The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 688

“Hmm…”

Rimmer brushed his hair back roughly as he looked into Raon’s determined eyes.

“It’s difficult right now.”

“Why?”

“Because the fall of the Beast King is a much bigger deal than you think.”

He shook his head as he rubbed his shoe against the floor of the training ground.

“Right now, all outings beyond Zieghart’s territory have been banned, and the entire combat unit operating outside has been ordered to return.”

“Ah…”

Raon let out a low groan upon hearing that.

‘That’s right.’

It’s only natural.

For decades, the Six Kings and Five Demons have maintained a delicate balance.

Each force was the strongest on the continent, so if they were to clash, there would never be a situation where one side easily wins.

The loser would be destroyed, and even the victor would suffer enormous damage, unable to rejoice fully.

Moreover, would the other factions leave a wounded victor alone?

A wounded lion is bound to be torn apart by hyenas. Not only the Six Kings and Five Demons, but groups like the Divine Beasts and the Five Ghostly Monarchs would come running, drooling at the chance.

It’s unreasonable to expect help from the other Six Kings or Five Demons.

‘The Six Kings and Five Demons aren’t bound by any earnest ties.’

Raon let out a long sigh.

‘This is serious.’

Ogram’s defeat at the hands of the White Blood Leader didn’t just mean the collapse of the Beast Alliance—it could also signal the fall of the Six Kings.

‘The bigger problem is…’

The White Blood Religion didn’t suffer much damage.

Since it wasn’t a battle between the White Blood Religion and the Beast Alliance, but rather a one-on-one fight between the White Blood Leader and Ogram, the White Blood Religion remained unscathed.

There was no way to destroy the White Blood Religion, and the forces following the Five Demons were bound to rise up like wildfire, making this the worst possible scenario in many ways.

‘Therefore…’

I must go to that place.

Even if I can’t save Ogram, I might uncover a clue about the White Blood Leader and Derus Robert, so I must go to the Chiran Tribe at all costs.

“Hmm…”

Rimmer scratched his chin and clicked his tongue.

“You seem to have an important reason.”

“Yes. I must go.”

“Then there’s only one way.”

He raised a finger and pointed towards the pavilion.

“You have to ask the person who gave the order.”

“It’s late, though…”

“He’ll be awake.”

Rimmer flicked his fingers lightly.

“The older you get, the less sleep you need.”

He laughed, saying something that would likely earn him a thunderous response if Glenn heard it.

* * *

“Haaah…”

The White Blood Leader lifted her red lips from Ogram’s neck. She smiled in ecstasy as she looked at the two puncture wounds in Ogram’s neck.

“I didn’t expect it to be this good.”

The moment she absorbed Ogram’s blood, an indescribable sensation of euphoria surged through her.

The wounds in both her body and soul, which were severe enough to make her collapse, healed instantly, and uncontrollable energy overflowed.

She had drunk the blood of transcendent beings before, but it was her first time draining someone stronger than herself, and the result far exceeded her expectations.

Even though she hadn’t fully made Ogram’s blood hers yet, she could feel her soul’s aura, the White Spirit Aura, reaching a higher level.

“Congratulations on your great success.”

The Tenth Apostle bowed deeply to the White Blood Leader.

“Great success? No, this is just the beginning.”

The White Blood Leader waved her hand dismissively towards the Tenth Apostle. A deep blush appeared on her pale cheeks.

‘If I can make all of Ogram’s power mine…’

I might be able to reach Glenn Zieghart.

Just from drinking his blood, I can feel enough power surging through me to make my mind hazy. If I can fully convert this energy into my White Spirit Aura, shattering the northern skies wouldn’t be impossible.

‘No, that’s not the end.’

With this newfound power, I could target the leaders of the other Five Demons and the Six Kings, meaning I could truly become the ruler of this continent.

“Things are about to get interesting.”

The White Blood Leader licked her blood-stained lips with a seductive smile.

“What should we do with the Beast King?”

The Tenth Apostle pointed to Ogram, who was lying motionless and breathing faintly.

