The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 590
Raon frowned as he stared at the crimson-eyed Flame Demon.
‘How much World Tree energy has it absorbed?’
The Flame Demon before him was a far different entity from the one he had fought in the great forest. If he had faced it without activating the Sword Realm, his skin would have melted from the intense heat.
‘This one is unbeatable…’
While he could have fought the previous Flame Demon using the Sword Realm Manifestation and Wrath’s assistance, the one that had devoured the World Tree’s energy was an entirely different beast.
Help was necessary.
“I’ll help you!”
Wrath nodded eagerly.
“The World Tree that I must consume is being burned by that fire demon. Summon me now! I’ll turn it into ice!”
Wrath beckoned Raon to release him.
‘Not you.’
Raon ignored Wrath and turned back. He looked at Rimmer’s pale face and asked once more.
“Can you do it?”
“Ha…”
Rimmer let out a hollow laugh as he met Raon’s calm gaze.
‘He’s not asking for help, he’s asking if I’ll help?’
The reason Raon was asking for help was simple: he considered this fight his own. There was no need to feel sorry, and he had no intention of backing down.
‘Besides…’
It was also a form of coercion.
How could an elf, the rightful owner of this land, just stand by while a human fought?
‘This kid is really…’
The more Rimmer looked at Raon, the more he was impressed. He no longer felt like he was facing a subordinate or a disciple but someone far superior.
“Of course!”
Rimmer suppressed the pain in his abdomen and nodded.
“But if we don’t end this quickly, we’ll both die. You know that, right?”
“Of course.”
Raon bit his lip as he looked at the World Tree, which was starting to burn.
“I’ll attack. Just block its flames.”
“Leave it to me.”
Rimmer gripped his leaf-shaped sword tightly, ready to do whatever it took.
“Combining two insects only makes a bigger insect.”
The Flame Demon sneered down at Raon and Rimmer.
“Better be careful. Even insects can have deadly poison.”
“Pathetic!”
The Flame Demon frowned and unleashed a torrent of flames. As the fiery whip descended, Raon stomped the ground, utilizing Supreme Harmony Steps.
“I’m quite confident with fire myself.”
Raon resonated with the ring of fire to its extreme. He evaded the lashing flames with just his footwork and closed in on the Flame Demon.
“Let’s see who’s better at burning.”
He thrust his blue magic sword. The blade of frost, flickering silver, pierced through the wall of flames, aiming for the Flame Demon’s shoulder.
“Fire, you say.”
The Flame Demon sneered and raised its hand. The flames split by the magic sword recombined, creating a massive wave.
The intense heat permeated Raon’s body, penetrating his sixth-level fire resistance and the protection of the Black Dragon Armor. As the pain of burns seared his mind, a deep green wind blew from behind.
Hwaaaa!
It was Rimmer. The wind he summoned pushed away the heat of the Flame Demon, creating a space for Raon’s sword to strike.
‘As expected, he’s reliable.’
Though unreliable in gambling, Rimmer was someone Raon could trust in battle more than anyone else.
A clear sword song resonated from Raon’s right hand. The golden flames, as if imbued with the sun, fiercely pushed back the crimson flames.
As the Flame Demon’s eyes trembled, Raon slashed with his left-hand magic sword. The frost blade, descending like moonlight, grazed the ghost’s shoulder.
Piiick!
Since it wasn’t a true spirit but a human imbued with a spirit’s power, the ghost’s shoulder split open, and red blood spilled out.
“Didn’t I warn you?”
Raon waggled his finger at the Flame Demon.
“Beware of the poison.”
“You dare to mock me with such a wound!”
The Flame Demon snarled and swept its shoulder. Intense flames flared, slowly healing the gash.
“Your swords can’t reach me!”
“They’ve already reached.”
Rimmer pointed to the still-present wound, tilting his head.
“Not very bright, are you? You should be saying it won’t kill you.”
“Indeed. He’s quite boastful.”
Raon smiled as he responded to Rimmer’s remark.
“He looks insane from the way he’s stripped.”
“Then why is he wearing pants?”
“Must be insecure.”
Rimmer chuckled with his sword behind him.
“You insolent worms!”
The Flame Demon glanced down at his pants before letting out a beastly roar. The intense heat rising from his upper body caused the Black Dragon Armor to sizzle.
“He’s perfectly riled up!”
Rimmer created a powerful wind to push them forward.
Thump!
Raon suppressed the heat and rode Rimmer’s wind, charging at the Flame Demon.
“Get lost!”
The Flame Demon extended his thick hand, and the flames surrounding him formed a massive tornado.
