The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 204

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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 204

“Does anyone have complaints?”

The Heavenly Sword Master swept her cold gaze across Raon and the members of the Gwangpung Unit.

“No, we don’t!”

“Of course not!”

Burren and Martha cried out simultaneously. Both were so excited at the prospect of learning swordsmanship from a Grand Master that they snorted with enthusiasm.

“Me too!”

Rarely, even Lunan leaned forward and clenched his fists.

“What about you?”

Sheryl looked at Raon, who had said nothing.

“I’m pleased as well.”

I smiled faintly and nodded. The Heavenly Sword Master was a warrior versed in all the subtleties of swordsmanship. Learning from her was nothing short of a blessing.

“The wager covered intermediate and advanced swordsmanship, but as an apology for misjudging you all, I’ll explain other sword techniques as well until we arrive at the Yonan Family.”

“Thank you.”

“Th-thank you so much!”

Both Raon and the Gwangpung Unit bowed their heads to her.

“Today we’ll start with heavy sword techniques.”

Sheryl didn’t waste time or engage in idle chatter—she launched directly into her lecture.

“The foundation of heavy sword technique is channeling the weight of your body and aura into your blade. If you layer weight onto basic sword forms—vertical slashes, horizontal slashes, thrusts—you can generate far greater destructive power. Harmonize that with the subtleties of strong sword technique, and the force doubles. However, it concentrates power and impact at the cost of speed. So when harmonizing with other sword techniques, you must exercise caution….”

She explained the fundamentals of heavy sword technique and sword technique subtleties in a calm, measured voice. Her explanations were concise and precise, making them remarkably easy to understand.

“What happens if you continue training in heavy sword technique?”

Sheryl picked up a small short sword she’d placed on the ground.

“Your opponent won’t be able to withstand the weight.”

“You’ll gain the power to fell any enemy with a single strike!”

“That’s only true when fighting amateurs. Suppose you’ve mastered heavy sword technique, and your opponent has mastered quick sword technique at the same level.”

Sheryl shook her head at Dorian and Crain’s answers.

“How would you catch a swordsman moving as swiftly as light with your slow heavy sword?”

“Hmm, it seems like it would be difficult….”

“You can’t land a hit.”

“Even her footwork will be pushed back.”

“She’ll have to endure and wait for an opening.”

The swordsmen tilted their heads, seemingly unconvinced.

“Normally, that would be true. But once you reach a certain realm, everything changes. A heavy swordsman is never overwhelmed by a swift swordsman.”

A gray aura bloomed from Sheryl’s body, coiling around the blade of her short sword.

Crackle, crackle, crackle!

The moment the gray aura took shape on the short sword, an overwhelming pressure descended upon the entire Training Courtyard.

“Ugh!”

“Gasp!”

“What, what is this!”

The Gwangpung Unit swordsmen could not withstand that pressure and fell to their knees.

“Hgh….”

I furrowed my brow. It felt as though two massive pillars were bearing down on both my shoulders.

‘So this is the heavy sword technique of a Grand Master….’

Even without channeling aura, Garon’s blade possessed a weight and grip far beyond comparison—so heavy that my own body could barely stand beneath it.

“This is the intermediate stage of a greatsword. Beyond merely embedding weight into the blade itself, you can now press down upon the very space around you.”

As Sheryl slowly raised the blade, the pressure eased, and I could finally push myself upright.

“So tell me—how do you think one would embed weight not just into the blade, but into the space itself?”

“Ah, by filling the blade with aura….”

“No, by spreading aura around the surroundings….”

The Gwangpung Order swordsmen offered their theories, but Sheryl’s head did not nod.

“Mental imagery.”

After gathering my thoughts, I spoke slowly.

“You must visualize the weight being embedded within the blade.”

“Correct.”

Sheryl gave a slight nod and lowered the blade once more.

Boom!

A pressure twice as fierce as before crushed down upon my entire body.

“Ugh!”

“Argh!”

Crain and Dorian cried out first, and Burren, Martha, and Lunan groaned as they collapsed to the ground.

“Hngh!”

Only I remained standing.

“What I infused into my blade moments ago was a log, and what I’m infusing now is a boulder. Do you understand the difference?”

“B-both are ridiculously heavy….”

Martha gritted her teeth as she answered.

“You may feel that way, but wasn’t it just one area being pressed before, and now your entire body is being crushed?”

