The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 597

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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 597

I closed my eyes, sensing the fruit’s essence melting away like the pulp itself was dissolving into mana.

‘Is this the fruit of the World Tree?’

A river’s current. No—a flow as vast and majestic as the waves of a great ocean.

There was no need to open the mana pathways through Manhwagong or Glacia. The fruit’s essence moved of its own accord, as if breathing with life.

The first place the fruit’s essence seeped into was the flame scar left by Hongryeom-gwi. The external and internal wounds from his flames were wiped clean, as if washed away by water.

‘Such power….’

I nearly broke from my meditative state in astonishment. I hadn’t expected both internal and external injuries to be fully healed in such a brief moment.
It wasn’t an elixir—it was divine medicine.

‘There was no need to worry.’

I had thought the World Tree’s fruit might have spoiled with a strange bitter taste, but it seemed Rimer was right—it had always tasted like rubber.

Roooooar!

Having healed all the wounds, the World Tree fruit’s essence now unleashed its true power, surging through my entire mana pathways with a tremendous wave.

‘It’s none of the four elemental attributes.’

This was pure mana itself.

No—even the word “pure” couldn’t describe the essence dwelling within the fruit. It possessed a refreshing clarity as if nature itself had been transferred here. It was mana in its most pristine form, untainted by even the smallest impurity.

The fruit’s essence seeped into my lower dantian, transformed into the heat of Manhwagong and the cold of Glacia, then ascended through my abdominal mana pathways to expand the scale of my middle dantian.
I felt my middle dantian, which had settled heavily, maintaining the balance between body and spirit.

Yet the fruit’s essence still possessed remaining power, surging all the way to my upper dantian and infusing my Mental World with crystalline vitality.

I could feel all three dantians growing—the lower dantian that cultivates aura, the upper dantian that sustains the spirit, and the middle dantian that maintains their center.

My consciousness sank deeper into the realm of selflessness, even as the fruit’s energy gradually weakened.

*

*

*

I awakened from the state of selflessness but did not open my eyes. Drawing shallow breaths, I sensed the changes within myself.

‘Not only has my core grown, but my mana circuits have expanded as well.’

With the circumference of my mana circuits increased, I would now be able to circulate far greater amounts of energy at much faster speeds.

‘This is a significant gain.’

In battles between supreme masters, victory and defeat were decided in mere instants. Being able to move my aura even slightly faster was tantamount to a direct increase in combat power itself.

‘And I’m naturally sensing the presence of those around me now.’

Without even spreading my perception, I could feel the presence of the Elves near the World Tree. It wasn’t merely knowing they were nearby—I could sense what they were doing.

Normally, sensing presence required spreading aura outward, but that concept seemed unnecessary now. If I channeled mana, I should be able to detect even greater distances than before.

Satisfied with my growth, I slowly opened my eyes.

“Phew….”

As I steadied my breathing, Rimer came into view, his complexion noticeably pale.

“You slip into selflessness like it’s nothing, so why do you waste so much time doing it!”

Rimer flicked his ear in annoyance.

“How long was I in meditation, sir?”

I looked up at the sky. Just as when I had begun my cultivation, the sun hung directly overhead, making it impossible to gauge how much time had passed.

“Four days.”

Rimer held up three fingers.

“I thought I’d die staying awake without sleep for that long!”

He waved his arm, telling me to take it easy.

“Three days….”

I exhaled slowly.

‘So they maintained that level of vigilance for three entire days?’

The vigilance of Rimer, Sterin, Siyan, and the Grand Elder was so dense it could be called impenetrable.
If they’d maintained that stance for three days, I understood why they were exhausted.

“I apologize for the delay.”
“No need to apologize.”

As I was about to bow, Sterin shook his head and approached.

“We made the proposal first—why are you apologizing?”

Sterin flicked Rimer’s forehead with a frown.

“Ow!”

Rimer clutched his forehead and stepped back.

“Why’d you hit me!”
“Be grateful I didn’t use my fist.”
“Ugh, getting hit here and at Zigheart too. What a cursed fate….”

He grumbled and shuffled away irritably.

“You’ve absorbed it properly.”

Sterin smiled faintly, pleased that I had properly absorbed the World Tree’s energy.

“I can definitely feel the difference.”

The Grand Elder examined Raon and nodded approvingly.

“Your mana has become even purer than before. The High Elves won’t stand a chance against you now.”

