The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 617

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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 617

Crunch, crunch, crunch!

The spiraling aura erupting from my fist did not get swept away by Ogram’s Shattering Fist, but instead formed a thick barrier that blocked his advance.

Boom!

I felt my entire body pulsing like a heartbeat and bit my lip. Now I finally understood why Ogram had said that the Shattering Fist could only be comprehended through direct experience.

‘The true essence of the Shattering Fist wasn’t external—it was within me all along.’

The Shattering Fist was a wondrous martial technique that ignored the opponent’s aura and drove one’s own attack directly into the enemy’s body.

I had naturally assumed I needed to start by understanding the flow of the opponent’s aura, but that was wrong. The Shattering Fist was a martial technique that could only be unleashed by first observing oneself.

‘I was building a ship.’

The principle of the Shattering Fist was to construct the finest vessel from my own aura, then pierce through and traverse the sea of aura that my opponent had created.

Whoooosh!

As my mind grasped the true essence of the Shattering Fist, the aura blazing from my fist intensified. A violent wave erupted in the space between where Ogram’s fist and mine collided.

Crackle, crackle, crackle!

The vibrations grew increasingly fierce as if an earthquake were occurring, and a tremendous explosion burst forth from the gap between our fists.

Boom, boom, boom!

With each successive shockwave, the earth itself seemed to twist and convulse. Just as the blood-red aura born from the collision of Shattering Fist against Shattering Fist surged like a tidal wave and threatened to engulf the battlefield, Ogram waved his hand.
Just as the crimson aura blooming from the clash of Gyeok-hae-mu and Gyeok-hae-mu surged like a tidal wave and was about to engulf the Battlefield, Ogram waved his hand.

Whoa!

Though his hand gesture was as light as chasing a butterfly, the vibrations that shook the Battlefield and the red current were wiped away as if washed clean.

Ogram suppressed the shockwave of Gyeok Hae Mu not through any special technique, but through sheer force alone. It was the aura manipulation of a Transcendent.

“Haah….”

I exhaled roughly, bending at the waist. My entire body felt heavy, as though I were carrying a massive iron weight—the result of such intense concentration.

“Ha!”

At the bewildered laugh, I lifted my head. Ogram’s eyes trembled faintly as he gazed downward.

“What exactly are you?”

Ogram swallowed hard and raised his eyebrows.

“Pardon?”
“How did you achieve Gyeok Hae Mu?”
“Was what I used truly Gyeok Hae Mu?”

I asked, observing the wavering in Ogram’s eyes. I had gained a small insight, but I still lacked certainty.

“It was weak, crude, and utterly lacking in finesse….”

Ogram closed his eyes, then opened them and nodded.

“But what you displayed was undoubtedly Gyeok Hae Mu.”

He smacked his lips in acknowledgment.

“Until just moments ago, I had no grasp of it whatsoever. What method did you employ?”
“Rather than observing you, Alliance Leader, I examined myself.”

I raised my right hand and clenched my fist.

“Yourself?”
“Yes. The incantation you taught me seemed to hold meaning, so I continued to contemplate its significance.”

I recited the incantation he had given me aloud.

“‘Polish the soul, and the small sea within shall open its path.’ I haven’t fully deciphered it yet, but I understood that the small sea within refers to my mental image. So rather than attempting to pierce through your aura, I focused on refining my will and aura.”

I explained how I had deployed the Clash Technique.

“….”

I watched Ogram’s closed mouth and bit my lip.

‘Should I have held back a bit?’

I had expected him to be pleased that I learned so quickly after being taught the incantation and application method directly. But now I realized he might be displeased that I had mastered it faster than Garona, whom he had taught long ago.

-Of course!

Wrath furrowed his brow.

-No matter how special a technique you teach, why would he be pleased with someone who learned it faster than his own disciple! You fool!

He waved his hand, telling me to get my head straight.

