The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 323

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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 323

The Training Ground door swung open, and the one who entered was Princess Jeina of Valcar. She approached me with an expression brimming with irritation, like an agitated cat.

“Why did you call for me?”
“Why did I call for you? Your education is still lacking. Or perhaps your intellect is simply deficient?”

I offered a cold smile and extended my hand toward Dorian.

“Dorian.”
“Yes!”

Dorian produced a pristine sheet of paper from his pouch as if he’d been waiting for this moment. A man of few words—truly convenient.

“Thank you.”

I unfolded the paper Dorian had handed me. A special contract. The collar I had placed around her neck after rescuing her in Porban City.

“Ugh….”

Princess Jeina’s lips trembled upon seeing the special contract. Her expression was filled with rage rather than recollection.

‘She hadn’t forgotten after all.’

She was simply resentful.

Jeina’s use of informal speech upon arriving wasn’t because she’d forgotten the special contract, but rather a rebellious outburst born from her inability to suppress the resentment festering in her heart.

As the princess of Valcar who had lived without regard for anyone’s opinion, I could understand such emotions.

‘But not before me.’

Others might forgive her based on her appearance or status, but I would not.

Appearance was merely the surface of humanity, and I harbored neither goodwill nor fond memories toward her, so there was no reason to regard her favorably.

-Tsk.

Wrath looked down at Princess Jeina and furrowed his brow.

-Unable to contain your emotions, displaying them so openly. Truly, you are a foolish human.
‘….’

I nearly said, ‘And what would you know about that?’ but held my tongue.

“I told you before, didn’t I? Always speak to me with proper respect.”

I waved the special contract lightly and smiled. Princess Jeina’s eyes followed the contract, darting back and forth.

“…Why did you call me?”
“I’m not particularly pleased with that tone.”
“U-um, w-why did you c-call me?”

Princess Jeina’s pride was wounded. She clenched her fists and bowed her head deeply.

“To give you valuable information.”
“Information?”
“Yes. Information about Martha Zigheart, whom you’ll be fighting tomorrow.”
“What do you mean….”

Princess Jeina’s eyes widened as if they might burst from her skull. Her expression showed she had no idea what I was thinking.

“But first, I have a few questions for you.”

I lifted my chin slightly and beckoned with my finger. Princess Jeina narrowed her eyes and stepped forward.

“I hear the Robert Family and Valcar have been meeting frequently lately. What was discussed between them?”

This information appeared in the intelligence from both Chad and Deningrose. Since Zigheart was keeping watch over both factions, it wasn’t an unusual question.

“Well….”
“Speak.”
“It was about an underwater mine.”
“An underwater mine? Near Robert?”
“There’s an underwater mine off the coast near Robert territory. They requested that Valcar develop magic capable of carefully excavating the land and minerals without causing collapse beneath the sea.”

Princess Jeina didn’t consider it a significant secret and immediately shared the information about the mine.

‘An underwater mine….’

That shouldn’t exist.

During my assassin training, I had traversed every sea near the Robert Family countless times. In those waters I’d explored so thoroughly, no mine of any kind had ever existed.

‘What am I thinking… Ah!’

Could that dungeon have opened?

There was an unnamed dungeon beneath the sea near the Robert Family, but no matter what we tried, its door would never open. Judging by the current situation, it seemed that dungeon’s door had finally unsealed.

“Did they not ask you to dispatch a mage?”
“We suggested that would be easier, but they insisted on doing it themselves and asked us to develop a spell instead.”

Jeina narrowed her eyes slightly, as if annoyed by their stubbornness.

‘They’re doing this to maintain secrecy.’

The Robert Family and Valcar got along reasonably well. If this were truly about mining, they would have requested an expert.
To keep the dungeon’s secret hidden, they deliberately asked for a spell instead of a mage.

“When was that spell delivered?”
“At this very conference.”

Jeina explained that Chamber’s assistant had handed the spell tome to Derus Robert’s aide during this conference.

“I see.”

I clenched my fist and let a smile slip across my face.

‘So there’s still an opportunity….’

It seemed another chance to outmaneuver Derus Robert had presented itself.

‘It doesn’t matter if I can’t claim it. As long as he can’t have it either.’

I had no information about what lay inside the dungeon, but that didn’t matter. If it looked like I couldn’t secure the dungeon’s treasures, I could simply collapse it and ensure Derus Robert got nothing either. It was an opportunity with no downside.

