The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 947

 Chapter 947

 

"The bead ice cream here is said to be the best on the continent."

A black-haired young man, who appeared to be a Zieghart swordsman, winked at the blonde woman walking beside him.

Whether they were on a date or not, a soft and warm atmosphere gently bloomed between the two.

"Really?"

The blonde woman widened her eyes in surprise.

“In Zieghart, where it's cold all year round, this place sells out every single day. That alone says it all. It’s so popular that new flavors are released here first.”

The black-haired young man licked his lips, saying it was a must-try dessert.

"It’s dessert... we haven’t even had breakfast yet."

“That’s why we came. If we’re late, you might not get the flavor you want.”

"Is it that popular?"

"Every time the Light Wind finishes a mission, one of the team leaders always buys a ton of ice cream. So... huh!"

As he lowered his shoulder slightly and opened the ice cream shop’s door, he froze in place.

“Ughhh...”

The black-haired young man trembled all over as if he were about to faint.

“Honey?”

“Good day, sir!”

He bowed deeply toward the table inside, then began to back away little by little.

"Le-let's go."

“Where are we going all of a sudden—?”

“This is no place for people to be!”
Grabbing the blonde woman by the wrist, the black-haired young man pulled her out of the ice cream shop.

“At least tell me why before running!”

“We can’t go in there! That place is haunted by demons!”

As soon as he left the shop, he dashed off into the distance, leaving even his girlfriend behind.

"That crazy bastard!"

While the blonde woman stomped her foot in anger, a group of children around twelve years old walked past her.

“I heard next week they’re getting a honey-glazed melon flavor.”

The short kid smacked his lips.

"I don’t like fruit flavors. Chocolate is the best."

The one wearing a cap shook his finger, declaring chocolate as the top flavor.

"Kids these days don’t know taste."

The short kid clicked his tongue, sounding disappointed.

“Says the one who always mooches off others?”

“I treated you last week, remember?”

It was unclear whether the kids got along or not—they bickered as they entered the bead ice cream shop.

"Uncle! We’ll have the chocolate and—huh?"

"Eek!"

But the moment the two kids stepped into the shop, they froze on the spot like statues standing outside a school.

"W-we’ll come back later!"

"E-Ergh…"

The short kid and the one in the cap locked arms like best friends, completely forgetting they’d just been arguing, and shot out of the ice cream shop like they’d seen a ghost.

“Hey, watch where you’re going, kids!”

Krein furrowed his brow as he sidestepped the children dashing out like wild animals.

“Tsk tsk. Kids these days have no manners. Back in my day, we weren’t like that.”

He clicked his tongue roughly, as if genuinely disappointed.

"You mean when tried to take on Sir Raon and got smacked down instantly."

Dorian snickered as he gave Krein a tap on the shoulder.

"T-that was when I was a kid!"

“Exactly. You were just as bad.”

He waved his hand dismissively, as if to say all kids are the same.

“I mean, we were all around the same age back then… It’s not like I was completely rude or anything…”

Krein wrinkled his nose, recalling the time he first got beat up by Raon.

“Anyway, why’d you want to come here in the first place?”

Dorian glanced up at the ice cream shop’s sign and gave a slight jerk of his chin.

“I think there might be some kind of secret in this place.”

"A secret?"

“Yeah. Every time we return to Zieghart, either the palace master or Lady Ruunan always stops by this shop. Who knows? The secret behind how strong they’ve gotten might be in this ice cream.”

Krein, saying they should check it out for themselves, pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Oh? It’s the palace master! See, I told you he’s always he—huh!”

He raised his hand to wave at Raon, who was sitting at a table, but then his chin started trembling uncontrollably.

"Glrk!"

Dorian also swallowed hard, startled by what he saw.

"Huh?"

"Hmm."

Karoon and Balder, seated across from Raon, turned their heads with narrowed eyes.

The two were exuding such fierce and ominous energy waves that it was clear they were not in a good mood.

"W-we’ll be going now. Enjoy your training!"

Krein, his mind seemingly frozen stiff, blurted out, “Enjoy your training!” to the three men sitting in front of their ice cream, then turned and fled.

“I-I just remembered I’m low on supplies, so I’ll be going too!”

Dorian also hastily backed out of the shop, clearly unwilling to stay a moment longer.

"Haah…"

Raon brushed the hair that had fallen over his forehead and let out a long sigh.

‘There they go again.’

Everyone who came into the ice cream shop took one look at Karoon and Balder’s faces and ran away.

Given everything they’d done and all the rumors about them, it was no wonder people found them nothing but terrifying.

