The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 667
Raon clicked his tongue softly.
‘What a shame.’
Although he confirmed that there was a human who had made a contract with a demon, he couldn’t be certain who it was since the demonic energy hadn’t been revealed.
The priests and holy knights also seemed unaware of what was happening, as they hadn’t directly sensed any demonic energy.
-What, what is this? How did you figure out someone like me was here?
Wrath, bewildered, shook his jaw in disbelief.
‘You gave me a hint.’
Raon chuckled as he watched the flustered Wrath.
-What are you talking about? When did I ever give you a hint?
Wrath vehemently shook his head, denying it.
‘The holy power protecting the fortress and the agreement between humans and demons.’
Raon repeated the words Wrath had spoken before they arrived, clicking his tongue again.
-Wha-what about that…?
‘This kingdom is brimming with beings who possess holy power. It’s not just people; even buildings and monuments are imbued with it.’
As Raon walked toward the center of the audience hall, he flicked his fingers lightly.
‘Only someone from the upper echelons could possibly hide demonic energy in a place like this, where holy power is everywhere.’
Lower-ranking priests or knights had too little holy power to completely conceal demonic energy. Even if they tried, the sacred relics and other priests would easily expose them.
Only those in the highest ranks, with an overwhelming amount of holy power like an ocean, could completely hide demonic energy in the Supere Holy Kingdom.
-Kgh…
Wrath groaned and held his head in frustration, pounding his chest as if annoyed by the fact that he had inadvertently given away a hint.
‘You truly are a generous demon king. Thank you.’
Raon smiled at Wrath and walked to the center of the audience hall. After ensuring the Light Wind Division had followed him, he knelt before the king on the throne.
“It is an honor to meet the ruler of Supere.”
“Please, do not kneel.”
Just as Raon was about to bow his head, King Bauren of Supere shook his head. His soft voice seemed to make Raon’s back straighten automatically.
“You saved my knights; it is I who should be bowing.”
King Bauren brought his hands together and respectfully bowed.
“No, that’s really not necessary.”
Now it was Raon’s turn to be flustered as he hurriedly waved his hand and stepped forward.
‘What’s with this guy?’
In all his lives, Raon had encountered many family heads and kings, but he had never met someone like this. Even Derus wasn’t this courteous.
“Are you crazy? Why is a king bowing so casually!”
A girl with purple hair standing next to the priest named Pirun furrowed her brows deeply.
“There is no rank when expressing gratitude.”
King Bauren shook his hand, indicating that it was fine.
“It’s embarrassing! He’s not even the head of Zieghart, so why bow to him!”
The girl, clearly irritated, smacked her hand down in frustration.
“Saintess. Please mind your words. We are not alone.”
A blonde holy knight placed a finger on his lips, trying to calm the situation.
“I’ll say what I want with my own mouth! Why are you interfering!”
The girl, referred to as a saintess, scowled.
“Saintess.”
The priest Pirun smiled softly at her.
“Tch…”
The saintess couldn’t argue back and turned her head away.
“No matter the circumstances, a king should not bow so easily. Even if the sun burns hot and the wind blows fiercely, he must not lower his head.”
She clicked her tongue, warning the king not to do it again.
“What does my rank matter? My knights and soldiers have returned alive. That’s what’s important.”
King Bauren laughed, showing that he didn’t care about his status.
“I care! It’s embarrassing!”
The saintess let out a sharp yell, urging him to control himself.
“Hm…”
Raon alternated between watching the king and the saintess, letting out a small breath.
‘What a mess.’
This didn’t feel like a holy kingdom but rather like the guild of some back-alley thugs.
The main cause of the chaos was clearly the woman called the saintess.
She was a beauty with sharp cat-like eyes, a high nose, and small lips, but the foul language flowing from her mouth didn’t match her appearance.
Moreover, her nun’s outfit, torn at the shoulders and thighs, revealed mysterious tattoos, making her look more like a gang leader than a saintess.
However, her holy power was outstanding, even among the high-ranking priests present.
“What are you staring at?”
The saintess raised her chin, almost as if challenging Raon.
