The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 661

– “That old geezer is talking nonsense again!”

Wrath trembled, his fingers twitching as he floated up into the air.

– “The Chamber of Self? Absolutely not! Just the name alone reeks of Nadine’s bread!”

He shook his head vehemently, as if he couldn’t hold back any longer. It was like a fierce wind was blowing, as if the Light Wind Division had been unleashed.

“Does that mean you’re saying you would allow me into the Chamber of Self if I wished to enter?”

Raon asked, his eyes fixed on Glenn behind Wrath.

“Indeed.”

Glenn nodded quietly, his gaze calm.

“May I know why?”

Regardless of whether he would enter or not, he wanted to understand the reason behind this sudden offer.

“The line you and the Light Wind Division drew on the map has now become a reality. As of yesterday, all the territory has become Zieghart land.”

Glenn turned his gaze toward the window, where the sunlight was dimming. His shoulders, broad like iron towers, seemed to quiver slightly.

“As I mentioned before, conquering land without war and earning the recognition of those around is an achievement of great magnitude. I felt that merely giving you a few books on martial arts wasn’t enough. And also…”

With his hands clasped behind his back, Glenn slowly lowered and then reopened his eyes.

“I have seen the Sacred Sword Ground you created.”

“Excuse me?”

“The warriors who found that place laid down their weapons, which were almost like extensions of themselves, and entered.”

A soft sigh escaped his lips.

“What one person does might seem stubborn, but when a thousand do it, it becomes a rule.”

Glenn’s gaze absorbed the heat from the sunlight streaming through the window.

“You have established a new rule in the name of Zieghart. Granting you the opportunity to enter the Chamber of Self is not so strange for someone who has done that.”

“I have seen it too.”

Roenn stepped forward, echoing Glenn’s words.

“Warriors and mages who found the Sacred Sword Ground would lay down their weapons beside the graves to show their respect to the Axe King. In all my years, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

He smiled gently, saying that Raon had led people not through fear and violence but with awe.

– “What are these old geezers talking about!”

Wrath glared at Roenn.

– “Who wouldn’t throw down their weapon if they thought they’d get their head bashed in!”

He scoffed, scrunching his nose, saying that they simply hadn’t witnessed the true might of fear and violence.

“Hmm.”

Raon bowed his head slightly, feeling the weight of Glenn and Roenn’s gazes.

‘This wasn’t what I intended.’

He had only wanted to test his strength without shedding blood, opting to knock his opponents out instead, not realizing such a situation would unfold. The world was indeed unpredictable.

“I believe I’ve answered your question.”

Glenn turned his head as if to indicate it was now Raon’s turn to respond.

“What will you do?”

“…I will not enter.”

Raon closed his eyes for a moment, then shook his head.

“And why is that?”

Glenn seemed unsurprised, as if he had expected this answer.

“It’s not the right time yet.”

Raon responded immediately, having thought about this beforehand.

– “Ra, Raon!”

Wrath came closer, his large eyes trembling.

– “It’s because of my food, isn’t it? You’ve finally come to your senses!”

He nodded, tears welling up in his eyes.

– “Then I cannot stay idle either! From now on, I will acknowledge you as a filthy demon!”

‘Enough.’

Raon brushed Wrath away and turned his gaze back to Glenn.

“Regarding the Chamber of Self, Aris shared some insights with me.”

Thanks to Rimmer’s chatter, Raon knew a bit about the Chamber of Self, but it was Aris who had provided detailed information.

“Apparently, quite a few people come out of the Chamber of Self having gained nothing.”

“That’s true.”

Glenn nodded in agreement.

“The Chamber of Self isn’t a panacea for growth. Many leave without gaining anything or with only minimal improvement.”

“Aris said that those who fail to achieve significant change share a common trait…”

Raon hesitated before continuing, looking at Glenn.

“They haven’t yet reached their limits.”

“Their limits…”

“Entering the Chamber of Self without facing an insurmountable barrier is foolish.”

Raon recalled Aris’s advice as he spoke.

[“Raon, in the near future, you’ll reach the pinnacle of a Grand Master. But from there to transcendence is a long way. It could take you longer than all the time you’ve spent honing your martial arts, or you might never reach it. When that time comes, the Chamber of Self will be invaluable to you.”]

Aris had offered advice only someone who had walked the same path could give, smiling as she spoke.

‘She’s right.’

Surpassing the final barrier to the next level is an extraordinarily challenging feat.

Even as a Master, he had swiftly reached the upper tier, but becoming a Grand Master required a long period of struggle and contemplation.

Having once despaired before a thick wall, Raon understood Aris’s words to be true.

The Chamber of Self could only be entered once in a lifetime. And since Raon’s true goal was not the Axe King but Derus Robert, he knew he had to think of the future, not the present.

“Less than five months remain until your duel with the Axe King. Are you confident?”

Glenn’s gaze was heavy as he asked if Raon felt sure of his victory without the Chamber of Self.

“The duel with the Axe King is not the end; it’s merely one part of my journey.”