“Hmm….”
“Kahahahahaha!”

As I listened to Wrath’s words and furrowed my brow, Ogram threw his head back and burst into hearty laughter.

“Yes. That’s it. So that’s why you were so fast.”

He smiled broadly, as if understanding at last.

“Pardon?”
“The Clash Technique originally requires one to be beaten repeatedly, to the brink of death, before achieving enlightenment. That’s how I learned it, and that’s how those I taught learned it. That one will likely be the same.”

Ogram’s gaze turned toward Garona, who still lay collapsed.

“That’s the Clash Technique I know—gaining it through continuous beating until mind and body become one. But….”

He turned to look at me again and nodded emphatically.

“You achieved the enlightenment that should only come at death’s door through mere interpretation of the incantation alone. I don’t believe in genius, but that word suits you well.”

Ogram patted my shoulder, saying I had accomplished something remarkable.

“As I mentioned before, I think I understand now why you stand in that position. It was never mere chance.”

He extended his hand forward.

“Hmm….”

As Raon stared blankly, Ogram shook his hand.

“What are you doing? Take my hand.”
“Ah, yes.”

The moment I grasped his hand, Ogram shook it vigorously, as though shaking out a blanket.

“Congratulations.”

There was not a shred of selfish intent in Ogram’s eyes. He was genuinely celebrating only the fact that I had mastered the Heavenly Demon Technique.

‘How is this possible?’

He had revealed his secret technique to me, and I had learned it faster than Garona—yet he showed no restraint, only joy. I found it hard to believe such a person existed.

‘Could I ever become like him?’

To teach someone else my secret technique and then genuinely celebrate their mastery of it?

Even I, softened by this life compared to my previous one, could never do such a thing. From Ogram, I felt the vast difference in the measure of a person’s character.

“Thank you.”

I bowed my head to Ogram with sincere gratitude and respect.

“No need for thanks.”

Ogram waved his hand and turned his gaze away.

“As long as you don’t suffer defeat while using the Heavenly Demon Technique, that’s all that matters. That’s enough for me.”
“Hmm….”
“One last piece of advice—don’t use the Heavenly Demon Technique as it is. It would be better to adapt it to your own style.”

He walked toward the unconscious Garona without hesitation, as though he had no lingering attachments. It felt so satisfying that I almost found it disappointing.

“Phew….”

I watched Ogram’s back before collapsing onto the trampled ground. My strength had drained away, and I could barely stand.

‘Did I actually pull it off?’

I hadn’t yet grasped it perfectly. Clash Martial Arts wasn’t a technique one could practice alone—it was an instantaneous art that required seizing the moment when forces collided with an opponent.

I would undoubtedly need countless hours of practice and real combat experience.

‘But if I can perfect it….’

I could ascend to greater heights.

Since I am a swordsman who walks my own path, if I make Clash Martial Arts truly mine, it will become something entirely different from what Ogram or the Alliance’s martial artists possess.

‘Which sword techniques should I combine it with?’

I was currently learning so many sword techniques and subtleties that I didn’t have enough fingers to count them all.

Depending on the combination, I could become either the strongest or the worst, so I had to decide carefully.

‘Hmm….’

As I pondered, Wrath suddenly burst forth.

-Brat!
‘Huh?’
-Now that training’s done, let’s eat something! You’re still growing, so you need to fill your belly at every meal!

Wrath smacked his lips, saying that since he’d been eating carelessly for a while, it was time to start feeding me properly.

‘Still growing….’

My growth period had long since passed, and if I grew any taller, there would be problems. His excuses were certainly creative.

‘This glutton, honestly.’
-You haven’t even talked to that little one yet! It would be better to sort things out while eating!

Wrath pointed cautiously at Jubel and Judith, who were watching us carefully.

‘Now that I think about it….’

Ironically, ever since I saved the Sran Tribe, I’d been constantly held captive by Ogram, so I hadn’t properly conversed with those two.
As Wrath said, I needed to align our stories before returning to the Family.

