The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 1036

 Chapter 1036

 

“Did you just say the White Blood Religion’s headquarters?”

Glenn rose from the throne as if he’d heard something completely unexpected. Even he seemed shocked by the news that the location of the White Blood Religion’s headquarters had been discovered.

“Yes. That’s correct.”

Raon nodded while meeting Glenn’s trembling gaze.

“However, I only inherited the memory. I haven’t yet pinpointed the exact location.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Glenn furrowed his brow, as if he couldn’t understand.

“From the beginning to the end. Explain everything that happened there.”

He sat back down on the throne, lowering his arms as if to show he would listen to it all.

The grandfather who had looked forward to hearing of his grandson’s accomplishments now erased the smile on his lips, revealing the cold and composed gaze befitting the head of a great house.

“As soon as we went out to the ocean, we encountered the blue wolf that Sir Rabawin spoke of. After that….”

Raon recounted everything that happened during the mission to Glenn, Sheryl, and Roenn.

“…and before leaving, the ocean spirit etched into my mind the location of the White Blood Religion’s headquarters that it had seen.”

When he had pressed foreheads with the ocean spirit, the location of the White Blood Religion that the spirit had seen surfaced in his mind.

Because it was a memory as vivid as if he had experienced it himself, if he could just find that place, he would be able to find the White Blood Religion’s headquarters.

“…So, where is the White Blood Religion?”

After exhaling a breath, Glenn stroked his chin.

“Underwater.”

Raon closed his eyes, recalling the giant white city submerged beneath the ocean.

“The White Blood Religion’s headquarters is beneath the ocean.”

Even for him, who had inherited the ocean spirit’s memory, it was hard to believe, but the White Blood Religion was hiding its wretched bloody energy deep within the ocean.

“It seems to be somewhere along the northern sea route from the Kusar Pirate Squad’s territory. However, since I haven’t been there myself, it will likely take considerable time to locate it.”

Even with the ocean spirit’s memory, it was clear that finding the exact location would require time and effort.

“Are you certain?”

Glenn raised the hand that had been holding the throne and stroked his chin.

“If it’s a memory passed down from a spirit, there’s a chance you could have seen it wrong, isn’t there?”

“I’m certain.”

Raon nodded without hesitation.

“It wasn’t just fragmented memories. The ocean spirit left behind a vivid memory that made it feel like I was truly there. The city of the White Blood Religion is definitely beneath the ocean.”

Clenching his fist, he recalled the white city shrouded in underwater mist.

“Hmm….”

Glenn clicked his tongue softly.

“I agree with Sir Raon’s assessment as well.”

Rabawin removed the eyepatch that had been covering his good eye and raised his hand.

“While preparing to return to Zieghart, I examined the White Blood Religion’s ship and noticed something unusual.”

“Unusual?”

Glenn asked back and turned his gaze to Rabawin.

“Yes. Inside the ship, there was a massive tank that drew in and stored seawater. It seemed that by storing water inside, they created a difference in density to sink the ship underwater.”

Rabawin bowed, saying such a device wouldn’t be found on an ordinary ship.

“Where is that ship now?”

Glenn furrowed his brow, as if wanting to see it himself.

“I was going to store it at the harbor, but I intentionally sank it. There was a chance the White Blood Religion might sense that the location of their headquarters had been exposed.”

Raon slightly lowered his chin, explaining that he had cut the White Blood Religion’s ship into four pieces and sunk it to the bottom of the ocean so that the White Blood Religion wouldn’t suspect anything.

“I have something to report as well.”

Martha stepped forward, biting her trembling lip.

“Speak.”

Glenn nodded slowly, as if showing consideration for Martha’s rising emotions.

“The ninth apostle, even knowing the Light Wind Palace master was on the way, didn’t panic and said he had a separate escape route. I’m certain he planned to escape underwater using the ship’s function.”

Martha clenched her fist, saying she finally understood the composure the ninth apostle had shown.

“Underwater, huh….”

Glenn let out a short sigh as he looked toward the window where the sunlight was scattering.

“Even with the sea spirit’s memory, it’s not going to be an easy place to search.”

“That’s right.”

Raon nodded heavily.

