The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 695

“How do you think I got out? Do you think the likes of the White Blood Religion could take me down?” Ogram pounded his chest with his fist, the size of a pot lid, as if to prove his strength.

“You’re still as boastful as ever, old man.”

Despite her cold words, Chamber let out a relieved laugh.

“How are you feeling? It’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not when I look at you like this,” King Lecross said, tilting his head, unable to grasp the full picture of what had happened.

“I’m curious too,” said the Tower Lord, his screen shaking once again as if reflecting his unsettled thoughts.

Raon, however, paid no attention to the rest of the Six Kings. His eyes were fixed on Derus Robert’s pale face.

‘He’s shaken.’

While Chamber and King Lecross showed a mixture of surprise and relief at Ogram’s return, Derus Robert displayed only shock and panic. After years of being under his thumb, Raon could recognize the rare, genuine panic in Derus Robert’s expression.

‘I need to make sure others notice.’

He wanted to draw attention to how suspicious Derus was acting. Right now, the leaders of the Six Kings were focused entirely on Ogram’s survival, missing the contorted expression on Derus’s face.

“I’ve never seen Lord Derus with such a stiff expression before. It seems the return of the King of Beasts has brought him unexpected joy,” Raon said, smiling lightly as he glanced at Derus’s image on the blue screen.

With the room filled with laughter and conversation, Raon’s comment slid in seamlessly, causing no disruption to the cheerful atmosphere. Yet hidden within his words was the truth about Derus’s discomfort.

“Hmm…”

Glenn’s crimson eyes quickly turned to the third screen, where Derus was displayed. Realizing that Raon wouldn’t make such a remark without reason, Glenn scrutinized Derus’s expression.

“You’re right. I’ve never seen him make that face.”

“It’s certainly an extraordinary situation.”

Chamber and King Lecross also turned their gazes toward Derus, narrowing their eyes as they observed his unusually twisted expression.

“Light Wind Division Leader!”

Denier, normally stoic, furrowed his brow slightly as if Raon’s words had been out of line.

“No, it’s alright.”

Derus waved his hand gently, quickly regaining his usual kindly demeanor. His voice returned to its usual calmness.

“I’m just so happy to see that Lord Ogram has returned safely that my face must have contorted a bit.”

He clasped his hands together in front of him, bowing slightly as if apologizing.

“You’re that happy I’m back?”

Ogram, his jaw square and stern, smiled broadly at Derus, though his eyes carried a sharp glint.

“In fact, as soon as my youngest heard about you, Lord Ogram, he came to me in a frenzy, claiming it couldn’t possibly be true. I reassured him it wasn’t, but now I can tell him the good news.”

Derus dropped the name of his youngest son, Refon Robert, flashing a relaxed smile.

“The child we met at the last Six Kings meeting?”

“Yes, the boy is deeply attached to the Six Kings. He’s also quite a fan of Lord Raon.”

Derus smiled warmly, as if even the thought of his son amused him.

‘Ha…’

Raon let out a soft sigh as he watched Derus shift the focus of the conversation toward his son.

‘Using his own son to deflect suspicion.’

Derus was quick to regain his composure, using his son to reduce the attention on himself. That he could think so clearly even after his plan had been foiled was impressive, despite being Raon’s enemy.

“I almost made a grave mistake. I’m thankful that the Light Wind Division Leader was watching out for me.”

Derus gave a subtle bow, thanking Raon.

“It was nothing. You’re usually so full of smiles that I couldn’t help but notice when your expression darkened.”

Raon waved it off casually, though he made sure to emphasize that Derus had indeed looked out of sorts.

“It’s an honor to be noticed by someone regarded as the next ‘First Under Heaven.’”

“There isn’t a swordsman anywhere in the world who doesn’t respect you, Lord Derus. Your constant smile and grace earn you much admiration.”

Raon added the word “constant” deliberately, hinting that today had been an exception. It was a battle of words, and Raon wasn’t about to back down, smiling faintly as he watched Derus.

Just as Derus was about to continue the conversation, the fourth blue screen flickered. The dark display turned a soft shade of yellow, as if the setting sun had illuminated it.

“Hello, everyone…”

A golden-haired woman appeared, raising a weak hand. Though stunningly beautiful, her dark under-eye circles and the small mole on her nose gave her a weary, worn-out appearance.

This woman was undoubtedly Larian, the last of the Six Kings and the head of the Tower.

