The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 623

Dorian, lying on his stomach, looked into the darkened forest. He swallowed dryly and slowly crawled behind a round rock, reminiscent of a turtle’s shell, to avoid making any noise.

“Phew…”

He exhaled the breath he had been holding, leaning his back against the rock.

‘I’m really going to die.’

Dorian wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and shook his head. It had been two days since the focus enhancement training started, and he had already experienced six “deaths.”

Once, he was caught by Martha, another time by Rimmer, and four times by Raon. Every time he met Raon, he got beaten so badly that he no longer had the strength to suppress his presence.

‘Is this the same person who has a deathmatch scheduled next year?’

It was amazing that he was devoting himself fully to the Light Wind Division’s training, despite his own deathmatch with the Axe King looming.

Every time he realized this, he felt the vast difference between Raon and himself.

‘With the Division Leader working so hard, I can’t slack off either.’

The reason Raon was taking time out of his busy schedule to focus on the Light Wind Division’s training was clear: to save as many lives as possible during missions.

Knowing his intentions, Dorian couldn’t take the training lightly.

‘Time to move.’

Staying in one place wasn’t a good strategy. Just as he was about to move, a dark shadow fell on the ground.

“Uh…?”

Dorian trembled and looked up. Two red moons were floating above the rock. No, those weren’t moons—they were Raon’s red eyes.

“Kyaaah!”

He screamed and tried to run, but Raon’s foot pressed on his shoulder, making him unable to move.

Thud!

Raon’s knife-hand strike hit Dorian’s solar plexus without hesitation.

“Gaaah…”

Dorian tried to defend with his aura, but Raon’s attack pierced through, causing a severe internal shock. It felt like he had been struck by a sledgehammer, draining all his strength.

‘What the hell is this…?’

It wasn’t just breaking his aura; Raon’s attack ignored it entirely.

“You’re getting used to it.”

Raon looked at his hand as if conducting an experiment and smiled in satisfaction.

“This makes seven times now?”

“Why do you keep coming after me…?”

Dorian whimpered, hunched over.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t come for you this time.”

“What?”

“Look below.”

Raon pointed to the area below the rock where Dorian had been hiding. He smiled faintly and stomped hard.

Boom!

A thunderous noise like a mountain collapsing echoed, and a massive crack appeared on the ground. From the black hole, Rimmer and Krein emerged.

“Hah!”

“How did you…?”

Rimmer and Krein gaped in shock at how Raon had found them.

“If you’re going to sleep, do it quietly. How can you snore?”

Raon shook his head, pointing at the drool at the corner of Rimmer’s mouth.

“You crazy bastard! How can you have such good hearing? Are you an elf?”

“No, just a person.”

Raon casually rotated his shoulders and drew his Heavenly Sword.

“Krein. There’s no other way. Let’s fight!”

“Understood!”

“You take the front. I’ll prepare a surprise attack from the back.”

“Yes!”

Krein bit his lip and stepped forward, his eyes shining with determination.

“Hah.”

Raon sighed, looking at Krein.

“Look behind you.”

“I won’t fall for that. I haven’t just been playing around.”

Krein gripped his sword with both hands, gathering his aura with all his might. The condensed sword energy on his blade created a clear sword aura.

“It’s not that. Your trusted elf has already fled.”

Raon waved his hand dismissively.

“Huh…?”

Krein turned around. The elf who was supposed to have his back was nowhere to be seen. His eyes widened in realization.

“That damn el…!”

“Even so, you shouldn’t turn around.”

Raon took advantage of Krein’s distraction and struck his abdomen with the flat of his blade.

Thud!

Krein was slammed into the ground by the Heavenly Sword. His limbs trembled, and he screamed in pain.

“Aaah!”

“Even if the vice leader fled, you shouldn’t give up. You need to decide quickly whether to fight to the end or seize the opportunity to escape.”

Raon carved a death mark on Krein’s forehead and looked in the direction Rimmer had fled. Just as he was about to follow the traces, Martha charged out from the bushes on the right.

“I’m tired of running. Come on!”

