The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 665
Raon narrowed his eyes and bit his lips slightly as he looked at the man wearing the blue serpent helmet.
‘The voice is the same as that of the Golden-Masked Swordsman and the Red Ghost Swordsman.’
It wasn’t just the voice that was identical. The aura he carried as a person was similar too. However, his attributes were different. Unlike the Golden-Masked and Red Ghost Swordsmen, the one before him was wielding a water-element aura.
‘Is it really the same person? But…’
This one is much stronger.
The man in the blue serpent helmet was a supreme expert who had reached the level of a Grandmaster. He was on a completely different level than the Golden-Masked and Red Ghost Swordsmen.
If the Golden-Masked Swordsman was indeed the same person as this blue serpent helmeted man, then that would mean he had grown to Raon’s level, which didn’t make sense.
In fact, even questioning if they were the same person seemed absurd since both the Golden-Masked and Red Ghost Swordsmen had died right in front of him.
‘What in the world is going on here?’
It was baffling to see someone with the same voice, body shape, and temperament as the dead men showing up consecutively.
“Me?”
The warrior in the blue serpent helmet pointed to himself and laughed.
“Blue Serpent Swordsman.”
“I didn’t ask for your name.”
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Blue Serpent Swordsman, who had introduced himself.
“What is your relationship with the Golden-Face and Red Ghost Swordsmen?”
“What do you think?”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman chuckled. Now that he looked closely, he seemed more light-hearted than the Golden-Masked Swordsman had been.
“Do you think I’m the same person as the Golden-Masked Swordsman?”
“Absolutely not.”
Raon shook his head firmly, following his initial judgment.
“Yeah. You would think that. After all, you saw the Golden-Masked and Red Ghost Swordsmen die. That’s correct. But also…”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman waved his index finger from side to side.
“That’s incorrect.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?”
Raon adjusted his grip on the Heavenly Sword and the Soul Requiem Sword, turning his jaw slightly.
“Well…”
As the Blue Serpent Swordsman was about to speak again, the sound of footsteps from the Light Wind Division came from behind.
“Where is the king?”
“What kind of king are we dealing with here that these random monsters are so strong?”
“Is it all over already… Huh?”
The Light Wind Division, having finished their battle with the elite guards and climbed up, were looking for the king when they saw the Blue Serpent Swordsman floating in mid-air and widened their eyes.
“E-Eden?”
“It’s Eden!”
“Prepare for battle!”
As soon as they saw the Blue Serpent Swordsman, the Light Wind Division immediately formed the Light Wind Formation and crouched down.
*Whistle!*
The Blue Serpent Swordsman seemed to think that the arrival of the Light Wind Division had disrupted Raon’s focus. He pushed off into the air and reached out for the Double-Headed Ogre’s head.
The explosion of movement was at a level that was hard to believe for a human body.
*Slash!*
At that moment, the blade of the Heavenly Sword, gripped in Raon’s hand, traced the line of the rising moon along the blade’s back. The hand of the Blue Serpent Swordsman was caught at the center of the graceful sword strike.
*Clang!*
Instead of grabbing the Double-Headed Ogre’s head, the Blue Serpent Swordsman was struck by Raon’s sword strike and pushed back. A violent shockwave erupted, causing blood to spurt from his hand.
“…You reacted to that?”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman let out a bewildered chuckle. He seemed more surprised than hurt by the blood flowing from his hand.
“Isn’t that the guy who attacked Sephia?”
Rimmer, seemingly having the same thought, narrowed his eyes at the Blue Serpent Swordsman.
“His voice and demeanor are similar, but that guy died, didn’t he?”
He said he had personally confirmed the body and swallowed dryly.
“I’m not sure either. That’s why…”
Raon clicked his tongue, raising the Heavenly Sword and the Soul Requiem Sword.
“I’m about to find out.”
“Ha!”
As he prepared to rush at the Blue Serpent Swordsman, using the Ten Thousand Flames Technique and Glacier techniques, the man jumped back. Laughing, he hovered in mid-air where there was no place to step.
“I have no intention of fighting you.”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman raised both hands and shook his head.
“I just want to take that lovely ogre’s body. Or just its head will do. If you let me have it…”
“Shut up.”
Raon fiercely pushed off the ground, leaving a deep footprint in the rock as he closed in on the Blue Serpent Swordsman.
The Blue Serpent Swordsman sneered as he retreated in mid-air.
