The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 473
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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 473
The morning of the mission.
I stood upon the lake behind the Annex Building, my eyes closed.
Because I dominated the space around me, not even the slightest ripple disturbed the lake’s surface despite the biting winter wind that swept across it.
“Exhale.”
I opened my eyes slowly and gazed down at my palms, releasing a turbid breath.
‘It still won’t work.’
I had wanted to accomplish it before departure.
Before attending the founding ceremony of the New Rising Powers, I had hoped to achieve simultaneous operation of Manhwagong and Glacial, but I still hadn’t succeeded.
Though the dantian and mana circuit had reduced the aching pain, wielding fire and cold simultaneously remained a distant dream.
-Foolish, truly.
Wrath stretched and crawled out from the ice flower bracelet.
-You’re no mage, and yet you expected handling two attributes simultaneously within your body to be easy?
He muttered his disdain and clicked his tongue.
-It’s not too late. If you focus solely on Glacial now, you could turn this entire Continent into a frozen hell!
‘Wouldn’t a burning hell be better than a frozen one?’
-Achieving both at your level will be difficult.
‘I know, but I’m greedy—I don’t want to abandon either.’
The flames of Manhwagong possessed firepower that rivaled Glacial, the Demon King’s technique, in every way.
Had I learned only one from the beginning, perhaps. But now I had no intention of abandoning either.
‘Still, it wasn’t entirely fruitless.’
Though I failed to wield heat and cold simultaneously, my mastery of Manhwagong and Glacial had increased, and my dantian and mana circuit had grown more resilient.
My mastery of aura had also advanced to the point where I could now perfectly execute the extremely refined technique that Airand, the White Lotus Society’s master, had employed—creating a barrier of sound suppression within an infinitesimally small space.
‘I should verify my status before departure.’
I raised my hand and summoned the status window for the first time in a long while.
【Status Window】
Name: Raon Zigheart.
Title: 【Tongue That Deceives the World】
Condition: None.
Traits: 【Wrath】, 【Sloth】, 【Envy】, Ring of Fire (7-star), Water Resistance (7-star), Seolhwa’s Perception (8-star), Manhwagong (6-star), Glacial (6-star), Fire Resistance (5-star), Bleeding Curse (4-star), Ambush (6-star), Indomitable Will (5-star), Demonic Adaptation (6-star), Focus (7-star), Poison Resistance (5-star), Wrath’s Evil Eye (2-star), Spiral Force (5-star), Water Affinity (3-star), Formation Interpretation (2-star), Fire Affinity (2-star), Seolhwa’s Silver Veil (3-star), Sanctity Blooming from Darkness (4-star), Deception Resistance (1-star), Seolhwa’s Demonic Armor (1-star).
Strength: 475.
Agility: 469.
Stamina: 462.
Energy: 479.
Perception: 502.
Wrath: 145.
Sloth: 60.
Envy: 60.
The moment I checked the status window, my jaw dropped involuntarily. The cool morning air flowed down my throat, bringing clarity to my senses.
-Huh?
Wrath’s eyes widened as he gazed at the status window.
-Why did it get so huge!
Though he couldn’t read the contents, he cried out upon seeing how much larger it had become.
‘Well, of course it grew—the numbers increased.’
Had it really been that long since I last checked?
‘The numbers are beyond what I imagined.’
I had only glanced at messages as they appeared and felt the changes through my body’s movements, so I hadn’t realized the statistics had risen to this degree.
‘It seems the more I use traits, the faster their grades increase.’
The 【Holiness Blooming from Darkness】, which I’d been using most frequently of late, had already reached 4-star, and thanks to the Soul Reaper Sword’s absorption ability, 【Demonic Adaptation】 had also climbed to 6-star.
‘What’s even more astounding than the traits are the stat numbers themselves.’
My senses had reached 500, while my other stats were approaching the late 400s—numbers so staggering they rivaled the physique of a Grand Master who had undergone complete metamorphosis.
‘All that sleep was worth it.’
When awake, I trained to raise my stats, and while sleeping, Sloth automatically filled them in—a 24-hour factory operating without pause.
Raon lightly patted his chest, which was pounding with excitement.
