The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 680

At the sight of Merlin’s intense blue eyes, Raon swallowed nervously.

‘This could be dangerous.’

No matter how eccentric Merlin could be, she wouldn’t take lightly to anything involving demons, especially the summoning of a Demon King. If word got out that Raon possessed the ability to invoke such a power, it wasn’t just becoming a pariah of the continent that he had to fear—he might end up being hunted by the Dragon Lord and others as well. Even Zieghart’s protection wouldn’t be enough to save him. The only path left would be certain death.

“Merlin, I…”

“You were amazing!”

Just as Raon was carefully considering how to explain himself without exposing any dangerous weaknesses, Merlin’s smile brightened even further.

“Huh?”

Raon’s eyes widened in shock, unsure if he had heard her correctly.

“Summoning a Demon King to fight another Demon King—it’s incredible!”

Merlin looked up at the sky, as if she were picturing the epic battle between Wrath and Greed all over again, her expression one of awe.

“You saw everything?”

“Yeah, the demonic energy was suffocating, but I held on. I was just far enough away to avoid getting crushed.”

Judging by how she described it, Merlin had likely drawn on her life force to endure the pressure.

‘Unbelievable.’

– *Wh-what?! This crazy woman saw me?! Ugh…*

Even Wrath, who had been fearless during his clash with Greed, shuddered violently.

‘At least it was Merlin who saw it.’

Raon breathed a small sigh of relief. Given Merlin’s reaction, it seemed like he didn’t need to worry about her spreading the story of the Demon King’s summoning. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to make sure.

“Merlin, you know I’m not actually…”

“Of course, I’m not going to tell anyone. This is my secret. Only I’ll know about it.”

Merlin’s voice dropped into a sultry tone as she ran her wings across her body.

“Knowing that I’m the only one who knows your deepest secret… it’s thrilling.”

“Ah…”

Raon trembled as he stared at her, his expression going blank.

‘Why are there no normal people around me?’

Not only had she called the summoning of a Demon King “cool,” but she also seemed to take a twisted delight in being the sole keeper of such a dangerous secret. Raon couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine.

He had always known that magic users were eccentric, but Merlin was on an entirely different level.

– *Kehlok! Why are you acting surprised? Of course the crazy ones flock to you!*

Wrath scoffed, as if the answer was obvious.

‘What do you mean by that…?’

Raon was about to protest, but stopped himself. Upon reflection, it was hard to deny that he too was far from ordinary.

– *Kehehehe… Kehlok!*

Wrath let out a raspy laugh, then coughed.

– *It’s satisfying to see you speechless… Kehlok!*

‘Finish coughing before you try to sound smug.’

Raon sighed and turned his attention back to Merlin.

“What’s Eden been up to lately?”

“Quiet.”

Merlin flapped her left wing lazily.

“I’m a bit out of the loop when it comes to important information, but they’ve been quietly gathering forces. Both internally and externally, there’s not much activity—like they’re waiting for something.”

“Hmm…”

“But there is someone who’s been moving aggressively.”

“Someone moving aggressively?”

“The White Religion.”

Merlin raised her wing, covering her beak.

“Hmm…”

Raon nodded slowly. Rumors had spread recently that the White Religion had attacked the Kingdom of Kall, killing the king and stealing valuable artifacts. They were by far the most active of the Five Demons at the moment.

“What could those blood demons be after?”

“They’re probably working to restore their leader.”

“Restore?”

“Yes. The injuries the White Religion’s leader suffered at the hands of your lord must have been severe.”

Merlin nodded thoughtfully.

“Even after all this time?”

“Fights between transcendents don’t just leave physical damage. Their souls are wounded as well. Even a fallen angel suffered for a long time after his battle with your lord, though he did grow stronger from it in the end.”

Merlin clicked her tongue, as if the thought annoyed her.

“So the White Religion has been attacking kingdoms and cities to speed up her recovery.”

Raon narrowed his eyes, recalling the ominous face of the White Religion’s leader. He was beginning to understand her movements.

