The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 483

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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 483

The conference of the New Rising Powers had begun.
The first order of business was an explanation of each faction.

Heekyuk Je spoke with measured composure, Guisalchang with passionate fervor, Sageomma with somber gravity, and finally Akgeomhu with clinical detachment. Each recounted how their respective organizations had grown and what objectives they pursued.

What followed was a report on what each faction had been doing recently. Unsurprisingly, there was not a single mention of any wrongdoing—only tales of battling Oma or performing righteous deeds.

I refrained from picking at details, instead stepping back from the conference to observe what intentions the leaders of the New Rising Powers truly harbored.

Heekyuk Je naturally dominated the proceedings, while the other three offered only flexible responses that maintained the pleasant atmosphere.

What they wished to convey was simple.

The New Rising Powers harbored no intention of antagonizing the Six Emperors or the Neutral Factions, and they had even prepared themselves to fight Oma for the protection of the Continent.

In other words, since they were not enemies, the others should not view them with hostility, and everyone should get along harmoniously.

“Everything we have shared with you represents our sincere intentions.”

Heekyuk Je bowed his head, expressing his desire to maintain good relations with all factions across the Continent.

“We feel exactly the same!”
“In fact, we should be the ones making this request!”
“Most of the righteous deeds we hear about these days involve the New Rising Powers. We welcome it wholeheartedly!”
“I agree as well. We are simply grateful that you invited us first.”

The leaders of the Neutral Factions cheered their congratulations on the establishment of the New Rising Powers and offered their applause. Since no one objected, the atmosphere in the conference hall became warm and convivial.
In a sense, it was natural—the Neutral Factions invited here were also respectable organizations, but they paled in comparison to the New Rising Powers, so they likely felt honored by the treatment.

Yet I remained unmoved by the newfound warmth of the conference hall, my smile cold and measured.

‘How naive they all are.’

I knew from my direct confrontation with Heekyuk Je. The true purpose of the New Rising Powers was not merely to cultivate friendships with the Neutral Factions.
I could not discern their exact objectives, but one thing was certain—they intended to use the Neutral Factions.

“Thank you.”

Heekyuk Je bowed her head again, then leaned forward across the table.

“Not just among ourselves, but to help the younger generation build connections, we’re planning to hold a duel tournament open only to warriors under forty. There will be special prizes, so please encourage participation.”

She laughed, saying that since they had reached an understanding among themselves, she wanted to give the younger ones an opportunity as well.

“The young ones never had a chance to gather like this—what a wonderful idea!”
“If Lady Ariel calls the prizes special, I’m truly looking forward to it!”
“We’ll send all our children to compete!”
“Under forty? Unfortunately, I can’t participate.”
“You’re well past fifty and still saying such things!”

The leaders of the Neutral Factions nodded to each other, saying it sounded entertaining.

“Ah, but even those under forty cannot participate if they represent their family.”

Heekyuk Je’s gaze rolled slowly toward me. It seemed she was saying I couldn’t compete either since I was a representative.

“May I say one more thing?”

She seemed to think the atmosphere had ripened, so she stepped toward the center of the conference table and raised her hand.

“I didn’t expect to get along so well with all of you, so I’d like to make a proposal.”

The noisy conference hall fell silent. Now Heekyuk Je dominated the atmosphere of this place.

“What if we formed a temporary alliance among those gathered here?”
“An… alliance?”
“An alliance all of a sudden?”
“Isn’t that too hasty?”

The leaders of the Neutral Factions widened their eyes in surprise at the word “alliance” that had come so suddenly.

“As you already know, the current situation on the Continent is not favorable.”

Heekyuk Je stopped walking at the center of the rectangular table. Moonlight pouring through the window rendered her presence even more sacred.

“The Black Tower, White Blood Cult, and Nambuk Alliance have begun openly revealing their power, while Eden hides in the shadows nurturing ghosts. On top of that, we recently received information that the Sword Master of the Holy Sword Association has appeared.”

Her weighty voice pressed down upon the silent conference hall.

“Oh, Oma?”
“Are the Sword Ghosts of the Holy Sword Association trying to emerge into the world again…?”
“Eden’s new ghosts? What are they plotting this time!”
“I, I heard about it too. Yurt City was attacked by the White Blood Cult and didn’t even leave ashes behind.”
“The Black Tower is the same. There were rumors that the Deputy Tower Master has appeared…”

The leaders of the Neutral Factions trembled at the news that Oma had begun its activities.

“It’s not just that they’ve appeared. The monsters that shared only names are now moving in coordination.”