‘There are times when you’re actually useful.’
-What nonsense are you spouting!

Wrath jerked his head up sharply.

-The True Demon King has always been of great help to you!
‘That’s not true. You’re….’

It was just as I was shaking my head.

[You have acquired the transcendent martial arts faster than anyone else.]
[You have achieved an impossible Achievement.]
[All stats increase by 20 points.]
[The rank of the trait 【Concentration】 has increased.]

Perhaps because I had mastered Gyeok-hae Moo-sul and earned Ogram’s acknowledgment, a message appeared indicating my stats had risen immediately.

-Uh, uh, ugh….

Wrath’s eyes widened as if he hadn’t anticipated this message.

‘Oh.’

I slowly read through the message while gently stroking Wrath’s soft back.

‘I misspoke. You really are a huge help. You give without reservation….’
-Shut up!

*

*

*

The Underground Cavern was bathed in soft light, like constellations connected by delicate threads.

“Hmm.”

Derus Robert leaned back in his chair and nodded slightly.

“Raon Zigheart is with the Beast Alliance?”
“Yes, sir.”

Kubara bowed her head, her hand placed respectfully over her heart.

“He prevented the Sran Tribe from being attacked by the Assassination Organization. He also extinguished the flames that had engulfed the entire forest.”
“Tsk.”

Derus, gazing down at the cavern, clicked his tongue sharply.

“Just days ago he was causing trouble in Sepia, and now it’s the Beast Alliance. The boy certainly keeps himself busy.”
“There are rumors that the Beast Alliance Leader himself came to offer his personal thanks.”
“That’s no rumor—it’s the truth. Ogram has no regard for such formalities.”
“….”
“So my hand has been aching for days now, hasn’t it.”

Derus gazed at the back of his hand, where black leather gloves clung damply, and let out a low chuckle.

“He’s wandering across the entire Continent as though it were his own home.”

His expression was both pleased and grotesquely twisted into a sinister smile.

“How audacious.”
“Uh….”

Kubara trembled as she heard the cold edge in Derus’s voice. The murderous intent and madness woven through his words made her entire body quiver involuntarily.

“I would dearly love to involve myself in matters concerning Raon Zigheart, but there are pressing matters I must attend to for now….”

Derus turned his gaze toward the Underground Cavern. Within his pupils, I could see children wielding daggers.

“How is that progressing?”
“Only the finishing touches remain. Everything should be completed within a month.”

Kubara bowed her head, confirming that things were proceeding as scheduled.

“I will verify it myself at the end, but this task marks the beginning of a grand scheme. Prepare thoroughly.”

Derus licked his lips with the same piercing gaze he had worn while listening to Raon’s story.

“I will do my utmost.”

Kubara gazed at Derus with calm eyes, her words belying the enthusiasm in her voice.

“Go.”
“Yes.”

She bowed respectfully before vanishing into the shadows.

Derus Robert stroked his chin, watching the children continue to wield their daggers, veins prominent across his forehead and eyes.

“Raon Zigheart….”

Eden, the White Blood Sect, the North-South Alliance, the Dark Tower, the Holy Sword Association, and even Robert—many organizations had targeted him, yet none had succeeded in killing him.

No amount of martial prowess alone could have ensured his survival. He was followed by Ill Fortune itself.

Derus lifted the wine glass resting on the table and moistened his lips.

“I wonder if your luck will hold even amidst the flames of war.”

*

*

*

After a light dinner, Raon went to find Judith and Jubel.

“Young Master?”

Judith rose from her seat with wide, round eyes.

“Oh, hello.”

Jubel nodded with a slight bow, her eyes darting about nervously.

“Both of you, sit.”

I smiled faintly and waved my hand.

“Yes.”
“Um….”

Judith nodded calmly and took her seat, but Jubel remained standing, uncertain what to do.

