The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman 1023

 Chapter 1023

 

“Has the Heavenly Demon not arrived yet?”

Rector tilted his chin as he sat down across from Derus.

“Unfortunately, he said he couldn’t come due to important matters.”

Derus Robert responded with a faint smile, as if he had expected the question.

“He asked me to pass along his apologies to both of you.”

He lowered his head slightly, as if to apologize on the Heavenly Demon’s behalf.

“So in short, he’s too damn important to bother showing up, huh?”

The veil covering the White Blood Religion’s leader’s face fluttered roughly, as if struck by a winter wind.

“As if the rest of us aren’t busy, as if we don’t have things to do?”

She scoffed, clearly displeased that the Heavenly Demon hadn’t shown up.

“Just as I’ve heard. He’s man who doesn’t know how to cooperate.”

Rector placed his hand on the round table as he spoke, and felt a coldness under his fingertips sharp enough to chill him, just like his mood.

‘I really wanted to see him.’

Of all the heads of the Five Kings and Four Demons, the Heavenly Demon was the only one he hadn’t met. He had hoped to read that monster’s level during this meeting, so it was disappointing that he didn’t show.

“Please understand. As you both know, a major incident happened in Eden.”

Derus let out a light smile, saying that since the Fallen had died, Eden would need time to be reorganized.

He showed no emotional response, even though one of Eden’s pillars had collapsed.

“Why don’t we have something to drink first?”

With a wave of Derus’ hand, a maid with doll-like eyes stepped forward and approached from behind him.

Clatter.

Rector heard the sound of teacups being filled and turned his gaze toward the White Blood Religion’s leader.

‘Is that veil an artifact?’

Even with his trained vision, he couldn’t see her face. It must have some special ability.

‘Though what’s more important than the veil is…’

Her martial prowess.

Before, her power had surpassed mine, but not by much.

However, after absorbing the blood and soul of the Beast King Ogram, she had grown in a way that defied the laws of this world.

‘She’s far stronger than I thought.’

Thanks to recovering his lost family, Rector had also shattered the thick wall in his martial path and grown stronger, but he didn’t think he could handle the current White Blood Religion’s leader.

‘The bigger problem is…’

As he lifted the teacup, his gaze met Derus Robert’s smiling eyes.

‘This demonic bastard.’

He had heard rumors that Derus had overwhelmed the Silent Sword Sovereign of Owen, and while he’d expected it, seeing it in person was beyond belief.

‘To think I can’t even gauge his strength…’

Even while sitting right in front of him, Rector could hardly sense Derus’s energy or level.

Not quite on par with Glenn or the previous Holy Sword Alliance master, Dark Night Sword God, but close to their level.

‘This is…’

Looking at his reflection in the teacup, Rector bit the inside of his cheek.

‘Dangerous.’

With the Black Tower’s fall and the Fallen’s death, he had assumed the Five Kings now held a clear advantage, but upon seeing this place firsthand, he started to think otherwise.

‘Even if I consider the Silent Sword Sovereign roughly on my level, and place the Archmage of Eternal Flame and the Magic Tower master slightly above that, it’s still difficult.’

Lecross the Silent Sword Sovereign, Chamber the Archmage of Eternal Flame, and Larian the Magic Tower master, none of the three Transcenders could likely face the White Blood Religion’s leader one-on-one.

‘The Beast King Ogram would be even weaker than Raon is now, so he doesn’t count.’

Ogram wasn’t just injured, his soul’s level and strength had been stolen by the White Blood Religion’s leader.

It wasn’t the kind of wound that could be healed with treatment, so he wouldn’t be able to contribute meaningfully in the battles between leaders.

‘Damn it…’

There’s no one who can stop Derus Robert.

He was even stronger than the White Blood Religion’s leader. Unless it’s Glenn or the Dark Night Sword God, it would take a joint attack from the highest-level Transcenders just to barely hold him off.

‘If he had been that strong from the beginning, he could’ve started a war against the Five Kings right away… Ah!’

Come to think of it, he wasn’t this powerful from the start.

When Derus Robert's identity was exposed by Raon, he wasn't at this level. if the Five Kings’ Transcenders had gone all out then, a mutual destruction might have been possible.

