The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 417

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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 417

Raon pushed open the Training Ground door in the dim dawn before the sun had risen.

The Training Ground was empty, likely because everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the second festival that Rimer had funded from his own pocket.

It had been a long time since I felt this way.

I had seen this landscape every day when I was at Zigheart, but since coming to the Arian Family, so many incidents had occurred that being alone in the dawn Training Ground like this felt like an eternity ago.

So much had happened.

I had come thinking it would be a simple task, but the real mission wasn’t to eliminate monsters—it was to dispel the darkness that shrouded this family.

Yet when I cleared away the darkness, truly sinister forces came pouring in, and the entire land nearly collapsed.

Thanks to the support of Lower Castle, Owen, Valcar, the Iron Formation, and the tardy Rimer, I managed to drive back the Phantom Soul Ghost, but in reality, I had survived by the thinnest of margins.

It had been dangerous.

Raon gazed up at the dawn sky tinged with the color of the sea, gripping the scabbard of the Heavenly Sword tightly.

Because I was weak.

At twenty years old, I had reached the highest level of Master rank. I was called the most talented on the Continent, but that was all.

In real combat, no one would make allowances for youth.

In sparring, they might show mercy if you were young, but in actual combat, enemies would exploit any weakness born of inexperience and immaturity.

The stronger one became, the stronger the enemies one faced had to be. To fight monsters of higher caliber, I needed to possess martial techniques that transcended time itself.

Now I had to focus on myself.

Through this war, all members of the Gwangpung Unit had reached at least Expert rank, and many had risen to the highest level.

Burren, Martha, and Lunan stood right before the wall of Master rank, and Dorian wasn’t far from reaching it either.

It was time to assign individual training to the Gwangpung Order members and focus on my own advancement.

-Ughhhh….

Wrath emerged atop my bracelet with a groan. He’d been eating well lately, transforming into a fluffy cotton candy puffed with contentment.

-Things were so peaceful recently. Now you’re going to swing that boring sword again from dawn.

He muttered that the good times were over and sighed.

‘Then offer some advice at least.’
-Hmph! Why would the True Demon King help his enemies grow stronger!

Wrath grumbled that he would never offer any assistance to his enemies before retreating back into the bracelet.
His expanded waistline made the process take a moment longer.

‘Boring sword swings from dawn, huh….’

Those were words I’d missed.

Hearing Wrath’s grumbling transported me back to my days as a trainee, filling me with excitement.

‘Training hasn’t changed.’

Then and now, training always began with basic swordwork. As I reached for the Tenth Heaven Sword to begin fundamental conditioning, the Training Ground door opened.

‘Who could that be….’

I found it strange that I couldn’t sense them with my aura perception, but then the Sword Ghost appeared.

“Lectar?”
“I merely came to loosen up. Don’t mind me and continue your training.”

The Sword Ghost waved his hand dismissively and moved to a distant corner.

‘Hmm….’

I exhaled softly as I watched the Sword Ghost.

‘Is he really training at dawn even at that level?’

No, that’s precisely how he reached such heights.

Watching a warrior who rivaled even the Continental Ten Heavens dedicate himself to dawn training, my resolve to work harder only deepened.

I immediately drew the Heavenly Celestial Sword. Raising the blade overhead, I held it vertically. The weight of a mountain pressed down through the falling edge in the upper stance.

I warmed up my body with vertical slashes, horizontal cuts, diagonal strikes, and thrusts before lowering the Heavenly Celestial Sword.

‘It’s noticeably different.’

Even displaying only basic swordplay, I could feel the change. Every level of my sword techniques seemed to have grown immensely since my duel with the Sword Ghost.

I raised the Heavenly Celestial Sword again, positioning it at middle guard.

‘This time, the Fang Opening Sword.’

I unfolded the opening moves of the Fang Opening Sword, which pried open an enemy’s weaknesses.
The Fang Opening Sword unleashed fierce slashes as if the fangs of a beast had grown thicker and sharper.

After executing the Fang Opening Sword once, just as I was about to enter the second rotation, I sensed a presence from behind.

“Ahem!”

It was the Sword Ghost. He had somehow closed the distance and now stood directly behind me.

“It would be better if you eased up on the power a bit….”

He glanced at the Heavenly Celestial Sword and muttered in a low voice.

“Pardon?”

I stopped the flow of the Fang Opening Sword and turned around.

“Ah, it was just a thought to myself. Seems you heard it.”
“A thought to yourself?”

Since when do people mutter to themselves directly into someone’s ear?

