The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 658
– Who’s dancing out of joy here?!
Wrath yelled loudly.
– I’m furious about being stuck here eating stale bread all the time…
‘If you don’t want to eat stale bread before you’re even hungry, then keep quiet.’
Raon glared at the loaf of stale bread placed in the corner of the training room.
– Gulp!
Like a child, Wrath clamped his mouth shut and lowered his head. Even he found it absurd that bread could subdue the Demon King.
Leaving the now-quiet Wrath alone, Raon sat in the center of the training room.
‘The first thing I need to do is…’
It would be dissecting the martial arts.
Creating a new martial art is like solving a puzzle.
It’s akin to flipping over various completed puzzles and picking only the necessary pieces to put together a new picture.
With his eyes closed, Raon began mentally dismantling the five martial arts books Glenn had provided, the Sword Saint’s Demon-Slaying Sword Techniques and the Demonic Martial Arts, Rimmer’s Garunua, and various martial arts techniques he had already mastered, breaking them down mercilessly.
– Ugh! It’s too complicated!
Wrath muttered, complaining that his head was getting noisy, before retreating into the Frost Blossom Bracelet.
However, Raon was so deeply immersed in his focus that he didn’t even realize Wrath had disappeared.
‘I should keep the dominant aspects of the Demonic Martial Arts and remove the complexity of the Demon-Slaying Sword Techniques; the others won’t be able to keep up with it. The heightened senses from the Light Wind Sword and Snowstorm Sword are essential, but it’s better to discard the basic techniques.’
Mixing the strengths of various martial arts would indeed create a formidable advanced martial art, but it would also make the learning curve so steep that even the creator might not be able to master it.
He needed to include only the essential strengths while removing any mediocre or unnecessary elements to maintain simplicity.
As he arranged the puzzle pieces of martial arts in his mind, his thoughts heated up.
As the ring of fire resonated naturally, his vision expanded, and a bright, white space opened up.
It was a world of imagery where swords were embedded, similar to the Tomb of the Sword Master.
It seemed he had reached this place thanks to his intense concentration.
However, there was something different this time.
Originally, half of this world was engulfed in flames, and the other half in frost. Now, even the wind and earth had a small place here.
Raon licked his lips as he gazed at the swords lodged in the ground.
‘It will be easier to piece together the puzzle here.’
As he visualized the Demonic Martial Arts in his mind, a blue sword embedded to the right rose, unleashing a powerful sword strike. It was the Demonic Martial Arts’s technique, “Heavenly Destruction Strike.”
When he imagined the Demon-Slaying Sword Techniques next, a red sword on the left unraveled, spewing a crimson flow. This was the Demon-Slaying Sword Techniques’s technique, “Blood Phantom Strike.”
Simply thinking of the martial arts would cause the swords in this world of imagery to replicate the techniques, dramatically speeding up the process of assembling the puzzle.
Whoooooosh!
Soon, all the swords embedded in the world of imagery floated up, displaying countless techniques. It was like watching a storm of swords.
‘Perfect.’
Raon’s red eyes followed each sword technique that unfolded, not missing a single move, as he began to differentiate between the lines that needed to be discarded and those that needed to be preserved.
* * *
“I will not return.”
Burren responded without the slightest hesitation.
“What is your reason?”
Karoon asked, seemingly not surprised, raising his dry gaze.
“Because the Central Martial Division is not where I belong.”
Burren answered without avoiding Karoon’s eyes.
‘That’s right. This is not where I belong.’
In the past, he would have accepted his father’s offer without a second thought.
Becoming a unit leader within the Central Martial Division and learning martial arts from his father was both his goal and his dream.
But the current Burren was different from his former self.
After going through life-and-death situations with the Light Wind Division, they had become more than just comrades; they were family.
The place where he needed to live now, and where he wanted to be, wasn’t the Central Martial Division but the fifth training ground where the Light Wind Division resided.
“I am Burren Zieghart, Squad Leader of the Third Squad of the Light Wind Division.”
Burren placed his hand on the sword at his waist, declaring his affiliation with unwavering eyes.
“Even if I personally teach you the highest level of martial arts?”
“My decision remains unchanged.”
