The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 1018

 Chapter 1018

 

“Hmm….”

Raon rotated his wrist as he looked around the Thespian Emperor’s training ground.

‘Not bad.’

The floor was well-packed, and the equipment looked as if it had never even been used, immaculately maintained.

Unlike the Thespian Emperor’s manor, which was shabbier than even a common noble’s mansion, the training ground was maintained at a top-tier level, on par with Zieghart.

The Thespian Emperor hadn’t neglected the elements important to the image of the Five Divine Orders, she had meticulously taken care of them.

‘She must’ve done it all with other people’s gazes and rumors in mind. But…’

Raon frowned as he looked at the Thespian Emperor, who was nervously biting her nails.

‘She herself has changed.’

The Thespian Emperor I knew was a woman like a slippery eel, someone who maintained a cold reason in any moment to seize a profit.

But as she became unable to properly read the heaven’s flow, she forgot even her own greatest strength.

Now, it seemed like she couldn’t even clearly judge what she could do, or what she should do.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say her soul had been consumed by the power of heaven’s flow.

Indeed.

Wrath nodded as he looked at the Thespian Emperor.

Being able to see the future is a tremendous power, and authority. It’s no surprise that wench fell apart.

He snorted, saying even in the devildom, there were demons who collapsed because they placed too much faith in their ability to read heaven’s flow.

But to be content with a future already decided… such pitiful creatures. Fate has meaning only when it is carved by one’s own hand!

Wrath clicked his tongue with a long sigh, as if utterly disappointed.

‘Hmm…’

Raon narrowed his eyes at Wrath, who was expressing anger at the Thespian Emperor’s helplessness.

Could it be because of him that I’m unaffected by the heaven’s flow?

In my past life, I had no such thing as the power to change fate.

Considering that I received the title <One Who Turns the Wheel of Fate>, it seemed clear that either the Ring of Fire or Wrath had given me the power to change the future.

A supreme being like the King of Essence, who shattered fate by his own power and ascended to the monarch’s throne…

As Wrath began another of his pompous speeches, the door to the training ground opened, and Brigit, the head of the Blade Martial Pavilion, entered.

She revealed a gaze filled with irritation, as if something was displeasing her.

‘Come to think of it, she is also a little strange.’

She never used to show her emotions so openly.

Perhaps because she was influenced by the mentally collapsed Thespian Emperor, the Queen of Swords also looked different from before.

What are you talking about! You are the strangest one here!

Wrath waved his hand, telling him to do some self-reflection.

You’re more arrogantly rude than usual, and you seem impatient!

‘That was on purpose.’

Raon brushed Wrath’s hand aside and gave a slight smile.

You did it on purpose?

‘I wanted to draw out the power she’s been hiding.’

From what I had seen before, Brigit was the quiet type who disliked insolent and rude people. So I deliberately acted arrogant and cornered her with my words to provoke her.

But you were using honorifics this time, unlike before?

‘Acting cocky while still speaking politely gets on people’s nerves even more.’

Hah… You’re saying you planned all of that?

Wrath let out a dumbfounded breath.

You never do anything without scheming, do you.

Shaking his head, Wrath muttered that he was growing tired of Raon’s scheming.

“Looks like you're ready. Let’s begin.”

Brigit placed her hand on the hilt at her waist, signaling the start of the duel.

Srrring—

Raon drew Heavenly Drive from its scabbard, narrowing his eyes to thin slits like threads.

‘Nothing’s particularly different.’

Even though Brigit had taken her combat stance, she didn’t seem much different from when we were in the conference hall. She was still on a level not much above the Demon Slaying Spear.

‘Well, I’ll find out once we fight.’

To judge beyond this point, he would have to clash swords with her directly, so he raised Heavenly Drive.

“Come.”

Raon flicked his fingers, telling her to come at him first while gripping Heavenly Drive.

Kuuuuung!

As if words were no longer needed, the Queens of Swords charged forward, breaking through the training ground. Her fingertips flashed like a burst of light, and in the next instant, silver sword strike was already before his eyes. It was a highest level sword draw, it felt as though a sword had risen from within a torn dimension.

‘Fast and sharp. A strike worthy of a Transcender. But…’

I can see it.

The Queen of Swords displayed swordsmanship carrying the level of Transcendence, but it still didn’t go beyond what I had expected.

Uuuuuung!

Raon resonated the nine Rings of Fire. The flow of air and mana slowed as if time itself had stopped, and the Queen of Swords’ approaching sword strike became so vivid it felt as though it was brushing against his skin.

Kuung!