The Sword Ghost made a curt remark right behind me, then offered an awkward smile as if speaking to himself.

“May I ask what you mean by ‘releasing your strength’?”
“Are you asking me?”
“Yes? Ah, yes.”
“Then I suppose I have no choice but to answer.”

He nodded quickly and stepped closer to my side.

“What’s the name of the sensory sword technique you’ve deployed?”
“It’s called Radiant Fang Sword.”
“Since Radiant Fang Sword is a sensory technique, it’s crucial that you understand your own strength accurately.”

The Sword Ghost drew his blade as if demonstrating, then slashed downward. It was nearly identical to the first form of Radiant Fang Sword.

“You crossed the wall of Master’s highest tier in the blink of an eye, so you haven’t yet adapted to the refined swordsmanship that comes with your growth.”

He continued speaking while executing a sword strike similar to the second form of Radiant Fang Sword.

“Your physical strength and aura have grown stronger, making your swordsmanship appear more powerful, but it’s actually easier to counter than before. Keep your aura as it is, and focus on the subtleties of martial arts to elevate the perfection of your sword technique.”
“I see….”

The Sword Ghost was telling me that I hadn’t yet drawn out all the refinements of my grown swordsmanship.

“Release the strength and aura brimming in your shoulders, and weave the deeper mysteries of martial arts that you’ve comprehended. That way, you’ll create a strike that’s fiercer yet more subtle than before.”
“Thank you for the guidance.”

I lowered my blade and bowed deeply.

‘So he truly is one of the Five Great Sword Masters.’

To identify the problem after seeing my basic swordsmanship and Radiant Fang Sword just once—words like “remarkable” hardly sufficed.
The epithet “Sword Ghost” was not earned for nothing.

I recalled the Sword Ghost’s guidance and deployed Radiant Fang Sword once more.

Whoooosh!

The strength that had been concentrated at the blade’s core dispersed throughout the entire blade, and the newly refined martial subtleties wrapped around it, causing Radiant Fang Sword to unleash a fierce cry that was distinctly different from moments before.

“Ahem, if you deepen the subtlety between heavy and light strikes just a touch more, it might be even better.”

The Sword Ghost passed by to the side, muttering to himself once more.

“Uh…”
“Ah, you heard that too? My apologies. Getting old means I talk to myself more often.”

He chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.

Raon tilted his head as he observed the subtle smile on the Sword Ghost’s face.

‘What’s going on?’

Why is this old man acting like this?

*

*

*

Rimer scratched his chin while gazing down at the Training Ground from atop the Castle Wall.
His eyes were fixed on the image of the Sword Ghost offering guidance to Raon.

‘Is he developing a desire to take on a disciple?’

Having witnessed Raon’s talent firsthand, it wasn’t particularly strange that the Sword Ghost would want to take him as a disciple.

‘In any case, Raon won’t accept, so it doesn’t matter. But…’

That resemblance is what troubles me.

With Raon and the Sword Ghost standing side by side, they looked even more alike. To be honest, they seemed like blood relatives.

‘And it’s strange that he’s coming to Zigheart too.’

Raon had told him that the Sword Ghost and his disciple would be visiting Zigheart as guests.
The fact that the Sword Ghost, who had never ventured to the Northern Region before, was coming to Zigheart immediately upon seeing Raon suggested there was something more to it.

‘If they really are blood relatives, things would get interesting.’

My maternal grandfather was Glen Zigheart, one of the Six Emperors, and my paternal grandfather was the Sword Ghost, the Left Seat of the Five Great Sword Masters. It was such an absurdly stacked bloodline that even a playwright would face criticism for writing it.

‘The Head of House won’t be able to stay idle now, will he?’

Glen believed himself to be Raon’s only grandfather and had been concealing his true intentions, but if the Sword Ghost inserted himself into the picture, he would no longer have the luxury of maintaining that composure.

‘Please let my suspicions be correct!’

I smiled with barely contained excitement, hoping for even more interesting developments to unfold within Zigheart.

‘Divine Providence, I pray you continue to bless me with such delightful circumstances… Hmm?’

I paused mid-prayer and turned my gaze toward the Spire at the center of the Castle. Mustan, the Sword Ghost’s Disciple, had climbed atop the tower and was glaring down at Raon.

‘Why is he up there?’

I had seen the Sword Ghost leading him away from the opposite Training Ground, but I couldn’t fathom why Mustan would abandon his training to glare at Raon from that vantage point.

‘His master taking interest in another could certainly provoke jealousy, but that expression… it’s something else entirely.’

