The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 265
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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 265
I tossed the struggling Rimer into the Cultivation Chamber.
“Hey! Be careful with me! I’m injured!”
Ignoring his complaints, I turned away.
“Chief Steward, I’m counting on you.”
“Sigh….”
Dogyae exhaled deeply and crossed his arms.
“At my age, standing guard duty. I’ve seen it all in this lifetime.”
He grumbled while turning to position himself in front of the door.
“I can only entrust this to someone reliable.”
“Hmph!”
“Thank you.”
I bowed respectfully to Dogyae’s back before entering the Cultivation Chamber.
“Shall we begin? Will you open your dantian yourself, or should I do it for you?”
“Don’t talk about it like you’re cracking an egg!”
Rimer muttered that I was terrifying and stepped backward.
“Wasn’t this already decided?”
“W-well, yes, but… I need mental preparation….”
“That’s why I explained how to use the artificial dantian on the way back and told you to prepare yourself mentally.”
I had explained the method of using the artificial dantian to Rimer on the journey back to the estate and told him to mentally prepare himself. He had dozed off on horseback and apparently hadn’t listened properly.
“W-well….”
“The sooner we start, the sooner you’ll grow stronger. You know this better than anyone.”
“Fine. I get it! I get it! You heartless bastard!”
Rimer let out a scream and collapsed into a seated position on the ground.
“Haa….”
I exhaled slowly and closed my eyes. I awakened the aura of my cracked dantian. The energy I had accumulated over a lifetime flowed gently through my mana circuits as if offering a final farewell.
‘I’m experiencing quite the remarkable journey.’
To repair the torn mana circuits, shatter the dantian, and then forge a new one—thanks to Raon and the other children, I would be granted a second life. I felt grateful, yet sorry for being such an insufficient mentor.
Uuuuuuuung!
I wielded my aura freely as if savoring the final moment, then opened my eyes.
“Raon. Don’t miss this opportunity.”
“Pardon? What do you mean….”
“You’ll understand soon.”
Rimer left those words behind and closed his eyes once more. He amplified the aura of his dantian as if summoning his inner strength, then detonated it all at once.
Crackle, crackle, crackle!
The scars etched into the dantian split deeply, and the rampaging aura began to pour forth.
‘At this rate, it will take all day.’
I’ll shatter it in one blow!
Rimer bit his lips hard and amplified his aura once more.
Kaboooooom!
A deafening sound like hundreds of panes of glass shattering reverberated through my entire body, and the paper-thin dantian melted away in my palm like frost crystals.
‘Aaaaahhhhh!’
Excruciating pain crushed my entire body, but an even greater sense of emptiness pierced my soul. A chaos so overwhelming threatened to rob me of consciousness.
Kuuuuuuuuu!
The stray aura, having lost its path through the mana circuit, began dispersing into empty space. A storm composed of highly pure aura erupted within the Cultivation Chamber.
“Haah!”
Rimer drew a deep breath and opened his eyes.
“Raon. Take my aura.”
“Pardon?”
Raon’s eyes widened in shock.
“You feel it too, don’t you? The mana I’ve accumulated in here is going absolutely wild. It’s different from your attribute, but it should still be useful. Take it.”
“What are you saying? If you simply accept the artificial dantian and operate your aura, then….”
“If I could do that, of course I would! But there’s no time.”
Rimer shook his head with a bitter smile.
“That aura has already touched the natural mana. It won’t last more than a few minutes before it dissipates. You’re the only one who can claim it right now.”
To be honest, I wanted to give all the aura from my dantian, but doing so would likely tear the barely-recovered mana circuit again.
“I didn’t come here for that. I only came to check on your condition, Master.”
Raon bit his lip. He had no intention whatsoever of taking Rimer’s aura. He simply wanted to create a dantian for him as quickly as possible.
“I know.”
Rimer nodded with a slight smile.
“Don’t I know you? You’re the kind of person who thinks of others but never of yourself.”
“I….”
“Save the complaints for later. Just start your aura cultivation now! Come on!”
He insisted there was truly no time, chewed and swallowed a Spirit Recovery Pill, then immediately placed the artificial dantian into his mouth.
“I’ll create my own dantian too. You focus on your aura cultivation. We’ll see how it goes!”