“Hmm…”

The White Blood Leader narrowed her eyes as she looked down at Ogram.

‘They said his soul and body were separated.’

The man with the dragon helmet mentioned that Ogram’s soul had been separated from his body, meaning he wouldn’t be able to awaken on his own. She was curious to find out more about that ability.

“Leave him be for now. I’ll investigate further after my cultivation.”

“As you command.”

The Tenth Apostle bowed deeply, as if willing to obey any order.

“And the remaining blood energy here… Hmm?”

The White Blood Leader looked at her own hand, narrowing her eyes. The back of her White Crow Glove was torn.

‘Did it rip?’

She hadn’t noticed during the battle with Ogram, the mental duel with the man in the dragon helmet, or while absorbing Ogram’s blood, but now she realized the White Crow Glove was damaged beyond use.

‘Well, it was a tough fight.’

Ogram was an opponent I couldn’t defeat one-on-one. Defeating him and absorbing his blood in exchange for this glove was a bargain well worth it.

“You take the remaining blood energy.”

The White Blood Leader handed the torn White Crow Glove to the Tenth Apostle with a nod.

“But the First and Second Apostles are here. How can I…?”

“Save your excuses.”

She scoffed and left the sacrificial chamber.

“…Thank you.”

The Tenth Apostle gripped the damaged White Crow Glove tightly and bowed deeply to the White Blood Leader’s back. His eyes flashed with a pale light as he slowly raised his gaze.

* * *

“You want to go to the place where the White Blood Leader and Ogram fought?”

Glenn furrowed his brow as he looked down at Raon, who was kneeling before him.

“Yes.”

Raon bit his lip and lowered his head to withstand Glenn’s overwhelming energy.

“You don’t seem to understand the gravity of the situation.”

Glenn turned his gaze to the window where the moonlight shone and let out a heavy sigh.

“Ogram’s defeat isn’t just his alone. Numerous forces that had been suppressed by the name of the Six Kings will now rise like a tidal wave.”

He drummed his fingers on the armrest of his throne, as if even he couldn’t fully believe the current situation.

“The Five Demons will seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, leading the wicked in their charge. The balance of the continent has already crumbled.”

Glenn clenched his fist, saying that rumors of Ogram’s defeat were spreading at a frightening speed.

“In a dire situation like this, if someone as famous as you, who surpasses even transcendent beings in reputation, were to move, villains hoping to become the next White Blood Leader would surely come after you.”

For once, Glenn’s sharp eyes showed a hint of concern for Raon.

“I won’t lose to moths drawn to a flame.”

Raon patted his chest and asked Glenn to trust him.

“When a thousand ants gather, even a millstone can be moved.”

Glenn shook his head calmly.

“No matter how strong you are, if too many gather, you’ll eventually be overwhelmed.”

“Still… I must go.”

“Hmm.”

He raised an eyebrow, as if he hadn’t expected Raon to insist.

“Why?”

“……”

Raon didn’t answer right away. He could easily make up a reason, but Glenn had shown him genuine concern, so he wanted to respond sincerely.

“During my training, I happened to enter the mental world.”

“Again? You entered that world again?”

Rimmer widened his eyes, saying the mental world wasn’t some marketplace.

“When I finished my training in that world and was about to leave, Ogram suddenly appeared.”

“Ogram did?”

“Are you serious?”

Sheryl and Roenn both stepped forward at once.

“Yes. In my world…”

Raon explained how Ogram had taught him martial arts and shown him a battle scene before being dragged into darkness.

He left out the part about Derus’ deathly aura, as he couldn’t be certain about that himself.

“He gave me a look that seemed to be pleading for help. That’s why I must go.”

“That sounds absurd…”

Sheryl trembled as if she couldn’t believe it.

“No, it makes sense.”

Rimmer interrupted Sheryl.

“Raon wasn’t surprised when he heard about the Beast King’s defeat. He even reacted like he had expected it. I thought it was strange, but now it all makes sense.”

“Hahaha…”

Roenn stroked his beard and chuckled softly.

