The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 863

 Chapter 863

 

Sterin left Seipia and headed into the great forest.

Unlike other elves, who moved the forest itself, he walked naturally through the dense trees and bushes as if he were a part of the forest.

“Hah….”

Raon followed Sterin, letting out a small exclamation.

‘So, it’s possible to move in harmony with the flow of nature like that.’

Sterin, true to his identity as an elf, was breathing in harmony with nature as though he himself had assimilated into this world.

It was a completely different sight compared to other Transcenders who forcibly drew upon the energy of nature.

‘I’ve learned something new again.’

Although others might not be able to do it, Raon, who possessed the Ring of Fire, felt he could imitate it, so he received Sterin’s breathing and movements with his whole body.

‘But…’

Where are we going?

Raon frowned as he looked at Sterin’s back, which kept moving without stopping. He thought they wouldn’t go far, but Sterin advanced endlessly as if intending to cross the entire great forest.

Ugh, he thought he’d just toss you a martial arts manual or something, but it looks like this will be more troublesome.

Wrath scowled, grumbling about missing dinner.

‘I thought the same.’

Raon also thought Sterin would give him a manual or teach him martial arts. But since they’d come this far, that didn’t seem to be the case.

By the way, about that shitty ears old man.

‘Shitty ears old man?’

He’s the grandfather of shitty ears, so isn’t it fitting to call him that?

Wrath pursed his lips as if telling Raon not to argue.

‘Anyway, what about him?’

He’s gotten a lot weaker. It really feels like his time is almost up.

Wrath tilted his head, indicating Raon should have noticed it too.

‘…I know.’

Raon bit his lower lip thinly.

‘I can see it too.’

Even without sensing it through energy like Wrath, just by looking with his eyes he could tell Sterin’s body had aged.

It didn’t seem like he had much time left.

‘Damn it…’

There was truly no solution when it came to lifespan.

Raon had come to inform Sterin of Rimmer’s death, but now he felt as if he had also learned of another’s approaching end, and his chest ached.

‘Will Lady Siyan be able to handle this?’

As he worried whether Siyan could endure losing both her brother and grandfather, Sterin’s steps finally stopped.

He turned around at the base of a hill where sharp rocks jutted out.

“Protector, why have we stopped here…?”

Raon tilted his head in confusion. He looked around but didn’t see anything notable.

“Come here.”

Sterin pointed to the steep side of the hill. It seemed he wanted Raon to look at the spot he was indicating.

“Ah, yes.”

Raon nodded and approached Sterin. Behind the hill, in the shadows, he saw something round protruding.

“Fruits?”

Three red fruits, about the size of small plums, swayed gently in the evening breeze.

“This is…”

“They are called the Fruits of Sagon.”

Sterin looked at the fruits of Sagon with a soft smile.

“They aren’t elixirs that contain massive amounts of mana or enhance attributes, but they are highly effective in calming the mind and strengthening the soul.”

He carefully picked the fruits and held them in his palm.

“I know about the Fruits of Sagon as well. But how could something so rare be here…?”

Raon swallowed dryly as he looked at the fruits in Sterin’s hand.

The Fruits of Sagon were a rare elixir that nourished the mind rather than the body, making them even rarer than top-grade elixirs.

He couldn’t imagine finding them in such an isolated, shaded spot.

“Humans and elves alike often only look upward. But sometimes, looking down can bring good fortune.”

Sterin’s words weren’t just about the fruits but seemed to be life advice.

“Although, you seem to be doing well enough already.”

He smiled serenely, as though revealing that he knew Raon had been observing him from behind.

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

“It’s a compliment. No need to apologize.”

Sterin shook his head, saying there was no need to apologize.

“At your age, having reached Transcendence, you could be a little arrogant or lazy, yet you keep looking upward without end—I’m impressed. But sometimes look down as well. There will be things you can gain from there.”

He offered genuine advice as he handed the Fruits of Sagon to Raon.

“Are you really giving these to me?”

“Give them to your aunt and sister. While they won’t have much effect on a warrior, they will greatly aid those who are mentally exhausted.”

Sterin placed the Fruits of Sagon in Raon’s hand, telling him to deliver them properly.

“Then why are there three…?”

“One is your errand fee. You eat it.”

He waved lightly, saying the taste was good too.

T-Taste good? Let’s eat it immediately! The King of Essence is starving!

Wrath licked his lips, his curiosity about the taste plain to see.

“…Thank you.”

Raon nudged Wrath aside with his elbow and bowed deeply to Sterin.

Since the fruits were for Sia and Aris, he couldn’t refuse them.

“I thought you’d teach me martial arts or spar with me, but I didn’t expect such a generous gift. I’ll make sure to deliver them to the two of them.”

He sincerely expressed his gratitude again.

“Haa, you’ve grown greedy since I last saw you.”

Sterin clicked his tongue loudly.

“Pardon? What do you mean…?”

Raon blinked, confused by the sudden comment about greed.

