The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 298

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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 298

Tacheon descended slowly, as if treading upon stairs built in the heavens. Sacred and demonic energies, chaos and order—a bizarre aura that seemed to harmonize all these contradictions emanated from his entire being.

I narrowed my eyes as I observed Tacheon, whose presence transcended that of a mere human.

‘So Tacheon has come after all.’

In Eden, only two had reached the level capable of opposing the White Blood Cult Master, but only one was actively engaged. From the beginning, it was predetermined that Tacheon would be the one to arrive here.

‘His presence is so vast it becomes imperceptible.’

Tacheon’s mana was so immense that his aura paradoxically became undetectable. It felt like standing before an endless ocean.

‘That’s why.’

I forced my gaze downward and nudged Wrath.

‘What do you mean by “mixed”?’
-Literally, it is as I said.

Wrath answered without tearing his gaze from Tacheon.

-That bastard carries the aura of one of the Demon Kings within him.
‘…A Demon King?’

The moment Wrath mentioned Demon King, Sloth—whom I’d encountered at Habun Castle—came to mind. That overwhelming aura that seemed capable of shattering the heavens. Even now, having reached Intermediate Master rank, I doubted I could stand properly before him.

-What’s amusing is that half of that bastard is pure divinity. Tacheon, was it? They certainly gave him an apt name.

Wrath let out a scoff while gazing up at Tacheon.

-Only one madman would attempt such a thing.
‘Which madman are you talking about?’
-Pride.

Wrath glared at Tacheon, his nose bridge wrinkling with an irritation I’d never seen from him before as he continued.

-Lord of Pride.
‘Pride….’

I murmured the word “Pride” and swallowed hard. Just hearing that name sent a chill racing down my spine.

‘Now that I think about it, he mentioned this before.’

Wrath had spoken of Pride several times, and each time his reaction was far from favorable. Considering his temperament, Pride seemed to be a Demon King of comparable strength to Wrath.

‘Then is Pride bound to that man’s body like you are to mine?’
-That is not the case. I sense no trace of Pride’s existence within him.

Wrath shook his head as if displeased.

‘Hah….’

My hand trembled as I gripped the sword hilt.

‘The leader of Eden had connections to a Demon King….’

It was something I could never have imagined, more shocking even than the White Blood Cult Master’s appearance.

‘What about that woman?’

I gestured toward the White Blood Cult Master, who gazed leisurely at Tacheon from within her palanquin.

-I do not know.
‘What?’
-She conceals her power thoroughly. Under normal circumstances I could discern it, but my energy is depleted—I cannot see through such concealment.

Wrath shook his head with a dejected expression. He was truly useless when it mattered most.

Thump.

Tacheon descended to the ground, radiating nobility. His very existence gleamed with such brilliance that one might say light emanated from his face itself.
Had I been an ordinary person knowing nothing of his nature, I would have mistaken him for a god.

“Hah….”

I expelled the murky air that had accumulated in my lungs.

‘The situation has already shifted in their favor.’

I had to seize this moment to avoid cowering before my enemies and instead assess the circumstances to find any possible escape route.

“It has been quite some time, White Blood Cult Master.”

Tacheon approached the palanquin where the White Blood Cult Master sat. The mask bearing the visage of a beautiful youth curved into a gentle smile.

“Your appearance has changed once again, I see.”

He tilted his head slightly as he observed the White Blood Cult Master within the crimson palanquin.

“The time had come, that’s all.”

The White Blood Cult Master showed no alarm at Tacheon’s presence, instead releasing a laugh tinged with ennui.

“Is this the first time we’ve met in person since the Oma Accord?”
“No. We met once after that.”
“Ah, that’s right.”

The two of them exuded the gentle atmosphere of old acquaintances reuniting. Yet beneath the surface of their voices lay a chill so profound it could freeze blood.

“Had you summoned me, I would have come to you. What brings you to this place?”

Tacheon took a step toward the palanquin while brushing his sleeves. Whether due to the mask or the atmosphere itself, every movement seemed to radiate an aristocratic grace.