-Is that really a saintess?
‘Is that really a saintess?’
Raon couldn’t help but laugh. It had been a while since he and Wrath agreed on something.
“She’s like a female demon.”
Runaan pointed to both Martha and the saintess, comparing the two.
“What did you just say, you little brat?”
Martha stepped forward, curling her lips into a sneer.
“Has this kid lost her mind!”
“That’s not a saintess; that’s a thug!”
Martha seemed ready to unleash her anger, which had been pent up for a long time.
“Stop!”
“Stop this instant!”
Raon and the king shouted at the same time, raising their hands.
“Please forgive her. The saintess can be a bit harsh with her words…”
King Bauren bowed apologetically.
“We apologize too. Martha can be a bit rough…”
Raon glanced at Martha and also bowed.
Both Martha and the saintess, meanwhile, exchanged hostile glares.
“Ahem. I heard that the monster atop Mount Divarne was a double-headed ogre. It must have been dangerous. Thank you for your help.”
King Bauren tried to change the atmosphere by expressing his gratitude again.
“It was nothing. We should be thanking the Holy Kingdom for sending their holy knights to protect the residents.”
Raon smiled lightly and bowed again, scanning the priests and knights.
‘I can’t figure out who it is.’
Everyone was surrounded by holy power, making it impossible for any demonic energy to leak out.
Without forcing Wrath’s fury into each of them, it seemed impossible to find the culprit.
“Not only this time but during the attack at Barene, you saved our knights again.”
The king, unable to express his gratitude earlier, kept repeating his thanks.
“Ugh…”
The saintess sighed deeply, clearly displeased with the king’s behavior.
The Holy Knight Captain and the Royal Guard Captain said nothing, simply watching in silence. Pirun and the other priests smiled faintly.
“You’ve saved our knights twice now. As a token of our appreciation, I would like to offer you something.”
King Bauren stepped down from the dais, holding a wooden box that had been sitting on the golden table.
“This is a special medicine made by mixing spirit grass and holy water. It strengthens both the body and the muscles, and I can assure you there is no medicine like it in the world.”
He handed the wooden box to Raon, asking him to accept it.
“Thank you.”
Raon received the wooden box containing the medicine and bowed his head.
“I’ve also prepared medicine for the members of the Light Wind Division. Please accept it.”
At the king’s gesture, young priests came forward and distributed the medicine to the members of the Light Wind Division.
“Are you really giving it all away? Do you know how precious that is?”
The saintess couldn’t contain her frustration and screamed.
“I nearly bled to death making that! I haven’t even given it to my own people! You’re crazy!”
“Saintess.”
“Ugh…”
The priest Pirun called out to her, making the saintess bite her lip in frustration.
“An entire division with two Grand Masters and four Masters… Truly remarkable. As expected of Zieghart.”
King Bauren marveled at the strength of the Light Wind Division as they received the medicine.
“Not all of Zieghart is like this. We’re just a bit unique.”
Raon chuckled, shaking his head humbly. In reality, there weren’t many divisions within Zieghart that could match the Light Wind Division’s power.
“Especially in times like these when the demons are causing havoc, such a strong force is enviable. However…”
The king smiled as he glanced at the knights and priests in the audience hall.
“The knights and clergy of Supere have courage that surpasses mere strength. I believe they will protect this land, no matter what.”
“Of course!”
At his words, the faces of the knights and priests lit up with pride. The bond of mutual trust between the king and his followers was truly ideal.
“Your Majesty, perhaps it is divine will that the Light Wind Division has come here. How about inviting them to participate in the Holy Festival? It’s less than a week away.”
A blonde holy knight suggested, glancing up at the sunlit ceiling with a smile.
“Hm…”
King Bauren stroked his chin, considering the idea.
“What is this Holy Festival?”
“It’s a ceremony where we offer prayers to the gods. It’s not very exciting compared to the public celebrations, though…”
“Just as he said, it’s not a festival but a prayer event. Outsiders usually find it quite dull. You might want to skip it.”
The saintess shook her head, dismissing the idea.
“There will be no sword practice that day, so you may find it boring.”
