The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 228
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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 228
Sheryl tossed the charred and collapsed Rimer into a corner, then approached Glen.
“Master. Was that expression earlier because you were holding back laughter?”
Glen didn’t answer, merely furrowing his brow as he extended his hand.
Rumble!
A bolt of lightning erupted from the ceiling, striking down upon Rimer’s shoulder as he lay sprawled on the ground.
“Gaaahhh!”
Rimer, who had been half-unconscious, screamed and reflexively jolted upright.
“Why… why are you…?”
He couldn’t even properly protest before his head crashed back to the ground.
“You were the one who started it.”
Glen clenched his fist, as though regretting he couldn’t strike harder.
“Master.”
Sheryl lowered her eyes and stepped forward.
“Now I understand why you had Raon accompany you on missions.”
She opened her eyes with a faint smile.
At first, I thought he was just a lucky guy blessed with talent from the heavens, but that wasn’t the case at all. That kid would immerse himself in training whenever he had a spare moment, even while carrying out missions. There are no lazy knights in Zigheart’s training, but Raon was the first one I’d seen put in that much effort.
Raon would swing his sword or fall into meditation whenever he had spare time. I’ve seen many swordsmen, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone so obsessed with training.
“I thought his cold personality matched his appearance, but it turned out he was just reserved in his expressions while carefully observing everything in detail. In a short time, I grew fond of him and found myself naturally taking care of various things for him without realizing it.”
Sheryl’s voice was brimming with affection for Raon.
“Now I understand why that fool called him a family head candidate, and why the family head thinks so highly of Raon. He’s quite the specimen to observe.”
“Ahem. I suppose so.”
Glen Zigheart cleared his throat and lifted his chin slightly. The corners of his mouth, which he’d been forcibly suppressing, rose subtly.
“That boy has the qualities to become great both as a swordsman and as a leader. I’ll make sure to observe him carefully going forward.”
“That’s entirely up to you.”
He rested his chin on his hand as if he didn’t much care, but his smile climbed higher and higher.
“Oh, that reminds me.”
Sheryl frowned and looked up at Glen Zigheart.
“It seems Raon is trying to meet with Dogyae.”
“Dogyae? Why all of a sudden?”
“That fool seemed intent on finding out where he lost his money and going after him.”
She pointed to Rimer, who was huddled in the corner gasping for breath.
“I wondered why he looked like a beggar—he went to the Gambling House again.”
“I-It was truly unfortunate this time.”
Rimer got up nervously and scratched his head.
“If just one more card had come my way, I would’ve won it all, but that one card didn’t show….”
“Fool.”
Sheryl sighed and shook her head.
“Isn’t it time you stopped?”
Glen Zigheart’s brow furrowed. His tone was different from his usual scolding.
“That’s not what everyone hoped for from you.”
“I don’t know any other way.”
Rimer offered a bitter smile and shrugged his shoulders.
“Sigh.”
Glen exhaled sharply and turned his head away.
“Why is that fool going to find Dogyae? What’s Raon thinking?”
“Based on how he mentioned the Three Pacts and laughed, it’s clear that gambler is trying to recover the money he lost.”
Sheryl relayed Raon’s earlier conversation exactly as it had transpired.
“Dogyae belongs to Zigheart, but he’s become someone who no longer belongs to Zigheart, so some caution will be necessary. Shall we stop him?”
“There’s no need.”
Glen shook his head slowly.
“That child needs to experience mistakes and defeat at least once. Let him be.”
“Understood.”
Sheryl offered no objection and simply withdrew.
“And…”
“Huh? Wh-what?”
As Glen extended his hand, Rimer, who had been quietly leaving the Audience Chamber, suddenly lifted into the air.
“Why are you suddenly—”
“You’re the one who taught Raon that useless gambling.”
“As I’ve said before, I never did any such thing! I’m telling you the truth!”
“Then who else taught that child gambling if not you!”