“There is something I wish to possess.”
“Something you wish to possess…?”
“That child.”

The White Blood Cult Master extended a finger from within the crimson palanquin, pointing directly at me.

“I intend to take him with me.”
“Hmm.”

Tacheon turned his head to regard me. The corners of the mask’s mouth curved upward in an unsettling manner.

“Unfortunately, I cannot grant that request.”
“Why?”

The White Blood Cult Master asked with the same confidence as if she had entrusted Raon to me.

“All members of Eden have gathered for the sake of restoration. We do not hand over our comrades, regardless of anything else.”

Tacheon recited the very words that Geummyeonsa had spoken to the White Blood Cult Master.

“And that helmet is special.”
“Special, you say?”
“That blue dragon’s helmet was not made by me. Merlin crafted it from beginning to end. Since neither the helmet nor the one wearing it belongs to me, how could I possibly hand it over?”

He spoke with utmost courtesy before shaking his head.

I bit my lip.

‘This is nerve-wracking.’

Contrary to my expectations, both monsters remained far too composed, leaving me no opening to intervene. I activated the Ring of Fire to clear my mind and waited for an opportunity.

“Merlin, then.”

The White Blood Cult Master smiled, running her slender fingers across her lips.

“Then I cannot leave empty-handed. It was she who suddenly interfered with our plan and took Raon.”
“Ah, so that happened.”

Tacheon clicked his tongue briefly as if he hadn’t known such a thing. Yet his expression remained composed—as if to say, “So what?”

“It is unfortunate, but that child has already donned the helmet. I say again: Eden does not hand over our comrades.”

I exhaled sharply upon hearing the word “comrade.” To say such a thing before the White Blood Cult Master—whether I should call it madness or gratitude, I couldn’t decide.

“Then let us make a wager.”

The White Blood Cult Master raised her finger.

“A wager, you say?”
“Since you claimed that child is a member of Eden, naturally the bet concerns him.”

She continued, her tone suggesting it would be simple yet entertaining.

“Hmm.”

Tacheon turned back to look at me, his mask slipping slightly as if he were contemplating something.

I narrowed my eyes, observing both the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon.

‘This is my chance.’

To drive a wedge between Tacheon and the White Blood Cult Master, accepting that wager would be advantageous. I had to make him take it.

“I am not your possession. The only one who can command me is the Princess.”

I spoke with a deliberately harsh edge to my voice.

‘He has to bite.’

Since he claimed to have received Pride’s power, he would be arrogant in nature despite appearing courteous. Judging by how he didn’t yield an inch to the White Blood Cult Master, he wasn’t the type to let such words pass without reaction.

“I have a duty to protect my brethren. However, that is…”

Tacheon’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“…only when he is a member committed to restoration.”

He turned his head to face the White Blood Cult Master.

“Tell me. What sort of wager did you have in mind?”
“Simple. If that child has truly been consumed by Tougou’s soul, I’ll back off. But if that child has overcome Tougou’s soul, I’ll take him with me.”

The White Blood Cult Master waved her hand with ease.

“Then he wouldn’t be one of yours anyway, so it shouldn’t matter, right?”
“How will you determine whether he has been consumed by Tougou’s soul or not?”
“There are ways, naturally.”

She laughed, saying she had an exact way to verify it.

“Very well. I accept. However, I also have a condition.”
“A condition?”
“Yes. If you succeed with your method and I also receive Merlin’s approval, then I will permit it.”
“Fine.”

The White Blood Cult Master nodded with confidence.

“Then show me. How will you determine whether that child has been consumed by the helmet or not.”

Tacheon spread his hand as if to say I could do as I pleased.

I swallowed dryly as I watched the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon.

‘Neither of them thinks they’ll lose.’

They didn’t believe they would lose regardless of how the wager unfolded. Both were brimming with confidence that they wouldn’t lose me, no matter what the outcome of this bet turned out to be.

‘This works out well.’

