The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 667

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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 667

I smacked my lips briefly.

‘Unfortunate.’

I had confirmed that a human had made a contract with the Demon Race, but since they hadn’t revealed their demonic energy, I couldn’t be certain of their identity.

The priests and Paladins seemed unaware of what had transpired, as the demonic energy hadn’t moved directly enough for them to detect it.

-What, what?! How did you know I was here?!

Wrath’s jaw trembled in bewilderment.

‘You gave me a hint.’

I chuckled softly as I looked at the flustered Wrath.

-What are you talking about?! When did the True Demon King ever give you a hint?!

Wrath shook his head vehemently, denying it completely.

‘Sacred power protecting the Castle Wall, and an agreement between humans and the Demon Race.’

I smacked my lips as I repeated what Wrath had said before I came here.

-That, that doesn’t mean anything….
‘This kingdom is a place where beings with sacred power are as common as dirt. Not just people, but buildings and monuments are imbued with sacred power as well.’

I walked toward the center of the Audience Chamber and snapped my fingers lightly.

‘Only high-ranking officials could commit the insanity of contracting with the Demon Race in a place like this—not lower-ranking members.’

Lower-ranking priests and knights possessed insufficient sacred power to completely conceal demonic energy.
Even if they tried, they would be discovered immediately by the sacred artifacts and priests imbued with sacred power.

In this Shuper Holy Kingdom, only those of the highest ranks—those overflowing with sacred power like the sea itself—could perfectly hide demonic energy.

—Ugh…

Wrath clutched his head and groaned, frustrated that he’d unintentionally given me a hint. He even thumped his chest in exasperation.

‘As expected of the Demon King who gives so generously. Thank you.’

I flashed Wrath a grin before stepping into the center of the Audience Chamber. After confirming that the Gwangpung Corps had followed behind, I knelt on one knee toward the king standing on the platform.

“It is an honor to behold the sky of Sueper.”
“Please, do not kneel.”

Just as I was about to lower my head further in greeting, Baurn, the king of Sueper, shook his head. His gentle voice seemed to naturally straighten my posture.

“You saved our knights, so it is I who should offer my gratitude.”

King Baurn bowed deeply with his hands clasped together respectfully.

“No, there’s no need for that.”

This time I was taken aback, stepping forward and waving my hand in protest.

‘What kind of person is this?’

I’d seen quite a few Heads of House and kings from my previous life until now, but this was my first encounter with someone like him. Even Derus Robert hadn’t shown such courtesy.

“Are you insane? Why would a king bow so carelessly!”

The girl with purple hair standing beside Pirn the High Priest furrowed her brow deeply.

“In expressing gratitude, where would kings and nobles be?”

Baurn waved his hand dismissively, saying it was fine.

“This is embarrassing, so get up! The Head of House of Zigheart isn’t even here, so why are you acting like this in front of those kids!”

Charm Girl said she was embarrassed and lowered her hand.

“Saint. We’re not alone here, so please watch your tongue.”

The blonde Paladin Commander on the opposite side placed a finger to her lips.

“With my own mouth. I’m the one who’ll speak, so why are you butting in?”

The girl called the Saint wrinkled the bridge of her nose.

“Your Holiness.”

Pirn, the High Priest, smiled faintly as he looked at the Saint.

“Hmph….”

The Saint couldn’t retort to Pirn and abruptly turned her head away.

“Regardless, a king is not rice. Even if the sun burns hot and the wind blows fierce, one must never bow one’s back without reason.”

She clicked her tongue, telling him never to do such a thing again.

“The knights and soldiers returned alive. What does my posture matter?”

King Baurn laughed, saying he paid no mind to his own station.

“It matters to me! It’s embarrassing!”

The Saint cried out, begging him to show some restraint.

“Hmm….”

I gazed between the king and the Saint, exhaling a silent breath.

‘What a mess.’

This looked less like the Holy Kingdom and more like a guild of back alley thugs.

The greatest reason for this chaos, however, was that woman called the Saint.

The Saint was a beauty with feline eyes, a sharp nose, and delicate lips in perfect harmony, yet it was unbelievable that such pretty lips could produce curses so naturally.

Moreover, beneath her nun’s habit—torn at the shoulders and thighs—were countless tattoos of some kind, making her look not like a Saint but rather like a gang boss.

However, the Saint’s holy power was exceptional even within this place. It was overwhelmingly greater than that of other high priests.

“What are you staring at?”

