The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 240

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————

Chapter 240

The moment the warship appeared, the merchant vessel under attack by the Cheongru Tribe had its keel shattered. The ship itself split in half and began sinking into the water.

“Aaaahhhhh!”

“P-please, save us!”

“Please! Someone stop those monsters!”

The sailors clinging to the sinking merchant vessel screamed in desperation.

Splash!

As Raon manipulated Glacea and plunged his hand into the river once more, red objects poured from the Nambuk Alliance’s warship.

Long, cylindrical objects fell with precision, landing directly in front of the sailors floundering in the water.

“Gasp! Gasp!”

“W-we’re alive.”

Despite the sailors’ weight pressing down on them, the objects—crafted from some special material—did not sink.

“You there!”

A magnificent voice, brimming with aura, erupted from the deck of the warship.

“Wipe them all out!”

With those words, the owner of the voice leaped down onto the river’s surface. Purple hair cascaded down past his shoulders, and his features were soft yet distinctly refined, his skin as clear as blank parchment. He was a young warrior who seemed to embody the very image of a noble prince.

“Woooah!”

“It’s Tiller Seiton!”

“We’re saved!”

The sailors, barely having surfaced from the water, cried out his name and cheered with jubilation.

“Hnn!”

The man called Tiller Seiton dashed across the water’s surface as if it were solid ground. Observing the rippling flow of mana in the river, it appeared he was employing a footwork technique designed to allow running across the water’s face.

‘Remarkable.’

I resonated the ring of fire, observing in detail the miraculous technique his footwork achieved.

Zing!

Arriving in an instant where the Cheongru Tribe had gathered, the man thrust the spear he carried across his shoulder into the center of the river.

Boom!

A brilliant blue river force spiraled from the spear’s tip, erupting in a colossal explosion.

“Screeeeeech!”

“Shrieeeek!”

The Cheongru Tribe members couldn’t withstand that tremendous shockwave and staggered like leaves caught in a tempest.

“Roooar!”

“They’re beasts no different from monsters!”

“Kill them all!”

The martial artists on the deck unleashed sword auras and spear auras toward the Cheongru Tribe, firing javelins and harpoons in rapid succession.

“Shriek!”

“Screeeam!”

The Cheongru Tribe couldn’t endure the overwhelming assault from the Nambuk Alliance’s martial artists and hastily retreated. Green blood streamed from their skin where the sword and spear auras had struck.

“Roooarrr!”

The largest of the Cheongru Tribe members clasped both hands together and released an eerie cry, causing the river water to surge upward like an inverted waterfall, obscuring the view, while azure mist billowed forth.

“Screeeech!”

The Cheongru Tribe seized that chaotic moment and dove beneath the river’s surface, vanishing from sight.

“Where are you going!”

Tiller scoffed and kicked at the churning water. Reversing his grip on the spear, he drove it downward into the river like fishing for prey.

Splash!

The river water carved away in a semicircle, and the young, small Cheongru Tribe member beneath became a tattered rag impaled upon the spear.

“I can’t send all of them back.”

He spun the spear, cleaving the young Cheongru Tribe member’s body in half, then smiled with satisfaction.

“Woooow!”

“That’s our commander for you!”

“Filthy monsters!”

The Nambuk Alliance warriors on the front lines laughed at the sight of the Cheongru Tribe member spilling green blood, now lifeless.

“Gasp!”

“I… I’m alive.”

“Th-thank you!”

“Tiller! Thank you for saving us!”

The surviving sailors, still submerged in the water, bowed their heads to Tiller.

“It’s nothing to make a fuss over.”

Tiller smiled faintly and reversed his spear, wielding it like an oar cutting through the water.

Whoooosh!

Waves rose gently as the sailors began drifting toward the riverbank.

“Ah, I’ve heard of him.”

Rimer scratched his chin as he regarded the man called Tiller.

“Tiller Seiton. The fifth disciple of the Nambuk Alliance’s leader—a martial artist who reached Master rank long ago. They say he’s renowned for his exceptional appearance and numerous heroic deeds, earning him the title of the Blue Swordsman.”

“I’ve heard of him as well.”

Raon nodded in agreement. Just as Rimer said, Tiller was a swordsman who, despite belonging to the Nambuk Alliance, displayed many heroic qualities and was favored by some within the Six Emperors.

“The Blue Swordsman?”

Martha frowned as she looked at Tiller.

“No matter how I look at it, he seems like a slimy, unlucky traitor merchant.”

“Nonsense.”

Burren Zigheart moved up beside Martha and shook his head.

“That man belongs to the Nambuk Alliance, but he’s a martial artist who has accumulated countless heroic deeds and virtuous acts. He’s of a different caliber than some common brigand.”

“Oh, now you’re defending a thief?”

“It’s not defense—I’m simply stating facts.”

The two of them growled at each other as they always did.