“She might be fully healed by now, possibly even stronger. There’s a chance she’ll come for you again.”

“Come for me?”

“She got severely injured because she was trying to drag you back with her. That woman is obsessed.”

Merlin shuddered as she spoke of the White Religion’s leader, her beak trembling in barely restrained anger.

“So be careful.”

“Is that why you’re here? To warn me?”

“Yep.”

Merlin smiled, as if to say that was the only reason.

“Hmm…”

Raon was at a loss for words. At this point, he no longer saw Merlin as an enemy; she almost felt like an ally.

‘Still, I’ll need to repay her someday.’

Even if Merlin didn’t expect anything in return, Raon knew he couldn’t keep accepting her help without offering something back. He would have to repay this one-sided debt eventually.

“I’ve used quite a bit of power, so I should head back now. I’m starting to feel tired.”

Merlin’s wings quivered slightly.

“This little one…”

“…….”

Raon swallowed nervously as Merlin’s voice trailed off.

“He wants to eat worms.”

“That, I can manage.”

Raon grinned and reached into his spatial pouch, pulling out the fishing worms he had received from Dorian.

“Ah, no. That won’t do.”

Merlin shook her head sternly.

“He only wants live worms. He says he hasn’t been able to catch any on his own because he lacks the proper hunting skills.”

“What? But it hasn’t rained recently, where am I supposed to find live worms?”

“You’ll figure it out!”

Before Raon could protest, Merlin waved and took off.

*Chirp!*

The sparrow pecked at his hand, urging him to hurry and find the worms.

– *Puhahaha!*

Wrath burst out laughing, clutching his stomach.

– *This is the perfect job for someone as lowly as you!*

‘If you don’t stop, I’ll test Gluttony on worms next.’

– *Hurk!*

Wrath immediately shut his mouth, terrified by the prospect.

“Ugh…”

With a heavy sigh, Raon headed toward the nearby mountains in search of worms.

By the time he had fed the sparrow to its heart’s content and returned to camp, the sun was already rising.

* * *

Two days later, the Light Wind Division and the officials of the Supere Kingdom stood facing each other at the gates of the capital.

“I’m sad to see you go so soon.”

Hopen lowered his brows in disappointment.

“I can’t keep freeloading forever.”

“Freeloading? You could drain the kingdom’s coffers and it would still be fine!”

Hopen shook his head fervently, clearly meaning every word. Despite now being king, his youthful earnestness remained unchanged.

“I was just joking. I need to prepare for what’s coming.”

“Ah…”

Hopen’s expression darkened as he realized what Raon was referring to—his upcoming battle with the Axe King Roman.

“You don’t have to worry. I’ll be back around mid-next year.”

Raon’s lighthearted comment brought a smile to Hopen’s face.

“When you return, we’ll throw a kingdom-wide festival!”

Understanding that Raon intended to visit after his duel with Roman, Hopen’s mood brightened.

“Well, we’ll be on our way.”

Raon gave a slight nod to Hopen, but just as he turned to leave, he caught a strange look from Saintess Olga.

‘What’s that about?’

Raon raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask, Hopen called out loudly.

“Salute the heroes of Supere!”

As one, the knights stomped their feet, and Hopen’s voice echoed across the walls.

The gathered knights and clerics unsheathed their swords and reversed them—a salute from Zieghart.

“Hmm…”

Raon bit his lip. The sight of Hopen and the Supere Kingdom knights honoring him and his division stirred something deep inside. He felt a surge of warmth in his chest. The others must have felt it too, as they all clenched their fists in quiet solidarity.

*Srrring.*

Together, Raon and the Light Wind Division drew their swords, raising them in a mirrored salute.

Smiles spread across the faces of the Light Wind Division and the Supere citizens, as if their hearts were connected through the gesture.

Neither Raon nor Hopen said another word. There was no need. With one last look, the two men turned their backs on each other and walked away.

* * *

Raon sat by a campfire that crackled gently, running his hand over the hilt of his Heavenly Drive.

‘It’s almost time.’

The duel with Roman was fast approaching. While Raon had found his path forward after recent events, he still felt weaker than when he had been at Zieghart.