“Ah….”

I nodded. Sheryl was right—before, it had felt like only my shoulders were being pressed, but now my entire body was being weighed down.

“Simply thinking about infusing weight into your blade doesn’t make it a heavy sword. You must concentrate on your form to the point where you can execute swordplay while sleeping, and simultaneously envision what you wish to achieve with that technique.”

Sheryl raised her blade once more.

“The more vividly you paint your mental image, the greater its effect. If you wish to advance far and high, practice mental imagery training at a fixed time each day.”

“Yes!”

“Understood!”

The entire Gwangpung Unit responded loudly with a unified shout—an education they could never have purchased with money.

“That’s all for today.”

She set down her short sword and retreated into her tent.

“Wow, learning through physical punishment really drives the lesson home.”

“It’s challenging, but I understand what she was teaching.”

“Right. A Grand Master truly is on another level.”

The swordsmen of the Gwangpung Unit all wore smiles, moved by Sheryl’s instruction.

‘Mental imagery truly is paramount.’

I watched the short sword Sheryl had left behind, my eyes gleaming. Wrath, Glen Zigheart, Rimer, and Sheryl—all the masters placed tremendous emphasis on mental imagery. The higher one climbed, the more victory and defeat seemed to hinge upon the martial power built through mental cultivation.

-I told you, didn’t I? Master mental imagery and everything falls into place.

‘You did.’

Especially watching that fool king Wrath repeat the same words every time, I realized I needed to dedicate more time to mental imagery training.

-Hmm? My nose itches.

‘Your nose?’

—You just thought something disrespectful toward me, didn’t you?

‘It’s just my imagination.’

I laughed awkwardly.

*

*

*

“I think it would be best if half of you organize the tents and the other half prepare meals. Divide yourselves as you see fit.”

I woke up at dawn and immediately roused the Heavenly Sword Squad to set them to work.

“Ugh….”

“So… it wasn’t a dream after all.”

“This is all because of the unit commander.”

“How was I supposed to know that guy was such a monster!”

Eckon and the members of the Heavenly Sword Squad realized that yesterday’s events were real, and with expressions of despair, they scattered to find their assigned tasks.

“Hmm….”

Sheryl, lacking confidence in cooking, joined those organizing the tents instead.

“W-we should help too, shouldn’t we?”

“That’s right. For now….”

“Stop.”

I raised my hand to halt the Gwangpung Order members who were about to step forward.

“While the Heavenly Sword Squad handles the chores, you’ll train.”

“Huh?”

“Train, you say?”

“Here?”

Burren’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes. The Heavenly Sword Squad has sacrificed their time for us, so make use of it and train. You’re the weakest here, after all.”

“Ugh!”

“W-we can’t argue with that….”

Crain and Dorian scratched their necks and frowned.

I closed my eyes once I confirmed the Gwangpung Order had warmed up and begun their individual training.

‘Heaviness….’

I reflected on the heavy sword Sheryl had demonstrated yesterday—that blade which crushed not merely the body but the very soul. I wanted to make it my own.

‘I’ll need a different mental image for that.’

Even during the brief moments of preparing meals and dismantling the tent, I climbed another step on the staircase toward greater strength.

“Ha!”

Watching Eckon and the Gwangpung Order train, I let out a hollow laugh.

“He’s making them train in the middle of all this? Is that kid really seventeen?”

I expected him to mock or point out the absurdity, but Raon simply issued training orders to the swordsmen. He was utterly unpredictable.

“Master. They’re not idling about now that they have free time—they’re training instead. I feel like we’ve done something pointless here.”

“I’m aware.”

Sheryl’s brow furrowed deeply as she watched Raon lost in meditation.

‘I’ve truly wasted effort on this.’

The plan was devised to elevate Raon to greater heights, yet the boy had already surpassed my expectations. His mental fortitude and spiritual strength seemed to exceed even those seasoned swordsmen who had weathered countless trials.

‘Having them train was a good decision.’

I was pleased that the time freed up by the Heavenly Sword Squad’s mundane duties wasn’t squandered but instead channeled into training.

“But… we’re not going to keep doing chores until this mission is over, right?”

“No, we won’t. Those kids have sense, so they’ll do it reasonably and call it even.”