“Anything else?”
“She commissioned some additional magic, and we’re working to solidify our alliances further….”

Princess Jeina mentioned a few more things, but none of it held any real substance.

“Then it’s my turn to share what I know.”
“Ah….”
“Martha’s attribute is earth. But unlike other earth-attribute swordsmen, her approach is different. She unleashes sharp, relentless offensives like fire and wind without restraint. Particularly with the Heavy Chain Sword, which relies on strength and speed….”

I explained to Princess Jeina Martha’s current level and the flow of her swordsmanship. While not exhaustive, it was thorough enough to influence the outcome of their match.

“You….”

After hearing all the information about Martha, Princess Jeina bit her lip.

“What on earth are you thinking…?”
“What do you mean?”
“When I heard you called for me, I thought you’d tell me to forfeit… Instead, you’re giving me information about Martha. What exactly are you thinking…?”
“Stop dragging out your words.”
“Ugh….”
“Well?”
“I understand.”

Her pride wounded, she lowered her gaze.

“The reason I gave you information about Martha is….”

My eyes, bathed in moonlight, gleamed a deep crimson.

“Because humans grow stronger through adversity.”
“So you’re artificially creating hardship?”

Princess Jeina’s lips trembled. Her expression showed she couldn’t comprehend it.

“In a tournament where six factions’ pride is at stake?”
“Yes.”

I nodded without hesitation.

“If I lose….”
“It still has meaning. The difference between one who knows defeat and one who doesn’t is vast.”

Burren and Lunan had grown considerably by drawing out all their strength against each other in their match. I hoped Martha would grow through this tournament in the same way, so this was a trial I was giving her.

If Martha could overcome Jeina, who knew her weaknesses, and defeat the Third Prince, she would be able to reach an even greater height.

“I really can’t understand this….”
“I’m not asking for your understanding.”

I waved the special contract lightly.

“I’ve given you the information, so fight properly. If you fight poorly and lose, this contract won’t stay quiet about it.”
“Ugh….”
“What should I make you do? Bring me Valcar’s national treasure?”
“Damn….”

Jeina trembled with her fists clenched, her lips pouting. It seemed she didn’t know how to handle being pushed around so one-sidedly for the first time. Watching her act so arrogantly from the start made this all the more satisfying.

“Sigh….”

She let out a sigh deep enough to shake the earth, then lifted her head. Still, as a direct descendant of the Six Emperors, her emotional recovery was swift.

“So that erases 2 of the commands, right?”
“2 commands?”
“You told me about the dealings between the Robert Family and Valcar, and if I add tomorrow’s match against Martha Zigheart, that’s 2 favors, isn’t it?”
“What are you misunderstanding?”
“Huh?”
“I never once used the words ‘favor’ or ‘command’.”

I chuckled and unfolded the special contract. It still clearly stated 3 commands.

“Why….”

Jeina’s eyes crumpled like paper crushed in a fist.

“You definitely told me to speak….”
“The contents of the contract are commands. I asked you a favor—I never issued you a command.”

It was true. I had merely shown her the contract and told her to sign it. I had never once uttered the word “command.”

“Tch!”

She summoned mana as if ready to attack me on the spot, baring her teeth.

“You demonic bastard! A cooperator? That’s nonsense! You’re a demon that crawled up from the Demon Realm!
-Even the Demon Realm doesn’t have creatures like this….

Wrath chimed in with Princess Jeina’s words, shaking his head slowly.

“A demon from the Demon Realm? I’d take that as a compliment.”

Both Wrath and the Gwangpung Unit had taken to calling me the Demon King lately, so mere insults like demon or fiend barely registered.

“This conversation is over.”

I handed the special contract back to Dorian.

“Ugh….”

Dorian trembled as if frightened, then tucked the contract into his pouch.

“Then I’ll count on you tomorrow.”

I patted Princess Jeina’s shoulder as she ground her teeth, then left the Training Ground.

“You son of a—!”

As I headed back to the Dormitory, a torrent of curses erupted from within the Training Ground behind me.

“Is… is that really okay?”

Dorian glanced back at the Training Ground where screams still echoed, swallowing hard.

“It’s not like I’m killing her. Besides, she started it first.”

She had been the one to provoke me twice despite being given a chance. Since she showed no signs of reflection today, this would be a good lesson for her.

“Ah, well, about that… Martha…”
“It’s fine. She carries a lot on her shoulders, so she deserves that much tolerance.”