He drew two arcs with Heavenly Drive, activating the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation at its peak. The flame rising along the blade formed a curved wave that blocked Brigit’s strike.

Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation: Thousand Flames – Flawless Sea of Fire.

The sword technique of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation, perfectly balancing offense and defense, smashed through the Queen of Swords strike without hesitation.

Chiiiiik!

Brigit, who had elegantly launched her attack, was pushed back ten full steps. The deep footprints carved into the floor of the training ground revealed that she hadn’t been able to properly absorb the impact of Flawless Sea of Fire. There was a clear difference in power.

‘Her strength isn’t much different from what it looks like.’

Though Brigit was a Transcender who had mastered many sword principles to their limits, she wasn’t a particularly difficult opponent for me, who had mastered the versatile sword.

The Thespian Emperor was actually far more dangerous. Her attacks infused with sorcery would certainly have an effect on me.

“Will you continue?”

“Of course!!”

Brigit, seemingly provoked, shouted that she hadn’t even begun and launched another strike on the spot.

Piaaaang!

A tiny circle shot out from the sword’s edge, finer than a strand of hair. Within that single point was the culmination of everything she had built as a swordswoman.

‘A swordsmanship of a different level. But…’

I can still read it.

The technique she unleashed came barreling toward my chest faster than sound, but its flow still couldn’t escape my senses.

Chiaaaang!

Raon extended his wrist and delivered a thrust identical to hers.

A thrust he had practiced countless times since childhood carved a crimson line through the air, like a brushstroke from a master painter—without the slightest tremble.

Heavenly Lightning Cultivation – Secret Technique – Red Sun Crimson.

As point and line collided, a red fracture opened as if slicing through space itself.

But the clash didn’t last long. Even though the Red Sun Crimson was unleashed later, the lightning-infused strike shattered the Queen of Swords’ attack and grazed her waist in a narrow arc.

“Ugh…”

Brigit glanced at her waist, where her clothing and skin had been scorched, and lightly bit her lip in disbelief..

“Didn't you say I could die?”

Raon looked at the ground beneath his feet, where not a single small trace had been made, and smiled.

“This is getting boring. Why don’t you show a little more effort?”

“Don’t rush me. I haven’t warmed up yet.”

Brigit twisted the corner of her mouth and gripped the end of her sword hilt. She charged toward him with her arm pulled far back, as if a cavalryman were thrusting a lance.

Fwaaaaaaah!

A rippling black light surged over the Queen of Swords’ blade, as if it held the universe within. It was the ultimate technique of the Sword of Majestic Will — a sword that expresses the universe itself.

“Ssshh…”

Raon took a breath and increased the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation’s output to the maximum. The fire that surged up from the blade blazed in a deep golden hue, forming the shape of a mystical sword.

Raon Zieghart Style Swordplay.

Seventh Form, Void Severance.

The golden flame, burning as brilliantly as a star’s explosion, incinerated the Queen of Swords’ sword strike that sought to shape the universe, then fell toward her neck.

Kyaaaaang!

True to her status as a high-level Transcendence, Brigit read the trajectory of Void Slash, raised a defense, and tried to retreat.

But Raon’s eyes and hands had already read her movements.

Chiiiiing!

He closed in using the fluidity of the Supreme Harmony Steps Third Step, and shattered her defense with the sharpness of Fangs of Insanity.

“Guh!”

Brigit slightly bent her knees and waist, redirecting the strike from the Fangs of Insanity that had reached her chest. Using that rebound, she launched a thrust imbued with extreme swiftness toward Raon’s chest.

This technique, too, appeared to be of the Sword of Majestic Will — beautiful black light shimmered along the blade’s edge.

Chiaaaaang!

Raon stepped forward with his left foot. At a distance close enough to feel her breath, he unleashed a full-powered Frost Pond.

Kuwaaaang!

The twin blades imbued with the Demon King's frost slashed down the universe — and came to a calm halt just in front of the Queen of Swords’s neck.

Five moves. That was the number of techniques Raon had used to subdue Brigit, the Queen of Swords.

“Ha…?”

Even the Thespian Emperor hadn’t expected Brigit to be subdued in just five moves, her eyes widened.

“Pa-Pavilion master?”

“No way! Just five moves?!”

“T-The difference is way bigger than I expected…”

“Ahh!”

The swordsmen of the Blade Martial Pavilion and the warriors of the White Whale trembled in shock, their jaws twitching at the result of the spar.

“He defeated the Queen of Swords in five moves?”

“F-Five moves is generous. If he was serious, he could’ve ended it in one.”

“Handsome monster….”

