The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 941

 Chapter 941

 

[You have acquired the title <Sword Emperor>]

Raon let out a hollow laugh as he looked at the message pressing down on Wrath’s head.

‘Sword Emperor as a nickname, and Sword Emperor as a title? Is this fate or something?’

Urgh, Fate, my ass!

Wrath screamed as he struggled to squeeze out from between the messages.

That damn system must’ve hit rock bottom with its creativity and copied it outright!

‘That’s not possible.’

Raon calmly shook his head.

‘This title must’ve been created before people even started calling me Sword Emperor.’

What do you mea—ah…

Wrath’s eyes widened as if he had just realized it.

‘That’s right. These reward messages appeared right after Greed was gone. It was before the news about me defeating the Black Tower’s master had even spread.’

The reward messages had popped up right after the war ended, but back then, Raon hadn’t even checked them, he was too consumed by the thought that Rensia had died.

Seeing that the title <Sword Emperor> had been created even before the nickname began to spread, there was only one word that came to mind—fate.

Forget the title…

Wrath gritted his teeth as he looked at the messages filling the space above the title.

This is way too much! What is this, a street market!?

He shook his head furiously, as if utterly unwilling to accept it.

‘And what if you can’t accept it? The owner’s the one giving it.’

The King of Essence is the owner, you thieving bastard!

Wrath flailed his round little arms, claiming that all the powers inside the messages were originally his.

‘Now that you mention it… that’s actually true.’

Raon let out a brief chuckle and gave a small nod.

‘But they’ve already come to me. There’s no other choice but to accept them.’

Grrrgh….

Pressing down on Wrath’s now flushed head, Raon turned his attention back to the messages.

[You have achieved a feat that will be recorded in history.]

[You have defeated the King of the Black Tower.]

[You have received the recognition of the monarch of Greed.]

[All stats have increased by 100 points.]

Raon's hand trembled slightly as he looked at the top message.

'A feat that will be recorded in history.'

Up until now, many words had been used to praise the accomplishments he’d made, but this was the first time it was described as something that would be recorded in history. A wave of pride surged through him, so profound that even his fingertips trembled.

‘Well, I guess that’s not surprising.’

Even though he had fought alongside Chamber, he had slain the Black Tower’s master, right in the heart of his own domain. And right after that, he had driven out Greed, the monarch of Greed, and even obtained his authority.
To be honest, even the phrase ‘a feat that will be recorded in history’ didn’t feel like enough.

A, a hundred points? Even if it's a feat that will be recorded in history, 100 points at once is absurd!

Wrath’s jaw trembled.

Sure, the higher your stats are, the less each point matters, but even so, 100 points at once? That’s way too much! It throws everything off!

He shook his chin, saying that even someone like him would have to retrain his physical senses if his stats increased by 100 points at once.

‘Hmm…’

Raon pressed his finger to the message and accepted the power contained within.

‘You’re right.’

The moment he confirmed the message and received the 100-point reward, it felt as though every muscle and bone in his body was torn apart and then rebuilt anew.

But it wasn’t pain, it was the ecstasy of growing stronger. His body was evolving to a whole new level for the first time in ages.

Damn it all…

Wrath bit his lip as he watched Raon’s entire body tremble.

You’ve wrung the King of Essence dry to the bone just to make broth!

He threw punches in the air, shouting that there weren’t even many bones left in his body anymore.

‘Since I’ve already drained you dry, should I ask them to make bone soup with beef bones when we get back home?’

Raon, his hand still trembling, reached out and tapped Wrath’s head.

R-really?

Wrath glanced around, licking his lips as if the thought of bone soup had genuinely tempted him.
Even now, when everything was said and done, his gluttony still flared up. He really was a creature who lived for food.

‘If that’s what you want.’

Raon smiled faintly and moved on to the next message.

[A new trait <Authority Control> has been created]

Just from the name, he could already guess what this trait did.

‘Unlike <Authority Amplification>, this one must let me use the Demon Kings’ authorities as if they were my own.’

Until now, he hadn’t been able to freely use the authorities of the other demon kings — apart from Wrath’s <Wrath>.

But in this war, thanks to Zircon, the Demon of Stability, he had been able to draw out those authorities and defeat the Black Tower’s master.

Now that Zircon had disappeared, leaving behind only a faint remnant of his power. Raon had thought it would be difficult to properly wield the demon kings' authorities again, but with this new trait, Authority Control, he might be able to make at least a portion of them truly his own.

‘This will become a powerful strength.’

Judging from how other traits had worked so far, he wouldn’t be able to wield massive authority like he did when fighting the Black Tower’s master.

But if he kept using it and its rank increased, it was only a matter of time before he’d be able to wield the demon kings’ powers just as they were—no doubt about it.

Damn doormats…

Wrath’s cheeks puffed up, overflowing with irritation.

The King of Essence already been giving everything away! Why are they handing stuff to you too?!

Realizing he was the biggest doormat of them all, he slammed his chest in frustration.

