The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 331

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 331

The Announcer, who had been observing the situation, ascended to the Sparring Arena and bowed his head.

“All Six Emperors duels have concluded.”

He steadied his fractured voice with a clearing cough, then pointed his finger toward the sky.

“Standing at the pinnacle of a Master-class duel so fierce that blood was spilled—the youngest participant in the tournament, Raon Zigheart! The Legend Sword Association’s Raon Zigheart claims victory! Yesssssss!”

As the Announcer’s voice tore through the arena, the entire Sparring Arena trembled.

“Wooooooooah!”
“Raon! Raon! Raon!”
“He crushed all of the Twelve Continents….”
“We can’t forget about Matheus and Garona either.”
“Now that I think about it, he was the youngest. A child about to turn twenty just defeated all those renowned Masters!”
“I witnessed something truly impossible. I’ll never forget this for the rest of my life.”

The spectators roared Raon’s name with such fervor it seemed almost primal.

“And now that I think about it, the Expert-class champion is also from Zigheart. Rakshasa Blade Martha Zigheart!”
“Only Zigheart’s children are rising to prominence.”
“That’s right. Whirlwind Blade and Blue Moon Blade too.”
“Are all the talents flocking only to Zigheart?”
“I thought only the Northern Destruction King’s House was strong, but I was wrong. The foundation below is even more solid!”

The spectators cheered not only for Raon, but also called out the names of Martha, Lunan, and Burren, who had shown impressive performances in the Expert-class tournament.

Raon surveyed the Spectator Stands while listening to the magnificent roar of the crowd.

‘How things have changed.’

When I first arrived here, not a single spectator cheered for Zigheart.

In the Expert-class, Princess Jeina and Prince Greer had been the favorites for victory, while in the Master-class, Borini Kitten, Garona, and Cardis had been the favorites. There were scarcely any who believed Zigheart would triumph.

“Zigheart!”
“Zigheart!”

Yet throughout the Sparring Arena, now that all the duels had concluded, only the name of Zigheart echoed forth.

‘This is exhilarating.’

My emotions surged at having moved those who had once dismissed and ignored me. It was a sensation entirely different from saving others and receiving their praise.

“Raon. Are you alright?”

Lunan Slion approached, his brows furrowed with concern. How typical of him to worry before offering congratulations on my victory.

“I’m perfectly fine.”

Moments ago, I had been on death’s threshold, yet the sight of Derus Robert’s contorted expression and the roar of the crowd had diminished my internal and external injuries to an almost negligible degree. It felt like an awakened state, but for now, that was sufficient.

“W-wait, you’re fine?”

Martha Zigheart winced as she examined the wound on my shoulder.

“Yes. I can endure until the awards ceremony.”

There was no way I could collapse during such an entertaining moment.

The champion receives gifts directly from the heads of the Six Emperors at the awards ceremony. I could not afford to miss the opportunity to mock Derus Robert once more.

“Raon. We must proceed with the awards ceremony now. Will you be able to manage?”

The Announcer approached and whispered quietly.

“If it proves too difficult, we can hold the ceremony later without the spectators….”
“No.”

I shook my head gently.

“It’s fine to do it now. I cannot postpone it when they’re calling my name like this.”

I gestured toward the spectators still chanting my name and smiled faintly.

“Ah….”

The Announcer’s pupils contracted slightly.

“Th-thank you so much!”

This time, I spoke with genuine sincerity rather than performance, yet he trembled with emotion, his hands shaking.

“Raon! You’re truly an incredible fellow!”

Burren Zigheart approached with his lips pressed firmly together and embraced me. His nose twitched slightly—he too had been moved by emotion.

“But where in the world is that man?”

Martha Zigheart furrowed her brow as she scanned the surroundings.

“The Unit produced two champions, yet where has the Unit Leader vanished to?”
“Right….”
“Sigh….”

The Gale Wind Squad furrowed their brows, searching the area for Rimer.

“I’m rich! Incredibly, unbelievably rich!”

As I turned my gaze to follow them, a hoarse man’s voice erupted from the right side of the Spectator Stands.

‘There he is.’

I let out a hollow laugh, thinking how consistent he remained. That man was gradually ruining my impression of elves.

“Vice Unit Leader.”

