The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 946

 Chapter 946

 

“Chamber of Self, huh...”

Glenn narrowed his eyes as he looked at Raon.

“No one’s entered since Karoon, so even though I haven’t checked, you should be able to enter now.”

He nodded, saying it had likely recovered by now, and the Chamber of Self should be usable again.

“But why so suddenly?”

“Because this war made me realize how much I still lack.”

Raon let out a short sigh as he looked at the lake’s surface, where the moon shimmered.

“My current martial prowess is probably comparable to the heads of the Five Divine Orders, like the Thespian Emperor or the Demon Slaying Spear. Considering my age, even I find it ridiculous...”

He bit his lip thinly as he looked up at the clearly visible moon that wasn’t reflected on the lake.

“But the enemies I and the Light Wind Palace must face from now on are above them. The White Blood Religion, Eden, Derus Robert, none of them are easy opponents.”

The White Blood Religion’s leader, the Fallen, the Heavenly Demon, Derus Robert, and the celestials. The enemies he had to face were so powerful that he couldn’t face them without help from other Transcenders.

If he wanted to leave even a single wound on them, he couldn’t be satisfied with his current strength and level. He had to keep moving forward.

Th-The Chamber of Self?

Wrath trembled and glanced sideways, his lips quivering.

So that’s why you told me to get used to Nadine Bread! You damned bastard!

It seemed he’d just realized what Raon had meant earlier, and he gnashed his teeth.

You damn leech! We've only had one proper meal since we got back, why are you so desperate to go hungry again?

Wrath shook his head, asking Raon to stop tormenting him.

‘It’s not starving. I’m eating Nadine bread.’

That’s even worse!

‘Yeah. But I still have to eat it.’

Raon shook his head, brushing aside the lunging Wrath.

“Letting you enter the Chamber of Self isn’t a problem. However...”

Glenn lowered his eyebrows slightly, as if concerned.

"Are you truly sure about this?"

"Huh…?"

Raon tilted his head, not understanding what Glenn meant.

“What do you mean by that?”

He had been granted permission to enter the Chamber of Self long ago, so he didn’t understand why Glenn would ask if he was sure.

“The Chamber of Self is a place a swordsman enters to break through a wall. There are many warriors who’ve shattered the wall that blocked them for years, or even decades, and reached the next level inside that chamber.”

Glenn raised a finger and drew a small door in the air.

“On the other hand, swordsmen who haven’t hit a wall returned from the Chamber of Self without gaining anything special. You probably know this better than anyone, but there is currently no wall standing before you.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he knew Raon’s current level and state down to the finest detail.

“You can only enter the Chamber of Self once in your life. That’s why I’m asking, are you sure you want to go in now?”

“Hmm...”

Raon stroked his chin and let out a quiet breath.

‘So that was the reason.’

Raon hadn’t known that the Chamber of Self didn’t have much effect unless a swordsman was blocked by a wall. Only now did Glenn’s earlier words make sense.

"I originally intended to allow you into the Room of Self to help you reach transcendence. But..."

Glenn slowly turned his gaze.

"You came to understand sadness, and through your own strength, you stepped into Transcendence. Since you created that opportunity yourself, entering now might not bring you much, but it may still be worth something."

He nodded slightly, his eyes filled with deep sorrow as he looked at Raon.

“Hmm...”

Raon gave a slight chin gesture toward Wrath.

‘What do you think?’

Absolutely don’t go in! He never wants to eat that damned Nadine bread again!

Wrath scowled, saying the rubbery taste still lingered on his tongue.

But... The King of Essence had seen many fools die clinging to chances they never used. Leave something sitting too long, and it turns to crap

He smacked his lips, saying good food should be eaten before it spoils.

‘Thanks for the honest advice.’

Raon chuckled softly as he looked at Wrath puffing out his cheeks.

‘That’s pretty much what I was thinking too.’

The reason he had been saving his one chance to enter the Chamber of Self was to break the wall to Transcendence.

But since there was no guarantee he’d ever reach the realm beyond Transcendence before death, it was better to use the opportunity now to become just a little stronger.

“The Chamber of Self… It was created by the First head of house, wasn’t it?”

Raon placed his hand on the scabbard of Heavenly Drive and looked at Glenn.

“Yes.”

Glenn gave a slow nod.

“I heard the Chamber of Self was created even before the first building of Zieghart was constructed. I haven’t seen it myself, so I can’t say for sure if it’s true.”

