The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 682

– “The first family head?”

“That’s right.”

Raon smiled as he stroked the golden thread on the sword.

“This thread is an artifact that belonged to the first family head’s sword.”

– *Cough!* “The first family head? He can’t possibly be stronger than that old Nadine!”

“I don’t think so.”

Raon gently shook his head.

“He may not be stronger, but he’s certainly not any weaker.”

Having seen the first family head in person, Raon could tell. His strength was beyond what Raon could measure.

Moreover, the first family head had been young in Raon’s memory. If he wasn’t even in his prime yet, his strength in the future would surely surpass what Raon had witnessed.

‘Besides…’

He was the master of the *Ring of Fire* and *Mana Arts*.

If he had mastered those two martial arts, he would be on par with Glenn at least, and certainly not weaker.

“You might not be able to beat him either.”

– “Wh-what nonsense are you spouting! There is no human in this world who could defeat this king! *Cough! Cough!*”

Wrath coughed repeatedly, shaking his head in denial.

“But you’ve gotten weaker. You keep coughing. Do you think you can beat the family head now?”

– “Uh….”

Wrath didn’t respond immediately and instead pursed his lips.

– “Well….”

He used to claim he could win in tens of thousands of exchanges, but now, he couldn’t say for sure.

“Oh? Is that true?”

– “It’s not just that this king has grown weaker, that old man has gotten stronger too!”

Wrath furrowed his brows, acknowledging that Glenn had grown stronger, just as Wrath had weakened. His inability to lie remained unchanged.

“You’re saying the family head has gotten stronger?”

– “Indeed. That old man’s progress increases slightly every time we meet, as if he’s experiencing some emotional change.”

“Can one grow stronger just from an emotional change?”

Raon found it surprising that martial progress could be achieved without battle, purely through a shift in emotions.

– “Once you reach transcendence, you’ll understand. At that point, the growth of the body becomes much less important than other factors.”

Wrath waved his hand dismissively, as if Raon was too young to understand.

“To think he’s getting even stronger….”

The thought that Glenn, who was already considered the strongest on the continent, was still growing stronger made it hard to imagine his limits.

– “Well, even if he has grown stronger, it’s a different matter entirely to fully utilize that strength. In any case, this king shall never lose to anyone, no matter who they are! *Cough!*”

Wrath shook his head, correcting himself. He didn’t say he would win, but that he wouldn’t lose.

“Right. A demon king shouldn’t lose to a human.”

Raon chuckled softly as he lightly patted Wrath’s head.

– “Wait, that’s not what we were talking about! What’s with that thread anyway?”

Wrath scowled, complaining that the conversation had gone off track.

“I already told you. It’s an item that was attached to the sword of the first family head.”

This thread had always been hanging on the first family head’s sword hilt, and even in the records of *Mana Arts*, its name was inscribed.

“It’s called *Golden Thread of Requiem*.”

– “The name sounds terrible. It can’t possibly be a good item.”

Wrath clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction.

“The *Phoenix Ring* I used in the Sword Master’s Tomb was also something that belonged to the previous family head.”

– “What…?”

Wrath, who had already been amazed by the Phoenix Ring’s abilities, gaped at the thread in disbelief.

– “Then… what ability does this thread have?”

“It makes the sword even more like a sword.”

– “More like a sword?”

“The *Ring of Fire* and *Mana Arts* still need to grow a bit more….”

Raon smiled as he attached the thread to the hilt of the Heavenly Drive.

“But once the seal of the *Golden Thread of Requiem* is lifted, it’ll be quite interesting.”

—

In the Robert family’s training ground.

Refon Robert raised his sword, sweat dripping from his brow. The sword in his hand gleamed white as it sliced through the evening air.

The smooth, flowing trajectory of the sword was a perfect reflection of the Robert family’s style.

However, unlike the other swordsmen in the training ground, Refon practiced only the four basic sword techniques over and over.

As the sun began to set and the swordsmen gradually put down their weapons, the door to the training ground opened, and Derus Robert entered.

“Huh!”

“L-Lord Derus….”

The swordsmen were startled and hurriedly tried to bow, but Derus lifted a finger to his lips, signaling them to remain quiet.

He walked silently to stand behind his youngest son, observing his training.

“Huu….”

It wasn’t until the sun had completely set and the lights came on that Refon finally lowered his sword.