He exhaled deeply, as if utterly astounded.

“R-Raon, sir.”

Siyan bowed her head, the Sparrow perched on her shoulder looking as though it were made of water droplets.

“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, but you seem to be struggling, Lady Siyan.”

Her complexion was even paler than Rimer’s, and her entire forehead glistened with cold sweat—she looked like someone afflicted by illness.

“Oh, I’m perfectly fine.”
“Perfectly fine, my foot.”

Rimer shot Siyan a sideways glance.

“She summoned a supreme-grade spirit and kept it manifested for three days straight. That’s insane—even Grandpa couldn’t pull off something like that.”

He twirled his finger at his temple, gesturing that she’d lost her mind.

“I-I’m really fine.”

Despite her words, Siyan had clearly reached her limit and immediately dismissed the supreme-grade spirit. Only then did her complexion begin to gradually recover.

“Hmm….”

“Thank you.”

Thank you.

For three days without sleep, standing guard is something difficult to do even for a close friend. I expressed my heartfelt gratitude.

“Didn’t I say that kind of greeting wasn’t necessary?”

The Grand Elder shook his head.

“That’s right. You’re too polite.”

Rimer frowned at Raon, wrinkling the bridge of his nose.

“If I were you, I would’ve taken half of the World Tree.”
“W-why would you take half the World Tree?”
“You protected it entirely. Wouldn’t it be fair to say half of the World Tree’s shares belong to you?”
“Ah….”

I was so dumbfounded that my mouth fell open.

“That’s why you’re in such a state.”

Sterin sighed, looking at Rimer.

“R-Raon, sir. I’m similar too. The World Tree is practically yours!”

Siyan nodded vigorously, her fists clenched. They really did say siblings resemble each other.

‘It’s not a bad feeling, though.’

Rather, it felt good.

The satisfaction of having forged bonds where different races genuinely cared for one another surpassed even the growth of my power.
I truly felt like I was becoming human now.

-G-good?

Wrath burst forth with a voice that sounded like it might cut out at any moment. His cheeks were hollow and pale, as if he might collapse at any second.

-You dare say it’s good while I’m buried in rubber?
‘I never buried him in rubber….’
-The World Tree’s fruit! That accursed taste won’t fade!

Wrath let out a scream.

-Do you know how hard it was for me to rid myself of that rubber taste alone? Whether I breathe through my nose or my mouth, the rubber taste lingers! The rubber won’t disappear! Even in my dreams, I taste rubber!

He wept, insisting he nearly died buried in rubber.

If I’d eaten something else, I wouldn’t know, but I still taste rubber. Ugh….
‘Ew….’

I swallowed hard watching Wrath wipe his eyes with the back of his hand.

‘W-we should eat as soon as we get back. Consider it a welcome.’

Normally I would have ignored it, but he looked so miserable that the words came out immediately.

*Sniff.*

Wrath stopped his convulsions at my suggestion to eat and lifted his head.

-What is on the menu?
‘….’

I never expected him to ask about the menu here. I couldn’t find the words to respond.

“Now that everything is finished, we should head back.”

Rimer brushed off the World Tree lightly and offered a faint smile.

“Yes, we should.”

Raon nodded. Though we’d strayed from our original purpose, we’d completed what we came to do, so it was time to return to Zigheart.

“You must have heard from that fool, but there’s someone you’ll be taking with you when you return to Zigheart.”

Sterin stepped back to the right and raised his hand.

“Ah, you mean the envoy, sir.”
“That’s right. This one.”

His hand pushed against Siyan’s drowsy, swaying back.

“Eek!”

Siyan yelped in surprise and bounced up like a startled rabbit.

“Originally, I would have gone to Zigheart to hold Rimer accountable for his ruined state, but thanks to you, it’s become appropriate to offer my gratitude instead. Normally I would go myself, but since the Barrier hasn’t been fully settled yet, I’m planning to send Siyan.”

As Sterin spoke, he pushed Siyan forward one more step.

“Beyond the words of thanks, there will be diplomatic discussions as well, so I hope you’ll assist her well.”

He nodded, noting that if all goes well, Sepia and Zigheart could form a temporary alliance.

After hearing Sterin’s words, I looked toward Siyan.

“Mm….”

She still trembled, her face hidden behind thin blonde hair.

