The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 457

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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 457

Airand sat in the center of the Baekryeon Training Ground with his eyes closed, meditating without the slightest movement. A black shadow fell across him.

Airand slowly opened his eyes. Even faced with the bizarre sight of only a shadow with no body casting it, he showed no alarm.

“So you’ve come after all.”
“Your condition appears to be improving.”

A low voice emanated from the shadow. It was the voice of the Masked Man who had visited the infirmary before.

“You said an unfair duel wouldn’t do, so you gave me time to recover my body and swing my sword. Truly, a family obsessed with swordsmanship.”

Airand murmured the name Zigheart and let out a derisive laugh.

“Are you confident you can defeat Raon Zigheart?”
“You’re saying that even after seeing me directly?”
“….”

The Masked Man sent a piercing gaze from within the shadow, as if demanding he speak.

“Hmph. I’ve absorbed all of the Cheongryeong Group and mastered the White Faultless Technique. I’ll sever his arm and shatter his core just as you desire.”
“Either one will suffice.”
“The other is mine. I dislike that bastard as well. I want to strangle him to death.”

Airand spoke with killing intent dripping from his voice, his eyes narrowing to slits.

“Do as you wish. But if you commit the foolish mistake of lowering your guard and suffer for it….”
“Unnecessary nagging. Just tell your master to wait comfortably.”
“….”

The Masked Man gave no response. The shadow enveloping him faded like mist dissolving in sunlight, then vanished entirely.

“They’re using me as a hunting dog, and it seems they plan to kill me once the hunt is finished….”

Airand gazed at the ground where the Masked Man’s shadow had fallen and drew a sinister smile.

“I’ll accept it for now. But I won’t be stepping into that cauldron the way you’re imagining.”

*

*

*

The Grand Training Grounds of Zigheart.
This exclusive training arena, which could only be entered with permission from the Head of House or a Division Commander, was unusually packed with people.

The reason was naturally the duel between Raon and Airand.

On the day a duel took place, entry to the Grand Training Grounds was permitted freely, so most of Zigheart’s warriors had claimed seats in the Spectator Stands.

The managers of the Grand Training Grounds were busily moving about, setting up the Sparring Arena in the center for the duel and preparing seating for the executives.

“A duel between the Gwangpung Division Commander and the White Lotus Society Commander? Our eyes are in for a treat after so long.”
“I wonder who’ll win between the two.”
“One’s a Division Commander and the other’s a Sub-Commander. Even if the White Lotus Society Commander caused serious trouble, the outcome is already decided.”
“Yeah, their experience wielding a blade is just different.”
“Right. No matter how much of a genius Raon Zigheart is, he can’t overcome the wall of years like that. The White Lotus Society Commander isn’t someone who’s been idle either.”
“I’d like to see the Gwangpung Division Commander win too, but it’s hopeless.”
“I don’t understand why he requested a duel instead of just accepting a punishment.”

Most of the warriors seated in the Spectator Stands predicted victory for Airand, who had reached a higher realm and accumulated far more experience.

Despite Raon’s favorable reputation due to the reason behind the duel and Airand’s reputation hitting rock bottom, predictions about the outcome remained unchanged.

“You all don’t know. Raon Zigheart isn’t the type of man to step forward without a plan.”
“That’s right. Don’t you remember when he defeated Rayden in this very place? Everyone predicted Rayden would win back then too.”
“That’s not all. Raon Zigheart has never lost a one-on-one duel. Don’t you remember when he defeated the White Blood Cult’s apostle during the Expert Tournament?”

However, unlike before, more people were beginning to predict Raon’s victory after witnessing the achievements he had accumulated.

“Is then the same as now? Airand is not Rayden. There’s no comparison.”
“So Raon just sat idle? A twenty-one-year-old reached Master rank! Did you forget he just defeated two layer lords and Baek Rangdo?”
“Even the White Lotus Society leader could do that much easily. I know Airand is a bastard too, but you have to think about the match objectively!”
“That’s exactly why it’s Raon. If he wins this duel, his influence within the family will skyrocket—he wouldn’t have stepped forward without thinking it through!”
“Then let’s head to the gambling den. How about we all put this month’s salary on whichever side we’re backing?”
“And get paid in annual salary!”

