The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman

After informing the residents of the annex that he intended to leave for Habun Fortress, Raon headed straight to the Head Of House’s residence.

“Oh!”

Roenn, who had been cleaning the residence, widened his eyes when he saw him.

“You’ve returned.”

He let out a hearty laugh, as if he hadn’t expected Raon to visit so soon.

“I have something to tell the Head Of House.”

Raon stood before the doors of the audience chamber and straightened his clothes.

“Please, go in.”

Roenn began opening the door, saying that Glenn was already inside.

“No. I’ll do it.”

Raon gripped the handle himself and pushed the door open. The door slid open smoothly, as if well-oiled, revealing the audience chamber bathed in the colors of the evening sunset.

Beneath the vivid, sinking purple glow, Glenn sat upon the throne. His eyes were closed, and the mysterious, noble aura he exuded made him seem almost like someone not of this world.

‘What is this…?’

Raon swallowed hard as he looked at Glenn.

‘Grandfather…’

It felt as though he had vanished from this world.

Glenn was clearly present before him, yet he looked blurred, as if he existed somewhere else.

However, there was no sense of evil or sinister energy. Instead, a divine energy emanated from him, making Raon feel as though he couldn’t even bring himself to speak.

》”Ho?”

Wrath let out a deep exclamation of admiration.

》”I feel it every time I see him, but that old geezer is truly a fascinating human.”

He nodded, finding the sight both curious and impressive.

‘What does that mean…?’

Just as Raon was about to ask Wrath about Glenn’s state…

“Hmm…”

As if he had sensed Raon’s gaze, Glenn slowly lifted his eyelids. As his pupils merged with the color of the sunset, the mysterious energy that had permeated the audience chamber vanished in an instant.

“My apologies. I was lost in thought for a moment.”

Glenn raised a hand to brush back his disheveled hair. He returned to his usual solemn demeanor, as if he had just stepped back into this world.

“…It’s nothing.”

Raon shook his head as he entered the chamber.

‘I can’t find the words.’

He wanted to ask Glenn what had happened, but strangely, his mouth wouldn’t open. He was afraid that the man might vanish like a bubble.

“Yes. What is it?”

Glenn looked down at him with a faint smile.

“I intend to leave the family for a while.”

Raon bowed to Glenn and stated the purpose of his visit.

“Leave the family?”

Glenn’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Did you not participate in today’s meeting?”

His expression suggested he couldn’t understand why Raon would choose to leave at such a critical time, when the successor selection had begun.

“No. I heard everything.”

Raon stood before a pillar and shook his head, confirming that he had listened carefully.

“There are simply things I must do first.”

Since there was no telling when Derus might start the war, Raon needed to meet the Demon Kings as quickly as possible and persuade them to stop the Archangel.

The position of Head Of House was desirable, but more importantly, he wanted to defeat Derus and save both the Zieghart family and the continent.

“I know better than anyone that your achievements are remarkable.”

Glenn rested his hand on the armrest.

“In the history of Zieghart, there has likely never been anyone who accumulated achievements as quickly as you. However…”

His gaze turned cold and sharp.

“If you become too complacent, you may be devoured.”

“What do you mean by…?”

“Considering how difficult it is to earn a Gold Badge, it wouldn’t be strange to calculate it as 5 points, but I set Bronze Badges at 1 point, Silver Badges at 2, and Gold Badges at 3.”

Glenn tapped his fingers against the armrest of the throne, as if playing a piano.

“So you did that on purpose.”

Raon’s eyebrows lowered slightly.

‘I knew something was off.’

Bronze and Silver Badges were often awarded even during minor missions, but Gold Badges were given only to swordsmen who performed truly outstanding feats or to the leaders who led them.

He had thought the points for Gold Badges were too low, and it seemed that had been Glenn’s intention.

“Indeed. You have built up a great deal until now, but you could be overtaken completely during the short period of the successor selection.”

Glenn nodded, explaining that he had lowered the points for Gold Badges specifically for that reason.

“May I ask why?”

Raon let out a heavy breath and looked at Glenn.

“Because I want all of you to devour one another.”

Glenn calmly lowered his chin.

“A sword becomes sharper the more it is hammered, and harder the more it is heated in the fire.”

He wanted the swordsmen to grow through the competition for succession. It wasn’t simply about selecting a successor. He wanted to make the entire family stronger.

“Furthermore, by finding and solving missions on their own, they can build not only martial power, but also mental strength and experience.”

Glenn closed his eyes, then opened them again, saying that he had prepared the successor selection test with all of this in mind.

“Ha…”

Raon let out a short, hollow laugh.

“Grandfather, you never do anything without a reason, do you?”

He had suspected there were hidden intentions, but he hadn’t realized they went that far. He felt that he was still far inferior to Glenn.

