The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 931

 Chapter 931

                                        

He merely looked like a handsome merchant, but the man was surrounded by an absolute energy that even Transcenders could not possess.

As Raon faced the golden eyes that revealed the man’s desires without concealment, a suffocating fear and tension surged through him, as if his heart was about to burst.

'The Monarch of Greed… Greed.'

Raon pressed his lips tightly together as he stared at the young man with black hair and golden eyes.

'Why is he here?'

The man, who looked like a wealthy merchant, was none other than Greed, who had once descended upon the Holy Kingdom of Schper.

The monocle, which was said to reveal the essence of one's being and the neatly pressed shirt brought back memories of the overwhelming power he had displayed back then.

'This is dangerous.'

Greed was a demon king that Wrath himself had acknowledged as a formidable opponent. Among the monarchs of devildom, he was among the very strongest, an opponent neither Raon nor Chamber could have defeated even in peak condition.

But now, Raon could barely move a finger, and Chamber had exhausted herself using magic to the brink of death and was currently being treated by saintess Olga.

Karoon, too, had expended all his strength holding back the Black King Sigel and the high-ranking demonized humans on his own. There was no chance of winning in a fight.

He was hoping he wouldn't show up…

Wrath furrowed his brows deeply as he looked at Greed.

As expected, that gold-obsessed bastard is connected to this tower.

'What do you mean?'

Raon shifted only his gaze to look at Wrath.

Remember when someone from this tower tried to kill you and the King of Essence’s subordinates? When he had to step in himself?

'The Demonic Monarch of Azure Flame, Orgos?'

The King of Essence doesn’t know his name. But when he fought him, he could smell Greed’s stench on him. Even when he first arrived here, he caught a whiff of money in the air and had a feeling. And now, it’s confirmed.

Wrath clicked his tongue, saying that Greed had likely played a role in the Black Tower’s growth.

‘…I don’t remember that.’

Raon furrowed his brows deeply. Since he had no recollection of it, Wrath must have spoken while he was unconscious.

'No, that doesn’t matter right now.'

With Greed having revealed himself, whether this place was part of his territory or not was irrelevant. The only thing that mattered now was finding a way to escape.

Crack!

With a thunderous crack, Greed ripped apart the frozen gate to the devildom with his true power and stepped into this dimension.

The moment Raon met his gaze, it felt as if death itself had crept up to his throat. A chill ran down his spine, and his very soul seemed to distort under the sheer overwhelming presence.

'Of all things… it had to be him.'

If it had been Envy, there might have been a way to deceive her, but deceiving Greed was impossible.

'Because of that monocle.'

The monocle Greed wore was a special artifact that revealed the true nature and essence of any being.

Unlike other demon kings, he knew from a single glance that Raon was not actually Wrath, meaning any attempt at deception would be futile.

"You again."

Greed slightly lifted his monocle and twisted his lips into a smirk.

"Wrath’s vessel."

Despite witnessing Raon fight with all the wrath of the Monarch of Wrath, he did not refer to him as Wrath, but instead as merely a vessel.

His voice alone was enough to make Raon's chest ache, as if needles were pricking his heart.

No matter what tricks you try, deceiving that gold-obsessed bastard is impossible.

He shook his head, saying that this time, no amount of acting would work.

Besides, even if you were to summon me, driving that bastard away wouldn’t be easy.

Wrath furrowed his brows, clearly displeased.

Your mind and body are both wrecked right now, so even if the King of Essence descends, he won’t be able to exert his full strength. Not to mention, his own power isn’t in a normal state either…

He let out a deep sigh, saying that the situation was the worst possible one.

‘No, if anything, this is actually better.’

What?

Wrath widened his blue eyes in disbelief.

‘If he sees me as just a vessel, then I should act like one. What matters is that he isn’t seeing you as weak.’

If Greed had believed that Raon was truly Wrath, it would have been even more troublesome. That would mean revealing Wrath’s weakened state. But since he saw Raon only as a vessel, it was much better this way.

‘The best option today is for you to stay out of this, and for me to drive Greed away on my own.’

Given the state of both his body and mind, if Wrath were to descend, the shock to his soul would be unbearable.

His previous wounds hadn’t even fully healed, and Raon didn’t want to burden him with any more soul wounds.

'I do have a plan, but I’m not sure if it’ll work.'

A way to drive Greed away had come to mind, but there was one crucial factor that needed to be in place for it to succeed.

If things didn’t go as planned, the situation could turn catastrophically dangerous.

'For now, I'll have to stall for time.'

Raon took a slow, steady breath as he began laying the groundwork for their escape.

"So this place was under your influence after all."

Suppressing his trembling heart with the power of the Ring of Fire, he met Greed’s gaze.

"After all? Did you know?"

Greed narrowed his eyes as if surprised.

"The monarch of Wrath has long said that the stench of your greed lingers in this land. He always frowned at the filthy smell of money."

Raon slightly reworded what Wrath had said earlier and repeated them to Greed.

Huh?

Wrath’s eyes widened in shock.

