The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 683

– “A new sword realm?”

Wrath raised his round chin.

– “You… You’re not trying to imitate my *Snow Flower*, are you?”

“Who knows?”

Raon lifted his finger and pushed Wrath’s nose.

– “You insolent brat! Do you know how much effort it took me to create *Snow Flower*! *Cough!*”

Wrath shook his head violently, claiming that *Snow Flower* was his own unique skill. His appearance was like cotton candy melting in the sun, curling into a tight ball.

“I’m just kidding.”

Raon waved his hand with a faint smile.

“With my current abilities, I wouldn’t be able to imitate *Snow Flower* even if I wanted to.”

– *Ahem!* “Naturally. *Snow Flower* fully embodies the extent of this king’s power….”

“But thanks to you, I got some inspiration.”

– “Inspiration?”

“Yes.”

Raon raised his index finger as he looked into Wrath’s blue eyes.

“So far, I’ve encountered three types of sword realms. The first type is the sustained realm, like my *Divine Demonic Harmony Slash* or the vice leader’s *Eye of the Storm*, which allows for prolonged battles.”

He raised his middle finger and continued.

“The second type is the trap realm, like Lord Dokgo’s *Black Blade*, which draws the enemy into one’s domain. And the last one….”

Raon extended his ring finger, pointing toward Wrath.

“The last type is an instant realm, like your *Snow Flower* or the family head’s *Perfect Seamless Sword*. These techniques annihilate the enemy in one swift strike, practically an instant kill.”

Wrath’s *Snow Flower* would freeze everything in sight the moment it was activated, and Glenn’s *Perfect Seamless Sword* would tear apart enemies with three devastating sword strikes: heaven’s thunder, earth’s rupture, and sky’s sword. Both were fatal techniques, drawing out their full power to obliterate the enemy.

– “So, the sword realm you’re planning to create….”

Wrath narrowed his eyes, as if beginning to understand.

“That’s right.”

Raon smiled, leaving only one finger raised.

“I’m thinking of creating an instant sword realm like yours or the family head’s.”

While *Divine Demonic Harmony Slash* was grand, adorned with the brilliant *Invincible Sword*, it lacked the overwhelming power of an instant realm, which explodes with full force the moment it’s activated.

Raon wanted to create a new sword realm that could crush his enemies instantly, just like Wrath had crushed Grid.

– *Cough.* “Well… in that case….”

Wrath nodded calmly, seemingly relieved that Raon wouldn’t be copying his *Snow Flower*.

“I never said I wouldn’t copy it, though.”

– “W-What?! *Cough!*”

“I can’t imitate it, but I never said I wouldn’t try.”

Raon grinned as Wrath stared at him wide-eyed.

“How could I resist copying such a great example, right in front of me?”

– “You insane brat!”

Wrath ground his teeth as if he had expected this.

But then, as if something occurred to him, he suddenly let out a deflated laugh.

– “Well, it won’t matter anyway. It won’t be an easy path for you.”

“Not an easy path? Why not?”

– “Because you’re hiding too much. *Cough!*”

Wrath smirked as if mocking him.

– “As I mentioned before, once you reach transcendence, seemingly insignificant things like emotions become important. My *Snow Flower* is so powerful because it reveals everything I have.”

Wrath clasped his hands together, mimicking the stance he took when activating *Snow Flower*. However, this time, without fingers, they looked more like two big lumps of dough.

– “You possess an unnatural amount of murderous intent and rage for your age, yet at times, you seem strangely fragile. Honestly, I still can’t figure you out.”

He let out a heavy sigh.

– “In fact, I doubt even you know what kind of person you truly are. *Cough!*”

“Hmm….”

Raon lightly bit his lip.

‘He’s right.’

Aside from his desire for revenge against Derus and his hopes for Sylvia, the members of the Annex, and the Light Wind Division, Raon’s sense of self was a void.

As Wrath said, he couldn’t even define himself.

– “For the instant sword realm you’re aiming for, you won’t just need to pour out all your power in one go—you’ll also need to unleash all your emotions. With your current state, it won’t be easy.”

“I think you’re right. But….”

Raon smiled calmly.

“I still have plenty of time.”

There were three months left until the duel with the Grandmaster.

It was a short time if viewed that way, but long if used properly. He had enough time to focus solely on training and reflect on himself.

– “T-Time? Don’t tell me….”

Wrath’s lips trembled as if he couldn’t believe it.

– “You’re planning to stay in this training room for three whole months? *Cough!*”

“No, I’ll probably leave about ten days before. So, about two and a half months.”

– “What about food…?”

“This.”