“It lies quite deep beneath the ocean, so approaching it won’t be easy, and if we’re discovered, escaping will be difficult as well.”

The location shown by the ocean spirit wasn’t just hard for ordinary people, experts would struggle to get there as well.

Even if they found it, it wasn’t a place that could be attacked immediately.

“Even if it’s dangerous and difficult….”

Glenn smiled faintly as he looked at Raon.

“You’re going to go, aren’t you?”

“Of course.”

Raon bowed, saying it was only natural.

“To think I have to send you on an even harder mission right after you returned… I don’t know what to say.”

Glenn touched his forehead with his finger, as if he truly felt sorry.

“Please don’t say that. I’m the one who inherited the spirit’s memory, so it’s only natural that I go.”

Raon shook his head calmly, saying it was no trouble at all.

“I also…”

Martha bit her lip and raised her hand.

“I also want to go with you.”

She stepped up beside him, saying she wanted to join the mission to find the White Blood Religion’s headquarters.

“Hmm…”

Glenn, knowing Martha’s circumstances, couldn’t answer right away and let out a low murmur.

“Martha.”

Raon let out a faint breath and turned to look at her.

“Please! I can also—”

“You have something else to do.”

He firmly shook his head as he met her trembling eyes.

“While I’m searching for the White Blood Religion’s headquarters, you need to become even just a little bit stronger. As you are now, you’re no help at all in a fight against the leader of the White Blood Religion.”

Raon spoke the harsh truth and reminded her of what she needed to do.

“If you want to create even the smallest opening against the White Blood Religion’s leader, swing your sword with everything you have.”

“Ugh…”

Martha stared at Raon’s sunken red eyes before lowering her trembling hand.

“Got it.”

She bit her lip and lowered her head deeply.

“I’ll make sure I become someone who can help.”

Rather than shrinking back, Martha gritted her teeth with newfound determination.

“The same goes for all of you.”

Raon lightly tapped Martha’s shoulder and looked down at the Light Wind swordsmen.

“We do not know when or where an all-out war with the White  Blood Religion will break out, so raise your martial power even a little.”

“Yes!”

The Light Wind swordsmen straightened their postures and shouted that they would train as if their lives depended on it. All of them clenched their fists until blood rose as they looked at Martha’s trembling shoulders.

“Rakshasa woman…”

Runaan stepped up beside Martha and bumped her shoulder lightly.

“Cold?”

“A little…”

“……”

Without a word, she held Martha’s trembling hand. Normally, they would have cringed and backed away from each other, calling it gross, but today, they held hands tightly and didn’t let go.

“When will you depart?”

Glenn, drawing a faint smile as he looked at Martha and Runaan, turned to Raon.

“Since it is not my own memory, I do not know when it might disappear, so I plan to depart at dawn tomorrow.”

Raon lifted his gaze, saying they shouldn’t waste any time.

“Alone?”

“Yes. It’s easier if I move alone—”

“No matter how much easier it is, I can’t send you to such a dangerous place by yourself.”

Glenn shook his head, as if saying he would assign someone to accompany him.

“An unskilled person would only get in the way.”

“They won’t be unskilled.”

He turned his gaze to the right and nodded his chin.

“Roenn.”

“Huhuhuhu.”

At Glenn’s call, Roenn stepped forward with a gentle smile.

“Palace master, I’ll be in your care.”

Placing a hand over his chest, he bowed.

“Hmm…”

Raon smacked his lips slightly as he looked at the softly smiling Roenn.

“Sir Roenn is certainly someone I can’t refuse.”

Roenn was once known as the Assassin King. Though not as powerful as Raon, he would undoubtedly be a great help for a mission like this.

“I’ll be counting on you as well.”

Raon bowed his head in return to Roenn.

“Then, you must be tired, so let’s call it a day.”

Glenn tapped the armrest of the throne, signaling everyone to return.

“Just a moment.”

Raon called out to the Light Wind swordsmen just as they were about to leave the audience chamber.

“You may speak of the fact that the White Blood Religion was behind this incident, but do not tell anyone about the lead we've found on the location of their headquarters. Not even your family.”

He gave the order with firm eyes, especially meeting Martha’s gaze to stress the need for secrecy.

“Yes, sir!”

