The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 262

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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 262

The next morning at dawn.

I observed the Gwangpung Order members preparing for departure. Since no one had died and the mission was completed, everyone wore a subtle smile on their faces.

However, Rimer and Lunan couldn’t resist their drowsiness, their heads drooping as they leaned against the wall.

“Unit Leader.”

I approached Rimer and extended my hand.

“W-what? Money? You’re really becoming a thug now….”

Rimer jolted awake from his drowsiness, his eyes unfocused as he trembled slightly.

“I’m asking for your wrist, sir.”
“My wrist? Why?”
“I’d like to check your condition.”
“I’m fine.”
“I can’t trust the Unit Leader’s definition of ‘fine.'”
“Sigh, really….”

He grumbled about my being troublesome but extended his wrist nonetheless.

“I’ll be quick.”

I activated the Mana Circulation Technique to examine Rimer’s mana circuits.

‘It’s definitely improved.’

The mana circuits had fused together.

Though his core remained damaged, the constricted and fractured mana circuits had recovered considerably. Of course, full restoration would require more time, but for now, daily life seemed unaffected.

“You really have improved.”

Raon nodded and released Rimer’s wrist.

“See? I told you it was fine.”
“Our unit leader gambles like breathing and lies like he breathes. Look properly.”

Martha wrinkled her nose as she watched Rimer grin.

“B-but I’m still the unit leader. That’s too harsh….”
“It’s not like this is the first or second time you’ve lied, sir.”

Burren Zigheart nodded as he stepped beside Martha.

“During your trainee days, you spent entire days doing nothing but lying.”
“It was faster to find something you didn’t lie about.”

The other members of the Gwangpung Order sighed deeply as they looked at Rimer.

“I’m so sad….”

Rimer lowered his eyebrows as he looked at the Gwangpung Order members.

“….”

Lunan Slion slept soundly with childlike breathing, indifferent to the chatter around him.

“I want to ask something before we depart.”

After finishing all departure preparations, I turned around and met the eyes of the Gwangpung Order.

“You were serious about wanting to get stronger a week ago, right?”
“Of course!”
“Naturally!”
“From now on, I’ll train with my life on the line!”
“I can do anything to become stronger!”

Since the mission was completed and Rimer had recovered, all members of the Gwangpung Order nodded, speaking with sincerity.

“That’s good to hear.”

I smiled faintly at Burren, turning my gaze toward him.

“Burren.”
“Hmm?”
“Was it difficult maintaining the stepping technique without rest all the way to the Branch?”
“It was brutal. Running at full power while channeling aura for such an extended period was absolutely grueling. No—grueling doesn’t even cover it. It was agonizing.”
“You must have felt some growth afterward, though?”
“Oh, well… my total aura capacity did increase somewhat…”

Burren’s eyes trembled as an inexplicable unease washed over him.

“You see? As Burren has demonstrated, simply running at full power while channeling aura enhances your total aura capacity, durability, and physical abilities. Such practical training is rare.”
“Uh…”
“S-so you mean…?”

The Gwangpung Order members’ jaws trembled as they looked at me.

“That’s right. From here to Zigheart—we run at full power.”

I nodded firmly.

“Aaahhh!”
“You absolute madman!”
“No!”

Burren gasped in horror, Martha cursed for the first time in ages, and Lunan Slion shrieked awake from his slumber.

“I-it’s impossible! I nearly suffocated just getting to the Branch!”
“I’m… terrified…”
“We’re all going to die! We’re all going to perish!”

The members of Team Three who had run alongside Burren shook their heads like spinning tops.

“W-we’ll train, of course…”
“Y-yes. If we could just rest a little when we get back…”
“What are you talking about?”

I narrowed my eyes at the knights.

“Just a moment ago. You all said with your own mouths that you’d stake your lives on training. That you’d do anything to grow stronger.”
“Ah….”
“That… that’s….”

The Gwangpung Order members trembled as they met Raon’s serene gaze.

‘Oh no, we’re done for….’
‘That demon bastard!’
‘He asked knowing exactly how this would turn out. Definitely!’

The swordsmen already caught in Raon’s trap realized there was no escape and could only bite their lips.

“Loosen up your body first. To run at full speed….”
“W-wait! Lunan!”

As Raon was about to instruct them on warm-up exercises, Crain pointed to Lunan, who had just woken up.

“Lunan didn’t agree to undergo any kind of training!”

Crain, desperate to survive by any means, flailed his hands frantically, drool flying.

“Hmm.”

Quick-witted bastard.

Crain had a point. Lunan had been asleep until just now, so he couldn’t have agreed to anything.

“Lunan!”
“Save us!”
“Lunan! You said you couldn’t sleep!”