He lowered his finger, saying that the Chamber of Self was one of the oldest places in Zieghart.

“Then I’ll enter.”

Raon brought his hands together, stating his decision.

‘If the first head of house made it, there might be some kind of arrangement left behind.’

The first head had planted seeds for the future in various places. If what Glenn said was true, there might be some arrangement left in the Chamber of Self as well.

“Then I should get things ready.”

Glenn nodded, as if agreeing to Raon’s decision and preparing to fulfill his part.

“Well then, I’ll—”

“Just a moment, grandfather.”

Raon stopped Glenn from leaving by calling him grandfather.

“If it’s not too much trouble... could you show me a demonstration of the Heavenly Lightning of the Azure Sky?”

Before entering the Chamber of Self, Raon wanted to see for himself the new martial technique that had been created by Glenn, combining the Azure Sky Sword and the Heavenly Lightning Cultivation.

“Ahem!”

Glenn cleared his throat and only slightly turned his shoulder.

“You said it’s a martial technique that fuses the Azure Sky Sword and the Heavenly Lightning Cultivation… I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep from the curiosity. I really want to see it from your sword, grandfather.”

"In that case, I have no choice! Alright! Follow me!"

Seemingly pleased, Glenn’s earlobes turned red as he led the way past the lake toward the base of North Grave mountain.

“Thank you.”

Raon smiled and followed Glenn across the lake.

So you’ve finally figured out how to butter up that Nadine bread old man...

Wrath frowned as he watched Raon’s light steps.

Took you long enough! You clueless idiot!

He snorted, saying Raon should have done this three years earlier.

‘Three years ago? But back then, the head of house hated me.’

Raon tilted his head, puzzled.

Forget it. He has nothing more to say.

Wrath waved his hand dismissively, as if it wasn’t worth talking about anymore.

How can someone be so hopelessly dense in just this one area? Are you even human…?

*   *   *

Kwarurururung!

The thunderous roar echoed as the lightning Raon unleashed from his sword rose into the sky, then fell as a red bolt. That colossal beam of light, brighter than the newly risen sun, split the earth as it struck.

Kuwaaaaaaang!

A blinding flash rained down, carving a blackened crater into the ground. The hole was so deep it was hard to believe it had been created by human strength.

Crackle.

Raon lowered Heavenly Drive, which still crackled faintly with lightning, and let out a dry laugh.

“It really is different.”

Though Glenn said the Heavenly Lightning of the Azure Sky was created by combining forms of the Azure Sky Sword and the Heavenly Lightning Cultivation, actually using it revealed something else entirely.

‘Should I say it combines only the strengths of both sword techniques?’

The sword path seemed to contain the grandeur of the Azure Sky Sword and the sharp, piercing aggression of the Heavenly Lightning Cultivation. The Heavenly Lightning of the Azure Sky felt like the pinnacle of martial technique, something only one who stood at the highest heights of Transcendence could have created.

‘Of course, the long activation time is a drawback.’

Each sword had its own strengths and weaknesses, so it felt like all three could be used in different situations.

‘By practicing them, I can also improve my proficiency with the destructive sword, azure sword, long sword, and lightning sword.’

Thanks to the Heavenly Lightning of the Azure Sky, it felt like he could make up for the principles he lacked. It was a martial art with a wide range of practical uses.

“Hmm…”

Glenn looked at the crater Raon had created and gave a calm nod.

“To cause this much destruction even with me suppressing it with my energy… you really do learn fast.”

He clicked his tongue briefly, sounding both proud and slightly regretful.

“The flow of the forms still needs work, but you’ll be able to improve it on your own.”

As if he had nothing more to teach, Glenn sheathed his Heavenly Tremor.

“It’s all thanks to your excellent teaching, grandfather.”

Raon smiled faintly, saying it was thanks to Glenn.

“Ahem! It was nothing.”

Glenn waved a hand like it was no big deal, but judging by how red his face turned, like an autumn apple, he seemed quite pleased.

“So, when will you enter the Chamber of Self?”

He gave a slight chin nod, as if saying he would prepare things once Raon decided.

“I’d like to go in right away.”

Raon shook off the lingering lightning from Heavenly Drive and nodded.

The King of Essence would very much not like to go in right away!

Wrath shook his head fiercely, saying there were still plenty of things he wanted to eat.

He had heard about that place. The flow of time and space was completely different in there! If you go in without preparation, both you and the King of Essence are going to suffer!