The Saint, our eyes meeting, thrust her chin up as if spoiling for a fight.

-That’s a Saint?
‘That’s a Saint?’

A hollow laugh escaped me. For the first time in ages, Wrath and I were in agreement.

“She’s similar to the Rakshasa woman.”

Lunan Slion raised a finger, pointing at Martha and the Saint in turn.

“What’s a shrimp like you going on about!”

Martha stepped forward, her mouth twisting into a sneer.

“Is this brat insane!”
“Saint my ass. That one’s just a bitch!”

She unleashed herself as if her reins had been loosened for the first time in ages.

“Enough!”
“Stop it!”

Raon and the King waved their hands simultaneously.

“Please forgive us. The Saint’s language can be a bit… rough.”

The King bowed his head again in apology.

“We apologize as well. Our temperament is rather crude…”

Raon glanced at Martha before bending at the waist.

“Tch…”
“Grr…”

However, the two parties involved locked eyes, their gazes fierce and unyielding.

“Ahem, I heard that the monster king atop Dibarn Mountain was a Double-Headed Ogre King. It must have been an extremely dangerous situation, and I’m grateful for your assistance.”

King Baurn expressed his gratitude once more to lighten the atmosphere.

“Not at all. I’m the one who should thank the Holy Kingdom for its consideration in dispatching Holy Knights to such a distant place for the sake of the people.”

Raon smiled faintly and shook his head. As he spoke his thanks, he examined the priests and knights in turn.

‘I can’t tell who they are.’

All of them were wrapped in holy power, so not a trace of demonic energy leaked out.
Unless I seized each one individually and forced my wrath into them, there was no way to identify them.

“It’s not just this matter. Didn’t your knights also save our soldiers during the attack in Barene?”

The king, as if regretful that he hadn’t expressed his gratitude before, continued to offer his thanks.

“Sigh!”

The Saint, displeased with the king’s bowing posture, exhaled deeply and turned her gaze away.

The Paladin Commander and the Guard Commander watched silently without a word, while Pirn and the other priests wore faint smiles.

“You’ve saved our knights twice now, so I’d like to repay you in some small way.”

The king picked up a wooden box that had been placed on a golden table and descended from the platform himself.

“This is a Holy Restoration Pill, made by blending spirit grass and sacred water. I’m confident there’s no elixir in the world better at strengthening organs and muscles.”

He offered the wooden box, asking me to accept at least this.

“Thank you.”

Raon accepted the wooden box containing the Holy Restoration Pill and bowed his head.

“I’ve also prepared elixirs to give to the Gwangpung Corps swordsmen. Please accept them.”

At the king’s gesture, young priests standing to the right stepped forward and began distributing healing elixirs to the Gwangpung Corps.

“You’re giving away all of it? Such precious medicine?”

The Saint couldn’t help but cry out.

“I made every drop of that while bleeding myself dry! We can’t even give it to our own children! This is madness!”
“Saint.”
“Ugh….”

At Pirn’s call, the Saint bit her lip firmly.

“Two Grand Masters and four Masters in a single unit—truly impressive. As expected of Zigheart.”

King Baurn gazed at the Gwangpung Corps receiving the elixirs and let out a wistful sigh.

“Not all of Zigheart is like this. We’re somewhat exceptional.”

I shook my head with an embarrassed expression. It wasn’t false modesty—even within the current Zigheart, there weren’t many military units capable of matching the Gwangpung Corps.

“In times like these, when Oma runs rampant, one can only envy such tremendous military strength. However….”

King Baurn surveyed the knights and priests in the Audience Chamber with a solemn smile.

“The knights and clergy of our Sueper possess valor beyond mere strength, and I trust they will defend this land against any who dare challenge us.”
“Of course!”

Pride swelled across the faces of the knights and priests. It was an ideal relationship—the king trusting his subordinates, and the subordinates upholding their king.

“Your Majesty. Perhaps the arrival of the Gwangpung Corps is the will of the divine. Would it not be fitting to invite them to participate in the Holy Assembly? The Assembly convenes in less than a week.”

The golden-haired Paladin Commander laughed, gazing up at the ceiling where sunlight streamed through.

“Hmm….”

King Baurn stroked his chin thoughtfully, as if uncertain.

“What is the Holy Assembly?”
“It’s an event where prayers are offered to the divine. However, unlike the publicly known Holy Festival, it only involves prayer, so it won’t be particularly entertaining….”
“As she said, the Holy Assembly isn’t a festival—it’s a prayer event. For outsiders, it’s nothing but a sedative. Just go.”