“I didn’t do it, I said I didn’t—gaaahhh!”
Rimer’s aggrieved voice was swallowed by thunder as he plummeted to the ground.
“Roen.”
Glen relaxed his stern expression and smiled at Roen, gesturing to him.
“Yes, Patriarch.”
“You remember what you said earlier?”
“What…?”
“That if Raon were your grandson, you’d spread the news all over town.”
“Ah, yes.”
Roen nodded in agreement.
“So why not spread word of Raon’s exploits a bit more? Well, it’s not really for Raon’s sake—it’s more that the family’s reputation rises when we produce the youngest Master. Yes, that’s it. For the sake of the family.”
Glen Zigheart maintained his usual composed expression, though a subtle tremor only those close to him would recognize colored his voice.
“Family promotion. Not a bad idea. I’ll see to it.”
“I think that’s an excellent approach as well.”
Roen nodded with a faint smile, and Sheryl offered a subtle one in return.
“Ah, no. That’s not what I meant….”
Rimer gasped as he pushed himself upright.
“Forget the promotion! Show him you care about Raon! What good is all this publicity anyway? Just embrace your grandson once as a grandfather and say, ‘You’ve worked hard, my beloved grandson Raon!’ and that’s all it takes—why is that so difficult… Kyaaagh!”
Twin bolts of crimson lightning descended upon him from above and below simultaneously, sending him rolling across the floor.
Sizzzzzzle!
Black smoke curled lazily from Rimer’s body and clothes.
“Such things should be suggested gradually.”
Sheryl shook her head as she observed Rimer, who had somehow survived four lightning strikes.
“Fool.”
*
*
*
I led Julius across the Garden of the Annex Building. As we drew closer to the structure, his hands began to tremble slightly.
‘He must be nervous.’
It was only natural for Julius to be anxious—leaving his homeland to settle in a new place was a significant change. I recalled a similar experience when I’d brought Yua here before.
“Don’t be too nervous. Everyone here is kind.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Julius took a deep breath and nodded.
“Oh, there’s also someone your age inside.”
“Someone my age, you say?”
At my mention of someone his age, Julius’s eyes gleamed with interest. It seemed he’d sensed a potential rival.
“Yes. I hope you two get along well.”
I chuckled softly and opened the door to the Annex Building.
“Oh!”
Yua, wearing a white baker’s hat and holding a tray, widened her eyes in surprise.
“Young Master!”
Yua rushed forward, the tray in her hands bearing steaming pies that released wisps of fragrant steam.
“You’ve finally arrived!”
Her twin braids, hanging from beneath her hat, fluttered like butterfly wings.
“Have you been well?”
“Of course!”
Yua nodded, her voice now far more vibrant and full of life than before.
“I heard you’d returned, so we’ve all been preparing dinner together. It’s almost ready, so go wash up quickly.”
“Understood.”
“But, um….”
As I nodded and turned toward the Washroom, Yua tilted her head while looking at Julius Forzan.
“He’s a child who’ll be living with us from now on. He’s the same age as you, so treat him well.”
“The same age? Wow! I’m Yua. Nice to meet you!”
Yua flashed a vibrant smile and tilted her head slightly. Despite holding a tray, she greeted him with utmost kindness.
“I am Julius Forzan.”
Julius Forzan bowed respectfully despite being told we were the same age, his speech remaining formal.
“You should wash up and come quickly too!”
Yua smiled brightly and dashed toward the Dining Hall.
“Is that person truly the same age as me?”
“Yes.”
“Ah, I thought she was a warrior.”
Relief bloomed across Julius Forzan’s solemn expression.
“She is a warrior.”
“Pardon?”
“She hasn’t been on the path long, but she walks the way of the warrior. She possesses the kind of talent that even Eden covets—just like you.”
“Gasp!”
At those words, Julius Forzan’s mouth fell open. The competitive spirit that had settled reignited, and his eyes blazed with fervor.