The Royal Guard Captain, who had been silent until now, placed his hand on his sword and lowered his gaze.
“It will likely be dull, but witnessing a world filled with holy power is a rare sight.”
Pirun suggested they stay, as it was a spectacle not easily seen.
“I was planning to leave if it was just a festival, but this sounds like something I’d like to experience.”
Raon smiled, thinking it would be a good test of the Light Wind Division’s patience.
‘A world filled with holy power…’
It’s the perfect opportunity to find the demon.
—
Raon scooped a bite of mint chocolate ice cream topped with almond slices into his mouth.
The sweet bitterness of the mint chocolate and the nutty flavor of the almonds filled his mouth intensely. To be honest, he couldn’t tell if it tasted good.
-Khhhh!
In contrast, Wrath looked up at the sky, letting out a long exhale.
-It feels like my mouth is alive! It was already the best, but the addition of almonds has dragged the taste down to the underworld!
Wrath waved his fingers, urging Raon to try the next bite.
‘Dragged down to the underworld… That’s a compliment, right?’
Raon sighed and took another spoonful of white ice cream. Its sweet and refreshing coldness washed over his tongue.
-Is this pear-flavored ice cream? Ah! It’s as refreshing as diving into the Northern Sea!
Wrath grinned, claiming this was true happiness and the meaning of life.
‘Hey.’
Raon set down his spoon and called out to Wrath.
‘You know who made the contract with the demon, don’t you?’
-Of course, I know.
Wrath nodded, as if it was obvious.
-But I don’t plan to tell you.
He muttered that he wouldn’t open his mouth even if Raon took away the ice cream.
‘I’m not asking for that. Instead…’
-Instead?
‘Do you know what the contract between the demon and the human is about?’
-How would I know that!
Wrath shook his head, saying that even summoning the Demon God wouldn’t reveal the details of the contract.
‘Then when will the contract between the demon and the human come into effect?’
-Hmm, judging by the amount of demonic energy building up, it won’t be long…
Wrath clicked his tongue, saying it was likely to happen soon.
‘Just as I thought.’
Raon nodded, as if he had already anticipated this.
-As you thought?
‘You say it’s a contract between a demon and a human, but I disagree. If a high-ranking figure in the Holy Kingdom made a contract with a demon, it’s not just a personal matter.’
The goals of lower-ranking individuals were simple and direct. They wanted wealth, a good home, or to become stronger.
However, those with power and status were different. They already had much, so their wishes were bound to be complex and required significant sacrifices.
‘If, as you say, the demonic energy is rising, then the likely time for an incident would be during the upcoming Holy Festival.’
With that realization, everything started to fall into place.
It wasn’t arrogance; he and the Light Wind Division were strong.
If a contract with a demon were to be fulfilled at the Holy Festival, having him and the Light Wind Division there would be detrimental to the contractor.
It was likely that the person who opposed him staying was the one who had made the contract.
‘The king said it would be boring, and the Holy Knight Captain suggested the Holy Festival. Pirun was more of a recommender. As for those who opposed it…’
The saintess and the Royal Guard Captain?
Raon initially thought the saintess was too blatantly suspicious to be the one, but now he wondered if her behavior was a deliberate act to throw off suspicion.
‘This is tough…’
There wasn’t enough information, and even though he had hints, it was hard to pinpoint the culprit.
“Whew…”
As Raon let out a short sigh, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
A moment later, the door opened, and Hoppen entered, bowing his head.
“I apologize.”
“Pardon?”
Raon tilted his head, not understanding what he was apologizing for.
“I lied.”
“Lied?”
“You remember how the prince said he had prepared a martial arts manual and medicine for you? Well, that was actually prepared by me…”
Hoppen bowed again, apologizing.
“At the time, the prince was grieving over the death of his third brother and couldn’t think of anything else. Not only Baiton, but my eldest and second brothers had already returned to the goddess’ embrace, so he was in even more pain.”
“I see…”
Raon swallowed dryly, stunned to learn that three of the four princes had died. He exhaled a heavy breath.
“Everyone was so overwhelmed by grief that I had to prepare those things myself.”
