, a direct lineage member of Zigheart and the leader of Geumcheom-dan, nearly frightening our chef!”

He bared his teeth and kicked the table in front of him.

Crash!

The table spun through the air and embedded itself in the wall. It neither shattered nor crumpled—the mere fact that it remained lodged in the wall spoke volumes of Garon’s martial prowess.

“Hey! Everyone stop eating! Our chef and technicians are frightened! Starve!”
“Yes, sir!”

The swordsmen of Geumcheom-dan answered with grins and glared in my direction. The message was clear—if I wanted this to end, I had to accept the challenge.

“Sigh….”

Burren glared at all of them and steadied his breathing. If he didn’t compose himself, he feared he’d hurl vulgar curses at them.

“I’ll consult with the leader and vice-leader about this matter, so please leave for today.”
“Hmm.”

Garon’s eyes rolled around before he nodded.

“It seems business won’t be happening here today. We’d better go elsewhere. Let’s go, everyone.”
“Yes, sir!”

The swordsmen of Geumcheom-dan rose in perfect unison and took their positions behind Garon.

“But if that proposal isn’t accepted, I think I’ll want to come back here again. You understand, right?”

Burren nodded without answering. He had no desire to continue conversing with this scoundrel.

“Good. See you later.”

He waved his hand and left the Dining Hall.

Bang! Clang!

Something clattered to the ground in the Kitchen. It seemed the staff, their tension finally easing, had dropped some dishes.

“Are you alright?”
“Ah, yes, I’m fine.”

Dorian muttered that he was fine, though his expression suggested otherwise.

“But, what will you do? Won’t those bastards come again?”
“They will. Without question.”

Based on their behavior, they were the type who would keep returning if I delayed my answer or refused them.

“So I need to find someone who can handle this.”

*

*

*

In the Small Garden of the Zigheart Main Residence, Roen stood with his gaze level to Yua’s, smiling warmly.

“We met once before. I am Roen.”
“I’m Yua!”

Roen and Yua exchanged respectful greetings and smiled at each other.

“Will the young master be present there?”
“I wanted to see how you teach.”

I nodded. Just in case Roen attempted to teach Yua assassination techniques, I planned to observe the first few lessons to prevent it.

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but I understand. Please sit there.”
“Thank you.”

I nodded and took a seat in the white garden chair.

“Miss Yua, would you be able to sing a song you enjoy for me?”
“Yes!”

Yua nodded and stepped aside, her twin braids swaying as she began to sing.

“Castle walls drenched in blood, and snowy plains stained by night—the winter fortress….”

Yua sang not an ordinary melody, but the military anthem of Habun Castle. Perhaps because it was Yua who sang it, the piece carried a noble and elegant quality befitting a theatrical performance.

“At dawn when green rain and crimson rain drench the earth, the spear and blade still cry out….”

With each verse, my heart trembled. I could almost hear the horn calls of the fortress and the endless volley of arrows ringing in my ears. I felt the sudden urge to draw my sword, stand upon the castle walls, and face the Monsters in battle.

“Hah!”

As Yua’s song ended, Roen let out a breathless laugh and began to applaud.

“I can only say I’m amazed.”

His eyes gleamed like those of a swordsman beholding a legendary blade.

“Your tone, your emotion—both are extraordinary. You’ve woven melancholy perfectly into a powerful military anthem. Could I hear another piece?”
“Of course!”

Buoyed by the praise, Yua clenched her small fists with newfound confidence and began another song.

The second was a tender love ballad, and the third, a joyful piece celebrating autumn foliage.

“It’s awkward to say, but now I understand why Eden targeted Yua.”

Roen approached my side and whispered softly as Yua’s song continued.

“Yua’s voice carries divinity itself, and her musical talent is boundless. Had she entered Eden, a Monster capable of unimaginable mass slaughter would have been born.”

He nodded, saying I had truly prevented a catastrophe.

“Then there’s nothing left to teach her in music?”
“That’s not quite right. Since she’s been teaching herself, there are a few things that could use refinement.”
“Refinement?”

I tilted my head in confusion. To my ears, Yua’s singing was flawless—I couldn’t fathom what could possibly be lacking.

