The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 663

“…Lord Balder?”

“W-what are you saying right now?”

“Why would you give the mission to the leader of the Light Wind Division…?”

The direct lineage officers who had relied solely on Balder were dumbfounded, unable to understand the sudden turn of events. They blinked in confusion.

“Didn’t all of you withdraw your hands?”

Balder replied bluntly, shaking his head.

“I was just passing on the opportunity given to me to that guy.”

He frowned, as if questioning why they were complaining to him after having withdrawn their own hands.

“But, he’s just a branch family member!”

“Why are you giving the opportunity to earn merit to the leader of the Light Wind Division…?”

“Lord Balder! Please reconsider!”

“It’s not like I particularly favor the branch family,” Balder said, sweeping his gaze over the many officers before tilting his chin sideways.

“But I do like those who have skill and boldness.”

Balder turned his gaze back to Raon and winked with his left eye once again.

“Ugh…”

Raon shuddered as he looked at Balder. Seeing someone as brutish as Balder wink made his skin crawl.

-What’s with that ogre?

Wrath wrinkled his nose in disgust.

‘I have no idea…’

Balder wasn’t as bad as Karun, but he wasn’t someone who should like me, either.

Even though I was the one who started the altercation, I had beaten his son, Raiden, to the brink of disability, so there was no way our relationship could be good.

The fact that he was suddenly trying to help by giving me a mission meant there was definitely something he was scheming.

‘But…’

I can’t figure out what that guy is thinking.

He wasn’t doing this secretly either; he was openly supporting me in front of everyone, making it impossible to read his intentions.

It was almost insulting that I couldn’t understand the psyche of Balder, the most straightforward person in Zieghart.

“Ahem!”

Chad cleared his throat lightly, trying to shift the mood.

“So, Lord Balder, you’re saying you want to assign the monster subjugation mission to the Light Wind Division, correct?”

“That’s right.”

Balder nodded, slamming his palm on the round table.

“Leader of the Light Wind Division.”

Chad nodded and turned his attention to Raon.

“Would you accept the monster subjugation mission that Lord Balder is offering?”

He subtly lowered his left eyebrow, as if signaling Raon to accept.

“Hmm…”

Raon didn’t respond immediately, instead scanning the eyes of Chad and Balder in turn.

‘Is it alright to take this?’

Both Chad and Balder were suspicious characters, making Raon worried about whether he should really accept this mission.

But Chad, at least, wasn’t a fool. He wouldn’t try anything so blatantly obvious.

“May I ask just one question before accepting the mission?”

Raon exhaled calmly, then looked at Balder.

“Go ahead.”

Balder nodded, as if to say, “Ask whatever you want.”

“Why are you passing this mission to me?”

“I already told you. I like those who have skill and boldness.”

He tapped his fingers lightly on the round table and smiled.

“The answer is simple. I believe you’re the most capable of handling this mission among those present.”

Balder winked again with his left eye. His eyelid quivered awkwardly.

“Will you accept?”

Balder nodded, as if refusing wasn’t even an option.

“Hmm…”

Raon licked his lips as he looked at Balder. Hearing what he said, he became more certain.

‘The chance of a trick is very low.’

Balder had witnessed Karun getting beaten by Glenn after trying some clumsy tricks.

No matter how foolish he was, he wouldn’t try something so blatant.

“I’ll accept it.”

Raon nodded at Chad.

“Then, the monster subjugation mission will be assigned to the Light Wind Division.”

Chad quickly finalized the mission assignment before anyone could object.

“Do a good job.”

Balder gave a thumbs up, winking again as if he believed in him.

-Isn’t this a sign of magnesium deficiency?

Wrath shook his head, saying he had never seen such an awkward wink before.

‘Hmm…’

Raon turned his gaze away, biting his lip.

‘It’s not a trap, but why do I still feel uneasy?’

It seemed like he would need to prepare thoroughly, just in case.

* * *

“Balder.”

After the officers’ meeting ended, Denier called out to Balder, who was heading back to the True Martial Hall.

“I need to talk to you for a moment.”

“What is it?”