You… you bastard, what are you scheming now…?

His chin quivered slightly in unease.

"Last time I saw you, you were pretending to be Wrath. Have you given up on that now? "

Greed narrowed his golden eyes, trying to read Raon's intentions.

"Given your condition, it seems you can’t summon him, can you?"

"Of course I can."

Raon shook his head with an expression of serenity.

“He sees all and feels all. He simply doesn’t consider you worth his time.”

He praised Wrath to the fullest and lowered his hand with an elegant gesture.

Wh-why are you suddenly praising the King of Essence like this?! What are you plotting?! This is making me nervous! Very nervous!

Wrath flinched and shook his head, visibly unnerved.

[To remain calm before such a monster! As expected of my master!]

Zircon nodded enthusiastically in admiration.

You just shut up!

Wrath smacked the back of Zircon’s head in irritation.

[Ugh…]

Zircon groaned, rubbing the bump on his head as he bowed his head deeply.

'Just as I thought…'

Raon took a deep breath and clenched his fist.

'Greed doesn’t want to fight Wrath.'

If Greed truly had nothing to fear, Raon’s head would have already been severed, or his body would have been obliterated before Greed even stepped through that gate.

But instead, he had spoken first to assess the situation. That meant he was wary of Wrath’s potential appearance.

'Just as expected. If I keep pushing like this, I can force him to back off.'

True to his title as the Monarch of Greed, Greed seemed to possess the mindset of a merchant.

If he was made to recognize that fighting Wrath would lead to losses, he would likely withdraw on his own.

"He sees all and feels all? That ignorant guy?"

Greed exhaled incredulously.

"He has simply attained everything. He needs no incantations, no spells. His path itself is the way."

Wrath often said he didn't know spells or incantations well, and that he used his power instinctively. Raon presented this in a respectful way to further stimulate Greed's mind.

"Hmm…"

Greed furrowed his brows as if he could sense Wrath’s presence through Raon’s words.

Hearing your praise makes my hands and feet curl! There's no sincerity in it at all!

Wrath swung his arms, demanding that if Raon was going to say such things, he should at least put a drop of sincerity into them.

'It's not meant for you. Stay out of it.'

Unlike Wrath, Greed seemed to have taken the words seriously, which was satisfying.

What?! You went and praised the King of Essence, and now you’re saying it wasn’t even meant for him?! What kind of nonsense is that?!

Wrath ground his teeth in frustration, unable to understand, but Raon didn’t even glance in his direction, unwilling to let his concentration waver.

"Is the Black Tower’s master a vessel you raised?"

Raon wiggled his fingers as he looked into the golden eyes of the Black Tower’s master.

"Raised? A vessel?"

Greed scoffed in disbelief.

"Of course not. He’s just one of my business partners, nothing more."

He shook his head indifferently, making it clear that the Black Tower master was neither his vessel nor someone he had nurtured.

"The one who raised a human… must have been ‘that guy’ instead."

Greed furrowed his brows slightly, as if recalling something. His words didn’t seem directed at Raon, but rather a passing thought out loud.

"That guy?"

"You don’t know? It seems your all-knowing master didn’t bother telling you."

Greed curled his lips into a mocking smirk.

"The monarch of Wrath does not concern himself with trivial matters. He merely accepts all things as they are."

Raon straightened his posture and met Greed’s golden eyes head-on.

"If you have a complaint, come at me. The monarch of Wrath has already said he’s willing to come out this very moment."

He raised his chin, throwing the gamble.

"Hmm…"

Greed’s eyes deepened as if trying to read Raon's thoughts.

*   *   *

"What… is that…?"

Karoon’s jaw trembled as he stared at the black-haired, golden-eyed young man standing before the gate to the devildom.

'How can such a monster exist…?'

The Black Tower’s master’s demonic energy had been shocking enough, but the being standing above them far surpassed even that.

Just looking at him was suffocating, as if his soul itself was being crushed. It felt like this entire world was gripped in his palm.

"Urgh…"

"Kh…"

"Aaargh!"

The absolute energy wave radiating from the black-haired, golden-eyed young man forced the Light Wind Palace swordsmen and the Central Martial Palace swordsmen to their knees, gasping for air. The sheer difference in level was so overwhelming that many simply lost consciousness.

"Who the hell is that bastard?!"

"Damn it… I can't breathe…."

"Ugh…"

Martha, Burren, and Runaan, along with the other Grandmasters, barely managed to keep their footing, but it was clear that they wouldn’t be able to endure much longer.

'He's definitely a demon.'

And not just any demon.

Most people assumed that the natural counter to demonic energy was holy power, but in reality, there were cases where demonic energy itself could overpower holy power.

Seeing the knights collapse instantly without even being able to resist confirmed that this man was at least a demon king.

The only relief was that Saintess Olga was still conscious and healing Chamber. If she had collapsed as well, the situation would have turned even more catastrophic.

'Relief?'

Was that really the case?

Chamber had fainted, and neither he nor Raon could even exert half their full power. There was no way to stop this demon.

