The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 202

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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 202

After memorizing all the documents Judith had given me, I headed toward the Zigheart Main Gate. Even though the departure time hadn’t arrived yet, Heavenly Sword Master Sheryl, five members of the Heavenly Sword Squad, and five members of the Gwangpung Unit were already assembled.

The Heavenly Sword Squad…

They were certainly different.

The aura of the Heavenly Sword Squad’s swordsmen was honed as sharply as polished blades. Even the grown Gwangpung Unit appeared like children in comparison.

“Oh! Who do we have here! It’s Raon, the vice-commander!”

The middle-aged man standing beside Sheryl waved his hand. Despite his gentle expression, his sturdy build radiated tremendous strength.

“So this is the one who was supposed to join us?”

“That’s right.”

“A mission with the swordsman who rewrote history? This is truly an honor!”

He chuckled and approached, extending his hand.

“I watched your duel with bated breath. I’m Eckon, vice-commander of the Heavenly Sword Squad.”

He was listed in the personnel roster Judith had provided. As one of the two vice-commanders of the Heavenly Sword Squad, he was a destructive swordsman who overwhelmed opponents through sheer force with his strong and medium-weight strikes.

“I’m Raon of the Gwangpung Unit. It’s a pleasure to work with you.”

Raon grasped Eckon’s hand and bowed his head.

“Let’s enjoy the mission together. I’m looking forward to it.”

He didn’t specify what he was looking forward to. He gave Eckon’s shoulder a light pat and returned to where Sheryl was waiting.

“Why did you arrive so late?”

“Everyone else got here ages ago!”

Burren and Martha frowned, questioning why he hadn’t come sooner.

“I arrived before the scheduled time, though.”

Raon pointed to the sky where the sun hadn’t yet risen.

“You should have come even earlier! The Heavenly Sword Squad members were waiting!”

“I don’t particularly mind, but arriving early is always better.”

Seeing the slight redness in both their eyes, it seemed they hadn’t slept properly in their anticipation of the mission with the Heavenly Sword Squad.

“Yawn….”

Lunan Slion yawned with a drowsy expression. He hadn’t lost sleep—he simply had a weakness for morning slumber.

“Will we… will we be able to come back alive?”

Dorian’s jaw trembled as he touched his belly pouch, worry etched across his face.

“O-of course. The Heavenly Sword Squad is going together, after all….”

Crain bit his lip, his face even paler than Dorian’s.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure we all come back alive, no matter what.”

I met the eyes of the five members of the Gwangpung Unit and smiled. These were all comrades I had fought alongside for a long time. I swore to myself that I would protect them, come what may.

“Yeah!”

“Mm….”

“No need for pity. I’ll handle it on my own.”

Lunan Slion nodded vigorously, Burren Zigheart scratched his head in embarrassment, and Martha turned her head away sharply.

“Doesn’t that ‘no matter what’ sound ominous to you?”

“Right? Ugh, what’s he planning to do this time….”

Crain and Dorian exchanged suspicious glances. It seemed the wounds from three months ago still hadn’t healed.

“Enough with the farewells. Gather around.”

Sheryl brushed her coat lightly and turned her body. Her eyes flashed with a sharp glint.

“We depart immediately. There will be no rest until evening.”

*

*

*

“Hmm….”

Eckon, the vice commander of the Heavenly Sword Squad, approached Sheryl as she mounted her horse.

“Commander. Why not just let things be? I rather like that fellow.”

He glanced back at Raon following behind them and smirked.

“You like him?”

“Yes. I was quite moved after watching his duel with Garon.”

Eckon clenched his fist as he continued.

“Any true warrior’s blood would boil seeing him charge at sword force with his own blade. I’d even like to bring him into our unit and nurture his talent.”

“Nurture, you say….”

Sheryl shook her head.

‘That child is not the kind to be molded by anyone.’

I acknowledge Eckon’s abilities, but he cannot handle Raon. Raon is not the type of talent or vessel to serve beneath anyone.

He is a being who shines alone and aloof, like a star in the Northern Sea.

“We could just bring him ourselves….”

“Quiet. Do as I said.”

“Petty harassment isn’t my style!”