Balder frowned, indicating he was in a hurry and urging Denier to speak quickly.

“What wind is blowing in your direction?”

Denier narrowed his eyes as he approached Balder.

“You’ve always disliked Raon because of what happened with Raiden. Why the sudden change of heart?”

“That’s all in the past.”

Balder shrugged as he faced Denier.

“And when you think about it, it was Raiden who first provoked Sylvia.”

“Even so, there’s no reason for you to help him.”

“These days, I find myself liking Raon a bit more.”

“What?”

Denier’s eyes widened in surprise, not expecting such a response.

“It was amusing when he turned the tables on the Clown Festival, and his actions since then have been bold. Even just his existence as the Sea Sword is impressive.” [1]

Balder smiled, listing Raon’s accomplishments one by one.

“You used to hate the branch family.”

“There was something Father said during the duel between Raon and Raiden.”

He raised a finger, pointing to the Head’s Hall.

“Responsibility. He said the direct line must carry responsibility in every action and word as the true leaders of Zieghart. Raon now carries more responsibility than anyone else in Zieghart.” (TL Note: Peak Character development here! Go Uncle Balder!)

Balder continued, fondling the hilt of the sword at his waist.

“He’s raised Zieghart’s name high and crushed enemies decisively. That’s how a Zieghart swordsman should live.”

His conviction was unwavering.

“So that’s why you gave him the mission?”

Denier nodded, seeming to understand.

“Of course, that’s not all.”

Balder chuckled and tilted his chin.

“You heard that Raon created a top-tier martial art, right?”

“Are you talking about the Light Wind Style?”

“Yes, that one.”

He turned his gaze toward the annex.

“He gave the Light of Annex to the annex members and the Light Wind Style to the Light Wind Division. There are many strong martial arts, but it’s rare to find one that fits the practitioner perfectly.”

Balder smacked his lips, as if craving more.

“That guy is a genius in martial arts! A rare type who creates martial arts tailored to individuals!”

His eyes sparkled with excitement.

“With such a genius around, how could I not take advantage of it? I need to ask him to create a martial art for me too!”

Balder laughed, saying he might break through the wall to transcendence.

“So, you plan to side with Raon?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

He furrowed his brows deeply.

“Why would I side with him? It’s just mutual benefit!”

Balder shook his head, saying he was only helping Raon so he could ask him to create a martial art in return.

“I haven’t given up on the position of Head yet. But…”

He furrowed his brows as he looked directly at Denier.

“It sounds like you don’t want Raon to become the Head.”

“That wasn’t really my intention, but isn’t it the same for you?”

Denier met Balder’s gaze with a calm look.

“Not at all.”

Balder shook his head firmly.

“As I said before, even if I don’t become the Head, I’ll accept it if someone who can lead the house better than me takes the position, whether it’s you, the eldest brother, or Raon.”

His response was as serious and straightforward as his large build suggested.

“I see. That makes sense.”

Denier nodded, seeming to understand.

“What about your elder brother? He acts all virtuous, but he’s also aiming for the Head position, isn’t he?”

“Well…”

Denier chuckled softly.

“I’m different from my older brother, who insists on becoming the Head himself, and from you, who doesn’t mind handing it over to someone else.”

“What do you mean? Explain it in a way I can understand!”

Balder frowned, looking confused.

“It’s not something you need to know.”

Denier said as he turned away.

“And just to be clear…”

He raised a finger, turning back to Balder.

“Don’t ask Raon to create a martial art for you just because you helped him once. You’ll get kicked out.”

“What? I can’t?”

Balder blinked, as if he had been planning to visit the annex immediately.

“Creating martial arts isn’t easy, and Raon’s opinion of you is probably low. What do you think you’re going to accomplish by going now?”

Denier sighed, as if he had expected this.

“Then maybe if I help him a few more times?”

Balder smiled, suggesting that might work.

“It’s not about the number of times. Even five wouldn’t be enough!”

Denier raised his voice, unable to contain himself.

“Fine, then six!”

“Hah…”

Hearing Balder’s nonchalant response, Denier slumped his shoulders as if he had given up.

