The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 966

 Chapter 966

 

‘Let’s see…’

Leaving Wrath, who was whining about food, Raon checked the ability of the new trait <Death God> that had evolved from <Backstab>.

<Death God>

Greatly increases stealth ability. If a surprise attack on an enemy is successful while in a stealth state, even the smallest wound becomes fatal.

Huh? Huhhh?

The moment Wrath read the description of the trait <Death God>, he opened his mouth so wide it looked like it would tear apart.

Wh-what kind of insane trait is that! If that’s true, even a small cut on the finger would become a fatal wound!

He shook his head wildly, as if the very idea was nonsense.

‘It’s not unconditional. It only happens if the surprise attack succeeds.’

The <Death God> trait didn’t turn every attack into a fatal wound. It was the assassin’s ability to transform a wound into a fatal injury only if a surprise attack from stealth was successful.

‘Of course, even just that makes it ridiculously powerful.’

Right now, Raon was confident that he wouldn’t lose to anyone, except perhaps the Transcenders of the previous era who had gone into seclusion, like the Sword Sovereign and the War King.

With the level of strength he currently possessed, the <Death God> trait, capable of dealing fatal wounds through surprise attacks, would greatly benefit him in future battles.

'Since it even increases stealth ability, there will be more ways to use it.'

Since he didn’t know the full extent of the Thespian Emperor’s power, he couldn’t say he would definitely win, but with this ability, he felt he could at least have a ten percent chance against her.

‘If I play it right, it might even work against the Fallen or the White Blood Religion’s leader.’

It would be impossible to surprise attack Wrath or Glenn, since their aura perception was extraordinary, and likely impossible against Derus or the Heavenly Demon too.

But if used at the right moment, it seemed possible to deal a fatal blow to the Fallen or the White Blood Religion’s leader.

‘It should be especially effective against the Fallen.’

Since the Fallen primarily used magic and sorcery, his physical endurance was weaker compared to other Transcenders. Inflicting a fatal wound on him before the battle began would greatly tilt the odds in Raon’s favor.

‘Now that I think about it this way, it really is an absurdly powerful trait.’

In reality, surprise attacks rarely succeeded in battles between highly skilled masters.

However, having lived his previous life as an assassin, Raon was confident he could utilize the <Death God> trait better than anyone else.

‘It would’ve been even better if it was related to swordsmanship, but this isn’t bad either.’

He’d initially hoped for a trait that directly increased his swordsmanship proficiency, but considering how perfectly this trait matched the name "Death God," he couldn't really complain.

You’re seriously wishing for more after getting such a trait?

Wrath exhaled in disbelief.

You've been spoiled rotten to the point you can't even tell you're eating bread baked from gold, you greedy brat!

Grabbing Raon by the collar, Wrath shook him violently, looking genuinely enraged. It was clear that Raon gaining the <Death God> trait deeply frustrated him.

Damn that outrageous luck! Stupid system!

‘I really did gain a lot this time.’

Leaving Wrath behind, Raon recalled everything he had obtained after entering the Chamber of Self.

‘There was no actual wall, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I crossed one.’

He had raised his mental strength, physical abilities, and swordsmanship through step-by-step trials. He’d also realized the true way to use the versatile sword and elevated both the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier to ten stars.

‘And through the duels with Wrath, I even came to understand what death truly means.’

He experienced death one hundred times at Wrath’s hands, allowing him to sense the presence of death, and earned yet another extraordinary trait, <Crisis Detection>.

<Death God> for offense, <Crisis Detection> for defense. Thinking about it, he had obtained traits critical for both offense and defense.

‘This feels slightly embarrassing.’

Raon bit his lip lightly.

‘I didn’t expect to be rewarded this generously.’

He had already gained so much from the Chamber of Self, receiving additional rewards like these made him feel slightly apologetic toward Wrath.

……

Wrath stared silently at the message, pressing his lips tightly together. The fact that he didn’t even curse showed just how deeply angered he was.

‘I get it. I get it.’

Raon stood up from his chair and lightly tapped Wrath on the head.

‘Let’s go eat.’

Since Wrath’s authority seemed to have been greatly depleted from creating all those traits and stats, Raon wanted to at least treat him to a nice meal.

……

However, unlike Raon’s expectation, Wrath didn’t immediately follow him. Instead, he frowned and lowered his gaze.

‘Wrath?’

Raon had already started opening the door, but upon noticing Wrath’s reaction, he stopped and turned back toward him.

Haaa….

Wrath sighed deeply as he slowly looked up at Raon. It felt like a raging storm was surging behind his blue eyes.

‘I am sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s not like I asked to receive these rewards either….’

Feeling that Wrath’s mood was worse than usual, Raon brought his hands together and shook his head.

That’s not it.