Raon grinned and pulled out a large bundle from his spatial pocket, filled with nothing but Nadine Bread.

– “Kyaaaaaah!”

At the sight of the bundle of Nadine Bread, Wrath let out a scream, just like he had when they met Merlin.

– “Put that away! Just looking at it ruins my appetite! *Cough!*”

“There’s nothing I can do about it.”

Raon tossed and caught the Nadine Bread, smiling.

“When it comes to training room food, there’s nothing better than Nadine Bread.”

Nadine Bread had no smell and just one bite was enough to fill anyone up. It was as essential as water in the training room.

– *Cough! Cough!*

Wrath continued to cough and wheeze in protest.

“Are you okay? Why are you coughing so much….”

Raon furrowed his brow as he looked at the shrinking Wrath.

Wrath had coughed before, but this time, he showed no signs of stopping. Despite knowing Wrath’s strength, Raon couldn’t help but feel concerned.

– “I have something to tell you about that. *Cough.*”

Wrath nodded slowly.

– “While I was taking on the aftermath of *Demon King’s Descent*, my spirit suffered some damage. I think I’ll need to sleep for a while.”

“You already sleep all the time.”

Raon tilted his head, confused. Wrath, who spent most of his time eating or sleeping like Gluttony or Sloth, seemed to be exaggerating.

– “No, this will be a longer sleep.”

Wrath shook his head, explaining that it would take some time to stabilize his spirit.

– “I’ve already had my fill of festivals, home-cooked meals, and snacks, so this is the perfect time for me. *Cough!*”

Wrath laughed, telling Raon to eat plenty of Nadine Bread while he was unconscious.

“How much of the aftermath of *Demon King’s Descent* did you take?”

– “I took just the right amount. *Cough!*”

Wrath chuckled, but Raon sensed that Wrath had taken more of the burden than he let on.

– “Don’t misunderstand! It’s not like I care about some human! Of course, our dear ice cream girl, pineapple girl, and beef girl are exceptions!”

“So how long are you going to sleep?”

Raon frowned as he looked at Wrath, who was still grinning.

– “I’ll wake up before your duel to the death. I have to take over your body before you die, after all. *Cough!*”

“That’s fine then.”

As long as he wasn’t leaving permanently and would return, Raon didn’t mind. In fact, it would give him more time to focus on his training.

‘Wait….’

That’s fine?

At first, he had wanted Wrath to leave so badly, but now, the thought of him sleeping and returning was oddly reassuring.

It wasn’t because of Wrath’s powers or the system’s rewards. He had simply grown attached to the cotton candy-like creature constantly chattering at his side.

Somehow, Wrath had become something more to Raon—neither enemy nor ally, but something else entirely.

“Hey.”

Raon shook off his confusing thoughts and tapped Wrath on the forehead.

“If you wake up late, I’ll go on a solo tour of all the best restaurants.”

– “Hmph! Don’t worry about that! This king never misses a meal… *Cough!*”

His coughing fit wasn’t very convincing.

– “Still, I’m curious to see what will change.”

“Yeah. When you wake up, I’ll show you something that’ll blow your mind.”

– “Hmph. There’s one more thing aside from you.”

Wrath shook his head, telling Raon not to misunderstand.

– “It would feel strange to say goodbye, so I’ll leave now.”

With those parting words, Wrath disappeared into the bracelet. The Ice Flower Bracelet shimmered faintly with silver light before settling down.

“Wrath.”

Raon tapped the bracelet, calling for him. There was no response.

“I actually brought some ice cream.”

– “…You should have said that earlier! *Cough!*”

Wrath’s face peeked out from the bracelet.

“You’re not really sick, are you?”

– “D-Don’t be ridiculous! This king would never pretend to be sick!”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

Raon shook his head and pulled out the bead-shaped ice cream that Sylvia had given him from his spatial pocket.

“Consider this your last meal.”

– “What last meal! I’ll live forever, eating every single bead-shaped ice cream that’s ever launched!”

—

After eating the ice cream, Wrath finally fell into a deep sleep.

“I even have a whole box of mint chocolate left.”

Even the mention of mint chocolate didn’t wake him up, so it seemed he was truly in a deep slumber.

“It feels weird now that the guy who never shut up is quiet.”

Raon tapped his wrist absentmindedly before taking out the *Sacred Flame* that the Saint had given him and the *Divine Elixir* he had received from Hopen.

‘These should be enough.’

Both the *Sacred Flame* and *Divine Elixir* were based on divine power, so there was no need to take them separately.

If he could benefit from the effects of the elixirs, he would not only recover the aura he had lost but also exceed his previous levels.

