The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 962

 Chapter 962

 

“Hmm…”

Glenn lowered his faintly trembling hand and turned back to look at Raon.

‘I thought he wouldn’t have changed much.’

But this far exceeded that expectation.

The Chamber of Self had existed since the beginning of Zieghart’s history, and countless swordsmen had entered it over the years.

However, not everyone who entered the Chamber came out physically stronger.

Just as Karoon had explained to the children, there were plenty of cases where swordsmen who hadn’t hit a wall in a long time entered the Chamber and come out without any change.

Because of that, a temporary rule was made so that only Grandmasters or swordsmen standing before the wall of Transcendence could enter the Chamber of the Self.

‘Of course, that child was different.’

Even for Raon, reaching the wall beyond Transcendence was close to impossible. I only let him into the Chamber of Self because of his strong will, but I never imagined it would lead to this kind of outcome.

‘I can tell just by looking at him.’

Glenn let out a shallow breath as he sensed the calm in Raon’s eyes and the deeply settled aura within him.

‘The amount and density of his aura have increased dramatically, and even the quality of his muscles has changed. And on top of that…’

It seems his level of swordsmanship has also risen.

Just from the way Raon stood and conversed, Glenn could tell. Raon hadn’t just grown in aura and physique, he had achieved tremendous advancement in martial arts as well.

‘What in the world happened inside the Chamber of Self?’

Those who entered the Chamber of Self usually break through their wall, and took a step into the next realm, achieving overall growth.

And yet, even without breaking through the wall of a realm, Raon came back having grown in every way—physically, in his aura, and in his swordsmanship.

Even when scouring the entirety of Zieghart’s history, such a case was almost unheard of.

‘He didn’t break the wall, yet came back as if he had…’

You never fail to surprise me.

Before entering the Chamber of Self, Raon was on par with Karoon and likely at the same level as the heads of the Five Divine Orders, excluding the Thespian Emperor.

But now, Raon felt like he was on a completely different level.

‘He may not have reached the level of the heads of the Five Kings and Five Demons yet, but it wouldn’t be strange to say he’s just one step below them.’

Though the heads of the Five Divine Orders were ranked just below the heads of the Five Kings and Five Demons, the gap in power between the two groups was actually vast. The Five Divine Orders had originally united simply to survive among the Five Kings and Five Demons.

‘He may be my grandson, but the only word that comes to mind is monster.’

Just by entering the Chamber of Self, Raon had crossed half the vast ocean that lies ahead.

‘He’s not there yet, but with just a bit more experience and power, he’ll be able to reach it.’

Right now, Raon doesn’t yet have the strength to face one of the heads of the Five Kings and Five Demons alone.

But Glenn was certain he would reach that level before long.

“Hmm…”

Glenn narrowed his eyes to thin slits as he watched Raon converse with Burren, Marta, and Runaan.

'The more I look at that child, the stranger I feel. Should I call it a prickling sensation in my heart...?'

Although he couldn't sense it precisely, it felt like not only Raon's martial power but also something within his soul had changed.

A feeling of being detached from life and death, like a monk. A strange flow, something even he himself hadn't yet attained, seemed to swirl around Raon.

It was an uncanny presence that no human should possess, yet it didn’t carry any sinister nature. Whatever it was, it was clear that it would become a source of strength for Raon.

“Ahem!”

After thoroughly confirming the state of his grandson for the first time in a while, Glenn let out a deep clearing of his throat.

“We’ll speak later.”

The moment Raon heard Glenn’s cough, he turned away from Burren, Martha, and Runaan, with whom he’d been conversing, and walked up to stand before the platform

“I greet the head of house.”

He knelt down and bowed, reporting that he had completed his journey safely and returned.

“It seems you’ve gained quite a bit.”

Glenn nodded, not hiding the surprise and pride in his gaze.

“It’s more than just a bit…”

Karoon shook his head, exhaling a breath of disbelief.

“It’s to the point where I’d believe it if you said you’d been training for over ten years.”

He let out a hollow laugh, not out of jealousy or envy, but because the change was so immense that it was hard to accept.

“The Chamber of Self prepared multiple trials, and as I passed each one, I found myself growing without even realizing it.”

Raon recalled the trials he faced on the mountain of sand and let out a faint smile.

“Multiple trials?”

“It wasn’t just one?”

Glenn and Karoon widened their eyes in surprise.

“Yes. First, I had to climb a scorching mountain of sand without using aura, an ordeal that trained my physical strength, mental endurance, and body. Then came a trial focused on swordsmanship and real combat, and finally one to cultivate my aura.”

Raon explained the trials he went through inside the Chamber of Self, though he deliberately left out everything related to Wrath.

