The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 617

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Raon felt the spiral aura surging from his fist, forming a thick barrier that withstood Ogrom’s Geokhae technique.

A deep pulse resonated through his entire body, making him bite his lip. Now he understood why Ogrom had said that Geokhae could only be comprehended through direct experience.

‘The essence of Geokhae wasn’t in my opponent, but within myself.’

Geokhae was a mystical martial art that ignored the opponent’s aura, delivering a direct attack to their body.

Initially, Raon thought the technique required understanding the opponent’s aura flow, but he was wrong. Geokhae began with self-contemplation.

‘I needed to build a ship.’

The principle of Geokhae was to create the best ship with one’s own aura and then navigate through the opponent’s sea of aura.

As Raon grasped the essence of Geokhae, the aura emanating from his fist intensified. A violent wave surged between his and Ogrom’s fists.

The ground shook as if in an earthquake, and a massive explosion erupted from the gap between their fists.

The shockwaves distorted the earth, and a crimson wave surged towards them. Ogrom waved his hand lightly, as if chasing a butterfly.

With that simple gesture, the earth-shaking vibrations and the crimson wave vanished.

Ogrom suppressed the shockwave of Geokhae with sheer force, showcasing his transcendent aura manipulation.

“Hoo…”

Raon exhaled heavily, bending forward. His entire body felt as heavy as iron from the intense concentration.

“Hah!”

A laugh of disbelief made him look up. Ogrom’s eyes were trembling slightly.

“What are you?”

Ogrom swallowed dryly, raising his eyebrows.

“Pardon?”

“How did you master Geokhae?”

“Was what I used really Geokhae?”

Raon asked, looking at Ogrom’s shaken eyes. Although he had gained a small insight, he still wasn’t sure.

“It was weak, crude, and lacked substance, but…”

Ogrom closed and then opened his eyes, nodding.

“What you used was indeed Geokhae.”

He clicked his tongue as if acknowledging it.

“A moment ago, you seemed completely clueless. What did you do?”

“Instead of focusing on you, I observed myself.”

Raon raised his right hand and clenched his fist.

“Yourself?”

“Yes. I thought there must be some meaning to the principles you taught me, so I kept pondering their meaning.”

He recited the principles Ogrom had taught him.

“‘One must clear their soul to open the path within the small ocean inside.’ I haven’t fully interpreted it yet, but I realized the small ocean inside is one’s mental image. So, instead of piercing through your aura, I focused on refining my own intent and aura.”

Raon explained how he had managed to use Geokhae.

“…”

Ogrom watched Raon in silence, making him bite his lip.

‘Should I have held back a little?’

He thought Ogrom would be pleased if he quickly grasped the technique, but now he wondered if Ogrom was displeased that he had learned faster than Garona.

-Of course!

Wrath frowned.

-Why would he like someone who learned faster than his own disciple? Fool!

Wrath waved his hand dismissively.

“Hm…”

As Raon frowned at Wrath’s words, Ogrom threw his head back and laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! I see, that’s why it was so quick.”

He smiled brightly as if he had finally understood.

“Pardon?”

“Geokhae usually requires getting beaten to the brink of death before achieving enlightenment. That’s how it was for me and everyone I’ve taught. That guy over there is probably the same.”

Ogrom glanced at Garona, who was still lying on the ground.

“Usually, one only attains enlightenment after countless beatings that connect mind and body. But…”

He turned back to Raon, nodding vigorously.

“You understood it just by interpreting the principles. I don’t believe in geniuses, but that word suits you.”

Ogrom patted Raon on the shoulder, acknowledging his achievement.

“As I said before, now I understand why you’ve reached your current position. It wasn’t by chance.”

He extended his hand towards Raon.

“Um…”

As Raon stared blankly, Ogrom waved his hand.

“What are you doing? Shake it.”

“Ah, yes.”

When Raon grasped his hand, Ogrom shook it vigorously as if shaking out a blanket.

“Congratulations.”

There was no trace of selfishness in Ogrom’s eyes. He was genuinely celebrating Raon’s achievement in mastering Geokhae.

‘Is this real?’

Ogrom had shared his ultimate technique, and Raon had learned it faster than Garona. Yet, Ogrom showed no resentment, only joy. It was hard to believe such a person existed.

‘Could I be like him?’

Teaching one’s ultimate technique to others and rejoicing in their success?