‘But….’

What I need isn’t just aura.

To create a new sword realm, I have to reach the world within my mind.

Using the *Sacred Flame* and *Divine Elixir* as catalysts, Raon intended to dive straight into his mindscape without wasting time.

“Hoo….”

Raon let out a long breath and opened the wooden box containing the *Divine Elixir*. Instead of the bitter smell of herbs, a cool autumn-like scent filled the air.

When he opened the lid of the *Sacred Flame*, a sweet fragrance wafted out, making his mouth water. Perhaps because of the divine power, both elixirs had pleasant aromas.

‘That cotton candy probably would’ve liked them too.’

Raon smiled to himself as he placed both the *Divine Elixir* and *Sacred Flame* in his mouth. The *Divine Elixir* melted instantly on his tongue like water, while the *Sacred Flame* slid down his throat with it.

*Whooooosh!*

As soon as the two elixirs, imbued with divine power, confirmed that they were not enemies, they began to harmonize and spread throughout Raon’s body.

It felt as though a gentle warmth, like holy water, was flowing through his veins and mana circuits.

The lingering injuries in his mana circuits healed instantly, and the damage to his bones and muscles was completely erased. The healing power was extraordinary.

The divine energy didn’t stop at healing; it coursed through Raon’s body from head to toe, activating his muscles and senses.

His body and mana circuits felt so sharp and vivid that he could practically sense the slightest movements within them. His heightened senses were almost frightening.

Raon could even hear the tiny sound of ants crawling across the ceiling of the training room.

By the time he felt as though he was shedding his physical shell, the divine power had calmed, and the mana that had been stored within his body surged forth.

Following the flow of *Mana Arts*, *Glacier*, and *Garnu’s Aura*, Raon circulated the mana throughout his body.

New aura began to fill his once-depleted dantian.

Because he had purified his body first and only then began to refine his aura, the energy accumulating in his dantian was purer than ever.

The mana filling his dantian eventually found its way to the middle dantian, and before long, it was knocking on the door of the upper dantian.

*Whooom!*

The thick scent of mana and the refined sensations of his body naturally opened the door to his mindscape.

*Whooooosh!*

A brilliant light engulfed his vision as his sword realm appeared before him.

The sprouts of swordsmanship still blossomed from the red and blue earth, and the winds, though small, had expanded their domain.

However, at the center of the realm, a black pit caused by the aftermath of *Demon King’s Descent* was still writhing, and the eight rings of fire in the sky creaked like a broken clock.

“First….”

Raon smiled faintly as he gazed at the distorted rings of fire.

“Let’s start with that.”

—

“That’s it for today.”

As the moon began to show its gentle smile, Rimmer clapped his hands.

“It’s getting late, so let’s wrap up.”

He yawned widely, telling the group that today’s training was over.

“Yes.”

The Light Wind Division, weary from the relentless training, gave short replies and bowed their heads.

“I’m exhausted.”

“Tell me about it. In the morning, Lord Dokgo pushed us to the brink, and then in the afternoon, the vice leader did the same. We’re about to collapse.”

“Though, neither of them is as bad as the leader.”

“Why has the vice leader been so enthusiastic all of a sudden?”

As the swordsmen chatted while cleaning up the training ground, one person stood apart, swinging their sword even more vigorously.

It was Runaan. She slowly raised her sword under the moonlight, letting an ice flower bloom along the blade.

With every graceful stroke, her movements became swifter, drawing dozens of ice flowers in the air like an artist’s brush on a canvas.

*Shiiiing!*

As Runaan lowered her sword, the beautiful ice flowers hovering like a garden instantly shattered.

If she had infused those flowers with energy, a storm of frost would have destroyed the surrounding area.

“Hey!”

Martha frowned as she looked at the frost shards scattering across the training ground.

“Don’t get cocky. I’ll catch up to you soon enough, so keep your head high while you can.”

*Pfft.*

Runaan gave her a slow, mocking smile with her vacant eyes.

“You…!”

Martha puffed out her chest, ready to charge at Runaan.

“Your level may be higher, but if we fight, I’ll win! Come at me!”

“Just calm down already. How do you two manage to fight every single day?”

Burren shook his head as he stepped in front of Martha.

“She was mocking me! You saw it too!”

“All I saw was you picking a fight first.”

“I just said I’d catch up! She’s the one who’s been getting stronger behind our backs!”

Martha raised her fist, accusing Runaan of being underhanded.

“Well, you’re not wrong….”

Burren nodded slightly and turned toward Runaan.

“Runaan, you’ve had a huge breakthrough recently. Did something happen in the Supere Kingdom?”