Even Burren, Martha, and Runaan swallowed dryly, they hadn’t thought the spar would end in just five moves.

“This…”

Raon gently raised Brigit’s chin with the flat of Heavenly Drive and furrowed his brow.

“Was that everything you’ve got?”

“Of course not!”

Brigit bit her lip and shook her head.

“Let me be honest. In your current state, no matter what you try, you won’t be able to defeat me.”

Raon shook his head firmly. Even if she still had sword techniques and secret arts left, at her current level, she would never be able to win against him.

“For someone who warned that I might die, you’ve shown surprisingly little.”

He wasn't mocking her. He genuinely didn't know what the Queen of Swords meant by those words and wanted to ask.

‘Did grandfather misjudge her?’

When it came to martial arts, I trusted Glenn more than anyone, but just this once, I couldn’t help but think Glenn had misjudged the Queen of Swords.

“I want to show everything too… but it’s just not coming out right now…”

Brigit muttered something unclear and lowered her head.

“This is the full extent of my strength right now.”

She clenched her teeth hard enough to grind them, as if angry at herself.

“Hm…”

Raon’s eyes widened slightly as he looked at Brigit openly showing her frustration.

‘What in the world….’

“That’s enough.”

The Thespian Emperor stepped forward with a sigh.

“Brigit, step down. Strictly speaking, that power isn’t truly yours anyway.”

She shook her head, saying it was time to stop.

“Mmh…”

Brigit let out a low groan and raised her head. Seeing her furrowed brow, it seemed that although she was stepping back because of the Thespian Emperor, she wasn't satisfied with this result.

“Light Wind Palace master. We acknowledge you. The Five Divine Orders will walk the same path as the Five Kings…”

The Thespian Emperor nodded as she declared that they would follow the path of the Five Kings.

“No.”

Raon cut her off and raised Heavenly Drive.

“It’s your turn to fight now.”

“What do you mean…?”

“You’re going to stamp a seal without even checking what kind of person your future ally is, or how much strength they have?”

He lowered his eyebrows, asking whether she wasn’t being far too passive with such an important decision.

“…From the beginning, I had no intention of testing you.”

The Thespian Emperor hesitated for a long time before finally opening her mouth.

“…To be honest, I should’ve made my decision back when the DemonBlade died and the Black Tower collapsed.”

She shook her head, saying she had missed that crucial moment because she could no longer properly read the heaven’s flow.

“For someone like me… I have no right to test you…”

“How long has it been since you came to this training ground?”

Raon pointed to the floor beneath them with his finger.

“…What?”

“Have you sparred or fought anyone else here?”

“…”

The Thespian Emperor looked down at the well-packed ground beneath her feet, her lips trembling.

“You haven’t even trained in ages, let alone sparred, have you?”

“Ugh…”

Unable to answer, she just let out a low sound, as if to confirm he was right.

“You’re a sorcerer, but also a warrior. Sitting behind a desk and scheming all day is exactly why you’ve fallen apart like this.”

Raon let out a cold snort and shook his head.

“Watch your mouth when speaking about her!”

The Queen of Swords ground her teeth, as if telling him not to ridicule the Thespian Emperor. As expected, there seemed to be something special between the two of them.

“Come at me.”

Raon ignored Brigit and beckoned to the Thespian Emperor with his finger.

“I’ll crush the boulder that’s pressing down on your soul.”

“Are you serious?”

“I’m always serious.”

He tilted his chin arrogantly and said this was her last chance to overcome her distress.

Why are you trying to fight that woman?

Wrath narrowed his eyes as if asking what he was thinking.

‘What we need is a clever fox. Not a broken puppy.’

There was no meaning in gaining the Thespian Emperor in such a shattered state. Right now, that woman held no value, neither as a warrior nor as a strategist.

Now that the Five Divine Orders had come under the Five Kings, I had to wake her broken spirit so she could return to who she used to be.

“…All right. Truth is, I also…”

The Thespian Emperor bit her lip until it bled.

“I’ve been wanting to let out this frustration.”

With a stomp that seemed to say she was ready, she slammed her foot down.

“I’ll let you have the first move.”

Raon aimed Heavenly Drive at her neck and told her to come at him with full power.

“Haaaa…”

As the Thespian Emperor formed a spell with both hands and chanted an incantation, her entire body was dyed in a colorless light.

Kwaaaang!

The Thespian Emperor shot forward with a powerful leap, and Raon could feel a massive lump of mana rushing toward him, ready to swallow him whole.

Kugugugugugu!

She swung a fist blazing with colorless mana straight at him. It was a crude and straightforward fist, completely unlike her usual calculating demeanor.