Rimer left those words and closed his eyes. I could feel highly pure natural energy moving within his previously empty body.
‘The artificial dantian and the aura of the Spirit Flow Ring are moving.’
The attribute-less artificial dantian was transforming to match Rimer’s physical body and aura properties, while the Spirit Flow Ring’s energy naturally seeped into his mana circuits, healing the wounds he hadn’t yet fully recovered from.
“Hmm….”
I nodded, observing the auras still hovering in the empty space.
‘Even accepting a little bit would be better.’
Rimer had found stability, and I’d even established Dogyae as a guardian, so there shouldn’t be any problems with cultivation.
Roooooar!
Closing my eyes, I operated the Thousand Flower Technique and Glacial simultaneously. The auras sharing different circuits drew countless lines as they drew in the wind-attribute auras writhing from outside.
‘Hmm….’
I furrowed my brows, sensing the aura rotating through my mana circuits.
‘This won’t work as is.’
As Rimer had said, the attribute of the aura currently dispersed was wind. There wasn’t much left, but because the attribute was different, even what I’d absorbed was difficult to properly accept.
‘But there is a way.’
I ignited the Ring of Fire. Six rings resonated in unison, beginning to extract only the pure energy from the deepest part of the wind-attribute aura.
Though the quantity wasn’t great, because it was aura gathered by Rimer who had high natural affinity, the power and purity contained within it far surpassed ordinary spirit medicines.
“Phew….”
After purifying the energy with the Ring of Fire and absorbing it through the Thousand Flower Technique and Glacial, I opened my eyes. Despite the modest amount, my dantian felt abundantly full.
[The achievement of 【Ring of Fire】 has increased.]
[The achievement of 【Thousand Flower Technique】 has increased.]
[The achievement of 【Glacial】 has increased.]
[All stats have increased by 3 points.]
After only a few hours of cultivation, the progress in each cultivation method had increased significantly, my stats had risen, and the aura in my dantian had become even more solidified.
The years Rimer had accumulated seemed to become the support pillar for my aura.
I smiled as I looked at Rimer.
‘Not much left now.’
Judging by how only the outer portion of the artificial dantian was changing, it seemed nearly complete.
Tap.
I retrieved two spirit elixirs from my pocket and placed them in front of Rimer, who was absorbed in creating the dantian.
‘A gift.’
The first spirit elixir was one I had purchased upon returning, and the second was a wind-attribute spirit elixir I had obtained by exchanging an old copper-colored token.
I had prepared this gift because I thought Rimer would be disappointed seeing an empty dantian.
‘Is this what it means to be a master and disciple?’
Just as I had prepared the spirit elixirs while thinking of Rimer, he had told me to gather the aura he had scattered so it would help his disciple in some way.
Seeing how we looked after each other, it felt like witnessing the relationship between master and disciple that I had only heard about in stories and books, and I couldn’t help but smile.
‘You must emerge soon.’
I smiled as I looked at Rimer’s back while he generated the dantian.
‘Because I have quite a lot of training to put you through.’
-Hmm….
Wrath climbed up onto the ice flower bracelet and narrowed his eyes.
-Is that the right thing to say now?
*
*
*
“Ugh…”
Burren Zigheart groaned and opened his eyes.
“Where am I…?”
I endured the throbbing headache and surveyed my surroundings. A dim chamber with small luminescent stones embedded in the walls. The dampness in the air suggested I was underground.
“Why am I here…? What?”
I tried to move, but my arms and legs were restrained by something. Looking down, I saw iron shackles binding my wrists and ankles.
“What—what is this! What’s going on!”
I bit my lip and attempted to summon my aura, but it wouldn’t respond either. Something was completely blocking my mana circuits.
“Ah!”
I remembered.
I recalled hearing my second brother’s voice before everything went dark. It had to be him. My second brother had knocked me unconscious and brought me here.
‘Why on earth?’
I furrowed my brow. It was hard to believe that my brother would resort to kidnapping just because I refused some absurd request.
Screeeech!
As I shook my foggy head, a chilling sound accompanied the opening of the iron door.
“Brother! What is the meaning of this!”
“I’m afraid I’m not Gelmir.”
The person who entered was not my second brother. He was a middle-aged man with red hair, a shorter stature, and gentle features.