-Why are you like that! How high are your stats exactly!
‘Late 400s.’
-Huh?
‘And 500s too.’
-Ugh….
The moment Wrath heard the stat numbers, he deflated like a punctured rubber ball.
-Because of you, the True Demon King’s body must have withered away! You thieving bastard….
He whimpered, tears glistening in his eyes as he lamented that his main body had lost flesh.
‘You’re a lord of the Demon Realm.’
-Eh?
‘Does losing just 500 stat points really affect you? The great lord of the Demon Realm?’
-W-well, of course it’s not that significant! But I’m just annoyed that you’re getting it for free!
Wrath went back and forth, this way and that, venting his frustration.
‘Hmm….’
I frowned slightly as I observed Wrath’s anger.
‘Come to think of it, his anger level is quite high.’
When I visited the Arian Family, I had been bombarded with continuous rage, so that number had risen considerably.
Lately, whenever Wrath unleashed severe anger, the nausea in my chest seemed to stem from that accumulation.
‘I need to be careful.’
Wrath hadn’t noticed yet, but there was definitely an impact on both body and mind.
I needed to be cautious not to let it slip that rage had a physical toll.
‘Time to go.’
I casually flicked Wrath on the head and exited the Lake.
As I was about to depart for the 5th Training Ground with my pre-packed belongings, the back door of the Annex Building opened and Judith emerged.
She approached with her head bowed and extended a food basket she was holding.
“I’ve prepared a meal for your journey.”
“Thank you.”
-Sniff!
The moment I took the basket, Wrath, who had been draped across my shoulder, flared his nostrils and lifted his head.
-That scent! Pineapple sandwiches and soy-glazed jerky! And the finest beef jerky at that!
‘What kind of dog is this?’
The creature had terrible instincts but an impeccable sense of smell.
“Yua and Julius are awake and preparing as well. Won’t you go with them?”
“I’ve outgrown needing to be looked after.”
“Then what about the lady….”
“I said goodbye yesterday.”
I waved my hand lightly and departed from the Lakeside. My pace was swift, and I soon vanished beyond the Garden toward the direction of the 5th Training Ground.
Creak.
The back door opened again, and Sylvia walked out. She approached Judith’s side with a calm stride.
“He’s gone?”
“Yes.”
Judith stepped back to the side and bowed her head.
“Just because you greeted him yesterday doesn’t mean you’re done! If you see him today, you have to greet him again!”
Sylvia pouted, her gaze following the direction Raon had departed, clearly dissatisfied.
“Ever since he started calling me ‘mother,’ he’s been so distant. Where did my sweet little sunshine go…?”
“He’s probably just shy about it.”
Judith shook her head with a gentle smile.
“I know. I understand.”
Sylvia sighed.
“It’s just a shame—he’s never been one to act spoiled, even as a child.”
“He may not be spoiled, but his love for family runs deeper than anyone’s.”
“Since when do you praise Raon so much?”
Sylvia approached Judith’s side, her laughter tinged with crimson delight.
“Go on. I never tire of hearing our son praised.”
“My lady…”
*
*
*
The office was immaculate, its sharp angles accentuated by the sunlight pouring through the window.
Heegyukje, the leader of the White Whale, sat on the sofa and lifted her teacup.
As she brought the tea to her lips, a crisp knock sounded from beyond the door.
“Come in.”
The door opened silently, and a middle-aged man with neatly swept blue hair entered.
“My lord.”
Mekain bowed his head to Heegyukje and stepped forward toward the table.
“A letter has arrived from Zigheart confirming their participation. They didn’t reveal who would attend, but we’ve confirmed that the Gwangpung Corps is heading in the direction of Camelun.”
“As expected.”
Heegyukje set down his teacup without the slightest hint of surprise.
“Since I defeated him, it’s only natural that Raon Zigheart would come.”
There was no need to divine the heavens. If Zigheart participated in the founding ceremony, it was inevitable that Raon and the Gwangpung Corps would arrive.
“What shall we do? Only the Gwangpung Corps is moving, so now would be the time to eliminate them. Surely we cannot let that ruffian who humiliated you go unpunished, my lord.”
