The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 193

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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 193

Raon approached Dorian and examined his condition.

“You took quite the beating.”
“Well, you certainly know how to read a situation.”

Dorian laughed, looking embarrassed.

“How could I not notice when it’s written all over your face like that?”

Looking at the bruises, it was clear—just as I’d suspected—that he’d been struck by fists and trampled by feet rather than weapons.

-This is absurd! One of my subordinates went out and came back beaten like this! How pathetic!

Wrath ground his teeth like an older brother witnessing his younger sibling’s humiliation.

“I’m… I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine at all.”

I furrowed my brow. Dorian had decent durability despite his cowardice, but the way he couldn’t maintain his balance suggested his attacker had infused aura into their fists.

“D-Dorian!”
“Whoever did this certainly didn’t hold back.”

Yua covered her mouth in shock, while Roen narrowed his eyes.

“I’ll tend to Dorian’s injuries.”

Roen channeled his aura, dispersing the residual aura clinging to Dorian’s body, and the grimace gradually faded from his face.

‘Now that I think about it….’

I turned around. There should have been someone else besides Roen and Yua, but I didn’t see them now. I must have been mistaken while lost in the heat of the moment.

“Ugh….”

Dorian groaned in pain even as Roen worked to heal him.

“Please bear with it a moment longer. I need to purge the corrupted aura embedded within you for a swift recovery.”

Despite his gentle tone, Roen wielded a tremendous amount of aura, methodically erasing the turbid energy that pressed down upon Dorian’s insides.

“Who is he?”

Once I confirmed that Dorian’s complexion was improving, I turned to Burren Zigheart.

“Garon Zigheart.”
“Garon Zigheart?”
“The Master of the Geumcheom-dan, part of Jinmu Hall.”
“Jinmu Hall’s Geumcheom-dan….”

I had seen that name in Judith’s documents. He was the second son of Valdemar, Master of Jinmu Hall, and the older brother of Rayden—a thirty-year-old prodigy who commanded the Geumcheom-dan.

“Is this because of me?”

I clicked my tongue while looking at Dorian. The moment I heard they were from Jinmu Hall, I understood why they had done something so reckless.
They had clearly come seeking revenge for when I defeated Rayden and had Jinmu Hall suspended from activities.

“Your influence is certainly the greatest factor, but it’s not the only one.”

Burren Zigheart shook his head with an irritated expression.

“Not the only one?”

I narrowed my eyes. His words felt ambiguous.

“After your duel with Rayden, Jinmu Hall was suspended for a year, which meant the newly formed Geumcheom-dan also had to cease operations. They never received compensation for their missions or built any reputation.”

Burren Zigheart continued, gesturing toward the distant Jinmu Hall.

“Meanwhile, the Gwangpung Unit completely destroyed the White Blood Cult’s Branch on its first mission and rescued the hostages, earning recognition that spread throughout the entire family—no, across the entire Continent. It seems they’re bitter about that.”
“So it’s not just me they’re targeting….”
“That’s right. They’re aiming for the entire Gwangpung Unit.”
“Now I understand.”

I let out a cold laugh. Now I understood why the Geumcheom-dan had attacked Dorian. They were jealous of the Gwangpung Unit, whose starting point had diverged from theirs. They must harbor the greatest anger toward me, the very cause of that disparity.

“Foolish bastards. Using the same method as Rayden.”
“No, it’s different from Rayden. These guys….”

Burren Zigheart told me what had happened in the Dining Hall.

“How despicable.”

I clenched my fists. To be honest, there was no way to hold them accountable. We couldn’t complain about them lingering in the Dining Hall, and if they claimed Dorian’s punch was accidental—that their fist flew out without thinking when a stain appeared on their precious clothes—that would be the end of it.

Even if the Family Law Enforcement got involved, the punishment wouldn’t be severe—just a few days of confinement. At that level, filing a report would be meaningless.

“So they want a duel?”
“Yes. They want a duel between the Gwangpung Unit and the Geumcheom-dan swordsmen.”
“They’re trying to take our reputation.”

It was clear they were doing this to swallow whole the reputation of the Gwangpung Unit—the ones who destroyed the White Blood Cult and defeated the Apostles and the Archbishop. The way they provoked us was incomparably more sordid than Rayden’s approach.

“What will you do?”
“Accept it.”
“You’re deciding just like that?”
“It’s a good opportunity.”