At Sheryl’s words, Eckon and the Heavenly Sword Squad swordsmen nodded. It was only natural. No matter how bold Raon was, they assumed he would be reasonable and split the work fairly.

But.

“We’ll rest here today. Heavenly Sword Squad members, please handle reconnaissance, cooking, and tent setup.”

On the fourth day, Raon dumped all the chores onto the Heavenly Sword Squad—one day more than what the Heavenly Sword Squad had imposed on the Gwangpung Unit.

“Oh, and please gather plenty of firewood. The temperature drops at dawn, you see. I need it for training. Collect some sticks as well.”

He ordered the Heavenly Sword Squad around like servants without the slightest hesitation.

“Please add more meat today.”

“Right. Yesterday’s taste was good, but there wasn’t enough meat.”

“The soul of a stew is the quantity of meat.”

The Gwangpung Unit members, who had initially felt apologetic, now openly made multiple requests.

“Make mine nice and cold.”

“C-cold….”

Eckon bit his lip as he looked at Lunan. That boy from the Slion Family was driving him absolutely mad with his constant requests to chill the food.

“Start your training.”

“Yes!”

“Understood.”

The Gwangpung Unit immediately dispersed at my command and began their individual training sessions.

“Ugh….”

Eckon let out a frustrated sigh. The Gwangpung Unit wasn’t lounging around while assigning him chores—they were genuinely training, so he couldn’t protest. It was a dead end with no escape.

“Commander….”

“Do we really have to keep doing this?”

“Give up. There’s no way out now.”

Eckon shook his head with an apologetic expression.

“When I get back, I’m going to really let loose….”

“Commander, the horses are running low on feed. Go gather some hay for them.”

I pointed to the horses tied to the trees.

“Huh? But we brought grass with us.”

“They didn’t seem to like it much—it’s gotten old.”

“B-but even with yesterday’s rain, finding dry hay is….”

“If you venture deeper into the Forest, wouldn’t you find some grass that didn’t get wet?”

He smiled knowingly and turned to leave, as if to say I should figure it out myself.

‘Ah, what a devil….’

Eckon’s teeth chattered. They had started the quarrel first, true enough, but he never imagined he’d be worked this hard.

“M-Master!”

I saw Sheryl, but she quickly turned her head away and pretended not to notice.

“Damn it! We’re finished.”

Eckon slammed his soot-stained hand against the ground in frustration from tending the fire.

“I really did pick the wrong fight!”

*

*

*

I arrived at Dembel City, where the Yonan Family resided, on a journey more comfortable than ever before.

Because it was a warm region, the buildings were positioned on elevated ground to avoid geothermal heat and insects.

“From here on, the Heavenly Sword Master will take command again.”

Raon smiled faintly and stepped back.

“Then that condition is now over….”

“That’s not quite right.”

I shook my head at Sheryl, whose anticipation was evident.

“You’ll need to handle chores for us until we complete the mission and return as promised.”

Why would I release these fools who handle night watch, prepare meals, and even give lectures? I should use them to the very end.

“Damn it!”

“He’s truly a demon….”

“I’m never going on a mission with the Gwangpung Unit again.”

Eckon and the Heavenly Sword Squad shook their heads, wanting nothing to do with Raon.

“Sigh….”

Sheryl let out a weary sigh and headed toward the Yonan Family estate in the heart of Dembel City. She found her way quickly, as if she had been there before.

“Wow….”

“It’s really huge!”

“It’s amazing that this is a crafting family.”

There was no need to search for it. The Yonan Family possessed such vast lands that they occupied a quarter of Dembel City.

‘It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a castle,’

The Stone Wall surrounding the Yonan Family was as tall as a Castle Wall, and the interior was obscured as if draped in black cloth. It appeared to be the power of an artifact.

“State your identity and purpose.”

The gatekeepers standing before the main gate sent wary glances and gripped their spears tightly.

“We come from Zigheart.”

Sheryl stepped forward and displayed the badge symbolizing Zigheart.

“Ah!”

“Z-Zigheart!”

Upon confirming the badge, the gatekeepers hastily bowed and stepped aside. The gate opened immediately, as if connected to the interior by some mechanism.

Screeeech!

The massive iron gate swung open, revealing the interior. True to the nature of an Artifact Craftsman’s family, various Smithies of different designs lined the interior in succession.

“Welcome.”

