The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 742

“Did you say someone is already inside?”

Raon blinked up at Glenn, his voice edged with confusion.

“That’s correct.”

Glenn nodded, propping his chin on his fist.

“They entered the *Room of Ego* after hearing of Zieghart’s return,” Glenn said, shifting his gaze to Chad, muttering that the timing had coincided.

“Hmm….”

Raon narrowed his eyes as he glanced at the documents Chad held.

‘Who could it be?’

From what Aris had told him, the Room of Ego wasn’t open to just anyone.

One had to achieve substantial merit to gain access, and with so many having distinguished themselves in the recent war, it was hard to predict who might have entered.

‘It’s unlikely to be one of the direct line.’

The Room of Ego could only be entered once in a lifetime, so most direct-line knights waited until they were on the verge of mastering or transcending the Grandmaster stage to use it.

Most of the direct-line knights Raon knew had already utilized their chance to enter, making the occupant even harder to guess.

“Do you know who has entered?” Raon asked again, bowing slightly as he addressed Glenn.

“It’s Karoon, the Central Martial Palace Master.”

Glenn’s answer came swiftly, as if the question required no thought.

“Karoon?”

Raon lowered his gaze and swallowed hard.

‘He hasn’t entered before?’

Raon had always assumed Karoon had already made use of the room, so the revelation caught him completely off guard.

“Karoon has always been stubborn and proud, even about the most inexplicable things,” Glenn said, his eyes taking on a faintly wistful gleam as he recalled Karoon’s past.

“He was so stubborn that he refused to listen, no matter how much those around him tried to persuade him otherwise.”

Glenn’s gaze softened as he looked at Raon, a small, knowing smile curling his lips.

“That stubbornness proved disastrous when it came to power and politics, but it seems it served him well in the martial arts.”

Glenn straightened slightly, speaking with quiet certainty.

“He said he had grasped a definite clue. When he leaves that room, he will likely have ascended to transcendence.”

“Transcendence….”

Raon felt his chest tighten at the thought of Karoon, of all people, achieving such heights.

“Karoon has indeed done unforgivable things,” Glenn said, his voice dropping into a cold, judgmental tone.

“However, he has spent a year atoning and risked his life to save the family. That is why I decided to reinstate him. What do you think of this decision?”

Glenn’s gaze lowered, seeking Raon’s honest thoughts.

“I will follow your will, Patriarch,” Raon replied, bowing slowly.

‘Consider this repayment of his debt.’

Sylvia had said Karoon’s intervention had saved the maids and children. Without openly expressing gratitude, Raon resolved not to object to Karoon’s reinstatement.

“The Room of Ego is unrelated to all of this. It is a privilege granted to him, so don’t dwell on it.”

“Understood.”

Raon nodded firmly, his voice steady.

“Then, after a month, once Karoon has finished, may I enter?”

“That will not be possible either.”

Glenn slowly shook his head, his tone calm but definitive.

“What? Why not?”

Raon’s eyes widened, caught off guard again.

“The time one can spend in the Room of Ego is limited to a month, but after each use, the room requires a period of rest,” Glenn explained, his brows furrowing slightly.

“If Karoon reaches transcendence as expected, the room will likely need at least half a year to recuperate. Depending on the strain, it might even require until next year.”

—

Wrath settled onto Raon’s shoulder, lazily waving a hand.

– “It makes sense. If the room forces you into a state of complete selflessness, it needs time to recover! If it were overused, it would break down completely!”

‘You’re not worried about the room. You’re worried about the food inside it!’

Raon couldn’t help but scowl at Wrath’s true concern: being deprived of food for an extended time.

Raon frowned, recalling Karoon’s frigid demeanor.

‘He’s such a useless man.’

Why had Karoon chosen now, of all times, to enter, effectively barring Raon’s access? A deep sigh escaped him, heavy with frustration.

“Regardless of the rest period….”

Glenn leaned forward, resting his chin on his knuckles.

“I wouldn’t recommend you entering the Room of Ego in your current state.”