The Saint shook her head, saying it was a day spent entirely in prayer.

“On that day, you won’t be able to wield your sword, so it will likely be tedious.”

The Guard Commander, who had remained silent until now, closed his eyes while keeping his hand on his sword’s hilt.

“It will certainly be tedious, but witnessing a world brimming with sacred power would be quite a spectacle in its own right.”

Pirn the High Priest urged me to stay, calling it a rare occurrence.

“Well, I was about to leave when you mentioned a festival, but if it’s that kind of event, I’d actually like to participate.”

I laughed, saying it would likely benefit the Gwangpung Corps, who lacked patience.

‘A world brimming with sacred power, then….’

Perfect for tracking down the Demon Race.

*

*

*

I scooped up a spoonful of mint chocolate ice cream topped with almond slices and brought it to my mouth. The nutty richness of the almonds mingled with the sweet-tart notes of the mint chocolate, creating a sharp sensation across my palate. Honestly, I couldn’t quite place the flavor.
The nutty flavor of almonds and the bittersweet sweetness of mint chocolate filled my mouth sharply. Honestly, I have no idea what it tastes like.

Ugh!

Wrath, by contrast, gazed into empty space and let out a long sigh.

My mouth feels alive and breathing! It was already the best to begin with, but now that the almonds have gone up, the taste has plummeted to the Underground!

He wiggled his finger, urging her to try the next one too.

‘Is falling all the way to the Underground supposed to be a compliment?’

I exhaled a long sigh and took a bite of the pale ice cream. Sweetness melted across my tongue, followed by a refreshing chill that awakened my senses.

-Is this pear-flavored ice cream? Ahhh! It’s as refreshing as diving into the Northern Sea!

Wrath grinned, muttering that this was happiness, this was living.

‘Hey.’

I set down my spoon and called out to Wrath.

‘You know who made a contract with the Demon Race, don’t you?’
-Of course I know.

Wrath nodded, as if questioning why I’d even ask.

-But I have no intention of telling you.

He muttered that even if I stole his ice cream, he wouldn’t open his mouth.

‘I wasn’t planning to ask that anyway. Instead….’
-Instead?
‘Do you know what contract the Demon Race made with humans?’
-How would the True Demon King know that!

Wrath shook his head, saying that even if I summoned a Demon Lord, they wouldn’t know the details of the contract.

‘Then when will this contract between the Demon Race and humans be fulfilled?’
-Hmm, judging by the amount of demonic energy accumulating, it shouldn’t take long….

He smacked his lips, saying it would happen soon.

‘As I thought.’

I nodded, as if I’d expected nothing less.

-As you thought?
‘You said it was the personal matter of a human who made a contract with the Demon Race, but I think differently. If a high-ranking official of the Holy Kingdom made a contract with the Demon Race, there’s no way it could be a personal affair.’

The goals of those in the lower ranks are remarkably straightforward. They desire wealth. They wish to purchase fine homes. They aspire to grow stronger. Such desires are direct and tangible.

However, those who possess status and power operate differently. Having already enjoyed much, they require considerable sacrifice and harbor far more intricate wishes.

‘If the magical energy has truly accumulated as you say, there’s a high probability that an incident will occur at the Holy Assembly that’s opening this time.’

Thus, the answer became somewhat apparent.

Not arrogance, but Raon and the Gwangpung Corps are formidable.
Leaving Raon and the Gwangpung Corps behind at the Holy Assembly where a contract with the Demon Race might be forged would be disadvantageous for the contractor.

It was highly likely that the person who opposed my remaining was among those present.

‘The King said it would be tedious, the Paladin Commander proposed the Holy Assembly itself. Pirn the High Priest’s recommendation was close to that as well. Opposition would come from….’

The Saint and the Guard Commander?

I had initially dismissed the Saint as too obviously acting like a ruffian, but now it seemed she might have been acting in the opposite manner to cast off suspicion.

‘This is difficult….’

With so little information, even hints were difficult to discern.

“Sigh….”

As Raon exhaled softly, a knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Moments later, the door opened and Hofen entered, bowing his head.

“My apologies.”
“Pardon?”

I tilted my head, uncertain of his meaning.

“I have been dishonest.”
“Dishonest, you say….”
“Did His Majesty not tell you that he had prepared the Martial Arts Scripture and Spiritual Elixir for you, Raon? The truth is, I was the one who prepared them….”