“You know us. We keep our mouths shut!”

“Don’t worry!”

The Light Wind swordsmen nodded firmly as if they’d die before speaking, and exited the audience chamber.

“I’ll take my leave as well.”

“Raon.”

As Raon turned to leave, saying he would begin preparations for the search, Glenn opened his mouth.

“It seems you’ve grown again.”

Glenn smiled softly, as if sensing a change in him.

“While facing the rampaging ocean spirit, I came to understand a little more about what the Heart Sword truly is.”

“I see. I can feel it, your heart has grown firmer, and your sword has become sharper.”

He chuckled, saying he could tell just by looking into Raon’s eyes.

“And how you handle the others, as well.”

Glenn looked at the spot where Martha and the Light Wind swordsmen had stood, then slowly raised and lowered his gaze.

“You’ve now become a proper palace master. In time… hmm.”

He began to say more but closed his mouth again, as if thinking it wasn’t yet time.

“Raon. Confirming the location of the White Blood Religion’s headquarters is important, but always put yourself first.”

He advised him that if things became dangerous, he should retreat without hesitation.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Raon said he would remember those words and left the audience chamber.

“Roenn.”

Glenn turned to Roenn and nodded.

“I leave it to you. You may use ‘that’ if necessary.”

“Don’t worry.”

Roenn nodded with a soft chuckle. Unlike his usual carefree smile, there was a deep weight in it this time.

“Even if it costs me my life, I will protect the young master.”

*   *   *

“Agh…”

Martha frowned as she looked down at her hand, still holding the warmth left behind by Runaan.

‘Why are her hands so warm when she uses cold energy! And to think I got comforted by that brat, this is so embarrassing I could die!’

The Runaan she had always found unbearable had approached her gently today, as if reading her heart, and comforted her with his words and warmth.

Someone she had only ever thought of as a rival now felt like a friend she could share her heart with. It was embarrassing, but also made her feel strangely good.

‘And…’

She bit her lip, thinking of Raon’s unwavering back as he set out again on a life-threatening mission without rest.

‘Raon too…’

Through this mission, she realized it clearly, Raon hadn’t forgotten the promise he made to her, to fight alongside her against the White Blood Religion’s leader. He was still trying to keep it.

‘No, it’s more than that.’

Raon wasn’t just trying to stop the White Blood Religion’s leader. He fully intended to drive out that devil’s soul and return her mother’s body to her.

She had sensed his unshakable resolve in the final Heart Sword he unleashed.

‘He’s such a fool.’

Just thinking of Raon pressing forward without hesitation in a moment where his life was on the line, simply because it was the path he chose, made her cheeks flush and her fingers tremble.

‘I can’t help that fool as I am now.’

What I need to do is train.

Just like Raon said, instead of charging in recklessly, she needed to grow even stronger, even if it meant giving up meals and sleep.

If she wanted to get close to the White Blood Religion’s leader and awaken her mother’s soul, even the slightest chance of victory would depend on that.

“I’m back.”

Resolving to train with all her might, Martha opened the door of the Wise Martial Palace and stepped inside.

“Martha?”

Denier, standing in front of the garden, widened his eyes at the sight of her.

“You’ve just returned?”

“Yes! I just came from reporting to the head of house.”

Martha nodded, saying she had just gotten back.

“You must’ve had a tough time.”

Denier narrowed his eyes in concern at her sunburned face.

“Others had it tougher than me.”

Martha scratched her head and let out a short sigh.

“The fools kept thinking about me…”

She recalled the swordsmen who had comforted and cared for her just for having encountered the White Blood Religion, and a faint smile spread across her face.

“So, would you mind telling me what happened?”

Denier clicked his tongue slightly, clearly curious.

“You’d find out soon anyway, so I’ll tell you…”

She told him everything, from how the harbor had been attacked by the White Blood Religion, to how she fought and defeated the ninth apostle, and even how Raon purified the ocean spirit that the White Blood Religion bastards had been controlling.

“To think you defeated the ninth apostle, that’s an incredible feat! No wonder your sword energy feels different from before!”

Denier, clearly impressed, raised his hand and patted Martha’s shoulder.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I did suffer some internal injuries, but I’ll be fine with some rest.”

