The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 264

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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 264

“Hmm….”

I rubbed my eyes and looked at the Lobby again. It was still the same. Ensia Yonan. The heir to the Yonan Family, renowned as a genius in artifact crafting, stood before me in a maid’s uniform with her head bowed.

“Welcome back!”

I swallowed hard at the sight of Ensia smiling brightly as she bowed.

“W-what? Why is Lady Ensia here? And that outfit… I…”

My voice trembled. To be honest, I was more flustered than when I’d met King Roman.

‘Why is she even here?’

And dressed like that, no less!

She’d arrived a full month earlier than the originally scheduled date. And I had no idea why she was in the Annex Building wearing a maid’s uniform.

“Wow….”

Ensia stepped forward with her hands clasped tightly together. Her blue eyes began to glaze over.

“You look so handsome even when you’re returning. I’m so glad I got to see it first. Ahhhh….”

She didn’t answer my question, instead just exclaiming about how handsome I was while her cheeks flushed crimson.

-You’re the only one who can fluster him like this.

Wrath chuckled with amusement.

-Even the True Demon King wants to shout it. Handsome!
‘Shut up.’

I pushed Wrath aside and looked at Ensia again.

“You… Ensia?”
“Raon, you’re beautiful even without natural light. Your eyes sparkle like blood rubies.”

She paid no attention to what I said, fixating only on my face—a peculiar obsession that remained unchanged.

“Now that I’ve beheld Raon’s visage, I won’t need side dishes for dinner tonight.”

Though her nonsensical rambling continued, I could see light gradually returning to Ensia’s unfocused eyes—a sign that communication might finally be possible.

“Ensia, how did you come to be here? The date you mentioned for your arrival was still quite far away, wasn’t it?”
“I wanted to see Raon, so I came.”

Ensia laughed as if the question itself was absurd.

“I see. Then, the training artifacts I requested…”
“I’ve completed them all.”
“All of them? Even the ones for the entire Gwangpung Order?”

My jaw dropped. Each artifact I’d commissioned from her was handcrafted and tailored specifically for the Gwangpung Order. The notion that she’d finished all of them seemed impossible.

“Using the inspiration I drew from Raon’s face, my work efficiency increased fourfold. My hands simply wouldn’t stop moving.”

What in the world did she see in my face?

I couldn’t fathom how merely looking at my face could quadruple her work efficiency. I knew craftspeople were eccentric by nature, but Ensia was in a league of her own.

“It was an experience unlike any other. Truly, beauty is supreme. Ah!”

Seeing her eyes glaze over again, I quickly spoke to redirect her attention.

“Why are you staying in the Annex Building, then? The guest quarters are located elsewhere, aren’t they?”
“I wanted to meet the beautiful mother who brought Raon into this world. I grabbed the escort’s ankle and asked for directions. I’m so glad I came. Sylvia is just as stunning as Raon, and Yua is adorable too. This place is a volcano of inspiration.”

Hearing Sylvia praised made me feel good, but there was one last thing I had to ask.

“One final question—why are you wearing a maid’s uniform?”
“I asked if I could stay here instead of the guest quarters. Sylvia graciously agreed, but I couldn’t just eat without contributing, could I? I had to work.”

Ensia placed her hands on her hips and grinned.

“Ha….”

My mouth fell open in astonishment.

‘What kind of decisiveness is this….’

One of the Yonan Family’s heirs had come directly to the Annex Building and volunteered to serve as a maidservant. It was so absurd that words failed me. No one in the world would believe it even if I told them.

“Phew….”
“Huh? Master Raon!”

As I shook my head in disbelief, Yua emerged from the right corridor carrying cooking utensils.

“No wait! Handsome Master Raon!”

Yua bit her tongue slightly and uttered a phrase unique to Ensia.

“Huh…?”
“Is this right? Sister Ensia?”
“Yes! That’s it, Yua!”

Ensia stroked Yua’s head and smiled brightly.

“Raon?”
“Young Master!”

Hearing Yua’s voice, Sylvia and Helen rushed down from the upper floor in haste.

“That’s not quite right. Miss Sylvia, Miss Helen.”
“Oh, that’s right! Handsome Raon has arrived?”
“Handsome Young Master is here!”

