The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 991

 Chapter 991

 

"That’s—That’s bullshit!"

The Demon Slaying Spear gritted his teeth, as if refusing to acknowledge that he only ever enjoyed fights he could win.

“I’ve lived my entire life on the battlefield. It’s not about winning or losing, what I enjoy is the battle itself!”

He shook his head, claiming he never cared whether he won or lost.

"I used to think that too."

Raon gave the demonic sword a slight flick. A sticky trail of blood slid down the Demon Slaying Spear’s neck.

"I believed you were a warrior worth fighting."

He said that tracking Merlin was a mission assigned by Eden, so I thought—maybe that made sense.

“But I was wrong.”

Raon let out a short breath and turned around. His gaze fell on Merlin, wrapped in a tattered robe, and he bit his lip hard.

‘Merlin…’

Her body was covered in more wounds than he could count, not just the gaping hole through her chest.

Most of them had clearly come from the Demon Slaying Spear himself, and the fury in Raon’s heart surged like an explosion.

“Why would you do something not even street scum would stoop to?”

Despite having the power to end her life instantly, the Demon Slaying Spear had chosen not to. Instead, he had torn her apart limb by limb like a child cruelly pulling the legs off an insect.

It was so utterly different from the bold and dignified presence the Demon Slaying Spear had displayed at the Five Divine Orders festival that it created a jarring sense of disconnect.

He was that kind of bastard from the very beginning!

Wrath snorted as he looked at the Demon Slaying Spear.

The King of Essence has never seen a single sane bastard among those obsessed with fighting!

He shook his head, saying that everyone who enjoys war is out of their mind.

‘Not everyone’s like that.’

Raon slowly lowered his gaze.

‘Like the Axe King… Roman.’

The Axe King Roman had been a man who lived to fight powerful opponents.

Even after suffering a fatal wound, he had smiled in satisfaction as he acknowledged defeat. That image of him remained vivid in Raon’s mind to this day.

He was a man who remained a true warrior to the very end.

Hmm, this King didn’t witness it all…

Wrath narrowed his eyes.

That guy seemed like the craziest of them all.

He smacked his lips and muttered that even in the devildom, there were few with that kind of madness.

“No! That’s not true!”

The Demon Slaying Spear clutched his head, unable to accept that he had felt fear—unable to believe that he had toyed with someone weaker than himself.

‘This is pointless now.’

Raon felt there was no longer any reason to continue dealing with him. He tightened his grip on the demonic sword.

“Die.”

Just as the demonic sword was about to slice through the Demon Slaying Spear’s neck—

“I am Cairn, the Demon Slaying Spear! I fear nothing!”

As the Demon Slaying Spear roared, black flames surged up from his throat, deflecting the blade of the demonic sword.

Kuwaaaaaaah!

Seizing the moment, he stomped the ground and leapt back.

A thunderous shockwave burst through the earth, splitting the land apart as a brilliant flame erupted from below.

‘Red flame? No... that’s...’

Raon’s eyes widened at the flames bursting from the cracked ground.

‘A horse!’

What rose from the earth wasn’t fire, but a war horse, towering far above Raon in height.

It was a mystical warhorse, its skin blazing red like fire. A golden saddle rested on its back, and secured beside it was a halberd, its bluish blade flashing with a deadly gleam.

‘That’s the warhorse Blood Horn and the Demon Flame Halberd.’

The beloved weapon and warhorse that had made the Demon Slaying Spear an invincible general had descended upon the blood-soaked earth.

“I was born on the battlefield and raised by it. Weak or strong, all are nothing but prey to me!”

Shouting that this was all there was to him, the Demon Slaying Spear mounted Blood Horn.

Paaaaaaaah!

As soon as he became one with Blood Horn, the foul stench that had been radiating from him vanished beneath the sound of the steed's heavy breathing and hooves.

“I’ll show you—who I truly am!”

He aimed his black spear forward and told Raon to come at him. The clouded look in his eyes faded, revealing the clear blue color that had once been there.

‘That’s right.’

Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Demon Slaying Spear standing tall like a war god.