“What’s a former disciplinary officer saying before he even became a unit commander.”

Though he wore a gentle smile now, Eckon had once served as the Heavenly Sword Squad’s disciplinary officer. He had quite the talent for finding fault and tormenting others.

“If he can’t endure and comes at me with a challenge, I’ll crush him thoroughly.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem, but what did that boy do wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Then why….”

Eckon tilted his head, looking puzzled.

“Raon tends to solve problems with force. He’s certainly strong for his age, but the world doesn’t judge by age alone. He needs to learn that there are always greater heights above him.”

“Ah! So you’re not disliking him—you’re worried about him! Making sure he doesn’t die a dog’s death out there!”

He turned back to look at Raon again and grinned.

“If that’s the case, I appreciate it. I’ll make sure to torment him properly just to see how he responds.”

*

*

*

As the sun began to set, Sheryl brought her horse to a halt at a small clearing.

“We’ll stop here for today.”

She dismounted and disappeared, saying she had something to attend to.

“We’ll scout the perimeter and return, so please prepare the camp.”

Eckon winked and ventured into the Forest with the Heavenly Sword Squad.

“Understood.”

I nodded and dismounted. After setting down my backpack, I turned to face the Gwangpung Order.

“We begin camp preparations now. Burren and Dorian, set up the tents. Lunan and Crain, gather firewood.”

“What about me?”

Martha approached, pointing at herself with her finger.

“You’ll help me prepare dinner.”

“Cooking? Why should I?”

“Because you’re the only one here who can actually make decent food.”

During my trainee days camping in the field, I’d learned that Martha was the only one in the refined Gwangpung Unit who possessed any culinary skill whatsoever.

“You know what would happen to the food if we asked those two.”

“Ugh….”

When I gestured toward Lunan Slion and Burren Zigheart, Martha’s face contorted in dismay.

“Fine, I understand.”

She nodded and settled into the center of the campsite, beginning to dig out a space for the fire.

“Dorian, fetch the pots, utensils, and ingredients.”

“Yes!”

Dorian, as if he’d been waiting for this moment, produced various tools, cooking ingredients, and utensils from his dimensional pouch.

I carried the tools and utensils over and set them down beside Martha.

—Hm!

Wrath slipped up beside me, watching Martha prepare the ingredients with a satisfied smack of his lips.

-At least the Charm Girl can cook somewhat.

‘I know that well.’

-After eating the food those fools made, my palate has been ruined.

Even Wrath, who only cared about quantity, found it difficult to eat the Gwangpung Unit’s communal meals.

-Hmm?

‘What is it?’

-There is a serious problem!

‘A serious problem?’

At Wrath’s grave tone, I narrowed my eyes. Just as I gripped my sword and began to spread my senses, Wrath continued.

-The quality of this beef is poor. There is no marbling whatsoever.

‘…That’s a serious problem?’

I thought it was an ambush or some major incident, but it was about the marbling of meat. I wanted to strike the back of Wrath’s head.

-Marbling is the very soul of beef! How could this not be a serious problem!

‘So-called Demon King. This isn’t a fine dining establishment.’

-Ugh, I suppose I have no choice. I shall tolerate such meat here. And I am not so-called.

Wrath went on spouting nonsense about how he could not accept such meat next time.

“Sigh…”

I exhaled deeply, and just as I was about to start a fire, Wrath poked his head in again.

‘What now?’

-Are you just going to leave those ones be?

He pointed toward the Forest where the Heavenly Sword Squad had entered moments ago.

‘For now, I’m leaving them alone.’

I tilted my chin slightly while gazing in the direction Wrath indicated.

‘But if things start looking bad…’

My lips curved upward in a thin smile.

‘…I’ll have to crash the party.’

*

*

*

Eckon and the Heavenly Sword Squad returned to the camp only after they had finished all their meal preparations and tent installations, as if they had made a pact.

“Already finished?”

Eckon whistled as he surveyed the neatly erected tents.

“I was going to help, but you’re incredibly fast.”

“Looks like you have some experience with external missions.”

“Ah, but these tents were pitched rather sloppily.”

“There are wrinkled sections and parts that have caved inward.”

“The trenches could have been dug a bit deeper too.”

