The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 748

“Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance?”

The White Blood Cult Leader smirked at the image of Rektor reflected in the final gray screen.

“Do you think someone like you can handle the Holy Sword Alliance?”

She waved her hand dismissively, calling his claim nonsense.

“That’s none of your concern. I’ve already claimed the position of leader,” Rektor replied, tilting his chin smugly as he returned her sneer.

“How arrogant.”

The White Blood Cult Leader uncrossed her legs and leaned forward.

“A decrepit man who used to cower behind the former leader dares to—”

Her voice brimmed with killing intent. “Do you wish to die the moment you’ve become the leader?”

“Let’s all take a moment.”

The Fallen One raised his hand to calm the narrowing eyes of the White Blood Cult Leader before turning toward Rektor.

“Lord Rektor, claiming to be the leader of the Holy Sword Alliance implies that you’ve taken full control of it, correct?”

“Had I not, I wouldn’t have come here,” Rektor replied, his tone as dry as his gaze.

“Impressive. However…”

The Fallen One’s eyes began to glow a sinister red.

“To swallow up such a colossal force so seamlessly… It seems you were prepared for this even before the former leader’s death.”

His snake-like gaze scrutinized Rektor’s every move.

“Interesting…”

Derus Robert leaned back into his throne, stroking his chin as though savoring the intrigue.

“Think what you want.”

Rektor ignored both the White Blood Cult Leader’s mockery and the Fallen One’s provocations. His voice turned colder, showing no hint of attachment.

“If my presence bothers you, I can leave.”

“Good. Leave, then.”

The White Blood Cult Leader scoffed, nodding as though she wouldn’t miss him.

“I don’t need someone like you around,” she added, twisting her lips in disdain.

“Wait.”

Derus raised his hand, stepping in between the two.

“Though there are a few concerning factors, the Five Demons are currently more united than ever. Abandoning a force like the Holy Sword Alliance in such times would be a foolish move.”

He turned to the White Blood Cult Leader with an unyielding stare. “Maintaining the Five Demons won’t harm us.”

“The Holy Sword Alliance was strong because of its previous leader! Do you think this old man can replace that sword-obsessed monster?”

The White Blood Cult Leader tapped her temple with her white finger, urging Derus to think carefully.

“Of course not. He knows that better than anyone.”

Derus shifted his gaze to Rektor, a faint smile on his lips.

“But everyone here can sense that his power is far beyond that of an ordinary transcendent.”

Even the White Blood Cult Leader, though irritated, couldn’t deny Rektor’s strength, furrowing her brow slightly.

“Outside of the leaders of the Six Kings, no one on this continent can match the Sword Demon. Perhaps if the previous Emperor or Sword Emperor returned, or if some prodigy among the Five Kings emerged, it would be a different story.”

Derus spoke with certainty, as though he had measured the strength of every individual on the continent.

“Not true.”

The White Blood Cult Leader shook her head, narrowing her eyes.

“There’s someone, even if he isn’t widely known, who can rival that old man.”

“But that card can’t be played recklessly, can it?” Derus replied with a calm smile, as if he already knew.

“You…”

Her expression hardened.

“How much do you know?”

“Who knows?”

Derus didn’t answer, turning his head away with a mysterious smirk.

“Regardless, we should acknowledge the Sword Demon’s strength and his swift takeover of the Holy Sword Alliance. If there are no objections, let’s proceed with the meeting.”

Derus nodded, inviting dissent by gesturing for anyone to raise their hand.

Neither the Fallen One nor the Black Tower Master moved a muscle, and though the White Blood Cult Leader frowned, she didn’t raise her hand.

“Then…”

Derus glanced at Rektor and nodded.

“As a fellow newcomer, I look forward to working with you.”

“Hmph.”

Rektor snorted and leaned back in his chair as if he had expected this outcome.

“But still…”

The White Blood Cult Leader glared at Derus, her brow furrowing.

“Why is the newcomer running the meeting like he’s in charge?”

“Because I convened this meeting.”

Derus shrugged, as though it were obvious.

“By using the Six Kings’ protocols, I’ve opened a more discreet channel for our operations. Isn’t that worth tolerating?”

He tilted his head slightly, as if asking not to be stingy.

“I don’t mind.”

The Fallen One smiled faintly, his tone indifferent.

*Rumble.*

The Black Tower Master’s screen trembled violently, exuding an ominous energy that gave no clear indication of agreement or dissent.

“It seems there are no objections, so let’s begin—”

“Ah, one moment.”

The Fallen One raised his hand, his chilling smile sharpening.

“Could you tell us which Archangel you summoned?”

His gleaming eyes turned toward Derus.

“Uriel,” Derus answered without hesitation.

“Is that creature on our side?” the White Blood Cult Leader asked, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized him.

“It’s not that simple. It’s more of a mutual-benefit relationship.”

Derus shook his head calmly.

“I help him with his work, and he helps me with mine. You could say it’s similar to our arrangement.”