I stopped walking and gazed up at the dark sky, a smile crossing my face.

“If I can’t even do that much, I should quit as leader of the Gwangpung Unit.”

*

*

*

Derus Robert sat before Matio’s bed, nodding slightly.

“Matio.”

At his call, Matio’s eyes opened from where he lay motionless as if dead. A flash of anger flickered across his sunken gaze before vanishing just as quickly.

“…Yes.”

Matio answered while enduring pain that threatened to drag him back into unconsciousness. His voice was hoarse, but his mind remained steady.

“What are your impressions of Raon?”
“I, I didn’t see the very end, but up until then, I detected no traces of an assassin’s movements.”
“Are you certain?”

Derus narrowed his eyes as he looked down at Matio.

“Yes. His movements and disposition were those of a typical swordmaster reeking of Zigheart through and through.”

Matio answered, his jaw trembling from the pain.

“Though he adopted stances similar to an assassin’s at times, they were all movements and postures that any swordmaster might employ, making any distinction meaningless. I detected no assassin’s tendencies in him whatsoever.”
“Then what do you make of his attack on you?”
“Hah…”

Matio closed his eyes briefly, then opened them. It was an act of composing himself—suppressing emotion as an assassin would, steadying his mind to deliver an objective answer.

“As he said, the Sparring Arena was the safest place in that location. I had suffered a deep wound to my waist from Borini Kitten, and I was too preoccupied erasing Tacheon’s magic to have any composure. Honestly, I don’t think it was particularly strange that he brought his sword down before me, the closest target.”

He said that unlike his anger toward Raon Zigheart, he did not find that action strange. Rather, he continued, it had been quite wise.

“Based on what I’ve observed so far, I believe Raon Zigheart and Raon are unrelated.”
“Is that your judgment, you who raised Raon?”
“Yes. It is an objective assessment, free from emotion.”

Matio nodded, gritting his teeth against the searing pain that tore through his entire body.

“Very well. Rest now.”
“Ah, no—”

Derus Robert nodded and waved his hand, and Matio turned his head away with his eyes closed.

“Hmm….”

Derus Robert removed the gloves from his hands. The wound on the back of his hand had healed cleanly.

“Let Matio rest, and I shall take my leave.”
“Head of House.”

As Derus Robert rose to his feet, Rezel, the butler who served as his aide, spoke up.

“Should we not also rescind the orders given to the young master?”

Rezel continued, lowering his head apologetically.

“From what we witnessed today, Glen Zigheart clearly cherishes the Gwangpung Unit. If Young Master Cardis severs Young Master Raon Zigheart’s arm, it could cause complications.”
“Well observed. He seems to hold Raon in particular regard among the Gwangpung Unit.”
“Then….”
“So we shall leave it as is.”

Derus Robert chuckled softly and waved his hand.

“I cannot afford to miss this rare opportunity to glimpse Glen Zigheart’s true nature. I must observe whether he truly cherishes Raon, and how he will react if the boy’s arm is severed.”

Even as his son’s life hung in the balance, he wore a cold smile.

Derus Robert and Rezel were certain that Cardis would ultimately emerge victorious, even after witnessing Raon’s battle.

“I’d rather provoke him further than hold him back. He’s already furious enough as it is.”

Derus Robert gazed out the darkened window with a cold smile. The audience had continued chanting only Raon’s name, so despite Cardis Robert’s overwhelming victory, he’d received almost no applause—his irritation had reached its peak.

“You’ll provoke Cardis a bit more.”
“Understood.”

Rezel, who had been concerned about Cardis, erased his emotions at his master’s command and nodded. Though divided into yin and yang, both Matio and Rezel were nothing more than puppets who obeyed Derus Robert’s every word.

“Have you confirmed the magic Valcar provided?”
“Yes. It was exactly as requested.”

Rezel straightened his posture and nodded.

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes, or if hundreds die.”

Bloodlust gleamed in Derus Robert’s eyes.

“Just bring me the ancient treasure buried beneath.”

*

*

*

Chirp, chirp.

I opened my eyes at the clear birdsong, sitting on the floor of the Dormitory. I lifted my head tensely, but it was merely the chirping of birds announcing the start of the day with the morning sunlight.

‘It’s not Merlin, then.’

Do I really have to live in constant tension for the rest of my life?