‘He always used to ride that horse.’

The Demon Slaying Spear’s weapon wasn’t just his spear. He was a warrior who only revealed his full might once he was mounted on his warhorse, Blood Horn.

‘So this is where the real fight begins.’

Raon clicked his tongue and readjusted his grip on the divine and demonic swords.

Pajijijijik!

As black flames flared up from the black spear in the Demon Slaying Spear’s hand, the light in his eyes once again shifted, this time into a dark, murky gray.

‘That spear...’

Raon frowned as he looked at the black spear that endlessly poured out dark flames.

‘Something’s not right.’

The Demon Slaying Spear’s true weapon wasn’t that black spear, it was the halberd fastened to Blood Horn’s saddle.

He couldn’t understand why, despite having a treasured weapon powerful enough to be called a demonic spear, the Ghost Spear Slayer was wielding such a bizarre spear instead.

‘If he had just got a new weapon... No. Wait—ah!’

Raon bit his lip as memories of his conversations with the Demon Slaying Spear and his strange behavior came rushing back.

“You…”

Raon furrowed his brow as he locked eyes with the man’s clouded gaze.

“What did the Fallen do to you?”

No matter how he looked at it, the Demon Slaying Spear wasn’t acting like himself. People's personalities could change, but this went far beyond that.

‘Now that I think about it, it's strange that he just stayed put in Eden like that.’

The Demon Slaying Spear was a battle maniac who had left the Five Divine Orders to join the Four Demons, all for the sake of fighting. For someone like that to stay still in Eden until receiving a mission? That made no sense.

“Do to me? What the hell are you talking about?!”

The Demon Slaying Spear shouted, telling him to stop spouting nonsense.

“Shut up and fight! Things will be different now!”

Declaring that this was where the real battle began, he grabbed Blood Horn’s reins.

Rumble!

With a sharp snort, Blood Horn slammed a hoof into the earth, and before Raon knew it, the tip of the spear was already barreling toward his face.

‘Fast.’

The Demon Slaying Spear’s movements had become quick enough to break through even Raon’s perception. It was shocking to realize that the horse was faster and more agile than even a Transcender’s footwork.

‘And the power behind his strike is more powerful now.’

Not only had his speed increased, but his spear techniques and aura had become more powerful as well. Just mounting the horse seemed to have elevated the entire level of his martial prowess.

‘However...’

Raon twisted his wrist and raised the demonic sword, now burning with frost, in a diagonal slash.

Chwaaang!

The Crimson Slash he unleashed with the demonic sword blocked the faster and more powerful assault head-on without wavering.

‘It doesn’t change much.’

If it was just a matter of increased strength, speed, and aura, then Raon’s current power was more than enough to handle it. No, he could win, and he could do it for sure.

“Not yet!”

The Demon Slaying Spear leaned forward with his black spear like a cavalryman. Black flames surged around him and Blood Horn, fusing them into a single spear as they charged forward.

Rumbleeeee!

As the warhorse and warrior became one in their charge, the earth twisted, and the black flames distorted the sky itself.

Even before it made contact, Raon felt the pressure crushing down on his skin and bones.

Fwoooosh!

Just as the Demon Slaying Spear’s charge closed in right before his eyes, Raon gathered the flames of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation onto the blade of the divine sword.

Raon Zieghart Style Swordplay.

Second Form, Heavenly Heavy Cannon.

The golden flame flared into a small sphere, then unleashed an immense gravitational pull that blocked the Demon Slaying Spear’s charge.

Rumble!

The charge of the Demon Slaying Spear and Blood Horn was halted by the pull of Heavenly Heavy Cannon, unable to even reach him.

“Wh-what… is this…?”

The Demon Slaying Spear widened his dim eyes, as if it never occurred to him he wouldn’t even be able to approach.

“It’s not over yet.”

Raon shook his head as he looked at the confused Demon Slaying Spear.

“Try blocking this.”

Before he even finished saying that, he detonated the flame condensed on the sword blade.

Kuwaaaaaaah!

An enormous force exploded between the divine sword and the black spear. The ground melted, and golden flames surged upward as if to split the sky.