The entire Gwangpung Order rushed toward Lunan and fell to their knees, pleading that at least their recovery be normal, even if they had to endure hellish training later.

“Sleep….”

At the mention of not being able to sleep, Lunan seemed to make up his mind and nodded.

“Raon. I….”
“Lunan.”

I beat Lunan Slion to the punch before he could refuse.

“You’ll come with me, right? Once everything’s done, let’s go to the Ice Cream Shop again.”
“Okay!”

As I smiled gently and gestured, Lunan Slion nodded eagerly with bright eyes.

“Ah….”
“W-we’re done.”
“We’re finished….”

The light drained from the Gwangpung Order’s eyes.

“Now everyone’s agreed. You have to keep your word, right? Get ready.”

I smiled coldly and gestured for them to hurry up with their preparations.

“Commander!”
“Please stop him!”
“We’ve completed the mission perfectly—why is this happening?!”

The Gwangpung Order members clung to Rimer, their last hope.

“R-Raon. I’m a patient, and they’ve finished their mission now, so couldn’t we take it easy this time….”
“I’ve already prepared for the Commander’s words.”

At my gesture, Belga and Morin—now my subordinates—brought forward a black horse. It was a magnificent steed with an inverted-triangle face, bright intelligent eyes, and a coat that shimmered with a silvery sheen.

“It’s a purebred, so you should be able to make it to the next village….”
“Hyah!”

Before I could even finish speaking, Rimer leaped onto the horse.

“You’re all weak! No amount of training is enough! I’ll lead the way, so catch up immediately!”

Rimer galloped forward at full speed, relieved that he wouldn’t have to run on foot.

“Ugh!”
“That man is absolutely infuriating!”
“Sigh…”

Burren Zigheart, Martha, and Lunan Slion had no choice but to rush after him, with the Gwangpung Order swordsmen following in their wake.

“Hyah!”
“Ahhhhh!”
“Damn it!”

Since Rimer was driving his already swift steed at full gallop, the other swordsmen had no choice but to run with all their might.

-Tch!

Wrath frowned as he watched Rimer’s retreating figure.

-As expected, that detestable fool is utterly insufferable! How vexing!
‘Don’t worry.’

I smiled faintly and waved my hand.

‘When we return, he’ll be the one suffering the most regret.’

*

*

*

A peculiar space where crimson pillars rose from pristine white marble as if blanketed by fresh snow.

The 10th Apostle stood motionless upon the transparent staircase, regarding the platform shrouded before him like a statue carved from stone.

Whoosh!

As the 10th Apostle slowly closed and opened his eyes, a silhouette bearing the graceful curves of a woman was cast against the crimson veil obscuring the platform.

“I pay my respects to Master.”

The 10th Apostle knelt. The only being before whom an Apostle would bow their head—the White Blood Cult Master had arrived.

The White Blood Cult Master possessed only a subtle, gentle presence like a spring breeze, yet her existence was unparalleled. Even the 10th Apostle’s formidable aura was eclipsed by her mystique.

“You’ve learned of the fourth’s death, I presume?”

From the platform, a mellifluous voice flowed forth—one that seemed to dissolve the very soul.

“Yes.”

The 10th Apostle answered with bowed head.

“The 4th Apostle fell to Raon Zigheart.”
“Raon? Not Morel, but Raon Zigheart?”

Surprise tinged the White Blood Cult Master’s voice—the same voice that had remained serene even when learning of her disciple’s death and the Apostle’s demise.

“Indeed.”
“Raon? That child who defeated Ludkin?”

Ludkin was the name of the 7th Apostle. Within the White Blood Sect, only the White Blood Cult Master could speak an Apostle’s name.

“I heard he had reached Master rank, but already capable of slaying the 4th?”
“I too found it difficult to believe, yet it is the truth.”

The 10th Apostle lifted his head and exhaled a shallow breath.

‘It has been so long since I’ve seen Master surprised.’

The moment the 4th Apostle’s breath ceased, the White Blood Cult Master had known of his death, yet she had shown no surprise whatsoever.

Since he had ventured into Roengrin’s Dungeon, she had assumed he fell to a powerhouse from Balcar or another faction of the Six Emperors Five Demons, and had accepted his death.

Yet even the White Blood Cult Master’s cold rationality was shaken by the fact that the 4th Apostle had fallen to Raon.

‘No, perhaps it is only natural.’

The one who slew the 4th Apostle was not a master already perfected in strength, but Raon Zigheart, whose wings were only now unfurling. That a mere fledgling who had ascended to Master rank less than a year ago could fell the 4th Apostle—it was still beyond belief.