Dorian approached from the side and gestured.

“You should change clothes before ascending the Platform in that state.”
“Mm….”

I assessed my own condition. My uniform was completely torn, and with both Cardis’s blood and my own staining me, I looked no different from a corpse.

“That would be better.”

Since it would take some time before the awards ceremony began, I figured changing clothes wouldn’t be a problem.

I descended with Dorian and entered the Waiting Room.

“What would you like to wear?”

Dorian plunged his hand into his spatial pouch and withdrew several varieties of garments in succession. An assortment of formal wear and uniforms soon blanketed the table.

“Why is there a dress?”

I frowned upon spotting the dress nestled among the others.

“Ah, well, that one hasn’t been properly organized yet.”

Dorian chuckled awkwardly and returned the dress to his spatial pouch.

-Ask that fellow if he has mint chocolate ice cream.
‘….’

For some reason, I had a feeling he actually did, so I refrained from asking.

“I’ll go with this one.”

I selected the most understated black formal suit from among the formal wear.

“Thank you for thinking of this.”
“Not at all.”

Dorian shook his head rapidly.

“The Deputy Sect Leader and the First Squad Leader both won and brought honor to Zigheart’s name, but I haven’t done anything. This is the least I can do.”

He smiled awkwardly and began returning the clothes to his spatial pouch.

“That’s not true.”

I removed my torn uniform and closed my eyes briefly before opening them again.

“It was something we accomplished together.”
“Pardon?”
“Not just me or Martha—we did this as one, all of us together.”

I pointed upward toward the ceiling of the Waiting Room. The spectators’ roars of “Zigheart!” caused even this chamber to tremble.

“The Gwangpung Unit fought with everything we had, which is why our name echoes like this. If I had fought alone, only my name would be called.”

After changing into fresh clothes, I patted Dorian’s shoulder.

“Take pride in this. You and everyone in the Gwangpung Unit gave your all.”
“…Yes.”

Dorian paused while placing his clothes in his pocket, then nodded while gazing downward.

“Let’s go.”

I chuckled softly and stepped out of the Waiting Room.

“Waaaaaaah!”
“Raon!”
“Legend Sword Association!”
“White Sword Dragon!”
“White Sword Dragon! We look forward to your future!”

Beyond the Legend Sword Association, there were those calling me by a new epithet: White Sword Dragon. It seemed the White Shadow Descent I displayed at the end had carved itself deeply into their minds.

‘A dragon epithet….’

Having “dragon” attached to one’s epithet was the highest honor bestowed upon a young warrior. Even among the Twelve Continents, only two of the top four possessed such an epithet.

‘The name grows weightier by the moment.’

From Sword Association to Sword Dragon—the honor felt gratifying, yet it carried a subtle burden.

“Now then, let us commence the awards ceremony!”

The Announcer ascended onto the Platform and raised his hand.

“Expert-class champion Martha Zigheart, please come up to the Platform.”

Martha nodded and ascended the Platform where the leaders of the Six Emperors stood. Glen Zigheart was at the forefront.

“Magnificent fighting spirit. However, you must learn to value yourself more carefully.”

Glen Zigheart placed a platinum medal around Martha’s neck and patted her shoulder.

“I will remember that.”
“Well done.”
“Yes!”

Martha bowed deeply and stepped to the side.

“Thank you for enlightening that fellow Greer.”

King Lecross shook Martha’s hand and presented her with a sword.

“It may not match a broken blade, but it ranks among the finest swords, so it should serve you well until you obtain a new one.”
“Thank you so much!”

Martha accepted the sword with both hands raised, bowing respectfully.

“Your face won’t bear any scars. That’s fortunate.”

Chamber examined Martha’s face and smiled warmly.

“Would it be acceptable if I substitute the gift for healing your facial wound?”
“Yes. That’s perfectly fine.”

Martha nodded, genuinely unbothered.

“Aww, how adorable!”

Chamber giggled and waved her staff above Martha’s hand. A blue light shimmered, and a gray bracelet fell into Martha’s palm.

“The ability is a secret!”

She covered her mouth with a finger and stepped back with a flourish.

“Thank you.”

Martha gazed blankly at the bracelet before bowing her head.

“Young though you are, your warrior’s spirit rivals that of our own children.”