Raon trusted Rimmer and charged into the flaming tornado.
Zzzzzzz!
The collision of flames and frost from their swords caused a tremendous shockwave, shaking the World Tree to its roots.
‘Is it still not enough…’
The sacred sword and magic sword were being pushed back by the Flame Demon’s flames. As the ends of the Black Dragon Armor began to burn, a clear wind blew in.
The wind, like a finely chopped storm, revived the flames on the sacred sword and the frost on the magic sword, suppressing the Flame Demon’s flames.
“Stop interfering!”
The Flame Demon, annoyed, launched a spear made of flames at Rimmer.
‘Now!’
The monster was growing stronger even at that moment by absorbing the World Tree’s energy. Raon had to finish it off while its attention was on Rimmer.
Raon condensed frost on the blade of his magic sword and struck.
Wrath’s Ultimate Technique.
Frost Magic Sword.
Zzzzzzz!
The frost-imbued sword strike froze the flame shield protecting the Flame Demon entirely.
As the silver light filled his vision, melting away the flames, he swung his right-hand sacred sword.
Full Bloom Fire Pillar.
Silent Incense.
The sacred sword’s blade split like bamboo, creating a prison of golden flames.
Kaaaah!
Despite seeing the flame bars closing in, the Flame Demon remained calm.
“Such flames can’t touch me!”
The ghost sneered as he tore apart the Silent Incense flames with his hands.
Raon didn’t panic and smiled. He had been waiting for this moment from the beginning.
Kuuuuung!
He unleashed his rage. He whirled the ring of fire to its extreme and unleashed his most powerful sword technique.
Raon Zieghart Style Swordsmanship.
6th Form: Divine Magic Harmony Combined Technique: Azure Crimson Invincible Sword.
The sacred sword’s flames and the magic sword’s frost erupted together with a brilliant light. The two blades, filled with conviction, cleaved through the Flame Demon’s flames and pierced its chest.
“Kraaaa!”
But the Flame Demon did not die easily. Flames erupted from its split body, pushing back the sacred and magic swords.
“It’s working! Keep going!”
Despite having his waist slashed by the ghost’s spear, Rimmer continued to send wind to keep the sacred and magic swords alive.
Even with Rimmer’s assistance, Raon’s expression hardened.
‘This thing…’
It’s changing.
Despite having blades embedded in its body, Raon couldn’t feel the sensation of cutting through flesh. It felt like when he had cut the dark spirit summoned by Cassandra. The Flame Demon was becoming more like a spirit.
‘I have to end this before it changes further.’
Raon clenched his teeth and summoned deeper rage. He had to take a risk and finish it now.
“Kraaaa!”
He put strength into his wrists, which felt like they would snap, and slashed with the sacred and magic swords to the end.
Zzzzzzz!
The clash of flames and frost shattered the Flame Demon’s fire, tearing its body apart.
“It’s done!”
Rimmer’s excited shout came from behind, but Raon couldn’t smile.
“Damn it…”
He had cut it, but he hadn’t cut it.
The Flame Demon had completed its transformation into a spirit by absorbing the World Tree’s energy. Only flames poured from its body, not blood. It had suffered a significant blow, but it wasn’t a fatal wound.
“This is…”
Rimmer seemed to realize the Flame Demon’s state, trembling as he looked at it.
Raon swallowed dryly as he watched the Flame Demon regenerate its body with flames.
‘The problem isn’t that thing, it’s us.’
He had used a significant amount of his will and aura while unleashing the Azure Crimson Invincible Sword and Wrath’s release. He had little time left to maintain the Sword Realm.
‘Moreover…’
Rimmer had reached his limit. Honestly, it was no exaggeration to say that the outcome of the fight was already apparent.
“It’s over.”
The Flame Demon smirked arrogantly, twisting his jaw.
“You’ve exhausted your strength, and I keep getting stronger.”
He ran his hand over the perfectly healed wound on his chest and grinned.
“Only despair remains.”
“You’re delusional.”
Raon, with a bloodless smile, raised the sacred and magic swords.
“I’m just getting started.”
“Boasting…”
“You’ll see if it’s boasting or not soon enough.”
Siyan clenched her fists as she watched Raon and Rimmer fighting against the Flame Demon amidst the giant flames.
‘Are they winning?’
She couldn’t see clearly, but it was evident that Raon was pressuring the Flame Demon. It seemed they would win at this rate.
She turned her gaze behind her. The guardians and elves were struggling to fend off the attacking Eden’s ghosts and the ash-skinned elves. The enemy’s onslaught was so intense that more and more elves were falling.