Sylvia and Helen smiled brightly at Raon.

“My! Handsome Young Master!”
“Dinner will take a while yet. Please go wash up first. Handsome Master Raon.”

The other maidservants who had been attending to their duties also greeted me, each one calling out “handsome” as well.

“What is this….”
“As I mentioned before, Raon’s face is a gift from the heavens! I’ve already taught everyone how to express their appreciation.”

Whether fortunate or unfortunate, Ensia had grown close not only to Sylvia but also to her attendants. She possessed a charisma comparable to Dorian’s.

-Puhahahaha!

Wrath clutched his belly and rolled about, unable to contain himself.

-That finger-flicking woman is your natural enemy!
“Sigh….”

I closed my eyes tightly as I watched Ensia beam with delight while the attendants praised my appearance.

‘I’m exhausted.’

Home had suddenly become tiresome.

*

*

*

Burren savored the sight of the Jungmujeon Training Ground as he looked around it for the first time in ages.

‘It feels strange.’

Though he had trained here daily in the past, returning for the first time since joining the Gwangpung Unit left him with an odd sensation.

‘Have I changed?’

The walls bearing sword marks and the trees that had provided shade remained in their places, yet he felt disconnected from it all, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

“It seems returning after so long stirs new emotions in you?”

Gelmir, his second brother and commander of the Jeolma Unit, approached with a subtle smile.

“Yeah. I never thought I’d come back like this.”

Memories of my childhood surfaced—when my only aspiration was to become a swordsman of the Central Intelligence Agency and earn Father’s recognition. Now, cast out from the Central Intelligence Agency yet standing with the Gwangpung Order, those nostalgic recollections stirred an inexplicable tightness in my chest.

“Do you regret it?”

Gelmir approached from the side and asked.

“Of course I do. As you know, my dream was to earn Father’s acknowledgment and succeed him.”

I traced the sword marks that Burren had carved into the Training Ground wall, my expression turning bittersweet.

‘That was the first time I received praise.’

I remembered Father patting my head, saying my sword technique was sharp. It was the first compliment he’d ever given me, and the only time he’d ever touched my head with such affection.

“But now, it’s fine.”

I withdrew my hand from the sword marks and smiled faintly.

“Fine?”
“Yes. I’ve found a place where I’m needed.”

The Gwangpung Order. With those comrades, whom I’ve spent far more time with than my own brothers, even the regret of not staying here dissolves away. Now, the Gwangpung Unit Dormitory feels more like home than the Central Intelligence Agency ever did.

“I’m glad you’ve found your place.”

Gelmir gently laughed as he tapped Burren’s shoulder.

“Thank you.”
“But Burren. What if you could return here? What would you do?”
“What?”

My eyes widened as I turned to face Gelmir.

“What exactly are you—”
“If you had the authority to return to the Central Intelligence Agency and join any organization you desired, what would you choose?”

Gelmir’s gaze was steady and grave. There was no hint of jest or mockery in his expression.

“What are you trying to say?”
“If you do just two things for me, I could even get you into the Central Intelligence Agency. Then gaining Father’s recognition wouldn’t be so difficult.”

At those words, Burren’s Adam’s apple bobbed heavily.

“You’re not uninterested, I see.”
“Hmm….”

Burren bit his lip firmly. His dream and goal remained unchanged—earning Father’s recognition.
Even after joining the Gwangpung Unit, that objective never wavered.

“The favor isn’t difficult either.”
“What’s the favor?”

Even if not now, there was a chance I might return later, so listening seemed harmless enough. I nodded.

“Raon Zigheart’s weakness.”
“Brother?”
“You lived together since your trainee days. You should know his weaknesses.”

Gelmir spoke of Raon’s weaknesses with perfect composure—as though casually asking about someone’s preferences before giving them a gift.

“Strange?”

Gelmir chuckled softly.

“Burren. Raon is a monster growing at a pace that will be remembered throughout the Continent’s history. You’re just going to leave him as is?”

His pupils narrowed into diamond shapes like a serpent’s eyes.

“If you don’t pin him down now, you’ll spend your entire life staring at his back. Your name will be overshadowed everywhere by Raon Zigheart’s alone. Is that how you want to live?”
“That’s….”