Hofen apologized and bowed his head once more.

“At that time, Father was consumed by grief over my third brother’s death, leaving him no room to consider anything else. Not only did Brother Baiton pass, but my eldest and second brothers had already returned to the Goddess’s embrace, which made his suffering all the greater.”
“Ah….”

I swallowed hard. I hadn’t known that three of the four princes had died, and a heavy breath escaped me involuntarily.

“Both Father and everyone else were consumed by the sorrow of losing my brother, so I had to prepare everything myself.”

Hofen extended a neck guard and a martial arts manual. The neck guard was a Seongjinhwan identical to the one I’d received from King Baurn, and the book was titled Brown Swordsmanship.

“It’s a defensive-oriented ascending sword technique. I’ve mastered it myself. It should prove helpful.”

I regarded Hofen without accepting the neck guard and manual.

“Sir Hofen must have suffered greatly too. Why would you….”
“My brother didn’t simply pass away. He shielded me and the other knights from the White Blood Cult Master’s grasp. Even as he was dying, he entrusted Father to my care. So I must fulfill my duty.”

Hofen spoke thus and offered me the manual and neck guard.

“….”

I was about to refuse, but seeing the serene light in Hofen’s eyes, I extended my hand and accepted his gift.

“Thank you for accepting.”

Hofen smiled, as if he understood the deeper meaning.

‘A warm-hearted man.’

Both Hofen and his brother Baiton, whom I’d met before, were people who grew more endearing the more I knew them. They were knights who did justice to the name Holy Kingdom.

‘But….’

I couldn’t set aside my suspicions.

“Sir Hofen, forgive me, but might I examine your wrist?”

I raised my finger, pointing to Hofen’s right wrist.

“Your wrist?”
“Hofen’s aura seems unusual, so I’d like to examine it.”
“By all means.”

Most warriors refused to offer their wrists to others, since thick mana circuits ran through them.

But Hofen, trusting me completely, extended his wrist without hesitation.

“Thank you….”

I nodded slightly and grasped Hofen’s wrist, channeling the fury of Manhwagong and Wrath into his mana circuits.

“Mmm….”

Though not demonic energy itself, the aura carried the temperament of a Demon Lord, drawing a low groan from Hofen.

‘As I thought—nothing.’

Despite my meticulous examination, I found no trace of demonic energy or the Demon Race.
Had a demon inhabited Hofen, I couldn’t have trusted anyone for some time—fortunately, that wasn’t the case.

“Did you find anything unusual?”
“No.”

I shook my head while looking at Hofen.

“Your aura is not unusual, Hofen.”
“What? What do you mean….”
“Now I can speak honestly with you.”

I steadied my gaze, observing the confusion in Hofen’s eyes.

“In truth, I sensed demonic energy the moment I entered Sueper—at the entrance.”

I told Hofen everything that had happened until now.

“Ah, no, that’s….”

Hofen’s mouth fell open in disbelief.

“That… that’s impossible! In the Royal Capital, perhaps, but the Audience Chamber had Father, the Saint, the Paladins, and the High Priests. How could…?”
“It wasn’t demonic energy itself, merely the faint presence of a Demon Race’s existence. It’s natural you didn’t notice.”

I shook my head calmly and summoned holy power blooming from the darkness.

“H-holy power?”

Hofen trembled as he watched the holy power burning in my palm.

“It’s definitely holy power, but why does it carry such a dark aura…?”
“It’s holy power extracted from demonic energy. Because of this ability, I can sense the presence of the Demon Race better than anyone.”

I continued speaking as I observed the wavering in Hofen’s eyes.

“The Demon Race will reveal themselves in the not-too-distant future. I believe this Holy Assembly is that moment.”
“P-please, give me a moment to think.”

Hofen closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. After about a minute, he slowly lifted his eyelids.

“…”

I waited silently for Hofen’s answer.

“For now, I’ll trust your words. If there are no Demon Race, then there’s no harm done. If there are, it’s better to be prepared. Either way, we have nothing to lose.”

Hofen exhaled a sigh and clenched his jaw. He seemed to have made a cold judgment in that brief moment.

“What should I do?”
“First, tell me about the high-ranking officials who were in the Audience Chamber.”

I lowered my head as I asked him to inform me about the high-ranking officials who had been in the Audience Chamber.

“Hmm…”

Hofen steadied his breathing and began counting on his fingers.

