The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 660

“Have you all memorized it?”

Raon tilted his chin slightly after explaining the incantation for *Light Wind Style* to the entire Light Wind Division.

“What? No way!”

“How can we memorize it after hearing it just once!”

“It’s too long to memorize in one go!”

The Light Wind Division members, who were muttering the incantation under their breath, shook their heads vigorously, saying it was impossible to memorize it all at once.

“As expected of the highest-level martial art. Just memorizing the incantation makes my head feel like it’s going to explode…”

Krein massaged his temples as he repeated the beginning of the incantation.

“It’s easy.”

Dorian licked his lips, saying it was just the right length.

“What? You’ve memorized it already?”

“Of course.”

Unlike usual, Dorian nodded with a calm gaze.

“Memorization is the most important skill for a quartermaster! This is a piece of cake!”

He laughed, explaining that constantly practicing identifying and retrieving items from his waist pouch had naturally improved his memory.

“Ugh, even an idiot like Dorian memorized it in one go, and here I am struggling…”

“This is more humiliating than losing a sparring match…”

“I have to memorize it! I must!”

The Light Wind Division members, spurred on by Dorian’s easy success, clenched their fists in frustration.

“I’ve memorized it, so I’ll help my team members.”

“Me too.”

“Yeah, if we can’t even memorize the incantation, we can’t start practicing. You idiots, come here immediately!”

Burren, Runaan, and Martha quickly memorized the incantation and started helping their team members with memorization.

Raon watched with a slight smile as the squad split into three groups to memorize the incantation.

‘It’s a good sight.’

It filled him with a strange sense of fulfillment to see Burren and Martha, who would previously have only cared about their own progress, stepping up to help their teammates.

Feeling satisfied with this change, he turned around and saw Mark Gorton and Rimmer sitting together, discussing the incantation.

‘Is Mark Gorton’s memory not that great?’

While high combat abilities didn’t necessarily equate to good memorization skills, he approached them, thinking it might be the case.

“Have you memorized up to the ‘Path of the Wind’?”

“It’s a bit confusing.”

Rimmer scratched his head awkwardly.

“Ah…”

Raon was taken aback by his response.

‘So it was the elf who couldn’t memorize it?’

He had assumed Mark Gorton would struggle with the memorization, but it was Rimmer. And not only that—the ‘Path of the Wind’ was at the very beginning of the incantation. This meant he hadn’t been paying attention from the start.

“Maybe I’m getting old? Everything goes in one ear and out the other these days.”

Rimmer chuckled while touching his flawless skin, which looked no different from that of the early twenties members of the Light Wind Division.

“Hmm…”

Mark Gorton, too, looked at Rimmer with a bewildered expression.

“Leader, help me out here. My focus isn’t what it used to be. I’ll go home and memorize it.”

“Wait.”

Raon moved beside Rimmer and opened his hand. A flame rose in his palm, forming the shape of a card.

“Huh? A card?”

Rimmer blinked as if asking what Raon was doing.

“Do you know what this is?”

As he asked, he showed four cards, each marked with the number four.

“That’s Four of a Kind!”

Rimmer answered instantly, not even 0.1 seconds later.

“Then what about this?”

Raon narrowed his eyes and showed another combination of cards.

“Flush.”

“Three of a Kind!”

“High Card!”

“Full House!”

“Royal Straight Flush.”

It wasn’t just 0.1 seconds. Rimmer answered even before the combinations fully formed, as if his brain function was entirely devoted to gambling.

“See? This is the skill of a professional gambler!”

Rimmer proudly thumped his chest.

“Your focus is impressive.”

Raon snorted, closing his hand and extinguishing the flame.

“Old age, my foot. If you don’t memorize it today, I’m not letting you go home.”

He insisted they must memorize it, waving his hand dismissively.

“Y-you devilish leader!”

Rimmer ground his teeth, seeming indignant at being caught out.

-That big-eared scoundrel dares!

Wrath gnashed his teeth harder than Rimmer, raising his head.