Mekain murmured that since Raon and the Gwangpung Corps were still within Zigheart’s sphere of influence, now was the opportunity.
“Just give the word, and I’ll handle it personally—”
“Mekain.”
“Yes!”
Mekain, who had been addressed by name, straightened his head with confidence.
“That would be the worst move. Since we invited them, even a minor incident could place the blame on us. Actually, that would be fortunate. There’s a possibility that Glen Zigheart himself could lead his swordsmen and march directly here.”
Heegyukje caressed the teacup marked with the imprint of crimson lips.
“Moreover, the Northern Destruction King I saw seemed to care quite deeply for Raon Zigheart. I’m certain that guards are following them from places unseen.”
I could tell because I experienced it directly in the Audience Chamber. Blood, martial prowess, and heart—for whatever reason, Glen cherishes Raon. There was no way he would send only the inexperienced Gwangpung Corps.
If we attacked and were instead defeated, with information leaking out, the White Whale would be finished that very day.
“Tch.”
Mekain bit his lip until blood flowed.
“It’s infuriating. To think that for the sake of the greater cause, we must leave that ruffian who humiliated you unpunished…”
He spat out Raon’s name as though it were a curse, his fists clenching with barely restrained fury.
“It’s fine.”
Heekyuk Je waved her hand gently.
“Because of him, I’ve gained something and learned valuable lessons.”
She wore the same composure she’d displayed in the Audience Chamber, her smile subtle and knowing.
“This time, Raon Zigheart will suffer the same fate.”
“The same fate, you say….”
“I’ll make him aware of the truth, yet unable to act upon it.”
Raon Zigheart was no thoughtless fool who moved without purpose—he was a cunning strategist who calculated every move with meticulous precision.
To destroy him, I would need to turn that very same method against him.
‘This time, he’ll be representing Zigheart, so he won’t be able to act recklessly.’
In the Audience Chamber, Raon had been the youngest and could behave as he pleased, but here, he and Rimer bore responsibility.
The reputation of Zigheart rested upon their shoulders—they would never dare to act rashly.
“Allen.”
At Heekyuk Je’s call, the office door opened once more, and a young warrior still bearing the marks of inexperience stepped inside.
“You called for me.”
Despite his innocent appearance, his gaze held a gravity that belied his youth as he bowed.
“Are the preparations complete?”
“Yes. Everyone is standing by.”
Allen nodded heavily.
“I’ll say it once more—you must not provoke him first. Like rain soaking cloth, you must irritate the White Dragon Knight’s nerves gradually, bit by bit, until he makes the first move.”
“Understood. I will proceed accordingly.”
“I trust you.”
Heegyukje smiled with satisfaction, and Allen bowed once more before leaving the office.
“Ah!”
Mekain’s mouth fell open as he finally grasped Heegyukje’s intention.
‘Raon Zigheart.’
Heegyukje watched the door close quietly, a cold smile playing across his face.
‘This time, it’s my turn.’
*
*
*
I shifted my gaze toward the area behind Camelrun, the trading city I had visited several times before.
Where golden fields had once stretched across the land, a massive city now stood. The city’s exterior bore a dull gray hue, as if it had only recently been completed.
‘They built a city of that scale in such a short time?’
To construct a city of such magnitude in so brief a span suggested that the New Rising Powers possessed far greater strength than I had anticipated.
‘If the five of the New Rising Powers united, they might contend with three of the Six Emperors Five Demons….’
Seeing the manpower and resources they had devoted to building this city while maintaining their headquarters elsewhere, it became clear that not merely Heegyukje, but the entire New Rising Powers faction posed a formidable threat.
“Was there a city here before?”
“Wow, they built that in the meantime?”
“The New Rising Powers are insane….”
“Hmm….”
The swordsmen of the Gwangpung Corps also widened their eyes in astonishment at the sight of the city.
I swept my gaze across the city once more, then turned to leave.
“That is Barene, a city of the New Rising Powers.”
Since I had received information about it from Deningrose before, I gave the swordsmen a brief introduction to Barene.
“As I said when we departed, the honor of Zigheart rests upon your shoulders, so be mindful of your words and conduct.”
“Yes, sir!”
The swordsmen nodded heavily, as if sealing their lips shut.