“Once you reach this position, you will be able to do the same. No, you will do it better than anyone.”

Glenn wore a gentle smile, as if he could already see that future.

“However, I cannot force you. It is your choice, so I accept it. Go on your way.”

He waved his hand, indicating that he would not oppose Raon’s decision.

“Thank you. It may be a different path, but I will not disappoint you.”

Raon bowed deeply to Glenn and left the audience chamber.

“No matter where you go or what you do…”

Glenn watched the door Raon had exited through, a faint smile on his lips.

“I believe in you.”

With those final words, he closed his eyes again. The mysterious aura from before was gone.

Only the cold winter wind knocked against the window.

===

On a night when the moon hung high.

“Why the sudden assembly in the middle of the night?”

Krein tilted his head, looking around at the Light Wind Palace swordsmen gathered before the platform.

“I don’t know…”

Dorian rubbed his sleepy eyes and smacked his lips.

“He’s going to talk about the successor test.”

Burren stood before Dorian and Krein, straightening his back.

“The other martial units are already moving to find or create missions.”

He nodded, saying that the Light Wind Palace also needed to prepare missions for Raon’s sake.

“I don’t really get it…”

Runaan let out a wide yawn, looking completely clueless. She seemed very sleepy.

“Even if you don’t get it, you have to do it.”

Martha gave Runaan a firm pat on the back and clenched her fist.

“For his sake, we have to achieve whatever it takes.”

She wore a determined expression, as if she were willing to risk her life for Raon.

“That’s right.”

Mark Gorton nodded with a serious gaze, seemingly sharing Martha’s sentiment.

“Is… is it really winter? Why is there so much heat… Ugh!”

Dorian recoiled in fear and nearly fell backward.

“What are you doing?”

Krein frowned, grabbing Dorian by the shoulder to steady him.

“I-I don’t know. My legs suddenly gave out.”

Dorian let out a shaky breath, confused by his own reaction.

“You’re a Master, and you still can’t even keep your balance?”

Just as Krein snorted in disdain and smacked the back of Dorian’s head…

Boom!

Raon threw the doors open and entered the training hall.

“Everyone’s gathered.”

He quickly scanned the Light Wind Palace swordsmen and stepped up onto the platform.

“I have something to tell you.”

Holding Heavenly Drive, Raon looked down at the swordsmen.

“We already know!”

Krein quickly raised his hand, saying there was no need for words.

“You want us to create or find missions, right? Don’t worry! I, Krein, the power player and vanguard of the Light Wind Palace, will go out right now and find a mission…”

He grinned broadly, making it obvious that he wanted to impress Raon.

“Nope.”

Raon shook his head firmly.

“Huh?”

“Not that?”

“If not missions, then what?”

Not only Krein, but the other swordsmen also widened their eyes in surprise at Raon’s answer.

“I’ll be heading to Habun Fortress with Yua and Yulius. In the meantime, all of you should carry out as many missions as possible.”

Raon rotated his wrists as if warming up, acting as if it were no big deal.

“H-Habun Fortress?”

Burren’s lips trembled.

“You brat! Why are you leaving at such a critical moment?!”

For the first time in a long while, he shouted at Raon, dropping the formalities.

“I get it…”

Runaan blinked and nodded, though she seemed half-asleep already.

“H-he’s serious! That man really intends to leave without doing any missions!”

Dorian’s jaw dropped as he read Raon’s mind. He gasped sharply, unable to believe it.

“You have a reason, right?”

Martha asked without panicking, showing that she trusted Raon’s words for now.

“Of course.”

“Fine then.”

She crossed her arms and nodded, satisfied with that answer.

“You can’t just end it with ‘Fine then’! This isn’t just anything. It’s the succession!”

Burren stomped his foot hard, trying to wake the others up.

“My father has already found a mission and is ready to leave!”

Frustrated, he even mentioned Karoon’s movements.

“Then you guys do it.”

Raon extended his hand toward the Light Wind Palace.

“What? We do it?”

“What does that mean…?”

“Do… do what?”

The swordsmen blinked blankly at each other, completely confused.

“I’m saying you guys should compete for the succession. Find missions, complete them on your own, and bring back Zieghart badges.”

Raon clapped his hands, telling them to participate in the competition in his stead.

“Eh?”

Burren’s pupils shook violently, as if they had turned into question marks.

“W-we become the successor?”

Krein’s mouth also fell open.

“How can we compete?! We’re far behind in both achievements and skill!”

Trevin shook his head, insisting that it was impossible.

“That’s why you have to clash. Even if you break, you’ll gain something. This successor test isn’t a simple selection process. The Head Of House…”

Raon relayed the conversation he had with Glenn in the audience chamber to the Light Wind Palace swordsmen.