“Don’t worry, sit down.”
“Oh, okay.”

After I had her sit beside me, I looked toward Raon.

“Aren’t you supposed to be training right now?”
“I finished.”

Raon shook his head and sat across from Judith.

“Lord Garona seems to still be going at it.”
“He hasn’t finished yet.”
“I see….”

Judith swallowed hard, looking at Raon as understanding dawned on her face.
Her expression betrayed disbelief that he had mastered martial arts so much faster, despite having started so much later than Garona.

“Anyway, enough about training.”

I leaned forward toward the table.

“Did you two have enough time to talk?”
“Yes. Thanks to you, I was able to say everything I needed to—both what I could and couldn’t say.”

Judith’s smile was serene. It wasn’t the forced smile from before arriving at the Annex Building, nor the false one she’d worn since. It was a genuine smile that bloomed from her heart.

“I-I apologize for my late greeting!”

Jubel rose again and bowed her head.

“Thank you for saving me!”

Unlike Judith, her voice trembled as she conveyed her sincere gratitude.

“Well, I did have my hands full because your sister suddenly rushed out like that.”

I chuckled and nodded.

“Ugh!”
“I-I’m so sorry!”

Jubel’s shoulders trembled, and Judith bowed deeply.

“I thought I could endure it, but my body moved before I could think….”
“I’m joking.”

I waved my hand at Judith, whose lips were quivering.

“I’m not so narrow-minded that I can’t understand that much. And besides….”

I smiled faintly as I gazed at the Forest, where color was gradually returning.

“Thanks to that, I was actually able to save your brother. It was dangerous, but in the end, things worked out well.”

Because Judith and Jubel fled here, I was able to eliminate the Organization Master and executives of the Assassination Organization, and I confirmed that Karun was behind them.
Since there were no casualties, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a blessing in disguise.

“Jubel.”
“Yes!”
“You’ll enter the Zigheart Annex Building together with Judith as well. Your role will be both butler and secret guardian. Can you do it?”
“Um, well….”

Contrary to expectations, Jubel hesitated and didn’t answer immediately.

“What are you doing! Say you’ll do it right away!”

Judith tapped Jubel’s shoulder as if urging her to answer.

“If, if I go there, wouldn’t I cause harm to my sister or the young master?”

Jubel lifted her trembling gaze.

“Harm?”
“I heard that my sister and I were sold to the Zigheart Central Martial Hall, and that its master is Karun Zigheart. If I cause any harm to my sister because of me, then it would be better if I stayed alone….”

She shook her head, saying she couldn’t bring harm to her sister.

I smiled faintly as I watched the firm resolve in Jubel’s eyes.

‘So they are siblings.’

They had parted long ago and lived for each other’s sake, yet even after reuniting, they worried for one another. Though they were not blood relatives, warmth bloomed in my chest.

Though I had no siblings, I had a mother and handmaidens, so I could understand what thoughts drove Jubel to speak those words.

‘What if….’

If my sister had lived, would I have been the same?

Sylvia told me I once had a sister, and that she suffered at Eden’s hands without even her body being recovered.

I thought that if that sister had lived, perhaps I would have shared a bond like theirs.

‘It’s a meaningless thought.’

The life I’ve been given now is far happier than anything I could have imagined in my past life. There was no need to dwell on what never was.

“No.”

I shook my head as I looked at Jubel.

“If they had any sense, they wouldn’t dare touch us.”
“But what if they attack from behind…?”
“It’s fine. I’ll seize him by the ankles before he can make a move.”
“By the ankles?”
“Yes. All you need to do now is think about living happily with your sister. That was the promise I made to her and to you.”
“Young Master….”

Judith’s lips trembled with an expression I had never seen from her before.

“Leave the rest to me.”

I looked at Jubel and Judith in turn, shaking my head. A crimson lightning flashed within my eyes.

“I won’t let anyone lay a finger on you.”

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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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