“He’s not exactly handsome.”

Lunan Slion shook his head after observing Raon and Tiller Seiton.

[You’re not going to strike, right?]

Raon kept his gaze fixed on Tiller Seiton, who approached riding the waves, and sent an aura message to Rimer.

[I can’t draw my blade when we’re here to save someone. If I strike now, it’ll start a war.]

Rimer answered with a soft chuckle.

Tiller Seiton first pulled the drowned sailor from the water, confirmed their injuries, and then approached.

“Oh?”

His mouth fell open as he caught sight of the blazing sword emblem emblazoned on the Gwangpung Unit uniform.

“You’re from Zigheart!”

Despite recognizing Zigheart at a glance, Tiller Seiton showed no wariness whatsoever, reversing his spear.

His eyes rolled swiftly like pearls tumbling down a hillside, pausing only briefly on Lunan Slion, Martha, Raon, and Rimer.

“Could you possibly be the Radiant Blade of Zigheart?”

“That’s right.”

“It’s an honor to meet you!”

Tiller Seiton bowed with a flushed face, his excitement palpable.

“An honor?”

“Yes! I’ve heard countless tales of your true protection of your lord, and the very word ‘swordsman’ has been etched into my ears through your deeds! I’ve truly longed to meet you.”

“Truly?”

“Yes! Among your exploits, I especially admired the Battle of Black Mountain…”

Tiller Seiton’s earnest desire to meet him was evident as he recounted Rimer’s accomplishments in rapid succession.

“Hah! You know your stuff, friend!”

Rimer’s mood brightened visibly as he grinned widely and patted Tiller Seiton’s shoulder.

“And this must be the Legend Sword Association.”

Tiller Seiton struck his fist against his chest.

“You know of me as well?”

“I was deeply moved hearing of how you rushed into danger as a child to save your benefactor. It is an honor to meet such a young hero.”

“But I cut down Eden, who are allies of the North-South Alliance. Are you certain it’s appropriate to say such things?”

I met Tiller’s blue eyes with a calm gaze.

“Allies… well, the word ‘allies’ is rather amusing, isn’t it? Everyone has different intentions.”

Tiller offered a subtle smile.

“Even among those living in the same place, everyone’s way of life differs. Not everyone in Oma thinks alike, nor do all in the North-South Alliance.”

“Hmm! That’s true.”

Rimer nodded in agreement, apparently pleased that Tiller had spoken favorably of him.

“What brings you to these parts?”

I asked, glancing at the airship Tiller had arrived on.

“I received a request for support from Doran Village, so I patrol here once a day.”

Tiller smiled warmly as he watched the people of Doran Village tending to his crew.

“How did the Gwangpung Unit come to be here? This hardly seems like a place one would pass through by chance.”

“We also received a request for assistance from Doran Village.”

“I see….”

Tiller’s words, which had been flowing like a stream, paused for a moment.

“Who? Ah, well, if we go just a bit further, we’ll be in Zigheart Territory anyway. It seems we were simply a little faster this time.”

He spoke in a lighthearted jest, his mood untroubled as he gazed upon the people of Doran Village.

Both the sailors and the rescue team of Doran Village looked upon Tiller and the Nambuk Alliance warriors with eyes of admiration, as if beholding heroes themselves.

“I suppose we shall meet frequently for some time. I look forward to our continued acquaintance.”

“The pleasure is ours as well.”

“Then!”

Tiller bowed his head slightly and stepped back onto the river’s surface.

“Wait—are you leaving just like this?”

“We haven’t even properly greeted you yet….”

“Tiller!”

“It is of no consequence. There is no need to concern yourselves.”

The sailors raised their hands, but Tiller withdrew with a gentle smile. Employing water-walking technique, he soared back to the front lines like a bird in flight.

“Let’s return! Move out!”

“Yes, sir!”

They left the Gazel River without demanding any compensation, without hesitation or regret.

“Quite a decent fellow, isn’t he?”

Rimer whistled as he watched the departing warship.

“He’s just as I’ve heard.”

Burren also smiled in agreement.

“I’m not so sure. His face looks like he’s covered in mayonnaise. Those types harbor serpents in their bellies.”

“True. It’s all shiny.”

Martha and Lunan Slion found themselves in agreement for perhaps the first time.

‘Have all the Cheongru Tribe really fled?’

I activated the Eye of Wrath just to be certain. No more Cheongru Tribe members were visible—they had all escaped.

‘Well, after an attack like that… wait?’

As I was trying to suppress my anger, I spotted a lone Cheongru Tribe member in the depths of the Gazel River. Its claws and fins were smaller than those I’d seen moments before, making it appear more human-like, and its eyes held a clarity reminiscent of the ancient Gazel River. It gazed steadily at me before disappearing into the deeper waters.

‘How curious.’

