The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 597
Raon closed his eyes, feeling the energy of the fruit dissolve into mana.
‘This is the World Tree’s fruit.’
The energy flowed like a vast ocean, powerful and majestic.
He didn’t need to use Mana Art or Glacia to open the paths of his mana circuits. The energy from the fruit moved on its own, like a living entity.
The first place the energy permeated was the scars left by the Flame Demon’s flame. The internal and external injuries inflicted by his fire were washed away as if cleansed by water.
‘This energy is incredible…’
He almost broke his state of transcendence out of shock. He hadn’t expected the fruit to heal all his wounds in such a short time. It wasn’t just a miraculous medicine; it was a divine artifact.
‘I needn’t have worried.’
Raon had feared the fruit might have been spoiled, tasting like nadin bread, but as Rimmer had said, it had always tasted like rubber.
Gooooo!
Having healed all his wounds, the energy of the World Tree’s fruit now surged like a great tide, spreading throughout his entire mana circuit.
‘It’s not one of the four elements.’
This was pure mana.
No, even the word “pure” couldn’t fully describe the energy within the fruit. It was refreshing as if it had transferred nature itself, an unblemished mana with no impurities.
The energy settled into his lower dantian, blending with the heat of Mana Art and the cold of Glacia, before rising through his abdominal mana circuit to expand his middle dantian. The middle dantian, heavily anchored, maintained the balance between his body and mind.
But the energy of the fruit didn’t stop there. It rose to his upper dantian, infusing his mindscape with a clear vitality.
He felt the growth in his lower dantian, which nurtured his aura, the upper dantian, which supported his mind, and the middle dantian, which kept them balanced.
Despite the gradually diminishing energy of the fruit, Raon’s mind delved deeper into the state of transcendence.
Although Raon emerged from his state of transcendence, he didn’t open his eyes. He took deep breaths, sensing the changes within himself.
‘Not only have my dantians grown, but my mana circuits have also expanded.’
With the enlarged mana circuits, he could now move more energy faster.
‘This is a significant gain.’
In battles among masters, victory and defeat could be decided in a split second. The ability to move aura even slightly faster meant a direct increase in power.
‘And I can naturally sense the presence around me.’
Without even extending his aura, he could feel the presence of the elves around the World Tree. He didn’t just know they were there; he could sense what they were doing.
Normally, sensing presence required spreading aura around, but it seemed he no longer needed that concept. With mana manipulation, he could detect even further distances.
Satisfied with his growth, Raon slowly opened his eyes.
“Hoo…”
As he exhaled briefly, Rimmer, looking slightly pale, approached.
“You always enter transcendence like you’re eating a meal. Why did you take so long this time?”
Rimmer rubbed his ears, looking annoyed.
“How long was I out?”
Raon looked up at the sky. The sun was still high, just as it had been when he started, making it hard to gauge the time.
“Three days.”
Rimmer held up three fingers.
“I almost died staying awake the whole time!”
He waved his arms, complaining about the prolonged wait.
“Three days…”
Raon exhaled sharply.
‘They kept watch like that for three days?’
Rimmer, Sterin, Siyan, and the Great Elder’s vigilance had been impenetrable. Maintaining such a stance for three days explained why they looked so exhausted.
“Sorry for the delay.”
“No need to apologize.”
As Raon was about to bow, Sterin shook his head and approached.
“We were the ones who suggested it. Why would you apologize?”
Sterin frowned and hit Rimmer on the forehead.
“Keh!”
Rimmer stepped back, clutching his forehead.
“Why hit me!”
“Be glad I didn’t hit your mouth.”
“Sigh, getting hit here, getting hit in Zieghart. My fate…”
He grumbled, stepping away with a frown.
“You’ve absorbed it well.”
Sterin smiled faintly, satisfied with Raon’s absorption of the World Tree’s fruit’s energy.
“You’ve indeed changed.”
The Great Elder nodded, inspecting Raon.
“Your mana, which was already pure, has become even cleaner. Even the High Elves won’t stand a chance against you now.”
He exhaled in amazement.
“R-Raon.”
Siyan bowed her head, her cheeks pale, a small water droplet perched on her shoulder.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but you look exhausted.”
Her complexion was paler than Rimmer’s, and her forehead was covered in sweat, making her look like she was sick.
“I’m fine, really.”
“You’re not fine.”
Rimmer glared at Siyan.
“She summoned a top-tier spirit for three days. Even the elders can’t do that.”
He twirled his fingers at his temples, indicating she was crazy.
“I’m really fine.”
Despite her words, Siyan, seemingly at her limit, dismissed the top-tier spirit. Only then did her complexion start to return.
“Hmm…”
Raon sighed briefly and bowed to the four elves.
“Thank you.”
Standing guard for three days without sleep was a task not even close kin would undertake easily. He expressed his gratitude sincerely.
“I said there’s no need for thanks.”
The Great Elder shook his head.
“Yes, you’re too polite.”
Rimmer frowned, looking at Raon.