The people who had been debating whether Raon or Airand would win rushed toward the gambling den set up on the outskirts of the Training Ground, coin purses in hand.

Burren Zigheart watched the spectators surge forward with a faint smile.

“More people are coming to know about Raon now.”

Back when duels were held at the Grand Training Grounds, most had wagered only on Rayden, but now a considerable number were placing bets on Raon.

‘It means they acknowledge Raon’s strength.’

A duel between the division leader and vice leader—warriors whose age and experience differed by more than just years. The fact that people were betting on Raon meant many had come to recognize his martial prowess.

“Haaah….”

At the sound of a yawn, I turned my head to the right. Lunan Slion was nodding off, his mouth working silently.

“Wake me when it starts.”

Lunan waved his hand weakly and promptly began to doze.

‘He’s not even nervous.’

Lunan clearly believed Raon would win without question, showing no tension whatsoever as he began to drift off.
Whether to call it a strong heart or unwavering faith in Raon, I couldn’t say.

“Foolish lot, all of them.”

Martha scoffed as she watched people flock to the gambling house to place bets on Airand.

“That bastard wouldn’t take a match he’d lose.”

Her words carried conviction—she too believed without question that Raon would emerge victorious from this duel.

“That’s right. Our commander never fights battles he can’t win.”

Crain nodded in agreement with Martha’s words and smacked his lips.

“I can’t even imagine the commander losing to anyone anymore.”

Even Dorian, the most fearful in the Gwangpung Corps, sat peacefully chewing sweets with a serene expression.

It wasn’t just them. The entire Gwangpung Corps awaited today’s duel with eyes that believed in Raon’s victory without a shadow of doubt.

Burren Zigheart swept his gaze across the Gwangpung Corps and drew a gentle smile.

‘How curious.’

Originally, only Dorian and Lunan Slion had harbored favor toward Raon in the Gwangpung Corps.

It was both wondrous and strange that Raon, whom they had once regarded as a thorn embedded in their flesh, had become someone they could trust and entrust their very lives to.

‘Perhaps it’s because so much has transpired….’

As Burren Zigheart was lost in memories of the past, Pedrick, the Saint of Nenma, approached from beside him.

“Why is it only you lot? Where is that one?”

Pedrick tilted his head after confirming the members of the Gwangpung Corps.

“A fly belongs with filth. Where else would he be?”
“Filth?”
“Down there.”

Martha immediately understood whom Pedrick was asking about and pointed downward.
At the tip of her finger stood the Red-haired Elf.

“Me first! I’m betting first! You bastards! Move aside! Don’t you dare bet against Raon!”

Rimer was shouting among countless gamblers, clutching a purse of gold coins to his chest.

“Hey, proprietor! My entire fortune on Raon Zigheart!”
“….”

Pedrick and the Gwangpung Corps shook their heads in unison, their eyes fixed on Rimer’s pathetic state.

*

*

*

Solemn footsteps echoed beyond the main gate of the Grand Training Grounds.

Beneath the majesty of a black dragon robe that seemed to drape darkness itself, my radiant visage emerged into view.
Unlike my golden hair, which gleamed with even greater brilliance under the sunlight, my calm crimson eyes created a striking contrast.

“Uh… uh…”
“That’s… that’s Raon?”
“The presence is extraordinary…”
“He’s not just a unit commander level. You could say he’s at the level of a division commander!”

The spectators stood slack-jawed, their mouths hanging open in awe at the overwhelming presence and breathtaking beauty that left them speechless.

“Woooooow!”
“Raon Zigheart!”
“We believe in you! Crush Airand!”
“That trash isn’t even worth recycling!”
“I’ve bet my entire fortune on you!”