“This area is also slightly insufficient.”

The Heavenly Sword Squad swordsmen returned and immediately began finding fault with the erected tents.

“Starting tomorrow, make sure to fix the issues I just pointed out.”

“Right. We’re only saying this for your benefit. You understand, don’t you?”

“You need to learn these things properly now so you can use them later.”

They continued pointing out trivial details as if they were doing them a tremendous favor.

“Understood!”

“Yes, sir!”

Burren Zigheart and Crain accepted the Heavenly Sword Squad’s words as genuine advice and nodded vigorously.

“Master, please eat first.”

Eckon brought the beef stew and bread to Sheryl first. She chewed her food thoroughly, like a child savoring every bite.

-For such crude ingredients, the taste isn’t half bad. Hunger truly is the best seasoning.

Wrath smiled faintly, apparently pleased with the beef stew.

“The food is rather mediocre.”

“A bit too salty.”

“Right. The seasoning is a touch heavy.”

“Did they dump salt into it?”

The Heavenly Sword Squad inspectors refused to let it pass this time either. They clicked their tongues in complaint about the competently prepared stew.

“Damn it….”

“I will ensure proper preparation next time.”

I covered Martha’s mouth before she could curse aloud and looked toward Eckon.

“Do that for us. We’re rather particular about food, you see.”

I smiled wryly and returned to eating my stew. Despite their complaints about the taste, the Heavenly Sword Squad inspectors scraped their bowls clean.

“That was delicious.”

“The taste was a bit off, though.”

“Tomorrow, make the seasoning a little lighter.”

They left their empty bowls in front of the Gwangpung Unit and deliberately chose only the most irritating comments to make.

“Damn it! You guys….”

“Stop.”

I gripped Martha’s wrist firmly before she could lose her temper.

“There’s a clean Valley nearby. You can wash the bowls there. We need to take a walk and rest for a bit.”

Eckon didn’t even mention helping. He simply pulled out a deck of cards from his pocket and began playing poker with the other swordsmen. It was his way of saying he wouldn’t help with the cleanup either.

“Let’s go.”

I watched them for a moment, then led the Gwangpung Order members toward the Valley they had mentioned. The distance was greater than expected, and the direction differed from where they had pointed.

“Are you really going to put up with those bastards mocking us like this?”

Martha frowned as she submerged the bowls in the Valley.

“Martha. Watch your words. Those Heavenly Sword Squad swordsmen are squad leaders of the regular military forces.”

Burren sat beside her and shook his head.

“Team leader, my foot! You’re telling me to hold back when you’re provoking me?”

“They went out scouting, and we handled the cooking and setup, so it’s hardly unfair, is it?”

“Scouting? They didn’t even leave the camp. What was there to scout in a place like this?”

“The Heavenly Sword Squad aren’t petty people like that.”

Martha already looked disappointed, while Burren still seemed to have faith in the Heavenly Sword Squad.

“Wash up and fight later.”

Lunan Slion yawned as if eager to sleep soon, gesturing to the two of them.

“He’s right. Let’s do the dishes first.”

I stepped between them and wiped the grease off the plates.

“Tsk.”

“Tch.”

Burren and Martha turned their heads sharply and began wiping the dishes in their hands.

When I returned after doing the dishes with the Gwangpung Order members, Eckon and the Heavenly Sword Squad swordsmen were still playing poker. Sheryl had already disappeared into the tent.

“Good work!”

Eckon waved his card-holding hand with a smirk.

“Since we’re departing at dawn tomorrow as well, let’s call it a night.”

He tucked the card into his pocket and stood up.

“You know night watch rotations are determined by seniority, right? You’re taking it today.”

Eckon drove the nail home before the Gwangpung Unit could even protest, then entered the tent.

“We’re counting on you.”

“I’ll sleep well tonight.”

“With the Gwangpung Unit’s vice-commander standing watch, we can rest easy.”

The other Heavenly Sword Squad swordsmen quickly filed into the tent before anyone could call on them.

“Ugh….”

“Why does it feel like we’ve become errand boys?”

“Right?”

Burren Zigheart, Dorian, and Crain stared at the tent with disgruntled expressions.

“….”