Martha shook her head, saying there was no need to worry.

“And…”

She started to speak about what came after, but shut her mouth as Raon’s chilling gaze resurfaced in her mind.

‘He said not to tell anyone. Not even family.’

Raon had clearly said that no one should be told about the search for the White Blood Religion, so she held her tongue again.

“Martha?”

Denier, sensing something was off, tightened the hand he had on her shoulder.

“N-no. I’m just tired and need a bit of rest.”

Martha laughed awkwardly and said she would head in first.

“Alright. You’ve done well. Get some good rest.”

Denier lowered his hand and stepped back, as if saying they could talk later.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Martha bowed her head to Denier and entered the mansion.

“……”

Denier’s lips were smiling as if pleased with the sight of his proud daughter, but his eyes shimmered with an ice-like light devoid of any emotion.

*   *   *

Raon didn’t return to the annex building, but to the lodging of the fifth training ground to begin preparing for his departure to the ocean once again.

Why did you come here!

Wrath furrowed his brow as if he couldn’t understand.

We’re going to be living in the ocean again, so can’t we at least have a proper home-cooked meal first!

He seemed angry about missing the meal he had been looking forward to, pounding his round little fist against Raon’s shoulder. Of course, it was barely enough to count as a massage.

‘There’s no helping it. If I say I’m heading out again right after returning from a mission, they’ll definitely worry.’

It was obvious that both Sylvia and Edgar would worry if he explained things in detail, so it was better to leave right away, as if he had never returned from the mission at all.

‘My sister would get mad too.’

Even though Sia’s mental maturity had grown, she still saw him as her little brother who needed protection.

If he told her he was leaving immediately, she would definitely get angry, so now was not the time to meet her.

Grrrnnn…

Wrath let out a low groan, wanting to argue but seemingly unable to refute the reasoning.

Then for dinner, don’t eat the training ground food, let’s go out and buy something to eat! And for dessert, it must be bead ice cream!

He bared his teeth and huffed, as if that was the one thing he refused to compromise on.

‘Fine, fine.’

Raon sighed briefly and shook his head.

‘Let’s go after I finish getting ready.’

He pushed Wrath aside, saying he would buy him whatever he wanted after the preparations were complete.

“First, tools for disguise, rations, and then…”

As Raon clicked his tongue and opened his subspace pocket—

Kuuung!

The door to the lodging swung open violently, and Evelyn walked in, draped in a violet robe.

“E-Evelyn?”

Raon let out a short breath as he saw Evelyn walk in like it was her own home and perch herself on the bed.

Th-The madwoman—how did she get in here!

Wrath, unable to sense her presence either, opened his mouth wide in shock.

“If it’s a search mission, of course I have to go too.”

Evelyn smiled softly, saying it was her area of expertise.

“Especially since it’s underwater, you’ll definitely need my help.”

She nodded leisurely, declaring that she would be going no matter what.

“Hmm…”

Raon furrowed his brow as he looked into Evelyn’s calm, purple eyes.

‘She’s not wrong.’

Evelyn could borrow the bodies of animals and was skilled in magic that suppressed presence. With her help, it would be much easier to avoid the White Blood Religion’s detection during the search.

“If you’re willing to help, then I’d welcome that, but…”

Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Evelyn.

“How did you even know I was going on a mission to search for the White Blood Religion?”

He had told Yua and Yulius to say he hadn’t returned yet, there was no way Evelyn should have known and come here.

“Don’t tell me…”

Raon pulled out the squirrel doll Evelyn had given him before.

“Did you plant an eavesdropping spell in this wooden doll?”

No matter how insane Evelyn was, there was no way she would have cast magic in the audience chamber itself, so it had to be this doll, she’d done something to it for sure.

“No.”

Evelyn shook her head boldly, as if denying it outright.

“N-No? Then how did you…?”

“It’s not just an eavesdropping spell on that doll.”

With a sultry yet chilling smile, she implied that the spell she placed on the doll went far beyond mere eavesdropping.

“Uh…”

Raon felt goosebumps rise all over his body and held his breath.

Th-the madwoman…

Wrath clutched his head as if the inevitable had finally come and let out a scream.

The madwoman has returned!

 

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