The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 380

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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 380

Rimer flashed a hollow laugh as he watched the Gwangpung Unit charge at Raon with their teeth bared.

“It’s incredible how much a person can change in just one day.”

He wasn’t merely referring to how the Gwangpung Unit had become as savage as rabid dogs.

Every time Raon struck down the Gwangpung Unit’s swordsmen, he stimulated their mana circuits to help them absorb the Saunhwan energy they hadn’t yet fully accepted.
As a result, the Gwangpung Unit experienced the absurd phenomenon of their aura increasing the more they were beaten by Raon, swinging their blades all day long.

“That’s no ordinary feat.”

Fighting the Gwangpung Unit while stimulating their mana circuits consumed not just aura and stamina, but also tremendous mental fortitude.
That was why Raon’s complexion had grown noticeably more fatigued than usual.

“He’s just too kind, I tell you.”

To accomplish such grueling and tedious work alone until midnight—there was no one quite like Raon when it came to looking after his comrades.

“Hmph.”

Dogyae approached Rimer’s side and snorted.

“Why don’t you help him then?”
“Can’t you see this?”

Rimer pointed to his bruised left eye socket and frowned. He pulled an egg from his pocket and rubbed it around his eyes while sighing.

“I’d like to help, but my injuries are severe.”
“It doesn’t look like you took a single proper hit. You’re just being lazy, aren’t you?”

Dogyae’s eyes narrowed to slits.

“W-what are you talking about! The physical pain is intense, but the emotional anguish of being trampled by my subordinates still stings sharply! No medicine can heal this!”

Rimer turned his head away sharply and sniffled.

“Anyway, you’re quite the complainer.”

Dogyae sighed and shook his head.

“But setting that aside—aren’t you going to tell the children something?”
“Tell them what?”
“That they don’t necessarily have to win the match.”

The first trial when being promoted from Unit to Gwangpung Unit typically involved a confrontation with the Unit’s forces. However, since the Gwangpung Unit was naturally stronger than a Unit, there was no absolute need to win.

“The purpose of that match is to observe what kind of fight they can create against a stronger force. Victory isn’t a condition, is it?”
“That’s right. They don’t need to win. But I have no intention of telling them that.”

Rimer shook his head without hesitation.

“Surely you’re not trying to develop these children by making them pursue only victory? Though at their current level, they could win without much difficulty.”
“Huh? No, that’s not it.”

He gazed at the Gwangpung Unit with a cold smile.

“I simply wanted to see those bastards who trampled on me suffer a bit more.”
“…Your heart is narrower than a silverfish.”
“Actually, it’s even smaller than that. That’s my pride.”

Rimer chuckled to himself, calling himself a petty man.

“Tsk, you really are something.”

Dogyae let out a groan and regarded Rimer with a look of exasperation.

“But at this rate, it won’t be very entertaining.”

Rimer’s voice carried lightly on the air, bright and cheerful. Watching Raon and the Gwangpung Unit grow increasingly fierce with madness the longer they fought, he wore a sly smile.

“I, the guardian of this balance, should step in.”

*

*

*

A bone-chilling roar echoed across the rectangular Training Ground, as if the very sky were being crushed beneath it.

It was the unified battle cry of the Cheoljeon Unit, so absorbed in their training that their gray practice uniforms had darkened to brown with sweat.

From the Cheoljeon Unit swordsmen wielding the Great Black Iron Sword Formation, an oppressive aura emanated so intensely that it sent shivers down one’s spine.

“That’s enough.”

The blonde middle-aged man standing on the Platform raised his hand, and the Cheoljeon Unit swordsmen lowered their blades in perfect unison.
This man who commanded the Cheoljeon Unit with a single gesture was none other than Trevin Zigheart, the Unit Commander.

“The Great Black Iron Sword Formation training ends here. From now on, move in pairs and execute the Small Black Iron Sword Formation.”
“Yes, sir!”

The Cheoljeon Unit swordsmen immediately bowed their heads and dispersed across the Training Ground, dividing into three groups.
The Small Black Iron Sword Formation they deployed lacked the grand weight of the larger formation, yet possessed a sharpness so keen that merely looking upon it felt as though one’s skin would be sliced open.

“Group One: your aura at the center is scattering. Distribute your energy more precisely. Group Two: the formation’s balance has collapsed. Raise your blades a bit higher. Group Three….”

