The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 428
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 428
“Sigh.”
I exhaled deeply and lowered my gaze. Wrath was patting his bloated belly above an empty plate, laughing heartily.
-A feast most satisfying!
‘Does he really love pineapple pizza that much?’
He had devoured three slices of pineapple pizza and still complained of hunger, eventually consuming ten pineapple cookies as well. Watching him eat endlessly without satisfaction was like witnessing a demon from the depths of hell itself.
‘I’m so full I could fall asleep.’
Perhaps because my Sloth stat had increased, drowsiness crept over me and my eyelids grew heavy.
-That is merely because your spirit is weak, fool. Such exquisite cuisine is rare anywhere in this world—you must eat your fill while the opportunity presents itself.
Wrath muttered that eating was the very joy and purpose of life itself, insisting that one could not survive without consuming at least this much.
No matter how I thought about it, he sounded less like the Lord of Wrath and more like the Lord of Gluttony.
‘Since arriving here, all you’ve eaten is pineapple pizza. You’ve made me eat two slices a day because of you.’
Not just today, but every single day, Wrath demanded pineapple pizza. Since arriving at the Lower Castle, we had eaten pizza at least once daily without fail. While I was not picky about food, at this point I was thoroughly exhausted.
“Wow. You really finished all of that, Lord Wrath?”
Dorian, who had ordered the Scout Unit’s standard meal, whistled at the sight of the completely empty pizza plate.
“Well, it makes sense. He beat someone that badly.”
He nodded, remarking that since Wrath had beaten Mustan so thoroughly as to completely reverse his mindset, it was only natural he’d work up an appetite.
“Right. It really was something to see.”
Burren Zigheart set down his beer glass and agreed with Dorian’s words.
“How on earth did you fix that stubborn, jealous fool?”
“What do you mean? There’s no merchant who can haggle with a hawk.”
Martha raised her clenched fist.
“No matter how much someone acts up, they’ll learn their lesson after getting beaten half to death.”
She clicked her tongue, regretting that she hadn’t witnessed the beating herself.
“Martha, your strength is weak, but your resolve is weaker still—that won’t do.”
Lunan shook her head while crunching on a pineapple cookie.
“What? This is absolutely insane!”
Martha frowned at Lunan, then bit her tongue.
“Meow? Meow meow.”
Lunan gestured toward Martha with her hands curled like a cat’s paws.
“Grrr! Come here!”
“No way.”
Martha and Lunan abandoned their snacks and began chasing each other around the tavern.
As I watched Martha and Lunan bicker like sisters, Wrath floated up and thrust his face toward me.
-You know you got lucky this time, don’t you?
I do.
I nodded heavily.
The Lord of Jealousy turned out to be far more vicious than I’d anticipated.
Envy’s personality was petty to the core, but the contract she’d bound Mustan with was a noose bristling with thorns.
Had my bluff been exposed, I would have become a slave for life just like Mustan, crawling on my belly.
It was fortune born from the convergence of multiple circumstances, so I naturally harbored no arrogance whatsoever.
-That’s right. He’s wicked, but he’s also pathetic and vulgar. Had I managed him properly, I could have driven him back with my power alone, without even needing Sloth’s name. However….
Wrath’s eyes grew cold and sharp. His protruding belly somewhat undermined the gravity of his expression.
-There are those upon whom my name holds no sway.
‘Those upon whom it holds no sway?’
I tapped the table lightly, narrowing my eyes.
-Indeed. Pride and Greed.
Wrath’s voice grew heavy, as if darkness itself had melted into it.
-Those two would leap at the chance to peddle my name or Sloth’s for their own gain. Never speak carelessly. Silence would serve you far better.
‘So they’re somewhat troublesome fools?’
I recalled Pride and Greed, my lips curling slightly.
-The Demon Lords are not fools! Sloth and Envy, whom you’ve met, are simply idiots!
‘Not just those two, though….’