Martha gestured for him to fight, her fingers beckoning.

“You really don’t change.”

Raon smiled as if he had expected her appearance and twirled his Heavenly Sword.

“If you want a punishment, I’ll gladly give it to you.”

He raised the Heavenly Sword and took the Supreme Harmony Steps. In an instant, he was in front of Martha, unleashing the Light Wind Sword.

The silver blade’s aura bared its fierce teeth, as if to bite her neck.

Chiing!

Martha, reading the flow of the Light Wind Sword, counterattacked, igniting her berserk state.

Clang!

The swords clashed, producing a deafening noise. Despite putting all her strength into her strike, Martha’s sword style was overpowered by the flames of the Heavenly Sword.

“Ugh…”

As Martha’s sword wavered, a wave of frost descended from the left.

Boom!

Silver frost encircled the area, dissolving the pressure from the Heavenly Sword.

“…”

Runaan descended from the tree, positioning herself beside Martha.

“I thought I said this was a solo exercise?”

Raon burned the frost clinging to his sword with a flick of his wrist, raising an eyebrow.

“The enemy of my enemy is my ally.”

Runaan aimed her sword at Raon, declaring that she and Martha were now allies.

“…”

Raon observed Runaan’s cherished sword, Snow Flower, and extended the Heavenly Sword behind him.

Clang!

Burren, who had approached silently, was struck by the sword and sent flying.

“Kuh…”

Burren grimaced, planting his hands on the ground.

“Even ambushes don’t work.”

“What’s your excuse?”

“I was just trying to block your path.”

He waved for Krein and Dorian to retreat.

“I see.”

Raon smiled lightly, looking at Martha, Runaan, and Burren in turn.

‘They all understand the purpose of this training.’

The current focus enhancement training wasn’t just about improving focus and combat experience. It was to teach them how to move when missions failed and they had to scatter and flee. These three had stepped forward to buy time for their subordinates.

“Admirable, but…”

Raon raised the Heavenly Sword and generated a sword aura greater than the combined strength of Burren, Martha, and Runaan. He took the Supreme Harmony Steps again, smiling as he saw their eyes widen in shock.

“I won’t hold back.”

* * *

Glenn stood on the Tiger Rock, observing Raon’s fight with the three captains.

“Haha…”

Roen approached Glenn, chuckling heartily.

“The first thing he does after becoming the Division Leader is train. Raon’s consistency is unmatched.”

He looked at Raon with gentle eyes, proud.

“He must have learned something important and wants to teach it to his men.”

Cheryl nodded calmly.

“If he learned something…?”

“A lack of power.”

She shook her head.

“Raon and the Light Wind Division survived several missions thanks to outside help. They can’t always count on luck. He’s teaching them how to escape when missions fail.”

“That makes sense.”

Roen chuckled, understanding now.

“It’s surprising how much he cares about the other swordsmen despite his own critical situation. His courage is impressive.”

Cheryl seemed to think of the upcoming deathmatch with the Axe King, furrowing her brows.

“He’s kind-hearted. He thinks of others before himself. It’s a rare talent. He’s just like Lady Sylvia.”

Roen nodded vigorously, agreeing with Cheryl.

“…”

The two fell silent and looked up at the rock.

“Hmm…”

Glenn’s cheeks turned red, and he cleared his throat.

“It’s not that impressive, but it’s not bad.”

He tried to suppress the smile tugging at his lips.

“As the Division Leader, he should have that level of responsibility and confidence.”

Glenn watched Raon with a faint smile, unable to hide his pride.

“Hehe.”

Cheryl and Roen exchanged a light-hearted glance, smiling.

“L-Lord!”

As Raon defeated Burren, Runaan, and Martha in succession, Rimmer climbed up the rock.

“Please stop Raon! Why do I have to be here?”

Rimmer shouted, pushing his sweat-soaked hair back.

“Didn’t you choose to be the vice leader of the Light Wind Division?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“It’s only natural for the vice leader to follow the Division Leader’s orders. What’s your problem?”

Glenn tapped his fingers, sparks of red lightning flickering in his hand.