Trevin Zigheart observed with meticulous eyes, pointing out each group’s shortcomings and offering methods to address them.
Upon hearing his instruction, the Cheoljeon Unit swordsmen struck their blades with even deeper intensity.

“Sigh….”

Kamang, the First Unit Commander, exhaled a long breath while watching Trevin’s back.

“The training never ends.”
“Right. He could take it easier.”

Ores, the Second Unit Commander, shook his head in exasperation.

“I respect our Commander, but I can’t understand this caution of his.”
“It is rather excessive.”
“Our Commander’s caution has even delayed our promotions.”

By rights, he should have been promoted to Commander long ago, but Trevin, insisting on preparing for a flawless promotion, had dragged out the process until finally achieving the rank just three years prior.

“I should probably stop now. The kids are going to collapse.”
“That would be for the best.”

The two unit commanders exhaled sharply and approached Trevin.

“Commander.”

Kamang stood behind Trevin with a smile on his face.

“Wouldn’t it be best to stop now? The match is tomorrow, after all. The soldiers need some rest.”
“That’s right. We’re only facing the Gwangpung Unit—there’s no need to push this hard.”

When Ores seconded Kamang’s words, Trevin’s gaze shifted toward him.

“Only the Gwangpung Unit?”

Trevin’s eyes grew cold and distant.

“Hup!”

Realizing his mistake, Ores quickly covered his mouth.

“Did you forget that the Gwangpung Unit won the Six Emperors Tournament? A unit barely established is taking the promotion exam, and you think it’s something to mock?”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant…”
“Gwangpung Unit Commander Rimer is called a monster—the Zigheart’s Radiant Blade—even if he hasn’t fully recovered his strength. And Raon Zigheart is called a once-in-an-era genius even among the Six Emperors. These are not people we can afford to underestimate.”

Trevin continued, his voice pressing down upon the two unit commanders.

“Moreover, the Gwangpung Unit has been training in the Training Ground without leaving for a week now. The Cheoljeon Unit must prepare perfectly so that we can win no matter how they move. That’s what we need to demonstrate.”
“I-I apologize.”
“I have nothing to say in my defense.”

Ores and Kamang offered no excuses, only admitting their fault.

“…However, you’re right about letting the soldiers rest.”

Trevin looked up at the sky. Judging by the moon’s position, it was well past midnight.

“Everyone, fall in.”

He gestured, summoning the Cheoljeon Unit swordsmen to the platform.

“We’ll end today’s training here.”
“Commander! We can still do more!”
“Since the match is tomorrow, we’d like to train a bit longer before leaving!”
“You said the Gwangpung Unit hasn’t left the Training Ground for a week.”
“We can’t lose to those bastards!”

The Cheoljeon Unit swordsmen cried out, wanting to train more, as if they’d heard what Trevin had said to the unit commander.

“Since the match is tomorrow, we must rest our bodies to achieve peak condition. This isn’t rest—it’s preparation for battle.”

Trevin spoke those words and pointed to the small booklets placed on the platform.

“These contain information about the Gwangpung Unit. Memorize all of it before tomorrow’s match.”
“Understood!”

The Cheoljeon Unit responded without hesitation, bowing their heads.

Trevin narrowed his eyes as he watched the Cheoljeon Unit swordsmen gather the booklets.

‘The Gwangpung Unit…’

Even if we fought now, defeating the Gwangpung Unit wouldn’t be difficult.
However, they possessed the strength to overcome dire circumstances. I must never underestimate them.

‘Countless people have suffered defeat after dismissing Raon and the Gwangpung Unit as trivial. But I’m not such a fool.’

Trevin gazed at the sky and clenched his fists tightly.

‘I’ll crush them thoroughly and demonstrate the difference between a House and a Unit.’

*

*

*

The day of the duel between the Gwangpung Unit and the Cheoljeon Unit.

Glen Zigheart and Adis Sepia stood atop the Red Tower, located to the east of Bekmang Mountain.

“Is that where today’s duel will take place?”

Adis pointed toward the ruined city district visible below the spire.

“Indeed.”

Glen nodded, lowering his gaze.

“That’s rather unexpected. I assumed when you mentioned a duel, it would be a one-on-one match in the Sparring Arena.”
“This battle is a test to promote the Unit to a Division. We must evaluate not individual prowess, but the collective strength of the group.”
“Ah, that makes perfect sense.”