Ogram stepped before Martha. Despite her considerable height for a woman, she appeared diminutive in his presence.

“This is a high-grade elixir from the Association. It will aid your body in keeping pace with your spirit.”

He handed her a wooden case containing the elixir, his smile refreshingly genuine.

“Thank you.”

Martha bowed to Ogram before approaching Derus Robert for the final time.

“That was a magnificent duel.”

He smiled without reservation and handed her a book.

“It is a footwork technique called Parhyeon. It will allow you to employ your formidable swordplay with far greater efficiency.”
“Thank you!”

Martha bowed once more to all five masters before turning to acknowledge the spectators.

“Uooooooooh!”
“Martha! Martha!”
“Rakshasa Blade! Rakshasa Blade!”

The crowd showered her with applause, yet the veins in her forehead bulged prominently.

“I told you not to call it that! You damned fools!”

Martha clutched the rewards bestowed by the masters, her teeth grinding audibly.

“Ahahaha!”
“She really is a Rakshasa!”
“Let’s call her the Rakshasa Woman again! Her ferocity can’t be contained by a mere blade!”
“Rakshasa Woman! Rakshasa Woman!”
“Rakshasa Blade! Rakshasa Blade!”

The spectators laughed mockingly at Martha. Whether blade or woman, the image of a Rakshasa had become inseparable from her.

“You rotten bastards!”

Martha’s eyes blazed with fury as she hurled herself toward the Spectator Stands.

“Hey! Stop her!”
“Martha!”
“Squad Leader!”

Thanks to the Gwangpung Unit below moving swiftly, they managed to gag Martha and drag her away.

“Ah, w-well, we apologize for the brief disturbance.”

The Announcer wiped the cold sweat trickling down his forehead and exhaled heavily.

“Now, for our Master-class champion, Raon Zigheart. Please ascend to the Platform!”
“Yeeeeeeeeaaaaaaah!”

I climbed onto the Platform, bathed in cheers that seemed to reach the heavens.

“Ahem.”

Glen returned with his usual expressionless face. He cleared his throat once before placing the platinum medal around my neck.

“It’s an excellent counter technique that erases the enemy’s offensive itself, but it remains incomplete. You wouldn’t have been able to erase a Master-class supreme swordsman’s absolute technique.”
“Yes.”

Perhaps because others were present, he spoke of swordsmanship rather than praise. Honestly, I preferred this, so a smile naturally emerged.

“The more techniques you witness and the more experiences you accumulate, the stronger this swordsmanship can become. Continue to refine it well.”
“Thank you.”

I nodded to Glen and stepped aside.

“It feels like opening my eyes after a long time. That was an excellent duel.”

Satisfaction radiated from King Lecross’s broad smile.

“Since you have your blade, I thought you’d prefer something else.”

He handed me a pair of gloves engraved with three swords. The moment I grasped them, I felt something extraordinary. These were no ordinary items.

“I hope your reputation reaches even greater heights.”
“Thank you.”

King Lecross had shown me goodwill from the moment we first met. I offered my sincere gratitude and stepped before Chamber.

“Want to come with me?”

Chamber smiled, wiggling her fingers.

“Chamber…”
“That crazy woman!”

King Lecross and Ogram on either side of her both frowned.

“I’m not joking—I’m genuinely drawn to you.”
“Pardon?”
“Have you ever thought about learning magic? I’ll teach you directly. Become my disciple.”
“I’m already struggling with just the blade.”

Whether I had talent for magic or not didn’t matter. I intended to accomplish everything with my sword alone. Besides, one eccentric mage like Merlin was more than enough.

“No, but I think you could do it.”

Chamber murmured that I was capable of it, her gaze sweeping over me. A gleam of desire flickered in her eyes.

“Chamber.”
“Sigh, fine.”

At Glen’s low voice, Chamber nodded and extended her staff.

“Next time we meet, you’d better be more handsome.”

A sparkling light fell from her staff, transforming into a blue ring.

‘An artifact?’

Like the bracelet I’d given to Martha, this ring appeared to be an artifact from Valcar. As a kingdom of artifact craftsmanship rivaling the Yonan Family, it was surely something extraordinary.

“Your abilities are also secret!”
“Thank you.”

I bowed my head and stood before Ogram.