“I don’t have a problem, but…”

“If you run away from this training, I’ll personally oversee you for a month.”

“Ugh…”

Rimmer grimaced and backed away immediately.

“Honestly! The grandfather and grandson are the same! Damn Zieghart!”

He retreated, cursing.

“Kuh…”

Despite Rimmer’s complaints, Glenn couldn’t hide his pleased smile, his cheeks flushed red.

“Huh…?”

Rimmer’s eyes widened as he saw Glenn’s smile.

“Did he just get happy because I said the grandfather and grandson are the same? Unbelievable!”

He shook his head, incredulous.

“Shut up!”

Glenn furrowed his brow, trying to hide his reddened face.

“Get that guy back down!”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

Roen and Cheryl nodded, grabbing Rimmer by the arms and dragging him back down.

“I’m tired! So tired!”

“The grandfather and grandson are the same, huh…”

Glenn watched Rimmer being dragged away and smiled broadly.

“Not bad.”

* * *

Boom!

Burren, Martha, and Runaan were knocked down in succession.

“You’ve certainly improved.”

Raon nodded, meeting their scrunched-up gazes.

“Ugh…”

“Kuh…”

“Damn it!”

Runaan, Burren, and Martha barely managed to move, their heads buried in the ground.

“If you die trying to buy time, it’s a huge loss for the division. Always think about how to survive.”

Raon gave them advice and descended the mountain to find the other members of the Light Wind Division.

Just as he spread his senses to detect their presence, he noticed a small movement to his right.

Thinking it might be a wild animal, he waited. A sable with golden fur emerged from the bushes.

‘A sable?’

Was there a sable in this mountain?

He knew various animals lived in Bukmang Mountain, but it was his first time seeing a sable.

The sable approached without fear, as if it had found food.

‘Could it be…?’

-Yes, it’s her!

Wrath’s eyes widened.

-It’s the Mad Witch!

He screamed and hid inside the Ice Flower Bracelet.

“Raon!”

A charming voice came from the sable’s small mouth. As expected, it was Merlin.

She stood upright, smiling brightly. Despite being a sable, she looked adorably cute.

“Phew.”

Raon immediately created a sound barrier and took the sable into the bushes.

“What are you doing here?”

“Because you’re here. And…”

Merlin tilted her head as if questioning why he would ask something so obvious.

“I need to congratulate you on becoming the Division Leader.”

“Huh…”

Raon sighed at Merlin’s shining eyes. Sometimes it seemed like she had faster information than the Shadow Squad.

“Congratulations on becoming the Division Leader. You’ll become the head of Zieghart next!”

Merlin spoke of becoming the head of Zieghart as if it were as simple as becoming an ice cream shop owner. Her mindset was indeed difficult to handle.

“Thanks anyway.”

Raon thanked her for coming to congratulate him on becoming the Division Leader.

“It’s too early for that.”

Merlin smiled and pulled a golden ring from her fur.

“What is this…?”

“A gift!”

“A gift?”

“Yes, a gift to commemorate you becoming the Division Leader!”

She nodded, congratulating him once more.

“I matched the color to your hair.”

Merlin pointed to his golden hair blowing in the wind.

“Hmm…”

Raon blinked at the gold ring Merlin handed him.

‘My first gift is from Merlin.’

He had received many congratulations since becoming the Division Leader, but this was his first gift. It was absurd yet touching.

However, receiving a gift was different from gathering information, so he couldn’t accept it lightly.

“Take it. It’s not a big deal.”

Merlin waved the ring, saying her arm was getting tired.

“Alright. Thanks.”

It would be rude to refuse a gift prepared for him. He accepted the ring, finding its simple, unadorned design appealing.

“I’ll keep it safe.”

“Not keep. Wear it. It’s an artifact.”

Merlin smiled, looking at the ring.

“An artifact?”

“Yes, an ancient artifact.”

“You said it wasn’t a big deal!”

“It’s cheap to me.”

She shrugged, rolling her eyes.

“It’s useless to a mage.”