Raon predicted his movement and used the Footwork of the Demon-Slaying Sword Techniques. He tore through the air and drew the Ten Thousand Flames Technique technique with a fiery slash.
*Slash!*
The line of flames created by the Heavenly Sword wrapped around the wind and fell. The Blue Serpent Swordsman’s aura barrier melted away, and his chest split open.
*Splat!*
Although he reacted in the moment and leaned back, the Blue Serpent Swordsman’s chest was slashed deeply, and crimson blood spewed out.
“Gah…”
It seemed he hadn’t expected to be hit from such a distance, as he widened his eyes and fled further away.
*Tch.*
Raon clicked his tongue and retreated to the peak where the Light Wind Division was. He still couldn’t move continuously through the air like that.
“Was that the Footwork of the Demon-Slaying Sword Techniques?”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman let out a dry laugh as he looked at the wound on his chest that was bleeding profusely.
“I never thought you could steal that complex martial art. But…”
He gestured to himself and twisted his lips.
“You can’t steal this, can you?”
“That’s not a martial art. And…”
Raon shook his head as he observed the flow of mana supporting the Blue Serpent Swordsman’s feet and back.
“Even without that, I can still kill you.”
“I’ll tell you one thing.”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman chuckled and placed his hand on his chest. The wound, which had been spewing blood, slowly began to heal.
“Killing me isn’t necessarily going to help you.”
For the first time, his voice came through earnestly.
“……”
Raon furrowed his brow as he looked at the smiling Blue Serpent Swordsman.
‘I can’t dismiss those words lightly.’
If any other warrior had said such a thing, he would have thought they were bluffing, but this one was different.
The Blue Serpent Swordsman had appeared after the Golden-Masked and Red Ghost Swordsmen, each time growing to a level similar to Raon’s.
Based on his experience so far, it was possible that if he killed this one now, the next serpent-helmeted figure that appeared could be stronger than him.
“It seems like a bluff, but why doesn’t it feel like one?”
Rimmer grumbled, narrowing his eyes.
“It seems you’ve understood.”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman nodded with a faint smile.
“Well, you don’t seem willing to give up that corpse either, so I guess this is it for today.”
He casually waved his hand and moved farther away. However, his voice still sounded as if it were right in front of them.
“Be careful until we meet again.”
The Blue Serpent Swordsman laughed lightly and waved.
“Because I want to kill you myself.”
With those final words, he disappeared, as if turning into a droplet of water.
“What the hell is he?”
Rimmer shrugged his shoulders, comparing him to a gambler whose hand you couldn’t read at all.
‘Wrath.’
Raon called Wrath, who was perched on his shoulder.
‘What do you think of that guy?’
-Yawn…
Wrath yawned and shook his head.
-That last statement seemed genuine. He really might come back even stronger.
‘Is that even possible?’
-I’ve told you many times, but this king doesn’t know much about sorcery or magic. Moreover, their power is so foreign that it’s even harder to understand.
He squinted his eyes, looking annoyed.
‘The Demon King isn’t much help.’
– Ugh, well, it might require many conditions. Perhaps not dying intentionally or making sure to survive until the end.
Wrath groaned as he shared his insights.
‘So, it’s not the same person as the ones we’ve seen before?’
-That’s what’s strange. Their soul is similar but different. That sort of thing is only possible with siblings born from the same womb…
Raon listened to Wrath’s words, staring at the spot where the Blue Serpent Swordsman had disappeared.
‘Siblings…’
* * *
Raon set aside his questions about the Blue Serpent Swordsman for now and stood in front of the Light Wind Division.
‘They are starting to look more capable.’
Unlike when they were practicing in the training ground, the wind of the Light Wind Style was now perfectly integrated into the bodies of the swordsmen.
They were now at a level where calling their technique “martial arts based on enhanced senses” wouldn’t be embarrassing.
“How do you feel?”
Raon glanced at the Light Wind Division swordsmen one by one.
“Now, I feel like I truly understand what the Light Wind Style is.”
“Yes, I’ve realized how to control my strength and utilize the technique more effectively.”
“There’s no teacher like real combat to learn from.”
The members of the Light Wind Division smiled, expressing that they had felt and learned a lot.
“The duration and durability of the Light Wind Formation have also improved. The Light Wind Style has reduced the wastage of aura, making it more efficient.”
Burren nodded, looking satisfied.
“The best part is that the feeling of frustration is gone… The speed and power have reached a whole new level thanks to the Light Wind Style.”
Martha grinned broadly, pleased with the newfound strength of her swordsmanship.
