The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 284

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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 284

I drove the Soul Reaper Sword into the 7th Apostle’s neck and wrapped my left arm around his throat, pulling backward.
With the 7th Apostle secured as a hostage, I turned to face the man who had been interfering.

A middle-aged man wearing a white coat emblazoned with ten orbs on his left chest, a gray streak running down the center of his black hair, his eyes gleaming with the ferocity of a predator.

‘So it was the 10th Apostle after all.’

The bloodlust that approached from behind was identical to the 10th Apostle’s presence I had felt just before killing the 7th Apostle in Porban City.
He had interfered a second time, but this time I was faster.

A low growl rumbled forth.

The 10th Apostle’s gaze gradually intensified—eyes as parched as a drought-stricken land. Even with the 7th Apostle’s death imminent, his pupils remained unwavering.

I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek.

‘Damn, he’s strong.’

Perhaps because he had reached Master rank, the 10th Apostle’s power transmitted directly to me. His mere presence was so overwhelming that breathing became difficult.

‘Is it still beyond my reach?’

Even without depleting my aura and stamina, nothing would change. A Grand Master was an opponent I could never defeat, even if I died and awakened anew. This wasn’t a battle I could win through combat—I needed another way to survive.

‘There is one option, though.’

I shifted my gaze to the right.

-How dare you look at me like that.

Wrath, who had been yawning despite the dire situation, narrowed his eyes.

‘No, it’s not that.’

I shook my head.

I can’t use it right now.

If I accept Wrath into my body, I could survive even if the White Blood Cult Master herself came, not just the 7th Apostle.
Since the Ring of Fire has reached the seventh star, I might be able to reclaim my body later. But Wrath said he’d go completely berserk the moment he takes control of my body, so there was a high chance that the other people above would get caught up in it.

‘I need to assess the situation first.’

I let out a soft laugh and tilted my head to the side.

“I didn’t know the White Blood Sect was such a caring place.”

I mocked the White Blood Sect while resonating the Ring of Fire to respond to any move the 10th Apostle might make, drawing my aura upward.

“Even if they’re priests, following their master around and taking care of him like this—isn’t that overprotective? Do they even feed him?”
“Release him.”

The 10th Apostle’s eyes dimmed as if he held the advantage.

“Don’t give me orders.”

I laughed coldly and twisted the Soul Reaper Sword lodged in the 7th Apostle’s neck slightly. Flesh tore, and chunks of gray blood fell away.

“Kugh-hack!”

The 7th Apostle let out a pained groan as the demonic energy radiating from the Soul Reaper Sword washed over him.

“B-brother….”

The 7th Apostle reached toward the 10th Apostle, his posture like he was begging to be saved.

“No matter how fearless the White Blood Sect is of death, you can’t easily replace an Apostle-rank member, can you?”
“Kuh-huk….”

I gripped the hilt of the Soul Reaper Sword tightly. The vibration alone made the 7th Apostle’s entire body tremble.

“The seat of the 4th Apostle I killed is still vacant. If this one dies too, that’s two Apostle positions empty—won’t the Six Emperors Five Demons think you’ve grown weak and cast you out?”

Even though the White Blood Sect had the most members among the Six Emperors Five Demons, filling an Apostle-rank position immediately wasn’t easy. Now that I had the 7th Apostle as a hostage, I had to find a way to survive no matter what.

“You’re right that the 4th Apostle’s seat remains vacant. However….”

The 10th Apostle shook his head slowly. He gazed down at me and the 7th Apostle with eyes as barren as a desert.

“Our sect’s strength does not rest solely upon the Apostles. The Apostles matter not because of their power, but because they convey the light and truth of the Blood God to the masses.”

The 10th Apostle spoke with a parched voice, each word measured and deliberate. A fervent faith shone through, incongruous with his bleak expression.

‘There are those stronger than the Apostles?’

This was information I had never encountered in my past life’s memories, nor in the Bi-Yeon Society’s intelligence reports.

‘Whether that’s true or not doesn’t matter. What matters is that he can’t dispose of the 7th Apostle easily.’

The White Blood Sect was a religious organization before it was a military one. The fact that the Apostles held higher status than those stronger than them meant the 7th Apostle possessed sufficient value as a hostage.

“I don’t care whether the Apostle begs for scraps or not. What I want is….”

Just as I was about to tell the 10th Apostle to back away, footsteps echoed from the hole in the ceiling above.

“Raon!”
“Vice Leader!”
“Are you alive?”

Lunan and Burren, along with the Gwangpung Order swordsmen, peered down and waved their hands.

