The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 626

Raon let out a sigh as he looked into Denning Rose’s sharp eyes.

‘It would be stranger if those lunatics from the Holy Sword Alliance didn’t come.’

The Holy Sword Alliance is made up of fanatics who consider swords and swordsmanship sacred, willing to kill their own family to acquire superior techniques. It would have been more surprising if they hadn’t come to claim the Sword Demon’s legacy.

“Who from the Holy Sword Alliance is here?”

“The Devil’s Sword Master, Croy.”

Denning Rose took out a document and placed it on the table. The name Croy was written at the top, followed by his background.

“He rose to the top master rank before the Holy Sword Alliance disappeared.”

“Croy…”

Raon had heard of the Devil’s Sword Master Croy in his previous life. It was said his true weapon wasn’t his sword but his feet due to his outstanding footwork.

“Then it’s possible he has become a Grand Master by now.”

“Do you remember Risrun?”

Denning Rose suddenly mentioned Risrun while talking about the Devil’s Sword Master.

“Of course, I remember.”

Risrun was the black market agent who guided them to the Sran tribe to rescue Judiel. As an assassin, she had followed his orders well, leaving a strong impression.

“She said she couldn’t even see the Devil’s Sword Master’s footwork properly. Even the previous owner of the map, White Shark, was proficient in stealth and footwork but was caught immediately. His footwork might be on par with a Grand Master’s.”

Denning Rose tapped the document with her finger, emphasizing the need to be cautious. Her concern was palpable in her tone.

“Then the Devil’s Sword Master must have already entered the Sword Demon’s tomb.”

Unlike the previous owners, Muryung and White Shark, the Devil’s Sword Master had exceptional combat skills and likely found the tomb quickly.

“No.”

Denning Rose shook her head calmly.

“The Devil’s Sword Master is still moving. It seems he hasn’t fully deciphered the map yet.”

“Decipher?”

“Rather than decipher, it’s more like he hasn’t found the altered terrain after hundreds of years.”

“I see…”

Raon understood. Since hundreds of years had passed since the Sword Demon’s death, the landscape had changed, making it difficult to locate the tomb.

“Both Muryung and White Shark moved from the neutral zone between Zieghart and the Balkan Kingdom, gradually heading west.”

Denning Rose pulled out a map and raised her tone.

“And now, the Devil’s Sword Master Croy is here.”

Her finger pointed to the edge of the neutral zone between Zieghart and the Balkan Kingdom. Not far from there, the word “Black Tower” came into view.

“As the black market predicts, the tomb should be around here.”

Denning Rose traced a triangle between Zieghart, the Balkan Kingdom, and the Black Tower, indicating the neutral zone.

“Currently, it’s not just the Six Emperors or the Five Demon Lords; neutral factions and reclusive masters have also appeared, creating chaos. Martial artists blinded by the Sword Demon’s techniques are even massacring civilians.”

Denning Rose frowned, noting the grim situation.

Raon memorized the area Denning Rose pointed out and took out a pouch of gold coins he had prepared from his spatial pocket. The heavy pouch made the table shake as he placed it down.

“What is this…”

“I’ll buy all the real-time information on this matter.”

“We can track them, but are you really going? I heard you took a reconnaissance mission…”

“Yes, because I took the reconnaissance mission.”

Raon stroked the map where Denning Rose had pointed.

“We can’t just leave pigs blinded by greed alone.”

Securing the Sword Demon’s tomb and capturing the Devil’s Sword Master were good goals, but the primary objective was to protect Zieghart’s territory. He couldn’t allow threats to their safety.

“It won’t be easy. The Six Emperors and Five Demone Lords are dangerous, and reclusive masters and hidden talents have emerged as well.”

“It’s fine.”

Raon smiled faintly, shaking his head.

“If I can’t overcome that much, I’ll die in next year’s life-and-death duel anyway.”

“Life-and-death duel…”

Denning Rose nodded slightly, understanding his words.

“You won’t listen even if I try to stop you, will you?”

She sighed, brushing back her hair.

“Then, I’ll assist you to the best of my ability in the name of the black market. First, I’ll locate the Devil’s Sword Master…”

“No, that’s next.”

Raon pointed to the map with a diagonal finger.

“The first thing we need to do is…”

* * *

After meeting Denning Rose, Raon headed to the 5th training ground.

The Light Wind Division swordsmen gathered in front of the platform. Despite their leave not being over, they were all in training uniforms, sweating from practice.

All of them had voluntarily started training again after just one day of rest. They were now training maniacs like him.

“Division leader.”