But now, he’s grown so powerful that no one except Glenn, the Dark Night Sword God, and the Heavenly Demon could stop him.

‘That bastard bought time until he reached this level of power.’

It was clear that Derus had been hiding, building his strength until his martial power became overwhelming. To him, the Black Tower and the Fallen probably weren’t all that important to begin with.

‘Five Kings and Four Demons. No, it’s Six Kings and Three Emons.’

To think we’d end up lacking in top-tier warriors.

Even if Glenn holds off the Heavenly Demon, and the White Blood Religion’s leader is handled by the Magic Tower master and the Archmage of Eternal Flame, there would still be no one left to face Derus Robert.

‘If the Silent Sword Sovereign takes on Derus, and I launch a surprise attack from behind…’

Rector narrowed his eyes, imagining a battle against Derus.

‘No, it’s not possible.’

Derus was an extremely cautious man. If I approached him during a fight, I would surely end up exposing my intentions without accomplishing anything.

‘And there’s also that archangel who could appear at any moment.’

As expected, this war wasn’t going to be easy.

‘How should I prepare… Ah!’

Rector let out a silent sigh, then clenched his fist under the roundtable.

‘No, it’s not that there’s no way at all.’

Thinking about it carefully, there was exactly one way to stop Derus.

*   *   *

“How have the two of you been?”

Derus, seemingly thinking it was time to begin, spoke first.

“How do you think? Holed up in a sunless underground chamber, just building strength.”

The White Blood Religion’s leader clicked her tongue as if wondering why he was asking something so obvious.

“Though I did find something rather entertaining down south…”

She licked her lips, saying she’d found something quite amusing.

"It is the same for me."

Rector turned to Derus.

“The only thing to do right now is to reinforce our foundations.”

He nodded, saying he too had focused solely on training with his subordinates.

“Indeed, both of you have become far stronger than before.”

Derus, despite having achieved the greatest change himself, didn't show it and clapped lightly.

“Then let’s begin the meeting. First, I’ll review what has happened so far. The collapse of the Black Tower began with the clash between the DemonBlade and Raon Zieghart…”

Before bringing up the main topic, he began by recounting recent events.

‘It’s like he was actually there.’

Derus Robert knew detailed information that hadn’t even spread outside.

He clearly had spies planted within the Five Kings, extracting information.

‘It must be Zieghart.’

Seeing how he knew the details of Raon and Zieghart's situation, it seemed he had placed a spy within Zieghart among the Five Kings.

“…And that’s how the Fallen ended up being killed by Raon Zieghart.”

As Derus mentioned that Raon had killed the Fallen, he turned his gaze toward Rector. It was probably a coincidence, but it still sent a chill down his spine.

“Idiots.”

The White Blood Religion’s leader sneered at both the Black Tower’s master and the Fallen.

“They pretended to have mastered the laws of this world, but couldn’t hide their desires. That’s why they died.”

She waved her long, elegant finger in disdain.

“You’re not wrong. In fact, the reason Eden was attacked after the Black Tower, and why the Fallen died, is simple.”

Derus placed his hand on the round table and lowered his chin.

“Though we’re called the Four Demons, we’re not actually united.”

He traced the table softly with a faint smile.

“When the South-North Union fell, we laughed and called them weak. When the Black Tower collapsed, we mocked them for being fools. So it’s no surprise everything’s falling apart.”

Derus shrugged toward the White Blood Religion’s leader as if to say, “Right?”

“Go on.”

The White Blood Religion’s leader gave a slight tilt of her chin, as if to say she would listen.

“……”

Rector didn’t say a word and simply crossed his arms.

“Three of them, South-North Union, the Black Tower, and the Fallen. If we had decided to step in, we could’ve saved them. Ah, of course, the former Holy Sword Alliance master was a different case. He was like a moth drawn to a flame.”

Derus narrowed his eyes as he looked at him.

With a face that showed not the slightest trace of regret, he spoke as if their deaths were unfortunate. It made Rector’s skin crawl, like watching a puppet show.

“Since such mistakes were made, I think it’s time we consider covering for each other’s shortcomings.”

Derus nodded, suggesting they form a proper alliance worthy of the name Four Demons.

“An alliance sounds good. But…”

The White Blood Religion’s leader narrowed her eyes as she looked at Derus.