His voice carried a calm sincerity that surprised Raon.

“You’ve encouraged me to enter before,” Raon countered, his brows furrowing slightly.

“That was when you were a different person.”

Glenn gestured with his fingers, drawing a small imaginary wall.

“You know the best time to enter is when you face an insurmountable wall.”

He expanded the wall slightly, his expression growing serious.

“Right now, you are indeed facing a wall, but it is the limit of the Grandmaster stage—not the wall of transcendence.”

Glenn explained that Raon had yet to reach the threshold of transcendence, suggesting he wait to maximize the room’s benefit.

“If you enter now, you’ll perfect the Grandmaster stage. But if you wait until after you’ve fully reached its peak, you’ll likely attain transcendence within the room.”

Glenn smiled gently, his calm expression urging patience.

“Of course, you’ll need to first grasp the clue that leads to transcendence.”

“What exactly is this clue?” Raon asked, clasping his hands. Glenn had mentioned the term earlier when discussing Karoon’s entry into the room.

“The clue to what kind of transcendent you wish to become.”

Glenn’s eyes gleamed with the intensity of a storm, his voice steady and firm.

“To ascend, you must select the concept that best suits you from all the foundations you’ve built as a Grandmaster.”

His tone turned heavier as he added, “When the time comes, you’ll know.”

“I see….”

Raon bit his lip, realizing he had never considered such an approach.

‘So I’ve been too hasty.’

He had assumed that merely entering the room would grant transcendence. It seemed he was still far from ready.

—

Glenn settled back into his seat, placing his hand on the throne’s armrest.

“Don’t rush yourself,” he advised.

“As I said at the meeting, the leaders of the Five Demons are immobilized for now. We have time to grow stronger. And….”

He smiled confidently, lifting his chin slightly.

“I am here.”

“A…”

Raon felt those words crash into him like a bolt of lightning, etching themselves deeply into his mind.

“I will shield you and the others as you grow stronger. So, don’t worry.”

Placing his hand on *Heavenly Tremor*, Glenn declared that the Zieghart family would not fall.

“Grow stronger, not alone, but alongside your comrades.”

He advised Raon that future battles couldn’t be fought solo—they would require collective strength.

—

“I understand.”

Hearing Glenn’s reassurance calmed Raon’s urgency. He resolved to grow stronger at his own pace, without cutting corners.

“But….”

Glenn rubbed his chin thoughtfully, clicking his tongue lightly.

“Given your achievements thus far, I will personally oversee your training for the time being.”

He tapped Heavenly Tremor lightly, signaling his intent.

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

“…Thank you.”

Raon bowed deeply. Glenn’s guidance was nothing short of miraculous, yielding breakthroughs every time. It was a fortune comparable to entering the Room of Ego itself.

—

– “I, the Demon King, could also guide you, you know?”

Wrath suddenly interjected, wiggling his tiny hands.

‘What?’

– “I could train you just as well as that old man!”

Raon couldn’t comprehend Wrath’s sudden outburst and chose to ignore it.

“Consider it a small reward,” Glenn said dismissively, waving a hand.

“Be at the training grounds by midnight tomorrow.”

“Yes, Patriarch.”

Raon bowed again before rising to leave.

As Raon moved to depart for the annex, Glenn’s gaze lingered, carrying a faint hint of regret. Even Roenn fidgeted slightly, his fingers twitching.

“If you haven’t eaten yet…”

Raon stepped forward again, swallowing dryly.

“Would you join us for dinner at the annex?”

He explained that Sylvia and the maids had prepared a feast, bowing politely.

– “Why invite that old man?! Let him eat his bread alone!”

Wrath growled, clearly displeased.

– “He doesn’t deserve the food!”

‘Don’t worry, there’s plenty left for you.’

Raon soothed Wrath’s grumbles, turning his attention back to Glenn.

Glenn looked momentarily stunned by the invitation, his eyes widening.

“Ahem, if I’ve been invited, I suppose I have no choice!”