I had already memorized every action Rocta would take. Since I had absorbed his soul, there was no way my identity would be exposed through words or deeds.

The best outcome would be a war between Eden and the White Blood Sect. I calmed my mind, thinking of that objective.

“Good.”

The White Blood Cult Master nodded approvingly. As she glanced to the side, the 5th Apostle stepped forward.

As the 5th Apostle wielded blood energy, a man wrapped in gray aura surged up from the gray puddle that erupted beneath his feet.

Whoooosh!

As the blood energy dissipated, his form became clear. Fluttering green hair and innocent puppy-like eyes. A figure unmistakable.

‘Why? How is he here…’

Dorian. The moment I saw him with vacant eyes, my heart sank. I had never imagined he would be in this place.

‘Ugh….’

I bit the tip of my tongue to conceal my shock.

-What?! Why is your pocket there of all places!
‘Could it be… back then?’

I recalled the moment when my body was sucked into the box Merlin had opened—Dorian had thrown something. It seemed he’d been captured by the 10th Apostle right after that.

“Thanks to this child sprinkling the Continental Tracking Scent on Raon, we were able to reach this place.”

The White Blood Cult Master stroked Dorian’s head. The hair sticking up like antennae settled down.

‘Continental Tracking Scent. So that’s what it was.’

The scent he’d sprinkled on me was discovered by the 10th Apostle.

The White Blood Cult had undoubtedly used the Continental Tracking Scent on Dorian to track us here.

‘Damn it all.’

Dorian had sprinkled the scent to save me, but everything had spiraled into catastrophe. My mind felt clouded by this unforeseen turn of events.

“You’ve done something remarkable.”

Tacheon nodded leisurely despite understanding the situation. His arrogance was palpable—it was clear he wielded the power of that creature called Pride.

“Now you understand what wager I’m about to propose?”

When the White Blood Cult Master pointed her finger, the 5th Apostle brought Dorian forward to stand before me.

“If Raon kills this child, I’ll concede my defeat. But if you don’t kill this child, I’ll take him with me.”

She smiled, confident in her victory.

‘Damn….’

Cold sweat trickled down my back. I was grateful for the helmet. If my expression had been visible, I would have been exposed instantly.

‘There’s no way.’

If Dorian were present, surrendering my body to Wrath wouldn’t be easy either. If that beast went berserk, he’d kill Dorian first since he’d be closest.

“It’s not bad, but it’s a bit ambiguous.”

Tacheon tilted his head while observing Dorian.

“Consuming a human’s soul doesn’t immediately make you that person. This child wore a helmet just yesterday. The soul and body haven’t perfectly merged yet.”
‘I need to step in now.’

I clenched my teeth as I watched Tacheon, who seemed displeased with the wager.

“Setting that aside, why should I kill this child?”

I glared at Dorian with eyes full of confusion.

“I am a knight. I don’t swing my blade at someone without reason.”

I recited words that Rocta would have said, shaking my head.

‘Please….’

My expression was confident, but my heart wasn’t. I clenched my fists, hoping Tacheon would oppose the wager.

“Doesn’t it seem like acting?”

The White Blood Cult Master’s eyes gleamed from within the crimson feet.

“It seems I’ve won the wager.”
“No.”

Tacheon shook his head.

“The soul dwelling in that helmet was Rocta Deport, a Draconian and the captain of the knights. It’s not strange for a knight to speak such words.”
“Hmm.”
“So I must speak properly.”

He approached beside Dorian and pointed to the inverted sword emblem on the uniform’s chest.

“Do you see this? This inverted sword is a symbol representing our greatest enemy. In other words, the enemy of Merlin, whom you serve.”

Tacheon caressed the Zigheart emblem and smiled faintly.

“Not long ago, Merlin suffered a grave wound to her chest, and that too was their doing.”
“Hah….”

I feigned anger and exhaled a low breath.

‘That’s not a lie.’

I recalled when Sheryl had driven Merlin away, striking with her twin blades. Tacheon was speaking of that very moment.