Martha bowed respectfully.

“All of the first squad is here.”

Unlike when he was a vice leader, she now used formal language and showed respect, which was unexpected.

“The second squad is also all here.”

Runaan raised her hand lazily. Though it was formal, it didn’t sound that way.

“The third squad is all here.”

Burren was the last to bow his head.

“Good work.”

Raon nodded lightly and scanned the Light Wind Division. Despite being summoned during their leave, no one seemed dissatisfied, likely because they had been training in the practice ground.

Well, except for one person.

“I-I’m going to die. I’m seeing double.”

Rimmer waved his hand, leaning against the platform.

“Why did you call us when I’m still hungover…”

Even two days later, Rimmer seemed unable to shake off his hangover and clutched his head in pain.

Raon ignored Rimmer and addressed the Light Wind Division.

“As you all know, we received a mission from the round table meeting.”

“We heard! It’s a reconnaissance mission!”

Dorian raised his hand.

“A reconnaissance mission sounds so peaceful. It feels like nothing will happen.”

He laughed, thanking Raon for choosing a safe mission.

“It sounds boring.”

Martha clicked her tongue in discontent.

“Who would invade Zieghart’s territory?”

“That’s uncertain.”

Burren shook his head at Martha.

“Zieghart’s name isn’t invincible. You should have experienced that.”

“Humph.”

“It’s a noble mission to patrol and safeguard our family’s territory. Stay focused, everyone.”

He organized the morale of the Light Wind Division with a composed voice.

‘Is it because of Karoon?’

Burren seemed more rigid, possibly due to Karoon’s incident. He looked more burdened than usual.

“I can sleep while walking.”

Runaan blinked, claiming she could double her sleep time. Even after Burren’s speech, her remark showed remarkable consistency.

Clap.

Raon clapped his hands to focus the Light Wind Division’s attention.

“Third squad leader is right.”

He nodded at Burren.

“Some of you might already know, but there’s a storm brewing around the Sword Demon’s tomb on the continent.”

“I’ve heard. It’s already chaotic, isn’t it?”

Krein raised his hand.

“But it doesn’t concern us, right?”

“Right. We just need to patrol.”

Other swordsmen, who had also heard about the tomb, nodded.

“No, it concerns us. The common belief is that the Sword Demon’s tomb is not far from Zieghart’s territory.”

“Is that true?”

Burren widened his eyes, unaware of this fact. Other swordsmen also exhaled in surprise.

“Yes. Our mission is to patrol Zieghart’s territory and eliminate any threats. It’s closely related to this event.”

“Division leader.”

Martha approached the platform, curling her lips.

“You took the reconnaissance mission with this in mind from the start, didn’t you?”

Raon smiled faintly without answering.

“As expected, our division leader is crazy.”

Despite her words, Martha smiled brightly, showing she preferred this over a simple reconnaissance mission.

“For someone attending the round table for the first time, how did you come up with that idea…”

Burren shook his head, still puzzled.

“He really is something.”

“His cunning is useful in times like these.”

“A Sword Demon’s tomb…”

Other Light Wind Division swordsmen also showed interest, smiling as they talked about the tomb.

“…”

Rimmer quietly watched Raon and the Light Wind Division from behind, a faint smile on his lips.

“Save the chatter for later.”

Raon refocused the Light Wind Division.

“The tomb itself is dangerous, but the surrounding area is teeming with monsters, making it a tough journey. Since your leave isn’t over yet…”

He raised his finger and continued.

“I’ll take volunteers for this mission. If you don’t want to go, you can rest at the family grounds.”

He was sincere. Since their leave wasn’t over, he didn’t want to take everyone.

“What are you talking about!”

Martha frowned and stepped forward.

“After enduring your torment for three weeks, why would we refuse a chance to let loose?”

She clenched her fists, eager to fight.

“Indeed.”

Burren gritted his teeth.

“We trained in hell for three weeks; we should reap the benefits.”

He also wanted to relieve his stress, gripping his sword tightly.

“I’ll make sure no one sleeps.”

Runaan vowed to prevent others from sleeping, though her dull eyes weren’t particularly intimidating.

“I’m going too!”

“If you leave me, I’ll crawl after you!”

“I’ll kill them all!”

“I’ll bite their necks off.”

Not just the squad leaders, but the entire Light Wind Division grit their teeth with fierce determination. Their eyes gleamed yellow like rabid dogs.

“Ugh…”

Dorian, who had been hesitating, finally raised his hand, unable to avoid the enthusiasm.

