The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 254
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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 254
I followed Roengrin into the fourth cavern.
‘This place is also filled with corpses.’
Bodies lay scattered throughout the cavern, and judging by their wounds, they appeared to have killed each other in combat.
[O Divine Priest of Wrath.]
Roengrin swept his gaze across the cavern before turning back to face me.
[Is what you said a moment ago truly the case?]
“What do you mean by a moment ago?”
I asked in return, though I already understood what Roengrin was referring to.
[Is it true that the Divine Wrath seeks an object to repair the dantian?]
Roengrin spoke with utmost caution, lowering his gaze.
“Of course.”
I looked up at Roengrin and nodded, my expression softening into a gentle smile without a trace of tension.
“How could I possibly speak falsehoods in his name? Of course it’s the truth.”
-You’re spouting lies right now!
Wrath flailed his arms about wildly like a drunk man.
-The True Demon King didn’t say a word, yet you’re rambling on of your own accord!
He threw himself onto the empty air and thrashed his legs, claiming he’d go mad.
[Hmm, I cannot comprehend this. The one I witnessed was divinity itself. Not merely a dantian, but his entire being overflowed with tremendous power and fury. I fail to understand why such an object to repair a dantian would be necessary.]
“Ah, you’ve misunderstood.”
[A misunderstanding, you say…?]
“The object isn’t needed for him.”
[Pardon?]
“It’s meant to be given to his servant.”
Raon smiled with his eyes closed.
-You insolent worm!
Wrath climbed onto his left ear and shrieked.
-Why would that fool be the True Demon King’s servant! I have no desire whatsoever to heal that wretch!
“Since Roengrin also served him, you must understand.”
I pretended to touch my ear as I pushed Wrath away.
“How much the God of Wrath cares for and looks after his followers.”
[Of course! He has given me so much and asked for nothing in return!]
The moment Wrath’s name came up, Roengrin’s eyes sparkled with fervent devotion.
‘As expected.’
Everything was unfolding as I’d anticipated.
From what I’d observed so far, Wrath was quick to help and look after anyone he called his servant in various ways.
‘He saved Dorian and helped Lunan Slion.’
He’d warned Dorian when he was in danger, and told him when Lunan Slion was about to be brainwashed again by Sylvia. He’d even shown consideration for Yua back at Habun Castle.
‘Roengrin must know that too.’
You could tell just from how he’d told Roengrin to cut their connection and live his own life the moment his revenge succeeded. Despite his cold appearance, Wrath took care of his people thoroughly.
-You weasel! How much longer will you mock the True Demon King! Say something, damn it!
Wrath had abandoned his regal tone and started shouting like a child. His face was turning red—an explosion wasn’t far off.
“Hmm….”
I let Wrath’s anger wash over me as I turned my gaze toward Roengrin.
“There is another priest who follows his will besides me. He was injured while carrying out his duties, so he is quite worried about it.”
-When did the True Demon King ever!
Wrath shook his head violently, generating a wave of cold.
-The True Demon King wanted to beat that fool senseless, not save him!
‘I know that well.’
That’s exactly what he meant. Wrath had ground his teeth every time he saw Rimer lounging about idly. But what could I do? There was no one to complain to.
“The reason I came here is twofold. To resolve Lord Roengrin’s lingering attachment, and to find a way to heal the other priest’s dantian.”
[Mm, I see.]
Roengrin smacked his lips briefly.
‘There’s a hint of doubt in there.’
His expression wasn’t one of complete trust, perhaps because Wrath, whom he believed to be omnipotent, couldn’t heal the priest.
‘I’ll need a period to end this.’
Raon’s lips curled into a smile as he looked at Wrath instead of Roengrin.
‘How unfortunate. Your servant can only hear my commands, not yours.’
-Grrrrgh….
Wrath’s pupils wavered like a sailboat caught in rough waves. His mind was flooded with rage, rendering him incapable of rational thought.
‘If you address me properly as “Lord Raon” and make a formal request, I might relay a word or two for you….’
-Grrrraaaagh! I can’t stand it! You wicked demon!
The moment I flashed that cunning smile I always wore when teasing him, Wrath’s pupils rolled back.
Whoooosh!
True to his nature as a Demon King of rage who knew no time or place for restraint, Wrath’s fury and frigid aura tore through my mana circuits.
‘Perfect.’
I smiled. Unlike usual, I didn’t move the ring of fire or my aura—I simply endured Wrath’s fury and cold directly.
Whoooosh!
