The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 694

[A new trait, <Flame that Defies Death>, has been created.]

Raon swallowed as he read the final trait message that appeared.

‘I can tell just by looking at it.’

The trait <Flame that Defies Death> was clearly designed to help him endure the aura of death wielded by Derus Robert.

‘Did I absorb the remaining death energy from the Leader’s body?’

The deathly energy scattered through Ogram’s mana circuits had been absorbed into the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and the Ring of Fire, seemingly without Raon’s consent.

It seemed that this absorbed energy had created the trait, *Flame that Defies Death*.

<Flame that Defies Death>

As long as the flames of the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation burn, the damage inflicted by the aura of death is reduced.

After reading the description, Raon clenched his fist tightly.

Just as the name suggested, the Flame that Defies Death gave him the ability to withstand Derus Robert’s deathly energy.

‘An unexpected gain.’

The death energy that Derus used was incredibly harmful to any living being, capable of draining vitality and mental strength just from brief contact, as had happened to Ogram. Gaining a trait that could resist this power was a tremendous advantage.

Considering that Raon’s goal remained the downfall of Derus Robert, this felt like another solid step toward achieving that goal.

‘Let’s check the rest.’

Holding back a grin, Raon reviewed the other messages.

[A great feat has been accomplished.]

[All attributes have increased by 20 points.]

[The trait <Eyes of Wrath> has leveled up.]

[The trait <Ambush> has leveled up.]

[A new title, <Savior>, has been created.]

‘As expected, the system is rewarding me for my accomplishments.’

It was clear that the system based its rewards on Raon’s achievements, such as the newly leveled traits and titles.

The system always seemed to be watching him, ready to reward him for his successes.

‘According to Wrath, the system might have its own intelligence…’

Wrath was always ranting about smashing and breaking the system, which made Raon think it might not just be a simple mechanism.

‘I’d like to meet it sometime.’

Since the system had helped him so much, he felt like offering it his thanks personally.

‘And I’m curious how Wrath would react.’

If Wrath saw Raon growing closer to the system he supposedly despised, Raon wondered what kind of tantrum the cotton candy-like being would throw.

‘Hey.’

Raon lightly tapped the Ice Flower Bracelet.

‘How long are you going to sleep?’

He had always found Wrath’s presence annoying, but now that Wrath was gone, life felt dull, like eating bread without flavor.

As Raon tapped the bracelet again and looked down, his eyes caught sight of Glenn and Ogram still arguing.

“What exactly is it that you don’t like?”

Ogram furrowed his brow in confusion.

“I’m not trying to sell Raon out; I just want to make him my honorary grandson and treat him well!”

“I don’t need weaklings who get beaten by the White Blood Religion leader as honorary grandfather!”

Glenn waved his hand dismissively, telling Ogram to find someone else to play the role of a grandson.

“I’m not trying to be *your* grandfather! I want to be *Raon’s* grandfather! Why are you making such a fuss about it?”

“No matter what you say, your defeat won’t just disappear.”

“Ugh, it was a 2-on-1 ambush…”

Ogram muttered under his breath, biting his lip.

“Wearing the title of one of the Six Kings means you shouldn’t lose, even if it’s 20-on-1.”

Glenn tilted his chin up, clearly feeling victorious in their argument.

“Focus on recovering. The meeting of the Six Kings will happen soon, and you can’t attend in your current state.”

“Are we doing it remotely?”

“We have to. If we all gather in one place, our main base could be attacked.”

Glenn nodded, stating the obvious.

“Haa, I’ve caused trouble in many ways.”

Ogram sighed deeply, rubbing the wound on his chest from where he’d been pierced by a sword.

“I’m too ashamed to show my face.”

“And yet you talk about making Raon your honorary grandson?”

“T-that’s different! There’s so much I want to do for him…”

As Ogram tried to justify himself to Glenn, the Vice Leader entered the room.

“Leader. I’ve brought it.”

The Vice Leader handed Ogram a thin book and a wooden box.

“Good work.”

Ogram glanced at the items the Vice Leader handed him and then gestured to Raon.

“Raon. Come over here.”

“Yes.”

Raon nodded and approached Ogram’s bedside.