“I-I-if there’s anything I can do to help, p-please let me know… anything at all…”

Even the shop owner couldn’t withstand the pressure. He stuttered like a broken wooden puppet with its strings cut.

"They’re all delicious!"

This is happiness! When the King of Essence returns to the devildom, he’ll build a bead ice cream factory! Bigger than your house!

The only ones smiling inside the shop were Sia and Wrath.

‘This is worse than I expected.’

He knew something like this could happen when Wrath and Sia kept pestering him to bring Karoon and Balder to the ice cream shop, but the situation was turning out even more serious than he’d imagined.

He didn’t think people would actually cry out “Sorry!” and run away like a grand sorcerer had cast a barrier over the entire shop.

‘But… maybe that’s to be expected?’

Three of the four palace masters of Zieghart had gathered here. Of course people would be terrified.

‘And they’re not even trying to hide their mood.’

Karoon and Balder made it obvious they were displeased about being here, letting their oppressive pressure leak out.

Add to that their massive builds and scowling expressions, and it was no wonder regular people were feeling suffocated.

Ding.

While Raon was shaking his head, the door to the shop opened again.

‘They’ll probably turn right back around.’

He turned, expecting whoever it was to make a quick exit, but the person standing by the entrance just stared blankly in their direction.

"Runaan?"

The one who entered this time was Runaan. As always, she seemed to have come just to eat bead ice cream.

"Hello."

Even after seeing Raon, Karoon, and Balder sitting there, Runaan gave nothing more than a small nod and calmly walked over to choose her ice cream. It struck Raon, she was, as always, someone with a firm and unshakable sense of her own mind.

“What are you getting? This one was pretty good.”

Sia walked up and began recommending the flavors she’d liked herself.

“This one tastes the best.”

True to her nature, she went straight for the mint chocolate without a moment's hesitation.

As expected of the Ice Cream Girl! A worthy choice for the King of Essence’s top subordinate!

Wrath nodded in approval, proud of his subordinate.

‘Since when was she your top subordinate…?’

Raon sighed, calming down the overly excited Wrath.

“This is better than I thought. I could even have it as a snack with drinks.”

Balder licked his lips, already deciding to stock up on bead ice cream for the True Martial Palace.

“The taste isn’t bad, but it’s a bit too sweet. Probably not something I should eat too often.”

Karoon lowered his eyes slightly, as if quietly reaffirming the restraint expected of a warrior.

"You two."

Raon turned to face Karoon and Balder.

“Let’s begin. What was it you came to say, showing up at the annex building this early in the morning?”

He nodded while eating the remaining mint chocolate marble ice cream.

“Hrmm!”

Balder shoved the remaining scoop of bead ice cream into his mouth, then slammed his foot down with a loud thud.

Boom!

Even though he hadn’t infused it with aura, his sheer size caused the entire shop to shake.

“That’s right! Sitting around all quiet like this isn’t how the master of the True Martial Palace should act!”

Balder leaned his bear-like upper body forward, as if he’d made up his mind.

“Kid! I need something from you.”

"Yes. Please speak."

Raon nodded calmly, having already expected it would be some kind of request.

“Create a martial art that suits me!”

Balder brought his hands together, as if pleading earnestly.

“If you make it for me, I’ll grant anything you want in return!”

“Hmm…”

Raon tilted his head slightly as he looked at Balder, whose hands were faintly trembling with sincerity.

“Wouldn’t it be better to ask the head of house about creating a new martial art?”

He could craft martial techniques, sure, but not at Glenn’s level. He genuinely didn’t understand why Balder had come to him instead.

“Father’s martial arts are too high-level for me. They don’t suit me. But the ones they’re simpler and more straightforward. I want to use your swordsmanship!”

Balder clenched his fist tightly, saying Raon’s techniques matched his style better.

Clack!

Karoon slammed his spoon down on the table.

“You’re seriously asking your nephew to make you a martial art? Have you lost your mind?”

He narrowed his eyes in disbelief.

“Do you have no sense of shame?”

“He’s stronger than me. What’s there to be ashamed of? If he’s that good, why shouldn’t I ask him?”

Balder scoffed, showing not a shred of embarrassment.

“Then what about you, brother? Why have you been so hesitant? Can’t even say what you came here for!”

Balder lifted his chin, as if telling him to stop rambling and just spit it out.

“Hmm…”

Karoon turned his gaze slightly and looked at Raon.

“I…”

He took a quiet breath. After a short pause, he gave a low nod, as if making up his mind.

“I want to spar with you.”

“…A spar?”

Raon widened his eyes at Karoon.

‘A spar, out of nowhere?’