-There are no beings like him in the Demon Realm! Call him a celestial being instead!

Wrath glared, demanding not to be compared to demons.

With the squad leaders’ help and their natural talent, the members of the Light Wind Division managed to perfectly memorize the incantation for *Light Wind Style* within an hour.

Rimmer, whose excuse of declining concentration was proven false, immediately memorized the incantation as soon as he focused on listening again. He was truly unpredictable.

Raon ascended the platform once more and gazed at the Light Wind Division.

“Now that you’ve memorized the incantation, it’s time to try practicing it.”

He tilted his head slightly while meeting the eyes of the warriors.

“Begin the practice of *Light Wind Style*.”

“Leader.”

Burren raised his hand and stepped forward.

“It’s getting late, so perhaps we should start practicing tomorrow. We haven’t rested from today’s training, so we might not be able to keep up.”

He shook his head, noting that the squad’s focus was waning after guarding and training.

“I agree. I’m eager to learn, but since this is a highest-level martial art, it might be better to start fresh tomorrow.”

Martha also nodded, agreeing with Burren’s suggestion.

“I’m fine with starting now.”

Unexpectedly, Runaan expressed her desire to start immediately, blinking.

“*Light Wind Style* is easier to grasp when you’re not too tense.”

Raon smiled faintly and wiggled his fingers.

“Get ready.”

“Oh, this stubborn fool.”

Rimmer’s voice came from behind, but Raon ignored it.

“Well, it can’t be helped…”

“We know it’s tough, but I’m also excited.”

“Right, it’s the highest-level martial art.”

The Light Wind Division sat down on the training field, their faces a mix of concern and anticipation. Almost in unison, they closed their eyes and recited the incantation for *Light Wind Style*.

*Whoooooosh!*

A gentle breeze, characteristic of the wind-based martial art, surrounded the Light Wind Division.

After a while, the warriors opened their eyes simultaneously, having finished practicing *Light Wind Style*.

“As expected, it’s not working…”

“Yeah, it’s too difficult.”

“I can’t get a grasp on it…”

“We don’t fully understand the incantation’s meaning. Even feeling the wind is hard.”

The Light Wind Division shook their heads, saying it was not an easy task, as expected.

“It’s confusing, but doesn’t this flow seem familiar?”

“Yeah.”

Runaan and Martha looked at each other and nodded.

“You have felt it before.”

Burren swallowed dryly, looking at Raon.

“It’s the flow of the Great Wind Formation.”

“T-the Wind Formation?”

“Now that you mention it…”

“It’s similar… no, almost identical!”

The Light Wind Division warriors were stunned as they realized that *Light Wind Style* and the Wind Formation had the same essence.

“That’s right. The flow of *Light Wind Style* follows the Wind Formation.”

Raon softly smiled, meeting Burren’s gaze.

“This time, try practicing *Light Wind Style* while forming the Wind Formation.”

As he spoke, he traced the shape of the Wind Formation with his fingers.

“You should feel a different sensation.”

* * *

Following Raon’s instructions, Burren formed the Great Wind Formation with the squad and practiced *Light Wind Style*.

The wind generated from the Great Wind Formation was drawn into their bodies through every pore, following the incantation of *Light Wind Style*.

It wasn’t something achieved individually. It was happening to everyone maintaining the Wind Formation, as if in harmony.

*Whoooooosh!*

The pure wind energy entering their bodies spread throughout their mana circuits, guided by the incantation of *Light Wind Style*.

*Whoooooosh!*

The more they recited the incantation, the more the energy permeated their bodies.

The wind, which had already been familiar, felt even more intimate now.

As they began to understand the wind itself, the once-confusing incantation of *Light Wind Style* began to unravel like a thread, naturally embedding itself in their minds.

‘Ha…’

Burren bit his lip, feeling the intense changes occurring in his dantian, mana circuits, and mind.

‘Is this really happening?’

By forming the Wind Formation and practicing, they were able to understand the incantation and absorb more energy.