‘Their spirits are high, but…’

Raon tilted his head, puzzled by the Light Wind Division’s half-crazed eyes.

‘Why do they all seem crazy?’

-Do you even have a conscience? You’re the one who drove them mad!

Wrath sighed, shaking his head as he watched the Light Wind Division’s growing frenzy.

-Even a circus trainer would feed and let them sleep, you madman!

‘…’

* * *

Lucen Village, situated between Zieghart and the neutral zone.

The small village, where the entire population managed an orchard together, was unusually crowded with martial artists.

“This is the place. Search everything.”

A middle-aged man on a black horse waved his finger with a fierce gaze. He was Bulrant, the leader of the Black Red Clan, known as the death wind of the White Sands Desert.

“Yes!”

“Open every door!”

“Search every inch!”

The masked bandits on horseback wrecked the village and uprooted apple trees. Though their weapons varied, all their eyes burned with the fire of greed.

Crunch!

The apples, lovingly cultivated by Lucen villagers, were crushed under hoofs, and the orchard was reduced to a barren landscape.

“Why are you doing this?”

The village chief approached Bulrant, who was on his black horse.

“Please stop!”

“If these trees die, we die too!”

“We’ll give you money!”

The villagers knelt behind the chief, begging.

“Do you want to die?”

The scar on Bulrant’s forehead wriggled grotesquely. It wasn’t a question; he seemed ready to kill if they spoke another word.

“Ugh…”

“Ah…”

Having never encountered a martial artist before, the chief and villagers backed away, trembling.

“Leader.”

The vice leader of the Black Red Clan, wearing an eye patch over his left eye, approached Bulrant and bowed.

“We cut down all the trees and searched the houses but found nothing. Are you sure this is the place?”

“There was definitely a mark on the map the Devil’s Sword Master took from White Shark when he killed him.”

Bulrant nodded confidently.

“But nothing turned up…”

“Burn it down.”

“What?”

The vice leader widened his eyes in disbelief.

“Even though we cut the trees, the brush is still hiding things. Burn it all.”

“But this area belongs to Zieghart. If they appear…”

“Zieghart is currently distracted by the Devil’s Sword Master. We’ll handle it quickly.”

Bulrant waggled his finger, urging swift action.

“Hmm, understood.”

The vice leader agreed, gathering the subordinates.

“Burn the orchard and village.”

“Understood.”

Four robed mages conjured fire in their hands. The blazing flames roared like beasts, engulfing the entire village and orchard.

“Fetch water! Quickly!”

The chief, trembling, shouted for water and crawled to Bulrant.

“Please stop! I’ll give you all my money! Please…”

As he pleaded, Bulrant’s spear pierced his shoulder.

Splurt!

The chief staggered back with a gaping wound in his chest.

“Guh…”

He tried to stem the bleeding, but it flowed like a broken dam.

“Ahhh!”

“The chief!”

“No…”

The villagers collapsed in shock, unable to believe the chief was dead.

“Finish them off.”

“Yes!”

“I was waiting for that.”

“This is easier.”

“Who cares about Zieghart.”

The bandits grinned wickedly, spurring their horses to attack the villagers. Just as their spears were about to pierce the villagers, a massive explosion erupted at the orchard entrance.

Boom!

The bandits guarding the entrance were split in half and hurled into the flames.

“What the…”

Bulrant raised his spear, glaring through the grey smoke.

“Open the way.”

A cold voice echoed from the smoke, accompanied by three swordsmen stepping forward.

Boom!

The first to charge was a black-haired swordswoman, thrusting her sword forward. A colossal energy wave burst from her sword, shredding the vice leader and elite guards around Bulrant.

Slash!

The second, a blue-haired swordsman, drew a graceful arc with her sword, decapitating the mages preparing to defend.

Whoosh!

The third, a purple-eyed swordswoman, dragged her sword along the ground, spreading frost that froze the bandits and their horses’ legs.

“W-Who are you…”

Bulrant stepped back, recognizing the flaming sword emblem on their clothes.

“Zieghart?”

He gasped, gripping his spear tightly.

“Why is Zieghart here?”

As if answering his question, a cold footstep echoed through the smoke.

Thud.

The three swordswomen stepped aside as a figure emerged with eyes burning brighter than the sun. Just meeting his gaze made Bulrant feel like his heart was about to burst.

“W-Wait!”

“Just.”

The blonde, red-eyed man shook his head. He knew there was only one young swordsman who commanded such monsters.

“Raon Zieghart…”

“Consider yourself unlucky.”

With a chilling sound, Bulrant’s head fell to the ground.