“Take these.”

Ogram handed over the book and the wooden box he had just received.

“Huh? Why are you giving these to me…”

“You saved the leader of the Beast Alliance. It would be wrong to repay you with words alone.”

Ogram chuckled and lightly waved the book and box.

“This book contains the top-tier martial art, *White Lotus Divine Fist*, and the box holds the greatest elixir of the Beast Alliance, the *Brilliant Lotus Pill*. Just take them without any hesitation.”

Without waiting for a reply, Ogram tossed the book and the box to Raon.

“Uh…”

Raon exhaled in disbelief as he caught the book and the box, which floated in midair for a moment. He could feel a strong heat emanating from the wooden box. It seemed to contain the powerful elixir Ogram had mentioned.

“I’ll accept the martial arts manual, but I think you should take the elixir yourself to recover your health.”

Raon said this as he handed the box back to Ogram.

“Kuhuhu!”

Ogram swept back his messy hair and let out a low laugh.

“Did you hear that? This is exactly why I want Raon as my honorary grandson.”

He waggled his finger at Glenn.

“Raon’s probably the only person who would genuinely say something like that while holding the Brilliant Lotus Pill.”

Ogram’s eyes glowed with admiration as he returned the box to Raon, who had tried to hand it back.

“I’ve taken the Brilliant Lotus Pill three times already. As you know, the effectiveness of an elixir decreases the more times you take it. It means nothing to me now.”

“Hm…”

Just as Ogram said, repeatedly consuming the same elixir made it less effective. If Ogram had taken it three times, it was probably less useful to him than a low-grade potion.

“Take it. You’re making my hand tired.”

“Thank you.”

Raon bowed his head and accepted the *White Lotus Divine Fist* martial arts manual and the box containing the Brilliant Lotus Pill.

“Ahem!”

Glenn, clearly pleased with Ogram’s praise of Raon, couldn’t stop his lips from twitching as he let out a loud cough.

“Well, doesn’t this prove I have the right to be Raon’s honorary grandfather…”

“Bullshit.”

Glenn’s eyebrows furrowed into a scowl as if his good mood had never existed.

“Do you want to fight me in a life-or-death duel?”

“You’re making a fuss even when I’m just trying to be nice.”

Ogram shrugged, clearly exasperated.

“Haha…”

Caught between two of the most powerful figures in the Six Kings, Raon could only laugh awkwardly.

“If you’re going to act like this, why don’t you take care of him yourself?”

Rimmer muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he whispered to Sheryl.

“That old man is just too jealous… Whoa!”

Rimmer’s breath caught as his eyes met Glenn’s piercing gaze.

“He’s probably just awkward with this.”

Sheryl exhaled softly, shaking her head.

“When is this going to change? It’s so frustrating.”

Rimmer thumped his chest in frustration but kept a cautious eye on Glenn.

“The fact that he followed Raon this far shows that his heart is slowly opening.”

Sheryl gazed at the awkward grandfather and grandson with soft eyes.

“So, when will the meeting of the Six Kings happen?”

Ogram rested his hands behind his back and looked at Glenn.

“Knowing Chamber’s personality, it wouldn’t be surprising if we received a message today. At the latest, it’ll start tomorrow or the day after.”

Glenn raised his fingers, estimating that the meeting would begin within the next few days.

“Leader.”

Raon called Glenn and looked down slightly.

“May I also attend the meeting of the Six Kings?”

Derus Robert probably didn’t know that Ogram had fully recovered, even though he was aware that Ogram had been rescued. Raon wanted to see the shock and panic on his face.

“May I attend? No, you absolutely must.”

Ogram raised his hand as if it were obvious.

“You’re the one who saved me.”

“That beast is right. You must participate.”

Glenn also nodded, indicating that there was no need to ask for permission.

“And…”

Raon looked at the two of them and lowered his head.

“How about we keep the Leader’s condition a secret during the meeting?”

“Are you saying you suspect that there’s a spy for that swordsman among the officials attending the meeting of the Six Kings?”

Glenn narrowed his eyes, instantly grasping Raon’s meaning.

“Yes.”

Raon nodded.

‘It’s not just a spy; Derus Robert himself is one of the Six Kings.’