An expression consumed by envy. The Sword Ghost’s Disciple displayed a maturity far beneath his years—or rather, a profound lack thereof.

It seemed the Sword Ghost was skilled with the blade but lacked the aptitude to nurture his disciples.

Rimer flashed a smirk at the Sword Ghost, his thumb pointing downward in a gesture of mockery.

“My disciple won the match.”

*

*

*

Raon finally lowered the Celestial Sword once the sun reached its zenith.
A satisfied smile graced my face, as much a reflection of my contentment as the sweat beading on my brow.

‘Impressive.’

The Sword Ghost moved like a true phantom, identifying the gaps in my technique and showing me how to execute even better swordplay.

‘I didn’t expect to adapt this quickly.’

Thanks to the Sword Ghost’s continued guidance, I was able to refine my swordplay to match my enhanced martial prowess, all within just the morning’s training.

“Lectar.”

After sheathing the Celestial Sword, I approached the Sword Ghost, who was stretching awkwardly.

“Thanks to you, I’ve managed to properly internalize my increased power. I’m grateful for your help.”
“Internalization is still a long way off. Continue training diligently.”

The Sword Ghost nodded, urging me not to be satisfied with the present but to strive further.

“By the way…”

I scratched the back of my head, rolling my eyes.

“Your disciple seems to be watching this place constantly. Are you alright with that?”

Mustan was glaring at us with murderous eyes—apparently yesterday’s lesson hadn’t taken hold.

-When jealousy blinds one’s eyes, they become this ugly, don’t they.

Wrath clicked his tongue with pity.

-Your master hasn’t changed just because I’ve given you a little help, yet he wastes time like this. Pathetic. I’d rather spend that time eating something delicious.

He frowned, clearly preferring a good meal to this nonsense.

“It’s fine.”

The Sword Ghost lifted his gaze toward the Spire. Upon meeting his eyes, Mustan hurriedly descended.

“That boy may be your senior in age, but his experience of the world is still extremely limited. Once he sees and feels more, he’ll come to understand something on his own. Of course, I’ll continue to educate him as well.”

He let out a voice tinged with concern for his disciple, a faint smile playing at his lips.

“It seems you have someone similar to that as well.”

The Sword Ghost turned his gaze toward the Western Fortress Wall.

“They seem far more interested in this place than even my disciple.”
“You needn’t concern yourself with it.”

Raon sighed while looking at Rimer.

“Our unit commander has always had voyeuristic tendencies, you see.”

Upon realizing he’d been caught, he waved his hand confidently.

“He’s afflicted with protagonist syndrome—lurking in the shadows to observe, only appearing at the moment of crisis.”
“It seems we both have our burdens.”
“Indeed.”

Raon smiled faintly and nodded, and the Sword Ghost smiled as well.

“….”

After the laughter faded, an awkward silence lingered for a moment.

“Hmm….”

The Sword Ghost stepped back with his hands clasped behind him.

“I shall take my leave now. Continue your training.”
“Thank you for your help today.”
“It was nothing.”

He waved his hand dismissively and departed from the Training Ground.

Raon bowed to the Sword Ghost before picking up the Heavenly Sword once more.

Whoooosh!

I unfurled the Frostwind Sword Technique, summoning a biting gale, when a low voice echoed from the Training Ground entrance.

“It might look better if you directed the sword technique’s trajectory a bit higher.”

He hadn’t left?

*

*

*

Before the Eastern Gate of the Arian Family Estate.
Swordsmen from the Gwangpung Unit, Lower Castle, Owen, and the Cheoljeon Unit gathered in formation alongside Morel’s mages. All of them sat mounted on horseback, clad in armor and combat attire, clearly prepared for departure.

Wendy Arian approached at the forefront, wearing a war cloak emblazoned with the azure wind pattern that marked her as the Head of the Arian Family.

“The Arian Family will never forget the kindness of our benefactors for as long as we live.”

She folded her sleeves neatly and bowed with proper courtesy.

“We are grateful for your grace in saving our lives.”
“Thank you!”

The members of the Arian Family standing behind Wendy lowered their heads in the same respectful posture.

I received the gratitude of the entire Arian Family and glanced to my side. Milend, Borini Kitten, Trevin, and Morel all wore gentle smiles.

“Now that all the turmoil has passed, I hope you will flourish and reclaim the glory your family knew a thousand years ago.”

I accepted their thanks and bowed in return.

“Now that the formalities are complete, we should take our leave.”

Morel turned around first.