“Young Master.”
“What is it?”
Rimer, who had been sprawled across the carriage seat, lifted his head with an air of annoyance.
“I’m just going to wander around the gambling houses anyway. Do as you see fit.”
He waved his hand dismissively, telling me not to worry about him.
‘That might actually be better.’
It seemed preferable for him to sit this out from the start rather than cause trouble on the sidelines. Of course, I would need him when it came time to mock Heegyukje.
“Understood.”
I nodded and turned my gaze back to the Gwangpung Corps.
-You there.
Wrath approached from the side and tapped my shoulder with his round hand.
-Have you prepared yourself for that woman?
‘Heegyukje?’
-Indeed. Seeing how she maintains her composure even while being mocked by you suggests she is no ordinary human.
‘True enough. But I think I have a sense of what she has prepared.’
I narrowed my eyes as I gazed at the people standing before the entrance to Barene.
—You think you understand her?
‘Yes. That woman has tremendous pride. That’s why she endured it all in that moment. She believes that losing her temper means losing. People like that usually want to repay what they’ve suffered in kind.’
—Certainly….
Wrath nodded, saying there were similar types in the Demon Realm.
‘She’ll probably want to inflict a humiliation similar to what I gave her.’
Based on the methods Heekyuk Je had employed thus far, I could roughly predict how she would move.
I turned to regard the Gwangpung Corps and smiled.
“I might act a bit more conspicuously than usual in Barene. Understand and support me accordingly.”
“Act conspicuously?”
“You already stand out just by existing.”
“Fair point.”
Burren, Martha, and Lunan squinted their eyes, saying I stood out no matter what I did.
“That’s not what I meant.”
I gazed at the city of Barene and smiled with a desolate edge.
“I’m going to play like our Lord Commander does.”
*
*
*
Allen hid among the spectators welcoming those entering Barene, rolling his eyes.
‘They’re finally here.’
The Gwangpung Corps bearing the Zigheart insignia was approaching from the distance.
‘He said not to provoke them too strongly.’
Heekyuk Je had instructed them from the start not to apply strong stimulation, but to begin very subtly and prevent Raon from moving recklessly.
‘I’m confident about that.’
All warriors of the White Whale received training in information warfare. Provoking an opponent was as easy as eating bread while lying down.
‘Especially with that guy.’
To a warrior of the White Whale, Heekyuk Je was a god. The moment I thought of touching Raon, who had dared to challenge and mock her, my spirit naturally surged.
‘I’ll repay her humiliation many times over.’
Other colleagues were also present at The Facility at that moment. Since we had coordinated our story beforehand, there was no chance of any problems arising.
Allen waited slowly, composing his breathing as the Gwangpung Corps approached.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!
Unlike the others, the Gwangpung Corps approached the castle gate with the fierce momentum of a single blade.
At the very front was a beautiful youth with golden hair and crimson eyes whose appearance made one’s jaw drop, yet he emanated no particular aura.
‘Is that Raon Zigheart?’
He exuded a much softer atmosphere than the other swordsmen, as if he were suppressing his aura. The task seemed like it would go far more smoothly than expected.
Allen exchanged signals with his comrades and then filled his eyes with fierce intent.
It wasn’t killing intent. It was an observing gaze of the kind that would inevitably make one feel uncomfortable the moment they sensed it.
“Is that Raon Zigheart?”
A comrade beside me spoke first.
“Seems like it.”
Allen nodded and twisted his lips into a sneer.
“He looks rather frail compared to what we heard….”
As those words left his mouth, Raon’s gaze, which had been directed forward, turned toward us.
“What are you staring at with those vacant eyes?”
He muttered the crude remark openly, his pupils blazing with intensity.
‘Perfect!’
Allen exulted silently within himself.
‘What a fool!’
He hadn’t expected the man to fall for such a simple provocation with merely a glance. He was far more foolish than anticipated.
“What did you just say! How dare you speak such words!”
Allen recited the lines he had prepared beforehand, his brow furrowing in feigned indignation. Now the others would surely join in, hurling accusations at Raon.
Yet the surrounding spectators remained motionless. Instead, they regarded him as though he were a madman.
“What…?”
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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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