“…Do whatever you want.”

“This feels like the old days.”

Balder chuckled, watching Denier who seemed tired of him.

“Acting all high and mighty lately, but still the same.”

“Whew…”

Denier shook his head.

“Simplicity is one of your strengths. Keep walking that path.”

With those words, he left for the Black Martial Hall.

“Just say it in simple terms.”

Balder snorted, watching Denier leave.

* * *

The next day.

Raon finished preparing for the mission and climbed onto the stage of the fifth training ground.

With his hands behind his back, he gazed down at the entire Light Wind Division.

Even though it hadn’t been long since he taught them the Light Wind Style, the swordsmen’s spirit had reached a higher level. It showed that they had been training day and night without rest.

He stood at the edge of the platform with a satisfied smile on his lips.

“This mission is to subjugate the monster king born in Mount Dibarun.”

Raon explained the mission once more, looking at the Light Wind Division, which was filled more with anticipation than tension.

“There are strong monsters like ettins, and their numbers keep growing, so they’re the perfect opponents to test the Light Wind Style.”

“Uh, isn’t it more usual to say, ‘Be cautious’ instead of ‘perfect opponents’ in this context?”

Dorian’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

“Our leader isn’t a normal person, right? He’s a bit crazy—I mean, slightly mad—I mean, beautifully insane…?”

Krein stuttered, seemingly tripping over his words while trying to describe Raon.

“Unless it’s the king and his elite guard, you don’t need to fear ordinary monsters.”

“That’s right!”

“We’ve grown a lot too!”

“Monsters are easy compared to demons!”

“Right. If we lose to monsters, we should bite our tongues and die!”

The Light Wind Division nodded confidently, having turned their daily training into self-assurance.

“I like your confidence. So…”

Raon smiled, seemingly pleased.

“If any of you get even a small scratch from these monsters or delay the subjugation, there will be a punishment severe enough to make you think it’d be better to bite your tongue and die.”

His red eyes glowed with a crimson light.

“Ah…”

“This is bad…”

“Trapped again!”

“Krein! Just shut up for once!”

The Light Wind Division realized they had fallen into Raon’s trap and screamed.

*Slap!*

Raon clapped his hands loudly, silencing the swordsmen.

“Of course, there will be training on the way as well.”

As he said that, he pointed to his feet with his fingers.

“You’ve gotten used to incorporating the Light Wind Style into your swordplay, but you still have some deficiencies when it comes to footwork…”

“S-surely not…”

“Yes, it is exactly what you think. You’ll be practicing incorporating the Light Wind Style into your footwork the entire way there. Even if you have heightened senses, deliberately invoking them will yield greater results.”

At Raon’s command, the faces of the Light Wind Division paled.

“Then we’ll start now. The one running last will get a hit on the back of their head…”

The moment he mentioned the back of the head, the Light Wind Division rushed out of the training ground, stirring up the wind of the Light Wind Style.

“Uh…”

Rimmer smiled awkwardly, watching them with concern.

“I-I don’t have to do it, right? I’ve almost mastered it.”

“……”

Without saying a word, Raon picked up his sword sheath and smiled brightly.

“Ugh! What’s the Demon Realm doing? Why don’t they take him away!”

Rimmer dashed out, complaining about a disciple who threatens his master.

-What nonsense are you spouting?

Wrath shouted at Rimmer’s retreating back.

-Taking him would ruin the Demon Realm too!

* * *

“Haa…”

Hopen, the captain of the 5th Holy Knight Order of the Superior Holy Kingdom, swallowed nervously as he looked at the endless wall of monsters.

‘This is no joke…’

There was no need to spread his senses. The smell of monsters and their fierce energy covered the entire mountain. There were too many to count.

‘It hasn’t been long since we heard the news of a king appearing, yet it’s already like this…’

It wasn’t just the numbers. The mountain was filled not with weak kobolds or goblins but with mid- to high-level monsters.

‘If we keep this up, we’ll be annihilated.’

With this number and power among large monsters, it would be impossible to approach the king and his elite guard.

Retreating was the only option.

“Retreat! Everyone, fall back!”