“Huh…?”
“Wait, hold on! That person….”
“The 10th Apostle!”
“Why is that monster here!”

They recognized the 10th Apostle in an instant, and their throats tightened as they swallowed hard.

“Don’t move.”

As the 10th Apostle began to lift his head, I activated the Mana Sphere. I drew upon the strongest aura I could muster and tightened my grip on the Soul Reaper Sword.

“Ugh….”

The demonic energy dwelling within the Soul Reaper Sword amplified through the Infinite Abyss technique, deepening the 7th Apostle’s groans.

“If you move even a single step from there, this one dies.”

The 10th Apostle didn’t even respond, only staring at me. Whether the threat worked or not remained unclear, but now was the moment to speak.

“Burren! Lunan! Take everyone in the city and get out of here!”

I screamed toward the ceiling, determined to use the only method that would let everyone survive.

“Raon!”
“What are you planning to do!”
“Master! You can’t!”
“We trained for this so we could fight together!”

The Gwangpung Order refused to retreat, their fighting spirit blazing as if they would descend at any moment.

‘Those bastards….’

Despite sensing the 10th Apostle’s terrifying aura, they still spoke like that—all my training had been worthwhile.

I felt proud, but I couldn’t let them commit such a foolish act of throwing eggs at a stone.

“This time is an exception. I can survive, so don’t worry about me and take everyone out.”
“Raon.”
“You bastard….”

I met the eyes of Lunan and Burren, who showed their concern, and offered a faint smile.

“You know I’ve never lied, right?”

I meant it sincerely. If the Gwangpung Order took the people from the city and left, there was a possibility I could summon Wrath and turn the tables on the 10th Apostle.

“See you later.”

At those words, the Gwangpung Order, who had been bowing, rose to their feet in unison.

“The Gwangpung Order obeys the Master’s command!”
“Everyone, move!”

The Gwangpung Order scattered in all directions without a backward glance. Lunan watched the longest, but even she bit her lip and departed.

“B-Brother. Why are you just standing there? If we take them hostage…cough!”

I silenced the rambling 7th Apostle and observed the 10th Apostle.

‘That’s strange.’

By the 7th Apostle’s logic, this situation was also an opportunity for the 10th Apostle. If he took the Gwangpung Order hostage, it would be a chance to shake us, yet he simply remained still. As if all his objectives lay solely here.

‘Wait.’

Now that I think about it….

A Master might be different, but if the Grand Master 10th Apostle truly intended to strike from behind, there’s no way I could have stopped him. Honestly, if he’d been serious, my head would already be flying.

As I recalled everything that had transpired, a chilling hypothesis surfaced.

‘Could it be….’

Is he targeting me?

If he had no intention of capturing the Gwangpung Order, showed little interest in the 7th Apostle, and his assault was for capture rather than killing, then it was entirely plausible.

‘And he unnecessarily explained about the Apostles.’

The 10th Apostle had just spoken of the Apostles’ role without needing to. Considering his taciturn nature, that explanation seemed to carry intent as well.

“Are you trying to make me an Apostle?”

At my final words, the 10th Apostle’s expression changed for the first time. His widely opened eyes laid bare his astonishment.

“Now I understand why he ordered you brought. Truly, a figure who surveys the world from his throne lives up to his name.”

The 10th Apostle slowly closed his eyes, then opened them. His wavering pupils hardened like a frozen marsh.

“Correct. I came to take you with me. Raon Zigheart.”
“W-What are you saying? This man is my enemy! Become an Apostle?!”

The 7th Apostle continued to voice his displeasure even with a blade lodged in his throat.

“It is the Cult Leader’s command.”
“Kugh….”

He fell silent at the mention of the Cult Leader’s orders.

“Raon Zigheart. You have no choice. If you refuse, not a single one of your subordinates will survive.”
“Where is your priest, then?”

I twisted the Soul Reaper Sword lodged in the 7th Apostle’s throat once more. Blood streamed down as flesh was crushed with a sickening sound.

“Killing you would be no problem.”
“E-Execution?”
“An apostle who has lost twice to an amateur from the same opponent—it would be better if such a one didn’t exist.”

The 10th Apostle’s gaze and voice were frigid. His aura was so cold that it seemed he genuinely intended to kill the 7th Apostle himself.

‘Hostages won’t work?’

While it felt like bluffing based on what I knew of apostles, the disadvantage was clearly mine.

‘I need time….’

The Gwangpung Unit and the people hadn’t yet escaped the city. I had to drag out the conversation, even with meaningless words.

“If I become an apostle….”

I bit my lip slightly while looking at the 10th Apostle.