Burren bit his lip.

‘I know that too.’

I knew it better than anyone.

My pride was wounded, but the gap in power between me and Raon had grown so vast that I could no longer speak of catching up to him as I once had.

“You just quietly tell me his weaknesses, and bring him to the place I mention. I’ll handle it very cleanly without anyone knowing. Don’t worry.”

Gelmir muttered to himself that no one would ever find out, his smile turning cold and sinister.

“You need time to think about it, right? Since training is scheduled in two days, you have until tomorrow evening….”
“No.”

Burren clenched his teeth as he stared at Gelmir.

“I won’t do it.”

He shook his head firmly in refusal.

‘I can’t.’

Regardless of whether I knew his weaknesses or not, Raon was my benefactor—he had awakened me from my sordid way of thinking and even saved my life. No matter what goals and dreams I pursued, I could never commit such a betrayal.

“That guy has no weaknesses! And even if he did, I wouldn’t tell you!”

Burren frowned and turned away.

“I’ve received help from you before, so I’ll keep quiet about this matter. But you’d better not do anything foolish. You’ll have to get through me before you can touch him.”

I ground my teeth and headed toward the exit.

“I’m disappointed in you, brother. Don’t contact me anymore… wait.”

I turned back to deliver one final warning, but Gelmir had already vanished from that spot.

“How annoying.”
“Ah….”

Along with Gelmir’s faint voice, darkness flooded my vision.

*

*

*

I asked everyone in the Lobby not to use that ridiculous slang term, then followed Sylvia to her room.

“Come here.”

Sylvia, seated on the sofa, tapped the center table as a gesture for me to sit across from her.

“Okay.”

I nodded and took the seat opposite Sylvia.

‘Here it comes.’

Anticipating why she’d called me, my body instinctively tensed.

“King Roman and a life-or-death duel in three years.”

The exact words I’d expected spilled from Sylvia’s lips. Her tone was gentle yet sorrowful, leaving my mouth dry.

“You made such a reckless wager to save others, didn’t you?”

As I pondered how to ease her worries, she offered a faint smile.

“Mother?”
“How could I not know of the things you’ve accomplished and shown me?”

Sylvia smiled more warmly and took my hand.

“I still remember the words I told you when you first held a sword.”
“Mm….”

She was right. The words she’d spoken when I first grasped a blade—to show the bearing of a true Zigheart swordsman, to aid the weak and never falter before the strong—still echoed within my heart.

“To be honest, I sometimes regret saying that. Every time you go on a mission and something happens, my heart sinks.”

Sylvia’s eyes grew distant.

“I’ve lived as a warrior myself, so I know how extraordinary you are.”

As her warmth transmitted through our clasped hands, the countless worries that clung to my heart like cobwebs seemed to dissolve away.

“I thought I’d grown somewhat accustomed to this, but this time my heart feels terribly heavy. King Roman, no less….”

Sylvia exhaled a deep sigh, and in that breath, all of her grave concerns seemed to surface.

‘Of course she would be.’

My son had only just become a Master, and now he spoke of fighting a Monster who had ascended to Grand Master three years hence—it was only natural for a mother to worry.

“Don’t worry. I absolutely won’t die.”

I smiled and squeezed her hand with renewed strength.

“Three years from now, I’ll come back alive even if I have to cling to King Roman’s legs to do it.”
“What kind of thing is that to say! You should say you’ll grow stronger and win!”

Sylvia let out a soft laugh. What she truly desired was not victory, but safety—so my promise not to die had struck far deeper than any talk of winning.

“You’re right. I have to trust. Once I’ve decided to believe, I can only watch and see it through.”

Her face brightened slightly as she nodded.

“As long as you’re alright, that’s all that matters. Go wash up. Dinner will be ready soon.”
“Wait a moment.”

I caught Sylvia’s wrist as she began to rise.

“Mother, don’t you want to stand again?”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t you want to repair your mana circuits and dantian?”

I bit my trembling lip slightly.

‘I wonder how it will turn out….’

I had deliberated extensively before broaching this subject.

‘Because she’s precious to me too.’

Because Sylvia was precious to me, I wished she would refrain from combat and avoid recovering her mana circuits and dantian in their current state.

‘But that would be….’