“Guh…!”

The Demon Slaying Spear survived only because he dodged quickly, but his face, arms, and legs were flushed red, as if scorched by heavy burns.

“Why…?”

The Demon Slaying Spear looked up at him with trembling eyes.

“I was definitely faster and stronger… so why…”

His lips trembled, as if he still couldn’t accept this outcome.

“That’s right. You’ve gotten stronger.”

Raon nodded calmly.

“In strength, speed, and aura only.”

In battles between Transcenders, strength, speed, and aura were certainly important.

But more important than that is what kind of value one has built into their martial art, and what conviction they carry.

By crossing swords and spears within the realm of Transcendence, he came to understand that the Demon Slaying Spear's soul was hollow.

“Shut up. Shut up. I said shut up!”

The Demon Slaying Spear shouted, refusing to accept it, and raised his black spear.

Prrr...

Blood Horn let out a sorrowful cry and struck the ground at its master's command.

*   *   *

Thoom!

The Demon Slaying Spear blocked Raon’s heavy sword strike and twisted his parched lips upward.

‘I can end this!’

Raon’s strikes were indeed strong and solid, but not enough to pierce through his bones and flesh.

As long as the fight continued, he believed he would win by wielding the power of the black spear.

“I’ll keep going!”

Letting out a yell, he unleashed a flurry of spear strikes at Raon’s entire body.

But Raon blocked them with ease, as if he could read his every move. Changing up the forms of the Evil Dance God Spear was of no use.

‘What is with this guy…?’

He had faced countless so-called geniuses through many wars, but never anyone like Raon.

They were clearly at a similar level, yet it felt as though he were fighting someone far beyond even the realm of Transcendence.

‘It’s fine! If I push to the end, I’ll win!’

He still had the battlefield experience and the black spear that granted him endless power. If he fought to the very end, he was sure he could win.

Clang!

After deflecting Raon’s fierce strikes, the Demon Slaying Spear was about to charge again—

Rumble…

Blood Horn let out a heavy, murky groan and trembled, as if it was about to collapse.

“What are you doing?! At a time like this… huh?”

As he grabbed the reins to raise Blood Horn again, his eyes widened.

“Blood Horn…?”

The red flames burning across Blood Horn’s body had dimmed, as if about to go out. Though they had spent many years together, he had never seen it like this.

‘No way…’

Seeing Blood Horn coughing up not sweat, but blood, his jaw trembled.

‘You… protected me?’

Judging by Blood Horn’s condition, it seemed Blood Horn had been taking all the shock from Raon’s sword strikes so they wouldn’t reach him.

Prrr…

Blood Horn steadied its trembling legs and let out a weak snort, as if to say it was fine.

“Khrrrk.”

The Demon Slaying Spear let out a low groan as he stroked Blood Horn’s now-dimmed mane.

‘Why… Why didn’t I notice this…?’

Blood Horn was an artifact, but also his cherished steed, his comrade, his family. He couldn’t understand how he had failed to notice its condition until things had gotten this bad

‘Come to think of it… how long has it been since I summoned this it?’

He used to call for Blood Horn every day and feed it its favorite carrots, but now that he thought about it, it felt like it had been a very long time.

‘Eden… the Fallen… ah!’

As the Demon Slaying Spear pressed his fingers to his temple, trying to recall his memories, the black spear began to shudder violently and ignited with black flames.

Fwoooosh!

With the black flames, something pitch-black pierced into his mind—something he could not block.

“Grrgh!”

He raised his aura, trying to erase the strange power seeping into his upper energy center, but it didn’t work.

‘Don’t tell me…’

He swallowed dryly as he looked at the black spear that continued to burn, regardless of his will.

‘This spear…?’

This black spear was the ancient weapon the Fallen had given him, saying it was a gift to welcome him into Eden.

He had refused at first, saying he already had the Demon Flame Halberd, known as the Demonic Spear, but accepted after being told to at least give it a try.

‘I only meant to try it once, so why have I been using this one the whole time?’

The black spear was indeed excellent, but the Demon Flame Halberd was like a part of his own life.