Without concrete proof, Raon couldn’t reveal that detail.

“Keeping it hidden sounds like a good idea.”

Ogram nodded calmly.

“He clearly understands my character well. There’s a high chance that a spy is embedded somewhere among the Six Kings’ higher-ups.”

“Alright. We’ll do as you suggest.”

Glenn nodded in agreement.

“Thank you!”

Raon bowed deeply to Glenn and Ogram.

“Now, everyone leave.”

Glenn indicated he wanted to speak privately with Ogram.

“Yes.”

As Raon left the Beast Alliance palace, a smile played on his lips.

‘I hope the meeting starts soon.’

He couldn’t wait to see Derus Robert’s reaction when he saw Ogram alive and well.

* * *

“You’ve changed a lot. No, perhaps I should say you’ve returned to how you were before.”

Ogram lowered his trembling hand and let out a small laugh.

“Before Raon was born, you were the very definition of a cold-blooded man. Now, seeing you like this, it’s clear that the boy has had a significant influence on you.”

He nodded, looking at the door Raon had just exited through.

“That child has a warmth that surpasses his strength. It’s no wonder your face softens around him. Honestly, I’m a little envious.”

“Ahem!”

Glenn let out a long cough and looked away.

“Are you envious?”

“What?”

“I asked if you’re envious that Raon is my grandson.”

“…I just said I was, didn’t I?”

“Hmph.”

Glenn tilted his chin up, as if that answer had been expected.

“His martial arts talent is the best of the current generation. His reputation is well-earned, he’s kind, and he’s deeply filial.”

“I know that…”

“On top of that, he has mysterious abilities even I can’t fully grasp. He’ll surpass someone like you before he’s thirty.”

“I just said I’m envious!”

“And have you seen how handsome he is? Some people even say Raon’s appearance is more talked about than his martial arts talent…”

“Ugh, stop! I can’t listen to this anymore…!”

Ogram started to wave him off but dropped his hand, the energy sapped from his body.

“Ogram.”

Glenn’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Ogram’s shaking arm.

“…How bad is it?”

“Half. Or maybe less.”

Ogram gritted his teeth as he looked at his limp hand.

“The blood-drinking by the White Blood Religion leader was bad enough, but the death energy was far worse. Just having it in my body drained my vitality and mental strength.”

He shook his head, calling the power truly dangerous.

“You fool.”

Glenn’s voice wasn’t scornful but filled with lament. His eyes showed a flicker of sympathy.

“Yes. I was a fool.”

Ogram sighed as he looked up at the ceiling.

“I’m sorry. Even if I can hide it for a while, I don’t think I’ll be able to fully restore the balance.”

He shook his head, saying it wouldn’t be long before the truth was revealed.

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Glenn clicked his tongue as he gazed down at Ogram.

“You were never much of a force among the Six Kings anyway.”

With that, Glenn turned his back and walked toward the exit.

“Take care of yourself.”

“Go on.”

Ogram said his final goodbye as Glenn left the Leader’s palace.

“Grandson, huh…”

Ogram chuckled as he recalled Glenn’s unexpectedly bright expression.

“I never thought I’d be envious of that man’s family connections.”

* * *

Raon stepped outside the Leader’s palace and examined the *White Lotus Divine Fist* manual.

‘What’s this?’

It was surprisingly easy to read.

Considering it was a top-tier martial art, Raon had expected it to be difficult and complex, but it was much simpler than he had anticipated.

“Feels easy, doesn’t it?”

Garona approached with a wide grin.

“How did you know?”

“The foundation of the *White Lotus Divine Fist* is Fierce Sea Arts. It won’t be difficult for you to learn.”

Garona laughed, suggesting they test whose fist was stronger one day.

“No matter what, you’ll still win when it comes to martial arts.”

“Not with you, brother.”

Garona shook his head with a smile.

“Thank you, brother.”

He glanced at Raon studying the *White Lotus Divine Fist* manual and then bowed deeply.

“If it weren’t for you, I would have spent my life in agony. I can’t thank you enough.”

Garona bowed deeply, pressing his forehead to the ground.

“From today onward, my life is yours. If you ever need it, just say the word and I will…”

“Didn’t you say once that brothers don’t need to thank each other?”