He nodded, glancing toward the location of the fifth training ground.
“Currently, the Light Wind Division’s Commander is in seclusion to create a martial art for the division. Even if that martial art can’t match the highest-level martial arts you offer, it will still be the greatest to me.”
His feelings toward Raon were not just those of a superior or a friend but of a lord and a brother.
For him, Burren would gladly lay down his life, so giving up on martial arts was hardly a sacrifice.
“Creating a martial art for the Light Wind Division, is it…”
Karoon followed Burren’s gaze and nodded.
“Indeed, that boy possesses such an ability. A rare talent, greater than any human I have ever seen. That’s why…”
His eyes darkened with a cold hue.
“You will become Raon Zieghart’s shadow.”
“Pardon?”
“Raon Zieghart is a blinding light. Wherever he goes, he draws people’s attention and consumes all fame. You will gradually be engulfed by that light, becoming a dark shadow without even knowing your own color.”
Karoon smirked mockingly.
“Are you truly satisfied with that?”
“……”
“I asked if you’re content living as a shadow under someone else’s light, being born a direct descendant of Zieghart.”
His voice cut like a sharp blade.
“How many people know the name of the Third Squad Leader of the Light Wind Division, even if they know the division itself? ‘Whirlwind Sword’? It’s nothing but a hollow title.”
“……”
Burren clenched his teeth tightly. Karoon was attacking a spot where his insecurities would naturally arise.
“But it would be different if you came to the Central Martial Division.”
A strange heat flared in Karoon’s eyes.
“Even if surpassing Raon Zieghart is impossible, you can avoid becoming his shadow. I will make you the leader of the Central Martial Division in the future, allowing you to become the protagonist of your life.”
He reached out his hand, as if he meant every word.
“Take it. This is your last chance.”
Karoon held his right hand up, waiting expectantly.
“Father.”
Burren didn’t look at Karoon’s outstretched hand that had come close to him; he looked into his eyes instead.
“Looking for a son you once abandoned… You must be struggling these days.”
He smiled, lifting the corners of his mouth.
“That’s right.”
Karoon nodded calmly, showing his great composure, even to the sarcastic remark.
“I have not given up on the position of the patriarch.”
His voice was steady. It was a voice filled with unwavering self-belief.
“To revive the Central Martial Division, I need someone capable. You could play that role.”
“…I once respected you, Father.”
Burren began speaking about something unrelated to Karoon’s proposal, looking out the window.
“If I received even a small compliment from you, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep. I practically lived in the training ground just to keep hearing those compliments. Being recognized by you and inheriting your position was my only dream. And now, that dream has come true.”
He smiled faintly, recalling his childhood dreams as he looked at Karoon’s back.
“Then…”
“But that dream, that goal, has already sunk to the ground. You abandoned it, not me.”
Burren continued speaking, watching Karoon’s eyes tremble slightly.
“I’m not rejecting your proposal out of resentment for being cast aside. The fifth training ground means more to me now than the Central Martial Division. Raon and the Light Wind Division have become more precious to me than you and my brothers.”
Burren spoke with an unwavering tone.
“You said you’d make me the leader of the Central Martial Division? Yes, I will become one. But it won’t be for my ambition; it will be for Raon and the Light Wind Division.”
He clenched his right fist and struck his left chest.
“I have vowed to dedicate my heart to the Light Wind Division Commander. If the Commander wants to become the patriarch, I will clear the path. If the Commander wishes to leave the family, I will break down the gates. If you ever stand in Raon’s way, I will take up my sword and face you.”
He revealed the vow he had made when he survived thanks to Raon and struck his left chest once more.
“As the Third Squad Leader of the Light Wind Division, I am proud to live as the Commander’s shadow.”
Without the slightest hesitation, he voiced his rejection and bowed.
“……”
Karoon said nothing. He merely looked quietly at his changed son.
“If you’re done speaking, I will take my leave now.”
“There’s something wrong with your statement.”
Just as Burren was about to leave the room, Karoon lowered his hand.
“Yes?”
“The martial art that Raon Zieghart creates won’t be inferior to the highest-level martial art I could teach you. He is that kind of person.”