Despite his words, Glenn practically leapt up from his throne.

“Of course, you should accept. It would be rude not to,” Roenn added, chuckling softly.

“Uh, Patriarch?”

Chad stammered, dropping his documents in surprise.

“I’ll hear the rest of your report tomorrow,” Glenn said, brushing off Chad’s concern.

Together, Glenn and Raon left the chamber. The distance between them seemed to shrink with each step.

“Zieghart’s future lies with them,” Chad mused, watching the two leave side by side.

“I made the right call aligning myself early!”

Grinning to himself, Chad headed off to the Shadow Agents headquarters, his spirits high.

Returning to the annex with Glenn, Raon was greeted by the warm, savory aromas wafting from the kitchen. Dinner was ready, and the atmosphere was more welcoming than ever.

– “Ah! Stew, pizza, and lamb chops! All of my favorites!”

Wrath exclaimed gleefully, recognizing the dishes by their aromas alone. He swayed in the air, practically dancing in excitement.

Raon glanced back at Glenn, who stood stiffly, his shoulders slightly raised, as if he were unaccustomed to the casual atmosphere.

“Let’s head to the dining hall.”

Raon guided Glenn inside, where not only Sylvia and the maids were waiting, but also the ragged saint, Federick, seated at the table.

“A-Ah, Father?”

Sylvia shot to her feet, startled by Glenn’s unexpected appearance.

“M-Master Glenn!”

The maids also hurriedly knelt in deference, their faces flush with surprise.

“That’s unnecessary,” Glenn said, dismissing their formalities with a wave of his hand.

“I brought him over since dinner hadn’t started yet,” Raon explained as he ushered Glenn to his seat at the head of the table.

“Ah! Then you’ve come at the perfect time,” Sylvia said warmly, pulling out a chair for Glenn.

“You’ve finally moved that heavy rear of yours, huh?” Federick smirked at Glenn from his seat.

“And why are you here?” Glenn growled, narrowing his eyes at Federick, who lounged in his chair.

“The Saint was here to see Raon, so I invited him for dinner,” Sylvia interjected quickly, standing close to Federick with a smile.

Both men exchanged glances, letting out small, dry coughs as if attempting to mask their irritation.

“Well, we’ve prepared plenty of food. Please, enjoy,” Sylvia said, clapping her hands to signal the maids.

The maids brought out steaming dishes, filling the air with a savory aroma.

– “Ahh, the smell is divine!”*

Wrath’s tiny nose twitched as he floated closer to the table, his round face lighting up with pure joy.

“This is wine from the south,” Raon said, producing a finely crafted bottle and pouring the first glass for Glenn.

“Hmph!”

Glenn raised his glass toward Federick with a smug expression, clearly pleased to be served first.

“You’re as petty as ever,” Federick muttered, shaking his head as he accepted the second pour.

Raon continued serving wine to everyone at the table before sitting down himself.

“Tonight is a celebration for Raon and the children’s safe return. Let’s enjoy ourselves,” Sylvia announced, starting the dinner with a small clap.

– “That one! Get that one for me! The bread bowl with pasta in it!”*

Wrath stretched his round hands toward the steaming bread bowl.

– “And next, the chili shrimp! Five pieces, no less!”*

“Wait your turn,” Raon muttered, gently swatting Wrath away. He first served stew to Glenn, Federick, and Sylvia.

“Hmph!”

Glenn held up his bowl of stew, glancing triumphantly at Federick.

“Why do you insist on being this childish?” Federick sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.

– “Me next! I want mine now!”*

“Alright, alright. Stop yelling,” Raon sighed as he twirled a forkful of creamy pasta and brought it to Wrath’s expectant face.

– “Ahh, the cream is rich yet savory, awakening the appetite effortlessly!”*

Wrath’s culinary critique began as soon as the food touched his tongue, though his vocabulary remained laughably limited.

“Food here never disappoints,” Glenn remarked, allowing himself a faint smile as he enjoyed the meal.