‘Just hold on a little longer.’
Raon and Rimmer would soon kill that monster and return. Once they came back, the battle would be over.
“Aaaah!”
A clear melody made Siyan turn to her right. A girl with twin ponytails was chanting a beautiful song as she ran through the battlefield.
Her song invigorated the allies and confused the enemies. Though not powerful in direct combat, her influence was unparalleled.
The human with green hair, who was fighting while protecting the girl, was also remarkable. He took out healing potions and arrows from the pouch at his waist and sliced through enemies with mystical swordsmanship. Despite his excellent combat skills, his eyes wavered, indicating he was scared, but his sword and legs never stopped.
‘Those two are…’
Dorian and Yua. They were humans who had followed Raon. Though they were barely mentioned in Raon Zieghart’s chronicles, here they were, bravely roaming the battlefield.
‘I, I too…’
Though she couldn’t handle aura or summon spirits, she was confident with a bow.
Siyan picked up a wooden bow that had fallen to the ground, determined to contribute in any way possible, but the head elder stopped her.
“H-head elder.”
“Lady Siyan…”
The head elder’s eyes glinted fiercely. Thinking she would be scolded, she closed her eyes, but his voice was low and weak.
“R-run away.”
“What?”
The sudden command to flee left her confused, blinking her eyes.
“W-what do you mean…”
“Run away now.”
The head elder, possibly due to internal injuries, coughed up blood and waved his hand.
“E-everyone is fighting. Why should I run away? Lord Raon will soon…”
“We can’t win.”
He pointed his trembling finger at the battlefield where Raon, Rimmer, and the Flame Demon were fighting.
“That monster has absorbed enough of the World Tree’s energy. It’s only a matter of time before it surpasses its limits…”
“But Lord Raon…”
“We didn’t finish it when we had the chance. Raon is remarkable, but that thing has transcended beyond.”
The head elder sighed deeply, saying there was no hope.
“The base of the World Tree is already on fire. We don’t have much time. If we delay any longer, we’ll be completely trapped.”
“Then you should escape, head elder!”
Siyan shook her head vigorously.
“It’s too late for me, and…”
The head elder looked at Siyan with a gentle gaze.
“Only you, a high elf, can ensure our future.”
“But I’m useless! A high elf who can’t do anything…”
“Not a high elf who can’t do anything, but one who has worked harder than anyone else, that’s why you must go.”
“H-head elder?”
Siyan’s furrowed brow relaxed at the head elder’s soft voice.
“How do you know I’ve worked hard?”
“I’ve watched you.”
“You didn’t hate me?”
“Why would I hate you?”
“Then why did you…”
“Ignore you?”
The head elder smiled faintly, his face flushed due to the encroaching flames.
“You wanted me to come over and cheer you on? You’ve read too many human books. We’re not human.”
He shook his head calmly.
“And I think saying ‘cheer up’ is irresponsible. Anyone can say it without knowing the circumstances. It has no special meaning or value. All we can do as elves is watch.”
“Ah…”
Siyan’s lips trembled as she looked at the head elder.
‘Come to think of it…’
The head elder had always been strict. He had scolded her for hiding under the covers and for her strange way of speaking.
But he had always watched over her, never picking strange faults, and unlike others, he had never called her incompetent.
“Lady Siyan, please leave quickly.”
“You must survive.”
“Only you can restore the World Tree.”
Other elders, staggering and wounded, spoke earnestly. They were determined to open a path, bleeding but still running towards the battlefield.
“Open the way!”
“Hold on till the end!”
Not just them, but the injured elves and guardians also followed the elders. They were willing to sacrifice themselves to kill the enemies and open a path.
“Ah…”
Siyan shivered, clutching her shoulders.
‘What have I been doing all this time?’
She had thought all elves, except her grandfather, hated and ignored her.
But now she realized she had been the one ignoring the elves and locking herself in her room.
Surely, there were some who genuinely disliked her, but many had quietly waited for her to rise.
“Reiran!”
“Yes, head elder.”
Reiran, her shoulder completely burned, ran to the head elder.
“Take Lady Siyan and the humans and escape to the west.”
“…Understood.”
Reiran gazed deeply into the head elder’s eyes and nodded.
“Lady Siyan, no, Siyan. Survive.”
The head elder gently patted Siyan’s head and moved westward. Despite vomiting blood, he raised a wave that suppressed the burning ground and drove away the enemies.
“There’s no time, please excuse me.”
Reiran slung the dazed Siyan over her shoulder and ran westward.