“If that’s true, I understand why you want to go to that place.”

He nodded, indicating that he believed Raon.

“Didn’t you say you learned martial arts from Ogram when you were with the Sran Tribe?”

Glenn rested his hand on the armrest and furrowed his brow.

“Yes.”

“Even though it could have been his secret finishing technique, he taught you anyway… That fool.”

He clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“I understand why you want to go now. But regardless of your reason, it’s still dangerous. The White Blood Religion or other members of the Five Demons might still be there.”

After closing his eyes for a moment, Glenn opened them again and shook his head calmly.

“Well, that’s…”

Just as Raon frowned, thinking Glenn was about to refuse, Glenn continued.

“I’ll go with you.”

With that, Glenn rose from his throne. His overwhelming energy made the air around him warp as if a great mountain had risen.

“…What?”

Raon blinked in surprise.

“I said I’ll go with you. Got a problem with that?”

“N-no. Absolutely not.”

Raon quickly shook his head.

Why would I have a problem with that…?

* * *

Woooooong!

Raon emerged from the dimensional gate nearest to the Beast Alliance and looked back.

Glenn, Roenn, Sheryl, and Rimmer, all clad in black hoods, followed behind him.

“Do you know the way?”

Glenn lightly tilted his chin.

“Yes…”

The Chiran Tribe’s village wasn’t far from the Sran Tribe, so Raon was familiar with the path.

“Lead the way.”

“Understood.”

Raon swallowed hard and took the lead, guiding the group.

‘What is going on…?’

Why are these people following me?

Of the four people behind me, three are Grandmasters, and the other is one of the strongest beings on the continent.

Even though it’s only four of them, they make up nearly half of Zieghart’s power.

The very thought that they were following me because of my request felt overwhelming.

‘I might die if I can’t find the trail…’

From what Glenn had said, it seemed like he had some connection to Ogram. If I couldn’t find any clues, I might really die.

‘No, death can wait.’

I can’t forget Ogram’s final gaze. I need to focus on finding the traces for now, and I’ll worry about the rest later.

Fiaaaaaaang!

Taking a deep breath, Raon fully activated Taehwa Step. His body became a streak of black as he dashed across the field.

Glenn, Sheryl, Roenn, and Rimmer exchanged looks, appearing proud of Raon, before chasing after him.

Since they were all Grandmasters or stronger, it didn’t take long to reach the Chiran Tribe.

Sssssss.

Raon stopped in front of a charred tree and crouched down.

The warriors of the Beast Alliance were blocking the entrance to the Chiran Tribe’s village, so he couldn’t enter directly.

[There’s no sign of anyone inside the village. Let’s slip in quietly.]

There might be spies among the warriors, so it wouldn’t be good if word got out that Glenn had come here. Raon sent an aura message suggesting they sneak in.

[Our leader sure gives good orders!]

[That seems like the best option.]

[Hahaha.]

[……]

Rimmer, Sheryl, and Roenn all nodded in agreement.

Glenn remained silent, only covering his mouth with his hand, which trembled slightly.

‘He really is unique.’

Raon shrugged his shoulders and suppressed his presence. He vaulted over the half-collapsed wall and entered the Chiran Tribe’s village.

The other four silently followed behind him, like a breeze.

Fortunately, no one was inside. It seemed they had placed the troops outside to avoid disturbing the traces of the battle.

‘Hah…’

Raon let out a small sigh as he looked at the ground.

‘I don’t need to search for where they fought.’

There was no need to search for the traces of Ogram and the White Blood Leader’s battle. The marks of their clash were all over the village.

“This is where it started.”

Glenn pointed to the ground beneath his feet.

“Yes.”

Raon nodded, standing beside him.

“Ogram attacked first, and the White Blood Leader retreated, using her blood energy.”

After examining the ground, the bushes, and the walls, it became clear how the two had fought.

It was the same as Ogram’s movements in the world of imagination.

“The first strike was more like a greeting, but here is where the real fight began.”

