The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 790
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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 790
“Heekyuk Je came here?”
I furrowed my brow as I watched Dorian smacking his lips.
“Yes, that’s right! I heard he arrived at the Main Gate just a moment ago!”
Dorian nodded, saying that all the swordsmen outside were talking about Heekyuk Je.
“Well, first things first—deal with that bread.”
I pointed to the bread crumbs dangling from Dorian’s chin.
“Ah, yes!”
Dorian chuckled and stuffed all the bread crumbs scattered across his face into his mouth.
—Whatever kind of bread that is, it certainly looks delicious…
Wrath smacked his lips loudly, lamenting his hunger for bread.
—Bring bread for the True Demon King as well! My head is throbbing from starvation! Ahem!
‘All I have is plain bread, but if that’s acceptable…’
—That will do! The True Demon King shall keep his mouth sealed until evening!
He cried out his refusal and fled into the ice flower bracelet.
“Did Heekyuk Je come alone?”
I exhaled briefly and looked back at Dorian.
“No. I heard he came with his subordinates this time.”
Dorian shook his head, saying it wasn’t like before when he came openly by himself.
“What’s your reason for requesting an audience with the Head of House?”
“I’m not entirely sure myself.”
He shrugged, saying he’d come immediately upon hearing news of Heekyuk Je.
“The Chief Steward sent word to the Patriarch’s Hall, so she should arrive soon.”
Dorian pointed toward the Main Gate, muttering that the atmosphere didn’t seem hostile.
“I suppose so.”
While there had been minor issues with the New Rising Powers, they weren’t enemies, so there was no reason to refuse the visit.
“Heekyuk Je, huh….”
Lectar stroked his chin and turned his gaze toward the Main Gate of Zigheart.
“Did something fortuitous happen in the meantime?”
He had already sensed Heekyuk Je’s aura and narrowed his eyes.
“If you speak of fortune, could it be….”
I turned to face Lectar, my eyes widening.
“Yes. Given the rapid growth, it appears she’s achieved a profound enlightenment.”
Lectar nodded, remarking that Heekyuk Je’s aura had become unrecognizably powerful.
“Can a Transcendent truly attain enlightenment so easily?”
“The realm of Transcendence is mysterious. One might gain nothing in ten years, or achieve enlightenment in ten seconds and ascend to greater heights.”
He spoke of a world so unfairly imbalanced and offered a thin smile.
“But why would Heekyuk Je suddenly visit….”
“To assess the value of the New Rising Powers, I’d imagine.”
I rested my hand on my sword hilt, my brow furrowing.
Though I didn’t know how much stronger Heekyuk Je had become, I could discern her purpose for coming.
“Currently, the Five Emperors and Oma are locked in fierce combat across the entire Continent. Wars are breaking out among the smaller factions that follow either the Five Emperors or Oma. In such circumstances….”
Following Lectar toward the Main Gate of Zigheart, I exhaled a heavy breath.
“The value of the New Rising Powers, which possess Transcendents and Grand Masters, is immense. Depending on which side the New Rising Powers choose to support, the tide of war could shift dramatically.”
“That’s certainly true.”
Lectar nodded in agreement, his jaw tightening slightly.
“Moreover, the New Rising Powers have suffered tremendous losses in reputation and influence due to the Holy Sword Master’s attack. They won’t miss this opportunity to elevate their standing.”
“You’ve already figured it all out, haven’t you?”
He smiled softly, the expression of a grandfather proud of his grandson.
“It’s rather obvious.”
I scratched the back of my head and shook it slightly.
Since I understood what kind of person Ariel of the Heegyukje was, discerning her psychology wasn’t particularly difficult.
“Under the current circumstances, it would be right to accept the Heegyukje’s proposal as long as it isn’t too burdensome. However….”
I looked at Lectar and curved my lips into a smile.
“This situation has changed everything. No one knows that Zigheart and the Holy Sword Association are connected.”
The Heegyukje would attempt to walk a tightrope between the Five Emperors and Oma, raising their own value in the process, and originally, I would have had no choice but to accept that bargain.
But since Lectar, the Holy Sword Master, was my grandfather, and I only nominally belonged to Oma, her plan was nothing but an illusion.