The same as what my mother had tried to do to me.

It was the same mistake that the old Sylvia had made when she forcibly tried to prevent me from becoming a trainee. One could offer help and provide solutions, but the choice itself had to be made by the person alone.

“Hmm….”

Perhaps because it was such an abrupt question, Sylvia couldn’t open her mouth easily.

“This is an artificial dantian that can substitute for a real one, and that is a spiritual elixir called Spirit Flow Pill that can heal mana circuit damage.”

I placed the artificial dantian and Spirit Flow Pill on the table.

“It won’t be effective for Mother, whose mana circuits are completely severed, but if the Saint were to intervene, she might be able to enhance the effect enough to reconnect your circuits.”
“Hmm….”
“If Mother wishes it, I’ll find a way to restore your artificial dantian and circuits no matter what it takes.”

With those words, I closed my mouth and waited for Sylvia’s answer.

“Ugh. Hmm! Uhhh!”

Sylvia clutched her hair and deliberated for a long while before suddenly slamming her head against the table.

“What, Mother?”
“Do you remember what I said before?”
“What you said before?”
“That I never regretted giving birth to you.”
“Ah….”

I nodded quietly.

‘How could I forget.’

She had said that after meeting my father, she had never once regretted giving birth to me. She had told me she was so happy even now.

“That sentiment hasn’t changed. This is fine as it is.”

Sylvia slowly lifted her head, rubbing her slightly reddened forehead with a smile.

“But.”

She raised a finger.

“If the opportunity comes, I want to seize it. Not because I want to become stronger for myself, but because I want to protect you and everyone in this Annex Building.”
“I see….”

I smiled faintly.

‘We’re the same.’

Sylvia harbored the exact same thoughts as me. It was a simple yet unwavering desire—to protect this place.

“Wait for me.”

I clenched my fist and rose to my feet.

I’ll make sure you can stand with me.

*

*

*

After leaving Sylvia’s room, I took Ensia to the Garden.

“What a waste.”

Ensia smacked her lips regretfully.

“I went through so much trouble teaching you.”
“That kind of gratitude from you alone is more than enough.”
“Huh? When you say it like that, I suddenly feel good.”

She cupped her cheeks and laughed cheerfully.

“Hmm….”

I clicked my tongue. Every conversation with this woman seemed to twist things into knots.

“Why did you want to meet just the two of us? I’m always happy to help, though.”
“I was hoping you could examine this for me.”

I withdrew the artificial core from my pocket and handed it to Ensia.

“Hmm?”

For the first time, Ensia’s eyes—which had been fixed on my face—suddenly dropped to the object in my hand.

“This… this is….”
“An artificial core I obtained during my time in the Wizard Dungeon.”
“An artificial core….”
“Would it be possible for you to replicate this?”

Ensia was already absorbed in examining the core, her attention completely consumed by it.

“The patterns on this core—they’re ancient script. This artifact is over a thousand years old. And the proportions follow the golden ratio. It was crafted to withstand any aura or mana. Such noble aesthetics combined with exquisite functionality.”

Her eyes gleamed with awe and admiration as she studied the artificial core for a long while.

“The creator of this core must be a genius. I’m not certain I could match their work.”

After examining the core for some time, Ensia exhaled deeply. It was a rare, serious expression on her face.

“Then replication is impossible?”
“Yes. Even if I were to disassemble it, there’s no guarantee I could recreate it. The core would likely be destroyed in the process.”
“What about the Head of House Yonan….”
“She couldn’t do it either. Artifacts inscribed with ancient patterns are designed to collapse internally the moment they’re opened.”
“I see….”

My expression darkened. I had heard that artifacts from previous eras were equipped with anti-replication safeguards—they shattered the instant they were disassembled.

“Though I think I might be able to create something similar….”
“Really?”
“The form and performance would differ from this, but I believe I could actually construct an artificial dantian itself.”
“Y-you truly mean that?”
“Yes. Looking at Raon’s face and the golden ratio of this artificial dantian, inspiration struck me.”

She smacked her lips as she gazed at the artificial dantian, as if the possibility had suddenly become real.

“Of course, it would take an extraordinarily long time, and require vast quantities of materials….”
“That doesn’t matter at all!”