The Cheongru Tribe member I’d just witnessed was different from both the pure-hearted one I’d seen before and the monster-like ones from moments ago. How to describe it? It felt like making eye contact with a person.

“You really do come by every day.”

“I’m telling you, we should entrust the village to Tiller Seiton.”

“Exactly! He saves us without asking for anything in return. I don’t know about the North-South Alliance, but Tiller Seiton is someone we can trust.”

Even long after Tiller Seiton had vanished from sight, the villagers continued to chatter about him.

I watched the excited villagers and clicked my tongue inwardly.

‘They’re completely smitten.’

Judging by the reactions of the sailors and villagers, this place had already become the territory of the North-South Alliance—or rather, Tiller Seiton’s domain.

‘This won’t be easy.’

Planting the Zigheart flag in this village would prove to be quite the arduous task.

‘But there was something worthwhile about coming here.’

I smiled as I recalled the water-walking technique Tiller Seiton had demonstrated moments ago.

I’d learned something valuable.

*

*

*

After returning, Raon and the Gwangpung Unit sought out the Village Chief. Despite his advanced years, the Village Chief possessed a sturdy, well-built frame. Judging by his hands, he still engaged in laborious work.

“Thank you for coming.”

The Village Chief smiled and nodded, yet a barely concealed bitterness lingered at the corners of his mouth.

“Could you explain the situation first?”

Raon greeted him respectfully and posed the question. Since Rimer was the type to find such matters tedious, I had to take the initiative myself.

“Well, several months ago, the Cheongru Tribe began venturing beyond their dwelling and wandering various parts of the Gazel River. Since they caused no harm, we paid it little mind. But the trouble began two months ago.”

The Village Chief sighed and continued.

“The Cheongru Tribe, who would normally hide at the mere sound of a boat, suddenly attacked a fishing vessel. It’s hard to believe for anyone who knows the Cheongru Tribe, but I witnessed it with my own eyes.”

“I see…”

Raon nodded. This was the information I had heard when Rimer mentioned the mission.

“As time passed, the Cheongru Tribe’s aggression intensified. They sank boats and began targeting people. Now they’re even targeting the large merchant vessel you saw earlier.”

“Do you know why they’re attacking the boats and people?”

“I have no idea whatsoever.”

The Village Chief shook his head weakly.

“Unlike other non-human races, the Cheongru Tribe cannot speak the human language. Despite observing them for a long time, we’ve had almost no meaningful interaction, which has caused us considerable trouble.”

His clenched fist trembled.

“As the Cheongru Tribe’s attacks continued and I was at a loss for what to do, some warriors from the Nambuk Alliance happened to pass through the waterway and came to our aid. They swiftly defeated the Cheongru Tribe, who were said to be invincible in water, and even rescued those who had fallen in.”

The moment the Village Chief uttered the words “Nambuk Alliance,” a smile bloomed across his face.

“Tiller readily agreed whenever we asked him to conduct patrols, and he inspects the Gazel River every single day. Today as well, the moment he heard that the Cheongru Tribe had attacked, he came and rescued the sailors. So the thing is….”

He hesitated for a long while before slowly opening his mouth.

“To the Zigheart swordsmen who have come all this way, I am truly sorry, but we have decided to entrust the protection of our village to the Nambuk Alliance.”

The Village Chief finished his words even as his lips trembled.

“I see.”

Since this was what I had anticipated, I nodded lightly. The entire village had fallen under the spell of Tiller from the Nambuk Alliance.

‘And they are closer, too.’

It was not Zigheart that was near this village, but the Nambuk Alliance. It was hardly strange that they would seek out those who were closer and would visit more frequently.

“I, I also have a question I’d like to ask. The Zigheart investigators who came not long ago, and whoever requested that you come here….”

“That would be….”

“I made the request.”

Just as Raon was about to answer, a deep voice echoed from beyond the door. The door swung wide open, and two young men stepped inside. One possessed a sturdy frame befitting a seasoned warrior, while the other was lean, yet his eyes gleamed with clarity.

“Belga! Morin! What are you two doing here!”

The Village Chief’s brow furrowed, but the young men paid him no mind and bowed respectfully to Raon and Rimer.

“Thank you for coming.”

“Did the two of you call for us?”

“Yes, we did.”

Belga, the burly young man, nodded in affirmation.

“Relations with the North-South Alliance seem to be improving. Why did you call for us?”

Rimer tilted his head in puzzlement.

“Because we cannot trust them.”

“B-Belga! You fool!”

“They may masquerade as benevolent neighbors now, but their true nature is that of brigands. They plunder what others possess and treat human life as worthless.”

Belga continued speaking, ignoring the Village Chief’s attempts to stop him.

Raon had installed a barrier in this space just in case, ensuring that no sound would escape.