“If I were you, I would have taken half of the World Tree.”
“Why would you take half of the World Tree?”
“You practically guarded it yourself. Half of it should be yours.”
“Ah…”
Raon’s mouth fell open in disbelief.
“That’s why you’re in this state.”
Sterin sighed, looking at Rimmer.
“Ra-Raon. I feel the same. The World Tree is practically yours.”
Siyan nodded, clenching her fists. Siblings truly did resemble each other.
‘Still, it’s not a bad feeling.’
Or rather, it was a good feeling.
Forming bonds with another race strong enough to genuinely care for each other felt more satisfying than just growing in power.
It felt like he was truly becoming human.
-Good?
Wrath appeared with a voice that seemed to stutter, his cheeks sunken and pale.
-You left me buried in rubber and you’re happy?
‘I never buried you in rubber…’
-The World Tree’s fruit! The wretched taste won’t go away!
Wrath screamed.
-Do you know how hard it was to get rid of that taste? I could taste rubber even when breathing through my nose, and it even came in my dreams!
Tears welled up in his eyes as he lamented nearly being buried in rubber.
-If it were any other food, it’d be one thing, but the rubber taste lingers…
‘Fine…’
Seeing Wrath wipe his eyes with the back of his hand, Raon swallowed dryly.
‘I’ll feed you as soon as we get back, okay?’
He would usually ignore Wrath, but the demon looked genuinely exhausted, so he promised to feed him.
-Sniff.
Wrath stopped trembling and looked up.
-What’s on the menu?
‘…’
Raon hadn’t expected him to ask about the menu. He was at a loss for words.
“Now that it’s all over, it’s time to return.”
Rimmer patted the World Tree lightly and smiled.
“Indeed.”
Raon nodded. Though they had deviated from their original purpose, they had accomplished their tasks, and it was time to return to Zieghart.
“You must have heard from that idiot, but there’s someone you need to take with you to Zieghart.”
Sterin stepped to the right, raising his hand.
“Ah, you mean the envoy.”
“Yes, it’s her.”
He pushed Siyan forward, who seemed to be dozing off.
“Ah!”
Siyan jumped like a rabbit, startled.
“Originally, I planned to go to Zieghart to hold them accountable for Rimmer’s actions, but thanks to you, we’ll be offering our gratitude instead. I should go myself, but with the barrier still unsettled, I’ll send Siyan.”
Sterin pushed Siyan forward another step.
“Besides expressing gratitude, there will be diplomatic discussions, so please assist her.”
He nodded, indicating that this could lead to a temporary alliance between Sephia and Zieghart.
Raon looked at Siyan.
“Uh…”
She still hid her face with her fine golden hair, trembling slightly.
‘She may seem timid, but she’ll handle it well.’
Having seen her true self, Raon wasn’t particularly worried.
He smiled faintly at Sterin’s concerned eyes.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you.”
As they shook hands, the World Tree spread its branches as if to bless the future of Zieghart and Sephia.
Raon glanced up at the World Tree and chuckled.
‘Seeing those branches, I understand why the World Tree is a rubber tree.’
The way the branches moved was fascinating because the tree was made of rubber.
-Rubber! Where’s the rubber!
Wrath trembled all over at the mention of rubber.
“Let’s think about the future later and get some food. I’m starving.”
Rimmer gestured for them to head down.
“After fasting for three days, how about some nadin bread to ease your stomach?”
He wiggled his fingers, saying he had asked the elves to prepare some.
-Nadin… gah…
Wrath collapsed, foaming at the mouth. It seemed the self-proclaimed Lord of Wrath had developed a trauma.
Raon sighed and shook his head.
“Let’s just eat something normal today…”
Two days later.
Raon finished his preparations to leave Sephia and stepped out of his lodging.
-Kuh…
Wrath raised his fists to the blue sky.
-Finally leaving! I can escape this hell of constant rubber scent!
He shook his head, vowing never to set foot in Sephia again.
‘Weren’t you saying you’d burn it down a few days ago?’
-It’s not even worth burning or freezing!
Wrath ground his teeth, declaring Sephia the worst place he had ever visited.
‘I thought it was nice.’
He had gained combat expEriance fighting the Flame Demon, grown stronger by consuming the World Tree’s fruit, and formed good relationships with Sephia’s elves. Unlike Wrath, he felt it was like home.
‘The food was decent too.’
-The only reason you think the food was decent is because your taste buds are broken! It’s all rubber!
Wrath shuddered, saying he could still taste the rubber.
‘Well, once we get back, you can eat whatever you want.’
-Then let’s hurry back!
‘How about some nadin bread to save time on the way back?’
-Kkhu!
Wrath froze like a statue at the mention of nadin bread.
-Quick… nadin bread to save time… but it tastes like rubber… but to erase the lingering taste… aaah!
Wrath’s eyes rolled back as he mumbled about nadin bread. While teasing him, Raon reached the entrance of Sephia.
“Hmm?”
Raon’s eyes widened.
‘Why are there so many?’