“That swordmaster is our enemy and one of the culprits who wounded Merlin. Surely this is reason enough, is it not?”

It would be sufficient. If Merlin were the center of the world like Rocta, I would have cut down Dorian right here and now.

But I am not Rocta—I am Raon Zigheart. I could never cut down Dorian.

“Shall I make it easier for you?”

The White Blood Cult Master snapped her fingers. As the sharp sound dispersed through the air, light returned to Dorian’s large pupils.

“Huh? W-where am I… Ugh!”

Dorian groaned as he took in the strange palanquin and the White Blood Cult members surrounding him, along with the helmeted specters. Upon seeing the 10th Apostle, his jaw trembled as memories of his abduction flooded back.

‘Vicious bastard.’

This wasn’t helping—it was no different from stabbing him with a blade. The White Blood Cult Master clearly knew that I hadn’t been consumed by the helmet.

“Eh…?”

Dorian, whose pupils had been rolling endlessly with anxiety, froze upon seeing me. His eyes widened at the sight of the blue dragon helmet and the uniform and sword beneath it.

“S-Sub-Lord?”

Hearing his innocent voice sent shivers down my spine. A sense of crisis rang alarm bells in my mind. One wrong move, and we could all die here.

“Let me explain once more. This man belongs to Zigheart, one of our primary enemies. Slaying him is a service to Merlin.”
“…I see.”

I gripped the sword hilt tightly and studied Dorian.

“Ah!”

Dorian caught sight of his own eyes reflected within the helmet’s visor and clamped his mouth shut. His terrified pupils trembled visibly.

‘He’s figured it out.’

After spending so much time together, Dorian had apparently recognized that I hadn’t been consumed by the helmet.

“So you’re accepting the wager, then?”

The White Blood Cult Master grinned and gestured toward Tacheon.

“Yes. Once Merlin confirms everything as mentioned, we’ll release him. Though it seems he has no intention of moving hastily. We never specified a time limit, did we?”

Tacheon shook his head with a faint smile.

“Ah, I’d prefer this were decided quickly.”

The White Blood Cult Master turned her head to the right, and the Old Man who had been carrying the palanquin stepped forward. Even with three people now supporting it, the palanquin remained perfectly still.

Whoooosh!

As the Old Man stamped his foot, a wall-like corridor of blood energy tore open from the ground. Ten men and women emerged from the murky crimson aura. All of them had the same vacant, lifeless eyes as Dorian.

“Knights cannot abide injustice, or so they say? From now on, one every minute.”

The moment her words—laced with cruel amusement—ended, the Old Man sank his teeth into the throat of the young man at the front and tore away flesh.

Splurch!

Blood sprayed from the corpse that had lost its neck, spattering across my shoulder.

“The Cult Leader remains consistent. Well, if it’s handled this quickly, I suppose it’s not entirely disagreeable.”

Tacheon gazed at the crimson blood pooling across the ground, his smile as pure and innocent as a child’s.

“Aaaahhh!”

Dorian’s lips trembled as he watched the neck of the person standing beside him vanish in an instant. His pupils quivered endlessly.

Crack.

I gripped the blade of the Jechen Sword so tightly it threatened to shatter.

‘He knows too.’

Tacheon was fully aware that I hadn’t been consumed by the helmet. He knew, yet he was toying with me. He knew, and he was savoring this situation.

“Hehehehe.”
“Hahaha.”

The laughter of two monsters didn’t sound human. My heart clenched as if I were witnessing the smile of a demon that viewed people as prey.

“Huff….”

With each breath drawn inward, the sensation of death crept closer and closer.

If a fight broke out, it would be easy to escape—but only if I had any intention of saving myself.

Both the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon were the type who would kill me before letting me fall into the other’s hands if they couldn’t have me. This was the worst-case scenario I hadn’t anticipated.

Grrrgh….

I exhaled roughly, my gaze sweeping across the terrified Dorian and the nine oblivious people one by one.

“What are you waiting for? The minute’s almost up.”
“Act like a knight and slay Merlin’s enemy for us.”