Wrath’s fury and the rage dwelling in my own soul intertwined, and azure flames of wrath blazed from my feet to the crown of my head.
[Ah!]
Roengrin’s mouth fell open as he witnessed the surging azure fury erupting from Raon’s entire body.
[Such wrath and coldness… it’s as if He stands before us!]
Raon maintained a gentle smile despite the pain coursing through him.
‘Yes. He stands before us indeed.’
While others could not perceive this state, Roengrin—who had once experienced Wrath’s fury and coldness—felt the immense rage erupting from his own body with perfect clarity.
“He has sent even greater wrath and coldness, commanding me to handle this matter thoroughly. His tenderness toward His faithful—none could match it.”
Raon bore the pain and deepened his smile.
[Ah! Forgive this wretched servant’s doubt!]
Roengrin fell to his knees and bowed his head.
[I shall believe! Priest! I will offer you all the elixirs and artifacts I possess!]
All traces of suspicion vanished from his eyes.
“I accept your generosity with gratitude. He will surely be pleased by your devotion.”
Raon returned the gesture with a faint smile.
‘That should do it.’
Roengrin’s voice was brimming with conviction as he faced Wrath’s genuine fury.
-Huh?
Wrath’s eyes widened in surprise as his rage faltered. Roengrin’s reaction seemed to have brought him back to his senses.
-What… what is this…?
‘Thanks to you venting your anger, Roengrin’s suspicions have completely vanished.’
I waved at Wrath with a genuine smile.
‘Thank you, Wrath.’
-You… you used the True Demon King again…!
Wrath’s brow furrowed like crumpled paper.
-You used me again, you serpent!
‘It just happened that way.’
-Just happened? You planned this from the start! You cunning bastard!
A roar erupted alongside an even greater rage and cold that surged forward.
[Your anger is growing even stronger.]
“It seems he trusts me quite a bit.”
-T-trust? TRUUUUST? You must be joking! You are evil incarnate! For the sake of the world, I shall end this here and now!
I wielded the Ring of Fire and Glacia to block Wrath’s frigid aura and fury. With Roengrin’s trust secured, I no longer needed to hold back.
-You alone! For the world’s sake, you alone!
‘Futile.’
Wrath unleashed all the fury and cold he had accumulated, but as expected, they shattered against the barriers of the Ring of Fire and Glacia.
[You have endured the interference of 【Wrath】.]
[Your Strength stat increases by 1 point.]
Perhaps because the torrent of fury and cold was so overwhelming, my stat rose almost immediately.
-Krrrraaaaaaagh!
Wrath let out a piercing wail as though death itself had claimed him, and sank away.
[Such fury… it reminds me of when I first saw him. Truly enviable.]
Roengrin smiled with benevolent warmth, oblivious to his master’s anguished cries, while a single tear rolled down Wrath’s round eyes.
-Just kill me instead….
[Hehehehehehe!]
*
*
*
“There’s a trap here. Come across once you see it.”
“Yes….”
Dorian narrowed his eyes as he watched Raon point out the trap and continue forward.
‘What on earth is he?’
His words and actions were nothing like a child’s, his composure suggested he’d weathered countless trials, and the way he toyed with his opponents was unnerving. Having observed Raon for so long, I knew well enough that he was far from ordinary.
Recently, it seemed he’d been using me as a wallet or pocket, but that wasn’t what mattered now.
Putting aside everything from the past, right now Raon terrified me.
“Ah, it’s on the right side.”
Raon nodded as he gazed at the empty space to his right, then opened his mouth.
“Dorian. Keep your hand on the right wall as you come.”
He demonstrated by pressing his palm against the wall surface as he moved forward.
‘That’s it! Exactly that!’
I’m going to die of fear!
That sight, which I’d witnessed countless times today. Raon conversed with someone invisible, deftly evading the dungeon’s traps and unlocking secret passages.
‘Who in the world is he talking to!’
My hands trembled uncontrollably. Because I feared ghosts and spirits so deeply, goosebumps erupted across my skin every time Raon spoke to himself.
“Um, um… Young Master?”
Dorian called out to Raon with his lips pressed tightly together. In my panic, the old honorific slipped out instead of the formal title I usually used.
“Hmm?”
Raon turned his head with his usual composed expression.
“Um, who exactly are you speaking with? Couldn’t you tell me now…?”
“I already told you. My guide.”
“But who is this guide…?”
“Oh! Right, hold on a moment.”
