The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 67

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————

Chapter 67

The sound of scratching pen echoed through an antiquated study filled entirely with dark, solid wood furniture—bookshelves, desks, and tables alike.

The source of the sound was the desk.
A middle-aged man with silver hair that gleamed like snow-covered fields leaned over a blank page, inscribing some unknown pattern into the book.

Strangely, the marks he made vanished shortly after, leaving the page appearing perpetually empty.

The middle-aged man continued without pause, etching the pattern when—

A drop.

Blood dripped from the open wound on the back of his right hand, staining the page.

For the first time, the middle-aged man’s hand stopped. His gaze shifted toward the crimson stain spreading across the white paper.

Tsk.

Derus Robert—the silver-haired middle-aged man and ruler of the Southern Region—clicked his tongue briefly.

‘Still not healed.’

The wound on the back of his hand, inflicted seventeen years ago when he killed the hunting dog called Raon, had never disappeared.

He had consumed high-quality elixirs and summoned renowned healers and priests, yet none could erase this sword scar.

‘Yet it doesn’t worsen either.’

The wound neither healed nor deteriorated.

It remained exactly as it was, as if insisting he remember. Truly a curious thing.

“Are you asking me to remember a dead spirit?”

Derus Robert chuckled softly, running his fingers over the wound on the back of his hand. The seeping blood gradually began to stop.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t look back. I only move forward.”

He picked up the fountain pen again and began inscribing patterns into the book.

Until the sun hanging at its zenith descended and a new sun rose once more. Derus Robert remained seated at his desk, ceaselessly etching patterns into the pages.

When Derus Robert finally turned to the last page, the book’s cover bearing a black dragon came into view. It looked so vivid, as if alive.

“It is done.”

Derus Robert gazed upon the completed book and smiled with satisfaction.

‘The great plan draws near its end now.’

As his hand touched the book, the eyes of the black dragon drawn upon its cover gleamed with sudden light.

*

*

*

A new year had dawned.
Raon, now fifteen years old and embodying the very essence of refinement in his appearance, sat with closed eyes at the place where the Charcoal Kiln once stood.

Above his shoulders, crimson heat shimmered endlessly, while from his pores emanated a piercing chill.

As the cold and heat intersected, the air surrounding the Charcoal Kiln filled with a thick, misty haze.

Raon remained unaware of this mystical phenomenon, his eyes unopened until the rising sun descended beyond the western mountains.

The change in Raon, who had remained motionless like a stone statue, began only when the moon rose into the sky.

The crimson heat shimmering above his shoulders transformed into blazing flames, while the vapor flowing from his pores became biting cold.

Crack!

In the moment the flames and cold clashed, sending sparks flying.

I opened my eyes. Crimson irises, as if struck by lightning, pierced through the darkness of the night.

A sharp exhale escaped my clenched fists.

I released a trembling breath, my hands balled into fists.

“Finally.”

Translucent messages materialized above my tightly controlled voice.

[One strand of the Bitter Cold Curse has disappeared.]
[Mana Circulation has advanced to 3-Star.]
[Bitter Cold Chill has advanced to 3-Star.]
[Snowflake Sense has advanced to 3-Star.]
[Fire Attribute Resistance has advanced to 3-Star.]
[Sword Expert – You have reached the Beginner Stage.]
[Aura Operation Speed increases.]
[All stats increase significantly.]
[Swordsmanship Proficiency increases.]
[Footwork Proficiency increases.]

Messages cascaded endlessly across my vision.

“I’ve finally reached Expert rank.”

I nodded with satisfaction as I reviewed the messages.

Despite the countless trials I’d faced, my continuous training had allowed me to reach Expert rank just one month into the new year.

Though only at the Beginner stage rather than the lower ranks, a smile bloomed naturally from the joy of this achievement.

-Expert? A Sword Master is nothing but a pathetic insect, yet you celebrate merely reaching Expert rank?

Wrath snorted dismissively.

“Reaching Expert at fifteen years old is rare.”

While Expert was undoubtedly an elevated realm, across the entire Continent, it was difficult to be called truly strong.