Heekyuk Je lowered her eyelids, then opened them. Her crimson eyes gleamed with an eerie light. The warriors of the Neutral Factions who met her gaze swallowed hard.

“Since we don’t know when calamity will strike the Continent, I hope you will help us.”

She turned and walked back to the end of the table, her back now facing them.

“Hm?”
“H-help you, you say…?”
“You mentioned an alliance, but what are you saying?”

The leaders opened their mouths wide at Heekyuk Je’s request for help.

“We of the New Rising Powers have only recently revealed ourselves to the world. We’re confident in our military strength, but our foundation is still lacking. I hope you will help fill that gap by standing with us.”

As Heekyuk Je reframed her request for help as an alliance, small smiles began to bloom on the leaders’ faces. Her voice transformed like a rainbow through various hues, dominating the conference hall.

‘It’s certainly a mutually beneficial arrangement. A give and take… wait?’

I furrowed my brow as I organized my thoughts.

‘What am I thinking right now…?’

There was no way this could be mutually beneficial.

If the factions here formed an alliance, the New Rising Powers would reap all the glory while the Neutral Factions would bear all the arrows. It was obvious—this could never be a good arrangement.

‘Why did I even think that?’

I had been prepared to find fault at any moment, but suddenly my mind went blank and I found myself entertaining strange thoughts. It was clearly not rational judgment.

‘Could it be….’

I bit the tip of my tongue lightly.

‘Is this Heekyuk Je’s doing?’

Her voice struck my ears with vivid clarity despite not using aura. Something was definitely at work.

Whoooosh!

I immediately activated the Rings of Fire. The seven rings resonated, and the energy within the Conference Hall came into focus.

‘It’s not aura after all.’

Heekyuk Je wasn’t using even a trace of aura. Yet every time she spoke, the air inside the Conference Hall trembled. She was definitely embedding something into her voice.

-You finally noticed.

Wrath exhaled sharply, as if exasperated.

‘What is that?’
-What else? It’s Conviction.

He frowned as he looked at Heekyuk Je.

-By accumulating Achievement and elevating the soul’s rank, then wielding techniques based on that rank—that is Conviction. In other words, Conviction is the power of the soul. That woman is embedding Conviction into her voice to persuade those fools.
‘Is that even possible?’
-It backfires if overdone, but that wretch has clearly done this more than once or twice. She’s quite smooth at it.
‘There really are all kinds of methods.’

I had thought it could only be used through martial arts, but I never knew it could be wielded like this. Heekyuk Je was definitely not an opponent to underestimate.

-But no matter how I think about it, that human is still lacking. It seems all that talk about coming to save her subordinates was just an act.
‘You’re only realizing that now?’
-I wanted to believe in her.

Wrath shook his head, hoping there were no villains among those who thought of their subordinates. Every time he felt it, he was truly a tender-hearted Demon Lord when it came to his followers.

‘In any case, that confirms the intention is correct.’
-Indeed. However, it will not be easy to break.
‘Let’s try anyway.’

I watched Heekyuk Je, who continued to infuse intention into her voice, and clenched my fists.

“I am in favor.”
“I agree as well.”
“It is an honor to stand with the New Rising Powers!”

The leaders of the Neutral Factions raised their voices, urging the alliance agreement to be drawn up immediately. Since there was no malicious intent behind their words, they seemed unaware of what was happening to them. It was the perfect result created by appropriate reasoning, Heekyuk Je’s eloquence, and the intention she had woven.

“We are grateful for your understanding.”

Heekyuk Je rose from her seat and bowed her head in turn, making eye contact with each of the leaders of the Neutral Factions as they raised their hands.

“Since we have guests from Zigheart and the Magic Tower present here, would you be willing to serve as witnesses to this alliance?”

She looked toward us with a sweet smile, as if she had gained confidence.

‘This woman….’

I met Heekyuk Je’s gaze and ran my fingertips together.

‘Was this the objective all along?’

To form an alliance with the Neutral Factions and make it binding by having the Six Emperors serve as witnesses.

The New Rising Powers certainly possessed formidable military strength, but they still lacked numbers and renown. It seemed they were trying to fill that gap with the Neutral Factions.
It appeared they had no intention of stopping at their current level and were seeking to expand their scale further.

I smacked my lips as I watched Dumtkan and Baiton, who were shouting to form the alliance quickly.

‘It doesn’t matter what happens to others….’

But I won’t stand for falling into Heekyuk Je’s schemes.

‘I came here to shake things up, not to play along.’

I hadn’t come to become a mere figurehead. It was time to act.

I exhaled sharply and rose from my chair. My gaze turned cold as I smiled at Heekyuk Je.

