The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 966
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 966
‘Where…’
I left Wrath to his whimpering about food and examined the abilities of 【Reaper】, the evolved form of 【Ambush】.
【Reaper】
Concealment ability increases significantly. If a successful ambush is launched against an enemy while in concealment, even the smallest wound becomes a fatal injury.
-Huh? Wha-what?
The moment Wrath read the description of the 【Reaper】 trait, his mouth fell open so wide it looked like it might tear.
-Th-that’s insane! If that’s true, even a tiny cut from a finger would become a fatal wound no matter what!
He shook his head vigorously, insisting it couldn’t be right.
‘Not unconditionally—only when a successful ambush is executed.’
Reaper wasn’t a trait that turned every attack into a fatal wound. It was an assassin’s ability that transformed wounds into fatal injuries only when a successful ambush was launched from concealment.
‘Though even that alone is an overpowered ability.’
With my current power, I was confident I wouldn’t lose to anyone except the leaders of the Five Emperors and transcendents from the previous era who had gone into seclusion like the Sword Emperor and the War King.
With the power I possessed now, the existence of the 【Reaper】 trait, which allowed me to inflict fatal wounds on enemies through ambush, would prove invaluable in future wars.
‘With the concealment ability boosted too, there will be even more ways to use it.’
Since I didn’t know the exact extent of Heekyuk Je’s power, I couldn’t be absolutely certain of victory, but with this ability, I felt confident I could achieve a perfect win rate against her.
‘If things go well, it might even work on Tacheon or the White Blood Cult Master.’
Wrath’s and Glen’s perception was extraordinary, so launching Reaper to ambush them would be impossible. It likely wouldn’t work on Derus or the Heavenly Demon either.
But if used at the right moment, it seemed I could inflict fatal wounds on Tacheon or the White Blood Cult Master.
‘It will be even more effective against Tacheon.’
Since Tacheon relied on magic and sorcery, his physical stamina was weaker compared to other Transcendents. If I inflicted a fatal wound on him before engaging in combat, I could seize the advantage and control the battle.
‘Now that I think about it, the trait really is broken.’
In truth, surprise attacks were rarely effective in battles between masters.
But I had lived my previous life as an assassin, so I was confident I could utilize the 【Reaper】 trait better than anyone else.
‘I wish it had been related to swordsmanship, but this isn’t bad either.’
I had hoped for a trait that would enhance my sword mastery, but the ability fit the name 【Reaper】 so perfectly that I couldn’t complain.
-You obtained that ability and still want more?
Wrath exhaled in disbelief.
-After gorging yourself to the point of bursting, you don’t even realize the bread you’re eating is made of gold! You spoiled brat!
He grabbed my collar and shook me, genuinely furious. Seeing his sincere anger, it seemed the 【Reaper】 trait had given him quite the stomachache.
-Damn luck! Stupid System!
‘I really did gain a lot this time.’
I reflected on everything I had obtained since entering the Chamber of Self after leaving Wrath behind.
‘There was no wall, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I transcended it.’
I had elevated my mental fortitude, physical abilities, and sword mastery through stage-by-stage trials, grasped the true usage of the Sword of All Things, and brought both Manhwagong and Glacsia to 10-star.
‘And through sparring with Wrath, I came to understand what death truly is.’
Dying a hundred times to Wrath, I felt the presence of death and obtained another broken trait: 【Crisis Detection】.
For offense, the Reaper; for defense, Crisis Detection. When I think about it, I’ve obtained all the essential traits for both offense and defense.
‘It’s a bit embarrassing.’
I bit my lip slightly.
‘I didn’t expect to receive a reward of this magnitude.’
I had gained much by passing through the Chamber of Self, but I never anticipated receiving such additional compensation. This time, I felt apologetic toward Wrath.
-….
Wrath pressed his lips together firmly as he read the message, clearly upset. The fact that he wasn’t even cursing suggested he was genuinely angry.
‘I understand. I get it.’
I rose from my chair and gently patted Wrath’s head.
‘Let’s go grab something to eat.’
Creating the stats and traits had consumed a considerable amount of Wrath’s power, so I wanted to treat him to a good meal.
-….
However, contrary to my expectations, Wrath didn’t follow immediately. Instead, he furrowed his brow and lowered his gaze.
‘Wrath?’
I turned back from the doorway and approached him.
-Sigh….
Wrath exhaled a long breath while looking at me. It felt as though turbulent waves were surging across his eyes.
‘I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I didn’t seek out this reward myself….’
Since Wrath seemed in an unusually poor mood, I clasped my hands together and shook my head.
-That’s not it.