“So…”

“Yes. It’s a ring for warriors. It amplifies the aura concentrated in the hand.”

“Hmm…”

Raon pushed his aura into the ring and furrowed his brow.

‘It’s true.’

The aura absorbed by the ring returned amplified. Just as she said, it had an aura amplification effect, making it a high-grade artifact.

‘But this…’

It looked similar to that ring.

It resembled the cheap ring he had bought from the black market. He still hadn’t found a way to break its seal.

‘Could it have the same seal?’

He needed to find the location of the Phoenix soon.

‘Anyway, it’s not an ordinary item.’

Raon carefully stored the ring and looked at Merlin. She smiled, pleased he had accepted the gift.

“How’s Eden lately? Are you doing well?”

“I’m fine. Just passing time with missions.”

“Isn’t Taechon suspicious of you?”

“He hasn’t acted openly yet, so it’s fine.”

She waved her hand, saying she had made new escape routes and there was no need to worry. It seemed she had lost all interest in Eden.

“There’s a lot happening elsewhere, though.”

“Elsewhere?”

“Yes. With the Black Tower moving, many neutral factions have collapsed. It wouldn’t be surprising if a war broke out. Recently, there’s been a rumor about the discovery of the Sword Saint’s tomb.”

“The Sword Saint’s tomb?”

Raon’s eyes widened.

-What’s a Sword Saint? Sounds delicious!

Wrath peeked out.

‘It’s not food. It’s a warrior who was considered the strongest on the continent hundreds of years ago. He was known to master both the sword and the saber at a transcendent level.’

Although they seemed similar, the sword and the saber were completely different weapons.

Unlike the sword, which focused on thrusting, the saber was primarily used for slashing. It was challenging to master both, but the Sword Saint was said to handle both as if they were part of his body.

Even after hundreds of years, his name was still mentioned, indicating he was far beyond the transcendental level.

“Yes.”

Merlin scratched her waist and nodded.

“A map to the Sword Saint’s tomb has surfaced. Right now, it’s said to be in the hands of Muryeonggwiga. The Six Emperors and Five Demons are all chasing it.”

She seemed uninterested, shaking her head.

“Muryeonggwiga…”

“I’ve congratulated you and given you a gift, so I’ll be going now.”

Merlin waved her hand, saying it was time to leave.

“I’ll keep watching over you, so don’t worry.”

He wanted to say that was more worrying, but he kept silent after receiving a gift.

“And this little one…”

Raon gulped, watching Merlin’s mouth. He clenched his fist, nervous about what she would say next.

“Wants its claws trimmed.”

“C-Claws?”

His eyes widened at the unexpected request.

“Its claws have grown too long, hindering its hunting. Trim, file, and even paint them.”

Merlin asked him to take good care of the sable and disappeared.

Kyaak.

The sable approached, extending its front paw as if asking for its claws to be trimmed.

‘Do I have to trim a sable’s claws now?’

Raon looked at the sable’s paw and closed his eyes tightly.

‘What a fate…’

Thanks to Merlin and the sable, a brief moment of peace returned to Bukmang Mountain.

* * *

Raon stood on the platform at the 5th Training Ground and turned around.

‘They look like they’re on the verge of death.’

The members of the Light Wind Division looked like they were about to die, their shoulders slumped as if they had returned from a long walk.

“It’s over. Straighten your backs.”

“It didn’t end in a week; it took three weeks.”

“You demon!”

“Evil…”

Burren and Martha gritted their teeth, and Runaan collapsed, staggering.

“Who trains for three weeks? This crazy guy…”

Rimmer lay on the ground in a large X shape, his cheeks hollow.

Raon chuckled at the sight of the exhausted Light Wind Division.

The training had gone so well that he had kept extending it, and before he knew it, three weeks had passed.

It had been a long and grueling time, but thanks to continuous experience, the Light Wind Division had become proficient not only in frontal combat but also in ambushes and escapes. They could now avoid fighting head-on and seize opportunities while retreating, which gave him some peace of mind.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Raon nodded at the tired eyes of the Light Wind Division.

“Three days of rest.”

