The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 7

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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 7

Zigheart, true to its reputation as the ruler of the Northern Region, commanded formidable military organizations.

Each was a force unto itself, capable of overwhelming a hundred men—yet when asked which military organization was the most valiant, five out of ten would name the Jeonmadae.

Karun Zigheart, commander of that Jeonmadae and Glen’s second son, furrowed his brow and clicked his tongue.

“A patient. One who can’t even move properly, isn’t that what they said?”
“More than one or two handmaidens overheard the conversation between the Saint of Rags and the Patriarch. They clearly stated he suffers from a grave illness.”
“I heard that too. When I saw him before, and even today, that child’s body was far from normal. And yet….”

Karun Zigheart tapped his desk repeatedly. With each tap, not just the desk but his entire office trembled.

“That boy withstood Father’s aura.”

The aura Glen had released was but a firefly before the sun compared to his true power.

Yet a twelve-year-old child—a sickly one at that—had endured it. Even having witnessed it with his own eyes, Karun couldn’t believe it.

“Could Barren have withstood it?”
“….”

There was no answer to Karun’s murmured question.

“No. He couldn’t have.”

His own son Barren had begun training from age seven and regularly consumed high-quality spiritual elixirs.

Even Barren, raised in such a manner, would be unable to withstand his father’s aura—yet Raon’s feat continued to circle through his mind.

“Sylvia’s talent was unmatched by anyone, at least in that regard.”

Though now her dantian and mana circuits were shattered, leaving her a husk, Sylvia’s talent had surpassed all others.

“Can we station someone in the Annex Building?”
“It will take some time, but it’s possible.”

The butler waiting before the door nodded.

“Bring him in.”

Karun Zigheart turned, his cold eyes gleaming.

“Report everything that transpires there.”

*

*

*

I left my room before dawn broke. After loosening up lightly in front of the Garden, I began running around the Annex Building.

Since I claimed to be training in preparation for the upcoming trials, no one would interfere.

“Huff….”

My breath came ragged long before I’d run far. This body was incomparably weaker than my previous life.

“Haah.”

I steadied my quickening breath, focusing on the simple rhythm of inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth as I operated the Ring of Fire.

With each breath that entered and left, natural mana infused my body.

Mana particles that fluttered like pollen traced through my mana circuits, revitalizing my flesh and subduing the emerging chill.

‘This is a good flow.’

I nodded in satisfaction. The Ring of Fire revealed its true worth when combined with physical exertion. The quantity and purity of mana I channeled far exceeded my usual performance.

“Phew….”

Though my clothes clung to me with sweat and a sweet taste lingered in my mouth, the vitality the Ring of Fire granted me drew an involuntary smile.

“Raon!”

Just as I was about to deepen my focus, savoring the exhilaration that coursed through my entire body during this grueling training, the window burst open and Sylvia’s face popped through.

“You can’t push yourself like this on your first day!”
“Huff… huff…”

I stopped running and gasped for breath.

“You’re sweating so much, and you’ve overdone it!”
“Well, it just… happened.”

I lowered my head, breathing heavily.

‘She’s not interrupting. She stopped me at the right moment.’

This time, Sylvia was right. My body was still in a fragile state, barely better than an invalid’s. Even with the Ring of Fire providing vitality, if I’d continued any longer, something would have broken.

‘I still have time.’

A month remained before the basic training began.
That was enough time to elevate the Ring of Fire from the peak of 2-star to 3-star. There was no need to rush—I could advance steadily.

“I’ll rest in my room.”
“Are you sure you’re alright? Nothing feels wrong?”

Sylvia scanned my entire body with worried eyes. I shook my head at her.

“I’m fine. I should stop for today and rest.”
“If you push yourself like this tomorrow, I won’t let you train.”
“Don’t worry.”

I smiled faintly and entered my room.

‘Now I should cultivate the vertical ring.’

The horizontal Ring of Fire developed the body, while the vertical Ring of Fire cultivated the spirit.

Until now, I had been operating the horizontal Ring of Fire. Now it was time to refine the vertical one.

I sat on the floor and closed my eyes, calming my mind more than when I was running, and welcomed the natural mana around me.

Zing!

A faint shadow began to form beside the two rings of fire encircling my heart.

*

*

*

Glen Zigheart left the Patriarch’s Hall and made his way alone to the 5th Training Ground.

Upon entering through the training ground’s doors, he found instructors tamping down the yellow earth that could accommodate hundreds of people.

“We greet the Patriarch!”

Glen raised his hand to acknowledge the instructors’ salute, then entered the chief instructor’s office erected on the outer edge of the training ground.

In the center of the cluttered-looking room, a rocking chair creaked back and forth, and atop it lay a man with his face obscured by a straw hat, motionless as death.

“Stop pretending to sleep and get up.”
“Ugh….”