Wrath lifted his gaze calmly, as if he had never been angry at all. His brilliant blue eyes rippled with luminescence. The sensation felt as though his true form from the Chamber of Self had descended into this place, sending a chill down my spine.
-I was going to let it slide, but no matter how much I think about it, the doubt won’t fade.
Wrath clicked his tongue briefly, as if to say this wouldn’t do.
‘A question…?’
I sensed what Wrath was saying, yet I asked anyway.
-No need for lengthy explanations….
Wrath flicked his chin toward the empty air.
-Summon the beginning portion of that reward message you displayed.
He gestured for me to bring back the part he had shown me countless times and boasted about.
‘….’
I gazed at the frost blooming in Wrath’s eyes before summoning the message once more.
[You have achieved growth in the Chamber of Self.]
[You have experienced 101 deaths.]
[All stats increase by 50 points.]
Wrath examined the message, then slowly closed and opened his eyes with composure.
-Just as I suspected. My eyes did not deceive me.
He turned his gaze slowly toward me.
-Look at the second message. Is 101 deaths not strange to you?
Wrath pointed at the second message with his round hand.
-I killed you ninety-nine times. You successfully defended yourself at the end. Even if the space had collapsed and counted as your death, it would be exactly 100. There is no way it could be 101.
He furrowed his brow, insisting the number could not possibly be 101.
-Why is it 101?
Wrath smacked his lips briefly, urging me to speak.
‘Sigh….’
I exhaled a turbid breath and brushed back the hair that had fallen across my forehead.
‘As expected, you noticed.’
From the moment I first saw that message, I had sensed something was amiss. I had died ninety-nine times, and even if I counted the final death as Wrath said, it amounted to only one hundred.
‘The final death. No, the first death is the death of my previous life.’
The one death added to the hundred deaths was undoubtedly when I, as the assassin Raon, had fallen to Derus Robert.
“…Let me ask you one thing.”
I glanced up at the ceiling for a moment, then lowered my gaze.
“Can the System know things even you don’t?”
I was astounded that the System knew of my previous life, something even Wrath had failed to discern.
-Every time I see you being a nuisance, I can tell. The one who delivers rewards to you possesses a self and has special abilities that even the True Demon King lacks. However, it is completely devoid of combat power…
Wrath shook his head, explaining that because the System possessed such abilities, it could transmit power across dimensions.
“I see.”
I didn’t know exactly what ability it was, but unlike Wrath, the System seemed to know that I had died and been reborn.
-….
Wrath kept his arms crossed and his gaze fixed, as if waiting for my answer.
‘Honestly, even if I said I died when you weren’t around, it wouldn’t be a problem.’
There had been many dangerous situations during the trials, and I had been far away from Wrath, so such an excuse would be believable.
‘But I don’t want to end this matter that way.’
Wrath is my confidant and my closest friend. If I cut off his doubts with lies, I might not be able to trust anyone in the future.
‘I’ll tell him. After I take my revenge on Derus Robert.’
If Wrath learned of my past, he would take it as his own grievance and strain himself trying to force out more power.
I didn’t want to speak of my previous life until this revenge was complete, because I couldn’t bear to see him slouching and wilting anymore.
‘This revenge—I must accomplish it with my own strength.’
I clenched my fist, resolving to kill Derus Robert with the fury and blade I had accumulated thus far, and to tear down everything he had built.
“I’ll tell you everything once it’s over.”
I looked at Wrath and promised that soon I would reveal every detail without reservation.
-Ha…
Wrath gazed into my eyes, then exhaled a small sigh.
-If that’s what you say, then I have no choice but to wait. Very well.
He smacked his lips, resigned to the situation.
“Thank you.”
I smiled and sat down in the chair. I was truly grateful that the Demon Lord bound to me was Wrath, and that my first friend was Wrath.
-What are you doing right now?
Wrath suddenly frowned, clearly displeased with me.
“Huh?”
-Why are you sitting down! Didn’t you say you’d eat?!
He ground his teeth, demanding to know why I wasn’t keeping my promise.
‘Wait, I thought he said he wouldn’t eat?’
-My doubts aren’t resolved yet. Now we must eat!
Wrath jerked his chin toward the Dining Hall, commanding me to go at once.
-Let’s depart immediately!
‘Sigh…’
I let out a hollow laugh watching Wrath pat his round belly.
‘How does he drop the serious act in less than a minute?’
I shook my head and headed toward the Dining Hall.
‘Is this really the Blue Demon King who killed me a hundred times…?’
*
*
*
“Yes. It’s better to lower the blade slowly there.”
I adjusted Sia’s sword stance with a faint smile.
“Speed, spacing, direction, and the subtle essence of proper martial technique—all must converge to maximize the power of a sword strike.”