“Exactly.”
Lectar chuckled, clearly finding the situation amusing.
“Of course, we can’t reveal Grandfather’s name in this matter. There will likely be a gag order issued within the Family as well.”
I placed a finger to my lips, emphasizing that this must never be revealed.
“There’s no one outside who knows either.”
The Dragon Lord was focused on himself, using demonic energy, and didn’t notice Lectar. Tacheon’s neck was severed, and he died.
Even if he were to recover, it would take time, so for a while, this information remained unknown to anyone.
“To follow your plan, I’ll need to conceal my presence as well.”
Lectar smacked his lips and rapidly suppressed his aura. His presence became imperceptible, even though he stood right before me.
“Thank you for understanding.”
I bowed my head to Lectar.
“It benefits everyone. And…”
Lectar gently touched my head.
“Family doesn’t need to exchange thanks with one another.”
He smiled as if telling me to get used to it.
“Yes…”
“Ah, what was it you wanted to ask before going to the Holy Sword Association?”
Lectar lifted his eyes as if he’d just remembered.
“I’ll tell you after Heekyukje returns.”
“Very well.”
He said we’d meet at the Annex Building and left the Training Ground.
“Wow…”
Dorian let out an exclamation watching Lectar’s retreating figure.
“The Organization Master’s grandfathers are all impressive.”
“Indeed.”
I nodded enthusiastically in agreement with his words.
“They’re people I can never catch up to.”
Even if I were to catch up to Glen and Lectar’s martial prowess one day, I sensed I could never match the conviction and will that burned within them.
*
*
*
Creak, creak, creak!
The reinforced Main Gate of Zigheart—thicker than before, as if swearing never to crumble again—swung open, and Iliun, the Chief Steward, walked out.
“Welcome to Zigheart.”
Iliun raised his voice respectfully and bowed, having clearly received instructions to treat the guest with courtesy.
“Thank you for receiving us.”
Ariel of the Heegyukje bowed gracefully, a faint smile gracing her lips.
As she slowly lifted her head, her elegant bearing caused the eyes of the warriors stationed at the Outer Castle to glaze over.
“Ahem!”
When Iliun released a sharp cough infused with aura, the warriors whose gazes had grown distant snapped back to attention and straightened their postures.
“I apologize for the discourtesy shown to our guest.”
“It’s quite alright.”
Ariel waved her hand lightly, as if accustomed to such occurrences.
“Please follow me. I shall guide you to the Main Mansion.”
“I appreciate it.”
She thanked him and followed Iliun with her retinue in tow.
“It remains as beautiful as ever.”
Ariel gazed around the lush interior of Zigheart, a gentle smile blooming across her face.
“You seem to have even more vitality than before.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
Iliun merely nodded slightly without showing much reaction to the compliment.
As Ariel engaged in light conversation with Iliun and arrived near the Main Mansion, a tall swordsman on the right caught my eye.
‘Raon Zigheart?’
That cunning little brat who had humiliated me twice was looking this way.
His noble appearance, as if bathed in radiance, remained unchanged, but there was something far more astonishing.
‘He’s already reached the peak of Grand Master?’
It wasn’t quite at the threshold of Transcendence, but he had definitely reached the pinnacle of Grand Master rank.
‘This is absurd….’
Even I, who was called heaven-blessed in talent, was merely a Master at that age. His martial prowess inspired genuine fear.
‘That drawing comes to mind.’
I recalled when I had mustered the courage to sketch Raon’s heavenly fortune, only to have a demonic image inscribed upon it.
Overwhelmed by incomprehensible dread, I had immediately closed the book, and now I wondered if he had truly sold his soul to a demon.
‘But….’
What truly terrified me about Raon was not his sword, but his mind and tongue.
Having fallen for his tricks twice, I had no intention of being deceived again today.
“It’s been a while, Master of the Gwangpung Corps.”
Heekyuk Je smiled warmly as he looked at Raon.
“Yes.”
Raon gave a light nod as if barely interested.
Irritation stirred within, but I suppressed it and maintained my smile.
“I heard you suffered quite serious injuries, but I’m glad to see you’re unharmed.”
“Yes.”
He offered only a curt reply, showing no inclination to engage in conversation.
