The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 1024

 Chapter 1024

 

“Very well. You are all dismissed.”

Glenn waved his hand, his complexion smooth and radiant, as if he’d become thirty years younger.

“I was wondering why the head of house suddenly summoned us, but now I see there was a good reason.”

“Exactly! Who would’ve thought he’d form an alliance with the Five Divine Orders in just one day?”

“Not to mention, he even made the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords enter a trance. What kind of ability is that?”

“No wonder he’s the youngest palace master in history. I think it’s already too late to get in line with him now.”

The executives threw side glances at Raon as they exited the audience chamber.

“My nephew surprises me every time I see him!”

Balder praised him as he patted Raon’s shoulder.

“You’ve accomplished something truly great. You worked hard, and thank you.”

Denier also smiled and gave a slightly belated round of applause.

“Let’s grab a meal sometime!”

Balder said he’d host a feast, so Raon should come to the Central Martial Palace, and then he left with Denier.

“……”

Raon narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling the gentle smile on Denier’s face.

‘It’s like he’s a different person.’

Before, he had felt an unidentifiable gloominess and eeriness from Denier, but now he simply exuded warmth like Balder. He really had no idea what kind of person he was.

“Argh! That guy—no, I really should’ve brought the Light Wind Palace master over during the selection ceremony….”

Serena, the Void Sword Division leader, clicked her tongue in lingering regret.

“As if that would’ve worked out the way you wanted. That damned gambler would’ve done whatever it took to cling to Raon’s pants leg.”

Sheryl waved her hand, saying that because of Rimmer, Raon’s affiliation was never going to change.

“That’s right. He’s had his eye on him for a long time.”

Roenn let out a chuckle, as if recalling Rimmer, and saw off Serena and the remaining executives.

“Hoo….”

Raon let out a murky breath as he looked around the audience chamber, now left alone again with Glenn.

‘I’m exhausted.’

Repeating the same story over and over, especially the second time, with the executives’ eyes all fixed on him, had left him mentally worn out.

‘At least Sir Karoon and Lady Aris weren’t here. That’s a relief.’

Those two were in the middle of training and couldn’t attend, but if they had been, their intense stares would’ve made things even more tiring.

“You’ve done well.”

Glenn nodded with a satisfied smile. Seeing the brightness in his face, he truly seemed to be in a good mood.

“You must be tired. Go on back and rest…”

“There’s one thing I’d like to ask.”

Before stepping away, Raon came forward and said he had a question.

“Ask ten, not just one, if you wish.”

Glenn responded kindly, as if he’d answer any question.

What, has he become a different person?

Wrath let out a snort of disbelief.

That old man wasn’t like this before!

He furrowed his brow, wondering where Glenn’s usual gruffness had gone.

‘I’m not sure either…’

Raon let out a short sigh.

‘I think he started changing after saving my sister…’

He still wasn’t sure if he had always been like this and had just been holding back, or if meeting Sia and Edgar had triggered some kind of emotional awakening.

“The Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords entered a trance while sparring with me. I don’t think that was a coincidence, I believe it was possible because I’ve reached the state of the Heart Sword.”

Raon brought his hands together in front of him as he looked at Glenn, who had leaned forward from the throne.

“After you reached the state of the Heart Sword, grandfather, did you ever feel any physical or mental changes?”

He wanted to ask Glenn about this, since although he had gained the trait called Soul Transfer Transformation, he hadn’t yet figured out how to use it.

“As you said, it’s certain that your soul had a great influence on the minds of the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords, who were experiencing distress.”

Glenn smiled, saying he thought the same.

“The Heart Sword is an absolute martial art where one sharpens their soul to the utmost and cuts through the opponent’s soul. But because sharpening the sword of the heart requires using the entirety of one’s soul, it’s not easy to affect others with it.”

He shook his head, saying he had never experienced something like that himself.

“Then why did it happen to me…?”

“As I said before, you possess a soul far too vast for your current level of martial power. Even after forming a Heart Sword suited to your level, the surplus magnitude of your soul’s presence likely had a beneficial effect on the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords.”