“…What kind of trial was the one for swordsmanship?”

Karoon took a step closer, seemingly curious about the details.

“I sparred with a blond, red-eyed swordsman who had mastered the versatile sword. The method was…”

Raon didn’t mention that the man was the first head of House Zieghart, only describing the details of the trial.

“That’s why your energy feels so different now…”

Karoon's fingers, resting on his sword hilt, trembled as if in surprise.

“Blond and red-eyed, you said…?”

Glenn leaned forward slightly, showing more interest in the man than the trial itself.

“Do you remember the sword that man used?”

“Yes. The blade was silver, with golden patterns shaped like flames drawn along it. Its form was…”

Raon raised a finger to describe the first head’s sword as he had seen it in the Chamber of Self.

“So it really was connected after all…”

Glenn gave a heavy nod, as if a long-held question had just been answered. The corners of his lips quivered, and a faint flush rose to his cheeks.

“Head of house?”

Noticing Glenn’s subtle shift in emotion, Karoon blinked in a daze.

"Ah, it seems I've asked too many questions. Right. You must be tired after spending such a long time in the Chamber of Self, go ahead and rest for now."

Glenn waved his hand, suggesting they continue the conversation another time.

“Understood.”

Raon lowered his head toward Glenn and gently smacked his lips.

‘So the head of house does know about the first head of house after all.’

It seemed that Glenn, as the current head of Zieghart, also possessed information about the founder.

If the greetings are done, let’s hurry up and go! The King of Essence is starving to death!

Wrath banged his own head, urging Raon to return to the annex building and eat a proper meal.

‘Just a moment. There’s still one more thing I need to say.’

Raon turned his gaze to the left, where Karoon was standing.

“You remember the promise I made before entering the Chamber of Self, right?”

“Of course.”

Karoon nodded, the surprise in his eyes calming down.

“When would you like to do it? I’m ready even tomorrow.”

Raon clenched his fingers slightly as he said he wanted to test the growth he’d gained from the Chamber of Self.

“I’m fine now, but soon the fatigue will catch up to you. Let’s bring ourselves to top condition and spar next weekend.”

Karoon suggested they spar in top condition next week and gestured lightly with his hand.

“Understood.”

After agreeing, Raon looked back to Glenn once more.

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

After bowing to Glenn, Raon left the audience chamber with Burren, Martha, and Runaan.

“……”

“……”

Glenn and Karoon remained silent, staring at the door Raon had exited through.

“…He really has changed a lot.”

Karoon clenched his fist and bit his lip.

'To the point where I probably can't win.'

His instincts as someone who had reached Transcendence were telling him plainly, Raon before entering the Chamber of Self and Raon now were entirely different people.

Though sparring held many variables, and the result couldn’t be known until they actually fought, one thing was certain, Raon had surpassed his current level.

“Yes. It’s exactly as you felt.”

Glenn nodded calmly. His lips began to tremble again, this time clearly from the joy of Raon’s growth.

“But who is this blond, red-eyed man that appeared in Raon’s trial? Is he by chance someone from our family...?”

Karoon recalled the look of shock on Glenn’s face and cautiously opened his mouth.

“It was the first head of house.”

Glenn nodded slowly.

“Th-the first head…”

Karoon clenched his jaw so tightly that thick veins bulged along his cheeks.

“…I’ll say this now, though I should’ve said it earlier.”

Glenn exhaled a short breath as he looked up toward the ceiling of the audience chamber.

“Raon’s aura cultivation technique is the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation left behind by the first head of house. A technique that had refused the hands of everyone for a thousand years chose Raon on its own.”

He lowered his gaze, recalling the moment the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation descended into Raon’s hands. Now that Karoon’s inferiority complex had faded completely, Glenn felt ready to share this long-kept truth.

“I see. So that’s why…”

Karoon gave a slow, heavy nod, as if he finally understood the reason behind Raon’s explosive growth and strength. His face showed a complicated mix of disappointment, bitter frustration, and perhaps even a trace of genuine joy.

“It’s true that Raon has risen to a higher level. He’s surpassed even your level.”

Glenn looked at the spot where Raon had been standing and brought his fingers together.

“But that doesn’t mean your path as a swordsman ends here. There’s no reason you can’t rise ahead once more.”

“You don’t have to console me. I know how hard it is to keep up with a monster who grows stronger every single day.”

Karoon swallowed dryly, as if acknowledging how difficult it truly was.

“I’m not trying to console you.”

Glenn firmly shook his head.

“Transcendence is a strange realm. Sometimes, a novice who’s only just become a Transcender rises to the top, while a warrior who’s been stuck at the bottom for decades suddenly becomes one of the strongest.”