As soon as he returned, he would need to start training again, making full use of the time he had. With the power of Gluttony and the experience of fighting in Wrath’s body, he was confident he could climb even higher.

He was still deep in thought about his upcoming training when he heard the sound of movement from inside the tent.

It wasn’t time for a shift change, so Raon raised his head in curiosity, only to see Rimmer yawning as he emerged.

“Captain?”

Raon’s eyes widened. It wasn’t like Rimmer to wake up on his own, especially when it wasn’t his turn for the night watch.

“Aren’t you going to sleep?”

“I just woke up for a bit.”

Rimmer waved his hand lazily, eyes half-closed.

“Go back to bed, Captain. We still have some time until morning.”

“I’ll sleep.”

Despite saying that, Rimmer plopped himself down in front of the fire.

“Raon.”

After a long silence, Rimmer poked the fire with a stick before speaking.

“Do you remember when I asked you if you’d thought about becoming the head of Zieghart?”

“Yes.”

Raon nodded. Rimmer wasn’t the only one who had asked him that question before—Glenn had also raised the topic. Raon’s answer had always been the same.

‘I’m not sure yet.’

His mind had been too focused on growing stronger, leading the Light Wind Division, and avenging Derus Robert. The idea of becoming Zieghart’s patriarch hadn’t even crossed his mind.

“And how about now?”

“…I still don’t know.”

Even after some thought, Raon’s feelings hadn’t changed. He still wasn’t sure about taking on that responsibility.

“I see.”

Rimmer smiled faintly, as if he had expected that answer.

“I want you to become the patriarch.”

“What?”

Raon’s eyes widened at the sudden statement.

“Not for you. For Zieghart.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Right now, the only reason Zieghart is still considered one of the Six Kings is because of Glenn. His overwhelming power and authority alone hold the continent in check. But…”

Rimmer’s green eyes shimmered softly in the firelight.

“He paid a heavy price for that strength.”

“…I know.”

Raon understood what Rimmer was alluding to the moment he mentioned the past.

“To become as powerful as he is, the patriarch delved into the darkness, and for countless years, his only focus was on strength and conquest. But now, he regrets those years.”

Rimmer let out a short sigh.

“That’s why he doesn’t exert more control over the family. He spent so long ignoring the internal affairs of Zieghart that he feels ashamed to rule with brute force now.”

A bitter smile curled on Rimmer’s lips.

“Because of that, his eldest daughter has become a wandering pirate, his second son is chasing after power just like Glenn did when he was younger, and his third son is a snake no one can read. As for the fourth, well, he’s just a fool. And then there’s the youngest, but you know more about her than I do.”

Rimmer poked the fire again, watching the flames dance.

“If Glenn ever steps down or leaves, everything will change. Aris might be the only one who could maintain things as they are, but she has no interest in the role of patriarch.”

“Hmm…”

Raon nodded slowly. Aris Zieghart had shown no desire to take over leadership of the family.

“You’re the only one who can fix the family’s problems and lead it into the future.”

Rimmer’s voice was calm but serious, as steady as the fire crackling between them.

“I hope you’ll think about it seriously.”

Despite the way he stretched out his words, Raon could feel the sincerity in Rimmer’s plea.

“…I will.”

Raon nodded, his expression heavy.

“And one more thing…”

Rimmer lifted his hand, placing it gently on Raon’s shoulder.

“Someday, I hope you’ll tell me your secret.”

“What secret?”

“…….”

Rimmer didn’t answer. He just smiled.

Raon swallowed nervously, realizing that Rimmer had seen through his lie about the demons.

“So you knew?”

“You couldn’t hide the guilt on your face when you tried to deceive us.”

“Hmm…”

Raon hadn’t realized how much his expression had betrayed him.

“No matter what you tell us, I’ll always have your back. Not just me—your squad members, too. They’ve probably noticed something by now, but they trust you enough to wait for you to speak on your own terms.”

Rimmer glanced over at the sleeping members of the Light Wind Division, a quiet smile on his face.