Raon gripped the hilt of the Heavenly Sword and smiled.

“As I told you when I was young, my most important goal is to elevate my mother to the status of a direct descendant. I have no intention of dying before I achieve that.”

He raised his eyes confidently, infusing his voice with conviction.

“I will defeat the Axe King with my own strength and return.”

– “What’s this nonsense about your strength! It’s all thanks to me!”

Wrath frowned, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

– “You ungrateful brat!”

He grabbed Raon’s shoulders and shook them, demanding he acknowledge the truth.

“What do you plan to do with the time remaining?”

“I’ve taught the Light Wind Division the martial arts I developed. After they complete their missions, I plan to prepare for the duel in seclusion.”

“I see.”

A subtle smile crossed Glenn’s lips. Raon had seen his smirk many times, but this kind of smile was a first. It seemed he had anticipated this outcome.

“If that’s your wish, I will respect it. However, the honor you’ve earned won’t fade, so I’ll leave the right to enter the Chamber of Self open for you.”

“Thank you.”

Raon bowed deeply. Perhaps because Zieghart’s territory had expanded, Glenn’s generosity seemed to have grown as well.

“I will take my leave now.”

“Wait.”

As Raon straightened his back and prepared to leave the audience room, Glenn raised a hand.

“Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet.”

Glenn nodded as if he had expected this.

“Then join me for a meal.”

“Oh…”

– “What are you doing! Nod your head right away!”

Wrath leapt forward, seeing Raon’s hesitation.

– “If you eat with that old geezer, they’ll surely serve a feast!”

He licked his lips, clearly pleased.

‘It could be Nadine bread, though.’

“Ugh…”

Wrath’s mouth gaped open as if remembering Glenn’s dietary preferences.

– “Th-then what should we do…”

There’s nothing to be done. Refusing the Patriarch’s invitation to dine is out of the question.

“I will prepare it right away.”

Roenn smiled warmly and left the audience room.

– “S-surely it won’t be Nadine bread, right? Please?”

‘I wonder what he plans to say this time…’

Raon and Wrath swallowed nervously, each pondering different thoughts.

* * *

Fortunately, the meal was not Nadine bread. As Wrath had hoped, a lavish feast was spread out on a long rectangular table.

– “Ah, as expected of my grandfather!”

Wrath beamed, calling Glenn “grandfather” for the first time in ages.

‘Hmm…’

Raon chewed on a piece of long-cut steak, taking his time to breathe.

‘I can’t taste anything.’

The potato soup was thick, the stew was tender, and the meat melted in his mouth.

But he couldn’t taste any of it. The atmosphere was so uncomfortable, it felt like eating in a dream.

– “Ah! This place does good meat! Yes? Good meat!”

Wrath wagged his tail, babbling on about how delicious the meat was.

‘Well, at least you’re happy.’

Raon sighed inwardly and picked up food that Wrath wanted one by one.

“What is the name of the martial art you developed?”

Glenn sipped his water, turning his gaze toward Raon for the first time.

“…It’s called the Light Wind Style.”

Raon replied after swallowing the shrimp he had in his mouth.

“A martial art of heightened senses using the wind—a fitting name.”

“Thank you.”

Raon smiled awkwardly, not expecting praise for his naming sense.

“The Light Wind Style is a martial art that becomes more effective as a warrior grows stronger. Practice it diligently, just like you do with aura cultivation.”

“I will remember that.”

“If you truly want to achieve heightened senses, you should learn to detect danger even when not actively using it. You might need to tweak your current approach a little.”

“Tweak it? What do you mean by that…?”

“If you overlap the mana circuit below your dantian twice, the sensitivity will increase. It won’t be perfect, but it will help.”

Glenn spoke nonchalantly, pointing out the precise location of the mana circuit.

“And to draw out the power of the wind more effectively, control of your breathing is essential. The higher the martial art, the greater the difference in the smallest details. Make sure to pass this knowledge on to the members of the Light Wind Division.”

He continued, providing a few more theories on refining martial arts.

“Thank you.”

Raon imprinted Glenn’s advice into his memory and bowed.

“No need for thanks during a meal.”

Glenn waved his hand dismissively, as if it were nothing.

– “Next, that! The chicken leg with the red seasoning is calling me!”

‘For such a small creature, you have an enormous appetite.’

Raon sighed as he reached for the grilled chicken Wrath desired, but Glenn lightly tapped his fingers on the table.

“…How is Sylvia doing?”

“She’s well.”

Raon lowered his hand and nodded. He had sensed Glenn’s recent concern for Sylvia and had expected such a question.

“She’s recovering without any aftereffects. She’s been restless, unable to stay still.”

He smiled, recalling Sylvia before he had gone to teach the Light Wind Style to the Light Wind Division.

“I see.”

Glenn’s expression remained neutral, but there seemed to be a slight quiver in his voice.

“If the Patriarch were to visit her, it would surely make her happy.”

Raon mustered the courage to suggest Glenn meet with Sylvia.