Turning around, he widened his eyes when he saw Derus.

“F-Father?”

“You’re working hard.”

Derus raised his hand to wipe the sweat from Refon’s forehead.

“What brings you here?”

“I could hear your shouts from afar. They were so loud, I thought the training ground might collapse.”

Despite his teasing words, his gaze was filled with pride.

“You’re probably the hardest working person in this training ground.”

“Indeed. You come out early in the morning and stay until late at night without taking a break.”

“Just watching you makes us exhausted.”

The swordsmen who were temporarily assigned to Refon nodded with smiles.

“Don’t praise him too much. He’ll get spoiled.”

Derus waved his hand lightly and turned to Refon.

“But Refon.”

“Yes?”

“Why are you only practicing the basic sword techniques? I’m sure the captain of the Young Sword Division taught you new techniques.”

“Of course, it’s because of Sir Raon!”

Refon shouted, as if it were obvious.

“Sir Raon has practiced the basic sword techniques without missing a single day since he first picked up a sword! Those basics are what made him a dragon slayer!”

Clenching his fists, Refon declared that he wanted to follow Raon’s path by focusing on the basics.

“The recent defeat of a demon in the Supere Kingdom was also thanks to the basic techniques! And furthermore….”

Refon passionately recounted Raon’s exploits in the Supere Kingdom, his eyes shining with admiration.

“There’s no point in trying to dissuade him at this point.”

The Young Sword Division Captain, Barian, shook his head in exasperation.

“If Raon Zieghart picked up an axe tomorrow, Refon would be holding an axe the very next day.”

“Sir Raon Zieghart!”

Refon waved his hand, insisting they add the honorific ‘Sir’ to Raon’s name.

“Yes, Sir Raon Zieghart.”

Barian sighed, finally giving in and adding the honorific.

“No matter what anyone says, I will focus on the basic sword techniques. Sir Raon’s special strength must lie in the basics. Even in his duel with the Six Emperors, he defeated them all using basic techniques.”

“Indeed, there was some truth to that. Do as you wish.”

Derus smiled warmly, believing in Refon’s words.

“However, the leader of the Light Wind Division didn’t train without eating.”

Derus pointed to the darkening sky.

“Um….”

Refon flinched at his words.

“You’re making the others wait for you.”

Derus glanced at the Young Sword Division members, his brows furrowing.

“The leader of the Light Wind Division is famous for his consideration. You can’t keep up with him like this.”

“Oh! I-I’m sorry!”

Refon bowed deeply toward the Young Sword Division swordsmen.

“It’s fine.”

“It’s our job to take care of the youngest member.”

“If we’re late, there will be more food left, which works out better for us.”

The Young Sword Division members laughed and patted Refon on the back.

“I-I’ll go ahead and prepare everything!”

Refon shouted his apologies once again and ran toward the dining hall. The Young Sword Division members chuckled and followed him.

“Isn’t that a pleasant sight?”

Barian smiled softly as he watched Refon and the others.

“He is kind and determined. The young master will become a fine swordsman.”

“We’ll see. Can he really become a swordsman?”

Derus’s lips curled into a thin, snake-like smile.

“Enough about Refon. What’s happening with the Ziegharts?”

He wiped his hand, which had just cleaned Refon’s sweat, with a handkerchief and gestured with his chin.

“As ridiculous as it sounds, the rumors are true.”

Barian’s eyes turned dark, and the gentle expression he had when praising Refon was no longer there.

“There were many witnesses who saw Raon Zieghart defeat a high-ranking demon by himself. And not just defeat—he completely overwhelmed it.”

Narrowing his eyes, Barian continued.

“The fact that Glenn Zieghart allowed the Light Wind Division to report it is further proof. It means that even that monster acknowledges the feat.”

“Hmm….”

Derus stroked his chin as he listened to Barian’s words.

“It seems Glenn Zieghart is quite fond of Raon.”

“Who wouldn’t be fond of a genius who became a Grandmaster in his early twenties, even if he’s from a branch family?”

Barian nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Any lingering ill feelings caused by Sylvia Zieghart have probably been erased by Raon’s talent.”

“No, that’s not what I mean. I think Glenn cares for Raon as more than just a talented individual.”

“There were rumors that Raon was discriminated against for a while.”

“Which makes it all the more suspicious. There’s no way Glenn wouldn’t have noticed Raon’s talent.”