Glenn lowered his hand and said that was likely the only explanation.

“It’s a strange thing. Usually, when someone reaches a high level at a young age, their soul’s presence is supposed to be small, but yours is overwhelmingly large, even compared to mine back then.”

He tilted his chin slightly, saying it was hard to understand based on his own reasoning.

“Maybe it’s because you’ve been through battles and experiences that few others ever could. Either way, it’s a good thing.”

Glenn leaned back against the throne, congratulating him.

“Still, as much as it’s good to help others…”

He tapped the broken armrest of the throne with his finger.

“Don’t neglect forging your own sword. Unlike mine, your Heart Sword can grow endlessly.”

He smiled warmly, saying he looked forward to seeing Raon’s unique Heart Sword.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Raon bowed respectfully to Glenn.

“You must be tired. Go back now.”

“Yes. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Without turning his back on Glenn, who was now chuckling in satisfaction, Raon stepped backward out of the audience chamber.

Let’s hurry back!

Before they were even out of the lord's manor, Wrath grabbed his sleeve and shook it.

The King of Essence’s starving. Let’s go home and eat first!

He shook his head, saying he hadn’t eaten properly the whole time they were in Barene, so Raon had better take care of it now.

“I have something to take care of first.”

Raon didn’t return to the annex building right away. Instead, he stood in front of the lord’s manor and whistled.

Piiiik!

Not long after the whistle echoed out, a soft cry came from above, and a young swallow landed on his palm.

“Have you been well?”

Raon smiled as he stroked the bird’s head.

Piik.

The swallow chirped, raising one leg as if to say it had been doing just fine.

“You looked a little hurt before. I’m glad you’ve healed.”

Raon placed the bird on his shoulder, then took a white piece of paper from his clothes and began writing a letter.

“I’ll be counting on you.”

Once he finished, he tied the letter to the swallow’s leg and sent it flying into the sky.

Piiiik!

The young swallow circled once above his head, as if to say not to worry, then flew quickly southward.

Was that for that old man?

Wrath tilted his chin, asking if the letter was sent to Rector.

‘From the reply I got, it seems he likes receiving my letters.’

Raon smiled, saying he’d probably keep sending them.

Tch. What a hassle.

Wrath clicked his tongue briefly.

You’ve got two doting old men to look after now.

‘No, I actually like it.’

Raon shook his head firmly.

‘It’s better to have at least one person around than to have no one at all.’

Unlike in his previous life, when he had no family or friends, now he had many people to care for, and that filled his heart with warmth and happiness.

‘Let’s go back to the annex building.’

He smiled and placed a hand on Wrath’s head.

‘I’ll take care of you too.’

Ooooh! Then bring grilled and fried beef, pork, lamb, chicken, plus pineapple pizza, shrimp pasta, and tuna…

‘Suddenly, it feels like a hassle.’

Raon shook his head as he watched Wrath rattle off an endless list of menu items.

‘I think I’ll have to remove you from the list of people to take care of.’

Why!

*   *   *

“If you’re all done talking, I’m leaving.”

The White Blood Religion’s leader snorted and disappeared through the door as soon as the meeting  ended.

“I’ll take my leave as well.”

Rector clicked his tongue briefly and stood up.

“Thank you for coming all this way, master of the Holy Sword Alliance.”

Derus bowed politely to Rector.

“As I mentioned, I would like you to remain hidden and absorb the surrounding factions one by one. That location should likely keep you undetected by anyone.”

He gave a calm smile, as if to remind Rector of what had been discussed during the meeting.

“No need to worry.”

Rector nodded as he walked toward the door.

‘Creepy bastard.’

The fact that he was openly talking like this after seeking out the hidden land of the Holy Sword Alliance as if it were a tourist spot made Rector boil inside.

That man was a monster, in terms of both martial might and schemes.

“I know.”

“Oh, one more thing.”

Just as Rector was about to open the door and leave, Derus raised a hand.