Even while experiencing it firsthand, it felt like a dream.

*Whoooooosh!*

The wind energy coursed vigorously through his body, engraving the flow of *Light Wind Style*.

The wind surged through his mana circuits, muscles, mind, and dantian, flowing throughout his entire being.

The tempestuous wind, which had been rushing out, settled into the traces of *Light Wind Style* it had carved out, beginning to emit a blue glow.

*Thud!*

The moment he recited the last of the incantation, a thick bolt of lightning struck his mind.

A new wind, different from the chilling wind he had known, surged through his entire body.

*Whoooooosh!*

He could feel the same blue wind that Raon had shown him blooming within his body.

‘Is this *Light Wind Style*?’

The wind of *Light Wind Style* swirled gently around him. Super sense. It was blocking out noise and movement to avoid disrupting his training.

‘He really is a monstrous guy.’

Burren had been skeptical when Raon explained *Light Wind Style*. He had doubted that the super sense was achievable by anyone other than Raon.

But after experiencing it himself, he realized it wasn’t something only he could do. This martial art itself embodied the super sense.

He was so taken aback that he couldn’t even laugh.

Burren exhaled deeply, his eyes opening. He saw the red sun rising in the sky.

The wind that had been swirling protectively around him caught the sunlight and disappeared silently.

“Ugh…”

“Ah…”

“It wasn’t a dream.”

The other warriors forming the Wind Formation also blinked as if waking up.

“Now everyone is awake.”

Raon, sitting on the platform, smiled as he raised his hand.

“How does it feel to wake up after a week?”

“A-a week?”

Burren widened his eyes at his words.

“Did you say a week?”

“The sun has risen, so it’s been just over a week.”

Raon nodded, pointing at the rising sun.

“No way…”

It had felt like a few hours, or maybe even just a few minutes, but they never imagined a whole week had passed.

‘Does that mean we were in a trance?’

Seeing how they couldn’t perceive the passage of time, it seemed they had entered a trance.

‘It’s been so long since I experienced a trance… Ah! Wait!’

Burren looked around, his eyes wide open.

“Did everyone get into a trance?”

Raon had said it had been a week for everyone. That meant everyone here had been in a trance.

“What the hell did you do?”

Martha, forgetting to be formal, trembled as she spoke.

“I told you. I made this martial art specifically for you.”

Raon looked at the Light Wind Division, who were still in formation, and smiled.

“The Wind Formation is a formation you’ve trained in for nearly ten years, and *Light Wind Style* deeply incorporates the flow of that formation. It’s only natural that it would be easier for you to master. Although I didn’t expect all of you to enter a trance.”

He nodded, suggesting that the years of practice had created a serendipitous opportunity.

“Still, I’ve never heard of this many people entering and then exiting a trance at the same time.”

“Neither have I. What is this…”

“A lucky break? This is more like fate!”

“I’m getting a bit scared now…”

The Light Wind Division, though thrilled by their fortunate encounter, trembled in shock.

“Enough. Let’s test it out.”

Raon gestured for them to use *Light Wind Style*.

“Start with defense.”

“Understood.”

Burren swallowed and nodded. As he activated *Light Wind Style*, the traces of the gale that had been inscribed in his mana circuits and dantian burst forth.

As he thought about defending, a shield of blue light formed on the back of his hand. It was the wind barrier Raon had shown them.

*Whoooooosh!*

The blue wind, bolstered by the Wind Formation, erected a massive shield that enveloped the entire Light Wind Division.

“Now, attack.”

At Raon’s command, even before they could think, the wind on the back of their hands transformed into a sharp blade and thrust forward.

The flow of the Wind Formation also shifted abruptly, creating a powerful storm of blades.

*Rumble!*

Burren clenched his lips as he looked at the storm of blades covering the platform.

‘This is insane…’

Just by thinking—or rather, just by reacting—it transformed into the most suitable form for the moment. The title of highest-level martial art was not at all undeserved.

Seeing Raon smiling with approval, Burren clenched his fist tightly.

