The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 225

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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 225

I narrowed my eyes as I gazed upon the box engraved with a red dragon and a blue dragon.

‘This is a legendary-grade artifact?’

Michelle hadn’t prepared this in advance—she’d extracted the box from a pile of miscellaneous items. She’d tossed it to me as casually as one might discard a stone from the ground, then declared it a legendary-grade artifact. It was utterly absurd.

‘Though I suppose everything is managed this way here.’

She had scattered all the high-grade artifacts she’d returned moments earlier across the floor as well. It seemed she was naturally inclined toward disorder.

“Open it, please.”
“Very well.”

I met Michelle’s eager gaze and opened the box.

‘A ring?’

Inside the box lay a single ring with an unusual design. A red dragon and a blue dragon intertwined, their tails connected in an extraordinary form.

‘Such exquisite craftsmanship….’

The two dragons forming the ring possessed not merely distinct features, but each scale gleamed with such smoothness that they appeared alive. To embed such intricate detail into so small a ring was unmistakably the work of a renowned artisan.

“It’s an artifact called the Crimson-Azure Ring. Since you can wield both fire and water attributes, that ring will be quite useful to you.”
“Fire and water attributes?”
“Yes. It amplifies the potency of fire-attribute and water-attribute mana, and it has the ability to mitigate internal injuries.”
“I see….”

My mouth formed a perfect circle as I regarded the Crimson-Azure Ring. If it truly enhanced both attributes’ auras and provided internal injury mitigation as Michelle described, it was the perfect artifact for me.

‘She prepared this beforehand.’

Michelle must have heard about this coming battle and selected the most necessary artifact accordingly.

“I was planning to keep this as a memento rather than sell it, but it seems it’s finally found its true owner.”

Michelle gazed at the Crimson Jade Ring with distant eyes. There seemed to be some deeper story behind it.

“Are you truly certain I may accept this?”

I swept the box containing the Crimson Jade Ring aside and smacked my lips. I had already received the substantial reward of monopoly rights, and accepting such a ring on top of that felt rather burdensome.
Especially since this wasn’t a routine task—I had acted to save a human life, and that weighed heavily on my conscience.

“Of course. The artifact’s creator would be delighted if you accepted it, Raon.”
“The creator?”
“Hehe.”

Michelle let out a light laugh and glanced to the side.

“Raon, you look handsome whether you’re bathed in natural light or indoor illumination.”

Ensia was giggling as she watched me holding the Crimson Jade Ring.

“Surely not?”
“That’s right. The Crimson Jade Ring is Ensia’s first Legendary-grade artifact. The symptoms appeared immediately after its creation, so we couldn’t even promote it.”
“Huh….”

I exhaled sharply while looking at Ensia.

‘How is that even possible?’

No matter how I looked at it, Ensia appeared to be only in her early twenties. Since she had collapsed two years ago, that meant she had created this Legendary-grade artifact around age twenty. I was so dumbfounded I couldn’t close my mouth.

“So there is a genius who shakes the entire Continent here as well.”
“Creating a Legendary-grade artifact in her twenties—I’ve never heard of such a thing….”

Sheryl and Pedrick’s eyes widened like lanterns upon learning that Ensia was the creator of the Crimson Jade Ring.

“Ufufu.”

That genius, oblivious to their praise of her, continued giggling while looking at me.

“Ensia.”
“You’re genuinely devastatingly handsome.”
“Ensia?”
“No matter how many times I look, I never tire of it… Ow!”

Only after Michelle slapped her back did focus return to Ensia’s eyes.

“Ensia. Would it be alright if I gave the Cerulean Crimson Ring to Lord Raon?”
“Of course. A masterpiece achieves its true completion when it finds a worthy owner.”

Ensia’s sea-blue eyes sparkled with an enigmatic light. I realized this was the true face of a craftsman who created legendary-grade artifacts in her twenties.

“Actually, that ring has one more effect.”
“You mean there’s another ability besides mana enhancement and internal injury mitigation?”
“Yes!”

Ensia nodded with confident gestures.

‘She’s definitely not an ordinary person.’