'No… Even at full strength, it wouldn’t be possible.'

Someone of that level, only Glenn himself could stand against him. The word "despair," which had long been forgotten, surfaced in Karoon’s mind.

'What the hell are we supposed to do…? Hm?'

As he turned his gaze, hoping to at least save the younger ones, he saw Raon.

Even in front of that overwhelmingly powerful demon, he stood firm, unshaken, calmly conversing.

Even from this distance, Karoon’s hands trembled under the pressure of the demon’s energy. And yet, Raon, despite his exhausted state, did not falter.

'Is he buying us time?'

It looked as though Raon was deliberately drawing the demon’s attention onto himself, giving them an opportunity to escape.

"Saintess."

Karoon grabbed Olga’s trembling shoulder and nodded.

"Get out of here as quickly as possible."

He entrusted Chamber to her and ordered the rest of his subordinates to move outside as fast as they could.

'Raon…'

Karoon watched Raon standing unwavering in front of the overwhelming presence and slowly raised the hand gripping his sword.

'At the very least, I won’t let you die alone.'

*   *   *

"Hmm."

Greed clicked his tongue slightly as he looked at Raon.

"……."

Raon met Greed’s blatant gaze and slightly raised his fingertips.

‘He’s weighing his options.’

More specifically, he was wary of Wrath.

Previously, Greed had underestimated Raon, only to suffer great losses when Wrath suddenly advent.

He had spent billions in gold and suffered severe injuries himself. It was clear that he was being more cautious this time.

'I have to keep pushing the idea that Wrath is still a threat.'

To be honest, given the current state of his body and mind, summoning Wrath might not even be possible.

But Greed didn’t know that. He had to use the difference in information to create a situation where the guy could back down on his own.

"What is Wrath doing right now?"

Greed tilted his chin slightly and shifted his gaze, his golden eyes flickering as if observing something unseen.

"He said he wants to smash that smug face of yours."

Raon briefly glanced at Wrath before giving a firm nod.

When did he ever say that?! …But that was well said! That face is truly unbearable!

Wrath nodded in satisfaction at the insult.

But… are you sure about this?

He clicked his tongue.

'Sure about what?'

You think of Greed as a merchant, and he does act like one. But at his core, he is a demon. And not just any demon, he is the greediest being in devildom.

Wrath warned that underestimating him based on simple logic would be dangerous.

"Actually…."

Greed clicked his tongue as he gazed at the ruined Black Tower and the fallen demons scattered beneath it.

"Now that the war is over, and given that Wrath is behind you, picking a fight here wouldn’t be a wise decision. Even if I kill you while avoiding Wrath, the damage done won’t be reversed."

Contrary to Wrath’s warning, Greed made a rational, businesslike judgment, waving his hand dismissively.

"However…"

Greed’s eyes flickered like lightning illuminating the night sky.

"You spark my greed."

"What?"

"You’ve grown to this level in just a few short years since I saw you in Schper. Even if you are Wrath’s vessel, your rate of growth is incomprehensible."

The word greed burned within his golden pupils.

"Even if it means provoking Wrath’s wrath, making a proper investment in you doesn’t seem like a bad idea."

A grotesque smile twisted across Greed’s lips as he reached out his hand.

Bow!

'Ah…'

Wrath told him to lower his body, but Raon couldn't move.

Greed’s movement wasn’t particularly fast or slow, yet the flow within his gesture was absolute, even if his body were in perfect condition, dodging it would have been impossible.

'Damn it…'

No matter how he tried to react, he couldn’t see a way to escape that hand. It felt as though his very soul had already been seized within Greed’s grasp.

You frustrating fool!

Just as Wrath ground his teeth and moved forward, an intoxicatingly sweet yet chilling scent drifted in on the wind.

For a brief moment, Raon’s mind went blank, caught in the trance of the fragrance. Immediately after, a syrupy sweetness, reminiscent of fruit-drenched ice cream, followed.

Kwaaaaaang!

In an instant, two figures appeared before his eyes, knocking away Greed’s hand.

A woman with flowing pink hair and a young girl with white hair stood before him, shielding him from Greed.

"You two…"

Greed furrowed his brows as he looked at the two women standing protectively in front of Raon.

"You remembered me."

The pink-haired woman ignored Greed and turned her body slightly. Her soft, flickering pink eyes gleamed, it was Lust.

"To think you would put my authority into your technique… Now, I can die without regrets."

Lust smiled in a way that was impossible to describe, saying she was very happy..

"Money…."

The white-haired girl put her finger in her mouth and grabbed his sleeve. It was none other than Gluttony, the monarch of Gluttony.

"It’s all gone…."

Gluttony blinked her red eyes, saying she needed money to buy ice cream again.

Kyaaaaaaah!

Wrath, upon seeing Lust, completely forgot about stopping Greed and instead stumbled backward, letting out a piercing scream.

'I didn’t expect both of them to show up.'

Raon curled his lips as he looked back and forth between Gluttony and Lust.

'If it's like this….'

I might be able to get Greed's power.