A middle-aged man in formal attire approached from the open main gate and bowed respectfully.

“I am Arun, the Steward of the Yonan Family.”

“I am Sheryl of the Heavenly Sword Squad.”

“I have long heard of the Heavenly Sword Master’s renowned reputation. It is an honor to meet you.”

True to his station as steward of a prestigious family, Arun showed no surprise upon hearing Sheryl’s name and maintained his courteous demeanor.

“Please follow me. The Family Head awaits you.”

He extended his hand, gesturing forward.

“Let’s go.”

Everyone followed Arun into the ten-story building at the center of the Yonan Family compound. The building was equipped with magical apparatus, allowing us to arrive directly on the tenth floor without climbing the stairs.

‘That door….’

I narrowed my eyes as I observed the single chamber door on the tenth floor. The door resembled iron, yet also appeared to be wood, and seemed like a single sheet of paper all at once.

‘That must be an Artifact as well.’

It seemed that for those granted permission, the door opened as lightly as paper, but for those denied, it became steel harder than anything else.

“Let’s go inside.”

As Arun pointed ahead, the double doors opened of their own accord.

A soft light poured out as if my vision had brightened, revealing the interior.

The entire room was scattered with countless artifacts whose purpose I couldn’t fathom, leaving barely any space to step, and on the central sofa sat a middle-aged woman with red hair draped over her left shoulder. She was a beauty whose bold features radiated a refreshing elegance.

‘Michelle Yonan.’

This middle-aged woman was the head of the Yonan Family and one of the top three master craftspeople currently recognized for artifact creation.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Patriarch.”

Sheryl bowed first, showing respect to the head of another family.

“It’s been a while, Heavenly Sword Master.”

Michelle Yonan greeted her in return with a smile.

“Please, come this way.”

Sheryl skillfully avoided stepping on the artifacts scattered across the floor and sat on the sofa across from Michelle.

“Thank you for coming.”

“It’s our duty to do so.”

Sheryl replied and glanced at the token in Michelle’s hand. On the red-emblazoned card lay a single name: Glen. This must be the debt Glen had left behind.

“I trust Vice-Commander Eckon has been well?”

“Ah, yes. The Matriarch has only grown more beautiful and youthful.”

Eckon spoke such flattery with surprising ease, belying his muscular frame.

“Hehe, you’re too kind. And this is….”

Michelle’s gaze shifted toward me.

“I am Raon, Vice-Commander of the Gwangpung Unit. It is an honor to meet the head of the Yonan Family.”

I bowed respectfully.

“Oh! The one who defeated the 7th Apostle!”

Michelle’s eyes widened. News of the 7th Apostle’s defeat had apparently spread even here.

“I was merely fortunate.”

“And you’re quite handsome as well.”

“Pardon?”

My mouth fell open in surprise—not at praise for my combat prowess, but for my appearance.

“I’ve heard tales of your formidable strength, but I never imagined you’d be so handsome. You’re incomparable to any jewel.”

She examined my face from every angle, her eyes gleaming with admiration—not as if appraising a person, but as though studying a masterpiece of art.

“Madam Michelle, we have limited time. Shall we discuss the matter at hand?”

“Ah, forgive me. It’s an occupational habit of mine.”

Michelle tapped her own cheek apologetically at Sheryl’s words.

“I have a daughter named Ensia.”

Michelle slid Glen’s badge to the center of the table and began speaking slowly.

“As the youngest, she was cherished by everyone. Bright, with an open and refreshing personality, and remarkably talented in artifact crafting. She was my greatest masterpiece—I even considered passing my position to her.”

She spoke candidly about her successor even before those from Zigheart, outsiders to her family.

“But starting from the middle of last year, her body began to show signs of trouble.”

“Trouble, you say…?”

“At first, she complained of pain in one of her finger joints—as if pierced by a hot needle. I thought perhaps a thorn had lodged itself during her work, but that wasn’t it. Healers and physicians found nothing amiss, so I assumed it was temporary. But then…”

Michelle bit her lip firmly.

“A month later, a single finger began to ache. Then another month passed, and the entire hand started causing pain.”

“From a single finger joint to the entire hand?”

“Yes. The pain intensified progressively until it felt not like a needle’s prick, but like being stabbed with a blade heated in fire.”

“Such….”

“Hah!”

Understanding the severity of such agony, both the Heavenly Sword Squad and the Gwangpung Unit grimaced in unison.