"When we are all hiding to the point where not a single hair of each other can be seen, how are we supposed to communicate and help each other?"

She scoffed, as if mocking the idea, pointing out that even the Four Demons constantly watched and guarded against each other.

“That’s why I’ve prepared something.”

With a snap of his fingers, Derus signaled a maid, who brought forth a gray orb and set it down before him and the White Blood Religion’s leader.

“This is an artifact we created. It allows us to communicate from anywhere, and just once, it can open a dimensional gate to our side.”

He waved his finger, saying it could provide an escape route in dangerous moments.

"Won't the dimensional gate be blocked by those damned mage bitches?"

The White Blood Religion’s leader furrowed her brows, wondering if the Archmage of Eternal Flame and the Magic Tower master would really let it happen without interference.

“This one is different from the existing dimensional gates. It uses a different source of power, not mana.”

Derus shook his head, saying even Transcenders’ magic wouldn’t be able to block it.

“Don’t tell me… divine power?”

Rector parted his lips as he looked at the flow rippling inside the orb.

“You catch on quick. That’s right. This orb is called the Radiant Orb.”

Derus smiled as if confirming the correct answer.

“Divine power repels mana. Neither the Archmage of Eternal Flame nor the Magic Tower master will be able to stop it.”

He nodded, saying that even if they were surrounded, it would still allow them to retreat.

“If you break the orb in a dangerous moment, a dimensional gate will open right on the spot.”

Derus added with a smile that it would be even better if they gave him a heads-up before retreating.

"For now, it's one-way, but with a little more research, we should be able to create a path for us to go to your side as well."

He laced his fingers together and extended his hands forward, saying that if that happened, they could overcome the Five Kings’ numerical advantage.

“Just so you know, the Heavenly Demon has also received one.”

Derus smiled as if to say, Even the Heavenly Demon took one, what will you do?

“The Heavenly Demon…”

The White Blood Religion’s leader hesitated briefly, then slipped the orb into her robe.

“Next…”

Derus smiled knowingly, as if he had expected that, and began to speak about things they should be cautious of regarding the Five Kings.

‘Good thing I came here.’

Rector quietly clicked his tongue as he rubbed the Radiant Orb Derus had handed him.

‘There’s a lot I need to tell Raon.’

He had confirmed Derus and the White Blood Religion’s leader’s strength, learned about the Radiant Orb, and gained some insight into the movements of the Four Demons.

If he sent this information, it would be a huge help to Raon and Zieghart.

Fwoooosh.

Unaware that Derus’ eyes were gradually darkening, Rector’s mind was filled with the face of his dear grandson.

*   *   *

“Then we’ll be returning to Zieghart now.”

Raon bowed to the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords, who had come to see him off in front of the Magic Tower.

“Aren’t you leaving too soon?”

The Queen of Swords clicked her tongue, sounding a little disappointed.

“We’ve got our hands full, and I’m sure the Five Divine Orders have things to do too.”

Raon gave a faint smile as he looked at the Thespian Emperor, whose eyes were once again full of vitality.

“You’re right. There’s so much we haven’t been able to do that we won’t get to rest for a while.”

The Thespian Emperor exhaled deeply, saying she had to take care of all the works she had postponed while trapped in distress.

"I, I can't do that...."

The Queen of Swords eyes trembled as if she didn't want to look at documents.

“Then focus on training your body and aura.”

Raon raised a finger and pointed toward the training ground.

“My body and aura?”

“Lady Briana’s martial strength can’t go beyond the limits of Lady Brigit’s body and aura. If you can transcend that shackle, you’ll become far stronger than you are now.”

Although Briana perfectly executed the swordsmanship and footwork she had learned, her strength can’t exceed the limits of Brigit’s body and aura.

If that body and aura grew, she too would likely grow explosively, like a tiger with wings.

“Hmph. Why should I do that for her?”

Brigit snorted, acting as though she had no intention of doing it, but her gaze was already fixed on the training ground.

“I’ll contact the Shadow Agent master and the Black Market master as soon as I return, and ask them to cooperate with White Whale.”

Raon smiled, saying a flood of information would soon start pouring in.

“I’ll be ready for it.”

The Thespian Emperor nodded calmly, as if she welcomed it.