Kuwaaaang!

But the power behind it was far from simple. Her punch shattered the defense of Heavenly Drive and grazed Raon’s skin as it crashed in.

“I’ll take it.”

Raon bared his teeth in a grin as he unleashed powerful sword strong enough not to be pushed back by her fist.

Sword and fist collided head-on, drawing a crimson line as if it split heaven and earth.

Jjeooong!

*   *   *

Kugugugugugu!

The Thespian Emperor gritted her teeth as she unleashed punches filled with both sorcery and aura, one after another without pause.

‘He’s blocking all of this?’

Even though my barrage was enough to be called my full strength, he took it all without stepping back a single inch. It was as if he intended to face me purely with strength against strength.

‘This man… is that child from back then?’

The young swordsman who used to mock me with his tongue had now grown into a great swordsman who could stand behind—no, beside—me.

‘He was a Master the first time I saw him.’

It hadn’t even been that many years since then, and now he stood on equal ground with me.

‘Genius… No, this isn’t a genius. He’s not even a monster—he’s a demon king.’

The Thespian Emperor trembled as she watched Raon cut through her sorcery with flame and push back her aura with cold energy.

‘While this child was ascending to Transcendence… what have I been doing?’

I had resolved to use the conflict among the Six Kings and Five Demons to build a great power that wouldn’t lose to either, yet in truth, I hadn’t accomplished a thing.

I had merely watched from the shadows like a rat, unable to even snatch up the fallen crumbs of cheese.

‘And beyond that…’

Ever since I lost the ability to see the heaven’s flow, I had done nothing but stand still, barely breathing. Day after day, I kept brainwashing myself: “I’m just waiting. I’m only holding my breath, waiting for a better opportunity.”

And I holed myself up in my office like a broken person.

But the young man standing before me had staked his life, carved through countless trials, and built up strength and experience that would not lose to mine.

Feeling that difference on my skin made me feel like vomiting, as if I were looking at my own ugliness in the mirror.

“Kuaaaaaaaah!”

The Thespian Emperor let out a scream, not a battle cry, but a raw shriek, as she unleashed a punch filled with all her strength.

A strike driven by emotion, something she would never have done before.

It was an attack too easy to counter, too easy to avoid.

And yet, even as blood trickled from his lips, Raon took every punch head-on.

“Come on, more.”

Raon tilted his chin with a bright smile, as if it still wasn’t enough.

‘Heaven’s flow…’

Looking at Raon, who felt far more mature than herself, she recalled the day she read his heaven’s flow.

The blood that should have represented his future had broken free from the Sacred Tome of Sun and Moon by its own will, it had been terrifying.

But when she met Raon’s clear eyes, that fear began to look like conviction and will, the desire to carve out one’s own fate.

‘Heaven’s flow… or rather, the future, might not be what’s important.’

A thought, as if clawing through her clouded mind, surfaced —

that the heaven’s flow was just one path, and what truly mattered was the will a person held.

‘Yes. That’s it.’

I was too deeply obsessed with this power called heaven’s flow.

Until now, I had prioritized a predetermined future over my own will and belief. That was no different from throwing my soul into the gutter.

Goooooooh!

The Thespian Emperor felt her mind, long plagued by headaches, clear up as she continued throwing punches without end.

Her once chaotic punches and spells began to settle, like the waves of a great sea calming into stillness.

*   *   *

Tuuk.

Raon let out a breath as he looked at the Thespian Emperor, who had stopped her wild punching and now stood frozen like a statue.

‘An enlightenment?’

It seemed the Thespian Emperor had found some realization as she threw her punches at him.

‘All I meant to do was help her blow off steam… I wasn’t trying to give her enlightenment…’

I had only intended to pull her out of the gutter, but the moment she grabbed my hand, she sprinted straight into a clothing store and started buying new clothes, bags, and shoes. Honestly, it left me speechless.

Still, it wasn’t a bad outcome. The Thespian Emperor was someone who understood gratitude, so there would be more ways to make use of her later.

‘I’ll make sure to collect a big reward for this one.’

As Raon smiled quietly and began to step back from the Thespian Emperor, he met eyes with Brigit, who was leaning against the training ground wall.

“…Huh?”

Raon swallowed dryly as he met her chilling gaze.

‘What is that…?’

Same face, same body, same aura, and yet, this woman was not the same one he had just crossed swords with.

He could feel a completely different presence radiating from her.

“You…”

Raon stepped in front of the Thespian Emperor, as if to protect her, and pointed his sword at Brigit.

“Who are you?”

 

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