Hopen moved to the front, buying time for the knights and soldiers to retreat.

‘We can’t lose any more lives here.’

Many knights, including Vice-Captain Byton, died in the Varene Festival of the Sacred Five Spirits. They couldn’t afford to lose more knights here.

“There are monsters behind us too!”

“It seems they’re surrounding us from the foot of the mountain!”

The holy knights trying to clear a path returned with the troops, their lips trembling.

“Damn it…”

Hopen felt the murderous aura of the monsters coming from behind and bit his lip.

‘The king must be at the top of the mountain. Is there another leader with intelligence?’

Ordinary monsters couldn’t create such a surrounding formation. It was clear there was a commander.

‘That explains why we lost contact with the scouts.’

They were all dead.

The reconnaissance team that had gone ahead for scouting had a knight at the initial stage of mastery.

When contact was lost, he had thought it strange, but now it was clear they had been wiped out.

‘We have no choice.’

He decided to abandon the idea of saving everyone and instead focused on saving as many as possible.

“From now on, I’ll take the lead! Break formation and switch to an assault formation!”

Hopen spread his aura towards the path with the fewest monsters. The holy blade, enveloped in sacred light, split the wall of monsters in half.

“Charge!”

As soon as the path opened, he commanded and dashed down the mountain, continuously unleashing his aura to prevent the monsters from closing the gap.

*Kihehehe.*

When they were close enough to see the foot of the mountain, a bizarre laughter sounded, and the ground suddenly sank.

*Boom!*

Hopen stopped and turned his head to see a troll shaman waving a staff made of human bones.

“You…!”

Hopen moved to slash the shaman, but the monsters began blocking the path again.

*Boom!*

The troll shaman, aware of the range of his aura, stayed at a distance, casting spells that crushed knights and soldiers with boulders.

“Stop him!”

Hopen sharpened his aura and unleashed a long-range strike, but the troll shaman retreated, only attacking from a distance with spells.

Judging by how well he measured the distance, the troll was quite intelligent.

‘So it was him…’

It seemed to be the one orchestrating the monster encirclement. Now that he looked, its skin was different too. It wasn’t an ordinary troll shaman.

‘If I use all my strength against him, I won’t make it down…’

If he used all his strength, he could kill the troll shaman, but he’d be in danger too. They had been fighting for a long time, and he didn’t have much energy left.

‘I have no choice!’

Hopen bit his lip. As the captain of the Holy Knight Order, he had to sacrifice himself to save his subordinates. Gathering all his remaining energy, he formed a dense aura.

*Shing!*

He broke through the encirclement in one go, moving to behead the troll shaman.

*Whoosh…*

But the troll shaman’s body turned blurry, disappearing like a mirage. It was a spell of illusion. He was completely fooled.

*Hehehehe!*

The troll shaman appeared beside the soldiers, cackling. Flaming boulders began falling over the knights and soldiers from the shaman’s hands.

‘Damn it!’

Hopen’s jaw clenched. The urgent situation made it hard to think clearly.

“No!”

He screamed, reaching out, but he was too far away.

As he felt his subordinates’ imminent deaths, his heart tightened.

*Whoosh!*

A blue wind blew, clearing the darkness of the mountain. The troll shaman, who had been mocking the humans, suddenly had its head severed.

After that, swordsmen wrapped in a clear blue energy emerged, massacring the monsters.

“Die!”

“Kill them all!”

But they didn’t appear like knights offering salvation; instead, they looked like vengeful demons swinging their swords.

“W-who are they…?”

Hopen’s eyes shook as he spotted the last swordsman climbing up. Golden hair, crimson eyes. A man clad in a radiance brighter than the sun—an unforgettable warrior he had seen once before.

“Raon Zieghart!”

“Light Wind Division.”

Raon, looking even more noble than when Hopen had seen him in Varene, spoke gracefully, moving his lips.

“Tear them all apart.”

“……”

***

Footnotes:
[1] I’m not sure about the Sea Sword term here, but it’s how it’s really translated from the original. If you have other ideas or if you know, please leave a comment so I can fix it. Thanks!