He explained that the realm of Transcendence defied common logic, drawing a small dot in the air with his finger. That dot became a line, then a surface, then formed the shape of a sharp sword.

“If it’s you now, I’m certain you can do it.”

Glenn nodded quietly, as if to say he truly believed in Karoon.

“Mm…”

Karoon pressed his lips together tightly, seemingly moved by Glenn’s sincere encouragement.

“After my spar with Raon, I’ll return to see you.”

Bowing his head, he added that there were things he’d want to say after the spar, and then quietly left the audience chamber.

“……”

As soon as Karoon exited, Glenn lowered his head deeply and trembled all over.

“Huhuhuhu!”

Roenn let out a soft laugh as he stepped below the platform.

“This might be the start of a string of blessings.”

He nodded, remarking that good things seemed to be happening one after another.

“How…”

Glenn’s voice trembled, thick with emotion.

“How! How can he be that remarkable! How can he be that incredible! He went in and come back stronger!”

Unable to contain himself any longer, he stomped both feet and let out the roar he had been holding in.

“On top of that, he was chosen by the first head of house! He really is my grandson!”

Glenn, unable to hold back his overwhelming pride and joy, slammed his feet into the floor again and again, shaking the entire lord’s manor.

“Huhuhuhu…”

Roenn cast a barrier to suppress the sound and shockwaves, but Glenn, overwhelmed with excitement, failed to control his strength, unleashing a shockwave powerful enough to nearly bring down the lord’s manor.

Woooooooom!

Everyone in the lord’s manor screamed and ran outside, mistaking the monstrous cry for a beast’s roar.

*   *   *

“Sorry. I’m a bit late.”

Raon lowered his head to Burren, Martha, and Runaan.

“Seriously… how strong are you now?”

Burren raised his shoulders curiously.

“Yeah, tell us! The head of house and the Central Martial Palace master looked terrifying!”

Martha elbowed him in the side, telling him to speak quickly.

“Did you transcend Transcendence…?”

Runaan blinked, genuinely asking if he had gone beyond even Transcendence.

“I did get stronger, but it’s definitely not to that extent.”

Raon waved his hands, saying they were mistaken.

“Th-then… maybe you’ve reached the level of the heads of the Five Kings and Five Demons…?”

Martha approached, eyes filled with anticipation.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t.”

Raon shook his head firmly.

“I still wouldn’t be able to win against one of them on my own.”

It was true that he had grown tremendously and had managed to block Wrath’s full-powered attack, but that had only been possible because the same attack had repeated over a hundred times. If Wrath had used a different method of attack, he wouldn’t have been able to stop it.

‘But that doesn’t mean the time spent was meaningless.’

Not only had he grown in power, but he had gained other things too.

All living beings, simply by having life, inevitably feel fear and terror when facing death.

No matter how powerful a warrior may be, they cannot unleash their true strength in the grip of that fear. But Raon had died a hundred times and overcome both that fear and terror.

That surreal experience would become a strength beyond martial power, something that would prove invaluable in the battles to come.

“I see…”

Martha smacked her lips, sounding disappointed. She still seemed to be thinking about her mother, who remained in the hands of the White Blood Religion’s leader.

“Oh! We got permission to enter the Chamber of Self too.”

Burren waved his hand, as if trying to lighten the mood, and mentioned that Glenn had granted them permission.

“It’s thanks to you. I appreciate it.”

“It’s not because of me—it’s thanks to all of you.”

Raon shook his head. If Burren, Martha, and Runan hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have been able to fight the Black Tower’s master so freely. The three of them were more than qualified to enter the Chamber of Self.

“Is there a bed in the Chamber of Self? Is it comfy?”

Runaan, true to her sleepy nature, seemed most curious about whether there was a bed inside. It was just the kind of question she’d ask.

“You can’t know that. The place changes depending on who enters.”

Raon shook his head, saying you'd only find out by going in yourself.

“But… I feel like you’d have one.”

“Really?”

Runaan gave a small wave of her hand, looking delighted just at the thought.

“Yeah.”

Raon clicked his tongue softly as he looked at Runaan, who was clearly happy despite her blank expression.

‘There probably is a bed, but it might turn out to be a hellish one.’
He had a feeling Runaan’s Chamber of Self would appear peaceful but be mentally exhausting. It would likely be the same for Martha and Burren too.

“Oh, right. There’s something more important.”

Burren raised his hand.

Hey, shitty eyes! Why are you talking so much today!

Wrath grumbled, tapping Raon’s shoulder, telling him to ignore them and just go.

“What is it?”

Raon brushed Wrath aside and nodded at Burren.

“The structure of the Light Wind Palace still hasn’t been decided. Since you were gone, even after the break ended, everyone’s just standing around not knowing what to do.”