“Your rhythm and cadence are lacking slightly.”
“Ah….”
“Even when the song changes, the rhythm flows almost identically. That’s what creates the awkward moments. Once you adjust that, it will be truly perfect.”
“I see.”
“Fortunately, it wasn’t flawless—otherwise, there would be nothing left for me to teach you.”

He smiled faintly and approached Yua once more.

“Do you understand what rhythm is, Yua?”
“Well, not really….”
“Everything in this world possesses rhythm. The heartbeat that keeps us alive, the songs of mountain birds, the voices of gardeners tending the Garden—rhythm flows through all of it.”

Roen pointed to each example of rhythm he had mentioned in sequence.

“Rhythm is one of the most essential elements in music. It transforms repeated phrases, making them more exciting, more joyful, or more sorrowful. To give you a simple example….”

He began singing the song Yua had performed. While his voice wasn’t necessarily superior to hers, the lyrics and melody fit together perfectly, and the emotion within the song resonated far more deeply.

“What do you think?”
“It’s wonderful!”

Yua bounced excitedly, raising her hands.

“Wasn’t it easier to listen to?”
“It was easier, and the emotion resonated so much more!”

Yua nodded, sharing the same sentiment.

“That is the power of rhythm. When you sing each song with the rhythm that suits it, everything aligns—musically, emotionally, and even aggressively.”

Roen continued, offering additional insights.

“Rhythm….”

I reflected on both Yua’s and Roen’s performances, narrowing my eyes thoughtfully.

‘Rhythm suited to the moment….’

Indeed, when Yua sang, she paid little attention to rhythm and cadence, whereas Roen employed rhythm that fit together like interlocking gears.

Yua had the better voice, but Roen’s rendition was more pleasant to listen to and suited the melody better.

‘Could it be the same with footwork?’

The difference between myself and Glen Zigheart that I had contemplated before exhaustion set in—perhaps that was it.

‘Now that I think about it, the timing of the first step and the second step was slightly different….’

The sound of Glen Zigheart’s footfalls and the depth of his footprints differed between his first step and his second step.

‘Is that also rhythm?’

Rhythm that adapts to the situation. Glen Zigheart had clearly employed the most appropriate breathing for when he used Heavenly Harmony Footwork.

Zing!

The moment I grasped that footwork possessed cadence, my mind burst open with clarity.

That night. The Heavenly Harmony Footwork that Glen Zigheart had demonstrated replayed in my mind like flowing water, and each of his movements became tangible in my grasp.

Without realizing it, I rose from my chair. I lowered my posture slightly and extended my left foot forward.

Boom!

A magnificent current that seemed to touch all the world gathered at my fingertips and merged with the earth.

*

*

*

“And now, the aura cultivation method I’m about to teach you…hm?”

Roen, who had been about to impart the aura cultivation method to Yua, suddenly turned his head.
Raon, who had been sitting on the right, slowly rose to his feet. His eyes glazed as though possessed by spirits, he began to execute the footwork.

Boom!

The first step extended across the grass—it was Glen Zigheart’s Harmonious Step.

‘Harmonious Step?’

Yet it differed from the step Raon had demonstrated mere days ago. He had shed the shell of immaturity, now radiating the same mystery and grandeur as Glen himself.

The second step followed—the Extreme Swift Step. With a speed that made even an assassin like myself gasp, he crossed to the opposite side in a single breath. It was a velocity that seemed like magic itself.

“Rao… ugh.”

Yua, startled, tried to call out to Raon but stopped herself, watching the third step instead. His body trembled like the tip of a blade, splitting into two forms before merging back together.

Crackle, crackle, crackle!

The fourth was slow. Each step moved like a crawling snail, yet carried tyranny and overwhelming pressure. The footprints that crushed the earth spread a dense grip that enveloped the very space around him.

“Ah….”

Roen’s mouth fell open. In mere days, Raon had begun to infuse true intent into the Harmonious Step.

Where he had once crawled like an infant, he now took his first steps and advanced one pace at a time.

‘He’s insane.’

I was left speechless by how rapidly he had mastered this peerless footwork.

Even when Rimer spoke of Raon as a vessel worthy of kingship, I had never taken it entirely seriously. I knew he was a remarkable child, but there was still much to observe.
Yet in this brief moment, watching him glean hints from my words and ascend further, I realized that Rimer’s words were no exaggeration.