He had only meant to accept it and not use it, but before he realized it, he was carrying and wielding only the black spear.

‘And that’s not all…’

His memories after entering Eden were hazy. The only things he clearly remembered were speaking with the Fallen once a day and receiving this mission.

“…Hah.”

The Demon Slaying Spear let out a hollow laugh and bit down on his lip.

“To think he’d use such a cheap trick!”

Now he understood what Raon had meant.

He had lost something because of the Fallen.

‘That damned masked bastard…’

It seemed the Fallen had done this out of fear that he might leave Eden for somewhere else.

“Damn it!”

The Demon Flying Spear cursed and stomped his foot. Even now, the black spear was pouring a strange power into him, as if trying to devour his mind.

“I’ll throw it away!”

He couldn’t let himself become someone else, so even with Raon standing right in front of him, he hurled the black spear away.

Jijijijik—

But even after throwing it away, his mind didn’t clear.

Instead, his vision grew even hazier, and all he could think of was the overwhelming urge to hold the spear again, like an addict craving a drug.

“……”

Raon, sensing the change in him, remained standing and waited silently.

“Hurgh…”

The Demon Slaying Spear trembled all over, then coughed up black blood from his mouth.

‘The... spear…’

He needed the spear.

The black spear was calling to him, stomping on his mind and heart with the remaining power it had left, crying out for him to grab it again.

‘I… I can’t resist it…’

With his current, worn-down mind, he couldn’t endure the black spear’s temptation. He dismounted Blood Horn to take it again.

Prrrrrr.

As he bent down to pick up the spear, his eyes met Blood Horn’s.

He saw his reflection in his steed’s black eyes, not as a general who commands the battlefield, but as a man with trembling hands and eyes, like a hopeless addict. His soul cried out as if it would burst.

Jiiiik!

He withdrew the hand reaching for the spear and bit his tongue hard enough to nearly sever it.

“Don’t worry…”

Spitting out blood, he kicked the black spear away, then rose as he grabbed the Demon Flame Halberd tied to Blood Horn’s saddle.

“Looks like…”

The Demon Slaying Spear gave Raon a twisted smile.

“…what you said was true. The Fallane really did something filthy to me.”

He nodded, as if he had no choice but to admit it.

“Before I become his puppet again…”

He raised the halberd and aimed it at Raon.

“Let’s end this, Raon Zieghart!”

“In your condition, it’s dangerous.”

Raon furrowed his brow, as though he already understood the Demon Slaying Spear’s state.

“There are those in Zieghart skilled in medicine, medical arts and even holy power. You might still be saved…”

“No…”

The Demon Slaying Spear shook his head and spat out the black blood filling his mouth.

“I don’t have much time left.”

He bit his lip as if pleading to be fought in this moment.

“Send me…”

He bowed his head, as if begging.

“…off as a warrior.”

*   *   *

“Hmm…”

Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Demon Slaying Spear’s desperate gaze.

‘What did they do to that spear?’

No, it's not just the spear.

The Demon Slaying Spear is an experienced warrior who knows the battlefield.

There’s no way a Transcender like him could be brainwashed with just a weapon. Whether it was sorcery, food, formations, he had likely been consumed by multiple means.

‘And made it so he couldn’t escape.’

Judging from his condition, it seemed they’d made it so his body would break down from withdrawal if he let go of the black spear.

In a situation like this, there was only one thing Raon could do.

“Come.”

Raon exhaled slowly and gave a small nod.

“Thank you.”

The Demon Slaying Spear nodded and took hold of Blood Horn’s reins.

“Let’s go! Comrade!”

He charged forward with Blood Horn, as if declaring they would fight together until the very end.

Whoooooosh!

The Demon Slaying Spear spun the Demon Flame Halberd above his head, stirring an immense blaze.

Kuwaaaaaaaah!

Though it didn’t speak, Blood Horn kicked off the shattered ground and leapt into the air, as if fully understanding everything, creating the perfect height and angle for the Demon Slaying Spear’s strike to reach its full power.

Final technique of the Evil Dance God Spear.