“You mentioned witnesses?”
“Yes. While not all present are prone to falsehoods, I would appreciate their presence on this joyous occasion.”
“But what is this alliance for?”

Through the Ring of Fire, I sensed something similar to Heekyuk Je and infused my voice with intent. It wasn’t as seamless as her execution, but I attempted to mimic it regardless.

“As I mentioned, it is to prepare for the increasingly chaotic state of the Continent….”
“How will you prepare? Who stands at the front when war breaks out? What is the compensation for assistance? Who takes the spoils? What compensation for casualties? Isn’t this simply gathering under the name of the New Rising Powers rather than a true alliance?”

Beneath my blunt tone lay a powerful intent to awaken those entranced by Heekyuk Je. In truth, since I still wasn’t accustomed to intent, I couldn’t control it, and the force naturally exceeded what was necessary.

Crackle!

A discordant sound like sparks erupted, shattering the gentle atmosphere Heekyuk Je had carefully cultivated in an instant.

“Hmm….”
“Right, we need to establish those details and seal the agreement.”
“Exactly. An alliance is usually a serious matter, so why were we so caught up in the moment….”
“We shouldn’t have let the atmosphere cloud our judgment.”

The leaders of the Neutral Factions, now having regained their senses, sat back down, saying they needed to coordinate their positions even if they formed an alliance.

-This is….

Wrath’s eyes widened as he observed the scene.

‘Thanks to your hint.’
-The True Demon King’s hint?
‘You said excess produces the opposite effect. I used that.’

Since Wrath had mentioned that excess produces the opposite effect, I deliberately poured all my power into shattering the chains of intent Heekyuk Je had woven. Judging by the situation, it worked perfectly.

—This stingy bastard! Always extracting information and never offering a meal in return!
‘…I’m sorry.’

I had nothing to say in response, so I closed my mouth.

“Ah….”

Heekyuk Je’s pupils curved like moonlight reflected in a window. An expression I’d never seen before. She seemed genuinely flustered.

“That’s right. We need to coordinate that first.”

Even in her shock, she regained her composure in an instant. No matter how I looked at it, Heekyuk Je’s true strength wasn’t military might—it was that mental fortitude.

“The New Rising Powers merely seem to be waiting for an opening.”

I pressed my palm against the table and tilted my chin to the side.

“What do you mean….”
“When they first made their name, they wedged themselves into the gap between the Six Emperors and Oma checking each other, and this time too, they formed an alliance like a snake slipping over a wall, trying to ride on the backs of other factions.”
“That’s not it—we’re trying to help each other….”
“You lack confidence in your own strength?”

I let out a scoff and waved my hand.

“Zigheart reached its current position by spilling its own blood and flesh across the Continent.”

A crimson flash of lightning tearing through darkness flickered across my pupils.

“If you only try to steal others’ blood, others’ blades, others’ achievements, you’ll never escape that position for the rest of your lives.”

The leaders of the New Rising Powers and the Neutral Factions closed their mouths tight, overwhelmed by the sheer presence emanating from me.

“I’ll stop here.”

I swept my gaze across everyone with cold eyes and turned my back.

“I’ll take my leave as well.”

Deningrose stood as if she’d been waiting, and Ensia rose to adjust her camera’s focus. The clicking sound continued. This woman was truly obsessed with that camera.

“Kahahaha!”

Guisalchang walked out laughing uproariously, clutching his head.

“You’re really growing on me. If you won’t join the Machang Society, want to become sworn siblings with me?”
“Our ages don’t match.”
“Sworn siblings don’t care about that!”

He chuckled, saying he’d never seen Heekyuk Je brought down like that before.

“Oh, and make sure you come to the tournament the day after tomorrow. I’ve prepared something good.”
“I’ll think about it.”

I nodded and left the conference hall. Inside, it sounded like an argument had broken out.

“Are you both alright?”
“Yes. It was refreshing.”

Deningrose nodded, saying her mood had lifted. Her complexion was brighter than usual, so it seemed genuine.

“What happened?”

Ensia tilted her head while taking photographs with her camera. It seemed she didn’t care what happened inside—she just needed to capture it on film.

“Ha….”

As I blinked in disbelief, the conference hall door opened again, and Yulia walked out. He kept his lips pressed firmly together, his gaze sharp and commanding as he looked down at me.

“Do you have something to say?”

I narrowed my eyes as I took in Yulia’s bear-like frame.

“….”

Yulia exhaled a rough breath without answering. It felt like watching a buffalo that seemed ready to charge at any moment.

He shrugged his broad shoulders, shook his head, and immediately left the Conference Hall.