He looked up at empty air, his lips moving silently. Though I heard no voice, from the shape of his mouth, it was clear he was genuinely conversing with someone.
“Do you really want to know?”
I turned my head with a faint smile, as if concluding the conversation.
“Pardon?”
“I asked if you really want to know.”
“Well, that is—”
“If you truly wish to see it, I can show you for a moment. But you should think carefully about it.”
“Ugh….”
The way I spoke made his stomach churn as if he might vomit, and saliva rushed down his throat uncontrollably.
“N-no, I’m fine. Ignorance is bliss, after all. Haha!”
Dorian laughed awkwardly and shook his head vigorously. For some reason, he felt certain he wouldn’t sleep tonight if he saw it.
“Is that so?”
I chuckled softly and resumed my conversation with the empty air before moving forward.
‘A ghost! It must be a ghost that died here!’
There was no other explanation!
Dorian pulled out a desk made of sacred white wood from his bag’s pocket—the kind said to repel spirits.
He hoisted the desk above his head and swung it like a fan as he chased after Raon.
‘Back away!’
Spirits, begone!
*
*
*
Martha furrowed her brow as she opened the Dining Hall door. The entire Gwangpung Unit was gathered at the largest table in the back. The moment she sat down, she examined the swordsmen’s expressions. They all looked utterly dejected.
“Looks like none of you found anything.”
“Yes…”
“There are elixirs that increase aura, but we’ve never even heard of one that repairs a dantian.”
“There was no martial arts manual for repairing a broken dantian either.”
“We couldn’t find anything at the artifact shop either. Even if something exists, it would be extremely rare…”
The swordsmen sighed and shook their heads.
“I knew it would come to this.”
Martha let out a cold scoff.
“Would such a rare item simply appear just because we’re looking for it?”
I’d rushed to Dudan without sleep, but nothing that could restore Rimer appeared in sight.
I’d known it would be difficult, but with no leads whatsoever, anxiety gnawed at me like nausea threatening to spill over.
“Sigh…”
“Damn it…”
The other swordsmen shared the sentiment, their quiet groans filling the air.
“Still.”
Martha struck the table. The light blow made every heart in the room skip a beat.
“We’ll find it.”
Her dark eyes gleamed with the clarity of black pearls.
“Right now, that bastard Raon is pushing through the dungeon with everything he has. As you all know, he’s probably so focused on obtaining the elixir that he doesn’t even realize he’s being wounded.”
“Mm…”
“That’s exactly the kind of person he is.”
The swordsmen nodded, their jaws clenched tight.
“Compared to what he’s doing, our task is lighter than breathing. Even if we have to turn this entire city upside down—if that fails, we’ll search the whole Continent to find it.”
“Yes!”
The swordsmen nodded, gripping their hilts firmly.
“Ah, well….”
Yedi, the vice-commander, raised her hand briefly.
“What is it?”
“There’s supposed to be an auction tomorrow….”
“An auction?”
“Yes. But it’s extremely secretive, and the items are quite rare. Apparently, only distinguished guests from each organization are permitted entry.”
“Distinguished guests….”
Martha’s expression darkened.
“So even as commander of the Gwangpung Unit, I wouldn’t qualify?”
“You might, but based on the previous auction’s guest list, there’s a possibility you wouldn’t.”
“Then what if I went as the youngest daughter of Denier Zigheart, the head of the Seonghyeon Unit?”
“Ah….”
Yedi swallowed dryly and nodded.
“That… that should work. However….”
Martha despised using her family’s name or the organization’s name—especially borrowing her father Denier’s name. She was the type who insisted on using only her own name, so those words were incredibly unexpected coming from her.
“Everyone is fighting for their lives, so what good does it do if I cling to my pride?”
Martha rose with a cold laugh.
“Everyone, prepare yourselves. We’re participating in that auction tomorrow night.”
She clenched her fists tightly.
‘I have to find it, no matter what it takes.’
*
*
*
[We’ll be arriving at the sixth cavern shortly. That’s the last cavern, and my research laboratory is directly beneath it.]
Roengrin turned his head as he descended the secret passage.
[And right now, those who arrived first are engaged in battle in that cavern.]
“I can feel it.”
Raon nodded, gazing downward. A fierce clash of tremendous power was occurring directly beneath this passage.
[Since we’ve entered from this direction, we have no choice but to pass through that cavern.]
Roengrin lowered his head as if to say there was no other way.
“It doesn’t matter.”
Raon shook his head with a faint smile.
“If the Research Laboratory is directly below, it would be better to deal with them thoroughly before we leave.”