Derus’s gaze grew icy, and a chilling aura seemed to press down even the moonlight.

“This might be something we can take advantage of….”

“Are you planning to get rid of Raon Zieghart?”

“Why would I?”

Derus shrugged lightly.

“There are plenty of people who would be willing to kill him for me. We need to focus on the forest, not just a single tree.”

Derus stroked the back of his hand and turned his gaze to the right.

“Of course….”

He smiled softly as he saw Kubara emerge from the shadows of the training ground.

“We’ll need her cooperation to pull it off.”

“Lord.”

Kubara bowed deeply in front of Derus.

“We’ve received word that they’re willing to accept. However….”

“However?”

“They want to meet in person before proceeding.”

“As expected from a true warrior. The most capable fool of all.”

Derus nodded calmly.

“Let them decide the time and place.”

“Understood.”

As soon as Kubara responded, she disappeared back into the darkness.

“It’s almost time.”

Barian rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

“Indeed.”

Derus slowly raised his eyes to the night sky full of stars. His lips curled as his gaze locked onto the largest star in the sky.

“It’s about time for a star to fall. Or perhaps… two.”

—

“Your steps are too slow.”

At Raon’s command, the Light Wind Division maintained their formation and ran to the right of the training ground.

“Make sure you incorporate the wind of the Light Wind Style all the way to your toes!”

“Ugh….”

“Does that guy ever train? There’s less than three months left until the duel to the death!”

“Right? Now that there are no more missions, why is he making us run like this….”

The Light Wind Division, drenched in sweat, continued to run back and forth across the training ground at Raon’s instruction.

“Judging by the fact that you’re talking, you must still be full of energy.”

Raon stepped down from the platform and blocked the path of the running Light Wind Division. He struck the center of their formation with the hilt of his Heavenly Drive.

*Boom!*

The formation that had held firm even against demons collapsed instantly, and the swordsmen were thrown in all directions.

“You’re focusing only on speed, and now the flow of the formation is breaking down. How do you expect to defeat demons if you can’t even hold this?”

Raon clicked his tongue in disappointment.

“T-that’s absurd….”

“How are we supposed to block the leader’s sword…?”

“I’m exhausted….”

Burren, Martha, and Runaan barely managed to get to their feet, shaking their heads.

“You were all celebrating after defeating a single demon….”

Raon frowned as he looked down at the Light Wind Division.

“You got injured after fighting a low-ranking demon? Is this really what the Light Wind Style is for?”

“Ugh….”

“I knew he’d be like this. Compliments? What a joke….”

“Even if it was just a low-ranking demon, how are we supposed to defeat it without taking any injuries?”

The Light Wind Division pouted in frustration, feeling wronged for being scolded even after defeating a demon.

“That’s actually a good question.”

Raon smiled coldly as he drew his Heavenly Drive.

“Let me show you how to defeat a demon without taking any injuries. Pay attention and learn well.”

He crooked his finger at Krein, who had collapsed to the side.

“Krein, step forward.”

“But I didn’t say anything….”

“I just feel like starting with you.”

“This is so unfair!”

Krein reluctantly stepped forward with a tearful expression.

Just then, the door to the training ground opened, and a young woman with purple hair wearing a nun’s habit, haphazardly altered, entered. It was the saint, Olga.

“The Saint?”

Raon’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw Olga.

“Huh?”

“Why is the Saint here….”

The members of the Light Wind Division also gaped in astonishment.

“I came to give you something.”

Olga motioned for Raon to follow her for a private conversation.

“Continue your personal training.”

Raon nodded and led Olga to the leader’s office.

“Ha, I’m saved. She’s really a saint….”

Krein clasped his hands together, swearing he would believe in the gods from now on.

—

“You said you have something to give me?”

Raon asked, offering Olga a cup of green tea.

“You could’ve given it to me back in the kingdom. Why come all the way here….”

“I said I’d come find you, didn’t I?”

Olga frowned deeply.

“When?”

“You didn’t see me nod toward you at the gates?”

“I thought you were telling me to wait because Prince Hopen was greeting us.”

“No.”

“Ah….”

Raon exhaled, exasperated. He had thought Olga’s nod was meant to tell him to pay attention to the greetings from the king and knights, but it seemed he was completely mistaken.

“You have no sense at all, do you?”

“And your foul personality hasn’t changed either.”