He had expected a request from Balder, but never imagined Karoon would ask to spar. A surprised breath slipped out of him.

“During the last war… watching you, I realized something. And I want to confirm that understanding through a spar.”

Karoon nodded slowly. This, it seemed, was the favor he had come to ask.

“Hmph!”

Balder slammed his fist on the table and twisted his lips into a grin.

“You gave me grief for using my nephew, and now you’re doing the exact same thing!”

He clicked his tongue long and loud, wagging his finger.

“Trying to beat him up in broad daylight! Are you still salty that Raon took off the Black Tower master's head?”

Balder snorted, scoffing that a man's jealousy was truly a pathetic thing.

“I just want a fair spar. And honestly, if we fight now, there’s no telling who’d win.”

Karoon shook his head firmly, insisting it was completely different.

“Same here! I’m just asking him, fair and square, to make me a martial art!”

Balder slapped his palm down, saying it was exactly the same.

“How is that the same!”

“In the end, it all comes down to the same thing!”

Karoon and Balder glared at each other with furrowed brows. As brothers, they really did look alike from the side when they argued like that.

“Please don’t fight.”

Raon slipped his hand between the two.

“I’ll take care of the True Martial Palace master’s request first. Please tell me what kind of martial art you want.”

It was true that Balder’s first impression had been terrible, but in the end, he was just a simple man.

And considering all the help he’d given Raon, and all the times he’d asked for favors, it wasn’t a problem to create one martial art for him.

“You know the thing you’re good at! That swordsmanship that smashes everything away in one strike! I want something like that, but usable with flexible sword!”

Despite his massive build, Balder wielded a long and flexible sword with surprising smoothness and finesse.

Raon figured it would work well to create a martial art that could deliver the same explosive power as the Flame Dragon Art or the Heavenly Heavy Cannon—but with flexible sword.

“I understand. But I’ll need some time, I’m going into the Chamber of Self next week.”

“No problem! I’m great at waiting!”

Balder said he could wait, but the way his legs were already twitching gave him away. He looked like he couldn’t wait even a moment longer.

“Chamber of Self?”

Karoon narrowed his eyes, surprised.

“You’re planning to go in now? That might not be the best idea.”

He seemed to share Glenn’s view, his brow furrowing at the thought.

“Surpassing Transcendence is still a distant goal for me. Maybe even impossible. So I’d rather go in while I still have time.”

“You have broken through every wall on your own so far…”

Karoon nodded slowly, as if reconsidering and finding Raon’s decision not so bad.

“Then I guess a spar will be difficult.”

“No. Let’s do it.”

Raon smiled as he met Karoon’s eyes, the red in them now softening like fading light.

“But let’s do it twice.”

“Twice?”

Karoon tilted his head, confused.

“Yes. Once before I enter the Chamber of Self, and again after I come out.”

“…So you want to gauge how much you’ve improved, through me?”

Karoon let out a dry chuckle, finally understanding.

“Yes. Will you accept?”

Raon placed both hands together on the table with a hole in it and waited for Karoon’s response.

“…Alright.”

Karoon pushed aside his empty ice cream cup and nodded.

“I accept.”

Rather than displeasure, there was a faint note of anticipation in his voice as he smacked his lips.

Rumble—

Just as Raon and Karoon’s fierce gazes clashed, a giant serving of bead ice cream suddenly rose up between them.

“I picked it out with Runaan! Let’s all eat together!”

Sia waved cheerfully, saying it tastes better when you share.

“Ahem…”

“Ah…”

Raon and Karoon both flushed slightly, as if suddenly reminded that they were in a brightly lit ice cream shop with pastel wallpaper.

“W-well, let’s eat then.”

Raon smiled awkwardly and picked up his spoon.

“…Alright.”

Karoon nodded too, lowering his gaze just a little.

“Ugh…”
The shop owner stifled a groan, tears welling in his eyes.

‘When are those people going to leave…?’

Business was good, sure—but he felt like he was going to suffocate.

‘This is a kids’ ice cream shop! What the hell is all this!?’

*   *   *

After leaving the ice cream shop, Karoon entered the audience chamber.

“I’ve requested a spar with the Light Wind Palace master.”

He bowed toward Glenn, who was seated on the golden throne, his gaze as dull and bored as ever.

“I figured as much.”

Glenn nodded, as if he had been expecting it.

“There was a thirst in your eyes.”

“But there’s something you might not know, head of house.”

Karoon raised two fingers and lifted his hand.

“Raon asked that we spar twice.”

“Twice?”

Glenn narrowed his eyes slightly, curious about what that meant.