“Can I receive direct instruction in martial arts from the White Blood Cult Master?”
“Of course. Becoming her disciple is the first step to becoming an apostle.”
“Training under one of the Continent’s strongest—that’s not a bad prospect.”

As I muttered words without real conviction to buy time, the Ring of Fire detected a subtle flow of mana rising from the empty air.

‘That is….’

I took in the flow of mana with my eyes and swallowed dryly.

‘If I play this right….’

I might be able to survive without summoning Wrath.

*

*

*

Burren lied to the people who had escaped the Blood Phantom Demon’s influence, telling them that the 10th Apostle had appeared and was destroying Granseville, driving them all out of the city.
With remnants of the White Blood Sect and blood energy scattered throughout the city and buildings crumbling like sandcastles, convincing the people wasn’t particularly difficult.

“What about Squad 1?”
“We agreed to gather where Martha is, so they should all be outside! Don’t worry about it and just run!”
“But the squad leader….”
“I’ll finish checking and come after.”

After confirming every last person remaining in the city with Lunan, Burren gazed toward the pit where Raon and the 10th Apostle were.
He wanted to help, but he knew his presence would only be a hindrance, so he bit his lip and left the city.

When he arrived where Martha was, the entire Gwangpung Unit had gathered.

“What in the world is happening! Why is everyone coming out?”
“The 10th Apostle has appeared.”
“The 10th Apostle….”

Martha, holding a small child, trembled as she rose to her feet. From her previously empty dantian, an overwhelming aura surged forth—not an aura born of cultivation, but one that burned with the essence of life itself.

“That bastard showed up and you’re all just sitting here!”
“Raon is….”
“You’re just going to leave him? We should go kill that thing together!”

As Burren explained the situation, Martha gripped her sword as if she would charge forward at any moment.

“You can’t.”

Lunan firmly grasped Martha’s wrist.

“Let go of me! I’m the one who has to kill the 10th Apostle! Raon can’t handle this alone!”
“Raon will come back. He asked us to trust him.”

Even as Martha thrashed her arm wildly, Lunan refused to release her wrist.

“Release me!”
“Martha. I know the 10th Apostle is your enemy, but now isn’t the time. If we go, we’ll only be a hindrance.”

Blood trickled from Burren’s lips.

“Damn it!”

Martha stamped her feet upon seeing Burren’s blood-stained lips.

“Why does every situation—ugh!”

As she cursed and tried to sit up, Lunan struck the back of her head with his clenched fist.

Thud!

Martha, caught off guard by Lunan’s sudden attack, tumbled across the ground.

“What…?”
“L-Lunan?”
“Squad Leader…”

Every member of the Gwangpung Unit stared at Lunan with their mouths agape.

“What the hell are you doing, you lunatic!”

Martha shrieked as she brushed the dirt from her face.

“I was stopping you from rushing in.”
“Who stops someone like that!”
“You do.”

Lunan pointed at Martha.

“When did I ever—wait, you don’t mean…”

Martha frowned. She recalled the time when they’d encountered Gwahyeolgwi before—Lunan had gone into a fit and struck the back of his own neck, knocking himself unconscious. This seemed to be referring to that incident.

“Is that revenge?”
“It’s not revenge. I was trying to stop him.”
“That’s revenge!”
“It’s not.”
“Grrr!”

Martha raised her fist to strike Lunan, then stopped.

‘This fool….’

Lunan’s eyes, usually as vacant as anyone’s could be, were trembling with unusual intensity. It was clear he was worried about Raon, left alone.

“Sigh….”

Seeing the concern in Lunan’s gaze, all desire to rush after him vanished.

“There’s no helping it.”

Martha bit her lip and turned away. All the children that Unit 1 had rescued were trembling with fear, their shoulders quaking.

“Hey. How do we feed these kids…wait?”

Martha scanned the entire Gwangpung Order and frowned.

“Where is that bastard?”

*

*

*

I pretended not to notice the newly revealed flow of mana and offered a faint smile.

“If I become an Apostle, can I receive elixirs as well?”
“Not merely elixirs, but you could receive His blood itself. Since He favors you, you would transcend your current realm in an instant.”
“So this creature grew stronger because of that blood.”

I moved the Soul Reaper Sword to push the 7th Apostle back slightly.

“That’s right. If you follow and believe in the Blood God, you too will receive such blessings.”

The 10th Apostle slowly raised his hand. From his palm, a pure white aura blazed forth.

White Blood Energy. The pinnacle of blood energy, the realm spoken of in legends.