I wanted to test how far the Tae Hwa Bo I’d just mastered could reach, and this worked out perfectly. Garon Zigheart, the leader of the Geumcheom-dan, was at the beginning of the Master realm—ideal for testing.

‘He won’t let his guard down either.’

The 7th Apostle had ended up in that state while fighting without taking me seriously. I wanted to win properly against a Master who wouldn’t underestimate me.

“The Geumcheom-dan is strong. Though the organization itself hasn’t existed long, the martial artists in it are at least one level above us.”

Burren Zigheart furrowed his brow as if troubled.

“Young Master Burren is right. Since the Geumcheom-dan belongs to the Jinmu Hall, there are no novice martial artists among them. It will be difficult for the Gwangpung Unit to win.”

Roen, who had finished treating Dorian, stood up and let out a quiet sigh.

“That’s true. It will be difficult for the ‘current’ Gwangpung Unit to win.”

Raon smiled faintly. The report Judith had shown him ranked the Geumcheom-dan a tier above the Gwangpung Unit.

“However, this is also an opportunity for the Gwangpung Unit.”
“You mentioned opportunity earlier, but what exactly do you mean by that…?”
“Because those who grow the fastest are those who face external enemies.”
“Ah….”

Roen’s eyes widened as he grasped my meaning.

“The Gwangpung Unit will use this opportunity as a stepping stone to ascend to the next level.”

Since I had also received the Martial Arts Scripture from Glen Zigheart, now was the perfect time to elevate everyone’s combat prowess by a tier.

“And….”

I observed the bruises scattered across Dorian’s entire body and felt a chill settle within me.

‘I need to repay them for striking my pocket.’
-Yes! Crush all those bastards who dared lay hands on this king’s subordinates!

It was a rare moment when my thoughts and Wrath’s aligned perfectly.

*

*

*

Gold Spear Squad Headquarters of Jinmu Hall.
Garon Zigheart reclined against the sofa in a peculiar chamber where dozens of renowned blades were embedded in the walls.

“It’s refreshing to see those Gwangpung Unit bastards at a loss for what to do.”

Teckli, the vice-commander of the Geumcheom-dan who had tripped Dorian’s feet and struck his jaw in the Dining Hall, chuckled wickedly.

“Seeing how they couldn’t even respond to us, it’s clear that completing this mission was pure luck.”
“Well, that’s probably true.”

Garon Zigheart smirked and nodded. There was no way those young brats could have destroyed a major branch of the White Blood Cult and defeated an Apostle through skill alone on their first mission.

“Looking at Burren Zigheart’s clumsy response, this Raon fellow probably isn’t much either. But….”

Teckli smacked his lips and continued.

“The Gwangpung Unit has Rimer. What are we supposed to do about that monster?”
“Monster?”
“Once called the Radiant Sword of Zigheart, he fought right beside the family head. Even if he’s wounded, shouldn’t we have a contingency plan?”
“What plan do you make against a crippled gambler?”

Garon Zigheart’s lips curved into a thin smile.

“His mana circuits and dantian are destroyed. A worthless insect wasting away his days at gambling tables isn’t worth my time.”
“But the rumors alone that he matched the 10th Apostle….”
“How did rumors spread that Rimer fought the 10th Apostle? It was the Gwangpung Unit. And no one actually saw it clearly. So whether he was evenly matched, barely survived, or pathetically begged for his life—no one knows.”
“Ah….”
“That doesn’t mean I’m being careless.”

Garon Zigheart rose from the sofa, his back straightening. A sharp yet solemn aura emanated from him, and the renowned blades embedded in the chamber’s walls sang out in unison.

Uuuuuuung!

As he extended his hand like conducting an orchestra, the size and flow of the blade songs shifted, creating a symphony of steel.

“Even if Rimer recovers to Master level, I’m confident I can defeat him. That’s why I challenged him.”

When Garon Zigheart ceased his conducting, silence fell once more over the Master’s Quarters, where the magnificent blade songs had been unfolding.

“You understand?”
“Yes, sir!”

Teckli clicked his teeth together and nodded.

“What about you?”
“Sir?”
“Whether Raon was careless or lucky, he definitely defeated the 7th Apostle. Can you beat him?”

Garon Zigheart tilted his chin slightly upward.