I met Wrath’s gaze, my eyes growing distant.
‘He doesn’t realize he’s the greatest fool of them all.’
Wrath, unaware that he was the king of fools, continued muttering that only the other Demon Lords were foolish.
-And Lust….
‘Lust?’
-Run the moment you see him. Never engage, never even look at him—just flee!
He shouted that I must never face Lust and to escape immediately. It seemed his true purpose was to warn me away from Lust; the other Demon Lords were merely secondary.
‘So I flee from Lust, but what about Gluttony?’
-Gluttony is….
‘Ah. That would be you. You must be busy with your side ventures.’
I nodded and tapped Wrath’s round belly.
‘So when are you going to grant me the power of Gluttony? Does it grow stronger the more I consume?’
-No, you fool! Don’t compare an insect-eater to a rabbit!
‘An insect-eater and a rabbit?’
I found myself curious about just how much this glutton consumed, given that such a word had escaped his lips.
There’s not a single normal Demon Lord among them….
*
*
*
The Sword Ghost stroked his beard as he gazed into the eyes of Mustan, who knelt upon the infirmary floor.
‘What in the world is wrong with him?’
His disciple’s eyes were unnaturally clear. The malice and jealousy that had filled them mere moments ago had vanished without a trace, leaving behind a gaze as transparent as that of a newborn child.
‘Can a person truly change so rapidly?’
Even when offering counsel on character, Mustan’s eyes had retained a fierce jealousy toward Raon, yet that emotion had dissipated in this brief span of time—something the Sword Ghost could not comprehend.
‘It’s as though he’s returned to his former self.’
Seeing the young Mustan as he had been when first calling him master stirred a warmth in his chest.
“What happened?”
“Nothing happened, sir.”
Mustan bowed with greater courtesy than ever before.
“Why were you with Raon?”
“When I lost my way, he helped me find it.”
The word “way” seemed to carry two meanings simultaneously.
‘And besides….’
The way he referred to Raon—”that man”—confused matters further, since Mustan had only ever called him “that bastard” or “that son of a bitch.”
“Speak truthfully. What are you thinking?”
“If you ask what I’m thinking….”
“You’re not pretending to have a change of heart just to attack Raon again, are you?”
I wanted to trust my disciple, but the sudden transformation left me with no choice but to harbor suspicion.
“Absolutely not! How could I ever harm him!”
Mustan pressed his forehead to the ground like a man bearing a capital crime.
“He is my sky—I could never profane him. Rather than harm him, I would sooner take my own life!”
My disciple had become like a priest, singing Raon’s praises.
“Hmph!”
What on earth was this?
I lowered my gaze to meet my disciple’s eyes. They were clear—pristine as an untouched stream—and showed no sign of hidden machinations.
‘Has he truly changed?’
When he spoke Raon’s name, there was no malice in it. Hearing those clear eyes and that sincere voice, I found myself believing my disciple’s words.
‘Raon.’
What exactly did you do?
It was certain that Raon had not beaten Mustan further. The blood trickling down his head had fallen to the ground—it bore no marks of being struck by another.
Without resorting to violence, I wondered what method he had employed to transform a man so completely.
“Mustan.”
“Yes! Master.”
Before Raon had sent Mustan away, he had instructed him to show respect to his master—and perhaps because of that, his manner seemed even more courteous than usual.
“If you say so, then I shall trust you one last time.”
“Thank you!”
“Rest today, and tomorrow, go apologize to those you have harmed.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I cannot rest now.”
Mustan shook his head and rose to his feet.
“What?”
“Raon instructed me not to be swayed by frivolous emotions henceforth, but to dedicate myself to martial advancement. I must begin training immediately.”
With utmost sincerity, he grasped his sword with hands still bearing fresh bruises.
“Sigh…”
The Sword Ghost exhaled softly, observing Mustan’s grave expression.
‘To reform a person to such a degree…’
What manner of child was he?
*
*
*
A week later.