“Come to the White Blood Sect. With your strength, you could serve the God from a position even higher than mine.”
“A god? A god, you say….”

I watched the white flames dancing in the 10th Apostle’s grasp and let out a cold laugh.

“I don’t believe in gods.”

Not just now. Even in my past life, I never believed in such things.

“I have no interest in so-called supreme gods or holy gods, so a Blood God? That’s just ridiculous.”

Even as I mocked their god, the 10th Apostle showed no reaction.

“The only thing I believe in is myself alone.”

I tapped my own chest with my right hand.

“And I made a promise not long ago.”
“A promise?”
“A promise to them.”

I lifted my head with a grim smile. The corpses piled like mountains in the cavern came into view.
Countless bodies, their original faces unrecognizable beneath layers of agony and terror, stared at this place with resentment.

“I swore I would kill you for them. A god who breaks promises isn’t popular, after all. I have no intention of leaving their grudges unresolved.”
“Kugh….”

The 7th Apostle trembled with fear as he sensed the sudden shift in my momentum.

“You….”

The 10th Apostle’s pupils trembled as he sensed the ominous aura radiating from Raon.

“So the Zigheart family is precious to you as well, it seems.”

The gentle smile that had been flowing across Raon’s face abruptly ceased.

“Disgusting.”

With those words, I tore the Soul Reaper Sword embedded in the 7th Apostle’s neck forward. Crimson flames, contrasting against the gray blood, split open the 7th Apostle’s throat.

Crack!

With a chilling sound of bone and flesh tearing, a savage torrent of blood poured from the 7th Apostle’s severed neck.

“Sa, sa….”

The 7th Apostle’s throat was split open, leaving him unable to speak. His trembling hands fell limp as he collapsed to the ground. Death flickered in his eyes, swollen as if torn by agony.

“Raon Zigheart!”

The 10th Apostle approached with fierce eyes burning with rage. Unimaginable power exploded from his outstretched grip.

Boom!

Raon exhaled sharply and gripped both swords. As I drew upon every remaining ounce of aura to mount a defense, space twisted diagonally and erupted with radiant, multicolored light.

Crash!

The rift in space that had blocked the 10th Apostle’s assault tore wide open, and a woman draped in a black robe stepped through.

“Merlin?”

The 10th Apostle’s expression twisted as he beheld the wrinkled old woman’s mask.

“Ah….”

Merlin turned to Raon rather than the 10th Apostle, releasing an excited sigh.

“It had to be you. You’re the only one who could wear that helmet.”

Within the mask, her pupils gleamed with an intense longing—a hunger far deeper than when I first saw her at Habun Castle, far more fervent than when she clashed with Sheryl.

“Come with me, Raon. Let your eyes see only me for all eternity….”
“Merlin of Eden.”

The 10th Apostle unleashed a blood energy of an entirely different magnitude, his gaze fixed on Merlin. The space she had conjured melted away beneath the searing white blood energy that erupted from him.

“This is not the time for you to interfere. Disappear.”
“You’re the one who came between Raon and me.”
“Are you breaking the Oma Covenant?”
“A covenant? Did we ever make one?”

Merlin rose leisurely into the air, spreading both hands wide. A formidable mana that matched the 10th Apostle’s blood energy without yielding flowed from her as she smiled.

I narrowed my eyes, watching Merlin’s back.

‘So it was her all along.’

The mana signature that the Ring of Fire had captured when I feigned interest in the White Blood Cult to buy time—it was exactly as I suspected. Merlin’s.

‘She’s been targeting me since our first meeting.’

From the moment we met at Habun Castle, Merlin had displayed her desire openly. On the second battlefield where we crossed paths, she showed obsessive fixation. I had calculated that she would prevent the 10th Apostle from taking me away.
So I killed the 7th Apostle—someone I might have needed to spare in truly dire circumstances—and entrusted the aftermath to her. She moved exactly as I predicted.

Roooooar!

The 10th Apostle and Merlin. Two monsters transcending Grand Master rank unleashed a shockwave that created a towering pillar of mana stretching from the depths of the underground to the very heavens.

‘They won’t fight to the death.’

The Oma Covenant. Even if it existed only in name, high-ranking executives would not directly aim for each other’s lives.

‘I need to disrupt that.’

Both of them want me, after all.

I decided to do what was only possible in this moment.

I leaped backward and pressed my back against the wall.

“Huh?”
“You?”
“Fight each other.”

I tilted my chin up as I observed the two monsters, their eyes wide with bewilderment.

“I’ll just follow whoever wins.”
-This is seriously….

Wrath twisted his expression as he watched my confident smile.

-Is this guy insane?

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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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