Even though Raon had softened compared to his previous life, he couldn’t imagine doing that. Ogrom’s character felt immense.

“Thank you.”

Raon bowed deeply, filled with sincerity and respect.

“No need for thanks.”

Ogrom waved his hand, turning his gaze away.

“Just don’t lose while using Geokhae. That’s all that matters.”

“Um…”

“And one last piece of advice: don’t use Geokhae as it is. Adapt it to your own style.”

With those words, Ogrom walked away towards the unconscious Garona, his nonchalance almost disconcerting.

“Hoo…”

Raon watched Ogrom’s back before sitting down on the crushed ground. He was too exhausted to stand.

‘Anyway, I did it.’

Although he hadn’t fully mastered it yet, Geokhae wasn’t a technique one could practice alone. It was a martial art that shone in the heat of battle.

Countless more practice sessions and real battles would be necessary.

‘But once I complete it…’

I can reach even greater heights.

Since Raon walked his own path as a swordsman, mastering Geokhae would make it a completely different martial art from Ogrom’s or the other warriors of the alliance.

‘What would be the best combination?’

Raon had mastered so many sword techniques and skills that he needed more than ten fingers to count them.

Depending on the combination, it could become the strongest or the worst. He had to choose carefully.

‘Hmm…’

As Raon pondered, Wrath popped out.

-Hey!

‘What?’

-If the training is over, let’s eat! You’re still growing, so you need to eat well at every meal!

Wrath smacked his lips, insisting it was time to eat properly after a period of irregular meals.

‘Growing, huh…’

Raon thought he was done growing, and any more height might be a problem. Wrath’s excuses were always impressive.

‘This glutton…’

-You haven’t even talked to that kid! It would be good to have a conversation over a meal!

Wrath pointed cautiously at Jubel and Judiel.

‘Come to think of it…’

Since saving the Sran Tribe, he had been caught up with Ogrom and hadn’t had a proper conversation with them.

Wrath was right; they needed to align their stories before returning to the family.

‘You’re actually being helpful for once.’

-What nonsense!

Wrath lifted his head.

-I’m always a great help to you!

‘Not really. You’re…’

Just then, system messages appeared before Raon.

[You have mastered a transcendent martial art faster than anyone.]

[You have achieved an impossible feat.]

[All attributes increase by 20 points.]

[Your ‘Focus’ trait has advanced.]

Due to mastering Geokhae and receiving Ogrom’s acknowledgment, Raon’s stats had increased.

-Whaaat….

Wrath’s eyes widened, not expecting this message.

‘Oh.’

Raon read the messages slowly, patting Wrath’s soft back.

‘I misspoke. You really are a great help. You’re like a giving…’

-Shut up!

* * *

A dimly lit underground cave where the light flowed like connecting constellations.

“Hmm.”

Derus Robert leaned back in his chair, tapping his chin.

“Raon Zieghart is in the Beast Alliance?”

“Yes, sir.”

Kubara nodded with a hand over her chest.

“He stopped the Sran Tribe from being attacked by the Phantom Assassination Team. He also quelled the flames that covered the entire forest.”

“Tch.”

Derus clicked his tongue as he surveyed the cave.

“First, he caused a commotion in Sephia, and now the Beast Alliance? He’s been busy.”

“There’s a rumor that the Beast King personally thanked him.”

“That’s probably true. Ogrom has no sense of decorum.”

“…”

“I’ve felt a tingling in my hand for a few days now.”

Derus smiled wryly at his hand covered in black leather gloves.

“He’s been roaming the continent like it’s his own backyard.”

His smile was both pleased and annoyed.

“He’s getting arrogant.”

“Uh…”

Kubara trembled at the murderous and manic tone in Derus’ voice. His voice was so laced with killing intent and madness that she couldn’t help but shiver.

“I’d love to interfere with Raon Zieghart’s affairs, but there are more pressing matters.”

Derus turned his gaze towards the cave. Children wielding daggers were visible in his eyes.

“How’s the other side progressing?”

“Final preparations are underway. It should be complete within a month.”

Kubara bowed, confirming that everything was on schedule.

“This is the beginning of a grand scheme. Make sure everything is perfect.”

Derus licked his lips with the same sharpness as when discussing Raon.

“I’ll do my best.”

Despite her fervent words, Kubara’s eyes remained calm as she looked at Derus.

“Go.”

“Yes, sir.”

She bowed deeply and vanished into the shadows.