Federick nodded in agreement, his lips curling slightly in satisfaction.

—

As the table emptied, Federick placed his utensils down and let out a small burp.

“Before coming here, I visited the prisoners you captured.”

“What did you find?” Raon asked, placing the bone from his lamb chop on his plate.

“They were brainwashed in the same manner as the children. All of it was orchestrated by Derus,” Federick replied, his fists trembling with rage.

“Can the brainwashing and the Rage Worms be removed?” Glenn asked, dabbing his mouth with a napkin as he fixed Federick with a sharp gaze.

“The brainwashing will be difficult. The children’s conditioning was brief, but these men were subjected to it their entire lives,” Federick said, gesturing toward Raon with his chin.

“The kind of pain it takes to break that… Raon has already demonstrated it.”

“And the Rage Worms?”

“Those can be removed. It will be agonizing, but considering who they are, I doubt anyone will object to their suffering.”

Federick chuckled, brushing his hands together as if to dismiss further concerns.

“So the children are truly safe now?” Sylvia asked, biting her lip with worry.

“As I’ve said before, thanks to you all, they’ve fully recovered. There’s no need to worry anymore,” Federick assured her, smiling warmly.

“Phew….”

Raon exhaled a deep breath, releasing the tension that had clung to his chest.

‘Thank goodness.’

Knowing that the children, who reminded him so much of his past self, were finally free brought him immense relief.

“Raon, you still plan to support the children in whatever they wish to do?” Federick asked, leaning forward with a serious expression.

“Yes. That hasn’t changed,” Raon affirmed.

“Then you’re in for a tough time,” Federick chuckled, a sly grin spreading across his face.

“Most of them want to follow in your footsteps and become knights.”

“What?”

“They’ve grown up hearing tales of Raon Zieghart’s exploits and witnessing your deeds firsthand. To them, you’re practically a living legend.”

Federick wagged his finger playfully, advising Raon to prepare himself.

“They always ask about you,” Sylvia said, nodding with a chuckle.

“Honestly, they talk about you so much it’s almost jealousy-inducing.”

“Your name has become a kind of scripture to them,” one of the maids added, smiling softly.

“Hrmph!”

Glenn let out a satisfied grunt, clearly pleased to hear that his grandson was idolized.

“Glenn, the children are growing, and their needs are increasing. We could use a bit more support,” Federick said, his tone half-joking.

“Double it.”

Glenn responded without hesitation, immediately approving a doubling of the budget.

“D-Double? Are you serious?” Federick’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Thank you, Father,” Sylvia said, bowing slightly with a gentle smile.

“It’s nothing,” Glenn replied gruffly, quickly turning his head to the side to hide his embarrassment.

—

Raon observed the subtle yet genuine warmth between Glenn and Sylvia, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

‘I hope they can find even more happiness together….’

– “Hey! I’m still hungry!”*

Wrath suddenly jumped into view, waving his stubby hands.

‘How is this a Demon King?’

Raon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as the chaotic meal continued.

—

Far across the continent, atop the snow-covered peak of the towering *Ludan Range*, a fallen angel clad in a youthful mask descended.

Walking gracefully through the blinding blizzard, he approached the summit where the dreaded *Severing Sword* stood guard, wearing its infamous Death Knight helmet.

“Your mood has darkened further,” the fallen angel said with a faint smile, observing the Severing Sword’s icy gaze.

The figure remained silent, lips pressed tightly shut.

“I’m here to see him. Step aside,” the angel said, his tone sharp yet calm.

After a long moment, the Severing Sword stepped aside without a word.

The angel nodded in acknowledgment and strode into the raging black storm.

—

Oddly, within the tempest, there was no wind, only a serene field of vibrant flowers and lush greenery—an oasis of tranquility amidst chaos, like the mythical *Ethereal Gardens*.

“It’s been a while,” the angel said, brushing snow from his pristine robes. His piercing gaze locked onto the man sitting at the garden’s center.

“*Heavenly Demon*.”