He shouted that it would be hard to endure and told Raon to think carefully.

‘I’m already prepared.’

Raon pushed the protesting Wrath aside and turned to wait for Glenn’s response.

“Right away, huh…”

Glenn rubbed his chin and slowly shook his head.

“I understand how you feel, but the Chamber of Self is nothing like a regular training chamber. Time and space are completely different inside, so it’s best to prepare thoroughly before you go.”

He shook his head, telling him not to rush.

“You’re probably still carrying the fatigue of battle, so go in one week from now.”

“I’ll follow your advice, grandfather.”

Raon immediately bowed his head without a single objection.

Huh?

Wrath’s eyes widened in disbelief.

He said the exact same thing! You ignore him like he’s nothing, but the moment that old man says it, you nod and obey?!

He raised his fist in protest, yelling that this was outright discrimination.

"Thanks for understanding. I'll see you in a week, then."

Glenn told Raon to come find him at the main building and then left the base of the Grave North Mountain.

Hey! Don’t ignore me!

Wrath thumped his own shoulder with his chubby fist, as if demanding Raon look at him.

The King of Essence is still a king in the devildom, you know! His rank is higher than that old man’s!

He threw punch after punch into the air, demanding to be treated with proper respect as a Demon King.

‘I get it, I get it. So calm down already.’

How do you expect him to calm down! He just got treated like he didn’t even exist...

‘Well, now we’ve got a whole week. I’ll let you eat everything you want.’

Well, in that case, fine!

Wrath nodded instantly, as if he hadn’t just been throwing a tantrum moments ago.

‘…Incredible.’

Raon had already planned to eat all of Wrath’s favorite foods anyway, but he hadn’t expected the Demon King’s mood to flip so easily. Truly a peculiar Demon King.

He lightly patted Wrath’s head, who was now in a good mood again, and returned to the annex building.

The sun had long since risen, smoke curling up from the chimney, and the kitchen was already filled with delicious aromas.

What perfect timing! We’ll eat breakfast, then go straight for some bead ice cream!

Wrath grinned widely, his mood lifted by the smell of food.

‘That doesn’t sound bad at all.’

Raon nodded and opened the door of the annex building.

Olga, her face still damp as if she had just washed it, froze in place when she saw him.

‘Now that she’s up, I can really tell.’

She really has changed, like a different person altogether.

Originally, Olga’s skin was melting due to holy power, with black lines tattooed all over her body.

But after undergoing a complete transformation, her skin was now milk-white, like that of a newborn child.

Once a wretched-looking villainess radiating ruin, she now gave off the gentle warmth of a saintess.

"Now you finally look like a saintess. It suits you well."

“Mm…”

Olga blinked slowly, as if her mind were still hazy, then took a step back.

"You went off to train again, didn’t you? Seriously, you just can’t sit still for even a moment!"

Sylvia came up behind Olga, shaking her head like she was tired of it. Then she turned slightly and gave Olga a look—like she was telling her to do something.

“Ah!”

As if she’d come to her senses, Olga straightened up and bowed her head to Raon.

“Thank you. To be honest, I didn’t believe you. I never imagined you’d be able to change me this much. I’m truly grateful.”

She bowed even deeper, repeating her thanks twice.

"Just words?"

Raon tilted his chin toward Sylvia’s head, his eyes teasing.

"Uh… wh-what?"

Olga’s lips trembled as she stammered in confusion.

"I used quite a bit on your treatment, you know. Two of the highest-grade elixirs went into it—real top-tier stuff."

“But… those were given by the head of house...”

"He didn’t just hand them over for nothing. I had to talk him into it."

Raon shook his head firmly, making it clear it wasn’t some free gift.

“I also used up every bit of my aura, and I still haven’t recovered. On top of that, I exhausted all my mental strength, I’ve still got a splitting headache. It felt like fighting another war with the Black Tower.”

“Ugh…”

The more Raon spoke, the more Olga seemed to shrink, drawing in her shoulders until they looked barely the size of her palms. Her trembling eyes turned toward Sylvia.

“Hrk.”

Sylvia’s chin twitched. She clearly hadn’t expected Raon to say any of that. She quickly turned her back to avoid meeting Olga’s eyes.

“Th-then… what am I supposed to do…?”

Olga let out a deep sigh, as if realizing that no matter what she did, there was no way she could fully repay the debt.