Derus Robert continued to watch the children practicing with daggers, his forehead and eyes bulging with veins.

“Raon Zieghart…”

Eden, the White Blood Church, the South-North Union, the Black Tower, the Holy Sword Alliance, and even the Roberts. Many had targeted Raon, but none had succeeded in killing him.

Pure martial strength alone couldn’t explain his survival. Raon was blessed with extraordinary luck.

Derus picked up the glass of wine from the table and sipped.

“I wonder if your luck will hold even in the flames of war.”

* * *

After a light dinner, Raon went to find Judiel and Jubel.

“Young master?”

Judiel stood up, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Oh, hello.”

Jubel nodded nervously, fiddling with his marbles.

“Sit down, both of you.”

Raon smiled faintly, gesturing for them to sit.

“Yes.”

“Um…”

Judiel nodded calmly and sat down, but Jubel hesitated before taking a seat.

“Don’t worry. Sit.”

“Uh, okay.”

Judiel helped Jubel sit beside her, then looked at Raon.

“Isn’t it time for your training?”

“It’s over.”

Raon shook his head, sitting across from Judiel.

“Garona seems to still be training.”

“She’s not done yet.”

“Oh…”

Judiel swallowed dryly, staring at Raon in disbelief.

She seemed to find it hard to believe that Raon, who had started training much later than Garona, had already completed it.

“Well, enough about training.”

Raon leaned forward.

“Have you two talked enough?”

“Yes. Thanks to you, young master, we’ve said everything we needed to say.”

Judiel smiled softly. It wasn’t the forced smile she had shown before arriving at the annex or the fake smile she had worn since arriving. It was a genuine smile.

“I, I’m late with my thanks!”

Jubel stood up again, bowing deeply.

“Thank you for saving me!”

Unlike Judiel, his voice trembled with sincerity.

“Your sister caused quite a bit of trouble by running off suddenly.”

Raon laughed lightly, nodding.

“Hic!”

“I, I’m sorry!”

Jubel trembled, and Judiel bowed deeply.

“I thought I could hold back, but my body moved on its own…”

“I’m joking.”

Raon waved his hand at Judiel, who looked like she might cry.

“I’m not so narrow-minded that I can’t understand that. Besides…”

He glanced at the gradually greening forest with a faint smile.

“Thanks to that, we were able to save your brother. It was dangerous, but it turned out well.”

Because Judiel and Jubel fled here, they were able to eliminate the leader and members of the Phantom Assassination Team and confirm Karoon’s involvement.

Since there were no casualties, it was safe to say the incident turned out positively.

“Jubel.”

“Yes!”

“You’ll be joining Judiel in the Zieghart annex. Your role will be both a butler and a hidden protector. Can you do it?”

“Um, well…”

Contrary to expectations, Jubel hesitated to answer immediately.

“What are you doing! Answer him quickly!”

Judiel nudged Jubel’s shoulder, urging him to respond.

“Won’t my presence cause trouble for my sister and you, young master?”

Jubel looked up, his eyes trembling.

“Trouble?”

“I heard about it. My sister and I were sold to the Zieghart Central Command, and the owner there is Karoon Zieghart. If I cause trouble for my sister, I’d rather be alone…”

He shook his head, saying he couldn’t bear to cause his sister any harm.

Raon smiled faintly at Jubel’s resolute eyes.

‘So this is sibling love.’

Even after being apart for so long, they lived for each other and worried about each other upon reuniting. It was heartwarming even for an outsider like Raon.

Even though he didn’t have siblings, he had his mother and maids, so he understood Jubel’s concerns.

‘If only…’

If his sister had been alive, would he have been like this?

Sylvia had told him he had a sister who had been killed by Eden, her body never recovered.

If she were alive, they might have shared a relationship like this.

‘It’s a meaningless thought.’

The life he was given now was happier than he ever dreamed in his previous life. There was no need to dwell on what-ifs.

“No.”

Raon shook his head, looking at Jubel.

“They won’t be able to touch us.”

“But if they attack from behind…”

“It’s okay. I’ll hold them off before they can move.”

“Hold them off?”

“Yes. Just focus on living happily with your sister. That was my promise to her.”

“Young master…”

Judiel trembled, tears welling up for the first time.

“Leave the rest to me.”

Raon looked at Jubel and Judiel in turn, shaking his head. His eyes glowed with a red lightning bolt.

“I’ll make sure no one can touch you.”