“I need to meet with the Head of House, so I’ll see you next time.”
“….”
Raon merely nodded without responding—a display of utter insolence from the young brat.
‘I won’t fall for it this time.’
Heekyuk Je maintained his smile even as he observed Raon’s impudent demeanor.
If he fell for that boy’s schemes twice and succumbed to his cunning a third time, he would be unworthy of leading the White Whale.
“Let’s go.”
Heekyuk Je approached Iliun, who stood at a distance, while maintaining his gentle composure.
“Ah, yes.”
Iliun blinked, appearing more flustered than anyone, before resuming his guidance.
‘That’s right….’
Ariel exhaled steadily and twisted her lips into a smile.
‘I mustn’t react to something like this.’
Having suffered much at Raon’s hands, her heart ached without her realizing it, but thanks to her prior preparations, she managed to endure it well.
Satisfied with herself, she continued walking until the Main Mansion of Zigheart suddenly came into view.
“Preparations are not yet complete, so please wait a moment.”
Iliun guided them to an elegant guest chamber and then stepped outside.
“Sigh….”
Sakan, the Master of the Water Sword Unit, sank into his chair and released a long, weary sigh.
“They’re truly worthy of being the Northern Region’s alliance leaders. Every single one of them radiates the presence of a lion….”
“Among them, Raon Zigheart stood out the most. Beyond his appearance, the subtle aura he exuded was enough to make one’s flesh crawl.”
Beriol, the Master of the Horse Formation Unit, shook his head in disbelief at how absurd it all was.
“Raon Zigheart’s true weapon isn’t his aura or his blade—it’s his tongue.”
Ariel wove a barrier to prevent sound from escaping the room and shook her head.
“Never fall for his psychological games. Simply treat him as a puppy barking and ignore him.”
“But he seemed rather taciturn?”
Beriol tilted his head, noting that the man had actually spoken very little.
“He’s merely feigning silence. His belly is filled with countless cunning schemes.”
Ariel bit her lip, emphasizing that one must never let their guard down.
“Still, I’m uncertain whether our plan will unfold as intended. Since arriving at Zigheart, I’ve felt uneasy….”
“It will unfold without fail.”
She crossed her long legs and shook her head with certainty.
“Currently, not just Zigheart but the entire Five Emperors are suffering from a shortage of personnel. Conflicts are erupting in succession across various regions, leaving no capacity to send reinforcements. Meanwhile, Oma can manufacture inhuman forces, so the losses will inevitably accumulate on one side.”
Ariel laughed, comparing it to a gambling den where the opponent’s hand was already visible.
“In other words, this is a deal we simply cannot lose.”
She clasped her hands together with the expression of one who had already claimed victory.
“Of course, even so, we must not grow complacent. Continue to sharpen your minds as well.”
“Yes!”
As Ariel spent time emphasizing cautions to her subordinates, a soft knock sounded at the door.
“Enter.”
At my command to enter, the Old Butler with a benevolent smile stepped inside and bowed. He was Roen, an assassin who bore the epithet of the Killing King.
“Everything is prepared.”
Roen gestured toward the outside with careful courtesy.
“Shall we proceed to the Audience Chamber?”
“Very well.”
Ariel adjusted her attire and took her place before the Audience Chamber, following Roen.
Creak, creak, creak!
At Roen’s subtle gesture, the heavy doors of the Audience Chamber swung open, revealing a crimson carpet like blood and a platform rising like a mountain.
Upon the golden Jade Throne atop the platform sat Glen Zigheart, immovable as stone, while the executives of Zigheart flanked him on either side, their hands clasped behind their backs as they emanated a chilling aura.
Raon Zigheart, whom I had seen moments before, stood before the right pillar, his gaze fixed forward.
Ariel caught sight of Raon and let out a quiet laugh.
‘So that’s why he reacted that way.’
I had found his silence strange, but it seemed he had intended to provoke me first if we met here anyway.
He remained as cunning as ever, but today was different from before. The ones at a disadvantage were not herself or the Divine Continent Five Regions, but Zigheart and the Five Emperors.
“I pay my respects to the Northern Sky.”