“Yes. Once before entering the Chamber of Self, and once after. I think he intends to use me as a test subject.”

Karoon gave a subtle smile, as if amused that he’d gone to ask something, only to find himself the one being asked.

“That’s just like Raon.”

Glenn leaned back into the throne and let out a small laugh, as if amused by something he hadn’t anticipated.

“As you know already, head of house… no one desires that seat more than I do.”

Karoon gestured toward the golden throne Glenn was sitting on.

“If someone else were to become the head of house, I was planning to leave the family. However…”

He turned his gaze slowly to the darkening window, lowering his chin slightly.

“If the person who becomes the head of house is someone I can truly acknowledge… I think I could accept being beneath them.”

“Karoon…”

Glenn widened his eyes, sensing the meaning behind Karoon’s words.

“Of course, I have no intention of stepping down willingly. I’ll pour out blood and flesh, and even grind my soul if I must, to reach that seat.”

Karoon bit his lip and stared at the golden throne. The cold gleam that usually filled his eyes now shimmered with a burning heat.

“Then I’ll see you at the arena tomorrow.”

Having said all he needed to say, Karoon turned around and left the audience chamber.

“I used to think I’d feel a sense of loss no matter who I handed that seat to…”

Glenn brushed his hand along the golden throne Karoon had just been staring at and smacked his lips softly.

“But now… I think I could accept either of them.”

A quiet smile crossed his lips, as if he was genuinely looking forward to what was to come.

‘Though I’m not sure if I’ll be around to see it…’

*   *   *

The next day at noon.

Raon stepped into the lord manor’s training ground, his footsteps calm and steady, like still water.

Inside the training ground were four people, Glenn, Aris, Denier, and Balder. Just the four of them.

“I greet the head of house.”

Raon approached Glenn and bowed.

“Don’t waste your energy on formalities.”

Glenn waved his hand, as if telling him to get on with the spar already.

“Nephew! Make sure you wipe the floor with that arrogant bastard today!”

Balder stomped his foot, telling Raon to sweep Karoon aside like he was nothing.

“Shall we see what the Sword Emperor who cut down the Black Tower's master is truly capable of?”

Aris licked his lips, arms crossed as he watched with interest.

“A spar between Transcenders… not something you can see even if you pay for it. I’m looking forward to this.”

Denier took a step back, a faint smile on his face.

‘Denier…’

Raon narrowed his eyes slightly as he glanced at Denier.

‘Is he here to gauge my strength?’

It was bothering him, even if just a little.

Unlike the others, Denier was someone whose true intentions were impossible to read.

Raon wanted to call it out directly, but Denier had yet to do anything suspicious. There was nothing to accuse him of—yet.

‘Then I’ll just show him strength so overwhelming, it’ll be useless to even observe.’

It might not be a bad idea to display such overwhelming might that even Denier would gain nothing from observing him.

“Since this is a spar between palace masters, I’ve only called a few people.”

Glenn stepped up onto the platform, telling them to focus solely on the fight.

“Thank you.”

Raon bowed his head politely to Glenn.

Just then, the doors to the training ground opened, and Karoon entered.

Gooooooong—

Karoon stepped up onto the arena, his eyes gleaming with a chilling light. It was clear from his gaze that he intended to take this spar with utmost seriousness. His eyes felt like blades themselves, just meeting them made Raon’s skin tingle.

“Are you ready?”

Karoon’s fingertips were flushed red, as if he’d already gone through his warm-up.

“Of course.”

Raon responded that they could begin anytime and placed his hand on the hilt of Heavenly Drive.

“Good.”

Karoon nodded, seemingly satisfied, and gripped the hilt of his own sword.

Vmmmmm—

The two stood within reach of one another, motionless like statues, neither wasting even a breath.

Huuuu...

As cold sweat began to bead on their brows, a massive hawk rose into the sky from the direction of North Grave mountain.

And the moment its shadow glided over the training ground.

Srrrriiing!

Raon and Karoon drew their swords at the same time, their blades lunging straight for each other’s throats.

Claaang!

The clash of their blades unleashed a deafening roar that felt like it could tear eardrums apart.

“Let’s see how deep you really go.”

Karoon tightened his grip on his sword, as if signaling Raon to brace himself. His blade lunged forward, as though it might pierce through Raon’s throat at any moment.

“I’m sorry, but I run deeper than you’ll reach.”

As Raon turned his wrist, Karoon’s fierce strike—crashing down with overwhelming force— began to slowly lose its edge. His red eyes flared like the flame dancing along Heavenly Drive, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips.

“If you want to see how deep I go… you’ll have to stake your life.”

 

 

 

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