“Support is easier now. The wind helps speed up my defenses.”
Runaan also nodded, mentioning that using frost to protect the swordsmen had become much quicker thanks to the wind.
“I feel like I’ve seen a new level of the Mystic Wolf Footwork.”
Mark Gorton bowed his head, indicating he had found a new path forward.
All the swordsmen agreed that they had grown stronger thanks to the Light Wind Style, bringing a sense of pride to Raon as the creator of the martial art.
The joy was greater than any praise he had received for his achievements.
“It’s good to see everyone improving,” Raon said, smiling with satisfaction. However, there was a hint of slyness in his smile.
“Then… why does your expression look like that?”
Dorian asked nervously, his lips trembling.
“Yeah, why do you look like you’re angry?”
“Krein.”
Raon, as usual, called Krein’s name first.
“Show me your right arm.”
“Huh?”
Krein’s shoulders shivered at Raon’s words.
“Well, that is…”
Krein stuttered, lifting his arm. There was a small wound under his armpit, with a trickle of blood oozing out.
“A wound, huh?”
“It’s just a minor injury…”
“If it were any bigger, your arm would have been chopped off.”
“Uh…”
He bowed his head, unable to say anything.
“Dorian.”
“Yes!”
Dorian raised his head confidently.
“Even if you change clothes, the smell of blood doesn’t go away.”
“Ugh…”
Dorian’s shoulders shrank like grilled meat.
“You hurt your back, didn’t you?”
“Uh, well, yes…”
He muttered, rubbing his injured back.
“Next…”
Raon called out every member of the Light Wind Division who had sustained even a minor injury, his smile growing darker with each name.
“W-what is this?”
“Does our leader have a dog’s nose? How did he smell the blood?”
“No, he must have seen it! But when did he see it?”
“We got tricked again. We fell for that monster’s trap again!”
The Light Wind Division trembled, realizing that Raon had noticed everything despite saying he hadn’t been watching the fight.
“Phew…”
“Fortunately, we’re not among them.”
“No injuries here.”
Burren, Martha, and Runaan looked at each other, relieved to find no injuries among them.
“Lastly…”
Raon pointed to the night sky, which was filling up with stars.
“I clearly said to finish before sunset, but you only reached the peak after the sun had set.”
Although it was a very small margin, the Light Wind Division had reached the summit after the sun had set.
“Therefore, the entire Light Wind Division will undergo additional concentration training.”
As soon as the words “concentration training” came out, the faces of the Light Wind Division turned pale.
“Aaah!”
Rimmer clutched his hair, screaming.
“I gave up the position of leader too quickly! It’s too soon, especially since both that guy and the vice-captain do whatever they want. I gave it up way too quickly!”
He wailed in regret.
“I am fine with it!”
Mark Gorton held his sword, smiling as if he had found a new goal. The other swordsmen shook their heads, calling him a weirdo.
Raon smiled faintly, watching the Light Wind Division groan.
‘After finishing the final concentration training, I’ll prepare for the life-and-death duel.’
With about four months left until the duel with the Axe King, he figured he could spend two weeks with the Light Wind Division and then focus on his own training for the remaining time.
“We’re heading back right away. Get ready.”
Raon instructed the Light Wind Division to prepare to return as he stood before the body of the Double-Headed Ogre.
To ensure the Eden members couldn’t retrieve it, he needed to burn every bit of bone and flesh.
“Raon.”
Just as he was preparing to unleash the Ten Thousand Flames Technique to burn even the ogre’s spirit, Hopen approached him.
“Now that you’re returning, you should report that the mission was successful.”
Raon smiled lightly as he laid the flames in his hand onto the Double-Headed Ogre’s body.
“Thank you. However…”
Hopen licked his lips and took a step closer.
“Would you consider visiting our kingdom?”
“You mean the Supere Holy Kingdom?”
“Yes. You’re my benefactor and have helped us greatly this time, so I would like to repay you.”
“Hmm…”
Raon clicked his tongue as he looked at Hopen. While there was some spare time since the mission ended quickly, he didn’t have a particular reason to go.
Being a holy kingdom, it might be boring for someone who doesn’t believe in gods.
– You have things to do! Where do you think you’re going? To a holy kingdom? Bah! They’re all just pretentious fools!
Wrath smacked his lips, suggesting they go back and have a home-cooked meal. As a Demon King, he seemed instinctively repelled by the idea of a holy kingdom.