“So, at least he’s not an enemy,” Rektor remarked, crossing his arms with a faint smirk.

“Correct. As long as we don’t provoke him first, Uriel won’t attack the Five Demons. That, I can guarantee.”

Derus tapped his finger lightly, signaling his assurance.

“I don’t like it.”

The White Blood Cult Leader’s frown deepened.

“What are you hiding?”

“Believe or don’t—it’s up to you. Just don’t provoke Uriel. To put it simply, you could call him the newest addition to the Six Demons.”

Derus smirked, suggesting Uriel could be considered part of the group.

“Does that answer your question?”

“…It does.”

The Fallen One nodded, his eyes steady.

“Then let me ask something.”

Derus leaned against his armrest, his voice calm but probing.

“Why hasn’t the so-called Heavenly Demon made an appearance?”

His dark gaze gleamed with curiosity.

“I went to meet him,” the Fallen One replied, sighing softly.

“But I couldn’t even get close. It seems he’s not ready to appear yet.”

He clicked his tongue as if mildly disappointed.

“Hah, and you can’t even deal with him properly.”

The White Blood Cult Leader scoffed, her eyes filled with disdain.

“As I’ve said countless times, our relationship is one of equals. I can’t simply command him.”

The Fallen One brought his hands together, asking for understanding.

“I see.”

“Yes, exactly.”

Derus and the Fallen One exchanged faint smiles.

“If your questions are resolved, shall we begin the meeting?”

Rektor furrowed his brow, urging them to move along.

“Impatient as always. Very well.”

Derus nodded and spread his right hand.

“Currently, the Five Kings are using the black market’s intelligence network to locate the Five Demons’ headquarters. The moment they pinpoint us, they’ll deploy transcendent forces to wipe us out.”

He smirked, clearly aware of the black market’s movements.

“In this situation, making a direct move is unwise. Acting carelessly could result in being picked off one by one.”

“So, what do you suggest?”

The White Blood Cult Leader gestured impatiently with her pale hand.

“In times like these, the key is to create disturbances externally, rather than internally.”

“Externally?”

“Yes. It’s better to build strength from the edges of the continent.”

A detailed map of the continent unfolded behind Derus.

“The Five Kings have been consolidating their power in the gap we left. If this continues, the difference in strength will crush us. Therefore, we must bolster our forces as well.”

As he raised his hand, lights began to flicker at the edges of the map.

“There are plenty of places untouched by the Five Kings on this vast continent. The distractions created by the Black Tower’s offshoots will also help cover our movements.”

Derus assigned specific regions to each member of the Five Demons, places where they could grow stronger.

“I don’t like this spot.”

The White Blood Cult Leader wrinkled her nose in disapproval.

“Then I’ll take it,” the Fallen One offered, smiling without a care.

“Do as you wish.”

Derus, indifferent, nodded in agreement.

“The locations I’ve chosen are lands filled with ancient relics and dungeons. They’ll be dangerous and challenging, but the rewards will far exceed the risks.”

He curled his lips into a cold smile, clenching his fist.

“Send trustworthy subordinates to grow their strength. We’ll need every sharp blade we can muster for the coming war.”

Derus bared his teeth, emphasizing the need to keep moving forward.

“Don’t state the obvious,” the White Blood Cult Leader snapped, furrowing her brow and shaking her head. “And don’t talk like you’re giving orders. It makes me want to kill you.”

Her eyes glimmered with a chilling threat, demanding he remember his place.

“Understood,” Derus replied with a tranquil smile, seemingly unfazed by her murderous intent.

“Hmph.” The White Blood Cult Leader snorted and erased her gray screen from the meeting.

*Rumble.*

The third gray screen, which reflected the Black Tower Master, also disappeared in an instant, its owner silently ending their participation without uttering a single word.

“A pointless meeting,” Rektor muttered coldly before vanishing from the gray screen.

“Lord Derus…”

The Fallen One gazed at the now-empty screen where Rektor had been and smiled faintly.

“Do you trust Lord Rektor?”

“Who knows?” Derus gestured for the Fallen One to continue, his expression expectant.

“Lord Rektor has saved Raon Zieghart three times now. While he always used the excuse of the Holy Sword Alliance, I suspect he has another agenda.”

The Fallen One avoided making a definitive statement, leaving his words vague.

“I share the sentiment,” Derus said with a thin smile. “Whatever his motives may be, it’s true that we need his power for now.”

Derus’s lips curled slightly as he spoke.

“And, of course, there’s much to exploit. Don’t you agree?”

“You’ve gathered quite a bit of information while playing the hero, haven’t you? Have you planted spies among us as well?”

The Fallen One smiled, his tone light despite the loaded question.

“It’s the same with you,” Derus replied, tilting his chin with an equally relaxed smile.

The two transcendent beings exchanged sharp smiles as though probing each other’s intentions before ending the meeting.

“Shrewd bastard.”

Derus scoffed as he erased the screen showing the Fallen One.

“So, he’s met the Heavenly Demon after all.”