“What should you do? For starters, learn to dance and sing. I like music. So whenever I get bored, you’ll play instruments and sing for me. Oh, how are you at cooking? If you’re no good, you better learn. There’s going to be a lot you’ll need to make for me later.”

Raon chuckled, listing off things that Olga would never want to do.

“Grrr…”

Olga sucked in a sharp breath, as if she were envisioning the hellish future that awaited her.

“You know what?! Fine! Bring it on! Singing, dancing, whatever the hell else—you name it, I’ll do it, you bastard!”

She stomped her foot, yelling that if she was going to do it, she’d do it properly. It seemed her old fiery temper had returned.

“That’s more like it.”

Raon chuckled and tapped Olga on the head with his finger.

“It was boring when someone who used to curse like breathing suddenly got so quiet. Let’s go back to how you were.”

Dropping his hand, he said that was all he needed.

"That’s all?"

"Yeah."

He never intended to ask Olga for anything in return. He just wanted someone who had sacrificed her life for others to live a little happier now.

Besides, even if he never asked, Olga would surely step forward when Zieghart, or even the continent itself, faced danger. There was no need to ask anything more of her.

“Now that you get it, let’s eat.”

Raon left those words behind and stepped into the dining room.

"See? I told you! My son doesn’t expect anything in return for something like this."

Sylvia chuckled and placed a hand on Olga’s shoulder.

“You were totally doubting him just a second ago…”

Olga narrowed her eyes and looked sharply at Sylvia.

“W-What are you talking about!”

Sylvia flinched like a guilty child caught sneaking snacks.

“You avoided my eyes.”

"I did not! Must’ve been your imagination!"

“But still—”

"Huh? Helen? You need my help too?"

Sylvia suddenly said, pretending to hear someone call her, then rushed off toward the dining room without looking back.

“Haa…”

Watching the two disappear inside, Olga walked toward the dining room as well, a vivid smile blooming on her face.

“They really are alike….”

Lucky them.

*   *   *

After finishing breakfast, Raon stood at the front entrance.

Hurry up and get going! We’ve got to eat the bead ice cream before this perfect fullness wears off!

Wrath smacked his own back with satisfaction, saying that every day had to start off perfectly.

‘I get it already. Stop pushing me.’

Raon brushed off the clinging Wrath and turned around.

“Sister.”

He gestured toward Sia, who was wearing a white hat.

“If you’re ready, let’s go.”

He’d promised to spend time with her, so he decided to take her to the bead ice cream shop.

“Okay!”

Sia’s face brightened, clearly excited to be going out with her little brother.

“Let’s go!”

She adjusted her hat and quickly came up beside him.

“You look pretty today.”

Raon gently patted her head and stepped out into the garden.

Just as they were about to head toward the main street, he saw two people approaching from the direction of the main building.

The man approaching from the right was Karoon, master of the Central Martial Palace, and from the left was Balder, master of the True Martial Palace.

‘Why are those two coming together?’

Finding it odd, Raon walked over and gave them a polite bow.

“Greetings, palace masters.”

“Hello!”

Sia followed suit and bowed as well.

“No need for formalities! We’re family, aren’t we!”

Balder waved his head emphatically, saying that kind of thing wasn’t necessary among family.

“Sorry for coming so early.”

Karoon accepted the greeting but still waved a hand, as if he were the one being rude.

“Not at all. But what brings you here?”

Raon tilted his head slightly as he looked at the two men. Since there was no real reason for them to be here, he was genuinely curious about their visit.

“Hmm…”

“Ahem!”

Karoon and Balder stood silently, as if reading each other’s expressions, neither of them saying a word.

“Raon! Let’s go already!”

When they stayed silent, Sia tugged on Raon’s sleeve, assuming it had nothing to do with them.

Your sister is right! If they’ve got nothing to say, just ignore them and go!

Wrath agreed and added strength to Sia’s pull.

"Hold on, sister. I think they have something they want to say."

Raon gently pushed aside both Sia and Wrath and turned to face Karoon and Balder.

"Then they can just come with us!"

Sia playfully flicked her finger, suggesting they talk while eating bead ice cream.

“Hmm, I wonder if that’s even possible…”

Raon clicked his tongue softly and looked back and forth between Karoon and Balder.

“We were on our way to get some bead ice cream…”

He held his hand out slightly toward the two men, who looked a little awkward.

“Would you like to come with us?”

 

 

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