Someone who was a candidate for the Yonan Family succession and had crafted a legendary-grade artifact in her twenties couldn’t possibly be a fool who only cared about appearances.

“So what’s this fourth ability?”

I spoke with the same tension that had gripped my chest when I first met Ensia.

“It’s an ability I didn’t anticipate myself, but it smooths the skin and brightens the complexion.”
“Pardon?”

My jaw dropped at this unexpected ability.

“Simply put, it’s a beauty effect! I’m so curious to see how much more handsome you’ll become when you wear it!”

Ensia rubbed her hands together and leaned her face forward eagerly, looking ready to drool from her gaping mouth.

“Put it on quickly!”

She made a grand gesture urging me to equip the Cerulean Crimson Ring.

“Hmm….”

I swallowed dryly.

‘I was mistaken.’

It seemed that her true nature was indeed this appearance obsessed with beauty, and the mysterious aura she’d displayed earlier was merely an act.

“Hurry up!”
“Yes, understood.”

I exhaled softly and equipped the Cyan-Crimson Ring. Contrary to my expectation that it would feel rough, the ring settled smoothly onto my finger.

Goooooh!

The moment I fully equipped the Cyan-Crimson Ring, cyan and crimson light burst from the eyes of the two dragons, and thread-like energy burrowed into my mana circuits, harmonizing with the Myriad Fire Force and Glaceia that lay dormant in my dantian.

Uuuuung!

The energies of the Myriad Fire Force and Glaceia rose of their own accord, their solidity and magnitude now on an entirely different level than before. The mana amplification effect embedded in the Cyan-Crimson Ring was far more rapid and immense than I’d anticipated.

‘Now I understand the internal protection effect too.’

Countless soft, minuscule mana particles spread throughout my body, mitigating the impact on my organs.

‘Extraordinary….’

My eyes gleamed as I gazed at the Cyan-Crimson Ring. The immediate sensation of aura amplification and internal injury protection upon equipping it proved this was no mere legendary-tier artifact.

-No, no, no!

Wrath climbed onto the bracelet, wrinkling his snout.

-How are there so many fools in this world! Why are they all so desperate to shower you with gifts!

He raged about how I was collecting so much from a single mission. It seemed he was irritated that I was receiving numerous stat increases and additional rewards.

-Stupid, gullible fools!

I chuckled softly as I watched Wrath exhale cold vapor from above his head.

You’re the greatest fool of them all.

I didn’t mention that among those fools, Wrath himself was the one I couldn’t fell—after all, you don’t cut down a tree that gives so generously.

“This is incredible.”

I lifted the Cyan-Crimson Ring with an elated smile.

“Huh?”

But everyone was staring not at the ring, but at my face, their eyes widening in shock.

“Gasp!”
“Your face is literally glowing….”
“Your handsomeness has doubled! It’s radiating from your entire face!”

Michelle and Pedrick were left breathless, while Ensia’s eyes went so wide they nearly bulged from their sockets.

“Th-that ring really does have an effect. The aura emanating from your face is palpable.”

Even Sheryl, who paid no mind to appearances, stumbled slightly over her words in astonishment.

“Sigh….”

I removed the Cyan-Crimson Ring from my finger and exhaled softly.

It seemed this ring should only be worn during combat.

*

*

*

Four days later, at dawn.
I and the Zigheart swordsmen had recovered from the fatigue of our journey and were prepared to depart for Zigheart once more.

The swordsmen wore unfamiliar accessories on their wrists and fingers—artifacts that Ensia had gifted them all.

“Prepare for departure. Check thoroughly that nothing is left behind.”

Sheryl, as always, emerged first to inspect my condition and that of the swordsmen.

“Yes!”

I and the swordsmen nodded and checked our equipment and supplies once more.

“It’s such a shame that I won’t see you for a while, Raon….”

Ensia, her eyes darkened as though she hadn’t slept, scrunched her face while keeping her mouth sealed.

“Without lying, I’d almost prefer to fall ill again.”

Her eyes didn’t waver in the slightest—she was sincere. It was beginning to unsettle me.