Raon looked into Garona’s fiery eyes and shook his head.

“A simple acknowledgment is enough.”

He patted Garona’s shoulder as he spoke.

“B-brother! It’s the first time you’ve called me brother! Brother!”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have…”

Garona repeated the word “brother” four times in a single breath, leaving Raon’s head spinning.

“Brother!”

“Stay away from me!”

Raon scowled as he pushed Garona away.

“Hnnng…”

Rimmer, watching the scene, sniffed loudly, wiping at his eyes.

“He’s grown so well. If it were the Raon from his trainee days, he would have never called anyone brother.”

He sniffed again, his eyes brimming with emotion.

“People would think you raised him.”

“I did raise him!”

“No, Raon raised himself.”

“Ugh…”

“Well, still…”

Sheryl smiled softly as she watched Raon fending off Garona.

“It’s nice to see him smile like that. You’re right, he used to be so cold at the beginning.”

“Hahaha. That’s not quite it.”

Roenn nodded in agreement.

“Master Raon simply had a hard time getting close to people. Just like someone else we know.”

He smiled as he glanced at Glenn, who was exiting the Leader’s palace.

“Get ready. It’s time to leave.”

“Already?”

Garona gasped.

“It’s too soon.”

“No, it’s the right time to go.”

The Vice Leader shook his head, holding a crystal orb in his hand.

“The meeting of the Six Kings is set to begin tomorrow at noon.”

* * *

The next day at noon.

Raon donned a black robe and headed to the Patriarch’s Hall.

Inside the audience chamber, Sheryl, Roenn, Denier, and Balder were already waiting.

Raon bowed to Glenn before standing beside Sheryl.

“We’re about to begin.”

With a nod from Chad, the head of the Seer’s Hall, a group of robed mages conjured five blue screens in the center of the audience chamber.

Wooooooong!

About a minute later, the first screen flickered to life, revealing Chamber, wearing a massive witch’s hat. She waved as she appeared.

“Can you see me?”

She wiggled her fingers and popped a lollipop into her mouth.

Zzzzt!

As soon as Chamber finished her greeting, the second blue screen crackled and lit up, showing King Lecross of Owen.

“It’s been a while. It’s unfortunate we’re meeting again under such circumstances.”

The king bowed gracefully, his posture sharp and knightly.

Wooooosh.

The third screen then displayed Derus Robert. He didn’t say anything, only nodding with his pale face.

Raon gritted his teeth as he watched Derus, holding back his disgust.

‘I can’t wait to see your mask crumble.’

Suppressing a smile, Raon stood up straight.

Woooong!

The fourth screen flickered to life, though it didn’t show a face. Instead, there was only the sound of something boiling.

“It’s been a while…”

A somber voice emanated from the black screen. It was the voice of the Tower Lord.

“Hey, you shut-in! Show your face!”

“Later…”

Chamber frowned, but the Tower Lord refused to reveal his face.

Zzzzt!

The fifth and final screen shook as if an earthquake had struck.

“The Beast Alliance’s screen always flickers like this.”

Chamber clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction.

“If the King of Beasts was defeated, the Vice Leader must be attending, right?”

King Lecross sighed briefly.

“Most likely. He’s the one who received the message.”

Chamber nodded in agreement just as the flickering screen from the Beast Alliance stabilized, revealing Ogram, grinning broadly.

“Thank you for gathering because of me.”

Ogram waved at the five transcendent figures in front of him.

“Wha-what! Why are you there?!”

“You’re unharmed?”

“King of Beasts?”

Chamber, King Lecross, and the Tower Lord gasped in disbelief.

“How did this happen? Did you escape the White Blood Religion?”

“As expected! I knew you’d be alright!”

“Oh…”

Both Chamber and King Lecross expressed shock and joy simultaneously, while the Tower Lord’s screen shook even more, as if he was about to reveal himself.

But Derus was different. His eyes, black with fury, began to tremble, as if he had just witnessed the impossible.

Raon grinned as he saw the cracks forming in Derus’ mask.

‘Yes, that’s the face I wanted to see.’

This was going to be an enjoyable meeting of the Six Kings.