Although the Fallen One claimed he hadn’t met the Heavenly Demon, Derus was certain he had. He suspected the Heavenly Demon was preparing something, even if he hadn’t taken action yet.

“Lord Derus.”

Kubara, who had been observing the meeting from the background, stepped forward.

“Are you planning to hide the fact that Raon Zieghart wields the power of the Demon King?”

Kubara bowed slightly, his tone laden with curiosity.

“That card is too valuable for those fools to use.”

Derus shook his head lightly, his cold eyes twisting into a sinister smile.

“I alone—only I—am worthy of crushing Raon Zieghart.”

—

“Haa…”

Rektor leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long sigh.

“Well done, Master—or rather, Leader.”

Muston approached Rektor and bowed his head.

“Just call me Master like you always have,” Rektor replied, waving a tired hand as he slumped into his chair like a liquid mass.

“Are you all right?”

“I’ve just lost a bit of energy,” Rektor assured him, waving away the concern.

‘They’re not easy opponents.’

Sitting behind the previous leader of the Holy Sword Alliance had been entirely different. Even through a virtual meeting, the pressure from the participants felt suffocating.

‘But it’s not unbearable.’

Though Derus Robert’s power was vast and seemingly endless, the other three were not on the same level. While he couldn’t defeat them, he thought he might be able to stall them for a while.

‘Derus and the Fallen One must be suspicious of me.’

Given their intelligence and keen observation, it was impossible for them not to harbor doubts. He was certain they had ulterior motives.

‘Still, I have to keep going.’

It was too late to turn back now. Having climbed onto the tiger’s back, he would have to ride it to the end, even if his body and soul were torn apart.

‘For Raon and Sylvia.’

As a father-in-law and grandfather, he had done nothing for them. He was determined to use this aging life of his to provide them with critical information and opportunities, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

“Hoo…”

Rektor let out a short sigh and lowered his gaze.

“What about the Formless Sword Lord and the White Demon Swordsman?”

“They still refuse to acknowledge you as the leader,” Muston replied, grimacing as though the situation was far from easy.

“Of course. They joined because they were captivated by the Holy Sword Alliance’s madness…”

Rektor shook his head, lamenting that nothing came easily. His eyes caught a squirrel outside the window. It froze as if sensing danger, clutching an unripe fruit in its mouth before scurrying down a tree.

“Master?”

“It’s nothing.”

Rektor rose from his chair and descended the platform.

“I’ll have to go see them myself.”

Though his broad shoulders exuded reliability, there was an air of solitude about him.

—

*Clang!*

Raon and Burren’s swords clashed and separated violently.

“Huff…”

Burren gasped for air, bending over with a pale face as if he were standing before an insurmountable wall.

“Your sword isn’t bad,” Raon remarked, lowering the Heavenly Drive with a nod. “It’s fast, precise, and sharp. But that’s all. The essence of each sword form isn’t connected.”

Though Gale Swordsmanship was excellent, Burren couldn’t fully integrate its techniques into his combat style.

“You should know why that is.”

Raon struck Burren’s thigh with the flat of his blade.

*Thud!*

Burren staggered back, biting his lip.

“Refined elegance,” Raon said, following him closely and speaking in an icy tone. “You can’t let go of the finesse you’ve had since the beginning.”

Raon struck at Burren’s openings, narrowing his eyes.

“If you’re going to incorporate it, do it completely. If you’re going to discard it, discard it entirely. Right now, you’re doing neither.”

“Ugh!”

Burren coughed, blood flecking his lips as he collapsed to his knees.

“Hah… Hah…”

He panted heavily, struggling to catch his breath.

“If you don’t make a clear decision, the gap between you and Martha or Runaan will only widen.”

“I know,” Burren said, nodding as he forced himself to his feet. “I’ll figure it out. Let’s continue.”

Just as he steadied himself to resume, Raon raised a hand to stop him.

“You’ve reached your limit. If you push further, you won’t improve—you’ll injure yourself and regress. Besides, it’s already late.”

Raon pointed to the moonlit night sky, indicating how much time had passed. Most swordsmen had already left to eat dinner.

– Eye-boy’s personality really has changed.

Wrath rubbed his nose, commenting on how Burren’s determination would ultimately lead him to great heights.

‘Of course.’

Raon nodded. Because he trusted Burren, he had been pushing him harder than anyone else.

“I see. It’s already this late,” Burren said with a regretful smile as he lowered his sword.

“I’ll just have to wait again.”

As he turned to leave for personal training—

“Raon! Burren!”

Dorian burst in over the wall, a loaf of bread still in his mouth.

“The Central Martial Palace Lord has emerged from the Room of Ego!”

He waved his arms wildly, shouting that the master had gone to the family head’s hall.

“Are you going?” Burren asked, pausing mid-step.

“I am.” Raon nodded, sheathing the Heavenly Drive.

With heavy steps, Raon left the training ground, letting out a short sigh.

‘Karoon Zieghart.’

Whether Karoon had taken his place before him, or still held onto it…