But if that achievement belonged to a fifteen-year-old child, it was something that would astound not just ordinary families or kingdoms, but even the Six Emperors and Oma.

-Age? Only fools concern themselves with age on the battlefield. Regardless of years, the weak remain weak.
“That’s true enough. No fool on the battlefield gives mercy for being young.”

I nodded and let out a quiet laugh.

“But I have no intention of stopping now that I’ve reached Expert rank.”

I pushed away the grinning Wrath and got to my feet.

‘So light.’

Another strand of the icy shackles that always seemed to bind my entire body had come loose. My body felt as weightless as a leaf, brimming with vitality.

“Status window.”

I moved my body lightly before summoning the status window.

【Status Window】
Name: Raon Zigheart.
Title: First Victory.
Condition: Curse of Bitter Cold (Five Strands)
Traits: Wrath, Ring of Fire (4-Star), Water Resistance (4-Star), Mythical Sense (3-Star), Ten Thousand Flower Technique (3-Star), Bitter Cold Chill (3-Star), Fire Resistance (3-Star), Bleeding Curse (1-Star).

Strength: 55
Agility: 56
Stamina: 57
Aura: 40
Perception: 62

The moment I saw the status window, a smile spread across my face. The ranks of Ten Thousand Flower Technique, Bitter Cold Chill, and Fire Resistance had all increased, and my stats had risen significantly.

Beyond these simple numbers, my mana circuits had expanded, allowing me to control greater quantities of aura at once and deploy it with increased speed.

‘I’m at the threshold of Expert rank, but I should be approaching the lower tier.’

The thought that I possessed combat power exceeding what my displayed rank and stats suggested made my hands clench with anticipation.

-How pathetic. You lack the power to withstand even a single finger of this king. No—not even a fingernail.
“That’s true enough.”

Raon smiled faintly.

-Why do you smile?
“Because in the past, you wouldn’t have even mentioned a fingernail. You’re acknowledging that I’ve grown, aren’t you?”
-This king would never acknowledge a human!
“Your voice trembled slightly just now. I can tell because I’ve spent so much time with you—I’ve come to understand how you think.”
-A human who dares to see through this king? Even grinding your bones would be insufficient!

Wrath’s frigid aura surged forth like a tidal wave.

Whoooosh!

I summoned the Ten Thousand Flames at the third star and melted away every trace of Wrath’s cold.

“Is that all? If you don’t recover your strength soon, you’ll end up being consumed by me.”
-Hmph! Listening to such nonsense brings back old memories. When this king dwelled in the Demon Realm, there were demons who would come to the castle and pick fights with me….
“Ah, I need to stretch my body.”
-Where are you going! Listen to this king’s words!

*

*

*

“Training complete.”
“Thank you for your instruction.”

At Rimer’s terse voice, I exhaled heavily and bowed my head.

“Thank you for your instruction!”

The trainees echoed my gratitude in unison.

“Very well.”

Rimer chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. It seemed like a careless response born of laziness, but it was his own peculiar way of greeting.

I nodded slightly as I observed Rimer, the instructors, and the trainees.

Over three years spent in close proximity, we had all grown considerably closer to one another.

Even Burren and Martha, who had been the most difficult to deal with, now understood what kind of person Rimer was and had become somewhat more lenient.

“Instructor, you were twenty minutes late today. Shouldn’t we add twenty minutes to training?”

Of course, there was still no compromise when it came to tardiness.

“Let’s make up for it tomorrow. Today is enough.”

Rimer smiled awkwardly and descended from the platform. Judging by the way he was backing away, he clearly intended to brush off the matter and flee.

“Those on duty, begin cleaning the Training Ground.”

I muttered that some things never change and turned to give the cleanup orders.

“Understood!”

Dorian, who was on duty, nodded vigorously and rushed toward the corner where the cleaning tools were kept.

“Ack!”

He let out a shriek as he opened the tool box and saw the person standing beside it.

“What? Do you have a problem with me being on duty?”