“The world is full of surprises. Now that Raon Zigheart has reached the Master rank, it’s hardly impossible for him to defeat the 4th Apostle.”

The White Blood Cult Master regained her composure in an instant. She lifted her chin with her usual composed voice.

“You know how it happened, don’t you?”
“Yes. It wasn’t a direct confrontation. He ambushed him.”
“An ambush?”
“The 4th Apostle was engaged with Morel when Raon stabbed him from behind. The 4th Apostle feigned death to seize an opportunity, but Raon saw through that as well and turned the tables instead….”

The 10th Apostle recounted the testimony exactly as the survivors from Roengrin’s Dungeon had described it.

“To manipulate an opponent’s psychology at that age—a clever child indeed.”

The White Blood Cult Master let out a warm, amused laugh.

“The dagger he used must be the demonic blade that tore through Ludkin’s chest, yes?”
“That is correct.”
“The greatest genius on the Continent, blessed with unparalleled talent, now wields a weapon that is our natural enemy? How delightful.”

The White Blood Cult Master grasped her knees with both hands, her smile widening with excitement.

“What of Ludkin?”
“Thanks to the sacred blood you bestowed, he has fully recovered from his wounds and broken through to the next level.”
“That’s not all, is it?”
“No. He has grown further by consuming the blood and flesh of masters.”

The 10th Apostle recited the 7th Apostle’s deeds as if he had been observing them all along.

“A perfect opportunity to test him.”

The White Blood Cult Master flicked her long fingers.

“Send Ludkin to assess Raon Zigheart’s true combat prowess and personality. After that, you know what comes next, don’t you?”
“He is Glen Zigheart’s grandson.”
“I’m aware.”
“And you still wish to bring him in?”
“Are you suggesting I should fear that old man?”
“Well….”

The 10th Apostle couldn’t respond, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Talent must be cultivated in worthy soil.”

The White Blood Cult Master leaned back, her lips curling into a long, satisfied smile.

“I intend to make that child an Apostle.”

*

*

*

Raon and the Gwangpung Order arrived at the Zigheart Main Gate moving faster than when they’d departed for the Gazel River.

“Master, I’m dying….”
“That crazy bastard. He literally made us run the whole way….”
“Hiii….”

Burren, Martha, and Lunan all bent at the waist, breathing heavily. Their uniforms and hair were completely drenched in sweat.

“Gasp! Gasp!”
“I think I’m going to be sick….”
“I want to die….”

Since even the squad leaders were exhausted, the other Gwangpung Order swordsmen couldn’t stand properly and rolled on the ground. Their faces had turned pale, water dripping from their eyes, noses, and mouths.

“I, I want to go home! I can’t live like this!”

Dorian wailed about going home, having brought out a luxury sledge for the first time in ages.

“Sigh, weaklings. How do you expect to grow stronger if you collapse from this?”

Rimer, who had arrived comfortably by switching horses repeatedly, clicked his tongue disapprovingly at the Gwangpung Order members.

“Ugh!”
“Damn it….”

The members of the Gwangpung Order ground their teeth as they watched Rimer elegantly urge his horse toward the main gate.

‘That guy, he really…!’
‘Detestable. How could anyone be so infuriating….’
‘That wasn’t supposed to be consolation….’

Raon had run alongside them during training, but Rimer, who had remained mounted the entire time, saying such things made my teeth clench.

“We’re at the family’s main gate. Everyone, form ranks.”

I checked the state of the Gwangpung Order before approaching the castle gate and lifted my head.

“The Gwangpung Order has completed its mission and returned.”

Before those words even finished, the enormous castle gate, too vast to take in at a glance, split open with a majestic sound.

“Gwangpung Order.”

Chief Steward Iliun emerged from within the open gate, his expression brightening with a refreshing smile.

“Welcome back.”
“Your complexion is radiant. Does guarding the house suit you so well?”

Rimer dismounted with a soft chuckle.

“Only you could have such capable subordinates.”

Iliun gazed at me and the Gwangpung Order, his lips curving with appreciation.

“How such remarkable individuals emerged under your command is beyond me.”
“Life is all about luck. Envious?”
“Envious indeed.”

Iliun chuckled softly and nodded.

“The Head of House awaits you.”

He said that the other lords were also present, and instructed us to proceed directly to the Patriarch’s Hall.

“As expected.”

Rimer nodded and turned around.

“Tidy yourselves up. We’re heading to the Patriarch’s Hall.”
“Yes!”

Raon and the Gwangpung Order quickly straightened their hair and clothes before following Rimer toward the Patriarch’s Hall.

“Raon Zigheart.”

As Raon followed at the rear, the Chief Steward Iliun gestured to him.