I grasped Sia’s hand and guided her wooden sword to trace the Gwang-a Sword.
Whoooooosh!
The brown wooden sword shimmered like the dawn moonlight as it cleanly and sharply split the surface of the Lake.
Splash!
The water couldn’t fill the space carved by the wooden sword and rose into the air before slowly settling back down.
“Wow….”
Sia’s mouth formed a perfect O as she watched the Lake slowly return to its original state.
“How is it? Getting the feel for it?”
I shrugged, watching Sia’s sparkling eyes.
“No, I’ll try it myself!”
She declared she would attempt it alone and swung the wooden sword down.
Whoooosh!
Sia’s Radiant Sword Technique descended sharply, shattering the now-calm surface of the Lake. The technique itself resembled my sword strike, but excessive force had thrown off her trajectory, preventing her from achieving its full power.
“This is hard….”
Sia muttered that it wasn’t working and clutched her head in frustration.
“It’s natural that it’s difficult.”
I chuckled and shook my head. I had learned the Radiant Sword Technique since my trainee days. By now, it was one of the sword techniques I was most confident in, so it was only natural that Sia couldn’t replicate it.
“For now, don’t think about my sword. Just focus on moving slowly at your own pace.”
“Okay, I understand.”
Sia nodded calmly and raised her sword again.
“Judith said I need to practice a lot to keep up with you.”
She unfolded the Radiant Sword Technique once more, determined to swing her blade every day just as I did.
“Sister.”
I narrowed my eyes as I watched Sia immediately return to practicing her sword technique without discouragement.
“Why are you working so hard? Do you find sword technique enjoyable?”
If she said it was fun given her exceptional talent, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take her to Gale Wind Hall and develop her properly.
“It is fun. But….”
Sia gazed at me with eyes that shimmered softly.
“You asked me before to protect the home while you were away. I need to become stronger to keep that promise.”
“Ah….”
She still remembered the promise she had made before leaving on that mission. An inexplicable surge of emotion welled up in her chest.
—Huh.
Wrath’s eyes widened in surprise as well.
—Her spirit has grown more than her swordsmanship.
He wore a proud smile, as if he could no longer see Sia as a child.
‘Indeed.’
As Wrath said, it seemed I could no longer think of her as merely a child.
“If my sister is like that, I need to work harder too.”
I nodded with a calm smile.
“Are you going to train, Raon?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Will it take long?”
“No, I’ll be back by evening.”
“Then I’ll practice my swordsmanship too. Let’s eat together!”
Sia waved goodbye and refocused on her swordsmanship. The way she no longer clung to me like before made it clear that her mental maturity had indeed advanced.
Whoooosh!
I turned away, listening to the sound of Sia’s sword wind.
‘Just hearing that sound fills me with confidence.’
Sia was simply training with a smile on her face, yet a flame burned in my chest. This was what family meant—both their presence and their strength.
I recalled the determination in Sia’s eyes as she spoke of protecting the home, and I headed toward the Main Mansion. Rather than the Patriarch’s Hall, I took the side path and opened the door to the Training Ground.
Creak, creak, creak.
Four figures are visible beyond the massive iron gate, so enormous that it cannot be seen in its entirety at a glance.
Glen, Denier, Valdemar, and Karun, who would spar with me today. All the spectators except Aris, who had not yet awakened, had gathered.
A deep, resonant sound echoed through the chamber.
Karun placed his hand on the hilt of his sword as he looked at me. A sharp aura of blade energy bloomed from his shoulders. He had already entered combat stance, though the sparring had not yet begun.
‘Every time, it ends ambiguously. This time….’
I exhaled deeply and walked toward Karun.
‘Let me try to win.’
*
*
*
Karun swallowed hard as he watched me approach with heavy, deliberate steps.
‘What is this….’
He had gone directly to the Patriarch’s Hall and witnessed me emerge from the Chamber of Self, so he naturally knew I had grown stronger.
But he never imagined I could create such suffocating pressure without even drawing my sword, merely by approaching.
Each step I took was deliberate.
With every step I took, the pressure emanating from me intensified. It became so difficult to endure without drawing his sword that his hand rose to the hilt of its own accord.
‘This is insane.’
He couldn’t comprehend what he was witnessing. It felt not like a person approaching, but like a colossal sword advancing toward him.
“You’ve truly become a monster….”
He exhaled a turbid breath and bit his lip. Even without fighting, he already felt defeated. The absurdity of it made his jaw tremble involuntarily.
‘If I don’t give it my all….’
Karun stood before Raon, who loomed over him like a giant, grinding his teeth deeply.
‘I might not even withstand a single strike.’
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————