Martha, her black hair once again falling past her shoulders, lowered her brows.

“N-no! Absolutely not! It’s an honor….”

“Oh, no. Absolutely not! It’s an honor…”
She clicked her tongue once and, picking up the tool for leveling the Training Ground, began her duty before Dorian could.

She clicked her tongue once, picked up the equipment for maintaining the Training Ground, and started her shift duties before Dorian.

In the past, Martha would have dumped her chores on the Branch Family or recommended trainees and headed straight to direct lineage training, but Raon’s instructions kept her from escaping her duties.

“Everyone done gawking? Get out of here—I need to clean up!”
“Ugh!”
“Argh!”

Martha stomped her foot with a heavy thud. The powerful vibration sent the trainees who’d been staring at her in a daze scrambling frantically toward the exit.

“Eeeek!”

Dorian, standing beside her, jumped in fright and collapsed to the ground.

“Still the same as ever. Looks like your personality change is only for him.”

Raon turned at the voice coming from behind him. Rimer was approaching with a grin on his face.

“Did you run away from Burren’s nagging?”
“Oh, I forgot something and came back.”
“Forgot….”
“Everyone, listen up!”

When Rimer clapped his hands, all the trainees who’d been fleeing from Martha’s scolding came to an abrupt halt.

“I have something to tell you.”

As the trainees gathered closer, Rimer climbed back onto the platform.

“I forgot something incredibly important.”

He scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile.

“What is it now?”
“Ah, you’ve all received a second mission.”

Silence fell over the entire Training Ground in an instant.

“A mission!”
“You forgot about that?”
“This guy is really….”

The trainees ground their teeth because they couldn’t believe Raon had actually forgotten about the mission.

“A mission….”

I closed my eyes.

‘It took longer than I expected.’

I’d thought the second mission would come quickly after successfully completing the first one, but more than half a year had passed.
Missions didn’t seem to come very often for trainees.

‘Either Zigheart is raising the children more gently than I thought, or the missions are exceptionally difficult.’

One of the two. Personally, I hoped it was the latter. That would be a greater opportunity for growth.

“Orcs have been appearing near Sebu Village, which is southeast of Zigheart.”

Rimer gestured toward Sebu Village in the empty air. From the fact that he hadn’t brought a map, it was clear he was being lazy.

“Your mission is to go to Sebu Village, eliminate the orcs and monsters threatening the people, and protect the village. In other words, village protection and monster subjugation.”
“Orcs!”
“Monster subjugation!”

Monster subjugation was the easiest and most satisfying mission compared to escort duties or dungeon exploration. Because it was easier than their first mission of bandit subjugation, the trainees cheered.

“How naive, to be so eager about a mission.”

Rimer clicked his tongue and continued.

“Unlike the first mission, the instructors won’t be taking action. You’ll be going to Sebu Village alone. You’ll need to think and judge both the beginning and end of the mission yourselves, which won’t be easy.”
“I have a question.”

Burren raised his hand.

“What on earth were you thinking to forget about a mission that only we’re going on, and only mention it now?”
“Well, that’s not a question—that’s a rebuke.”

Rimer broke out in a cold sweat.

“Phew!”

Burren Zigheart’s expression, which had been twisted like tree bark, relaxed as he exhaled.

“Then let me ask the real question. You said we’d move only among ourselves, but what should we do if an insurmountable crisis arrives?”
“Recognizing that is also part of your ability. If the mission is too dangerous, abandoning it and returning is also a form of skill. That’s why….”

Rimer’s gaze swept across the trainees before stopping at me.

“This time too, the leader’s ability is crucial. In a crisis, you must discern whether to break through with force, employ strategy, or flee without looking back. You must read that.”

Everyone’s eyes followed Rimer’s green irises.

“W-wouldn’t there be a problem if we flee from the mission?”

This time, Dorian raised his hand.

“It depends on the situation. If you encounter goblins and flee, you’ll be penalized and humiliated. But if you face one of the Oma factions and retreat, you’ll deserve praise.”
“Ooh!”