“It’s been a long time, Burren.”
“Ollan?”
The person who entered this room was Ollan, the second squad leader of the Jeolma Unit under Gelmir’s command. I had seen him often since childhood, as he always followed my brother.
“Yes, that’s correct. It’s been quite some time, yet you still recognize me.”
He smiled faintly and pulled a chair across from me to sit down.
“Where is my brother! Unlock this and let me….”
“I’m sorry, but you don’t have the authority to command me, Burren.”
Ollan’s smile remained the same as when I saw him outside, but his eyes were ice-cold.
“What exactly are you trying to do….”
“Gelmir is quite suspicious by nature. He doesn’t trust that you won’t spread that story.”
“So you kidnapped me for that? Don’t you realize this is a much bigger problem?”
“Of course I do. That’s why I’m here.”
Ollan smiled faintly and nodded.
“What do you mean….”
“I have another specialty besides the sword. Brainwashing.”
“You fool!”
Burren gritted his teeth.
“Do you really think the family elders won’t notice something like that? And the Gwangpung Order….”
“Don’t worry. It’s not that kind of obvious brainwashing.”
Ollan chuckled.
“What I do is gradually alter your psychology. It’s weaker and slower, but your thoughts change very naturally. In about ten days, I should be able to release you. Of course, the you at that time won’t be the same as you are now.”
He smiled wickedly, as if he already considered me caught fish.
“I’ll give you one last chance. Information about Raon Zigheart….”
“Ptui!”
Burren spat toward Ollan’s rambling face.
“I am Zigheart! I will never sell out my comrades’ information! And you don’t know Raon! That man would tear this place apart and still come for you!”
“Ah, there’s no need to worry about that either.”
Ollan wiped the saliva from his cheek and smirked.
“We’ve already prepared for that as well.”
*
*
*
“Family matters?”
I smacked my lips as I regarded Tias, Burren’s butler, who had come to the 5th Training Ground.
“Yes. He said that due to internal Central Intelligence Agency affairs, he’ll have difficulty participating in training for about ten days.”
Tias bowed his head, explaining that Burren would be unable to attend training for a while due to Central Intelligence Agency business.
“I see.”
I recalled seeing Burren conversing with his brother Gelmir upon our return. It seemed they were working on something together.
“If it’s family matters, then it can’t be helped.”
I nodded slowly and observed Tias carefully.
‘But…’
Something felt off.
Ever since I had awakened Burren at the Abandoned Annex of the Central Intelligence Agency, Tias had always worn a genuine smile whenever he saw me, but now he carried a cold atmosphere as if reverting to his former demeanor.
“…Thank you for understanding.”
He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them and bowed respectfully before departing.
I need to gather more information.
When I returned to the Annex Building, I would need to ask Judith to investigate Gelmir and Burren’s movements.
“Why does Burren get special treatment? I have work too!”
Martha erupted in protest at the unfairness of it all.
“What work?”
“What, what?”
“What work do you have?”
“If you ask like that, it just… ugh!”
She seemed flustered by the direct question, biting her tongue slightly.
“Never mind then.”
“Don’t mock me! I wasn’t doing it on purpose!”
I chuckled softly and surveyed the Gwangpung Order. Since they’d had only one day off, everyone seemed focused on resting, and their complexions looked healthy.
“How is the Unit Leader doing?”
Crain raised his hand. Everyone’s eyes widened with curiosity. Even Lunan, who had been nodding off drowsily, lifted his head with sudden interest.
“His dantian is complete, and he’s currently gathering aura.”
I pointed toward the innermost Cultivation Chamber guarded by Dogyae. Rimer had completed his dantian this morning at dawn and was now absorbing the spiritual elixirs.
“He’ll manage on his own, so don’t worry. Focus on your own training instead.”
I smiled and opened the box that sat on the platform.
“Put them on your wrists and ankles as soon as you receive them.”
I tossed black bracelets and anklets—two of each—to the trainees.
“Huh?”
“What is this… gasp!”
“Oh, oh no! My aura is being drained!”
“Ugh! Why is this so heavy!”
“A, a ghost! There’s a ghost attached to the bracelet!”
The swordsmen felt the bracelets and anklets siphoning their aura and thrashed about in panic.