Raon followed the deep imprint of Ogram’s footsteps.

“Ogram maintained the upper hand. The White Blood Leader pushed back using her blood energy, but she ended up taking damage from his Fierce Sea Art .”

“How do you know that so well?”

Rimmer squinted in disbelief.

“Even I wouldn’t be able to figure this out so quickly…”

Sheryl widened her eyes, seemingly shocked.

“You have a talent for this kind of thing.”

As always, Roenn offered nothing but praise.

“It’s nothing.”

Raon shook his head, saying it was all thanks to what he saw in the world of imagination.

“And here.”

He pointed to a spot where the ground was deeply dug up, as if someone had been shoveling.

“This is where the final clash took place. The White Blood Leader must have used the Mara of Blood and Mercy technique, and Ogram probably pushed his Fierce Sea Art to the extreme.”

Raon knelt and pointed to the deeper imprint in the ground.

“Judging by the traces here, it looks like Ogram was winning. But then someone else intervened.”

“Intervened?”

Glenn, who had been silent until now, narrowed his eyes.

“Yes, I’m sure of it.”

It was at this exact spot where Ogram staggered in the world of imagination. This was where Derus intervened and swung his sword.

“But there’s no sign of that here.”

“I can’t see anything either.”

Rimmer and Sheryl both shook their heads, looking confused. Of course, it was only natural.

If not for what I saw in the world of imagination, I wouldn’t have known either.

“Indeed…”

Glenn stroked his chin as he stared at the ground Raon had pointed out.

“It’s so natural that it feels artificial.”

He clicked his tongue, saying it seemed like an expert had erased the traces.

“After that, Ogram was completely overpowered.”

Raon followed Ogram’s movements from the world of imagination to a spot in the mud where there were no visible traces and stopped.

‘This is where the final blow landed.’

Ogram had poured out all his strength to fight against the two opponents but had only managed to wound the White Blood Leader before being taken down by Derus.

‘The problem is…’

I need to find evidence that everyone can see, not just something I know.

‘This will take some time.’

Since these traces were left after Ogram was defeated, I might need to search the entire village.

‘No, wait.’

Raon stroked his chin and then widened his eyes.

‘I know how.’

He realized how Ogram might have left traces and how to find them.

Fierce Sea Art.

If the energy of the Fierce Sea Art, which pierces through an enemy’s aura, could be used, it might have escaped the notice of both the White Blood Leader and Derus.

Woooooong!

Raon closed his eyes and summoned the Fierce Sea Art. Instead of using it subtly, as he normally would, he spread it outward like a sensory net.

This was his first time dispersing the Fierce Sea Art into the air like this, so his head throbbed, but he endured the pain and expanded the range.

‘Huh…?’

Just as his skin began to tingle, he felt a faint disturbance in the air about ten paces to the right.

‘Is it there?’

Keeping the Fierce Sea Art active, Raon carefully dug into the spot where he had sensed the disturbance.

If Ogram had left a trace after falling, it wouldn’t be buried deeply. Raon carefully moved his fingers through the soil.

After about five handfuls of dirt, he uncovered a small piece of cloth, wrapped in the energy of the Fierce Sea Art.

‘This is it!’

The cloth radiated deathly energy. It was clearly a remnant left by Ogram.

‘Impressive.’

By using the invisible, formless energy of the Fierce Sea Art, Ogram had managed to conceal the deathly energy so that even Derus hadn’t noticed it.

‘But…’

There’s no blood energy.

Unfortunately, the cloth only contained deathly energy, with no trace of the White Blood Leader’s blood energy.

Tch.

As Raon clicked his tongue in disappointment, Glenn spoke.

“Look below.”

“Below?”

Raon lowered his hand and brushed away more dirt. Beneath the cloth, there was a milky-white ripple of energy, blocked by the cloth.

Wooooooong!

As soon as the Soul Requiem Sword sensed the white ripple, it let out an intense cry.

“It seems…”

Glenn smiled faintly as he looked at the drenched black cloth.

“We’ve found what we were looking for.”