“Raon!”
“Young Master!”
Whether Yua had relayed the message or not, Sylvia and the maids came rushing out from the Kitchen and Dining Hall in a flurry.
“Oh, our son’s face has become so gaunt! Are all your injuries healed? Hmm?”
“And you haven’t been eating properly either! Children!”
“Yes! I’ll prepare something right away!”
Sylvia touched her face and sniffled, while Helen grasped my hand and bit her lip. The other maids sighed with concern and rushed back toward the Dining Hall.
I smiled faintly as I observed everyone’s reactions.
‘They haven’t changed.’
Sylvia and Helen remained unchanged even after becoming Masters. Rather than celebrating my victory over Eden’s spirits, they only worried whether I was doing well and if my injuries had fully healed. My heart felt at ease.
“I’m fully recovered now. I’m fine.”
I squeezed the hand Helen held and nodded.
“I’m just tall—not thin. Don’t worry.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Are you absolutely certain?”
“I am.”
Sylvia only released a relieved sigh after confirming three times.
“But this child here….”
She widened her eyes as she looked at Julius standing to my right.
“He’ll be living with us from now on. From Letran….”
I briefly explained Julius’s circumstances.
“Those demonic creatures again….”
Sylvia bit her lip and bent down to meet Julius’s eyes.
“Welcome, child. No monsters will ever harm you from now on.”
“No, ma’am. I am to become a Master. I must always be prepared to fight, wherever and whenever….”
“Don’t worry.”
Sylvia wrapped her arms around Julius, who was shaking his head in refusal.
‘There it is again.’
Having lost her husband and daughter to Eden’s specters, Sylvia harbored the deepest hatred and fear toward Eden. The memories of that tragedy had surfaced, and her emotions ran far more turbulent than usual.
“Ugh, w-why all of a sudden…”
Julius was flustered, yet he did not resist the genuine warmth in her embrace—he merely bit his lip firmly. He was enduring it, but this boy was still young. He must have suffered greatly until now.
I watched Julius, his face flushed crimson with embarrassment, and smiled gently.
“Welcome to the Annex Building of Zigheart.”
*
*
*
After washing in the Washroom, I entered the Dining Hall.
The elongated rectangular table was laden with an abundance of dishes, and the maids stood behind the chairs with gentle smiles.
Shortly after, Helen, Yua, and Sylvia brought in a pot brimming with creamy white stew and set it upon the table.
“Everyone, be seated.”
At Sylvia’s gesture, I and the maids took our places.
“Today is a celebration of Raon’s return! A celebration of Raon becoming a Master! A celebration of Raon becoming a hero! A celebration of Raon receiving a golden badge! A celebration of Raon and the Legend Sword Association…”
“Mother…”
Only when I furrowed my brow and shook my head did Sylvia’s seemingly endless words finally cease.
“Ah, yes. That’s enough.”
Sylvia smiled brightly and clapped her hands together.
“Everyone must be famished, so before we eat—let’s give our final round of applause to Raon, the youngest Master!”
“Kyaaaaaaah!”
“Congratulations!”
“I knew you could do it, Raon!”
“That’s right! You worked so hard for this!”
Helen and the attendants all smiled warmly and offered their applause in celebration.
I met everyone’s gaze and smiled softly.
‘This truly is pleasant.’
After dealing with schemers who clapped with their hands while muttering criticism through their lips, hearing these sincere words warmed my heart and filled it with comfort.
“Then let’s eat before it gets cold!”
Before eating her own meal, Sylvia ladled out a portion of stew and placed it before me.
“It’s a stew made with a new recipe. It’s loaded with beef, vegetables, and fruit!”
-Ooh! Just hearing about it makes my mouth water!
Wrath leaped up over the bracelet like a carp thrashing in water.
-Eat it at once! Guide this king into a new world of flavors!
I pushed aside Wrath, who was emanating an aura as if declaring war, and grasped the bowl of stew.