Ariel walked to the center of the Audience Chamber and bowed. Her eyes gleamed with a gravity that belied her true thoughts.
“Rise.”
Glen waved his hand lightly, as if to say excessive formality was unnecessary.
“Thank you for welcoming me despite this sudden visit.”
Ariel bowed once more and then looked toward Glen.
“You’re no enemy, so there’s nothing we couldn’t welcome. That’s why….”
Glen rested his chin on his fist as he looked down at Ariel.
“What brings you here?”
His crimson eyes gleamed as if he knew everything already.
“What I desire…”
Ariel’s lips curved into a thin smile.
‘He’s truly extraordinary.’
To ask so directly about her purpose—it was befitting of the leader standing at the apex of Zigheart.
She could sense his unwavering will to never be led by circumstances.
“Then shall we proceed to the main point?”
Ariel lowered her clasped hands and nodded.
“You likely understand better than I do, but across the entire Continent, wars both great and small are raging. Initially they were evenly matched, but gradually one side has begun to lose ground.”
Even at the mention of the Five Emperors’ disadvantage, Glen’s expression remained unmoved.
“I understand Zigheart has suffered considerable losses as well. The Vassal Houses face the same situation.”
Ariel nodded with a faint smile.
“So?”
Glen’s right eyebrow twitched, as if he found further explanation tedious.
“The Five Emperors are strong. But they are not vast enough to oversee the entire Continent while contending with Oma. Therefore…”
Ariel observed his reaction and licked her lips. Now was the moment to begin.
“We of the Divine Continent Five Regions offer you our strength.”
A gleam of intellectual light kindled in her eyes.
“What is it that you want?”
Glen nodded as if he had known everything from the start.
‘As expected….’
I had no choice but to accept.
I couldn’t know the exact situation, but I’d heard that the Arian Family had recently collapsed completely.
Since the Cheoljeon Unit and several other military forces reportedly had many wounded, there was no way to refuse.
“Financial compensation is unnecessary. As a warrior myself, such things don’t appeal to me.”
Ariel spoke words that elevated herself and smiled faintly.
“What I—what we of the Divine Continent Five Regions desire is recognition of our influence. Not just the territory we currently possess, but the opportunity to expand our power in the regions where we provide assistance.”
She lowered her head as she spoke.
‘You might think it’s nothing special….’
But this was a tremendous reward.
To build influence, one needed people, and to gain people required time and dedication.
If people were saved from death or dangerous situations, it was only natural they would favor and follow their savior. With a bit of information manipulation, winning the favor of an entire region and pulling it away from the Five Emperors would be as easy as eating porridge.
If everything went according to plan, by the time the war ended, I could wield dominion rivaling that of the Five Emperors.
“Hmm….”
Glen narrowed his eyes, cupping his chin as if lost in thought.
“Just so you know….”
Ariel raised a finger, revealing her dark gaze.
“Oma sent a major proposal first, but I chose not to accept it and came to find you instead, Head of House.”
As I spoke, I brought my hands together in front of me once more.
‘They’ll have no choice but to accept it.’
If they went to Oma, the balance between the Five Emperors and Oma would collapse dramatically.
As Zigheart, they would have to seize this opportunity even at a loss.
“That woman. Her greed is still excessive.”
Just as Ariel was smiling with satisfaction, a thin voice came from behind.
“It seems you learned nothing even after being beaten so thoroughly?”
It was Raon Zigheart. He shook his chin as if in contempt.
“Right. It’s just like when I got cleaned out at the gambling den. The moment right before losing my entire fortune.”
Rimer chuckled, saying that was exactly the expression she had.
“Ha….”
Ariel turned her back, forcibly erasing the distorted expression from her face.
“The Master of the Gwangpung Corps is no longer a child, is she? If you have something to say, why don’t you come out and say it properly?”
Raon always attacked with mockery mixed in, probing at the psyche. Since I had no intention of falling for it this time, I calmed my mind and flicked my finger.
“Since you put it that way, I’ll be clear.”
Raon tilted his head and looked down at Ariel.
“You spoke as though this war rests in the hands of the New Rising Powers, but you only have two choices.”
Above his eyes, a crimson flame that would never extinguish blazed forth.
“Follow, or die.”
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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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