Hoppen handed Raon a wooden box and a martial arts manual. The wooden box contained the same medicine King Bauren had given, and the manual was titled *Broun Swordsmanship*.
“It’s a defensive sword technique. I learned it myself. I’m sure it will be useful.”
Raon didn’t immediately take the box or the manual. Instead, he looked at Hoppen.
“You must have been going through a hard time. Why…?”
“My brother didn’t just die. He pushed me and the other knights away from the Blood Cult Leader. Even while dying, he asked me to take care of my father. So, I have to do my duty.”
Hoppen spoke with quiet resolve as he offered the manual and medicine once again.
“…”
Raon wanted to refuse, but seeing Hoppen’s calm and earnest eyes, he reached out and accepted the gifts.
“Thank you for accepting them.”
Hoppen smiled, seemingly relieved.
‘He’s a warm-hearted man.’
Both Hoppen and his late brother Baiton left a deep impression on Raon. They truly embodied the honor of the Holy Kingdom.
‘However…’
That didn’t mean he could lower his suspicions.
“Sir Hoppen, forgive me, but may I take a look at your wrist?”
Raon pointed to Hoppen’s right wrist with his finger.
“My wrist?”
“There’s something unique about your aura. I’d like to confirm it.”
“Go ahead.”
Although most martial artists would be reluctant to let someone else examine their wrist, where their mana circuits were concentrated, Hoppen seemed to trust Raon completely and offered his wrist without hesitation.
“Thank you…”
Raon nodded slightly and grabbed Hoppen’s wrist. He sent his mana and Wrath’s fury into Hoppen’s mana circuits.
“Hm…”
Though it wasn’t demonic energy, the fiery nature of Wrath’s energy caused Hoppen to let out a low groan.
‘As expected, there’s nothing.’
Despite thoroughly checking, there was no trace of demonic energy or any sign of a demon.
Had a demon been inside Hoppen, Raon wouldn’t have been able to trust people anymore, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case.
“Did you find anything unusual?”
“No.”
Raon shook his head, looking at Hoppen.
“Sir Hoppen’s aura is not unusual.”
“Pardon? What do you mean…”
“Now I can be honest with you.”
Raon’s gaze grew serious as he looked into Hoppen’s startled eyes.
“The truth is, I felt demonic energy as soon as I entered Supere. At the entrance…”
Raon explained everything that had happened up until that point.
“Th-that can’t be…”
Hoppen opened his mouth in shock.
“No, that’s impossible! Even in the capital, maybe, but in the audience hall? With my father, the saintess, the holy knights, and the priests all present, how could…”
“It wasn’t a direct manifestation of demonic energy, just a faint trace of a demon’s presence. It’s natural that no one noticed.”
Raon nodded calmly as he summoned the dark holy power from within.
“Holy power?”
Hoppen’s lips trembled as he saw the dark holy power radiating from Raon’s hand.
“It’s definitely holy power, but why is it so dark…”
“It’s holy power extracted from demonic energy. Thanks to this ability, I can sense the presence of demons better than anyone.”
Raon continued speaking as Hoppen’s gaze wavered.
“The demon will reveal themselves soon. I believe it will happen at the Holy Festival.”
“Please… give me a moment to think.”
Hoppen closed his eyes and took a deep breath. After about a minute, he slowly opened his eyes.
“…”
Raon waited silently for Hoppen’s response.
“I’ll believe you, for now. If there’s no demon, that would be for the best. But if there is, it’s better to be prepared. There’s no harm in that.”
Hoppen sighed and nodded, his judgment seemingly calm and rational.
“What do you need me to do?”
“For now, please provide information on the high-ranking officials who were in the audience hall.”
Raon bowed slightly, asking for details about those present.
“Haa…”
Hoppen exhaled, counting on his fingers.
“Let’s start with Priest Pirun, whom we met earlier. He’s the deputy of the High Priest and one of the twelve highest-ranking priests. From a young age, he’s dedicated himself to serving the gods and has performed countless good deeds to reach his current position. He’s the most respected among all priests and knights.”
“I see.”