‘Doesn’t look like I can do much for him here. I’ll make it up to him once we’re back in Zieghart, buy him whatever he wants to eat.’

Since Gluttony had probably devoured everything at Montiro’s festival, Raon decided he’d buy Wrath all the food he wanted once they returned to Zieghart.

[The rank of the trait <Bleeding Curse> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Iron Will> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Spiral Power> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Energy of Death Resistance> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Divinity Blooming from the Underworld> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Snow Flower Attraction > has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Snow Flower Repulsion > has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Ascara’s Combative Energy> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Flying Spirit> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Celestial Slayer> has increased.]

[The rank of the trait <Energy of Death Detection> has increased.]

Next came the messages about traits that had ranked up due to their involvement in the war.

With 11 traits ranking up at once, his entire field of vision was blocked by the messages.

Grrgh…

Wrath couldn’t even form words anymore and just trembled as he bit his lip in disbelief.

‘Now for the last one.’

Raon checked the details of the title <Sword Emperor>, which he had seen at the very beginning.

<Sword Emperor>

A title given to the swordsman who overthrew an unworthy king and ascended to the throne on his own.

Greatly increases the learning speed of all martial arts, and significantly boosts the proficiency in sword techniques and their principles that are currently being practiced.

“Hah.”

A short laugh escaped Raon before he realized it.

The title <Sword Emperor> is no ordinary title. True to its name, it has the effect of drastically speeding up the learning of sword techniques and greatly increasing the power of those already learned.

Kkuaaaak!

Wrath clutched at his head and let out a scream.

Just how much more does the King of Essence have to give before it finally feels like enough?! Do you even realize how much of my power went into making that?!

Wrath started thrashing around, yelling that someone better bring him a receipt for all this. But with his round body flailing about, it just looked like he was doing an oddly cute little dance.

‘This title…’

Raon ignored him and slowly tightened his fist.

‘It feels like it’s telling me not to settle here. To keep climbing higher.’

The only reason he’d been able to defeat the Black Tower’s master was because the man was a mage, not a warrior.

If his opponent had been the White Blood Religion’s master, Derus, or the former Holy Sword Alliance’s master, there was no way he could have won.

The title of Sword Emperor wasn’t a reward for reaching the top, it was a whip urging him to go further. Not a finish line, but a staircase leading even higher.

‘……’

Raon slowly closed his eyes and recalled the battles, first against the Black Tower’s master, then Greed.

Those fights had been so harsh and dangerous, he didn’t even want to remember them, yet within those desperate struggles, he had found one path after another to grow stronger.

Tsk.

Wrath clicked his tongue loudly and turned his head.

After showing off all those rewards, now you’re going all quiet and serious?

After showing off all those reward messages and then suddenly going silent, Raon had sunk into his own world, and it made Wrath burn with frustration.

This freak of a guy…

Though Wrath acted unimpressed, Raon had defeated a Transcender who stood on a level far above his own, and had driven Greed away with a body that could have collapsed at any moment.

His guts, that reckless boldness, and his unshakable will power… even now, Wrath couldn’t help but be impressed.

So you said you wanted to get stronger?

Wrath looked down at Raon and narrowed his eyes.

You will. That much, even the King of Essence can tell. You’ll grow far stronger, so much that even he won’t be able to see the end of it. But…

He clenched his jaw, speaking with certainty and conviction.

Now’s not the time to be sitting there with your eyes closed! The King of Essence is starving to death over here!

He shouted that they should at least eat some peanuts before Gluttony devoured everything, but Raon didn’t open his eyes. He only sank deeper into his mental world.

*   *   *

Thud!

Raon dropped a pile of gold coins in front of Gluttony.

“Is this… money?”

Gluttony blinked, surprised at the sight of all that gold.

“You used money here, so I figured you really must’ve run out.”

Although Gluttony claimed she had come because she’d run out of money, that wasn’t the truth.

Still, considering how she’d been throwing around gold during the festival, she probably really was broke at this point.

“Mmh…”

As Gluttony flicked her hand, a mouth appeared in the air and devoured the entire pile of gold coins. It was the subspace possessed by the Demon King of Gluttony.

“How’s human food treating you?”

“It’s all delicious…”

Gluttony nodded with a deeply satisfied look on her face.

Of course it is, after stuffing yourself like that!

Wrath ground his teeth, still bitter that she’d stolen all the food during the festival.

"Then I'm going to get some ice cream…."

Gluttony dusted off her butt and stood up, seemingly planning to go to another region in search of ice cream.

“Thanks.”

Raon smiled faintly and waved at her.

“If you ever come find me again, I’ll treat you to a meal more delicious than anything in this world.”

“Mmh…”

Gluttony’s red eyes widened slightly, as if taken aback by his words.

“Okay. I’ll come find you. But don’t change your smell.”

She sniffed Raon’s skin as if telling him not to wash, then left toward another city.

‘Was she surprised because I thanked her? Or because I mentioned a meal even more delicious?’

That glutton’s easy to read. It’s obviously the food.