“Bandits at least maintain the roads they travel. Water pirates, though—they simply float their boats on existing waterways and pocket the profits. Even Tiller is no different. He plays the hero, but his actions are indistinguishable from those of a water pirate. I cannot trust them.”

“That’s absurd! He has saved us countless times without asking for anything in return!”

“If they devoured this entire village, the Gazel River would fall within their territory. The gains far outweigh any losses—something they could easily tolerate!”

“You insolent brat!”

“And it’s strange how the North-South Alliance moved the moment the Cheongru Tribe transformed…”

“Belga! Morin!”

The Village Chief roared so forcefully that the chamber trembled, and both Belga and Morin flinched, falling silent.

“Mind your tongue. A single word from you could reduce this entire village to ash.”

“But….”

“This is no place for children’s speculation! The Cheongru Tribe has withdrawn, so proceed with the departure as planned! Morin, you go help them!”

“Ugh….”

Belga bit his lip hard. He glanced at Raon for a moment, then lowered his head and walked out.

“Haha! Youth makes one reckless, I’m afraid. Please forgive him.”

The Village Chief laughed awkwardly and wiped away the sweat trickling down his temple.

“It’s fine. These things happen. Young people tend to be a bit cheeky, after all.”

Rimer chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“I’m grateful for your understanding.”

“Speaking of which, you have some famous liquor here, don’t you?”

“Are you referring to the Baek Hong Wine?”

“Ah, yes! Could I possibly taste some? I’ve traveled far, and I’m quite parched.”

“Of course, by all means.”

He feigned indifference to the matter at hand as he requested the wine. Simultaneously, he flicked his hand—a gesture that seemed to signal me to step outside and speak with those young men.

I rose quietly and left the Village Chief’s chamber. The two youths I’d seen moments earlier were walking toward the Village Outskirts. The smaller one was limping, so they hadn’t gotten far.

“We met just a moment ago.”

I caught up to them swiftly and blocked their path.

“Gasp!”

“The… the Legend Sword Association!”

The two men recognized me, and unlike their behavior in the chamber, they made no attempt to hide their shock.

“W-we’re honored to meet you. My name is Belga!”

“I am Morin.”

Belga nodded with force while Morin bowed with composure.

“I came because I had something I wanted to ask.”

“Yes?”

“What did you mean earlier when you said the Nambuk Alliance and the Cheongru Tribe were acting strangely?”

“Come this way for a moment.”

Belga glanced around before guiding me into a narrow alley. Leaning my back against a wooden wall, I slowly opened my mouth.

“Originally, the Nambuk Alliance doesn’t use this waterway. But when the Cheongru Tribe’s aggression reached its peak and they attacked someone, they appeared as if on cue and became heroes.”

Belga’s brow furrowed.

“The timing is too perfect to be mere coincidence.”

“Exactly. It’s fortunate the person survived, but the timing is far too convenient.”

Morin nodded in agreement.

“Even if the Nambuk Alliance knew the waterways well, it would be impossible for them to know the exact moment someone would die.”

“Hmm….”

I clicked my tongue. It was a valid point, but it couldn’t serve as evidence.

“One more thing. Until now, our village has been beyond the reach of the Nambuk Alliance’s influence, so the people have only viewed that bandit in an overly favorable light.”

Belga exhaled a heavy sigh.

“A few years ago, a friend of ours came under the Nambuk Alliance’s control in another village. At first, he said he was happy because things had become safer, but over the years, he changed as a person entirely. Now he chases nothing but money and has lost all peace of mind.”

“He won’t say why, but whenever the Nambuk Alliance comes up, he trembles with fear. It’s clear they’ve done something terrible to him.”

Morin shook his head, agreeing that the Nambuk Alliance could not be trusted.

“The adults have forgotten that the Zigheart Territory lies right beside us, which is why the Nambuk Alliance never dared touch our village. They only think positively of those bandits.”

“We will convince them, so could you please wait just a little longer?”

The two bowed their heads as if pleading earnestly.

“I…”

As Raon began to respond, someone waved from the direction of the Village Main Gate.

“Belga!”

“Come quickly!”

They appeared to be Belga’s fellow fishermen heading out for the day’s work.

“Go ahead. We can continue this conversation later.”

“Yes! I will return after I’ve gathered my thoughts.”

“Then.”

The two bowed their heads once more and rushed out of the village.

“Tiller of the Nambuk Alliance.”

Martha’s words came to mind—that men like Tiller hid serpents in their bellies. Surprisingly, her physiognomy had proven accurate more often than not.

‘It might actually be true.’

I couldn’t trust everything Belga and Morin said, but Tiller’s reaction had certainly been peculiar.

It wouldn’t be amiss to prepare not only for the Cheongru Tribe, but also for a confrontation with the Nambuk Alliance.

I smiled, recalling the undulation of Tiller’s footwork technique.

‘Perhaps I should walk on water once.’

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————