“Even if you have close acquaintances among the Five Divine Orders, don’t try to send them any alliance offers. They’ve already chosen to side with the Five Kings.”

Derus shook his head, as if to say it was too late to act.

“The Five Divine Orders?”

Rector swallowed dryly and turned to look at Derus.

“Yes. It’s already over, so don’t concern yourself with them.”

Even knowing that the Five Divine Orders, just beneath the Five Kings, had taken their side, Derus didn’t show a trace of anger or surprise.

Rector couldn’t tell whether he was stating the truth or trying to test him, but just looking into that man’s calm eyes sent chills down his spine.

“…Understood.”

Forcing down his tension, Rector left the meetingroom.

As he stepped back onto the path where the white lights flickered, the mountain leading to the Holy Sword Alliance came into view.

‘Now he’s openly showing that he knows where the Holy Sword Alliance is.’

When he had entered, the gate had opened far from this place. But now he had returned to a location right in front of the mountain. It was as if Derus was declaring that he knew everything about the Holy Sword Alliance.

‘What a nasty bastard.’

Letting out a heavy sigh, Rector passed through the cave and entered the sacred ground of the Holy Sword Alliance.

“Master!”

Mustan, who had been sweeping the courtyard, put down his broom and ran over.

“A letter came from him!”

He handed Rector a white piece of paper, saying that Raon had sent another letter.

“Is that so?”

As he took the letter, the dark and oppressive energy that Derus had left pressing on his shoulders vanished like it had been washed away.

“Hm…”

But as he read the letter, his expression darkened.

“M-Master? Is something wrong?”

Mustan swallowed nervously as he looked at Rector’s tense face.

“Raon says he’s formed an alliance with the Five Divine Orders.”

Rector crumpled the letter slightly as he bared his teeth.

“What? But that’s a good thing. Why make that face…?”

Mustan blinked in confusion, as if he didn’t understand.

“Yes, you’re right, it is good news. But…”

Rector bit his lip deeply with his white teeth.

“Derus already knew about this.”

Recalling what Derus had said before returning to the Holy Sword Alliance, a chill spread across his whole body.

‘Just how much does that monster know?’

The thought that Derus was becoming more and more dangerous started to take root in his mind like a thorn.

“Ah…”

Mustan let out a breath, seeming to understand what it meant.

“Th-Then you should send word to Sir Raon!”

He quickly brought out letter paper and a pen.

“No. This is something I need to tell him in person. There’s also something I need to show him.”

Rector shook his head, recalling the Radiant Orb stored in his subspace pocket.

“Th-that makes sense.”

Mustan gave a low groan, as if he had remembered Derus’ white hawk that had snatched the swallow out of the air.

‘Derus Robert…’

Rector clenched his fist as he recalled Derus’ ever-composed face.

‘Is he even human?’

His eloquence, schemes, and martial prowess were all on a level different from ordinary people.

Especially those calm eyes that felt as though they could read his soul, just meeting them made it hard to breathe.

“Shall we prepare to depart for Zieghart right away, then?”

Mustan smacked his lips and suggested they move immediately.

“No. There’s something I need to do first before we go.”

Rector firmly shook his head. He gazed at the distant, towering mountain and let out a deep breath.

“We need to find someone who can stop Derus Robert.”

*   *   *

Raon stood atop the platform, looking down at the Light Wind swordsmen lined up in the fifth training ground.

“What kind of training are we doing that you had us gather at dawn?”

Martha stomped her foot, urging him to get started if he was going to.

“Haaaahm…”

Runaan had managed not to be late, but she rubbed her eyes, yawning as if still sleepy.

“Don’t rush him. I’m sure he’ll start when he’s ready.”

“Burren crossed his arms and said they should wait for the palace master to speak.”

“You saw how the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords entered a trance while sparring with me, didn’t you?”

Raon stood at the edge of the platform and raised his chin slightly.

“We saw! I never expected Transcenders like them to suddenly enter a trance like that!”