The man sitting in the rocking chair exhaled a heavy breath and swept the hat away. Could he be twenty years old? A handsome man with crimson hair cascading down yawned and pushed himself upright.

His ears, unlike those of ordinary humans, pointed upward like leaves, and his appearance radiated a mystique that seemed otherworldly.

Pointed ears and beauty transcending humanity—the chief instructor of the 5th Training Ground was no human, but an elf, one of nature’s races.

“My sleep technique truly fails only against you, Patriarch.”
“The instructors sweat and labor to tamp the earth, yet the chief instructor lies about….”
“They’re following the orders I gave them. I work with my mind, and they work with their bodies—perfectly fair, wouldn’t you say?”
“Rimer. Even after ten years, you haven’t matured one bit.”
“People who change are dead. Ah, but I’m an elf.”

Rimer, the elf, chuckled and rose from his chair.

“What brings you to this place today? Could it be about your youngest grandson?”
“….”

Glen said nothing, merely observing Rimer. Having charged across battlefields together, it seemed he could discern his thoughts from a mere glance.

“Sylvia came by pleading with me, but I didn’t expect you to visit as well, Patriarch.”
“Sylvia?”
“She asked me to watch over Raon so he wouldn’t get hurt. If you’ve come to make the same request, then your visit is unnecessary.”

Rimer’s playful green eyes grew serious and cold.

“You said yourself that you wouldn’t interfere with this 5th Training Ground. I won’t make exceptions, no matter how much he is your youngest grandson.”
“Very well.”
“Pardon?”

Rimer’s mouth fell open at Glen’s murmur.

“Don’t lower the training intensity—raise it as you see fit. Filter out the mediocre.”
“You’re saying to raise the intensity, not lower it?”
“Yes.”
“Then even your grandson might fall… Ah!”

Rimer clapped his hands together with a smile.

“My, it seems you love your youngest grandson more than expected. Perhaps you’re giving him the affection you couldn’t properly show Sylvia….”
“If you weren’t my comrade-in-arms, your head would have flown off just now.”
“Hehehehe!”

He wore a sly expression as he touched his neck.

“Distinguish jade from stone with certainty. Only those truly worthy should be able to receive your training.”
“Are you saying I should conduct a selection test for trainees?”
“Do as you see fit.”
“Understood!”
“I’m leaving.”
“Yes, sir!”

Glen accepted Rimer’s salute and departed through the door. As he left, the instructors continued their relentless drills.

“….”

Glen gazed toward the west where the Annex Building stood, then turned and walked toward the Patriarch’s Hall. His steps seemed heavier than usual.

*

*

*

I sat in my room with my eyes closed. Golden smoke curled lazily upward from my shoulders as I remained motionless for over three hours.

[The third Ring of Fire has been created.]
[Ring of Fire has reached 3-star rank.]
[Ring of Fire (3-star) increases the grade of body and soul.]
[Ring of Fire (3-star) increases strength, stamina, and agility.]
[Ring of Fire (3-star) increases mana sensitivity, mental fortitude, and vitality.]
[Water Attribute Resistance has reached 3-star rank.]
[One strand of the Curse of Bitter Cold disappears.]

“Done.”

I clenched my fist as I gazed at the translucent messages floating before my eyes.

[Status Window]
Name: Raon Zigheart.
Title: None.
Status: Curse of Bitter Cold (eight strands), Poor Stamina, Reduced Athletic Ability, Reduced Mana Sensitivity.
Traits: ???, Ring of Fire (3-star), Water Attribute Resistance (3-star)
*Additional abilities have not been unlocked.

‘3-star is definitely different.’

As if cool mana had swept through my entire body, my physique became more sensitive and my mind grew clearer.

The width of my mana circuits expanded, the pain of the bitter cold diminished, and my limbs began to develop defined muscle.

‘Now that I’ve transcended the beginner stage, the effects are definitely superior.’

3-star was the beginning of the Ring of Fire’s elementary stage. Even though I had only just reached this level, the difference in body and mind was profoundly apparent.

‘The status window’s effects must be playing a role too.’

Thanks to this magical message and status window, the Ring of Fire must be producing far superior effects compared to my previous life.

‘And one thread of the Curse of Bitter Cold has vanished.’

I rose to my feet and moved my body gently. It felt as light as a feather. In this state, I was confident I could endure even the harshest basic training the Zigheart had to offer.

‘No, it’s more than that.’

It wasn’t merely about surviving the training—I felt I could hold my own against even the children of Zigheart who were called geniuses.

“Hm?”

While intoxicated by this elation, my stomach growled loudly. Come to think of it, I had skipped both lunch and dinner.

‘I should grab something to eat.’

I left my room and headed toward the dining hall. A soft light illuminated the space, and Sylvia was seated at the table.