‘I vowed to follow you no matter what path you chose. Even if your martial art was far inferior to my father’s, even if your path was harsher than death, it didn’t matter. But deciding to follow you…’

Burren nodded, a deep blue wind swirling in his eyes.

‘…seems like the best decision of my life.’

* * *

Rimmer chuckled, watching the wind rise from his hand.

‘Entering a trance…’

He couldn’t recall the last time he had experienced this.

He had thought he would never enter that state again in his lifetime, but thanks to Raon’s strange methods, he was able to relive that dreamlike time.

“So this is *Light Wind Style*…”

“Was it because I entered a trance? I understood it instantly.”

“Did he plan this? Or was it a coincidence?”

“Have you ever seen our leader do anything randomly? Of course, he planned it.”

“Our leader is really a monster, isn’t he…?”

The Light Wind Division was more shocked by Raon himself than by the mastery of *Light Wind Style*.

‘Well, I’m the same.’

While in the trance, he had felt extreme joy. It was such an ecstatic and blissful time that he found himself scared of Raon, who had made it happen.

“To think we’d master the highest-level martial art so quickly.”

“I thought it would take at least until next year.”

“Wait a minute. Didn’t the leader say it was a week?”

“Yeah, a week.”

“Then…”

“He was guarding this place alone?”

Realizing that Raon had stood watch alone for a week, the Light Wind Division was stunned once more.

“I’ve decided to follow our leader for life now.”

“For life? Are you crazy? You have to follow him even in death!”

“I’ll follow him even after reincarnation!”

The warriors laughed, declaring they would never leave the Light Wind Division.

“……”

Burren clenched his fists tightly, seemingly of the same mind. He had looked troubled lately, but now his expression showed that he had cast those worries aside.

“That monstrous guy…”

Martha, while claiming she couldn’t believe it, smiled brightly. She seemed genuinely happy about mastering a new martial art.

“Oh.”

Runaan was scattering frost into the air with the wind, creating unexpected flurries across the training ground.

Rimmer smiled softly, watching Raon, who looked at the Light Wind Division with reverence and affection.

‘They have truly become a leader and a unit.’

* * *

Raon ordered the entire Light Wind Division to rest, but they refused to leave the training ground, wanting to try out *Light Wind Style*.

‘I had my suspicions, but it actually happened.’

Despite *Light Wind Style* following the flow of the Wind Formation, he hadn’t expected them all to fall into a trance. It was truly a stroke of fortune.

‘Just watching them makes me feel full.’

-I-I’m starving to death over here…

Wrath raised his emaciated hand.

‘Hmm? You’ve been eating constantly.’

-But it was all Nadine bread! Enough is enough. Can we eat some proper food now? You promised delicious food once they woke up!

He drooped his tail and whimpered for food.

‘All right, let’s go.’

Seeing Wrath staggering, Raon nodded.

The fact that the Light Wind Division had fallen into a trance and that *Light Wind Style* had become a highest-level martial art were both, in a way, thanks to Wrath. He decided to cater to Wrath’s desires for a while.

“I’ll be heading back, so make sure to train appropriately and get some rest.”

“Leader… Sir.”

Just as he was waving his hand and about to step off the platform, Martha raised her hand.

“I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“Did you foresee this result when you created the Wind Formation?”

“Not at all.”

Raon calmly shook his head.

“The Wind Formation was something the Vice Captain and I created together. I was inexperienced back then, so the Vice Captain’s contribution was greater. I just utilized the formation’s power, which was designed to protect the swordsmen to the end.”

He looked at Rimmer as he spoke.

“No way…”

“Did that elf do that?”

“Seriously?”

“Was it a lucky day for him?”

The Light Wind Division shook their heads, unable to believe it.

“……”

Rimmer just smiled softly without saying anything. It was different from his usual behavior.

“Hmm…”

Raon narrowed his eyes, observing Rimmer.

‘He’s been acting strangely lately.’

It was odd that he wasn’t boasting as usual.