Karoon brought up something unexpected. It was even more surprising than when he had asked Burren to return.
“Make sure you learn well.”
With those words, he turned his gaze to the window, as if he no longer had any interest.
“…I’ll take my leave then.”
Burren watched Karoon’s back for a moment before bowing and leaving the room. For a brief moment—just a very brief moment—it seemed as if he saw his father, whom he had once respected when he was a child.
‘No, that’s not it.’
Burren shook his head, trying to erase the absurd thought from his mind.
* * *
In the office of the Lord of the Robert family.
Derus Robert was looking out the window, where the twilight was fading, when a dull knock sounded.
“Come in.”
He answered gently, as if he knew who was outside the door.
Boom!
The door opened roughly, and Derus’s youngest son, Lephon Robert, entered.
“Father! Have you heard? There’s a huge commotion across the continent!”
Lephon came running, almost bouncing as he approached Derus.
“Running in like this the moment you return from a mission. You haven’t changed.”
Derus smiled, patting Lephon’s head.
“So, what’s the big commotion that made you rush here as soon as you returned?”
“Of course, it’s about Lord Raon! He conquered the Sword Saint’s Tomb and established a place of swordsmanship! There’s even a rumor that Archmage of Radiance and the Silent Sword Master acknowledged that area!”
Lephon’s face flushed with excitement as he clenched his fist.
“He’s a true hero! Everyone is calling his name right now!”
“Tsk, tsk.”
Derus clicked his tongue softly, smiling without the slightest wrinkle.
“You claim to be a fan of the Light Wind Division, yet you’re so slow with the news. This father of yours knew about it long ago.”
“W-Well, I couldn’t help it! I’ve been on a mission for over two months! I only heard this from the tavern in front of the family estate…”
“So you’re saying you went straight to the tavern in front of the estate before even reporting your return?”
“Gulp!”
Lephon’s eyes widened like a puppy as he covered his mouth.
“This won’t do. I should have a word with the Sword Division Leader.”
“F-Father… no, Dad! Please!”
He clasped his hands, pleading for mercy.
“Hmph.”
Derus chuckled softly, patting Lephon’s head.
“So, did you complete your mission well?”
“It was a breeze. Shall I report it to you now?”
“It’s almost dinner time. I’d rather hear it with your mother.”
He shook his head with a smile.
“Oh, that sounds good!”
Lephon quickly left the office, saying he’d go wash up.
Even after Lephon left, Derus’s smile didn’t fade. The servants passing through the hallway saw it and smiled with him.
A moment later, Kubara entered the office, closing the door behind him, and the chill spread over the smile on Derus’s lips.
Kubara shuddered as he saw Derus’s cold smile.
‘He’s beyond just cold-blooded.’
Despite Lephon praising and admiring Raon, who was practically his nemesis, Derus didn’t change his expression.
Instead, he smiled warmly, joining in the praise. Only that monster could control his emotions to such a degree.
“It seems the rumors about Raon Zieghart have spread across the entire continent.”
Derus sat on the edge of his desk, tilting his chin.
“It was an event that drew a lot of attention.”
Kubara’s expression hardened as he mentioned that the story of the Sword Saint’s Tomb and the establishment of the Sword Domain had spread throughout the continent.
“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t bury his sword in that Sword Domain.”
Derus twisted his lips into a smile. It looked similar to the one he had shown Lephon, but this one was filled not with warmth but with something sinister.
“Has he returned to Zieghart?”
“Yes. However, it seems he has stirred up more trouble there as well.”
“Trouble?”
“Deputy Leader Killuon of the Zieghart Elder Council…”
Kubara spoke as if he were in Zieghart, detailing how Raon had subdued Killuon and made him a slave.
“The resurrection of Sylvia Zieghart…”
Derus focused on Sylvia’s name more than Raon’s, narrowing his eyes.
“Wasn’t she rumored to have the greatest talent among Glenn’s children?”
“Yes. She was said to be gentle in personality but outstanding in talent. And…”
Kubara lowered his voice, almost to a whisper.
“There’s a rumor that her artificial dantian has been made from the Dragon Heart of Sky Dragon Kaibar.”