I stepped toward Ensia and took both of her hands in mine.

“Ah….”

Ensia’s face flushed crimson in an instant as she found herself gazing up at me from so close.

“I-I-I-I can do it! As much as you need!”

Ensia’s lips trembled as she stared at my face.

‘He’s far too beautiful.’

His skin was like porcelain, his eyes gleamed like lustrous jewels, and his nose bridge stood as noble as the moon in the sky.

Words like “handsome” no longer sufficed. Perfect. Perfectly beautiful. His face grew more complete with each passing moment.

My head spun. I should have told him it might be impossible, but standing this close, gazing at his face, the words simply wouldn’t come.

“I’m truly begging you!”

At the melodious sound of Raon’s voice, Ensia found herself unable to refuse—only able to respond.

“Yes!”

*

*

*

The next morning.
After retrieving the artificial core I had given to Ensia, I headed to the top floor of the Gwangpung Unit Dormitory.

Only a single room existed up there—previously the quarters of the senior instructor, now serving as the residence of the Gwangpung Unit Commander.

Crash!

I sensed the presence within and simply kicked the door open. It swung wide with a violent snap, and from inside came a shriek like a rooster’s crow.

“Kyaaaagh!”

The one who stumbled out screaming was Rimer, his hair standing on end.

“What—what is it! Did you break the door?”
“No. I simply opened it.”

I pointed at the trembling door.

“Why would you open a door so violently! If you opened it twice, the whole building would fly away!”
“Isn’t that what you do every day, Rimer?”
“Ugh…”

Rimer’s mouth fell open. He had nothing to say, having kicked the Training Ground door open countless times.

“N-never mind the door—why are you here at this ungodly hour?”
“We should begin now.”

I withdrew the artificial core and the Spirit Essence Orb from my pocket.

“What? You want to do this today?”
“Strike while the iron is hot. There’s no need to wait.”
“No! We only returned yesterday. I haven’t even recovered my stamina yet…”
“You did nothing but ride a horse the entire journey. What stamina could you have possibly exhausted?”
“Riding a horse requires stamina too!”
“Enough. Prepare yourself.”

I waved my hand dismissively, ignoring Rimer’s protests.

“I-I can’t! We promised to have a celebration drink at the tavern today to mark my return!”

He shook his head vigorously, insisting he had a prior commitment at the tavern.

“You’ve already had a drink. Cancel it for today.”

I frowned as I observed the empty bottles scattered throughout the room.

“I don’t want to! Even if I look like this, I’m still the unit commander. Where do you get off giving me orders….”
“Not anymore.”

I shook my head and pointed to the armband fastened around my forearm. It bore the symbol of the Gwangpung Unit commander—a blue wind engraved upon it.

“Starting today, Rimer is just an ordinary member of the Gwangpung Order, and I’m the acting unit commander. You heard it yourself yesterday.”
“Ugh!”

Rimer’s jaw dropped as if he’d never imagined I would bring that up here.

“The Head of House also granted me full authority over your training. If you try to run away, I’ll have you charged with insubordination.”
“I-Insubordination….”

Rimer’s teeth chattered.

‘Wait… surely this bastard didn’t….’

Was yesterday not for my sake, but for his own convenience?

Now it all made sense. I recalled why Raon had taken full authority and training rights of the Gwangpung Order before Glen yesterday—it was all for this.

“R-Raon? Let’s talk about this first….”
“Enough. Let’s go to the Cultivation Chamber.”

I gestured without even listening to Rimer’s words.

“Eeek! I can’t go! I’m having fun today!”

Rimer hastily threw on some clothes and leaped out the window. But that was a grave mistake.

“Ugh! Why are you here?!”
“Why? Your monster called me, so I came.”

Dogyae, who had been waiting in front of the Dormitory, grinned wickedly and grabbed Rimer by the scruff of his neck just as he tried to flee.

“Ah…”

Rimer’s pupils trembled. He never imagined in his wildest dreams that Dogyae would be summoned this morning as well.

“Come on, let’s go.”

I gestured from outside, having already stepped out.

“We need to break through your dantian today.”
“Nooooooo!”

Rimer’s screams echoed from behind, but I paid them no mind.

-What kind of thugs are we…

Wrath shuddered as if terrified.

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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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