“Errand boys? We’re nothing but servants! You idiots!”

Lunan Slion quietly organized the dishes, while Martha ground her teeth.

“You all should sleep. I’ll take the night watch tonight.”

I settled in front of the campfire and closed my eyes.

“Master Raon, you’re doing this alone?”

Dorian approached from the side and asked.

“Yeah. I have things to think about. You all should rest.”

I planned to analyze the heavy sword while standing watch.

“I don’t like it.”

“I don’t either!”

Burren and Martha shook their heads simultaneously.

“We don’t need such consideration. Let’s have two people take two-hour shifts.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine for me!”

Martha frowned and sat down beside me.

“You all sleep. I’ll wake you in two hours.”

She crossed her arms and frowned.

“Make sure to wake me.”

“Y-yes, I’ll rest first then.”

“Mm.”

Lunan Slion, Burren Zigheart, Dorian, and Crain told me to wake them without fail before entering the tent.

“Hey.”

Martha turned her head from watching the crackling campfire.

“You know they’re deliberately picking a fight, right?”

“Anyone who isn’t a fool would notice.”

“Are you just going to let them be?”

“You were the one who was happy about going with the Heavenly Sword Squad in the first place.”

I chuckled softly.

“I didn’t expect them to be this petty!”

Martha’s face flushed red as she shook her head.

“Is that so?”

“Stop laughing and tell me! Are you going to leave things as they are? If you won’t do it, then I….”

“Exactly three days.”

I held up three fingers.

“If things stay as they are for three days, I’ll handle it.”

“Can you really handle it? If they use their position or power to suppress us, there’s no way around it.”

“Don’t worry.”

My crimson eyes grew cold and settled.

“I have a sure way to crush them.”

*

*

*

Three days had passed.

Unsurprisingly, nothing had changed.

By now, the Heavenly Sword Squad issued multiple orders even during lunch and rest periods, forcing Burren, Dorian, and Crain to run about until their feet ached with sweat.

The worst was naturally when preparing for camp.

Tent setup, meal preparation, horse management, dishwashing and cleanup, and night watch—all fell to the Gwangpung Unit. Honestly, the Heavenly Sword Squad did nothing but carry their baggage and move.

There it is.

“Today was a bit bland.”

“You’re not taking seasoning seriously, are you?”

“It falls short a little more each day. Such a shame.”

“Tomorrow, let’s put in just a bit more effort. Just a tiny bit more, alright?”

The Heavenly Sword Squad inspectors continued their complaints throughout cooking, organizing, and setting up tents, subtly needling everyone around them.

What was even more infuriating was that they devoured every last bite before launching into such grievances.

“Then let’s begin today as well.”

“Who goes first?”

Without even offering the obligatory words about helping with the dishes, they immediately started a poker game.

“Damn it, those bastards….”

“They’re openly provoking us.”

Martha was on the verge of exploding, and veins bulged across Burren’s forehead.

“You two go on your own today.”

I rose from the scattered dishes and stood up.

“What about the Unit Master?”

Dorian tilted his head while gathering the dishes.

“I have something to do.”

“Something to do?”

“I’ve held back long enough.”

I watched Eckon shuffle the cards, my eyes gleaming with ominous intent.

“U-Unit Master! You can’t!”

“That’s right! The H-Heavenly Sword Squad!”

Dorian and Burren grabbed my arms and shook their heads.

“If you beat those people, the Heavenly Sword Master won’t just sit idle.”

“Exactly! Please stop causing trouble now! We’re going to die!”

“Why do you think the Heavenly Sword Squad will win?”

“Huh?”

At Martha’s words, Burren and Dorian flinched. Both of them suddenly realized they had naturally assumed the Heavenly Sword Squad would be the ones getting beaten, not me.

“W-Well, you beat everyone wherever you go….”

“We’ve never even seen you lose….”

Burren and Dorian scratched their heads in unison.

“Your faith in me is reassuring.”

I chuckled softly and tapped both their shoulders.

“There’s nothing for you two to worry about. Just wait here.”

I waved to everyone before approaching Sheryl, who sat perched in the tree.

“That’s somewhat unexpected.”