“I’m the type who gets goosebumps at these sentimental moments.”
“Thank you for coming.”
“Don’t thank me—thank that reckless Princess. I’m just here because of her.”

He waved his hand dismissively.

“Still, you helped us with genuine sincerity. If you need assistance in the future, please let me know.”
“That won’t be necessary. But let’s meet again next time.”

Morel said he’d see me again, then vanished into light alongside the mages.

“Hey.”

Trevin approached from the side and tapped my shoulder.

“The Gwangpung Unit is heading to the Lower Castle, so we’ll depart first.”
“Yes. I’ll visit you when I return.”
“You’ll probably be out on a mission, so I won’t find you. When I get back, let’s have a proper match after all this time.”
“We’d welcome that anytime.”
“Then before this year ends.”

He and the Cheoljeon Unit left through the castle gate with refreshing smiles.

“Raon.”

Borini Kitten bowed his head, his smile radiant as he spoke of what a pleasant time it had been.

“Thanks to you, I was able to gain valuable experience and connections. I’m truly grateful.”
“Not at all. It was reassuring to have you here.”

I returned the bow to Borini Kitten and looked toward the Third Prince.

“Uh….”

The Third Prince gave a slight bow with vacant, zombie-like eyes. Seeing the dark bruises around his eyes, it appeared the information about Martha that Rimer had provided through me had been utterly useless.

“Then I’ll see you next time. We should have a proper match then.”

Borini Kitten dragged the dazed Third Prince along and left through the castle gate.

“Then let’s prepare as well.”

Burren Zigheart turned around and ordered the Gwangpung Unit swordsmen to prepare for departure.

“Ugh, how irritating.”

Martha’s expression crumpled with genuine frustration. From what I could see, the Third Prince had only earned her disdain.

“Ah, I couldn’t pack much….”

Lunan clenched the blueberry ice cream he’d only eaten here in his hand, biting his lip. His vacant eyes were brimming with regret.

“Dorian.”

I approached Dorian and extended my hand.

“Can you give me that?”
“How am I supposed to know what you mean by ‘that’!”

Dorian muttered that he wasn’t a mind reader, then pulled out a large paper bag from his ship’s pocket.

“You sure know how to find things quickly.”

I took the bag he offered and approached Wendy Arian.

“You remember that favor you asked of me before?”
“Huh? A favor…?”

She tilted her head in confusion.

I stood before Wendy with the paper bag in hand. The bag was so full that several items tumbled to the ground. They were red and yellow lollipops.
The envelope was so full that a few items piled on top fell to the floor. They were red and yellow stick candies.

“This is…”

Wendy picked up two candies that had fallen on the ground and saw Raon’s bag. The large bag was full of candies of various kinds.

“It was just something I said in passing…”

She swallowed hard at the sight of the candy.

“Memories fade when new ones take their place. Please stay strong for those who believe in you.”

I smiled and held out a bag of candies to Wendy Arian.

“…That’s how it should be.”

Wendy Arian exhaled a trembling breath and nodded.

“Because I am the Head of this Family.”

She smiled as her childhood memories with Wigen seemed to be overlaid and replaced by happy moments with me and others.

“Then we shall take our leave.”

I nodded with satisfaction upon seeing Wendy Arian’s smile.
As I turned to depart, I heard the sound of fabric brushing against the ground behind me.

“I and the Arian Family shall await your call, my lord.”
“We await your call!”

Wendy Arian knelt on one knee, gripping her sword. Following her lead, the other swordsmen of the Arian Family shouted their pledge to wait in the same posture.

Hearing the entire Arian Family cry out their allegiance and swear to follow, my chest swelled with overwhelming emotion.

I clenched my fists as I gazed upon the people of Arian, kneeling with their hands over their hearts.

“I too eagerly await the day I call upon the Arian Family once more.”

I exchanged a sincere smile with them and turned to leave.

Seeing the eyes of the Gwangpung Order filled with astonishment, bewilderment, and confidence, I headed toward the wide-open Eastern Gate, unlike when I had first arrived.

“Let us depart.”

I took the lead, brushing aside my black dragon robe, and the Gwangpung Order and the swordsmen of the Lower Castle followed behind.

-Raon.

Wrath glanced back and settled onto my shoulder. Judging from his strange expression, he too seemed moved by the current situation.

‘Why?’
-Say, could it be….

Wrath smacked his lips and glanced back over his shoulder. I was feeling quite moved and proud of myself, but his words abruptly extinguished that warm surge of emotion.

-You don’t have any candy left?
‘….’

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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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