“An artificial dantian made from a Dragon Heart…”
Derus licked his lips as if he found it tempting.
“If the opportunity arises, I should take it. But even an artificial dantian made from a Dragon Heart won’t compensate for the losses from this incident…”
His lips twitched as Raon’s face seemed to flash before his eyes again.
“Yes. The loss is severe. Originally, a war should have broken out, turning the entire continent into a sea of flames by now.”
“……”
Kubara shivered as if a chilling hand was squeezing his throat.
“But…”
A fierce, fiery glare ignited in Derus’s eyes.
“The spark hasn’t been fully extinguished yet.”
He smiled while looking at the peaceful Robert territory.
“The Six Kings will soon become the Five Kings.”
* * *
Swords clashed, and one vanished.
Even the surviving sword couldn’t withstand the newly born one and sank.
In the world of imagery, countless martial arts were born and vanished repeatedly.
Even Raon himself had lost count of how many he had created and erased.
However, thanks to creating and erasing numerous martial arts, he had firmly established the foundation for the Light Wind Division’s martial art.
‘Wind.’
Not just an ordinary wind, but a wind of perception that could permeate any martial art.
A living wind that could increase speed and sharpness during attacks and form a barrier when defending.
That was the martial art he envisioned for the Light Wind Division.
Once he established a solid foundation, a dozen bolts of lightning struck his mind.
The eight rings of fire that filled the center of the world of imagery began spinning wildly. As the upper dantian opened, the scattered puzzle pieces of martial arts came together.
Countless fragments of martial arts floated and began to align in his mind.
The crooked parts straightened, and the shattered pieces donned harmonious cloaks.
Whooooosh!
The moment the final piece was set in place, a new martial art emerged.
A grand light and wind. The blue wind that would cover the world spread quietly, wrapping around his entire body.
As the brilliant fragments of light and wind settled into his dantian, Garunua, which hadn’t yet fully established itself, began to define its own domain.
Booooom!
Raon felt a massive resonance explode in his mind as he opened his eyes. Before he knew it, the world of imagery had vanished, and the familiar training room appeared before his eyes.
“Haa…”
He exhaled a heavy breath, rubbing his lower abdomen. It wasn’t a dream. The foundation of the new martial art he had created was already etched into his spirit and body.
– Hey! You said you’d spread jam on the stale bread! But you starved me for a whole week! Where did you learn such terrible manners? This blasted… huh?
Wrath was shouting angrily but suddenly widened his eyes.
– W-What is this? Is this your new martial art?
‘Yes.’
A blue-tinged wind rose from Raon’s fingertip.
– T-This is pretty good, actually.
Wrath blinked, seemingly surprised by the quality of the new martial art.
“I never expected to hear praise from you.”
– I am a Demon King who acknowledges good things when I see them!
‘Right. You are.’
– So, what’s the name of this martial art?
‘The name…’
Raon thought for a moment before nodding.
“Light Wind Style. Since I created it for the Light Wind Division, there’s no better name.”
The name seemed most fitting as it utilized both light and wind.
– What a crap name. You’re really terrible at naming things…
Wrath was mocking when suddenly:
[A high-level martial art, “Light Wind Style,” has been created.]
[Received recognition from <Wrath>.]
[Due to the effect of the title <Young Master of Martial Arts> and recognition from <Wrath>, the high-level martial art has grown into a supreme martial art.]
[Garunua has been mastered…]
[All stats have…]
Messages appeared, indicating that not only had Raon created a high-level martial art, but thanks to Wrath’s recognition, it had evolved into a supreme martial art.
– Wha-What the hell…
Wrath’s mouth gaped open as he stared at the messages.
– Damn it! I didn’t mean to acknowledge it, I just said it was okay!
He flailed his limbs, shouting for Raon to listen.
“Wow…”
Raon stroked Wrath’s head, smiling.
“It’s been a while. Welcome back, my generous friend, Wrath!”
– Did you just call me a fool?! You brat! I am the Lord of Wrath, the Demon King’s…
“Yeah, yeah. Fool.”
– I’m not a fool!
Wrath’s round eyes filled with tears.
– You angelic brat!
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