“That infernal handsomeness, that wretched beauty. I’m sick of it. So sick….”
“But today is the last time you’ll see that confidence thief. Bear with it.”

Dorian and Crain shook their heads from a distance, keeping their separation from Ensia.

“What are you saying! I’m the one going for the exclusive trade with Zigheart! I’ll continue to see you regularly, so please keep treating me well!”

Ensia turned to face the two of them with a bright smile.

“That confidence phantom has come calling. And to Zigheart no less….”
“Yeah.”
“Dorian.”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s die.”
“Yeah!”

Crain and Dorian collapsed to the ground with twisted expressions.

“Ensia.”

Burren approached Ensia while adjusting the teal necklace around his neck.

“Am I truly permitted to accept something like this?”
“Of course. We’ve done far less compared to what Raon has accomplished.”

Martha also seemed troubled by the matter, her expression darkening as she gazed at the brown bracelet adorning her wrist.

“Absolutely. You defended us against the assassins’ attacks and rescued Letran as well. Please, don’t feel burdened.”

Ensia nodded with a refreshing smile.

“Besides, from now on, Yonan and Zigheart will walk together. Think of this gift as a token of that contract and a bribe to seal our partnership.”

She waved her hand with a jest to ease the swordsmen’s discomfort.

“Well then, I’ll accept it gratefully.”

Burren bowed respectfully. Martha also nodded in thanks.

‘She has a good temperament.’

Raon smiled faintly as he watched Ensia greet the prosecutors. She was excellent not only in ability but also in consideration. He could understand why everyone in this family cherished her.

“Raon! Would you please stay and live here? That face is practically addictive! It’s like a drug!”

If only that one thing weren’t like that, it would be really great.

Raon sighed and turned around.

“Mr. Raon.”

Michelle approached with a faint smile.

“Of course.”
Of course.

Raon nodded and followed Michelle.

“I should have told you this before, but I’m only mentioning it now.”

She stopped at the garden entrance where two trees were tangled together.

“Do you perhaps have a betrothed?”
“I beg your pardon?”

I widened my eyes. I had expected Michelle to discuss business matters, yet what emerged from her lips was something I had never anticipated—a proposal regarding a betrothal.

“Your expression suggests you do not.”
“Well, that is… correct.”
“Then, would you consider my daughter as a potential spouse?”

Michelle gazed at Ensia, who was teaching Lunan peculiar words while holding his hand.

“It is not merely because she is my daughter, but objectively speaking, her temperament, appearance, and abilities are all quite exceptional. Our family lineage is also second to none.”

She continued with a faint smile.

“She is also quite fond of you, so would you consider giving it some thought?”

Michelle’s tone was serene. This was no jest—she spoke with genuine sincerity.

“Hmm…”

I exhaled softly.

‘I have never given such matters any consideration.’

My first objective in this life was vengeance, and my second was Sylvia’s return to the Main Lineage and the happiness of those in the Annex Building.

Beyond that, I had undertaken countless endeavors, and my enemies had only multiplied.

Particularly, casting Derus Robert into the depths of despair was impossible without risking my life. Since I knew not when death might claim me, I had spared no thought for my own future—only the pursuit of greater strength consumed my mind.

“I apologize, but I have not yet given such matters consideration. Nor do I have the leisure to do so.”

I lowered my head, declining her proposal with measured courtesy.

“As I suspected.”

Michelle nodded as though she had anticipated this response.

“I said I gained faith by seeing the light in your eyes, didn’t I?”
“Yes.”
“That earnest gaze does carry sincerity, but I didn’t see any composure or hope within it. I wish you’d think a little more of yourself.”

She met my gaze and offered a gentle smile.

“Hmm….”

I swallowed dryly. It seemed that those who had reached enlightenment, whether in swordsmanship or otherwise, possessed a different way of seeing—as if all paths converged into one.

‘The future.’

Perhaps. Just perhaps, if I were to survive after everything ended, it wouldn’t be so bad to think a little about what lay ahead.

“Thank you for the counsel.”

I bowed respectfully.