“If you think you can’t win, back out. I’ll handle him myself anyway.”
“Y-yes, I can do it. I’ll win no matter what method I have to use.”

Teckli shook his head rapidly. His eyes gleamed with an intense, fervent light.

“No matter what method? It was worth recruiting you after all.”

Garon Zigheart nodded with evident satisfaction.

“But what if they refuse to accept the challenge, sir?”
“Then we go back.”

He stroked his grotesquely scarred mouth with his hand and grinned wickedly.

“And we’ll make the proposal in a way they can’t refuse.”

*

*

*

I left Dorian in Burren Zigheart’s care and made my way to the Medical Tent where Rimer was admitted.

Upon entering, I found Rimer lying in bed, humming a cheerful tune. For someone who’d been struck by lightning, he certainly seemed to maintain a positive outlook, even whistling away.

“You seem to be in good spirits.”

I smiled faintly and placed the fruit and cookies Sylvia had prepared on the bedside table.

“Your complexion looks better than usual too.”
“Better? I’m going mad just lying here! Being in this hospital room makes me drowsy and exhausted no matter how much I sleep!”
“But you were always like that anyway, weren’t you?”
“Shut it, you brat!”

Despite his words, Rimer couldn’t hide the smile blooming at the corners of his mouth. He seemed to be enjoying the luxury of resting without work and sleeping as much as he pleased.

“Is this for me?”
“Mother prepared it for you.”
“Ah, of course! The sole sun in this frozen land, as expected.”

He smiled warmly and plucked an apple from the fruit basket to eat.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“I only just learned this myself, but the Geumcheom-dan from Jinmu Hall caused trouble in the Dining Hall….”

I recounted everything to Rimer about the confrontation the Geumcheom-dan had brought upon us.

“Tch, what a nasty tactic.”

Rimer spat out the apple seeds and frowned in displeasure.

“Is Dorian alright?”
“Roen treated him.”
“If it’s him, we can trust it.”

He nodded, saying that should be fine then.

“What will you do?”
“What do you want to do?”

Rimer turned the question back on me.

“I think it would be best to accept the duel.”
“Why?”
“Right now, the Gwangpung Unit is being evaluated beyond mere martial prowess. And that’s….”
“Because of you.”
“Embarrassing as it is, that’s true. So I want to strengthen the Gwangpung Unit to match that evaluation. I’ve received martial texts from the family head, and with external enemies present, this will be a good opportunity for growth.”
“That makes sense.”

Rimer nodded immediately in agreement.

“I’ll agree too, so do as you wish.”
“Why?”
“Hm?”
“You might lose, might you not?”
“What’s the problem with that?”

He shrugged as if to say it was no issue at all.

“You’re young. Youth means you have the chance to challenge yourself, fail, and rise again. Not everyone has that opportunity, but you’re fortunate—your family is watching over you.”
“I see….”
“Go ahead. Whether you lose or win, you’ll grow stronger, and there will be lessons to learn.”

Rimer continued with rare seriousness, and in this light, he seemed like a different person entirely.

“But I won’t do it.”

Just as I was about to admire this side of him, his voice suddenly turned light again.

“Pardon?”
“That sparring match. Everyone from the squad members to the unit master fights each other, right? I’m not fighting.”

Rimer continued while chewing on a cookie.

“I have seniority. I can’t spar with some greenhorn. So you do it instead.”
“You mean me, sir?”
“Yeah. You know there are plenty of people in the family who don’t believe you defeated the 7th Apostle, right?”
“Yes.”

I nodded. Since Rimer often spoke my name highly, there were quite a few from both the Main Lineage and Branch Family who claimed it was fabricated.

“If you defeat Garon this time, it’ll be a perfect opportunity to silence all their doubts. Moreover, it will become a great Achievement.”
“A great Achievement?”
“A Master defeating another Master isn’t particularly special. But an Expert defeating a Master—twice, no less—that becomes a great Achievement. It will nurture your soul’s growth and give you solid standing within the family.”

Rimer’s blue eyes gleamed with anticipation.

‘But that’s not all.’

If I defeat Garon, my stats will rise significantly once more.
The rewards from fame and the duel, along with stat increases—if I won, there was far more than just one or two things to gain.

“Then I’ll handle Garon.”
“The way you accepted so readily tells me you were targeting him from the start.”
“You have sharp instincts when it matters, don’t you?”