Raon snorted, refusing to back down.

“So, what do you have for me?”

“My thanks.”

Olga took a short breath and then knelt, as if in prayer.

“Thanks to your kindness, I was able to save many lives. Thank you.”

She recalled the conversation they had before the great battle with the demons, expressing her gratitude.

“That’s only because you believed what I said.”

Raon gently grabbed Olga by the shoulders and helped her up.

Back then, Raon had told her that the king had allied with demons—a story so far-fetched that no one in their right mind would believe it.

But Olga had trusted his words and worked tirelessly to prepare for the worst.

If it weren’t for her, the casualties in Super would have been at least twice as high.

“You damn fool! When someone thanks you, just accept it!”

Olga scowled, telling him to accept her gratitude without deflecting the praise.

“You’re cursing me while thanking me? What a twisted personality….”

Raon shook his head in disbelief.

“That was my thanks. And….”

Olga pulled a small, transparent bottle from her pocket. Although it didn’t emit any light, the liquid inside shimmered with a faint golden hue.

“This is….”

“I made this elixir using holy water. It’s called *Sacred Flame*.”

“Sacred Flame?”

“There are only three of these precious treasures left in the entire Supere Kingdom.”

She handed him the bottle, calling it a treasure.

“Why are you giving it to me?”

“Don’t worry. I made this one myself.”

Olga shook her head, explaining that she had made the elixir with her own hands.

“Then shouldn’t you use it for the kingdom’s reconstruction instead?”

“I feel like I won’t be at ease until I give you something. I’ve felt restless for not being able to repay you properly. I wanted to finish it before you left, but it took a bit longer than expected.”

“Hmm….”

Raon didn’t immediately accept the elixir, instead looking into Olga’s eyes. There wasn’t even a hint of hesitation in her gaze. Accepting it seemed like the right thing to do for her.

“…Thank you.”

Raon finally thanked her and took the *Sacred Flame* with both hands.

“Well then….”

Olga stood up as if she had come solely to deliver the elixir.

“Wait.”

Raon furrowed his brows as he glanced at Olga’s arm while she turned to leave.

“You did it again, didn’t you?”

“It was the last time.”

Olga smiled as she stroked her own arm.

“And I don’t plan on dying anytime soon, so don’t worry.”

She shook her head, assuring him that she wouldn’t shorten her lifespan any further.

“There’s something I want to see, so I want to live longer than what fate has decided for me.”

“Something you want to see?”

“Yes. I want to see how well the king and that ugly elf’s ‘king’ grow up before I die.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll find out later.”

Olga chuckled lightly as she left the office.

Raon bit his lip as he watched her leave.

‘How unfortunate.’

Olga’s lifespan couldn’t be extended by sheer willpower. Whether she liked it or not, death would eventually come for her.

Knowing her lifespan was short, she had still grown into such an upright and kind person.

Thinking of his own past, when Derus had controlled his life, Raon wished he could help her, but he couldn’t think of a way.

– “There is a way.”

Wrath shrugged, as if it were no big deal.

‘There’s a way?’

– “But you can’t do it yet. It’s something close to defying heaven itself.”

Wrath shook his head, explaining that Raon would need to at least reach transcendence to accomplish it.

‘Transcendence….’

Raon smacked his lips as he repeated the word.

‘It seems I’ve found another reason to reach transcendence.’

—

After spending a week focusing on training the Light Wind Division, Raon entered the training room.

‘Now, it’s time to really get ready.’

There wasn’t much time left until his duel with the Grandmaster.

He had already assigned tasks to the entire Light Wind Division, so now he could focus solely on the duel to the death.

– “Shouldn’t you recover first? *Cough!*”

‘You’re right.’

As Wrath pointed out, the effects of the *Demon King’s Descent* still needed to be addressed.

Fortunately, thanks to Olga bringing him the *Sacred Flame*, Raon felt confident that his body would recover quickly.

– “The problem will be your mind.”

‘It will take quite a while.’

Raon nodded. Although not as much had been lost as before, repairing the damage wouldn’t be easy.

‘Of course, I didn’t come here just to restore my mind….’

– “Huh?”

Wrath narrowed his eyes, wondering what Raon meant.

“As I restore my shattered mental world….”

Raon smiled as he met Wrath’s blue eyes, which were as clear as if they had flowers etched into them.

“I’m going to create a new Sword Realm.”