“As you can imagine, it worsened with time. From the hand to the wrist, forearm, arm. The left hand, the right leg. Now more than half of that child’s body is consumed by pain.”

Michelle’s complexion darkened to an ashen hue. Her hands trembled as if she wished the suffering were her own instead.

“Even renowned priests and physicians couldn’t identify the cause, let alone find a cure. The seizure intervals grow shorter, the agony intensifies, and now the child refuses treatment entirely—simply waiting for death.”

“Mm….”

I swallowed dryly. If such blade-like pain truly radiated from more than half my body, I would be enduring torment far worse than death itself.

‘Even observing the condition would be agonizing.’

Any touch during treatment would only amplify the suffering. I understood why the child refused care.

‘Yet something feels familiar….’

The pain escalating from a needle’s prick to a blade’s wound, spreading progressively across the entire body—something about it nagged at me.

“So as a last resort, I decided to reach out to the Saint of Rags. But….”

“You couldn’t reach him.”

“That’s right.”

Michelle clutched her chest and nodded.

‘As expected.’

Pedrick, the Saint of Rags, prioritizes the patients before him. He wouldn’t come here to save Michelle’s daughter unless every patient in that region was gone.

“So I used this tablet. To bring it to the Saint of Rags and ask him to save my daughter.”

“I understand. I accept the mission.”

Sheryl nodded upon seeing the wooden tablet with Glen’s name inscribed on it.

“Then shall we depart immediately….”

“I’m sorry, but could we go a few days later?”

“Is there a reason?”

“I heard that the healer Themurs is in a nearby village, so I’d like to have him give a final diagnosis before we leave.”

“Themurs….”

I clenched my fist with the hand I’d pulled back.

‘A filthy name I haven’t heard in ages.’

Themurs was an exceptionally talented healer belonging to the Robert Family, renowned throughout the Continent, and one of Derus Robert’s most trusted subordinates who knew the darker aspects of his nature.

“Ensia will likely refuse Themurs’s treatment, but we’re going to try to force her to see him regardless.”

Michelle’s face was gaunt and drawn. Her complexion was terribly pallid, worn down by worry for her daughter and anxiety about the treatment ahead.

‘Something smells off about this.’

The Robert Family had long favored creating debts with outstanding families or subjugating them by eliminating their heads. Derus Robert especially would never send his cherished Themurs without ulterior purpose.

“Excuse me.”

I raised my hand for the first time.

“Would it be possible to meet your daughter?”

“Ensia?”

“Yes. If I understand her current condition and the nature of her ailment, I can make appropriate preparations for the journey.”

“That makes sense. We’ll need to see her before we can formulate a proper plan.”

Sheryl nodded in agreement as well.

“Hmm, that child has been suffering for over a year now, so her nerves are extremely frayed. Recently, she won’t even allow pulse readings or examinations….”

“That’s fine. Just let us see her.”

“Sigh….”

When I asked again, Michelle sighed as if she had no choice and stood up.

“Though you might be fine, you know.”

She looked at my face and left a cryptic remark.

*

*

*

I followed Michelle toward the innermost chamber on the 9th Floor.

As I opened the pink door and stepped inside, a young woman lying on a large bed came into view. Like Michelle, she possessed refined features and striking beauty, yet her lips were parched and her complexion pallid—signs of grave distress.

Moreover, her left hand, which hung outside the blanket, was grotesquely swollen and flushed red like heated glass.

‘This is severe.’

I furrowed my brow. Without any external wounds, such a condition could only mean unbearable suffering for an ordinary person.

“Hmm….”

Sheryl’s expression darkened as well, sensing the same gravity.

“The internal energy is far too depleted. We must exercise caution during transport.”

“We’ve prepared the carriage. It’s designed to minimize shock so it won’t be too much of a burden on the child….”

While the two discussed the carriage, I approached Ensia.

‘If Derus had done something to her….’

I gently drew up my aura to examine her condition.

“Mmgh….”

Ensia let out a small moan and opened her eyes. Her orange irises swept across everyone in the room before stopping on me.

“Oh, Ensia! Don’t be startled! These people are—”

“Ah….”

As a flustered Michelle rushed forward, words no one could have anticipated spilled from Ensia’s lips.

“Damn, you’re handsome….”

—————
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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