Wrath snorted through his nose and shook his head.

But tell me, what exactly is the most delicious meal in the world?

‘Our home-cooked meals.’

Ah…

Wrath’s eyes darted side to side before he gave a slow nod.

Y-yeah… even he can’t argue with that.

Wrath clicked his tongue, conceding with a quiet nod.

But what if that glutton ends up loving the food so much she never leaves the annex building?

‘Wouldn’t that actually be a good thing?’

Among all the Demon Kings he’d encountered, Gluttony was by far the gentlest.

If she liked the food enough to stay, she’d probably protect the people in the annex building on her own. That sounded like a win.

“Lust.”

Raon raised a hand toward the softly shimmering pink light in the air.

Whooosh!

The pink current thickened, and Lust’s sultry face emerged from within it.

“Thank you… for everything. For stopping Greed, and for protecting me as well.”

“You knew?”

Lust’s cheeks flushed pink, as if genuinely touched that he had realized she’d been protecting him.

“Of course.”

Raon nodded calmly, imitating Wrath’s composed demeanor.

Ugh…

The real Wrath trembled at the jaw, just facing Lust seeming to drain him.

“Are you coming with us?”

“Mhm! Of course I am!”

Lust copied his tone, clearly intent on following no matter what.

Just send her back to the devildom! Or anywhere far away!

Wrath flailed his hands, begging him to throw her off somewhere else.

“Then try to keep up.”

Ignoring Wrath entirely, Raon gave Lust a small beckoning gesture.

“Okay!”

Lust smiled brightly and disappeared back into the pink current.

You damn brat!

Wrath shouted, unable to believe a human could act like this. But even as he ranted, he knew deep down there was no real reason to worry.

After sending off the two Demon Kings, Raon left the lodging. The others were already preparing to leave, exchanging farewells with one another.

“Sir Raon!”

The Holy King of Schper, Hopen, approached and grabbed his hand.

“Please take good care of Lady Olga.”

He bowed his head, as if placing full trust in Raon.

“No need to worry. But your majesty, a king shouldn’t bow so easily.”

Startled, Raon quickly helped him back up.

“You’re a king as well, Sir Raon. The Sword Emperor. Of course I should bow to you.”

Hopen gave a small nod, saying that even the name of the Holy King meant little in front of the Sword Emperor.

“Your majesty! Stop saying dumb things and let’s go already!”

The Saintess Olga frowned and pushed Hopen away. Judging by how she was standing alone, it seemed she had made up her mind to go to Zieghart with Raon.

"Good choice."

Raon smiled faintly and gave Olga a gentle pat on the shoulder.

“Mm…”

“Sir Raon!”

Just as Olga turned her head away in embarrassment and stepped back, Rensia came running up.

“P-please take care of yourself! I’ll definitely come visit you!”

Rensia bit her lip as she promised she’d visit Zieghart someday.

“There’s no need to say it like that.”

Chamber placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her head.

“You might see him again sooner than you think.”

“Soon?”

Raon blinked at Chamber.

“Now that the Black Tower’s gone, there might be a conference to decide what comes next.”

She waved her hand as she explained that, with the balance between the Five Kings and the Five Demons now broken, the Conference of the Five Kings would likely be held to plan the path forward.

“That makes sense.”

Raon nodded at Chamber. Until now, the Five Kings had been on the defensive, constantly pressured by the Five Demons. But with this great victory, it was finally time for them to stretch their wings and move forward.

“Then let’s meet again soon.”

Chamber gave a light wave and returned to the mages of Balkar, taking Rensia with him.

“Done saying your goodbyes?”

At the sound of Glenn’s voice, Raon turned around to find all of the Zieghart swordsmen already lined up and waiting.

“Yes.”

Raon exchanged silent farewells with the others through eye contact and gave a small nod.

“Then let’s go back.”

Glenn turned his back coldly, as if that moment when he hugged Raon in front of everyone had never happened.

“Understood.”

Raon nodded, following Glenn’s back, which emanated a chill like the snowy peaks.

‘What a shame.’

He had hoped others would get to see that new side of Glenn too, but it seemed like that moment had been a one-time thing. The aloof and stern Destructive King of the North had returned.

But that was a big misunderstanding on his part.

The moment they returned to Zieghart, Glenn didn’t tell them to rest. Instead, he gathered everyone at the training ground of the lord’s manor.

Whether it had been prepared in advance or not, all the swordsmen and residents currently in Zieghart were already seated and waiting.

Rumble.

From his throne atop the platform, Glenn tilted his chin toward Raon and Karoon, who stood at the center of the training ground.

“I wasn’t able to hear the full story myself. So, tell us, what did you accomplish in Montiro?”

“Ah…”

Raon drew in a deep breath as he looked around at Glenn, who was smiling faintly with anticipation, and the crowd that burst into cheers.

‘I thought he’d gone back to being his usual cold-hearted grandfather… but I was wrong.’

To tell us to boast openly here? Just how much has he changed?

 

 

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