Raon and the Gwangpung Unit completed their preparations and made their way toward the gates of Lower Castle.
Along the Central Avenue before the castle gates, not only the warriors of Lower Castle but the residents themselves stood in formation.
“This is hardly necessary—why has everyone come out?”
I scratched my cheek as I gazed upon the gathered masses of Lower Castle’s people.
Unlike before, when I had saved them all, this time I had merely indulged myself before departing, which left me somewhat embarrassed.
“Human memory does not fade so easily.”
Milend chuckled and turned to look back. The restored Castle Wall came into view.
“Everyone in this castle owes their lives to you. That memory has become an unbreakable Castle Wall, so hold your head high.”
He smiled, saying that those who do not forget kindness understand what true kindness means.
“The Castle Lord speaks the truth!”
“We have not forgotten that day!”
“We are always grateful!”
“Please stay healthy!”
“We wish you good fortune!”
The warriors and residents of the Lower Castle standing behind Milend raised their voices in unison, waving their hands.
“I feel the same way. No—we all do.”
Raon smiled faintly and bowed his head to the warriors of Milend and the Lower Castle.
“We will never forget that the Arian Family saved us.”
“Thank you!”
The Gwangpung Unit followed Raon’s lead, bowing deeply to the warriors of the Lower Castle.
“When you are each other’s benefactors, that is the finest relationship—one that benefits everyone.”
Milend nodded decisively, clearly pleased with the sentiment.
“I said it before, and I’ll say it again. The Lower Castle stands behind you. Do not hesitate to call on us whenever you need.”
He raised his hand, noting that with fewer monsters to hunt, they had less to occupy their time, and urged them to summon him at any moment.
“We feel the same. If the Lower Castle is ever in danger, we will come running, even from our beds.”
Raon met Milend’s gaze and nodded firmly.
“Yaaawn!”
Rimer yawned and stretched.
“Why do you swordsmen make your farewells so long? Let’s go already!”
He waved his hand dismissively.
“How did he become such a pathetic wretch….”
Milend sighed and shook his head in disapproval.
“Indeed. He is the most detestable in all of Zigheart.”
Raon stood behind Rimer and exhaled heavily.
“Then we shall take our leave.”
“Wait a moment!”
Just as I bowed one final time and turned to depart, Yua’s Grandfather came rushing over with a large basket in hand.
“I’ve packed your favorite pizza and cookies. They’re freshly made. Please enjoy them on your way.”
-WHOOOOSH!
Wrath, who had been blinking with boredom, suddenly sprang to his feet and roared.
-Restaurant Manager! You’ve become a true person! Excellent! From this day forth, you shall be one of the True Demon King’s subordinates!
Another one of Wrath’s forceful recruitment attempts had begun.
‘Surely not… Ugh.’
I squeezed my eyes shut as I looked into the basket.
‘Pineapple pizza and pineapple cookies….’
This glutton had ruined everything.
I had wanted to try other varieties, but because of Wrath, I would be eating pineapple pizza all the way back.
It seemed I would need to use Nadin’s bread to restore discipline for a while.
“Grandfather, what about me!”
Yua placed her hands on her hips in a huff.
“You’ve been eating too much while you’re here. You’ve gotten chubby. Go on a diet.”
“Ugh….”
True enough, Yua’s cheeks were round and full, but somehow it made her look even cuter.
“Thank you.”
I picked up the basket and bowed to the Restaurant Manager.
“No, please take good care of that child in the future.”
The Restaurant Manager grasped both of Yua’s hands, his eyes glistening with moisture.
“Don’t worry.”
I swallowed those words—that I would never let her die before me—and smiled instead.
I smiled, keeping that promise locked away inside.
“Lord Milend.”
I slowly turned my gaze toward Milend.
“Then I’ll be on my way.”
“Is that the proper farewell? When you arrived, it seemed a bit different?”
Milend waved his hand dismissively, refusing my bow.