He had expected a few familiar faces to see him off, but it seemed like all the elves in Sephia were gathered, filling the entrance completely.
“You’re finally here!”
Erian waved energetically, looking as if they were lifelong friends. Considering his loyalty, it wouldn’t be bad to actually become friends.
“The main character arrives late?”
Rimmer frowned at Raon.
“You just got here yourself.”
Yua blinked at Rimmer.
“Yua, you don’t need to say that.”
Rimmer ruffled Yua’s hair, shaking his head.
“Welcome.”
Dorian grinned, munching on a snack from his belly pouch.
“Are you all ready?”
“We’re ready, but…”
He trailed off, looking to the right.
“We’re ready too.”
Reylan nodded, indicating Siyan and her five guardian escorts.
“H-Hello.”
Siyan, hiding her face with a robe, bowed. Her pointed ears seemed to tremble slightly under the robe.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Yes, I’m sure you will.”
Raon nodded, interpreting her words as a promise to successfully negotiate the diplomatic talks between Sephia and Zieghart.
“Definitely.”
Siyan raised her small fist, determined.
“Reylan.”
Raon called out to Reylan, who stood close to Siyan.
“What about the request?”
“It’s ready.”
She nodded reassuringly.
“Thank you.”
Raon bowed to her as Sterin emerged from among the elves.
“Everyone’s gathered.”
Sterin first approached Rimmer, narrowing his eyes.
“Straighten up.”
“I only had a midday drink!”
“That’s the problem!”
Sterin smacked Rimmer’s head and moved on.
“Siyan.”
“Yes…”
“You represent Sephia to Zieghart. Always consider the weight of your words.”
“Don’t worry!”
Unlike when speaking to Raon, Siyan’s voice was confident as she nodded.
“Reylan.”
“I’ll protect Siyan with my life.”
Reylan bowed deeply, her expression serious.
Satisfied, Sterin then approached Yua.
“Did you enjoy learning the songs?”
“I loved it! Playing music with a bow was fun too!”
“You’re welcome anytime.”
“Yes!”
He patted Yua’s head and looked at Dorian.
“The deal with the Seifia Merchant Guild is looking positive. We’ll discuss it further when they send a representative.”
“Thank you!”
Dorian bowed to Sterin. It seemed that as a future leader of his merchant guild, he had established a business relationship with Sephia in this short time. Raon had thought he was just lounging around, but it appeared he was diligently networking.
“Sephia won’t forget your help.”
Sterin moved past Dorian and stood before Raon.
“If you ever need assistance, let me know. We’ll come running.”
“Thank you.”
“But we’re helping you, not Zieghart.”
“Excuse me?”
“We’ll move for you, Raon.”
Sterin’s eyes held sincerity. Behind him, the Great Elder, elders, and Erian shared the same expression.
“Elves repay kindness doubly and vengeance tenfold. Be sure to contact us.”
Sterin patted Raon’s shoulder gently before stepping back.
Feeling Sterin’s sincerity, Raon bowed silently.
“Let’s go then.”
As he turned to leave Sephia, a loud voice rang out.
“Safe travels to our benefactors!”
At Erian’s proclamation, all the gathered elves placed their left hands on their right shoulders, showing their elven salute.
“I’ll be back.”
Raon responded with a salute, smiling.
“I’m not coming back!”
But Wrath was adamant about not returning.
Five days later.
Raon entered a human village.
Because of the noticeable and mysterious aura of the elves, especially Siyan, he had intended to camp until they reached Zieghart. However, Rimmer’s whining had forced them to stop at a village inn.
“See? Isn’t human civilization wonderful?”
Rimmer grinned as he sat in the inn.
“I hate eating grass in the fields! I prefer meat and a bed!”
It was hard to believe those words came from an elf, but Raon was too tired to argue.
Ignoring Rimmer, Raon surveyed the tavern.
While there were many people wearing robes, most paid them no mind. However, a few people were eyeing them intently.
‘What’s this?’
Their gazes were fixed on Siyan and Reylan among the elves, and their licking lips were anything but friendly.
Feigning ignorance, Raon chose from the menu when a young man, whose face and clothes radiated wealth, approached.
“Are you the owner?”
“What?”
“Heading to the maritime market?”
The young man licked his lips, pointing at Siyan.
“She looks pretty. Sell her to me instead of taking her to market. I’ll pay more than the auction.”
He wiggled his fingers, clearly mistaking Siyan for a slave.
“What are you doing…?”
“Wait.”
Raon stopped Reylan, who was about to stand up in anger, and narrowed his eyes.
‘Market? Owner?’
This wasn’t just harassment. The man clearly saw elves as slaves.
‘Come to think of it…’
Sterin and Erian had mentioned many elven bodies were missing after the recent attack. It was possible those elves had been sold into slavery.
Raon stood and smiled faintly.
“How much are you offering?”
“How much do you wa… gah!”
He grabbed the young man’s face and lifted him into the air.
“What…?”
“Let’s have a little chat.”
-This is how humans chat?
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