“When I first saw you, you were so gaunt I didn’t care for it, but your spirit is genuine. You are a true warrior, one I, Ogram, acknowledge.”

He patted my back with a refreshing touch, then held out a small bottle.

“It’s an elixir. It will restore your damaged body and strengthen your mana circuits and dantian as well.”
“Thank you.”
“I have something else to give you later.”
“Yes.”

Ogram chuckled as he looked at Glen. Not understanding what he meant, I bowed and stepped before Derus Robert, the last of them.

“That….”
“I’m sorry! Regardless of my intentions, I severed Cardis’s arm! I have no words to offer!”

I deliberately cut off Derus Robert’s words and bowed deeply.

‘This man absolutely hates being interrupted.’

In any situation, Derus Robert despised having his words cut short. I deliberately interrupted him to provoke his anger once more.

“…It’s fine.”

Derus Robert’s voice was soft, but his lips trembled slightly. The anger he’d suppressed was rising again.

“Raon….”
“Still, severing a warrior’s arm is not something that can simply be overlooked. I will accept any punishment!”

Raon cut off Derus Robert’s words again and lowered his head.

“Wow….”
“He said he’d accept any punishment….”
“He’s truly a remarkable warrior.”
“Right. Cardis was the one who showed killing intent first….”
“Impressive. Now I understand why Zigheart is called the master of the Northern Region.”

The spectators erupted in applause, moved by the sight of Raon apologizing even during the awards ceremony.

‘Where….’

Raon raised his head again. Derus Robert’s smile had faded to the point of seeming artificial. Others would interpret it as a benevolent expression, but it was far from that. It was the face of someone whose anger had risen all the way to their throat.

‘Of course it would be.’

His plan had been exposed, his son’s arm had been severed, and given the circumstances, he couldn’t even lodge a complaint or demand compensation. Though he couldn’t voice it, he likely wanted to strangle me right now.

‘I should stop here for today.’

I barely suppressed the laughter threatening to burst forth by biting the inside of my cheek. I wanted to provoke him further, but I decided to save that for later.

“It’s truly fine. Since it was a duel, he’ll accept it as well.”

Derus Robert shook his head and handed over a book.

“Your short sword technique appeared to lack systematic structure, Raon. This technique should be of help to you.”

The book was titled the Flying Blade Technique.

“Thank you.”

Raon bowed to Derus Robert before stepping backward. He bowed once more to the leaders of the Six Emperors, then turned and stood before the platform.

“Uwaaaaaaaaa!”
“Raon! Raon! Raon!”
“Legend Sword Association! Legend Sword Association!”
“White Sword Dragon! White Sword Dragon!”

A roar even greater than when Martha had fought erupted throughout the Sparring Arena. The sheer force of the crowd’s voices seemed to shake the very foundations of the arena itself.

“Thank you.”

I felt my heart pounding wildly as I offered my gratitude to the spectators. After thanking them for their support all this time, I tried to stand, but my body refused to obey.

Unable to move even a single finger, my body tilted forward helplessly.

‘Of all places, here….’

The energy I’d gained from taunting Derus Robert seemed to have completely depleted. As I fell, the ground drew closer.

Just as my eyes were about to close, I felt someone catch my body.

‘Ah….’

This sensation….

A warmth I seemed to have felt long ago accompanied the darkness as my eyes closed.

*

*

*

I frowned as I stared at the pristine white ceiling.

‘Did I lose consciousness?’

I had no memory of anything after thanking the spectators. The last thing I recalled was the ground rushing toward me.

‘To grow this strong and still collapse—how pathetic.’

I chuckled softly and pushed myself up.

‘No, perhaps it’s only natural?’

The White Shadow Blade is a sword technique that consumes mental power and aura to extreme degrees. Using such a demanding technique consecutively, and in a state of severe internal injury no less, losing consciousness was hardly surprising.

‘Wrath.’

I was about to ask Wrath how much time had passed when the Medical Office door swung open.

“Looks like you’re doing better now?”

Rimer, the first to enter, grinned and waved his hand.

“You’re telling someone who just woke up that they’re fine?”

Sheryl kicked Rimer’s backside.

“Head of House. Are you feeling alright inside?”