“Thank you.”
I bowed my head to Sylvia and took a spoonful of the stew.
The initial taste revealed the concentrated richness of beef, the middle notes brought forth the savory yet tender essence of the stew itself, and the finish was graced with a subtle sweetness from the fruit—a remarkable dish.
-Ahh, the three flavors dance across the tongue in such harmonious accord. A work of admiration, truly.
‘Indeed.’
I nodded in agreement. I had thought the addition of fruit might diminish it, yet it blended as perfectly as if carefully calibrated.
-And it never strays from the fundamentals. The care infused within it allows the new flavors to permeate beautifully. I am most pleased.
Wrath nodded with a satisfied expression.
-Home cooking is always the best, after all.
‘….’
Raon looked at Wrath with an incredulous gaze.
Your home is the Demon Realm.
*
*
*
-That was delicious.
After finishing a satisfying meal, I returned to my room alongside Wrath, who was patting his belly contentedly. I was organizing my belongings when three knocks sounded at the door.
“Come in.”
Without a word, the door opened and Judith entered, bowing her head.
“Has anything happened?”
“Nothing until just now….”
Judith smacked her lips briefly before continuing.
“The Central Intelligence Agency has issued orders to investigate whether you have any special injuries, or any lingering aftereffects.”
“Lingering aftereffects….”
I chuckled softly. Karun was truly consistent as always.
“What should we do?”
“For now, let it be. If I respond immediately, it will raise suspicion.”
“Understood.”
Judith nodded immediately, as if she shared the same thought.
“I have one favor to ask.”
“Please, speak.”
“Can you investigate Dogyae for me?”
“You mean the Dogyae from the Dogyae Trio?”
“That’s right.”
I set down the backpack I’d emptied of its contents and nodded.
“It seems the one who was winning the Unit Commander’s money at the Gambling House wasn’t an ordinary gambler—it was Dogyae. I need to recover my winnings.”
-That’s not even your money, I’m telling you.
Wrath shook his head in exasperation.
“Understood. Since he’s a figure from the past, it may take some time, but I’ll gather the most current information available.”
Judith left the room with those reassuring words.
-What exactly is this Dogyae you’ve been talking about?
‘There’s a grandfather who loves gambling, drinking, and fighting.’
I smiled faintly and settled onto the bed.
“Wrath. Are you feeling better?”
-Hmm, reasonably well. I’ll feel even better after some proper rest.
“Craving some ice cream?”
-I’m craving it! After a meal like that, I’m absolutely desperate for something sweet!
Wrath nodded eagerly, his tongue poking out slightly.
I chuckled at his reaction, amused.
“Then shall we get to work?”
*
*
*
The next day.
I led Yua and Julius toward the Garden, which Roen managed.
“Roen!”
Having grown considerably closer over time, Yua waved her hand and rushed toward Roen, while Julius followed awkwardly in my wake.
“So the Master has come as well.”
Roen, who had taken Yua’s hand, smiled gently as he looked at me.
“I wanted to see how much she’s learned. And….”
I gently pushed Julius forward.
“I’ve helped him establish the fundamentals during our time here, but I’d appreciate it if you could watch over him as well.”
“Hehe, since they’re similar in age, training together shouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Roen nodded, alternating his gaze between Yua and Julius.
‘As expected, he’s quite perceptive.’
He seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion—that fostering a sense of rivalry between Yua and Julius would be beneficial.
“Then let’s start by loosening up the body.”
Roen demonstrated by rotating his wrists and ankles. The movements gradually expanded from small motions to larger ones, a warm-up routine that prepared the entire body.
“What has Julius learned from you?”
“I’ve learned the fundamental stances of martial arts. The ready stance, the three basic stances, and training methods like the horse stance.”
Julius recited one by one the fundamentals he had learned during his time here.
“I see.”
Roen examined Julius carefully and nodded.
“Then I think it would be best to start running.”
“Pardon?”