Siyan bit her lip as she looked at Stain, who was resonating with the World Tree.
‘Grandfather.’
Grandfather was right.
He always told her not to fear the world too much, showing only a kind smile.
She wanted to protect him and all the elves who had believed in her until now. She didn’t want to see anyone die anymore.
“You two, come this way!”
Reiran called out to Dorian and Yua, gesturing for them to follow.
Siyan watched the retreating elves with blurry eyes.
‘I can’t just survive on my own.’
She clasped her hands together and bit her lip.
‘Please! Please!’
If I’m truly a high elf, grant me a small miracle!
Her earnest plea and cry resonated with the world, and a blue shard began to form near her chest.
“Hoo.”
Raon exhaled deeply as he repelled the attacking flames.
‘This is the worst.’
As the fire spread to the World Tree, the Flame Demon grew stronger, and the heat became unbearable. Although it hadn’t reached transcendence, its firepower was too overwhelming for Raon’s sword techniques to be effective.
‘There’s not much time left in the Sword Realm…’
Using the Azure Crimson Invincible Sword had consumed a tremendous amount of energy, leaving little time to maintain the Sword Realm. Once it ended, he wouldn’t be able to fight head-on.
‘Moreover…’
Even Rimmer’s swordplay no longer carried the scent of the wind. He was barely maintaining the Sword Realm, unable to fight properly.
“The way you struggle is amusing.”
The Flame Demon sneered, extending his hand. Fireballs with the power of a master level rained down like a storm.
“Kuh…”
Raon spread his sacred and magic swords to either side, using Flame Spirit. A silver-flickering tree bloomed with pure flowers, blocking the rain of fire.
Boom!
Thousands of ice and fire collided, causing a massive tremor. Dense steam rose, creating a wall of mist.
“Surely, you don’t think this is the end?”
With a flick of his finger, the Flame Demon unleashed eight flames, wrapping them in a vortex. Thanks to the World Tree, there was no delay in his attacks.
Zzzzz!
Raon bit his lip until it bled and raised a sword barrier with both swords. As he blocked the flame vortex, he glanced back.
“Master, you should leave first!”
“I can’t…”
Rimmer couldn’t finish his sentence and collapsed. His Sword Realm vanished, and the heat around them intensified.
‘Damn…’
Having held back the Flame Demon alone until Raon arrived, it seemed Rimmer had reached his limit. It was a miracle he had lasted this long.
“Hmm!”
Wrath approached, stroking his nose with a sly smile.
“You have no choice now!”
He beckoned with his thick finger.
“Summon me. I’ll extinguish that fire demon in an instant.”
Wrath urged Raon to stab himself in the belly and summon him.
“Hoo…”
Pushed back by the flame vortex, Raon dug his heels into the ground. He couldn’t think of a way out of this situation.
‘There’s no choice…’
To escape with Rimmer, Dorian, and Yua, he had to kill this thing no matter what.
‘So, I have to summon him.’
Wrath had mentioned that there was a low chance of becoming a demon king, but even if that happened, the side effects would be severe. If the side effects were worse than before, he might regress to a master level or suffer permanent damage.
‘Even so, I have no choice.’
Raon turned the blade of his magic sword. He was about to use his own body as a vessel for the spell.
Kuwaaaang!
A massive mana storm erupted from the center of the World Tree.
Blue light. A brilliant light shot up into the sky. Pure water, as if given life, surged and formed the shape of a giant woman.
Her long hair flowed like the sea, and her skin, as clear as water droplets, shone with the moonlight’s elegant glow.
As if embodying the word “beauty,” the blue goddess extended her hand, and blue rain poured from the dry sky filled with smoke.
Kaaaaaah!
The sweet raindrops, like the spring of life, revived the dying elves and extinguished the flames that were scorching the land.
“Why is that woman here!”
The Flame Demon’s jaw trembled as he looked at the goddess of water floating in the air.
“Aaaaah!”
Wrath also screamed at the sight of the water woman.
“Why is that water demon here now!”
‘Water demon…’
Raon trembled as he looked at the benevolent smiling water goddess.
‘Is she the Spirit King of Water?’
As Raon swallowed hard and looked again at the Spirit King, he saw someone in her grasp.
A golden-haired elf, shining with a faint light. He didn’t recognize the face, but he knew the aura. It was Siyan.
‘Did Lady Siyan summon the Spirit King?’
But before he could continue that thought, red flames burst from her chest.
Kaaaaaah!
The fierce and wild flames, unlike the Spirit King of Water, did not shoot into the sky but descended towards Raon.