“I gave you three Fruits of Sagon, and now you want martial arts too? You have no shame.”

“N-No, absolutely not!”

Raon hurriedly raised his hands.

“I was only trying to express my gratitude….”

“I’m joking. You’re too serious around adults. Try to be a bit more carefree, like your master.”

Sterin chuckled, suggesting he should adopt some of Rimmer’s lightheartedness.

“Ah, that’s a bit…”

Raon firmly shook his head.

“Kuhahahahaha!”

Sterin burst into laughter, pulling his lips into a grin.

“I see. That’s understandable.”

He nodded, acknowledging Raon’s stance.

“I know there’s much to learn from my master, but I have no desire to emulate his nonchalance and frivolousness.”

Well, there's no need to learn. Your madness surpasses that of Shitty Ears.

Wrath wagged a finger, saying Raon didn’t need to tone down his madness.

‘That’s not true!’

It is true.

‘No matter how you look at it, I’m not crazier than my master….’

Raon shook his head when Sterin took the bow and an arrow from his back.

“Good. Let’s see how much you’ve grown.”

Sterin nocked the arrow on his bow as if preparing for a spar.

“N-No! I really didn’t mean it like that…”

“You’ve noticed, haven’t you? My time is running out.”

He spoke, his right hand holding the arrow trembling slightly.

“I can still control the energy of nature, but my body can no longer endure its power. If not now, I won’t have the chance to teach you.”

Sterin gestured for Raon to draw his sword.

You know, refusing at this point would be impolite.

Wrath’s gaze grew calm, urging Raon to pick up his sword.

“Understood.”

Raon nodded, biting his lip.

“Then, I will gratefully learn from you.”

He drew Heavenly Drive and pointed it at Sterin.

“To think my final sparring partner would be you—it’s an honor.”

Sterin said he was delighted to face the future absolute being, a smile spreading across his wrinkled lips.

“Then here I come.”

Seeing that Sterin intended to teach him through sparring, Raon made the first move.

Thud!

He lunged forward, swinging Heavenly Drive upward toward Sterin’s waist with the Crimson Slash.

The pure white blade ignited fierce flames as if to erase the presence of the aged elf.

“You’re fast and strong.”

Sterin murmured in admiration, tilting his bow diagonally. The blue-glowing bowstring extinguished the flames of Crimson Slash and gently deflected Heavenly Drive.

Kuuuuung!

Heavenly Drive, which had aimed for Sterin, struck the ground without even grazing him.

‘His defense is perfect.’

To deflect his sword strike so effortlessly with just a bow… Sterin was undoubtedly worthy of being the Protector of Seipia.

‘Then, let’s get serious.’

Narrowing his eyes, Raon circled to Sterin’s left side. Striking from his blind spot, he thrust in flames that skimmed along the surface of the blade. Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation, Revolving Sky.

Fwaaaah!

As the revolving flames bore down, Sterin disappeared like an illusion and reappeared five steps away to the left.

It didn’t feel like a footwork technique but rather like a clone technique.

“This time, try to block my arrow.”

Sterin, wearing a faint smile, drew his bowstring.

A glowing blue arrow streaked toward Raon’s face in an instant.

Whoosh!

Raon stepped back to the right using the Supreme Harmony Steps, but Sterin’s arrow seemed to have eyes, following him relentlessly and exuding sharp energy waves.

Kiiaaang!

Raon unleashed the Frost Pond, deflecting the arrow aiming for his left chest.

Chiiiing!

However, the blue arrow, even after colliding with the Frost Pond, neither broke nor bounced away. Instead, it rose again, relentlessly chasing him.

‘Dancing Arrow!’

It was the pinnacle of archery, allowing the archer to freely control the arrow’s trajectory according to their will like the Dancing Sword.

‘In that case, I’ll do the same!’

Raon released Heavenly Drive. As his upper energy center opened, he activated the principles of the Dancing Sword.

Heavenly Drive floated on its own and intercepted Sterin’s Dancing Arrow, which was aiming to pierce his throat.

Clang!

The Dancing Sword, having reached the realm of Transcendence, clashed with the Dancing Arrow, creating a massive shockwave that caused cracks to ripple in the air, shining with a deep blue hue.

"So that’s the Dancing Sword that avenged that guy’s enemy."

Sterin nodded in approval as if he were impressed.

“Even though you’ve incorporated the styles of various warriors, there’s a harmony to it. It’s a finely polished Dancing Sword.”

He complimented Raon with an approving nod.

“My master’s teachings greatly contributed to this.”

Raon used the wind of Garunua, which he had received from Rimmer, to push back Sterin’s Dancing Arrow.

“You’ve incorporated your master’s martial arts? Then, as his grandfather, I can’t afford to lose.”

Sterin smirked, curling his fingers. His arrow swirled like a vortex and shot toward Heavenly Drive.

Kwaaaaang!

The Dancing Sword and the Dancing Arrow clashed again, their collision resounding like thunder in the night sky.

‘As expected, he can’t exert his full strength right now.’