Raon clenched his fists and lowered his head, eyes shut tightly. After a long moment, he finally opened his mouth.

“…Someday.”

Meeting Rimmer’s gaze, filled with nothing but trust, Raon spoke.

“Someday, I’ll tell you everything.”

“Good.”

Rimmer nodded lightly.

“I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

He waved his hand nonchalantly, as if dismissing everything they’d just talked about.

“But Vice Captain.”

Raon raised an eyebrow as he watched Rimmer’s laid-back expression.

“Hmm?”

“Why are you acting so out of character lately?”

Rimmer usually avoided doing anything that looked like effort, so Raon couldn’t help but feel suspicious.

“Don’t worry. I’m not planning on dying anytime soon.”

Rimmer shook his head firmly.

“I still have too many things I want to do and too many things I want to see.”

He looked up at the starry night sky as he spoke.

Raon, on the other hand, kept his gaze lowered, watching the flickering flames of the campfire.

For a long while, the two sat in silence, staring in different directions, lost in their own thoughts.

* * *

Glenn paced back and forth across the platform, his arms crossed tightly. His face was dark with worry.

“Why is the patriarch so anxious?”

Sheryl narrowed her eyes as she watched Glenn restlessly move around the room.

“Of course it’s because of Raon.”

Roenn approached Sheryl, chuckling softly.

“Raon?”

Sheryl tilted her head, confused.

“He’s a hero now, isn’t he? Everyone’s talking about how he saved the Supere Kingdom.”

She didn’t understand why Glenn would be so on edge about Raon’s success. If anything, she would have expected him to be proud.

“He defeated a demon-possessed king, the head priest, and the captain of the royal guard. He even took down the demon that caused the incident. That’s the stuff of legends, so why would…”

“Exactly.”

Roenn smiled and shook his head.

“Raon is an irreplaceable treasure. And that’s why the patriarch is so nervous.”

He gestured subtly toward Glenn.

“Oh…”

Understanding dawned on Sheryl’s face.

“He’s worried because Raon hasn’t come back yet.”

It all made sense now. Glenn’s restlessness wasn’t due to worry about Raon’s battles—it was because his precious grandson hadn’t returned home.

“Humph! What nonsense are you two talking about?!”

Glenn glared at them from atop the platform, his thick mustache twitching in irritation.

“Demons leave serious scars, both physical and mental. It could have lasting effects on a young warrior’s development, so I’m only concerned for their well-being!”

Glenn grumbled, calling the warriors, most of whom were over twenty years old, “children in their growth stage” as he shook with frustration.

“They were in a holy kingdom. I’m sure they received proper care,” Sheryl replied with a grin, unfazed by his bluster.

“Haha!”

Roenn, equally unbothered, chuckled quietly.

“That kid sure knows how to surprise people.”

“I heard he was the first to sense the demon’s presence. Thanks to him, countless lives were saved.”

“His intuition is second to none. When we were out on a mission together, he found the saint’s location without breaking a sweat.”

Sheryl smiled fondly, recalling her past missions with Raon.

“Not only is he talented in martial arts, but he also has the makings of a true hero.”

Roenn nodded, his gaze drifting back to Glenn.

“Ahem!”

At that moment, Glenn stopped his pacing and cleared his throat loudly.

But this time, he didn’t show any signs of irritation. He didn’t frown or twitch his mustache in frustration. He simply stood still, calm as a mountain.

“Huh?”

“What the…?”

Sheryl and Roenn exchanged surprised glances. Just then, the door to the audience chamber opened, and Chad, the commander of the Shadow Agents Division, stepped inside.

“Patriarch. The Light Wind Division has just arrived at the front gate.”

At those words, Glenn’s previously still face lit up with the brightest smile anyone had seen in years. It was like a volcano that had been dormant suddenly erupting with joy.

Sheryl and Roenn exchanged knowing looks and stifled their laughter.

‘Of course.’

‘As expected.’

Glenn, oblivious to their teasing, nodded with a grin wide enough to rival the sun.

“Bring them to the main hall immediately!”