I chuckled softly. Whether or not I’d acquired the Taewhabo technique, Rimer knew I’d set my sights on Garon first.

“When it matters? I’ve lived my entire life on instinct alone.”
“Then why do you keep going to the Gambling House and getting cleaned out?”
“W-well, that’s… uh…”

Rimer fell silent, embarrassed, and hung his head low.

“In any case, since the Master has agreed, I’ll accept the duel.”
“Y-yes.”

Rimer laughed awkwardly and drew a circle with his finger.

“Master, where did you get struck by lightning? The weather hasn’t been overcast lately.”
“It’s a long story. This time I was genuinely so wronged I nearly cried. Getting beaten for something I didn’t even do—I mean, really…”
“Beaten? Don’t tell me you got thrashed like Dorian?”
-That weakling deserves a beating for his fragile constitution. In fact, he should be hit more!

Wrath snickered, knowing exactly who had beaten Rimer.

“W-what? No, no one beat me! Who would dare lay a hand on me?”
“But you just said—”
“I was speaking figuratively!”

He shook his head vigorously and changed the subject.

“Since it’s decided, just go tell them you accept the duel.”
“That won’t do.”
“Hm?”
“They’ll just come looking for us again.”

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Even if I accepted the duel, I had no intention of responding ordinarily.

“My pocket. Well, since Dorian took a beating, I should make them pay the price.”

*

*

*

I didn’t mention the confrontation with the Geumcheom-dan to the Gwangpung Unit. Instead, I spent my time as usual, helping them with their training and martial arts studies.

Five days passed, and the day before Rimer returned from the Medical Tent where he’d been enjoying his leisurely recovery, Dorian came rushing over in a panic.

“M-Master!”

Dorian’s fists trembled, his eyes a mixture of rage and fear.

“Those bastards are back! They’ve taken over the Dining Hall and are causing a commotion!”
“No patience at all.”

I chuckled softly. As expected, the Geumcheom-dan couldn’t even last a week—they’d returned after just five days. It was a show of force, demanding I either accept the challenge or admit defeat.

“W-What should we do? The Master still hasn’t returned….”
“For now, it’s best we wait until the Master arrives.”

Dorian and Burren Zigheart, unaware that I’d already accepted the challenge, bit their lips anxiously.

“Let’s go.”
“Just like this?”
“We don’t even have a plan!”
“It’s fine. I have a way.”

I smiled reassuringly and headed toward the Dining Hall.

“Hey, what are you doing!”
“Hurry up with that order!”
“What’s a Dining Hall for if not taking orders!”
“I-I’m sorry. It’s just that we don’t have the ingredients….”

From the doorway, I could hear the inspectors’ rowdy voices and the dying pleas of the staff.

“He’s demanding a dish we can’t prepare here. He’s pressuring us by harassing the Dining Hall staff.”
“I don’t know where he learned it, but he’s got the thug act down perfectly.”

Raon chuckled softly and opened the door.

Inside the Dining Hall, about ten inspectors in gray uniforms were scattered about, while the staff trembled, unsure what to do.
Tables and chairs lay overturned and broken, creating complete chaos.

“Hey, we’re hungry! Bring it here, now!”
“What are you doing, standing there like a statue!”

The Gold Spear Squad inspectors ignored Raon entirely and glared only at the staff.

“That’s him, sir. The tall one with his feet on the table. That bastard hit me.”

Dorian pointed at the Gold Spear Squad’s vice-commander like a child tattling to his father.

“Wait here.”

Raon nodded and headed toward the serving counter. Humming to myself, I turned around with a tray piled high with food.

“Huh?”
“What—!”
“That crazy bas—”

The Gold Spear Squad members gaped in shock, apparently not expecting him to calmly eat in such a situation.

Raon walked toward one of the few intact tables with his tray, deliberately stumbled, and smashed the food-laden plate directly into the vice-commander’s face.

Splat!

Despite being a tray of mixed food, the impact was tremendous—the vice-commander’s head snapped back violently.

“Oh, sorry.”

Raon watched as stew and meat grease dripped from the vice-commander’s face and uniform, then clasped his hands together apologetically.

“You bastard…”

When the Vice Master rose with a killing intent so fierce it seemed he might strike, I instead stepped forward toward him and smiled.

“Will you hit me too?”

Raon’s crimson eyes flashed with a cold, piercing light.

“Go ahead.”

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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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