“I don’t know.”

Runaan shook her head calmly.

“After I woke up there, training has just been easier.”

Ever since she fainted and woke up in the Supere Kingdom, her aura had increased, her body had strengthened, and her swordsmanship had improved naturally.

She had done nothing more than sleep, which was why she found it strange herself.

It was a feeling similar to when her strength had grown by being exposed to the cold aura that surrounded Raon during their days as trainees.

“Anyway! I’ll catch up to you soon, so wait for me!”

“Hmph.”

“You…! That emotionless smirk makes me even angrier! Let go of me!”

“See you tomorrow, demon woman.”

Runaan waved her hand at Martha, who was being held back by Burren, and left the fifth training ground. She didn’t head to the dormitory but to her family’s main residence.

Runaan took her time walking back, observing the bustling people in the streets. But something was different today.

“Hmm?”

What’s this?

The front lights, which were always on when she returned, were off.

Just in case, she spread out her senses, but there didn’t seem to be anything unusual about the people inside the house.

Runaan frowned slightly as she opened the front door and carefully stepped inside.

“Oh! Lady Runaan!”

“When did you arrive?”

The maids, surprised by the darkened entrance, bowed their heads in greeting.

“Just now.”

“Runaan!”

Upon hearing her voice, Lokan and Clara emerged from the dining room.

“You’re a bit late.”

“Yeah. But why….”

Runaan tilted her head and pointed to the darkened entrance.

“Oh, sorry about that. I was deep in thought.”

“….”

Lokan scratched the back of his head, while Clara smiled awkwardly.

“It’s late, so let’s have dinner first.”

He grabbed Runaan’s shoulder and guided her to the dining room.

“….”

Runaan narrowed her eyes as she looked at their backs.

Normally, her dad and mom would have hugged her by now, but their awkward behavior clearly indicated that something was wrong. Deciding to feign ignorance for now, she sat at the table.

Dinner passed without incident. The food was delicious, and her favorite mint chocolate ice cream was served.

However, Lokan and Clara’s expressions remained stiff. Though they smiled outwardly, their eyes hardened every now and then.

“Dad.”

Runaan put down her half-finished bead-shaped ice cream.

“Is something going on?”

“Hmm….”

Lokan furrowed his brow, unable to answer immediately.

“Did it show?”

Clara sighed, realizing they hadn’t been able to hide it.

“Too much.”

Runaan nodded, saying it was impossible to miss.

“I suppose you’re not a child anymore.”

Lokan scratched his forehead, nodding.

“We debated whether to tell you or not, but it’s probably better to let you know so you can be prepared.”

He let out a long breath before speaking.

“There are rumors that a monster wearing Baphomet’s helmet and wielding a greatsword has been sighted in the south. It seems like Syria is still alive.”

Lokan bit his lip until it bled.

‘That must have been a traumatic experience.’

To Runaan, Syria was more than just an enemy. He was her nemesis.

Lokan knew that if he told her Syria was alive, she would be terrified. But it was better to let her know than to leave her unaware and vulnerable, so he had decided to tell her.

“Still, you don’t need to worry.”

Lokan raised his fist.

“Your father won’t let him lay a finger on you….”

“That’s all?”

Runaan mumbled, “That’s nothing,” as she picked up her ice cream again.

“R-Runaan?”

Clara widened her eyes in surprise.

“I expected him to be alive.”

Runaan nodded calmly, taking another bite of her ice cream.

Baphomet’s goat symbol had always been associated with demons. It was said that even when their necks were twisted or broken, they survived. So ever since Syria’s body had disappeared, she had anticipated that he might still be alive.

“Neither of you needs to worry.”

A soft smile graced Runaan’s lips. Her pale purple eyes no longer held any fear of Syria.

“I’ll destroy him myself.”

—

“Hoo….”

Raon let out a breath as he lowered his gaze. The cracks in his upper dantian had completely healed, and fresh sprouts of swordsmanship had bloomed in the once-scorched land.

The rings of fire rotating in the sky had also been fully restored. The eight rings hummed in harmony, radiating a deep, resonant sound.

‘That was faster than I expected.’

Since he had walked this path once before, and Wrath had taken on much of the burden, Raon was able to heal the wounds in his upper dantian more quickly than anticipated.

‘Now, about the new sword realm…. Huh?’

Just as he was about to rotate his wrist with a smile, a few swords he hadn’t seen before floated beside the slowly spinning rings of fire, tracing magnificent arcs in the air.

“Could it be….”

Raon’s lips quivered as he stared at one of the swords that seemed familiar.

“Is that… the *Heavenly Drive*?”