Soaring Halberd Dance.

With crimson flames roaring from his spear and mounted on his warhorse, the Demon Slaying Spear unleashed a strike that looked ready to tear the sky apart. In that moment, he became the embodiment of both a demonic’s spear and a cavalry spear.

“With all my strength.”

Raon drew in a deep breath, raising the divine sword over his shoulder and pulling the demonic sword behind his waist. The stance of a tyrant. With the resolve to cut through anything, he thrust both swords forward.

Raon Zieghart Style Swordplay.

Six Form, Divine and Demonic Harmony’s Combination Technique.

Red-Blue Invincible Sword.

The ultimate technique of twin blade technique, Red-Blue Invincible Sword, clashed at the center of sky and earth with the ultimate spear technique drawn by the unity of man and horse.

Kuwaaaaaaaah!

A terrifying impact erupted. A pitch-black fissure split the sky and the earth, and black-red vortexes rose in all directions.

Fwoooooosh!

Raon and the Demon Slaying Spear passed each other and came to a stop, as if the enormous aftermath had nothing to do with them.

“How was it.”

The Demon Slaying Spear spoke without even turning his head.

“Was it still a spear that scorned the weak until the end?”

His shoulders trembled, as if he truly wanted to know.

“No.”

Raon shook his head firmly.

Puhhhhk!

Looking at the spear strike that had pierced his chest and spilled blood, he let out a faint smile.

"It was an admirable spear, one that dared to reach upward."

The final strike of the Demon Slaying Spear held the conviction worthy of the master of the mounted spear, a blow that left Raon gravely wounded, even after giving his all.

“…I see.”

The Demon Slaying Spear nodded in satisfaction, then slipped from Blood Horn's saddle.

“Keuhk…”

He let out a hollow breath as he looked at the wound that had dug into his chest like it would rip it apart.

"Even if I had been in my right mind, I probably would have lost."

As he acknowledged defeat, the blade of Demon Flame Halberd in his hand crumbled like aged glass.

“Even like this… I have one request.”

“What is it?”

Raon tilted his chin as he looked at him.

“That one…”

He pointed to Blood Horn, now collapsed at his side as if all its strength had left it.

“Take that one with you.”

He bowed his head as if begging.

Prrrhh…

Blood Horn dragged his weakened legs and crawled over, unwilling to leave its master.

“Thank you… for staying with such a foolish master.”

The Demon Slaying Spear smiled as he stroked Blood Horn’s forehead.

“He’ll treat you better than I ever did. Go with him.”

He shook his head, saying this was the end of their journey together.

“Haa…”

As if all strength had left him, the Demon Slaying Spear slowly raised his hand.

“Before I die… I’ll tell you what I know.”

“What do you know?”

Raon narrowed his eyes at the Demon Slaying Spear.

"Eden, Derus, and the White Blood Religion are working together more closely than the Five Kings think. And what Eden is preparing isn't just the resurrection of the Demonic Dragon, but also—ah..."

Before finishing his final words, the Demon Slaying Spear breathed his last.

Prrrrrrrrr...

Blood Horn licked the Demon Slaying Spear’s cheek, unable to close its dead master’s eyes, and tears dripped from its large eyes.

“……”

Raon etched the Demon Slaying Spear’s final words into his mind, nodding to never forget them, and then returned to where Merlin lay.

‘She’s safe… thank goodness.’

Since he had been careful to prevent any harm from reaching Merlin, not a single new wound had appeared on her body.

However, her condition had not improved, so he had to take her back quickly.

Rumble…!

As Raon lifted Merlin onto his back and stood up, a massive sound echoed from outside the forest.

‘Mark Goetten.’

It seemed Mark Goetten, who had covered his rear, was still fighting. He had been sensing his presence all along, but his current state didn’t seem good.

‘I need to hurry back—ah!’

Raon, about to run out of the forest, came to a sudden stop.

‘Right. That bell.’

He approached the lifeless Demon Slaying Spear and took out the bell that had been in his possession.

“Hm?”

Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at the bell, tinged with a dark red glow.

“This bell…”

 

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