‘Even looking like that, she’ll handle it well when the moment comes.’

Having seen Siyan’s true form, I wasn’t particularly worried.

I smiled faintly as I met Sterin’s eyes, which held a hint of concern.

“I’ll do my best.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.”

As I clasped hands with Sterin, the World Tree spread its branches as if blessing the future of Zigheart and Sepia.

I looked up at the World Tree and let out a dry laugh.

‘Now I understand why the World Tree is made of rubber.’

It was fascinating how the World Tree arbitrarily narrowed and spread its branches—it seemed that was because it was made of rubber.

-R-Rubber! Where is the rubber?!

Wrath’s entire body trembled as if seized by a fit at the mention of rubber.

“Let’s think about what comes next later and just eat first. I’m starving to death.”

Rimer gestured with his chin for us to hurry down.

“You haven’t eaten in three days. How about some Nadin bread so your stomach doesn’t get shocked?”

He snapped his fingers, mentioning that he’d asked the other Elves to prepare it.

-N-Nadin… cough…

Wrath cried out “Nadin bread” before collapsing with foam at his mouth. It seemed the self-proclaimed Lord of Wrath had developed a trauma.

Raon sighed and shook his head.

“I’ll eat something normal today…”

*

*

*

Two days later.
Raon finished his preparations to leave Sepia and stepped out of the Dormitory.

-Grrrgh…

Wrath raised both fists toward the blue sky.

-At last we depart! I can finally escape this hellhole that reeks of rubber all day long!

He shook his head, declaring he would never set foot in Sepia again.

‘A few days ago he said he’d burn it down.’
-Not even worth burning or freezing!

Wrath ground his teeth, saying Sepia was the worst place he’d ever visited.

‘I thought it was fine.’

I’d gained practical combat experience fighting Hongryeom-gwi, strengthened my power by consuming the World Tree’s fruit, and even built good relationships with the Elves of Sepia.
Since it had been nothing but beneficial, unlike Wrath, this place had become as dear to me as home.

‘The food wasn’t that bad.’
-The food here is only tolerable because your taste buds are broken! It’s nothing but rubber!

Wrath still shuddered, claiming he could taste rubber on his tongue.

‘Well, once we get back, you can eat all the food you want.’
-Then let’s hurry and go!
‘How about we stop for Nadin bread on the way back to save time?’
-Kgh!

The moment Nadin bread was mentioned, he froze as if he’d turned to plaster.

-F-fast to go means Nadin bread. But Nadin bread tastes like rubber. Still, to go fast and erase the taste from my tongue, I need Nadin bread… Ughhhh!

Wrath continued muttering about Nadin bread, his eyes half-rolled back. As I teased him while walking, we soon arrived at the entrance of Sepia.

“Hm?”

Raon’s eyes widened in surprise.

‘Why are there so many?’

I had expected only a few acquaintances to see me off, but it seemed like all the Elves of Sepia had gathered—the entrance was packed so tightly there was barely room to stand.

“You finally arrived!”

Erian waved brightly in my direction. Anyone watching would have thought we were childhood friends.
Still, since he was a man of integrity, it wouldn’t be bad to actually become friends.

“Is the protagonist late?”

Rimer frowned as he looked at Raon.

“The Lord just arrived as well.”

Yua blinked at Rimer.

“Yua, you don’t need to say things like that.”

Rimer shook his head while ruffling Yua’s hair with slightly more force than necessary.

“Welcome.”

Dorian pulled a pastry from his pocket and chewed it with a grin.

“Everything’s ready, right?”
“We’re all set, but….”

He trailed off, glancing toward the right.

“We are prepared as well.”

Leiran nodded, gesturing toward Siyan and the five Guardians who would escort her.

“Ah, hello.”

Siyan bowed with her face concealed by her robe, her pointed ears trembling faintly within the fabric.

“I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure we succeed!”
“Success? Yes, I’m certain we will.”

It seemed she meant to ensure the diplomatic negotiations between Sepia and Zigheart would succeed, so I nodded in agreement.

“Yes. Absolutely.”

Siyan raised her small fist, her determination unwavering.

“Leiran.”

Raon called out to Leiran, who stood close beside Siyan.

“Is what I asked you to prepare ready?”
“It’s prepared.”

She nodded reassuringly.

“Thank you.”

As Raon greeted Leiran, Sterin stepped forward from among the Elves.