Raon shook his head as he watched Yulia’s back.

‘What is this?’

*

*

*

I headed toward the Dining Hall in front of the Dormitory alongside Deningrose and Ensia. Given how much Heekyuk Je had talked, I’d assumed the place would already be closed, but at Wrath’s insistence, I decided to check anyway.

“Hmm?”

The lights were on.

I’d naturally expected the doors to be shut, yet strangely, I could sense many presences stirring within.

-Dad, hurry! Come on in!

As I opened the door and stepped inside, the Gwangpung Corps were sitting around with light snacks and beer in hand.

“Oh? You’re here now?”
“You’re late!”

Crain and Dorian, seated at a table near the entrance, waved their hands.

“Did the conference end well?”

Burren, sitting deeper inside, smiled broadly.

“How could a conference take this long!”

Martha frowned, muttering about what time it was.

“Sit down quickly.”

Lunan Slion patted the seat beside him, gesturing for me to sit.

“Hmm….”

I narrowed my eyes as I observed the Gwangpung Corps. There was barely any aroma of food in the air, and the table held nothing but dried snacks and beer.

“You haven’t eaten?”
“How could we eat when you weren’t here?”

Martha clicked her tongue as if I’d asked something obvious.

“That’s right. We can’t have a meal without our leader.”

Burren chuckled and nodded his head.

“We’ve been waiting for you.”

Lunan tapped his chair more urgently, urging me to sit down quickly.

“You’ve arrived at last!”

A middle-aged woman emerged from the kitchen and bowed. It was the Restaurant Manager I’d seen when making the reservation.

“I apologize that these young people had to wait so long.”
“Not at all.”
“The Gwangpung Corps members paid extra and said they would wait until you arrived.”

The Restaurant Manager smiled brightly, saying he’d been paid well enough.

“I’ll prepare the meal for you right away.”

The Restaurant Manager mentioned that all the ingredients and staff were ready, then returned to the kitchen. Cheerful chatter echoed from within.

“Why did you do something so unnecessary?”

I furrowed my brow as I looked at the Gwangpung Corps swordsmen.

“Just eat quickly and get back.”

My words came out gruff, but strangely, my heart had grown warm.
Seeing the Gwangpung Corps waiting with smiles on their faces, it felt like returning to the Annex Building after a long mission.

“You look adorable when you’re embarrassed….”
“Hehe.”

Ensia had already moved forward and was pressing the camera shutter. Deningrose smiled with her hand covering her mouth, clearly amused by the sight.

-Sniff!

At the sound of sniffling, I glanced to my right. Wrath’s face had flushed red, and tears glistened in his eyes.

-You brats!

The corners of his eyes grew moist as he was moved by the Gwangpung Corps.

-Excellent! I shall take care of all of you! You young ones understand what loyalty truly means!

Wrath nodded, saying he was pleased with everyone in the Gwangpung Corps. He was truly an easy one to satisfy.

I chuckled softly and sat down where Lunan had been patting.

“Everyone gather around.”

Since it would take time for the meal to arrive, I explained the day’s events first.

“It’s not just a simple alliance, then.”
“It seems the New Rising Powers are trying to absorb the neutral factions….”
“Their movements are incredibly fast.”

The swordsmen of the Gwangpung Corps murmured that the situation was unfavorable and nodded in agreement.

“There’s one more thing.”

I raised my index finger.

“A duel tournament will be held in two days. Any martial artist under forty can participate, so all of you should enter.”
“Don’t we need to register?”
“It’s an on-the-spot format where you can participate directly without registration, so it doesn’t matter.”

Deningrose spoke on my behalf, saying anyone could participate at any time.

“If they were under forty, we might even see some Masters.”
“I wanted to test my current level, and this is perfect.”
“I’ll definitely participate!”
“Me too!”

The swordsmen of the Gwangpung Corps smiled, eager to leap into action immediately.

“I’m relieved you’re willing to participate. But if Zigheart doesn’t win the championship….”

I clenched my fist, letting out a sharp cracking sound as I spoke.

“You all die.”
“Uh….”
“T-that’s a bit….”
“But Masters will be competing too?”
“Y-you want us to win the championship?”
“That’s not my concern.”

I flashed a chilling smile at the Gwangpung Corps.

“If the champion isn’t from the Gwangpung Corps, you’ll return to the Family Estate for a month of intensive concentration training.”

The laughter and warmth that had filled the Gwangpung Corps vanished at the icy tone of my voice.

-You reckless bastard!

Wrath struck the back of my head and let out a curse.

-Why are you causing trouble for your own subordinates too!

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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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