“Mother, why are you here at this hour?”
“I was waiting to have a meal with my son.”

Sylvia smiled brightly and patted the chair beside her.

“It’s late.”

I had been forging the third Ring of Fire, so dinner time had long since passed, but Sylvia smiled and pulled out the chair for me.

“It’s fine. Sit down quickly.”

I sat beside Sylvia with an awkward expression.

“Helen.”
“Yes!”

Helen’s voice came from the kitchen. Moments later, the servants brought out the dishes—all of them foods I favored.

“Raon.”

Sylvia pushed the food toward me while offering an awkward smile.

“Today, Mother has something to tell you, Raon.”
“Something to tell me?”
“Yes….”

She nodded and fell silent for a long while.

“You’re clever, so you must have wondered why we live apart, and why others speak ill of us.”
“Mm….”

I set down the fork I’d been holding. Sylvia seemed intent on sharing our past before beginning my training.

I knew much of it already, but I remained silent, feigning ignorance.

“Your mother is a sinner. I fled my responsibilities, yet I returned to live—that is my shame.”

Sylvia’s words began heavier than I expected.

She had fallen in love with your father, whom she met by chance during a mission, and to be with him—a mere knight—she had sealed her mana circuits and core, then abandoned the family.

“In truth, you once had an older sister. She was two years your senior and bore the name Sia.”
“Then Sister also….”
“Yes.”

Her voice sank into a darkness far deeper than sorrow—a sound like water flowing from the depths of an abyss.

“An executive from Eden, one who knew my face, came to attack us. Your father was not strong, and I was carrying you—there was nothing I could do.”

Eden was one of the two great powers opposing the Six Emperors, to which Zigheart belonged. Despite its serene name, it was a monstrous organization that possessed more masters than entire kingdoms.

“Then how did you return here, Mother?”
“Your grandfather had guards stationed without my knowledge. They arrived too late—after your father and sister had already fallen—but they came.”
“Grandfather did?”

I narrowed my eyes. I could never have imagined that Glen, so coldly impassive he seemed incapable of shedding even a drop of blood, would arrange such protection.

“So your mother remains a sinner in this family. I have no words worthy of your grandfather’s forgiveness.”

Sylvia bowed her head deeply, while Helen and the attendants clenched their clasped hands in silence.

“….”

I gazed quietly at Sylvia, her head bowed.

‘How selfish.’

Sylvia was selfish. She had abandoned her family’s responsibilities for her own happiness, only to return begging for her life back.

Now I understood why both the direct and cadet lines of the family treated her so harshly.

‘And yet….’

She was the one who had given me a new life and shown me affection I had never felt before.

No matter what others called her, across two lifetimes, she was the only mother I had ever known.

“Mother.”

At my call, Sylvia lifted her head.

“Do you regret it?”
“Regret?”
“Do you wish you could go back to before you left the family?”
“No. I don’t regret it.”

Sylvia shook her head firmly. She told me how she had lived like a ghost within the family until she met Father and Sister, finally learning what it meant to truly live.

“But I’m sorry to you now. I’m such a worthless mother….”
“Were you happy?”
“Yes. I was happy then, and I’m happy now, being with you.”
“Then that’s enough.”
“R-Raon?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.”

I smiled softly and picked up my fork again.

‘Selfish is fine.’

Let others call her selfish, a runaway, a coward—let them curse her name. It didn’t matter.

‘I’ll reclaim it for her instead.’

The position of direct lineage in Zigheart that she had lost. I resolved to restore that standing to her first, and then conclude the karmic debt of vengeance that had been thrust upon me.

“Hic…”
“Young Master Raon…”

As tears spilled from Sylvia’s wide eyes, Helen and the maidservants standing beside her wept silently as well.

Clink.

In the dining hall of the Annex Building, the clinking of dishware and the sound of quiet sobs created a strange harmony.

*

*

*

After sending away Sylvia and the maidservants, their eyes swollen from tears, I returned to my room.

‘I should verify my progress before sleeping.’

It seemed best to purify my body and mind with the Ring of Fire now that I had reached the third star, then rest.

Whoooosh.

The rings encircling my heart pulsed and rotated like living creatures.

Now that I had reached the third star, the rotation speed of the rings had clearly accelerated, and the effect of strengthening both body and spirit seemed to have increased as well.

‘Excellent.’

If the third star—the beginning of the elementary stage—was already this powerful, I couldn’t help but anticipate what abilities the Ring of Fire would display once it reached the intermediate stage and beyond.

After rotating the Ring of Fire five times, I climbed onto my bed to sleep. Just as I was about to extinguish the light and close my eyes, an unfamiliar message appeared.

[Trait 【???】 has been unlocked.]
[Trait 【Wrath】 has been created.]
[【Wrath】 awakens.]

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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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