Burren twirled his finger, saying they needed to establish the structure first.

“Don’t worry. I thought about that while I was in the Chamber of Self. The structure’s one thing, but the training... that’s going to be something else.”

As Raon gave a faint, chilling smile, the faces of Burren, Martha, and Runaan paled at once.

“Training that’s happy, fun, and makes you stronger. Everyone’s going to love it.”

The moment they heard his eerie tone, Burren, Martha, and Runaan began slowly backing away. It felt like their souls were being crushed. It was similar to how Raon usually was, but something about him was definitely different.

“U-uh…”

“Damn it! He’s doing it again!”

“I’m going to sleep…”

With screams, the three of them turned and ran.

“…Why are they like that?”
Raon tilted his head slightly as he looked at the backs of the three.

Look at your own expression before you ask. You looked like a complete lunatic.

Wrath shook his head, saying Raon had looked like a celestial himself.

'Don't curse.'

Raon chuckled and turned his steps toward the annex building.

‘My body feels light.’

He didn’t receive any stat rewards, but thanks to the growth of both his body and aura, he felt as light as a feather.

‘Let’s give it a try.’

Though he usually walked at a relaxed pace, he wanted to test the strength he had gained, so he pushed off the ground and activated the Supreme Harmony Steps.

Paaaah!

With just one step, his vision narrowed and darkened, it felt like the speed of the advanced version, which contained extreme swiftness, had become part of his basic Supreme Harmony Steps.

“Huh…”

Raon let out a dry laugh as he arrived in front of the annex far faster than expected.

‘I didn’t think I’d changed this much.’

His physical body and aura had grown. And with that, the increased proficiency in the Supreme Harmony Steps he had honed at Chamber of Self’s ocean all came together to produce a speed so great that even he found it surprising.

'Could it be that I got even stronger than I thought?'

It felt like adding two things together, only for the result to multiply instead.

Maybe he’d grown more than he’d realized.

The King of Essence doesn’t care how strong you’ve gotten! What’s for dinner is what matters!

Wrath gestured with his chin, urging him to go in.

'Is there anything you want to eat?'

Why bother asking! To wash away the dry taste of that wretched Nadine bread, the King of Essence wants something spicy, pasta for starters! Then he’ll wet his tongue with the sweet and salty balance of pineapple pizza, and finish with the perfectly grilled...

Wrath rambled on endlessly, as if Edgar had possessed him.

‘Alright, alright.’

He let Wrath’s words flow past him and entered the annex building.

As soon as Raon entered the annex building, laughter and bustle came to the annex building that had been quiet in the afternoon.

A little while later, the smoke rising from the chimney glowed gently, like a mirror reflecting just how happy this place had become.

*   *   *

“I’m back!”

Martha called out her usual greeting as she stepped into the Wise Martial Palace’s mansion.

“Welcome back.”

Denier, who was standing at the entrance, nodded with a gentle smile.

“Oh? You’re back already?”

“The mission ended a bit earlier than expected.”

He brushed some dust off his collar, saying he’d just returned not long ago.

“Did you come back from training at the training ground?”

“No, I went to the lord’s manor.”

“The lord’s manor?”

“Yeah. I went to ask when Raon was returning since he hadn’t shown up yet, and he came out right as I got there.”

Martha smiled as she explained that she had seen both Raon and Glenn.

“I see. And how was the Light Wind Palace master?”

“To me, he seemed the same, but the head of house and the Central Martial Palace master both looked genuinely shocked.”

She let out a short laugh, recalling the conversation and their reactions.

“Normally, you only gain something from the Chamber of Self if you stand before a wall, but that guy went in without one and still achieved something amazing.”

Martha waved her hand, saying he was such a frustratingly enviable guy.

“……”

Denier, still wearing his doll-like smile, quietly watched Martha chatter away.

“If the head of house said that, then he must have really grown a lot.”

He said it was impressive, his expression curling into a smile as flawless as a painting.

“Right? Oh! I also got permission to enter the Chamber of Self.”

Martha raised her hand with a grin.

“Not right now, of course, they said I could go once I reach the wall of Transcendence…”

She bit her lip lightly, as if saying that made the path ahead feel long.

“Seems your mother came to mind.”

Denier nodded gently, as if reading her heart.

“I’m sorry. I keep thinking about her…”

Martha bowed her head in apology, her eyes slightly red. It was a side of her she only ever showed to Denier.

“There’s nothing for you to apologize for.”

Denier slowly shook his head.

“The wall of Transcendence… Yes, it’ll take time. But there is a way to shorten it, at least a little.”

He reached out his hand with a warm and gentle smile.

“Would you like to try it?”

 

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