“This Garden has soft ground, making it ideal for running. Shall we do ten laps first?”
“Ah….”
Julius’s eyes widened as he looked at Roen, then he bit his lip firmly.
“Understood!”
He took his stance and began running through the Garden.
“Hmm, he’s not refusing as I expected.”
Roen shrugged his shoulders with a look of pleasant surprise.
“He’s acknowledging you.”
I watched Julius’s retreating figure and smiled faintly.
“Acknowledging?”
“That fellow only listens to those he acknowledges. He’s following you because he recognizes your worth.”
“That’s rather interesting.”
Roen watched until Julius disappeared among the thickets of the Garden, then turned his head.
“Then shall we begin?”
“Yes!”
Yua took her place at the center of the Garden alongside Roen.
“Sound can be heard everywhere in this world—in the wind that brushes past your head, in these beautiful and vibrant petals, or in a sword forged by striking steel. Sound exists all around us.”
“Yes! I know!”
Yua’s twin tails trembled like rabbit ears.
“While it’s wonderful to simply enjoy the sounds of nature as they are, those of us like you can refine those sounds into something more pleasant to hear.”
Roen raised both his left and right hands simultaneously and clapped them lightly together.
Paaang!
The moment the crisp sound of applause echoed through the Garden, my mind cleared as if I’d been struck by a refreshing breeze, and the fatigue and lethargy from the journey vanished in an instant.
“Wow, that’s refreshing!”
Yua felt it too, bouncing on her feet and nodding enthusiastically.
“That sound just now was created by blending mana in the atmosphere with a special technique to clarify your minds.”
Roen smiled faintly.
“Huh….”
I opened my mouth in astonishment. I’d known that martial arts utilizing sound existed, but I never expected a single clap to produce the sensation of having completed a meditation session.
“Roen.”
I raised my hand.
“Could you use a clap in the opposite manner to kill—no, to attack an enemy?”
I’d started to say “kill” but caught myself when I glanced at Yua.
“Of course.”
Roen turned with a cold smile.
“Would you like to experience it?”
“Yes.”
I nodded, resonating the Ring of Fire while concentrating my focus on Roen.
“Then….”
Roen spread his hands wider before clapping. The aura from his dantian enveloped the atmosphere, creating a wave laden with killing intent.
Screeeech!
Since I hadn’t braced myself to properly experience it, a sharp ringing filled my ears, my body momentarily paralyzed and unable to move, and my stomach churned.
‘So they spread aura through the air using the sound of clapping as a medium.’
This technique of sound—one that could awaken the mind or leave it dazed—was not so different from swordsmanship. It involved infusing aura into the sound one produced to either attack an opponent or bolster their strength.
‘I don’t understand the incantation itself, but I think I can roughly replicate it.’
Since I’d resonated with the Ring of Fire and Roen had demonstrated it so flawlessly, I believed I could mimic the method of infusing killing intent into a clap.
‘I can use the sound of the blade instead of clapping.’
If I utilized the friction sound from drawing the blade and the vibration of the blade’s resonance—its cry—it would be entirely feasible.
“As expected, you truly understand how to learn, young master.”
Roen smiled warmly, as if he hadn’t expected me to receive the aura without generating my own.
“May I attempt it as well?”
“You mean what I just did?”
“Yes.”
“Of course.”
Roen nodded eagerly, spreading his legs to shoulder width as anticipation gleamed in his eyes.
“Yua, come behind me.”
“Ah, yes.”
I sent Yua behind me and confirmed Julius’s position. After verifying that neither would be harmed, I gripped the hilt of the Heavenly Sword.
‘The essence isn’t so different.’
Swordsmanship and the technique of sound were not fundamentally different. What mattered was how quickly and precisely I could infuse aura into the sound.
“Then I shall begin.”
The moment crimson light flickered in my eyes, the Heavenly Sword revealed its silver fangs and unleashed a dragon’s cry.
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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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