Sterin’s condition wasn’t great, the energy imbued in his Dancing Arrow wasn’t that strong.

Raon thought he had overpowered him and lifted his gaze.

‘Huh…?’

But Sterin’s arrow not only perfectly blocked Heavenly Drive, imbued with the fire of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation, it was pushing the sword back.

“Strange, isn’t it?”

Sterin smiled faintly, looking at Raon, whose eyes were wide with surprise.

“Your energy is far more overwhelming, yet you’re being pushed back.”

“Y-Yes, it is.”

Raon spoke with trembling lips.

“It’s nature.”

Sterin raised his hand. The wrinkles on his palm seemed to reflect the entire world.

“Transcendence is the realm where one can connect with everything in this world. If your own strength isn’t enough, you can borrow the energy of nature. Beings like dragons can do this naturally.”

He explained that in battles between Transcenders, the most important thing is the extent of one’s connection to the world, as he gestured with his finger.

"At first, it won’t be easy. Forcing the energy of nature or borrowing it isn’t simple. But for someone like you, it won’t take very long... Ah?"

Sterin stopped mid-advice, his jaw dropping. The winds of the great forest were gathering around Raon’s Heavenly Drive.

“So this is how it’s done. It’s a bit tricky, but I think I sort of get it.”

Raon nodded, saying he could grasp it through his senses.

“You—y-you can do it right away?”

Sterin’s jaw quivered in disbelief.

“Before coming here, I watched the spar between our head of house and palace master. Both of them didn’t just use their own aura but also the energy of nature. After seeing your movements today, Protector, I think I’ve started to understand.”

Raon bowed, saying he had realized it by watching Sterin move in harmony with nature.

“Khahahaha!”

Sterin burst into laughter, brushing back his white hair.

“That boy was right.”

“Boy?”

“Your master, my grandson.”

Sterin looked down at Rimmer’s sword with clear eyes.

“Rimmer said you always surpass expectations, and he was right.”

Sterin nodded, saying it was still the same.

“But you’re still quite inexperienced. You can do a bit more, right?”

“Of course.”

Raon said he was ready to do as much as needed and raised Heavenly Drive.

“Then let’s continue.”

“Yes!”

Raon felt a sense of nostalgia as he enjoyed the all-night training with Sterin.

*   *   *

Advance chapters: Tinyurl.com/Albnlfff 

For Indonesian: Tinyurl.com/Aldbnlff

As soon as dawn arrived and the spar with Raon ended, Sterin returned home and sank down onto the floor.

“It’s not easy.”

Even though he had only sparred and taught for a few hours, pain, like muscle aches, coursed through his entire body. It was proof he had pushed himself too hard.

In his prime—or even just a few years ago—he could have fought all day without issue. But feeling this level of fatigue now made him realize his time was truly nearing its end.

‘Still, it was enjoyable.’

Perhaps because he got to teach the young Transcender his grandson had raised, a sense of pride welled up stronger than fatigue and pain.

As he lay down, hoping to sleep with a pleasant mood, a white letter dropped before his eyes.

“This is…”

Sterin lifted the letter with trembling hands. As he read it, he sighed deeply, but his gaze hardened with resolve.

After burning the letter, Sterin left his house and headed to the northern edge of the great forest.

When he climbed a yellow hill cloaked in cold energy, a man wearing a golden coat turned to face him.

Eyes shaped like diamonds, resembling those of a snake. It was a dragon in human form.

“You’re late.”

The dragon tilted his chin arrogantly.

“The sun isn’t up yet, so I’m on time.”

Sterin clicked his tongue.

“Besides, the day we arranged for me to come was four days from now, wasn’t it?”

“When I went back and thought about it, there was no reason to give you more time.”

The dragon lowered his hand, saying it seemed best for both sides to reach a conclusion straightaway.

“Am I wrong? Seems you’ve made up your mind as well.”

“You’re correct.”

Sterin nodded calmly.

“So, your answer?”

“Rejection. Seipia will neither side with the dragons nor distance itself from the Five Kings.”

He firmly rejected every aspect of the dragon’s proposal, leaving no room for negotiation.

“Seipia lacks the ability to protect itself right now, doesn’t it?”

The dragon bared his white teeth, his tone laced with threat.

“Do you think the Five Kings would risk their lives for you?”

"That is irrelevant. What meaning is there in living disgracefully after betraying one's honor? Those who betray trust are bound to fall into corruption and ultimately face destruction."

Sterin shook his head, saying he did not wish to live like the Dark Elves.

"Do whatever you want—be it threats or retaliation. As long as I’m alive, I’ll stop it all." 

He straightened his back, showing no regret.

“Retaliation…”

The dragon tilted his head slightly, a thin smile curling at his lips.

"How fortunate. It’s already underway."

“What do you…”

Sterin swallowed dryly and turned around, only to see fiery crimson flames erupting across the great forest surrounding Seipia.

Kugugugu!

 

 

Advance Chapters For Indonesian