Especially after waking up from a week-long trance, he would typically have been clamoring about missing out on gambling, but he was quietly stirring the wind.

Just as Raon was about to approach Rimmer, the door to the training ground opened, and Roenn entered.

“Greetings, Leader of the Light Wind Division.”

“Roenn?”

Not expecting his visit, Raon tilted his head and approached him.

“The Lord has summoned you, Leader. If you are not occupied, could you come with me?”

Roenn smiled softly and glanced toward the main hall.

“If you have other matters, you may visit later.”

-Don’t go!

Wrath shook his head resolutely.

-Now is the time for a meal! It’s non-negotiable!

‘Hmm…’

Since he had promised Wrath, he was about to ask for more time when Roenn spoke again.

“Since it’s early, I assumed you hadn’t eaten yet, so we’ve prepared some food.”

Roenn smiled gently, suggesting they eat after speaking with Glenn.

“Ah, well, now is a bit…”

-Silence!

As Raon was about to refuse, Wrath jabbed his rounded elbow into his side.

‘W-what are you doing!’

-They’ve prepared food, haven’t they? Why are you hesitating? Follow him immediately!

Wrath licked his lips, clearly craving the food from the main hall. It was hard to know how to respond.

“…All right.”

Raon sighed deeply and nodded.

“Thank you. Shall we go, then?”

Roenn smiled and turned around.

After instructing the Light Wind Division that today’s training was self-guided, Raon followed Roenn toward the main hall.

“Why does the Lord wish to see me?”

“I am not certain myself. But it shouldn’t be for a bad reason. He was smiling, after all.”

“He… was smiling?”

That was more surprising than the entire Light Wind Division entering a trance, and Raon widened his eyes.

“The Lord usually smiles quite often.”

“Oh, I see…”

They chatted lightly as they walked, and soon they found themselves standing before the audience chamber.

Without even knocking, Roenn opened the door and stepped inside, gesturing for Raon to follow him.

Nodding, Raon entered the chamber.

Glenn stood by a window where the sunlight stretched in long streams. His golden hair, bathed in sunlight, seemed to blaze.

“You’ve come.”

Glenn slowly turned around. Though his eyes still held their usual void, there was a slight tremor, almost like a ripple.

“I greet the Lord.”

Raon approached Glenn and knelt down.

“The greeting is unnecessary.”

Glenn gestured for him to rise.

“It seems you’ve completed a new martial art. And one of the highest caliber at that.”

“Thanks to you, my Lord.”

Raon swallowed dryly and bowed his head. For Glenn to recognize the highest-level martial art just by observing… it was an inhuman ability.

“Ahem. Is that so.”

Glenn coughed and subtly turned his head away.

“Was it of great help?”

“Pardon? Yes, it was extremely helpful.”

“Indeed. Then, with Rimmer…”

“Rimmer?”

“Humph!”

Just as Raon found it odd that Rimmer’s name had been mentioned, Roenn coughed slightly, as if to stop Glenn.

“Hmm…”

At the sound, Glenn straightened his posture and covered his mouth with his hand.

“A supplementary martial art that adds super senses to the wind. There are many ways to develop it further. It’s not bad. Keep training it well.”

He nodded, acknowledging the martial art’s worth.

“…Thank you.”

Raon swallowed. It was chilling to see Glenn understand every detail of a martial art he hadn’t even practiced.

‘Indeed, transcending him is still far away.’

As he shook his head, Glenn stepped forward.

“I didn’t call you here for that.”

Glenn nodded calmly.

“Have you heard of the Chamber of Self?”

“…Yes.”

Raon nodded. The Chamber of Self was a special room said to grant enlightenment, a legacy left by the first Lord of Zieghart.

However, one could only enter it once in a lifetime, and there was no guarantee of gaining strength just by entering.

“Do you wish to enter that chamber?”

Glenn nodded, indicating he would allow Raon to enter if he desired.

“Hmm…”

Raon briefly contemplated the Chamber of Self and himself before raising his gaze.