The spectators, finally coming to their senses, waved their hands and raised their voices.

I walked toward the sparring arena constructed in the center of the training grounds, listening to the roar of the crowd filling the spectator stands.

-It’s different from before.

Wrath furrowed his brow as he surveyed the spectators.

-Last time, there were hardly any who cheered for you.
‘That’s true.’

I nodded with a smile. When I had come to duel with Rayden before, there had been scarcely a handful of people cheering for me.

But now, more than half of the swordsmen in the Sparring Arena were shouting his name.
Even if Airand had committed a crime, I hadn’t anticipated such an overwhelming roar of support.

‘The Head of House was right.’

Glen had said that this duel wasn’t just about Airand’s downfall—it was also an opportunity for his own influence within the family to rise to unprecedented heights.
Watching the crowd’s reaction now, his words seemed to ring true.

I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart and stepped forward to the Sparring Arena.

Airand was already waiting on the opposite side. He sat in the waiting area, regarding me with cold, piercing eyes.

‘He’s not a complete fool, then.’

I’d expected him to lose his composure the moment he saw me, but Airand’s gaze remained glacial.
He clearly knew how to control his emotions—he hadn’t earned his position as a lord’s heir for nothing.

“You look well.”

Airand offered a thin smile and tilted his chin in acknowledgment.

“I have you to thank for that.”

Truth be told, absorbing Glen’s teachings had nearly killed me, but I waved my hand dismissively, feigning ease.

“I understand your confidence. At your age, with your power—the world must seem shallow and small. But….”

A chilling crimson light began to seep from Airand’s eyes.

“I’ve wielded a blade since before you were born. Setting aside realm and cultivation—my real-world experience alone is incomparable. You’ll come to regret challenging me to this duel.”
“Even if I hadn’t accepted, you would have challenged me eventually.”

I tapped the sheath of the Heavenly Sword and tilted my head to the side.

“I simply wanted to dispose of an eyesore quickly. Your experience and cultivation mean nothing to me.”
“Your tongue remains as sharp as ever.”

Airand didn’t fall for the provocation, merely furrowing his brow. A month of mental discipline seemed to have borne fruit.

‘This might be more entertaining than I expected.’

I settled into my seat with a satisfied smile.

After waiting a moment, people began filling the executive stands.
Following Serena, whom I’d met earlier, Karun, Denier, and Valdemar entered and took their seats at the head table.

As I waited for the match to begin while observing the executives, two swordsmen standing before the main gate of the Grand Training Grounds struck the ground with their great swords.

Boom!

A tremendous resonance shook the earth, followed by the swordsmen’s proclamation.

“The Head of House enters!”

Glen Zigheart stepped through the main gate, bathed in golden sunlight. His commanding presence was so overwhelming that Sheryl and Roen behind him were barely visible.

To radiate such presence without unleashing aura or momentum—it rivaled even the Demon Lords I’d faced in the Lower Castle.

“We greet the Head of House!”

Everyone in the Grand Training Grounds, including myself, bowed before Glen.

Glen didn’t even nod his head as he ascended to the highest seat on the platform. A true tyrant’s bearing. The man who taught me swordsmanship every night and shared sandwiches with me did not exist in this place.

“Rise.”

Only after Glen gestured did everyone in the Grand Training Grounds stand, finally able to breathe properly.

“Proceed.”

At his command, the Announcer stepped forward from below the platform.

“The duelists for today’s match—White Lotus Society Master Airand and Gwangpung Corps Commander Raon Zigheart—please ascend to the platform!”

At the Announcer’s call, Airand ascended to the Sparring Arena first. His eyes carried a cool emotion, as if he’d already prepared himself mentally.

I didn’t climb onto the Sparring Arena yet, instead gazing toward the Spectator Stands.

Sylvia was praying while holding hands with her handmaidens, the Gwangpung Corps leisurely devoured Dorian’s snacks as if they had nothing to worry about, and Rimer waved from atop the Gambling Den’s signboard.