“Let me start with High Priest Pirn, whom we’ve already met. He holds the highest position among the twelve high priests—he is the Deputy High Priest. Since becoming a priest in his youth, he has performed countless good deeds and risen to his current position. He is the most respected figure among all priests and knights.”
“I see.”

Hearing those words, I recalled how the Mad Woman—no, the Saint—had been intimidated by Pirn the High Priest.

“The knight on the opposite side is Danieff, the Guard Commander. He’s the kingdom’s greatest knight, having ascended to Grand Master. Though he speaks little, he’s a trusted friend and loyal protector standing firmly behind my father.”

Hofen shook his head firmly, saying these two had been with the king since childhood and that was absolutely not the case.

“Next to Commander Danieff is my direct superior, Commander Kinier. Despite receiving divine blessing, he never grew arrogant and continued his training, ascending to Paladin at a young age—a dream of all Holy Knights. And the Saint is….”

He swallowed hard as if the words weighed heavily on him.

“Her tongue may be sharp, but her heart is warmer than anyone’s. She’s visited every battlefield and personally saved countless people.”
“Is that so….”

I shook my head, unable to believe those words.

“She even went to Barene when it was attacked by the White Blood Cult Master and the Holy Sword Master, and she traveled to Valcar while it was at war with the Black Tower to rescue people.”
“Hmm….”

I scratched my head, unable to believe what I was hearing.

“I understand your disbelief.”

Hofen chuckled softly and explained the other priests and knights as well.

“Sigh….”

After all the stories ended, Hofen let out a long sigh.

“The more I think about it, the more convinced I become that it’s none of them. But you wouldn’t speak nonsense, so this is frustrating.”
“I understand. Still, we have to find them.”

As I exhaled deeply, the door opened and the three squad leaders, Rimer, and Mark Goeten entered.

“Why are you calling us at this hour… wait.”

Martha unwrapped the towel around her wet hair and furrowed her brow. She had started to speak casually but switched to formal speech upon noticing Hofen’s presence.

“This isn’t an official gathering anyway. You don’t need to use that awkward formal tone.”
“Really? I’ve been irritated since seeing that bitch earlier, so this works out.”

Martha sat on the bed and let out a weary sigh.

“A rakshasa woman and a pair of bitches.”

Lunan Slion covered his mouth as he chuckled.

“Shut your mouth!”

Martha glared at Lunan Slion.

“Why did you call us?”

Rimer sat in his chair and snapped his fingers.

“If you have something to say, spit it out quickly. I need to find the Gambling House.”
“I have something important to tell you.”

I relayed everything I had told Hofen to the rest of them.

“Demonic energy in the Holy Kingdom….”
“Is that really true?”
“Demon Race….”

Burren Zigheart, Martha, and Lunan Slion swallowed hard.

“I’m certain of it.”

I nodded.

“And that Demon Race will likely make a move during this Holy Assembly.”
“That makes sense. You said the priests and Holy Knights will spend the entire day in prayer. There will be plenty of time.”

Rimer nodded, saying he would make his move on that day too if he were in their position.

“So that’s why you’re staying behind.”

Burren Zigheart nodded in understanding.

“I wondered what was going on.”
“Right, it was strange from the moment you said someone obsessed with training would be left behind.”

Martha laughed softly, sharing the same thought.

“No, this is training too.”

I shook my head calmly.

“Fighting against demons or demonic beasts allows us to gain far more than simply drilling in isolated practice.”
“Ugh….”
“This monster….”

The two of them shook their heads as if fed up.

“And think about how massive the reward would be if we save the Holy Kingdom from the hands of the Demon Race.”

I smacked my lips at the thought.

“You’re joking.”

Martha shook her head with a light laugh.

“You’re not an Elf, so there’s no way you’d care about something like that.”

She gestured toward Rimer, who stood there blankly, and shook her head.

“Right. You don’t worry about that sort of thing.”

Burren also shook his head, saying there was no need.

“You’re different from Yabsil.”

Lunan Slion nodded.

“Why are you all making a fuss about me just standing here!”

Rimer shook his head frantically.

Hofen laughed silently as well.

“In any case, starting tomorrow we need to find out who made a contract with the Demon Race. We’ll pretend to sightsee while positioning ourselves near the high-ranking officials.”

I nodded, issuing instructions to the three squad leaders, Rimer, and Mark Goeten.

“I’ll help as well.”

Hofen clenched his fist, saying he would carefully identify only those truly trustworthy.

“Yes. Let’s give it a try.”

I nodded, meeting everyone’s eyes.

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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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