“Then until next time.”

Raon gave a respectful farewell to the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords and stepped into the dimensional gate inside the Magic Tower.

The swordsmen standing behind him followed, unleashing a cold energy wave worthy of the name Zieghart.

“I’ll rest a bit before heading out.”

The Queen of Swords said she would rest, but then headed toward the training ground. It seemed she had decided to start training right away after hearing Raon’s words.

"So cute, really."

The Thespian Emperor chuckled softly, then entered her office. She looked at the mountain of documents on her desk and pulled out the Sacred Tome of Sun and Moon that had been tucked against her thigh.

‘Somehow…’

She felt like she might be able to understand what kind of person Raon Zieghart really was.

Her instincts as a prophet told her that now, having come to understand Raon, she might be able to read a completely different heaven’s flow than before.

Sssss.

The Thespian Emperor started to open the Sacred Tome, but her hand froze.

‘No…’

She shook her head and shoved the tome deep into her desk drawer.

‘Now isn’t the time to rely on this book.’

She would use it when she truly needed it, but that time hadn’t come yet.

Smack!

With the hand she had almost used to open the tome, she slapped her own cheek, then pulled out a document she hadn’t looked at in a long while.

“Let’s see where to begin.”

For the first time in a long while, the sound of a lively pen began to fill her office.

*   *   *

“You’re already back?”

Glenn blinked blankly, as if he hadn’t expected the mission to be completed in just one day.

“Yes. The conversation with both of them went smoothly.”

Raon nodded calmly.

Went smoothly, my ass!

Wrath let out an exasperated snort.

You beat them both up! What conversation are you talking about?

He shook his head as if baffled that Raon was calling it a conversation when it had been all fists and swords.

‘But we reached an understanding in the end.’

Raon smiled faintly as he glanced around the audience chamber.

‘Thankfully, no one else is here today.’

Unlike other missions, this one ended in a single day, and since they returned via dimensional gate, the only ones in the audience chamber were Glenn, Roenn, and Sheryl.

With no executives around, he felt more at ease.

“I’ll give my report first. After arriving in Barene, we went straight to meet the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords…”

Knowing Glenn might call others over any moment, Raon quickly began explaining everything that had happened in Barene, the city of the Five Divine Orders.

“…And so, both the White Whale and the Blade Martial Pavilion have decided to stand with the Five Kings. The Thespian Emperor will be contacting us soon.”

Raon lowered his head, saying that the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords had entered a trance and heard both of them vow to fight alongside them until the end of this war.

“I figured you’d come back with an alliance formed, but I didn’t think you’d finish it all in just one day…”

Sheryl blinked, seemingly dumbfounded.

"To think you even defeated the Queen of Swords... no, Lady Briana. As expected, you are truly amazing."

Roenn let out a chuckle, saying this had exceeded his expectations. It seemed he too had known about the Queen of Swords’ condition.

“She’s definitely strong. Thanks to that, I learned a lo—”

“Sheryl, Roenn.”

Just as Raon began to speak, Glenn raised a trembling hand and called out to Sheryl and Roenn.

“Right now! Summon all the executives immediately!”

He stomped his foot, ordering that all the executives be gathered.

“He-Head of House?”

Raon swallowed dryly, sensing something strange in Glenn’s tone.

“Why are you suddenly calling all the executives…?”

“What do you mean why?”

Glenn’s face flushed with pride as he lifted the corners of his mouth.

"You awakened the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords, opened their hearts, and formed an alliance, how could I be the only one to hear of such a great achievement?"

With that, he roughly shattered the armrest of the throne and declared that Raon would repeat everything once everyone was gathered.

“W-wait….”

Raon tried to stop them, but Sheryl and Roenn had already opened the doors of the audience chamber and gone out.

“Hahaha!”

“I was thinking the same thing!”

The two waved their hands, saying they would be back as quickly as possible, and ran out of the lord’s manor.

“Ahem!”

Glenn rubbed his hands together and smacked his lips, already curious about how the executives would react to Raon’s story.

“Ahh…”

Raon sighed, his shoulders slumping.

Has the old man finally lost it?

Wrath let out a baffled breath.

This isn’t just being a doting fool, he’s completely senile!

Why do we have to hear that long story twice!

 

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