– “Oh? What’s gotten into you?”

Wrath exclaimed, his mouth wide open in surprise.

“If there’s an opportunity.”

Glenn made this statement and then fell silent again.

No more words were exchanged afterward. It was a quiet meal, but a peculiar warmth seemed to blossom in the air.

* * *

“Roenn!”

Glenn smiled faintly as he looked at the spot where Raon had just been.

“Yes, I’m writing it down.”

Roenn, without even looking at Glenn, was jotting something in Raon’s Chronicles.

“There were many memorable lines today, but the best must be this one.”

He lowered the pen and raised his voice as if reading aloud.

“‘The duel with the Axe King is not the end; it’s merely one part of my journey.’ I got chills when I heard that.”

Roenn teared up, saying Raon had grown remarkably well.

“That’s a good one, but I was more impressed with ‘I will defeat the Axe King with my own strength and return.’ It shows he has faith in himself.”

Glenn clenched his fist as he recalled the determination in Raon’s eyes.

“They’re all good. Not a single one to leave out.”

Roenn added Raon’s words to his Chronicles and glanced at Glenn.

‘Is he finally mustering the courage?’

Glenn’s invitation to Raon for a meal suggested that he was gathering the courage to approach Sylvia and Raon.

‘It was amusing to see Raon so flustered.’

When Glenn suggested they eat together, Raon’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s. It had been a while since he had seen that youthful expression, and it brought a smile to his face.

‘Though it will take some time for this oblivious grandson to grow closer…’

Raon still didn’t fully grasp Glenn’s intentions, and Glenn had no plans to reveal his true feelings to Raon.

It would take a long time for the two to truly understand each other’s hearts, but for today, this one step was enough.

“Lord.”

“Hm?”

Glenn, lost in thought, turned his gaze to Roenn’s call.

“Didn’t Young Master Raon ask you to visit Lady Sylvia?”

Roenn smiled faintly and waved his hand.

“Why not pay her a visit?”

“…She’s being discharged today, isn’t she? It’s fine.”

Glenn closed his eyes briefly, seemingly contemplating, then shook his head.

“Was she being discharged today? I wasn’t aware. How did you…?”

Roenn tilted his head as if he didn’t know.

“Ahem, that quack just happened to tell me.”

Glenn waved his hand dismissively, saying he’d learned by chance, and left the dining hall.

Roenn smiled slightly as he watched Glenn cough repeatedly while walking away.

‘He must have been visiting her every day.’

Frederic hadn’t been to the main residence recently. Glenn must have learned about Sylvia’s discharge date by visiting her hospital room daily to check on her well-being.

“Since there’s been some progress today…”

Roenn stacked the empty plates and licked his lips.

“It might be best to leave it at that for now.”

* * *

Martha crossed the main gate of the Black Martial Hall, wind swirling around her fingers.

‘This really is something.’

She had thought she would only ever use the earth attribute, but suddenly she found herself wielding the wind.

‘And it’s so easy, too.’

Thanks to Raon’s guidance, the wind moved as if it were a part of her body.

Though there were still many areas to improve, mastering a supreme martial art and using it within a week was beyond comprehension.

‘A monster is a monster.’

Creating a supreme martial art wasn’t enough; Raon had even calculated the opportunity for immediate mastery. She was starting to find his talent and insight terrifying.

The more she wielded the Light Wind Style, the more she felt Raon and Rimmer’s intent etched into her heart. She felt she had no choice but to grow stronger, out of gratitude to both of them.

‘Yes, I need to become stronger.’

She hadn’t yet achieved a single one of her goals.

Martha clenched the necklace swinging inside her training uniform and bit her lip.

‘Mother…’

Her goal was to reclaim her mother’s body, taken by the leader of the White Religion, and to walk alongside Raon, who had given her hope when she had nearly given up.

She had given up trying to catch up to Raon. She knew better than anyone that it was impossible.

Instead, she wanted to walk beside him. She wanted to support him and become the sharpest sword by his side.

Martha turned around instead of heading to her room.

‘To achieve that, now is not the time to rest.’

She changed her direction to her father’s training hall. Standing in the center of the empty training ground, she drew her sword.

With the aura of Titan flowing, she swung her sword down, and a gust from the Light Wind Style naturally arose, adding speed and sharpness to her strike.

Whoosh!

The ground of the training hall was deeply gouged, and the surrounding sand swept away like waves.

‘As expected, it’s amazing.’

Her once heavy and blunt swordplay now felt twice as sharp.

Though she could not maintain the Light Wind Style for long, its speed and sharpness would greatly aid in future battles.

Martha, satisfied, continued to practice the techniques. Only after exhausting all the energy of the Light Wind Style did she lower her sword.

As she wiped the sweat from her forehead and prepared to resume her training, Denier entered the training hall.

“Father!”

Martha smiled, ready to brag about her Light Wind Style, but Denier’s expression was as stiff as dry wood.

“Martha…”

Denier frowned deeply, not seeing Martha’s smile.

“There is something I need to tell you about your mother.”