Krein said it had been incredible and nodded vigorously.

“It was amazing…”

Runaan blinked, saying she’d never seen anything like it before.

“Why don’t I ever get that kind of luck!”

Martha bit her lip hard, seemingly envious of the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords.

“That actually wasn’t a coincidence.”

Raon shook his head as he addressed the Light Wind swordsmen about the matter.

“It wasn’t a coincidence?”

“What do you mean?”

Trevin and Martha raised their heads at the same time.

“The head of house said that since I’ve reached the state of the Heart Sword, my soul has started to exert a beneficial effect (positive influence) on others.”

Raon explained the nature of the trait <Soul Transfer Transformation> to the Light Wind swordsmen, citing Glenn’s words.

“In other words, it’s not just the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords, you all can enter a trance as well.”

He nodded, saying that like those two, they could enter a trance and rapidly advance in martial arts.

“R-Really?”

“How do we do it?”

“I’ll do it no matter what it takes!”

The Light Wind swordsmen, astonished by the idea of being able to enter a trance, raised their hands forcefully and shouted out.

“I’m in. Whatever it takes!”

Martha clenched her fist, saying she’d do anything to make it happen.

“……”

Runaan gave a small nod as she looked at Martha.

“To be honest, I’m not exactly sure how to make it happen either. But…”

Raon smiled as he rolled his wrist.

“Hrmph…”

Dorian seemed to sense something and trembled, eyes wide with fear, lips sealed shut.

“If you take some hits like the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords, maybe it’ll happen somehow?”

With a chilling smile, Raon stepped down from the platform.

“W-What…?”

“You’ve learned the Heart Sword, and that’s the approach you take?”

"It’s not even a spar, what the heck does he mean by just taking hits?"

The Light Wind swordsmen trembled at the jaw, as if the idea had never even crossed their minds.

“Well, let’s give it a try. We’ve got plenty of time. First up…”

Raon pointed his finger at Krein, who was twitching like a freshly caught fish.

“Krein, come he—”

“I’ll go first. Please.”

Martha stepped in front of the now-pale Krein and drew her sword.

“…Alright.”

Raon twisted the corner of his mouth into a smile as he looked at Martha, her eyes filled with determination.

“It won’t take long anyway.”

*   *   *

The sun that had once risen high in the sky had now sunk, casting a crimson glow across the sky.

The swordsmen who had been standing in the training ground were now collapsed on the floor, retching like the sun itself had gone out.

“Ghhuaaark…”

“Th-this was worse than usual!”

“It really wasn’t a spar… He just beat us up!”

“This was one-sided violence!”

“And no one even entered a trance…”

The Light Wind swordsmen groaned from the ground, saying it was too much.

“Hm…”

Raon lowered Heavenly Drive in his hand and clicked his tongue briefly.

‘I still don’t know how to use the Soul Transfer Transformation.’

He had sparred with the Light Wind swordsmen from morning until evening to try and awaken their potential, but from Martha to Dorian, not one of them had entered a trance.

How is that a spar!

Wrath furrowed his brows in disbelief.

You just beat them up! That was just you relieving stress!

He shook his head, saying Raon should call it what it is.

‘Still, I tried.’

Raon chuckled and sheathed Heavenly Slayer Drive at his waist.

‘I guess that’s enough for today.’

He had hit them so hard that they could barely move now. There was no point continuing.

“Let’s pick it up again tomo—”

Raon was about to wave his hand and tell them to rest when—

“Keep going…”

Martha pushed herself up using her sword like a cane.

“Keep going.”

She raised her sword again, saying it wasn’t over yet.

“Me too…”

Runaan stood up after looking at Martha.

“It’s not over yet.”

She also raised her sword, wanting to continue sparring, not out of rivalry with Martha, but because she wanted to stand alongside her as a friend.

“Alright.”

Raon smiled faintly and was about to draw his sword again—

‘…Huh?’

A very faint light began to emanate from the area around Martha’s and Runaan’s hearts.

 

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