“Larian, you look well today.”

Chamber smiled slyly as she observed the Tower Lord’s face.

“You do seem brighter than usual,” King Lecross nodded in agreement.

“It seems my mood has lifted, seeing that the King of Beasts is safe…”

Larian offered an awkward smile, brushing her long hair, which had fallen over her shoulder.

Raon found himself stifling a sigh.

‘This is her looking better?’

She looked as though she could collapse at any moment, yet they called that a “healthy complexion.” The irony was almost laughable.

“Anyway…”

Larian gestured weakly toward Ogram.

“We should hear the King of Beasts’ story. Everyone is curious…”

“That’s true.”

Chamber nodded, turning her attention to Ogram.

“Tell us what happened. Just don’t try to pretend you did it all on your own.”

She motioned for him to start, her fingers twirling impatiently.

“I’m curious as well. Please, enlighten us.”

Derus Robert folded his hands and bowed his head politely, though Raon could barely suppress his disgust at the man’s hypocrisy. The very man who had orchestrated everything was now pretending to be concerned.

“Indeed, there are things I must inform you all about.”

Ogram took a deep breath before nodding.

“As that old crone said, I didn’t make it out alone. I had help.”

“Who are you calling old!”

Chamber raised her small fist threateningly.

“Help? From within the White Blood Religion?”

Ignoring Chamber, King Lecross focused on Ogram.

“No, I was saved by the swordsmen of the North Wind.”

Ogram pointed to Glenn and Raon.

“The North Wind…”

“Ziegart?”

“No way…”

The other leaders of the Six Kings widened their eyes in surprise.

“To explain from the beginning, I went to the Chiran Tribe after hearing they were being attacked by the White Blood Religion. I found the cult leader there, slaughtering the tribe. In my rage, I nearly killed her. Just as I was about to end her, I was ambushed. The ambusher wielded a black sword infused with deathly energy…”

Ogram, though clearly embarrassed by the events, explained everything that had happened in full detail to the Six Kings.

While Ogram spoke, Raon’s eyes never left Derus. After his earlier mistake, Derus was now keeping his expression locked down, refusing to show any emotion. He was truly a formidable opponent.

“…That’s how I made it back to the Beast Alliance.”

Ogram finished his explanation with a casual flick of his hand.

“Without Glenn, his subordinates, and Raon, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

He frowned, suggesting that he would have either been imprisoned or dead if not for them.

“Raon, how did you find the old man’s trail?”

Chamber asked with a laugh, still surprised.

“Thanks to the *Fierce Sea Arts*.”

Raon raised his finger and summoned the energy of the *Fierce Sea Arts*.

“It was the presence of the technique that Lord Ogram left behind that allowed me to track him.”

Since the information about the *Fierce Sea Arts* had already been revealed, Raon spoke openly.

“Even though you’ve learned it, your level is still low, isn’t it?”

King Lecross frowned, not understanding how Raon could have managed.

“Yes. I’m still inexperienced, only at the six-star level. I was lucky.”

“S-six stars?”

The king’s eyes widened, as if he had misheard.

“You haven’t even been learning it for a year, and you’re already at six stars?”

“That’s ridiculous…”

Both King Lecross and Chamber stared at Raon, their lips trembling.

“Right? I couldn’t believe it either.”

Ogram laughed, clearly finding the situation unbelievable as well.

“That boy is something else. He’s not someone who should be confined to Ziegart; he belongs on the continent’s stage.”

“I agree. Even if he had studied magic, he would’ve become the youngest Archmage.”

“Really?”

Larian looked at Raon, inhaling deeply as if trying to calm herself.

“Yes. If I had found Raon first, I would’ve fought Glenn in a life-or-death duel to bring him to my side.”

Chamber clicked her tongue in disappointment as she spoke.

“He would have made a great knight as well. It’s rare to find someone with such knightly virtues these days.”

King Lecross nodded in approval, admiring Raon’s character.

“Ahem!”

Glenn’s lips twitched each time the Six Kings praised Raon, and at some point, he had started covering half his face with his hand. He seemed both overwhelmed and overjoyed.

“The old man can barely contain himself after hearing his grandson being praised by the other transcendent figures.”

Sheryl chuckled softly, watching Glenn’s reaction.

“Haha, praise from people like them would make anyone react that way.”

Roenn also smiled brightly, clearly proud of Raon’s accomplishments.