“Huff.”

At the sound of breathing beside me, Roen turned his head. The Heavenly Sword Master stood with her arms crossed, watching Raon. Her face was etched with irritation.

“What exactly is that monster.”
“Pardon?”
“He emerged from deep meditation only to enter it again immediately.”

The Heavenly Sword Master furrowed her brow and turned away.

“What in the world is that guy doing, wandering through the Samadhi State like it’s his own home!”
“Someone I know said something like that to me.”

Roen gazed at me with gentle eyes and smiled.

“That you would one day become the master of this household.”

*

*

*

I realized what I was doing while lost in the Samadhi State.

When treading the first step of Taewhoa, I channeled thoughts of the world I would advance toward and the heartbeat of my own pulse. When extending the second step, I captured the lightning that strikes in a single instant. The third step embodied the scattered rays of sunlight filtering through the window lattice, and the fourth step contained the majesty of Glen Zigheart.

As the breathing and rhythm I had witnessed and felt became one with the Taewhoa Steps, the footwork transformed into something of an entirely different caliber. I could move faster, slower, or more grandly than before.

I exhausted myself executing all nine steps of the Taewhoa Steps before lifting my head.

“Haah….”

My fingertips trembled with excitement. The moment I realized this was the true Taewhoa Steps, my entire body shuddered with exhilaration.

I can say with certainty: though the level of achievement is incomparable, I have stepped onto the same path as the Taewhoa Steps Glen displayed.

If I continue to strive and push forward, one day I might even catch up to his footwork.

“Phew!”

As my heart surged with emotion at having mastered the footwork, a message appeared before my eyes.

[You have achieved an accomplishment impossible at your current realm.]
[All stats increase by 5 points.]
[【Title】 Awakened One has been created.]
[【Trait】 Concentration has advanced to 4-Star.]

The Achievement for mastering the Ethereal Steps technique had granted me increases to all my stats and a new title to boot.
Seeing the message displayed like this, I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment for what I’d accomplished.

-This is insane!

Wrath’s eyes trembled as he read the message.

-You’re not seriously giving such a reward just for learning some crude footwork technique!

He shouted, but his voice lacked the usual confidence it carried.

‘But you yourself acknowledged the Ethereal Steps as a remarkable technique, didn’t you?’
-I, I never said such a thing….
‘You told me that the effect of increased learning ability only appears when mastering absolute martial arts worthy of my study. You said the footwork technique itself was superior.’
-Ugh, damn it!

Wrath ground his teeth, unable to continue speaking. Given his nature of being unable to lie, he would have no choice but to acknowledge it.

-Blast it all! If you’re going to drain my stats again in just two days, what am I supposed to do!

It hadn’t even been days since all my stats had increased, and now I was losing five points again—it felt like death.

-This bastard’s luck is absolutely ridiculous!
‘It’s not luck. It’s thanks to Roen and you.’
-What?
‘You told me that it’s important for my heart and spirit to grow so I can find my own path.’
-Y, yes, I did say that….

Wrath nodded slightly, trembling a bit.

‘This time, when I wove rhythm into the footwork, my heart moved along with it. Because I poured my own experiences into it. My mastery grew tremendously, and half of this achievement is thanks to you. I’m grateful.’

I chuckled. Wrath was truly a tree that gave generously, without distinction between material and spiritual gifts.

-Are you, are you mocking me!
‘Now you understand.’
-I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you and descend into hell myself!
‘You came from hell originally anyway.’
-Ugh! Shut up!

I let out a soft chuckle. Still, since I’d received help, I intended to keep my promise from this morning and eat all the ice cream.

“Raon!”
“Hmm?”

Just as I was happily teasing Wrath, Burren’s voice called out from the entrance to the Garden.

I turned my head to see Burren approaching with a scowl, dragging along Dorian, whose eyes were bruised a deep blue on both sides.

“Dorian?”

It wasn’t just his eyes—his cheeks and wrists bore the same deep blue bruises. These were wounds from fists, not from wooden swords.

Since the Gwangpung Unit was currently in a rest period followed by individual training, there was no reason for him to be beaten like this. It was clear he’d been thoroughly thrashed.

Irritation flickered in my crimson eyes.

Who dared to lay hands on what’s mine?

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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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