“I’ll be back soon.”
I smiled faintly and bowed again. Only then did smiles bloom across Milend’s face and the faces of the others.
“Yes. See you again.”
I nodded, watching the sunlight that made their laughter feel even warmer.
“I promise I’ll return.”
*
*
*
Glen drummed his fingers against the armrest of the Jade Throne, which he’d had meticulously repaired, his brow furrowed in frustration.
‘Why in the world haven’t they returned?’
I’d prepared gold medals, rewards, and praise in abundance. I’d even written out a script and memorized it word for word, yet Raon and the Gwangpung Unit showed no signs of coming back.
‘They said they’d stop by the Lower Castle. Are they planning to live there?’
Since Rimer’s letter mentioning they’d visit the Lower Castle, there had been no further word, which only deepened my bewilderment.
“Sigh….”
Seeing the “wow” and “poof” from Rimer’s previous letters, my anger flared anew.
‘I absolutely must kill him.’
I’d considered sparing him for old times’ sake, but the more I thought about it, the more impossible that seemed. I resolved to end him without fail.
Tap. Tap. Thud.
As I drummed the armrest in frustration, threatening to break it once more, the doors to the Audience Chamber swung open and Roen entered.
“Head of House.”
Roen bowed his head to Glen before offering a smile.
“The Gwangpung Unit is returning.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. They should arrive at the main gate in approximately two hours.”
“Is that so?”
Glen began to rise with a smile playing at his lips, then suddenly froze mid-motion.
“Ahem!”
He cleared his throat unnecessarily, adjusted his clothing and hair, then settled back onto the Jade Throne.
“I won’t overlook this next time. Once a mission is complete, they must return immediately. Dragging things out like this—what do they take the Family for!”
“Indeed, sir.”
“However!”
Glen Zigheart rested his arm on the Jade Throne and lowered his gaze slightly.
“What the Gale Wind Squad accomplished this time was no ordinary feat, so it’s only right that I offer praise first. Roen.”
“Yes, sir!”
“We’ll hold a promotion ceremony at once. Summon all the executives.”
“Understood.”
Roen departed the Audience Chamber with a subtle smile.
Shortly after, the executives of the Family—both Main Lineage and Branch Family—gathered in the Audience Chamber.
Whether they had heard news of the Gale Wind Squad or not, they stood in orderly formation without a single complaint despite the sudden summons.
Glen Zigheart emanated an unprecedented chill as he lowered his gaze.
Just as he reached to twist the armrest of the Jade Throne to conceal his tension, Roen’s voice echoed from outside the Audience Chamber.
“The Gale Wind Squad has completed their mission and returned!”
“Let them enter.”
As he nodded with a low voice, the doors of the Audience Chamber opened, and the Gale Wind Squad, covered head to toe in dust, stepped inside.
‘That boy….’
Glen Zigheart’s fingertips trembled as he watched Raon lead the way through the entrance.
‘Has he grown again in the time I haven’t seen him?’
He had believed Raon gained enlightenment while capturing the Phantom Soul Ghost, yet in the time they’d been apart, his body, spirit, and martial prowess had all advanced another tier.
‘Truly, this child leaves no room for complacency.’
Just as he unconsciously tried to suppress his chill, a sharp gaze pierced him from the back of the Gale Wind Squad.
When he lifted his head, an unfamiliar white-haired elder was staring directly at him.
‘The author….’
Glen Zigheart’s lips curled upward before he forcefully suppressed them, his eyes narrowing to slits.
‘The Sword Ghost?’
A warrior whose reputation resonated across the entire Continent, yet what came to mind now was not his achievements, but rather the contents written in Rimer’s letter.
【The Sword Ghost and Raon have grown quite close. Does he think that one is the real grandfather?】
Glen Zigheart crushed the armrest of the Jade Throne he had barely just repaired, his mouth twisting into a grimace.
‘He thinks that one is the real grandfather?’
How dare he?
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————