“It’s not stealing—the bracelets and anklets create weight using your aura. The stronger your aura, the heavier they become.”
I explained to the trembling swordsmen about the Black Rings, training artifacts that Ensia had crafted.
“From now on, you cannot remove them without my permission. You’ll wear the Black Rings even while eating or using the lavatory.”
“This… this?”
“It’s hard enough to move—how are we supposed to wear this….”
“This… this is insane….”
The swordsmen’s lips trembled as they wondered how they could possibly move while wearing the Black Rings.
“Your bodies are still incomplete. As your flesh is tempered, your core and mana circuits will inevitably grow stronger. This training is for that purpose.”
I raised a finger, saying it wasn’t that difficult.
“Humans are creatures of adaptation. You’ll accept this quickly enough. Let’s start with long-distance running.”
“Nooooo!”
“You adapt then!”
“How are we supposed to survive with this!”
The swordsmen waved their hands in protest.
“Well, there’s another training option.”
I nodded and raised my finger.
“Another training?”
“What is it?”
“I’ll do that one!”
The swordsmen stepped forward eagerly, thinking that might be better.
“One-on-one sparring with me until sunset.”
“I-I’m ready to run!”
“Heh! First place is mine!”
“How many laps do we need to do?”
The swordsmen quickly retreated and prepared to run. They shook their heads vehemently, as if to say that no matter how grueling the training was, sparring was absolutely out of the question.
“I’m pleased to see you all volunteering for training so willingly.”
I nodded with my hands clasped behind my back.
“Ugh!”
“Ah, a demon! A demon, I tell you!”
“The Unit Leader almost looks like an angel now….”
“If only I had the strength, I’d….”
The swordsmen finished their preparations with tears in their eyes.
“Everyone, run!”
“Damn it!”
“Ugh….”
Martha glared daggers at her bracelets and anklets, while Lunan took a deep breath and began running around the Training Ground.
“Huff!”
“This is insane!”
“Only Burren gets to take it easy!”
Once the squad leaders started running, the other swordsmen had no choice but to begin running around the Training Ground as well.
“Martha, straighten your back. Lunan, tuck in your chin. Dorian, stand up!”
I stood on the Platform, offering relentless advice to ensure the swordsmen ran properly.
‘Not bad.’
Whether it was because they despised sparring or because they’d overcome so much training, the Gwangpung Order was running at full speed despite the weight of the black rings.
‘I can proceed with the plan as intended.’
If they couldn’t endure it, I had considered loosening the schedule slightly, but it seemed there would be no need for that.
“Listen while you run. I’m planning to conduct survival training on Bekmang Mountain. You’ll hide while suppressing your presence, and I’ll search for you and attack. Come up with a strategy beforehand on how you’ll survive.”
I explained the survival training plan I had prepared in advance to the swordsmen who had been running for quite some time.
“Survival?”
“This training is insane….”
“Just hearing about it terrifies me….”
The swordsmen sighed as if fed up.
“When are we doing this?”
Dorian came to a halt, breathing heavily. He was trying to rest under the guise of asking a question.
“This evening.”
At those words, the entire Gwangpung Order stopped in their tracks and turned to face me. Everyone’s eyes bulged as if they might pop out of their sockets.
“This evening…?”
“Hey! You madman!”
Lunan and Martha gasped, their mouths falling open in shock.
“This evening?”
“Why are you like this!”
“Even Rimer gave us a day!”
The entire Gwangpung Order cried out in protest, saying it was unreasonable.
“That’s your problem. If you don’t want to suffer, you’d better start thinking from now on. About how you’ll survive on that mountain.”
“You’re not human!”
“You’re a demon. A malevolent spirit for sure!”
I smiled faintly as I watched the Gwangpung Order members seized by terror.
‘Ah, this is fun.’
I savored the menacing gazes of the Gwangpung Order members as I glanced toward the inner Cultivation Chamber.
‘All I need now is for that person to come out.’
My heart raced with anticipation, confident that I could manipulate Rimer better than anyone else.
-You’re finally earning recognition from everyone.
Wrath nodded vigorously, as if deeply impressed.
-Indeed, you are no mere talent meant to remain in this place. Come with the True Demon King to the Demon Realm….
‘No thanks.’
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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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