Adis grasped Glen’s intent and scratched his cheek.

“As an ignorant merchant, I wasn’t aware such methods existed.
“No. I hadn’t explained that much.”

The voices of the two men who had shared drinks together carried a gentle warmth.

“So if the Gwangpung Unit wins today, they’ll be promoted to Division?”
“Not necessarily. The test must be conducted twice, and even if they lose today, they could still become a Division.”
“Even if they lose?”
“Yes. It’s only natural that a Division is stronger than a Unit. Winning would be the unusual outcome.”

Glen shook his head, noting that Units rarely defeated Divisions and earned promotion.

“Then the focus will be on how they fight against a stronger opponent.”
“You grasp quickly. Exactly. That’s the purpose of this battle. The reason we’re fighting in the city district is to observe their adaptability.”
“The Six Emperors’ tests are never simple.”

Adis exhaled softly, as if in admiration.

“The Merchant Guild must be just as formidable?”
“Perhaps, but for us, words and money exchange hands—not blades.”
“Yet there are times when words and money prove more terrifying than steel.”
“There are occasions when that’s true.”
Glen offered a faint smile, and Adis shrugged.

“I’ve made arrangements so that the Sepia Trading Company Master can watch today’s battle comfortably. You shouldn’t have any difficulty understanding the situation.”
“I appreciate your consideration. Hmm?”

Adis lowered his head, then pointed with his finger toward the swordsmen entering the city district.

“It appears the Gwangpung Unit is arriving.”

He slipped his hand into the inner pocket of his robe and withdrew a portable telescope, raising it to his eyes.

“I see.”

Glen nodded and turned his gaze toward the Gwangpung Unit.

“Judging by the way he’s biting his lip, he seems slightly nervous.”
“His face certainly radiates confidence.”
“I’m uncertain whether he’ll be able to fight properly like that.”
“He’s someone who can display his full strength regardless of circumstances.”
“His clothes are wrinkled. His appearance is always disorganized like that.”
“He’s combed his hair neatly. That certainly looks better.”

The two men, unaware that their conversation wasn’t connecting, simply spoke whatever came to mind.

Roen watched Glen and Adis exchange their mismatched dialogue with a soft smile.

‘Both of them are quite amusing.’

The reason their words didn’t connect was simple. Glen was looking only at Raon while Adis Sepia was looking only at Dorian—their conversation simply wasn’t aligning.

‘Now I understand why they became close so quickly.’

Despite having shared only one drinking session, I could see why Glen and Adis exuded such warmth toward each other. They shared a similar trait—both were incapable of being straightforward.

‘Now the young master is even bringing friends to the Head of House.’

Roen slightly bowed his head toward Raon, who was walking toward the center of the city district.

‘I’m grateful that you always provide such entertaining sights… Hmm?’

He narrowed his eyes as he observed the Gwangpung Unit swordsmen following behind Raon.

‘Why are they all baring their teeth so fiercely?’

*

*

*

I walked deeper into the city district, examining the ruins scattered throughout like a devastated landscape.

‘So this was built as a training ground from the start.’

The buildings and walls of the city district were constructed to be movable—training facilities designed to shift positions so trainees wouldn’t become too familiar with the geography during practice.

‘Then I’ll just memorize it as it is now.’

I smiled faintly and committed the entire layout of the visible city district to memory. As I navigated while studying the geography, I soon arrived at the center of the district, where I spotted swordsmen approaching from the opposite direction.

‘So that’s the Cheoljeon Unit.’

Each swordsman of the Cheoljeon Unit radiated such a sharp aura that they seemed to embody their blades themselves. It was no coincidence that they continued to achieve impressive results even after being promoted to Unit status.

‘Among them….’

I observed a golden-haired middle-aged man walking from the center of the Cheoljeon Unit. Even among the swordsmen radiating intense presence, he commanded an overwhelming pressure that stood apart. This must be Trevin Zigheart, the commander of the Cheoljeon Unit.

-They’re all pathetically weak.

Wrath clicked his tongue dismissively.

-Your subordinates might be intimidated, but against such feeble opponents… huh?

He turned to look behind at the Gwangpung Unit and his mouth fell open.

-They’re not scared?
‘They’re furious.’