The White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon lowered their voices with boredom.

Splurch!

Before the minute had even fully elapsed, the Old Man crushed the second woman’s heart. She collapsed without even realizing her own death.

“Two of them.”
“How long do you think they’ll last?”

Madmen. They were so utterly unhinged that I’d never seen anything like them across both my past and present lives.
They wanted to take me with them, yet gave no thought whatsoever to what came after. It was arrogance of the most vicious kind.

But I couldn’t resist. The air itself spoke the truth—make a careless move here, and I would die.

The intangible aura emanating from these absolute beings made every hair on my body stand on end. My mind conjured thoughts that offered nothing but self-consolation.

They were doomed anyway.

Even without me, they would have become prey for the White Blood Cult.

I have something I must do. I can’t die here because of them.

And Dorian… Dorian…

I swallowed hard as I looked at Dorian.

Dorian was the one I’d spent the most time with aside from family, the one who’d shown me the most of himself. Even in pretense, I couldn’t bring myself to say I was abandoning him.

A way out. There had to be a way…

If I didn’t kill Dorian here, Tacheon would kill me. If I did kill him, the White Blood Cult Master would come for me.

Even if I surrendered my body to Wrath, Dorian would still die. I stood at a crossroads of death with no escape.

“Raon Zigheart!”

Dorian glared at me with blazing eyes.

“You stupid bastard!”

He snarled, biting down on his lip. Blood dripped from his mouth and fell to the ground.

“I never liked you from the start! I knew you’d end up like this, always acting so superior. There wasn’t a single day I enjoyed being with you!”

Dorian’s pupils trembled as if they might shatter.

“Get this straight! Not just me—there’s not a single person in this world who would like an arrogant bastard like you!”
“….”
“Why are you shutting your mouth! Kill them! All you know how to do is run your mouth! Stop being so damn cocky and kill them already!”

I gripped the sword blade even tighter.

‘Dorian….’

Dorian’s eyes no longer wavered. The gaze of someone who had steeled their resolve.

That foolish coward was squeezing out his courage to ask me to kill him.
Instead of the sharp resentment or curses people usually spat before death, he only offered hollow accusations. He was worried about me until the very end.

“Ha!”

I let out a hollow laugh and bowed my head.

‘That bastard can’t even curse properly. But he’s brave.’

Far braver than me.

He was far greater than I was—someone who had always sought escape by debasing myself.

‘Living shamefully. It’s meaningless.’

I’ve already lived one life like a rat. I won’t end this one the same way.

Thanks to Dorian’s courage, I could steel my resolve.

“This is getting interesting.”
“This is why humans are so fascinating.”

The White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon smiled. They laughed with an ease as if they didn’t care what happened either way.

I no longer looked at those two. I moved toward Dorian and the hostages, gripping the Heavenly Sword.

‘Wrath. I’ll take your anger. Even if it’s just for a moment….’
-No need. The True Demon King is pissed off too.

Wrath frowned as he watched Dorian whimper.

-Foolish and dull though you may be, you serve the True Demon King. I shall offer whatever aid I can in this moment.
‘Thank you.’

I nodded and positioned myself at the center, between Dorian and the hostages.

“Foolish bastard.”
“Ugh….”

Dorian closed his eyes, resigned to death.

“Hah.”

I drew both blades simultaneously. From my left hand, the Soul Reaper Sword unleashed a torrent of snow-wind sword energy, while my right hand revealed the Heavenly Sword’s radiant light.

Screech!

The Soul Reaper Sword pierced the 5th Apostle’s throat as he held Dorian, while the Heavenly Sword drove through the Old Man’s chest.

Splurt!

As I withdrew both blades, a savage torrent of blood erupted from the 5th Apostle’s neck, and the Old Man collapsed to his knees.

“Better to die than live in such filth.”

I removed the azure dragon’s helm. My crimson eyes, gleaming with brilliance, never dimmed even before the Absolutes.

“I would rather fall here.”

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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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