“Rest!”

“Finally…”

“We’re free from the demon!”

The Light Wind Division looked up at the sky and howled like freed slaves.

“But before that.”

Raon waved his hand at the cheering Light Wind Division.

“Wait. Don’t tell me more training?”

“That demon could definitely do that.”

“Right. He might say, ‘Let’s train since the sun is still up…’”

The Light Wind Division trembled, looking at the sun still high in the sky.

“You need to eat.”

At those words, people entered the training ground from outside, setting up tents and tables and placing steaming hot dishes.

“Huh…?”

“What is this?”

“What’s going on?”

“Let’s have a party.”

Raon smiled at the surprised Light Wind Division.

“It’s a reward for finishing the training well.”

-Oh, wow!

The happiest was not the Light Wind Division but Wrath.

-When did you prepare all this?

‘While you were sleeping.’

-You sly rascal! I trusted you!

Wrath drooled over the food and desserts being set up under the tent, shouting praise.

“You’ve worked hard. Eat well and rest for three days.”

“Ooh!”

“This is what I like about the new Division Leader!”

“He’s so much better than the stingy old one!”

The Light Wind Division rushed to the tables, filled with food, without even saying thank you.

“Did you bring alcohol too?”

“Wow, everything is top-notch!”

Rimmer and Krein headed straight for the alcohol, lifting their glasses immediately.

“Ice cream!”

Runaan’s purple eyes sparkled as she ran to the area with ice cream and started piling her plate high.

“Hm.”

Martha approached Runaan, scratching her head.

“What’s good?”

She seemed to appreciate Runaan’s help during the training and approached first.

“This.”

Runaan calmly nodded and handed Martha a greenish ice cream.

“The color looks weird. Is it really good?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Martha hesitated, not liking the color, but took a bite anyway.

“Gah! You damn girl! Poisoning me!”

She grimaced at the mint chocolate’s coolness and lunged at Runaan.

“Lack of taste.”

Runaan shook her head and started running again.

“You’re like sisters now.”

Burren watched their game of tag, shaking his head.

-The meat girl doesn’t know taste. That precious thing!

Wrath sighed at the mint chocolate Martha spat out.

‘You’re the weird one.’

Raon chuckled, watching the Light Wind Division enjoy their meal, when Rimmer approached, holding a whole bottle of alcohol.

“This must have cost a lot.”

“It’s fine.”

He waved it off as if it were nothing.

“But…”

Rimmer smacked his lips and shook his head.

“There’s something I didn’t tell you.”

“What is it?”

Rimmer looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath before continuing.

“The Division Leader has to attend the executive meeting.”

“I know.”

He had heard about a meeting to decide on various matters of the division and the household.

“Since it’s your first time, you should prepare. Teach me well.”

“But…”

Rimmer downed the rest of his bottle and spoke.

“It’s today.”

“What…?”

“The executive meeting is today. It starts in three hours.”

He shook his head, looking up at the sky.

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“…”

-Let’s eat first! Eat and then talk!

Wrath urged him to eat first, but Raon put down the plate he had just picked up and closed his eyes briefly.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“I just remembered now.”

Rimmer smirked, tilting his chin.

“Phew…”

Raon bit his lip and picked up his plate again.

“I have something to tell you too.”

“Huh? What?”

Rimmer opened a fancy bottle of alcohol.

“Usually, the retiring leader pays for the party.”

Raon smiled slyly as he watched Rimmer drink.

“Huh…?”

Rimmer trembled with a foreboding look, spilling his drink.

“I put all the food and drink on the Division Leader’s tab.”

Raon waved, and the restaurant and bar owners both gave Rimmer a thumbs up.

“W-Why are you saying this now?”

“You just asked.”

“Hey!”

Rimmer tried to explode but remembered what he had done and bit his lip.

“Everyone, stop! Don’t eat! Stop eating!”

He ran to the buffet, shouting.

“You want to see someone wash dishes forever? Stop eating!”

“The executive meeting…”

Raon licked his lips, turning away from the struggling Rimmer.

“This could be fun.”