The Heavenly Sword Master gazed downward with cold eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I thought you would never allow your squad members to play poker.”

“I have no intention of meddling in the members’ hobbies. As long as they do their work properly, whether they play poker or spin roulette is none of my concern.”

“Then you won’t mind what I do either.”

“That’s right.”

The Heavenly Sword Master nodded, her eyes gleaming blue as if she had been waiting for this moment.

“Understood.”

I nodded and turned away. From her words, I had received a clear answer that the Heavenly Sword Master would not interfere. Now it was time to make my move.

“Hmm.”

The Heavenly Sword Master watched my retreating figure with a faint smile.

‘Now it begins.’

Having restrained myself long enough, I would seek out Eckon and propose a sparring match.

‘And I will lose.’

Eckon was a swordmaster incomparably stronger than Garon. He stood at a position I could never reach, no matter how miraculous my techniques became.

‘I need to experience defeat at least once.’

The Heavenly Sword Squad’s subtle provocations and mockery toward the Gwangpung Unit were her direct orders.

It was a plan designed to teach me the fear that existed in this world, and to create an opportunity for me to ascend to Master rank.

“Vice Commander.”

I saw myself standing before Eckon and calling out to him. Just as I was about to descend to oversee the match, completely unexpected words reached my ears.

“Would you care for an arm-wrestling match with me?”

“Huh?”

Sheryl’s flustered voice echoed through the darkness.

*

*

*

I watched Sheryl’s gasp from behind and Eckon’s gaping mouth, a faint smile crossing my face.

‘Things won’t go according to your plan.’

Eckon was certainly stronger than me right now. Sheryl had hoped I would challenge him and lose, but since I could see through their intentions clearly, there was no need to choose a way to lose.

“You said arm wrestling just now?”

“Yes.”

“Let me ask again. It’s not sparring, it’s arm wrestling, right?”

“Yes. Let’s make a bet and have a bare-handed arm wrestling match.”

Raon nodded calmly.

“Sorry, but I’m a master, you know? I learned swordsmanship focusing on pure strength.”

I understand.

“Once you become a Master, your physical abilities skyrocket. It means you absolutely cannot lose to an Expert even without using aura.”

Eckon clenched his fist with a show of strength, thick veins bulging across his forearm.

“Then the Unit Commander would have the advantage.”

“It’s not just an advantage—I’ll win!”

“Then you should go ahead and do it.”

I raised my hand, urging him to hurry.

“Ha, you’re something else.”

Eckon let out a hollow laugh as he observed my arm—firm but decidedly lean.

“You’d have a better chance of defeating me with your sword than winning an arm-wrestling match.”

“Still, I’d like to bet on this instead.”

“Fine. Since you’re willing to drink the penalty yourself, I won’t refuse.”

He nodded, his expression slightly wounded in pride.

“State your conditions.”

“If I win, the Heavenly Sword Squad will take over the menial tasks we’ve been doing until this mission ends.”

“And if you lose?”

“We’ll continue the menial tasks and also carry the baggage the Heavenly Sword Squad has.”

“Hmm, your conditions are quite different, but fine. I’ll win anyway.”

He seemed to believe he would never lose anyway, so he accepted the condition lightly.

“R-Raon!”

“Vice Master!”

Burren Zigheart and Crain rushed over in alarm.

“Eckon’s swordsmanship is heavy and powerful!”

“Y-Yes! There’s no one second to him in terms of strength!”

The two whispered urgently in both his ears, urging him to cancel even now.

“Out of respect for your comrades, I’ll give you one last chance. Withdraw now.”

“I have no intention of doing so.”

I shook my head firmly and extended my arm.

“I’ve heard you’re confident in your strength, but I think I should show you how wide the world truly is.”

“Hmm….”

Eckon grinned and grasped my hand. His rock-like arm muscles bulged, and I felt an enormous force emanating from his grip.

“Are you regretting it already?”

“No.”

I smiled without the slightest tremor in my eyes.

‘You’ll be the one regretting this.’

I had already obtained strength rivaling a Master back at Habun Castle. I didn’t even know precisely how powerful I had become.

‘Was my current strength at 180?’

Raon smiled coldly and tightened his grip.

—————
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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