Even if we could sneak through the cavern, since the Research Laboratory was directly beneath it, there was a possibility of interference.
Since I needed to not only retrieve the object but also resolve Roengrin’s lingering attachment, it was better to drive out the enemies decisively.
“Can you see who’s inside the cavern before we enter?”
[Hmm, I don’t have much power left, but I should be able to manage that much.]
Roengrin drew a circle in the empty air with his finger, and a round orb materialized, reflecting the image of the cavern.
Raon moved close beside him to examine the cavern’s interior. Since the orb was rotating, he could see all directions.
‘As expected, it’s them.’
Familiar faces appeared. They were the mages of the Valkar Kingdom he’d met in the neutral city of Forban. Morel, the commander of the Salamander unit, and Inild, his disciple who had been beaten by me, were also there.
‘Of course.’
Valcar’s main force wasn’t knights, but mages. As one of the two factions among the Six Emperors most interested in magic, I’d expected them to come.
‘And that arrogant princess is here too.’
Princess Jeina, whom I was meeting for the third time now, was present, along with the knight Jatis—the only one who’d shown a demeanor I actually approved of.
‘The side group must be a minor faction.’
To the left of the mages, warriors from what appeared to be an alliance of various organizations clustered together in a circle. From their formation, they didn’t seem to be in opposition to Valcar.
‘On the opposite side….’
Across from Valcar stood a tall, middle-aged man with narrow eyes and long hair in an oblique stance. Four spheres inscribed upon his snow-white coat. He was one of the Four Apostles of the White Blood Cult.
‘An apostle after all.’
Since the one guarding the first cavern was an Archbishop, I’d anticipated an apostle would be stationed below.
‘Is that one an Archbishop?’
Beside the apostle stood an elderly woman with gray hair leaning on a staff, her presence extraordinary. Her power was no less than the Archbishops I’d encountered in Forban.
‘And….’
Raon’s gaze finally swept to the side of the White Blood Cult. Assassins in black leather armor and masks came into view.
‘I never thought I’d encounter them here again.’
Shadow.
The moment I saw the emotionless eyes of the Masked Men, a chill ran down my spine. Derus Robert. That greedy bastard must have sent Shadow operatives from a nearby branch the instant he learned about this place.
‘A two-versus-two standoff, then.’
From the look of things, Valcar and the minor factions had joined forces, while the White Blood Cult and Shadow had formed a temporary alliance.
‘Though the balance isn’t quite even.’
The Apostle and Morel were evenly matched, but with the White Blood Cult and Shadow outnumbering them, Valcar was gradually losing ground overall.
Even now, the minor alliance’s forces were dwindling one by one, and the scales continued to tip further toward the White Blood Cult.
Uuuuuuuung!
The Soul Reaper Sword sensed the Apostle’s aura rising from below and let out a fierce cry.
‘Is it reminding me to keep my promise?’
I recalled my words about showing it the Apostle’s blood next time.
‘Perhaps this is the place where it becomes possible….’
Raon slowly released his hand. Glaceia’s chill permeated the entire dungeon.
By utilizing that aura to conceal his presence and mask his killing intent with the enemy’s, assassination seemed entirely feasible.
‘But before that….’
There was something I needed to confirm first.
“Is there perhaps a way to restrain those in that cavern?”
Raon pointed toward the cavern visible through the orb.
[I’ve set up quite an effective trap that would work if activated, but I lack the strength to operate it now. Maintaining this place is all I can manage. My apologies.]
“Then allow me to provide it.”
[Y-You would give me your chill?]
“We serve the same god, after all. We are like brothers.”
Raon gazed at the bewildered Roengrin with compassionate eyes.
-A god? Did you just say god?
Wrath, who had collapsed from exhaustion after screaming, jolted upright.
-You dare treat the True Demon King as a mere person! I should be grateful you don’t see me as a fool! You shall receive divine punishment for this insolence!
He cursed with a fractured voice.
[Hehe, how kind of you to say such things. I am truly grateful.]
Roengrin, unaware of Wrath’s true intentions, rejoiced at finally feeling that genuine chill from him after so long.
-Eeeek! Spectacles! Don’t be fooled! That bastard is a leech using the True Demon King!
‘Be quiet for a moment.’
Raon’s eyes grew cold as he listened to Wrath’s shrill screams. A dark light seeped into those vivid crimson eyes, like storm clouds gathering over the sun.
‘It’s been a while. Perhaps it’s time to return to my true calling.’
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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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