“It looks like everyone’s here.”

Sterin moved to the front of Rimer first and narrowed his eyes.

“You need to get your head on straight.”
“But I’ve only had one drink at midday today?”
“That’s exactly the problem!”

Sterin struck Rimer on the head and walked to the side.

“Siyan.”
“Yes….”
“You will be representing Sepia as you go to Zigheart. Always remember the weight that each of your words carries.”
“Don’t worry!”

Unlike when she spoke to Raon, Siyan nodded with confidence in her voice.

“Leiran. I’m counting on you.”
“I will stake my life on serving Lady Siyan.”

Leiran nodded gravely, a stark contrast to Siyan’s demeanor.

Sterin gave a satisfied nod and stood before Yua.

“Did you enjoy learning to sing?”
“I did! Playing music with a bow was fun too!”
“You’re welcome to come again anytime.”
“Yes!”

He patted the head of the spirited Yua and turned his gaze to Dorian.

“I’m viewing the trade agreement you mentioned with the Sepia Trading Company positively. When someone comes from their side, we’ve decided to have a proper discussion then.”
“Th-thank you so much!”

Dorian bowed to Sterin. From what I gathered, he had managed to establish trade with Sepia in this short time as the successor to the Merchant Guild. I’d thought he was just lounging around, but it seems he’s conducting business properly.

“Sepia won’t forget your assistance.”

Sterin passed by Dorian and finally faced Raon.

“Should you ever need assistance, speak the word at any time. All of us, myself included, will rush to your aid.”
“Thank you.”
“However, we act not for Zigheart, but for you, Raon.”
“Pardon?”
“Sepia moves solely to help you.”

His eyes grew solemn, conveying the sincerity of his words. The Grand Elder, the other elders, and the Elves including Erian all bore the same resolute gaze.

“Our kind repay kindness twofold and enmity tenfold. Do not hesitate to reach out.”

Sterin gently patted my shoulder before stepping back.

I felt the sincerity in Sterin’s words, so I bowed silently in gratitude.

“Then let us depart.”

I was turning to leave Sepia when—

“May fortune guide your journey, our benefactors!”

With Erian’s melodious voice, the Elves gathered here placed their left hands over their right shoulders in the traditional Elven salute.

“I shall return without fail.”

I responded to their greeting with a sword salute and smiled.

-The True Demon King refuses to go!

But Wrath was adamant.

*

*

*

Raon entered the human village after five days of travel.
The Elves—particularly Siyan with her mysterious aura—would have drawn unwanted attention, so I had planned to camp outside until reaching Zigheart. But Rimer threw such a tantrum that I had no choice but to enter the village’s Dining Hall.

“See? Human civilization is so wonderful.”

Rimer settled into a chair at the Dining Hall and grinned widely.

“I’m done eating cooked grass in meadows! I want meat and a bed!”

I wondered if such words could truly come from an Elf’s mouth, but I was too tired to argue.

Ignoring Rimer’s complaints, I surveyed the Tavern.

Since robed figures were common here, most patrons paid us little attention. Yet a few individuals’ eyes gleamed with interest.
They seemed to have recognized us as Elves despite Rimer wearing a robe as well.

‘What is this?’

Their gazes fixed specifically on Siyan and Leiran among the Elves, and the way they licked their lips was decidedly unpleasant.

As I concealed my emotions and studied the menu, a Young Man whose face and clothes radiated nobility approached our table.

“Are you their owner?”
“What?”
“You’re heading to the Maritime Market, aren’t you?”

The Young Man pointed at Siyan and smacked his lips.

“She looks quite delicate. Forget the market—sell her to me instead. I’ll offer more than any auction.”

He snapped his fingers at Siyan as if she were a slave.

“What are you—”
“Wait.”

I stopped Leiran, who had risen in fury, and narrowed my eyes.

‘Market? Owner?’

It wasn’t mere mockery of the Elves. That bastard clearly viewed them as slaves.

‘Now that I think about it….’

Sterin and Erian had mentioned that quite a few Elves were unaccounted for after this assault—no bodies found. It was entirely possible those Elves had been sold off to the Slave Market.

Raon rose from his seat with a faint smile.

“How much are you asking for?”
“How much do you… Hack!”

I seized the man’s face in my grip and lifted him into the air.

“W-what….”
“Let’s have a little conversation.”
-Is this what humans call conversation?

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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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