“I was thinking…”
Just as Raon was about to decline, Hopen continued speaking.
“Due to the incident in Varene, there are treasures that were originally meant to be delivered to you, but they were put in a precarious situation.”
“Treasures?”
“Yes, items personally bestowed by our king.”
Hopen nodded, mentioning that they were elixirs and martial arts scrolls bestowed by the king of the Supere Holy Kingdom.
‘That changes things.’
If he could obtain elixirs and swordsmanship manuals, he had plenty of reasons to make time to visit.
– You’re not seriously thinking of going, are you?
‘Well, I…’
– This Lord of Wrath serving someone who sets foot in a holy kingdom? Unthinkable! Remember, those who seem pure on the outside are often the dirtiest! They might try to deceive you!
Wrath frowned, warning Raon not to even think about looking towards the holy kingdom.
“By the way, I recall you liked ice cream balls, right, Raon?”
Hopen clapped his hands as if remembering something from Barene.
“We’ve recently opened a large ice cream shop in our kingdom. My sister mentioned there are many unique flavors you can only find there, so you won’t regret it.”
– Unique flavors, you say?
“Unique flavors?”
Both Wrath and Runaan immediately perked up, their eyes widening.
– What are you waiting for?
Wrath nudged Raon’s shoulder, frowning.
– Say you’ll go, right now!
‘I thought you said not to go. That those who act pure are actually dirtier…’
– Ignore the holy kingdom? This king will not stand for it!
‘…’
Raon exhaled sharply, glancing at Wrath, who was pouting.
‘Is this really a Demon King?’
* * *
Due to Wrath and Runaan’s relentless urging, as well as the promise of a reward from Hopen, Raon decided to head to the Supere Holy Kingdom.
Hopen knew a shortcut through the mountain range, allowing them to arrive at the holy kingdom faster than expected.
“There it is, the SuperHoly Kingdom.”
Hopen pointed to the pristine white walls that seemed to be made of clouds, smiling.
“Wow…”
“The sacred power flows around the city.”
“It’s not called a holy kingdom for nothing. It wouldn’t be strange if a god descended right now.”
“It’s not just beautiful; it feels almost mesmerizing.”
The Light Wind Division exhaled in awe as they took in the holy kingdom’s landscape.
Raon listened to the swordsmen and nodded.
‘Indeed…’
The holy kingdom was bathed in radiant light as if wrapped in sunlight, with tall, majestic buildings in an elegant style.
More magnificent than the trade city of Camelun or the kingdoms of Owen and Balkar, it felt more divine than human.
It almost seemed as though a god was watching over this kingdom, as some had said.
– As expected of a holy kingdom! It looks delicious!
Wrath smacked his lips as if the holy kingdom itself were a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– Hurry up! To the biggest shop… Hm?
He was talking about ice cream when he suddenly narrowed his eyes.
‘What is it?’
– …Nothing.
Wrath waved his hand as if it was nothing.
‘How dull.’
Raon chuckled softly and followed Hopen into the holy kingdom.
The holy knights standing at the noble gates, seemingly made of white wood, bowed to Hopen.
“Captain, you’ve returned. But who are these people…?”
The knights guarding the gate looked at the Light Wind Division, puzzled.
“These are the heroes of the Light Wind Division from Zieghart. They saved us during this mission.”
Despite being told it wasn’t necessary, Hopen formally introduced them, explaining how they had saved them.
“Oh! Then this is…”
The holy knights’ jaws trembled as they looked at Raon.
“It’s an honor to meet the Dragon Slayer!”
Perhaps because they were knights themselves, the two men bowed deeply, showing great respect.
“Pleased to meet you.”
Raon smiled faintly and nodded.
“Ah, let us open the gates for you immediately!”
The two holy knights stepped aside and opened the gates. Not just a small door for people, but the main gates themselves.
*Rumble!*
As the main gates opened, everyone passing by looked their way.
“Oh? The captain has returned!”
“You finished so quickly!”
“Are you unharmed?”
The citizens, each carrying a white book, approached Hopen and the holy knights, greeting them warmly.
Usually, citizens were wary of knights, but this was an unusual sight.
“You seem to have a good rapport with the citizens.”
“It’s part of our doctrine. We aren’t bound by status or gender.”
“Ah, that’s a good doctrine…”
Raon smiled, nodding in agreement, then turned his head slightly to the right. For just a fleeting moment, he sensed a faint, dark energy brushing against his shoulder.
‘What was that?’
Why is there demonic energy in the holy kingdom?