I turned around with a smile. Every member of the Gwangpung Unit had fire blazing in their eyes—a burning resentment toward the Cheoljeon Unit that had put them through hellish training. At my command, they looked ready to charge forward without hesitation.

“Haaah!”
“We went through all that hell because of those bastards.”
“The enemies of my sleep….”

Burren, Martha, and Lunan radiated particularly intense killing intent as they watched the Cheoljeon Unit approach.

-Tch!

Wrath let out a dismissive snort as he faced the madness of the Gwangpung Unit.

-Why are you angry at them when it was you who tormented them? I don’t understand!
‘That’s how you handle people.’
-Teach the True Demon King that as well. I wish to learn!
‘You’ll need to pay tuition.’
-Tuition? You mad human!

He exploded in indignation at what he saw as nonsense.

-You steal my stats every single day, and you want more?!
‘That’s a tribute.’
-A, a tribute….

Wrath’s mouth fell open in utter disbelief.

Raon pushed away the clinging Wrath and turned his gaze to the Cheoljeon Unit now directly before him.

“It’s been a while.”

Trevin Zigheart, commander of the Cheoljeon Unit, gave Rimer a nod.

“Well, Trevin. You’ve gotten quite arrogant.”

Rimer chuckled softly as he looked at Trevin.

“As much time has passed, you’ve declined while I’ve ascended.”

He gazed down at Rimer and the Gwangpung Unit with cold eyes.

“I don’t recall you having such a personality… but I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

Rimer shrugged his shoulders with an air of indifference.

From behind Rimer’s shoulder, Raon narrowed his eyes as he observed Trevin Zigheart.

‘He’s right.’

According to Judith’s intelligence, Trevin Zigheart was said to be composed and cautious by nature. Yet now he seemed to be deliberately provoking us.

‘But he made a poor choice.’

There was no one here who would fall for provocation.

Rimer was like fluttering paper—he wouldn’t be swayed by taunts—and the Gwangpung Unit was already in a state of madness, making any attempt at provocation utterly meaningless.

Whoooosh.

Raon opened Seolhwa’s senses and surveyed the aura of the entire Cheoljeon Unit.

‘They’ve grown stronger than when I received Judith’s intelligence, but not by a significant margin.’

If Rimer could hold back the two unit commanders while I faced Trevin Zigheart, victory would come without difficulty. After all, the current Cheoljeon Unit couldn’t withstand the Gwangpung Unit transformed into mad beasts.

Fuuuuuush!

The madness and hot breath emanating from the Gwangpung Unit behind me felt remarkably reassuring.

As the Gwangpung Unit and Cheoljeon Unit glared at each other, a middle-aged man in a brown uniform approached.

“I am Harrison, the judge appointed for today’s duel.”

He bowed his head in turn to Rimer and Trevin Zigheart.

“The duel format is simple. Victory goes to whoever seizes the flag in the enemy formation or renders all opponents unable to fight.”

Harrison smiled as he explained that it was straightforward.

“However, there is one peculiar aspect to today’s duel—I will announce who defeated whom.”
“Why would you announce that?”

Trevin furrowed his brow as he looked at Harrison.

“It’s an order from above, so I’m not entirely certain of the details either.”

Harrison lowered his head apologetically.

“You’re the one who determines the incapacitated state?”
“Yes. I and the referees stationed around the arena will make that judgment. Even if someone concedes, we will declare them incapacitated.”
“I see.”

Trevin nodded, satisfied that all his questions had been answered.

“Does the Gwangpung Unit have any further questions?”
“Not particularly.”

Rimer shrugged with apparent indifference.

“Then we will commence the duel in thirty minutes. The Gwangpung Unit will take formation on the West Side, and the Cheoljeon Unit on the East Side.”

At Harrison’s instruction, the Gwangpung Unit and Cheoljeon Unit passed each other and began moving in opposite directions.

Raon smiled and nodded.

‘The West Side? Excellent.’

Having entered from the east, moving to the west meant I would now understand the entire terrain of this city district. The Cheoljeon Unit would have the same advantage, but I was confident I could utilize this geography far better than they could.

‘I’m looking forward to facing the Cheoljeon Unit Commander.’

Raon walked toward the eastern formation, thinking this battle would be entertaining, but that expectation shattered not long after the duel began.

[Gwangpung Unit Commander Rimer is incapacitated!]

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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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