Wrath lifted his gaze calmly, as though he had never been upset. His brightly shimmering blue eyes were so intense and clear that Raon felt chills down his spine, as if Wrath’s true form, the one in the Chamber of Self, had descended here directly.

He was thinking of letting it go, but the more he thought about it, the more the question refused to go away.

Wrath clicked his tongue shortly, as if he had made up his mind.

‘Question…?’

Even though Raon had a sense of what Wrath was getting at, he still asked the question back.

No need for long talk….

Wrath pointed his chin toward the air.

Call up the beginning part of the reward messages you showed earlier.

He gestured, telling him to bring back the part he had shown and bragged about several times.

‘……’

Raon, staring at the frost that seemed to rise in Wrath’s eyes, called up the message again.

[You have achieved significant growth within the Chamber of Self.]

[You have experienced 101 deaths.]

[All stats increase by 50 points.]

Wrath calmly lowered his eyes as he read the message, then slowly opened them again.

As he thought, the King of Essence hadn’t seen it wrong.

Turning his head slowly, Wrath stared directly at Raon.

Look at the second message. Don’t you think it’s strange you died 101 times?

Wrath pointed to the second message with his round hand.

He killed you ninety-nine times. At the end, you successfully defended yourself. Even if you count your death when the space collapsed, it would still only be one hundred.

He furrowed his brows, saying no matter how you counted it, it couldn’t be 101.

So why is it 101?

Wrath licked his lips briefly, urging Raon to explain.

‘Haa…’

Raon let out a heavy sigh and ran his hand through the hair that had fallen over his forehead.

He noticed after all.

He had thought it was strange the moment he first saw that message. After all, he had only died 99 times, and even if the last collapse had counted as a death, that would make exactly 100.

The final death… No, the first death was from my previous life.

The one death added to the hundred deaths was clearly when he died to Derus as the assassin Raon in his previous life.

“…Let me ask just one thing.”

Raon looked up at the ceiling for a moment before lowering his gaze.

"Can the system know things that even you don't?"

He was surprised that the system seemed aware of his previous life, something Wrath himself hadn’t realized.

You could tell just by how arrogantly it behaves every time. The one that gives you rewards has a will of its own, and it also possesses a special ability that even the King of Essence, do not have.
Though it has no combat power at all...

Wrath tilted his head, saying it was because it had such an ability that it could deliver abilities, stats and powers across dimensions.

“I see.”

He didn’t know what kind of ability it was, but unlike Wrath, the system definitely knew that he had died and been reincarnated.

……

Wrath folded his arms and stared at him, waiting for his answer.

Honestly, I could just say that I died while he wasn’t around and it wouldn’t be a problem.

There had been plenty of dangerous moments during the trials, and he had often been far from Wrath, so an excuse like that would work.

But I don’t want to end this matter that way.

Wrath was his companion and closest friend. If he cut off Wrath’s question and doubt with a lie, he might never be able to trust anyone again.

I’ll tell him. After I finish my revenge against Derus.

If Wrath heard about his past, he would get angry as if it were his own problem and recklessly draw out his power.

He didn’t want to see Wrath coughing and collapsing from exhaustion anymore. Until the revenge was complete, he didn’t want to bring up his previous life.

I have to accomplish this revenge with my own strength.

Clenching his fist, he vowed to kill Derus with the wrath and swordsmanship he had built up until now and to destroy everything Derus had created.

"I’ll tell you everything once it’s all over."

Raon looked at Wrath straight on and promised that when the time came, he would reveal everything without hiding anything.

Haa….

Wrath let out a small sigh as he looked into Raon’s eyes.

If you say it like that, he has no choice but to wait. Fine.

He clicked his tongue, saying it couldn’t be helped.

“Thank you.”

Raon smiled and sat back down on the chair. He felt truly fortunate that the demon king who had attached himself to him was Wrath, and that his first friend was Wrath.

What are you doing right now, you bastard?

Wrath suddenly frowned as if he didn’t like something.

“Huh?”

Why are you sitting down?! Didn’t you say we were going to eat?!

He gritted his teeth, demanding why Raon wasn’t keeping his promise.

‘Weren’t you the one who didn’t want to eat?’

Since my question has been settled, now it’s time to eat!

Wrath tilted his chin upward, urging Raon to head to the dining room immediately.

Get moving already!

‘Huh…’

Raon let out a hollow laugh, watching Wrath pat his round belly.

‘How can he not stay serious for even a minute?’

Shaking his head, Raon headed toward the dining room.

‘Is this really the same blue demon king who killed me a hundred times…?’

*   *   *

“Right. From there, it’s better to lower your sword slowly.”

Raon gently smiled as he corrected Sia’s sword stance.

"Because you can maximize the power of your swordsmanship only when speed, distance, direction, and the right principles of martial arts are properly imbued."

He took her hand and guided her wooden sword to draw out the form of the Fang of Insanity.

Fwoooong!