“That said, my earlier proposal wasn’t merely idle talk.”
“Pardon?”
“In that future, please consider taking Ensia as your partner.”
“I’m still of the Branch Family. A union would require someone from the Main Lineage….”
“The fact that you said ‘still’ means you’re confident you’ll rise. I’ll be waiting.”

Michelle waved her hand in a circular motion and approached Sheryl.

“Tsk tsk!”

I turned at the hearty laugh. Pedrick emerged from the Mansion with a smile on his face.

“You know how that feels now.”
“Indeed.”

I scratched at my reddened cheeks. True enough—there were few among the heads of great families who were easy to face.

“Have you been checking on that maidservant this whole time?”

Seeing the fatigue etched on Pedrick’s face, it seemed he had been monitoring the condition of the maidservant who had administered the Hell Worm to Ensia since last night.

“The brainwashing is stronger than I expected. After all these years of consistent conditioning, it’s only natural.”

He was right. That maidservant had likely been subjected to the same treatment as my past self—fear and brainwashing instilled from childhood.

“Still, don’t worry. I’ve called someone who’s an expert in this sort of thing, so even if it takes a while, we’ll find a way to treat her.”
“I trust you.”

I nodded. Who else would I trust with something like this if not Pedrick? All I could do was believe in him and wait.

“Are you truly certain you won’t come with me? The brainwashing treatment can wait a bit longer….”
“Brainwashing aside, you’ve given me assignments to complete, and Themurs left behind patients he abandoned mid-treatment. It seems I’ll be quite busy.”

He shrugged, indicating he had much to do.

“Then I suppose there’s no helping it.”

I straightened my posture and bowed my head.

“Thank you for everything.”
“I should be the one thanking you, you fool!”

Pedrick chuckled as if exasperated, patting my shoulder.

“You saved my life, and now you’re thanking me? What am I supposed to say? Are you trying to make me look bad?”
“That’s hardly my intention.”

I shook my head with a faint smile.

“From childhood until now, I can only offer my gratitude.”
“Honestly.”

The sincerity in my words seemed to please him, and his lips curved upward gently.

“Then take care of yourself.”
“Ah, wait!”

Just as I bowed and turned to leave, Pedrick grabbed my shoulder.

“If you want to know the truth about that girl’s heart. What I showed you before….”

He showed me one way to discern Glen’s true intentions and returned to the Mansion.

-It doesn’t seem like it will work at all.
‘I share that sentiment.’

I furrowed my brow as I watched Pedrick depart.

*

*

*

The long mission spanning from the Yonan Family to Letran and back to the Yonan Family had concluded, and I arrived at the Zigheart Main Gate with the swordsmen.

The towering silver Castle Wall and the eternal snow surrounding it never failed to ignite a warrior’s ambition whenever I beheld them.

“Heavenly Sword Squad and Gwangpung Unit. We have completed the Master’s mission and returned.”

Sheryl approached the gate and announced our return from the mission.

“We greet the Heavenly Sword Master!”
“Thank you for your hard work!”

The swordsmen guarding the gate ordered it opened while their gazes fixed not on Sheryl in front, but on me standing behind her.

‘The rumors have spread here too.’

I felt the stares of the gatekeepers and the swordsmen atop the Castle Wall. Seeing that everyone’s eyes were on me alone, it seemed the news of my ascension to Master had reached this place as well.

“I’ll have to endure considerable attention coming from all directions from now on.”

Eckon approached beside me and chuckled softly.

“From now on, it would be wise to be even more careful with your conduct. There will be more people from above looking to find fault without reason.”

His advice carried warmth, born from the closeness we had developed during the mission.

“I will keep that in mind.”

I nodded as I watched the door swing open. Those who stood at great heights inevitably drew responsibility and scrutiny. Whether it manifested as interest, jealousy, or challenge, I was prepared to embrace it all.

Creak, creak, creak!

The massive gate swung wide open. As Glen contemplated what words might suit such grandeur, a red-haired man suddenly burst forth from within.

“Raon! Everyone! Welcome back!”

It was Rimer. He came rushing toward us with both arms spread wide in greeting.

“Hmm….”

I narrowed my eyes as I watched Rimer approach.

‘Why has that man become a beggar again?’

—————
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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