Since I couldn’t predict when or where Merlin would appear, I let out a hollow laugh at the absurdity of it all.

-Coward.

Wrath let out a cold laugh and shook his head.

-Getting nervous because you’re scared? Your guts are smaller than a bean.
‘You were the one who was terrified.’

He claimed to hate obsession, yet here he was hiding away. I couldn’t make sense of it.

-Well, because of my obsession trauma….
‘Trauma?’

If Wrath had developed a trauma severe enough to make him fear something, that demon certainly wasn’t ordinary.

‘If you’re scared of them, they must be incredibly strong.’
-I’m not scared! Do you avoid feces because you’re afraid of it? You avoid it because it’s filthy!
‘Fair point.’

I chuckled softly. It seemed that even in the Demon Realm, one didn’t confront madness—one simply avoided it.

‘They must be quite powerful then.’
-Merely a nuisance, not worthy of the True Demon King! When I ruled the Demon Realm, I possessed the mightiest force, an invincible Demon King that none could rival….

Wrath trembled at the mention of obsession, then suddenly launched into self-praise. His emotional volatility was truly befitting of a Demon King.

“Sigh.”

I let Wrath’s boasting go in one ear and out the other as I assessed my physical condition. The external wound on my waist and the swollen mana circuit hadn’t fully recovered, but there were no major issues for combat. All the effort spent operating the Ring of Fire and Manhwagong without sleep had paid off.

-Even now, there are many demons who long for me. Why do you think they yearn for me? That’s right. This overwhelming power! Captivated by mana as vast as the ocean….
‘This never ends.’

Ignoring Wrath’s endless boasting, a message appeared before my eyes as I changed into my uniform.

[You have severed the supreme magic 【Yin-Yang】.]
[You have achieved victory against a high-realm master while wounded.]
[The rank of the Soul Reaper Sword’s trait 【Magic Vital Point】 has increased by 2 stages.]
[The Soul Reaper Sword’s essence has increased.]
[The rank of the trait 【Formation Interpretation】 has increased.]
[All stats have increased by 8 points.]

The reward for cutting through Tacheon’s magic yesterday and defeating Borini Kitten while injured had finally manifested. It seemed the system had been waiting for my body and mind to recover to a certain extent.

“Two stages at once?”

Thanks to scraping away Tacheon’s chaos, the 【Magic Vital Point】 skill jumped directly to 3-star. The 【Formation Interpretation】 trait also rose, and even the Soul Reaper Sword’s essence increased—it was an excessive reward for the price of cutting through magic.

Whiiiiing!

The Soul Reaper Sword rang out with a clear, crystalline note, seemingly pleased as well.

-This, what is this?!

Wrath, who had been constantly boasting about himself, dropped his jaw.

-Just for cutting that? If you’re handing out rewards like that, what am I supposed to do? You’re practically scraping the bottom and giving it all away….
‘You said you were among the strongest in the Demon Realm.’
-Uh….
‘If you feel burdened by giving out rewards of this caliber, doesn’t that make you weak?’
-That’s, that’s not what I meant….
“To a benevolent Demon King of Wrath like you, a reward of this magnitude is like scooping a single ladle from the ocean. Isn’t it?”
-That’s right! Indeed it is!

Wrath nodded, holding back tears because of the boasting he’d been doing just moments before. He was truly a tree that gave without reservation.

I turned away from Wrath’s awkward smile and looked at the final part of the message.

‘The trait increase is welcome, but the stat gains are a bit ambiguous.’

Not that it was bad.

With a full-power battle coming up soon, the slight deviation introduced into my meticulously refined body was a minor disappointment.

‘No, wait.’

My first opponent was the True Dragon.

Before I could crush Cardis, I had to fight the True Dragon first—the perfect opponent to adapt my strengthened body to.

‘A battle of pure strength. Perfect.’

A strength contest against a Beast Alliance warrior, said to possess the mightiest physique among the Six Emperors, seemed like it would be entertaining in its own right.

I draped my outer robe over my shoulders and gazed out the window. Watching the soft, waning sunlight, I gripped the Heavenly Celestial Sword tightly.

‘Today is the day Zigheart’s name will be inscribed at the highest place among the Six Emperors….’
-Before that, let’s eat first. I haven’t slept properly, and you’ve drained my stats, so my stomach’s hollow.

Wrath rubbed his belly with his eyes wide open.

‘Please, just read the room for once….’

I sighed and shook my head in exasperation.

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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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