Dorian exclaimed at the news that fleeing was permitted. His cowardly nature remained unchanged even as time passed.

“Understood.”

Burren Zigheart looked at me one last time. His eyes gleamed softly—an expression carrying recognition and a hint of envy.

“We depart at dawn the day after tomorrow. Rest from training today and tomorrow, and prepare thoroughly for departure.”
“W-wait, wait! The day after tomorrow?”

Dorian’s eyes darted left and right like a grasshopper’s.

“Yes. The day after tomorrow.”
“Why so rushed! It’s too fast! Today’s already gone, so there’s barely a day left!”
“Monster subjugation is a more time-sensitive mission than escort duties or dungeon exploration. If you’re late, there will be casualties in Sebu Village.”
“Then you should have mentioned it earlier!”

Burren Zigheart erupted again, stamping his feet.

“Hmm….”
“The day after tomorrow….”
“Enough.”

Raon’s final words pierced through the center of the Training Ground.

“The instructor has always said this—missions come without warning, at any time. Now is not the moment to panic or complain. It’s time to prepare. The more you argue, the more you fall into the instructors’ trap.”
“Hmm….”
“That’s true.”
“Right. Let’s move then.”

As the trainees who had been drilling with Burren nodded, Rimer broke into a satisfied smile.

“I’ll rip those ears off someday.”

Martha muttered the same words as Wrath, grinding her teeth.

Lunan stood vacant, as if indifferent to everything, smacking his lips. He seemed to be thinking about the ice cream he’d eat when he returned home.

“Wild orcs are fiercer and stronger than the ones we faced during practical training. There are more of them too, so it’ll be a one-against-many fight. Since we’ve learned footwork, it’s better to focus on evasion rather than defense. Keep your equipment as light as possible and gather here at dawn the day after tomorrow.”

With that, Raon turned and left.

“Got it.”
“Tsk….”

Lunan nodded like a young bird, while Martha clicked her tongue and left the Training Ground.

“Understood!”

The trainees following Raon answered loudly and rushed toward the Dormitory.

“Hmm….”

Burren glared at the instructors for a moment but said nothing more, turning to leave. The Branch Family members followed him toward the Main Mansion.

“Now he looks like a leader no matter who’s watching.”

Rimer chuckled with his arms crossed. His gaze was naturally fixed on Raon’s retreating figure.

“That’s exactly right.”
“I never expected that child to change so much.”
“Perhaps because he climbed up from the very bottom, his mind has become more open.”
“I’ve observed many trainees over the years, but this is the first time I’ve seen a top student lead others through effort rather than status or talent.”

The instructors approached Rimer’s side and nodded in agreement. They all recognized Raon’s worth.

“Well, I should prepare myself then. I need to depart before the children do.”

The youngest instructor watched the departing trainees and licked his lips.

In the past, only the trainees were sent on missions, but ever since Glen left the Zigheart, the instructors secretly following along had become the rule for the second mission.

“No.”

Rimer tapped the youngest instructor’s shoulder and shook his head.

“I’ll go.”
“Pardon?”
“Huh?”
“Are you… truly serious?”

The instructors’ eyes widened. They couldn’t believe that a man who found even teaching tedious would volunteer to accompany a mission.

“That’s right.”
“Chief Instructor, if you oversleep and can’t arrive when the children are in danger…”
“What?! What do you take me for! You don’t trust me?”

Rimer swung his hand down sharply, but the instructors said nothing. During the entire training period, he had been late no fewer than five times.

“Anyway, I’ll be going. All of you get some proper rest.”

Rimer left those words behind and turned away. As he exited the Training Ground, they could hear him muttering about needing a good long sleep.

“If you want to sleep, why not do it here? Why claim you’re going on the mission…”
“If he stays here, the Lord or the other masters will bother him. That’s why he’s leaving.”
“Sigh…”

The instructors realized Rimer’s true intentions and exhaled in exasperation.

“You’re truly a remarkably lazy fellow.”

*

*

*

Despite the mission beginning in two days, I finished my night training and returned to the Dormitory.