“In a single mission, you’re the first to have slain both the Nambeop Leader’s disciple and the White Blood Cult Master’s disciple.”

He patted my shoulder with a pleased smile.

“Thank you for proving that the name of Zigheart still lives.”
“Not at all.”

Raon bowed respectfully to Iliun and followed behind the Gwangpung Order.

‘They’re all the same.’

Though outwardly cold and indifferent, Iliun too was a warrior of Zigheart. He was genuinely delighted that both the Nambuk Alliance and the White Blood Sect had been humiliated.

“So today….”
“Hey, over there….”
“Whoa!”

The swordsmen engaged in light conversation around the Main Street stopped mid-sentence and turned their heads. Their gazes swept across the Gwangpung Order in turn before fixing upon Raon, unable to look away.

“His aura is completely different.”
“I heard he cut down Tiller of the Nambuk Alliance.”
“He didn’t just capture him—he exposed Tiller’s misdeeds as well. That bastard went from hero to demon overnight.”
“And he made a wager with King Roman to save everyone. A bet to clash three years from now—what audacity from a child not yet twenty.”
“Has he not hit a plateau? How does his strength keep growing?”

The swordsmen felt Raon’s aura flowing as naturally as water and swallowed hard.

“That’s not all. Entering Roengrin’s Dungeon and slaying the 4th Apostle is an achievement in itself.”
“A swordmaster barely nineteen years old capturing an Apostle? Has such a thing ever happened before?”
“Such remarks are disrespectful. He is already advancing toward perfection as a swordmaster—age is irrelevant.”
“He didn’t exactly capture him through direct combat, though. I heard it was an ambush? If they’d actually fought, he wouldn’t have returned.”
“Right, he ambushed the 4th Apostle while he was fighting Morel.”
“Hmm, a Zigheart swordmaster resorting to ambush? That’s rather unsavory.”
“So can you all slay an Apostle through ambush? It’s not a sparring match—they’re enemies regardless. What does it matter if you use ambush?”
“Exactly. Those blood demons from the White Blood Cult don’t deserve to be treated as human beings.”

Though some swordmasters attempted to diminish my achievement, others stepped forward and silenced them.

I sensed their emotions through their gazes—favor, disfavor, and contempt all at once. I offered a faint smile.

‘If one possesses strength, one can suppress those who sow jealousy, as he once said.’

Sheryl’s words from long ago echoed in my mind. Her counsel that absolute strength could even suppress the malice of others.

‘I cannot yet suppress everyone….’

I turned to face them. Regarding the swordmasters who had called the ambush shameful, I elevated my aura.

“Gasp!”
“Ugh!”
“Ah….”

The swordmasters who had been muttering fell backward on their haunches, their arms and legs trembling violently beneath the glacial, razor-sharp pressure of my aura.

“If you’re feeling unwell, perhaps you should retire and rest.”

I gazed down at their eyes, trembling with fear, and offered a cold smile.

—Hmph!

Wrath rose above the ice flower bracelet and nodded in approval.

-It has been quite some time since I’ve done something to my liking. Those who grumble and those who mock—their limbs should be frozen solid.
‘Is that so.’
-Using wrath is the finest approach. Had you wielded wrath just moments ago, every last one of them would have soiled themselves.
‘Wrath?’
-Indeed. The True Demon King’s wrath is poison to vermin like them.
‘How does one use it?’
-Excellent! The True Demon King shall impart a brief lecture….

Raon swallowed Wrath’s generous counsel without hesitation and made his way toward the Patriarch’s Hall.

*

*

*

The Patriarch’s Reception Hall was lined with the key executives of Zigheart, standing in formation on both sides.

Raon and the Gwangpung Order followed Rimer down the carpet in the center of the chamber and knelt.

“We greet the Head of House!”

The Gwangpung Order shook the chamber with a resounding cry befitting their accomplishments.

“Gwangpung Order. We have completed our mission and returned.”

Rimer knelt last, bowing his head.

“Rise.”

I rose to my feet at the sound of Glen Zigheart’s voice, utterly devoid of emotion.

“Raon Zigheart.”
“Yes.”

I stepped forward. Standing at the same position as Rimer, I bowed my head.

“I hear you were at the center of events both at the Gazel River and in Roengrin’s Dungeon. Explain directly.”
“Understood.”

I had organized my thoughts on the way here. I took a slow breath and opened my mouth.

“When I first arrived at the Gazel River, I met Tiller, who came riding on a white horse. And with him… hm?”

I naturally glanced up at Glen Zigheart to continue speaking, but swallowed hard.

‘The Head of House’s expression….’

What was with that look?

—————
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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