Roen smiled gently and examined various parts of my body.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

As I offered a faint smile, Glen entered behind the three of them. He approached the bed and his eyes blazed with intensity.

‘Am I in trouble?’

I realized I might be scolded for collapsing at such a crucial moment while greeting the spectators and descending.

“A warrior must…”

As Glen’s lips parted, his gaze grew sharp and penetrating.

“…know themselves better than anyone else. What you’re capable of, how much you can endure, how far you can advance. Always reflecting upon yourself—that is the true way of a warrior.”

A chilling coldness emanated from his voice.

“Today you exceeded your limits. Your body and mind became overloaded, and you lost consciousness as a result. Had no one been there, you would have died.”
“I apologize.”

It was indeed a scolding. But since his words held truth, I bowed my head.

“The family’s name and reputation matter, but think of yourself first.”

Glen stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. His touch was warm, yet strangely trembling.

“Still, today you….”

There was a slight pause, but seeing him begin with “you,” it seemed he intended to end with praise for my hard work.

Glen never spoke empty words, so hearing his praise always lifted my spirits.

“Y-you should eat plenty of meat.”
“….”

The Medical Office fell into silence at his utterly unexpected words.

“Huh….”

I tilted my head in confusion.

‘What did I just hear?’

My mouth fell open in utter bewilderment.

“Ahem, I’ll take my leave.”

Glen immediately turned and departed from the Medical Office.

“H-Head of House.”
“Young Master Raon, we shall see you later.”

Sheryl and Roen glanced at me once before following Glen out.

“Blast it!”

Rimer made a spitting gesture on the floor and scowled fiercely.

“That old fool!”

He shrieked and chased after the three of them.

“What was that…?”

You’ve grown weak. Is he telling you to eat meat and become stronger?

I couldn’t comprehend the situation, and my mind went blank.

-You fool.

Wrath snorted and rose into the air with a dismissive breath.

-Because you’re pathetically weak! That’s why I’m telling you to eat meat and build your strength, you idiot!

He gripped my shoulder firmly, an irrepressible smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

-There will be a feast today, so you must attend without fail! If you eat only what the True Demon King recommends, you too can become as robust as a demon king!
‘Huh…?’

Is that really true?

*

*

*

“Sigh…”

Rimer exhaled a long, weary breath.

“Telling him to eat lots of meat! It’s pathetic, really!”

He ground his teeth while watching Glen walk ahead of him.

“Is it really so difficult to tell your grandson, ‘You’ve worked hard. I love you’?”

Glen had attempted to add “I love you” to his words of acknowledgment, but his tongue had malfunctioned.
It was so absurd that I couldn’t even laugh.

“If he’d just close his eyes once and say it, everything would unfold smoothly from here on!”

Glen listened to the nagging without turning around, his posture growing increasingly hunched.

“I’m so frustrated I could burst!”

Rimer’s voice grew louder as he gained momentum.

“Won’t you hold your grandchild? Won’t you apologize to your daughter? Are you just going to keep acting like this until you’re buried in the ground?”
“Hmm….”
“When Raon fell from the platform, you panicked so badly you couldn’t even breathe and rushed out—so why are you being so shy now? Even our neighbor Bolak wouldn’t act like this!”
“….”

Glen Zigheart’s footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

“There’s a problem.”

His voice dropped to a low murmur.

“What problem have you caused now? Should I fix it for you? I don’t know what would’ve happened without me.”

Glen Zigheart turned his head slowly. An icy gaze enveloped Rimer.

“Eh?”
“I’m the Head of House, and you’re a family elder—so why am I being scolded?”
“What? No, that’s….”

Rimer’s cheeks trembled. Only now did he realize he’d said far too much.

“I, I was only thinking of you, Head of House….”
“Seize him.”
“Yes!”

As he tried to step back, Sheryl and Roen grabbed both his arms.

Crackle!

Red sparks began dancing across Glen Zigheart’s fingertips.

“Heh heh….”
“I understand your intentions, but you’ve overstepped your bounds.”
“Wait!”

Rimer struggled desperately, even channeling his aura in resistance.

“Not now! I still have gambling vouchers I haven’t cashed in yet….”

His words never reached their conclusion. A colossal bolt of lightning descended in the wake of Glen Zigheart’s fingertips.

Craaaaaackle!

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————