“Lord Ogram, how is your body holding up? You were struck by deathly energy and drained of blood; you can’t be doing well.”

Derus, feigning concern, finally asked the question that had been bothering him the most. He wanted to know how Ogram had recovered from the separation of his soul and body.

“When I woke up, both the death energy and the blood-drinking effects were gone. However, I was unconscious, so I don’t know how it happened.”

Ogram shrugged and turned toward Glenn and Raon.

“I took care of it.”

Glenn waved his hand with quiet authority. His dignified presence returned, as if he hadn’t just been beaming with pride moments earlier.

“…”

Raon was taken aback but said nothing, understanding that Glenn was trying to protect him. Glenn probably suspected there was a spy among the Six Kings’ subordinates who used deathly energy, and he wanted to keep Raon’s involvement hidden.

Understanding Glenn’s intention, Raon remained silent.

“Of course, truly remarkable.”

Derus massaged the back of his hand, smiling faintly.

“It’s a blessing for us all to have a Thunder God among the Six Kings.”

Derus nodded appreciatively, acting as if he was genuinely relieved.

“But speaking of that death energy…”

Chamber raised her hand.

“The one you encountered before…”

“Yes, it’s the same.”

Raon nodded firmly, cutting her off before she could finish.

“It’s the same as the one who ambushed me at the Sword Saint’s tomb.”

He gripped the hilt of his sword, glancing around at the Six Kings.

“I believe the swordsman who wields deathly energy is targeting the Six Kings.”

He spoke with absolute certainty, issuing a clear warning to everyone in the room. In fact, warning them was one of the main reasons he had wanted to attend this meeting.

“Indeed, he’s a dangerous opponent. Do not underestimate him.”

Ogram added that he wasn’t sure he could defeat the swordsman in a one-on-one fight, clenching his teeth in frustration.

“Information like this is worth its weight in gold.”

King Lecross sighed softly.

“Thank you. The Light Wind Division Leader has done us all a great service.”

The king nodded to Raon, lifting his hand in a gesture of respect, as if offering a salute.

“You’ve got both a brilliant grandfather and an outstanding grandson. I hate how much I like them.”

Chamber smiled warmly, despite her teasing words.

“Ahem!”

“See? I told you the boy’s special.”

Glenn and Ogram exchanged proud glances before immediately scowling at each other.

“Hey, you old beast, how are you holding up? Can you still fight?”

“You think I wouldn’t be able to crush you right now?”

Ogram snorted derisively, telling her to ask real questions.

“If you’re speaking so aggressively, I guess you’re telling the truth.”

Chamber chuckled as she nodded.

“Of course, I’m telling the truth. And I’ll tell you something else. The swordsman knew my personality well. You all need to be careful.”

Ogram subtly hinted that there could be a spy among their ranks, his lips curling into a thin smile.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Derus, feigning sincerity, nodded in acknowledgment.

With the topic of the deathly swordsman out of the way, Ogram quickly returned to praising Raon.

“But enough about that. Raon’s talent is simply remarkable. He’s leagues ahead of me, even when I was his age. None of us were at his level back then.”

“That’s true.”

“I think his real talent isn’t even his martial arts. It’s his character. His sense of honor is something every knight should aspire to.”

“Hmm…”

Chamber and King Lecross both nodded in agreement, while Larian gazed at Raon with admiration.

“Ahem! The best in history, huh? That might be pushing it a bit…”

“No one said that, Glenn.”

Despite his bashful denials, Glenn only seemed to hear what he wanted, and as the meeting progressed, it felt more like a gathering to praise Raon.

Raon lowered his eyes and nodded calmly.

‘Everything’s in place.’

Ogram had shown he was alive and well, the warning about the deathly swordsman had been delivered to the Six Kings, and Derus was now in a position where he had no choice but to target Raon.

Raon smiled softly. Everything had gone according to his plans for this meeting.

“…I see.”

Derus smiled along with the others, but his lips curled slightly inward.

Raon clenched his fist as he watched Derus biting his lips.

‘You’re an open book.’

Derus was on the verge of exploding.

Whenever he bit his lips like that, it meant he was genuinely furious. Outwardly, Derus appeared calm, but beneath the surface, he was boiling over like magma.

‘He’s barely holding it together.’

Raon smirked as he observed Derus’s unraveling composure.

‘This is only the beginning.’

The day Derus’s mask would fully shatter wasn’t far off.