Raon recalled how the saintess seemed intimidated by Pirun.
“The knight standing on the opposite side was Sir Danieff, the captain of the Royal Guard. He’s the kingdom’s best knight and a Grand Master. He doesn’t speak much, but he’s been a loyal friend and protector of my father.”
Hoppen shook his head, saying those two were definitely not involved.
“The man standing beside Sir Danieff is my immediate superior, Sir Kinnear. Despite being blessed by the gods, he has remained humble and trained diligently, becoming a Paladin at a young age—a rank all holy knights aspire to. As for the saintess…”
Hoppen swallowed dryly, as if discussing her was a challenge.
“Although her words can be harsh, she has a heart warmer than anyone else’s. She’s personally gone to battlefields to rescue people.”
“Is that so…”
Raon scratched his head, finding it hard to believe.
“She went to Barene after the attack by the Blood Cult Leader and the Holy Sword Leader, and she even traveled to Balkar, which was at war with the Black Tower, to save people.”
“I see…”
Raon scratched his head again, still finding it hard to accept.
“I understand if you find it hard to believe.”
Hoppen chuckled softly and began explaining the other priests and knights.
“Haa…”
After Hoppen finished his explanations, he let out a long sigh.
“The more I think about it, the more certain I am that none of them are involved. But I also know that you wouldn’t say this without reason, so it’s frustrating.”
“I understand. But we still need to find them.”
Raon exhaled deeply just as the door opened, and the three squad leaders, Rimmer, and Mark Gorton entered.
“Why did you call us at this hour…”
Martha, drying her wet hair with a towel, frowned. She was about to speak informally but raised her tone when she noticed Hoppen.
“This isn’t a formal meeting. You don’t need to be so stiff with the honorifics.”
“Really? Good, because I’ve been pissed off ever since seeing that wench.”
Martha sighed in relief as she sat down on the bed.
“Demon girl and that wench.”
Runaan giggled, covering her mouth.
“Shut up!”
Martha yelled at Runaan.
“Why did you call us?”
Rimmer sat down in a chair, flicking his fingers.
“If you’ve got something to say, hurry up. I need to find a gambling hall.”
“I have something important to share.”
Raon explained everything he had told Hoppen to the others.
“Demonic energy in the Holy Kingdom…”
“Is that… really true?”
“A demon…”
Burren, Martha, and Runaan swallowed nervously.
“I’m sure of it.”
Raon nodded firmly.
“And the demon is likely to act during the Holy Festival.”
“That makes sense. The entire day is spent in prayer by the priests, holy knights, and citizens. It’s a long period of inactivity.”
Rimmer nodded, agreeing that if he were in their position, he’d act during the festival.
“So that’s why you’re staying.”
Burren nodded in understanding.
“That explains it.”
“Yeah, it was weird when you said you wanted to stay.”
Martha chuckled, sharing the same thought.
“No, this is training too.”
Raon shook his head calmly.
“Fighting against demons or monsters will yield far more than simply meditating and practicing.”
“Ugh…”
“What a monster…”
The two of them shook their heads, speechless.
“Plus, think about how big the rewards will be if we save the Holy Kingdom from a demon’s clutches.”
Raon clicked his tongue as if savoring the thought.
“Yeah, right.”
Martha snorted and shook her head.
“You’re no elf. You don’t care about stuff like that.”
She pointed to Rimmer, who was zoning out, and shook her head.
“He’s right. You don’t care about things like that.”
Burren agreed, also shaking his head.
“You’re not as slimy as him.”
Runaan nodded in agreement.
“Why are you attacking me when I’ve been quiet?”
Rimmer shook his head in frustration.
Hoppen smiled quietly, watching them.
“Anyway, starting tomorrow, we need to figure out who made the contract with the demon. We’ll pretend to be sightseeing while sticking close to the high-ranking officials.”
Raon gave instructions to the squad leaders, Rimmer, and Mark Gorton.
“I’ll help too.”
Hoppen clenched his fist, saying he would narrow down the suspects to only those he trusted the most.
“Alright. Let’s do this.”
Raon nodded, meeting everyone’s gaze.