The brown wooden sword traced a flowing yet sharp arc, like the shimmer of the early dawn moon, gracefully slicing across the lake’s surface.

Splaaash!

The lake's surface, torn apart by the wooden sword, failed to close up immediately and instead floated upward into the air before slowly settling down again.

“Wow…”

Sia opened her mouth wide in awe as she watched the lake gradually return to its original state.

“How is it? Getting the feeling?”

Raon shrugged his shoulders, seeing the sparkle in Sia’s eyes.

"No, but I want to try it by myself!"

Saying she would try it on her own, she swung the wooden sword.

Fwoooong!

Sia’s version of Fangs of Insanity struck fiercely, breaking the calm surface of the lake. Though her form was similar to Raon’s, her swing carried too much force and the direction skewed, preventing the true power from coming out.

"It's difficult..."

Sia muttered as she grabbed her head in frustration.

“It’s natural for it to be difficult.”

Raon chuckled and shook his head. He had practiced the Fangs of Insanity since his trainee days. Now, it was one of the sword techniques he was most confident in, so it was natural that Sia wouldn’t be able to imitate it right away.

"For now, don’t try to match my sword. Just focus on moving slowly at your own pace."

“Okay, I know.”

Sia nodded calmly and raised her sword again.

"Judiel said that if I want to catch up to you, I have to practice a lot."

Determined, she said she would swing her sword every day, just like Raon, and once again performed the Fang of Insanity.

“Sister.”

Raon narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched Sia, who didn’t get discouraged and immediately resumed training.

“Why are you working so hard? Do you find swordsmanship fun?”

Given her natural talent, if she said she truly enjoyed it, Raon thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take her to Light Wind Palace and properly train her.

“It’s fun. But…”

Sia looked at him with softly shimmering eyes.

"Raon, you asked me a long time ago, remember? You asked me to protect the house while you were away. To keep that promise, I have to become strong."

“Ah…”

She still remembered the promise they had made before leaving on his mission. An inexplicable surge of emotion stirred deep within Raon’s chest.

Ha….

Even Wrath widened his eyes in surprise.

It seems her spirit has grown more than her swordsmanship.

Wrath smiled proudly, saying he couldn’t see her as a mere child anymore.

'Yeah, you're right.'

Just as Wrath said, it felt like he couldn’t see her as a mere child anymore.

"Since you’re working so hard, I guess I’ll have to push myself even more too."

Raon nodded with a calm smile.

"Are you heading off for training?"

“Something like that.”

“Will it take long?”

"No, I’ll be back by dinner."

“Then I’ll keep practicing swordsmanship until you’re back. Let’s eat together later!”

Sia waved her hand cheerfully, telling him to have a good training session, then refocused on her sword practice. Seeing that she didn't cling like before, her mental age definitely seemed to have increased.

Fwoooosh.

Raon turned his back to her, listening to the sharp gust of wind stirred by Sia's sword.

‘Just hearing that sound gives me confidence.’

Just seeing Sia smiling and diligently training made something ignite within his chest, like a flame roaring to life.

This must be what it means to have family, to have strength born from bonds.

Raon headed towards the main building, recalling the look in Sia's eyes when she said she would protect the house. He didn't go to the lord’s manor, but took the side path next to it and opened the training ground door.

Kugugugugu.

Beyond the massive iron doors, so vast that the entire view couldn’t be taken in at once, four figures came into sight.

Glenn, Denier, Balder, and Karoon, who would be Raon’s opponent in today’s spar, were gathered together.
Only Aris, who had not yet regained consciousness after her cultivation, was absent.

Whooooom!

As soon as Karoon saw Raon, he placed his hand over the sword at his waist. A sharp wave of energy began rising from his shoulders. Though the spar had not yet begun, he was already entering battle mode.

‘It’s always ended vaguely before. This time…’

Raon exhaled deeply and stepped toward Karoon.

‘Let’s win.’

*   *   *

Karoon swallowed dryly as he watched Raon approach with heavy steps.

‘What the hell…’

He had personally gone to the audience chamber and witnessed Raon coming out of the Chamber of Self, so he knew Raon had grown stronger.

But he had never imagined that Raon, just by walking toward him without even drawing his sword, could unleash a suffocating pressure that squeezed his breath.

Step.

Each time Raon took a step, the pressure radiating from him grew heavier.

It became so oppressive that Karoon instinctively placed his hand over his sword just to endure it.

‘This is insane.’

Karoon didn’t even know what he was looking at anymore. It didn’t feel like a person approaching, it felt like a colossal sword was advancing toward him.

"You've really turned into a monster…."

Even though they hadn't exchanged a single blow, he already felt like he had lost.

It was so absurd that his jaw trembled on its own.

‘If I don’t go all out…’

Standing before Raon, who loomed over him like a giant, Karoon clenched his molars hard.

'I might not even withstand a single strike.'

 

 

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