Beyond them, I saw the White Lotus Society swordsmen. Their eyes pleaded with me desperately, as though begging to be rescued from Airand’s grasp.

Those eyes reminded me of my former self in a past life—one who could never escape the leash of Derus Robert.
My fists clenched with force, while my heart grew cold as ice.

I drew a short breath to steady myself, then ascended onto the Sparring Arena.

“Begin!”

At the Announcer’s command, Airand and I faced each other in the center of the arena.

“You have no idea how long I’ve awaited this moment.”

Airand’s lips curled into a thin smile. Standing before me, both his physique and aura seemed to have solidified into something far more formidable.

‘It’s not just a feeling. He’s genuinely grown stronger.’

My senses would not deceive me. I would trust my perception and fight with the knowledge that Airand had become more powerful.

“Thank you.”

Airand’s fingers twitched as if he were about to draw his blade immediately.

“Thanks to you, it seems I’ll receive only a light punishment and regain command of my unit.”

He was already calculating how to use the gold medal he’d obtain after this duel to erase his crimes.
With two gold medals combined with all the achievements he’d accumulated thus far, it was entirely feasible.

“Dream all you like.”

I placed my hand on the hilt of the Heavenly Sword, feeling my heart turn to frozen stone.

“What?”
“Your punishment will be carried out here. By my hand.”

I tilted my chin toward him with a cold smirk playing at the corners of my mouth.

“It won’t be as merciful as the Family’s punishment, so prepare yourself.”
“Arrogant bastard….”

Airand’s frown deepened, though his composure seemed unshaken.

“Are both of you ready?”
“Ready.”
“Ready.”

Airand and Raon nodded simultaneously.

The Announcer stepped back and raised his hand toward the sky.

“Now, let the duel between the White Lotus Society Commander and the Gwangpung Corps Commander begin!”

He brought his hand down like lightning and stepped off the platform.

Though the match had started, Raon and Airand remained motionless, their hands resting on their sword hilts as they locked eyes with one another.

Whoooosh!

The auras of the two Master-rank swordsmen rose slowly like the ascending sun, creating immense pressure throughout the Sparring Arena.

Crack!

As Raon and Airand’s auras collided, the carefully maintained arena floor crumbled, and stone fragments began to lift into the air.

The moment finger-sized stones rose to waist height, Raon drew the Heavenly Sword.

As his lightning-swift blade technique employing the mysteries of Clear Rain extended forward, a brilliant blue sword light flashed before my eyes. Airand had drawn his blade at the same instant.

Clang!

The Heavenly Sword and Airand’s blade collided, causing the Training Ground to tremble with tremendous force.

The impact was so violent that both swords twisted and warped, pushing backward.

Airand attempted to retreat with his blade, but Raon’s movement was different.

Boom!

I thrust my left foot forward, using the Heavenly Earth Technique to absorb the impact before closing in on Airand.

“You bastard!”

Airand instantly read my movements and drove his left elbow downward—a natural response given that his sword-wielding right hand was positioned behind him.

In that fleeting instant, I perceived his attack and seized his sleeve with my left hand.

Crack!

My wrist, flowing with the subtle principles of the Flowing Sword technique, redirected his ferocious assault.

Crash!

My right hand, which had been absorbing the impact through the Heavenly Earth Technique, brought the Heavenly Sword down in a devastating arc.

“Ugh!”

Airand gasped and erected a wall of aura before the sword’s trajectory.

The barrier felt harder than steel itself, yet the flames dancing along the Heavenly Sword were sharper still.

Screech!

The aura wall shattered, and his chest tore open in a diagonal gash, spraying blood.

“You….”

Airand bit his lip as he stared at the wound across his chest.

“Combat experience? A higher realm?”

I flicked a drop of blood from the Heavenly Sword’s tip, the blade glowing crimson as I pointed it at Airand with a contemptuous smirk.

“Such things are nothing but fodder to be crushed.”

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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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