A backpack enchanted with a weight-reduction spell sat before my door—apparently prepared for me to bring on the mission.

‘They’re making it abundantly clear they don’t care.’

Normally, such a bag would be handed over directly, but leaving it outside my door like this meant they had no interest—handle it yourself.

“Fine.”

I chuckled softly and picked up the bag, stepping into my room. Whether the instructors came or not was irrelevant. All that mattered was completing whatever mission lay ahead flawlessly and returning.

-Arrogant brat. Do you truly believe the world bends to your every whim? Unforeseen circumstances can arise at any moment.
‘True enough.’

I nodded. Wrath was right—there was no predicting what might happen. Yet I found his warning hollow, knowing I could handle most situations with my own hands.

‘Just as I couldn’t foresee what you’d do to me, I can’t predict what might come.’
-I truly wish to tear that mouth of yours apart.
‘An impossibility.’

I laughed quietly and began packing. With the lightweight bag in hand, organizing my belongings proved effortless.

Knock, knock.

A knock sounded while I was in the midst of packing.

‘Who could that be?’

Finding it odd given that everyone should be busy with departure preparations, I opened the door.

“Gasp!”

My eyes widened and my mouth fell open. The only two people capable of catching me off guard—Sylvia and Helen stood before me, their faces flushed with anger.

“Raon! If you’re going on a mission, you should at least come to the Annex Building and tell your mother!”
“How could you? Don’t tell me Dorian informed you again?”
“Rimer told us!”

Sylvia planted her hands firmly on her hips and scowled.

‘That elf. Seriously….’

A sigh escaped me unbidden. I’d deliberately come to the Dormitory to avoid worrying Sylvia and Helen, never imagining they would seek me out and confront me directly.

“I’m sorry,”

Since I’d already been caught, there was no point in making excuses. I could have gone to the Annex Building, but I’d avoided it because telling them I was leaving without an instructor would create an awkward situation.

“….”

Sylvia pursed her lips silently and furrowed her brow. Just as I was about to close my eyes, bracing for a barrage of scolding, her voice reached me.

“Raon.”
“Hmm?”
“Being the top trainee isn’t just a position of greeting. It’s a role where you must guide the other trainees toward a better path.”

Sylvia’s eyes gleamed with a gravity unlike her usual demeanor.

“You can’t think only of yourself. You must consider all the trainees in your decisions. Their lives depend on your choices.”
“Yeah. I understand.”

I nodded, my expression bewildered.

‘I never expected to hear something like that….’

I’d anticipated being scolded and lectured, but I never imagined she would offer such counsel.

“Monster subjugation may seem simple, but it’s a difficult mission. Make sure you root out the problem completely so the villagers don’t continue to suffer.”

Sylvia was right. Monsters reproduced at such a rapid rate that once you engaged them, you had to finish the job completely.

“Now that you’ve been assigned to this mission, remember that you are not a trainee—you are a swordsman of Zigheart.”

She lowered her posture and met my eyes. They shimmered like starlight.

“Your mother told you, didn’t she? That the Zigheart of old understood honor and shame, and drew their blades for the weak against the strong. I hope you’ll show me the Zigheart of those days, Raon.”

Sylvia gently stroked my shoulder and smiled.

“You weren’t angry, were you?”
“I was angry! And worried! Incredibly frustrated! But!”

Her expression shifted in an instant. She pouted again.

“This isn’t the time to scold you. When you return, prepare yourself for a lecture.”
“Okay.”

I smiled faintly and nodded. Sylvia had lived the life of a swordsman herself, so she understood that now was not the time for reprimands.

“I’m glad you’ve become brighter since you began training, but I can never let go of my worry.”

Sylvia pulled me into a tight embrace. Her trembling fingertips conveyed the depth of her concern.

She offered a few more pieces of advice before leaving. She didn’t waste my time or scold me, respecting my resolve.
She worried for her son while hoping I would fulfill my duty as a swordsman.

That’s why her voice, her words, pierced deep into my heart.

I gathered my belongings and gazed out the window. Moonlight filtered into the room as if envying me.

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————