“I see.”

Burren nodded, finally understanding Raon’s intent.

“Competing like that would definitely lead to growth. As expected of the Head Of House.”

Martha let out a breath, amazed by Glenn’s intention.

“…”

Runaan, already deep in sleep, nodded her head with a soft snoring sound.

“Of course, you’re right. Your achievements are one thing, but your skills are severely lacking. However, there’s no need to worry. Because I’m here.”

Raon curled his lips into a smile, a cold glint in his eyes.

“N-no way…”

Krein’s jaw trembled as a sense of dread finally washed over him.

“Yes, way. I’ll give you some very special training before I leave.”

Raon smiled brightly, telling them they could look forward to it just like the training before the war.

“Aaaagh…”

“W-we’re doing that again?”

“I’d rather just die! Just stab me now!”

The moment they heard the words “special training,” the swordsmen began crawling across the floor, drooling like conditioned dogs.

“I wondered why he wasn’t doing it…”

Burren let out a deep sigh, having expected this to some extent.

“True. We have rested quite a bit.”

Martha clenched and unclenched her fist, bracing herself.

“N-no…”

Even in her sleep, Runaan’s lips fluttered like a baby bird, expressing her hatred for special training.

“Finally! I’ve been waiting for this!”

Trevin, conversely, was pleased and immediately drew his sword.

“Aaaah! I knew I had a bad feeling about this…”

Dorian clutched his head, realizing why his legs had given out.

“Then we’ll start with…”

“Hic!”

Krein stepped forward with a sob, sensing his fate.

“Krein. You’re for later.”

Raon didn’t gesture to Krein, but to Dorian.

“Dorian, you’re coming with me. Let’s get your beating out of the way. No, let’s call it ‘training’ first.”

“Y-you just said ‘beating’ instead of ‘training’…”

“It’s just your imagination. Come here.”

It wasn’t his imagination. Raon beckoned him with a smile that looked like he truly wanted to kill him.

“Ah, in exchange, I’ll do Krein last. I’ll pour all my remaining strength into making you strong.”

Raon gave Krein a bloodthirsty gesture before walking toward Dorian.

“AAAAAAAGH!”

“GUEEEEEEGH!”

The screams of the first and last two swordsmen of the training session echoed violently through the night training hall.

===

“Are you ready?”

Raon gestured to Yua, who was wearing a cute backpack.

“Yes! All set!”

Yua nodded, patting her backpack to tell him not to worry.

“Raon. Why aren’t you asking me?”

Evelyn frowned, a small bag slung diagonally across her shoulder.

“Am I invisible to you?”

She leaned in with a flushed face, urging him to speak.

“A-are you ready?”

Raon leaned his upper body back and spoke quickly.

“Call me by my name.”

“E-Evelyn. Are you ready…?”

“Yep! All set! I only need you, so I’m ready.”

Evelyn smiled brightly, claiming that Raon himself was her only necessary supply.

“Uh…”

Raon swallowed hard and took another step away from Evelyn.

》”Guh…”

Wrath foamed at the mouth in horror, even though Evelyn hadn’t even startled him.

‘I’m still not getting used to this.’

It felt as though Evelyn’s sense of personal space had completely vanished, leaving him tense every single moment.

“L-let’s go.”

Feeling deeply exhausted even before they had departed, Raon opened the door to the annex.

“Have a safe trip.”

Sylvia, who was in the garden, waved her hand, telling him to take good care of Yua and Yulius.

“Don’t stay away too long.”

Edgar nodded, telling him to return quickly.

“Mother, Father, don’t worry. I’m here! If he tries not to come back, I’ll drag him back myself!”

Evelyn beamed, claiming that she would handle everything.

“Ah…”

“R-right. We’ll leave it to you…”

Sylvia and Edgar replied quickly and looked away, seemingly overwhelmed by Evelyn.

“Please have a safe journey.”

Judiel bowed, wishing them a comfortable trip.

“Raon! Buy me a present!”

Sia waved, saying she would be waiting.

“Yeah. I’ll be back.”

Raon smiled and held Sia’s hand.

‘Noona has changed a lot too.’

Actually, he had intended to take Sia on this trip, but she had voluntarily stayed behind, saying that her swordsmanship training was currently too interesting. It seemed she had completely moved past her rebellious phase.

“We’re leaving now.”

Raon bowed to his family and left the annex with Evelyn, Yua, and Yulius.

“S-should I carry it for you?”

Yulius glanced sideways and reached for Yua’s bag.

“I’m fine. It’s light!”

Yua smiled, saying she was okay.

“I-I was just asking…”

When his courageous attempt failed, Yulius looked down in disappointment.

“Since we’re like this, doesn’t it feel like two couples on a trip?”

Evelyn clapped her hands, loving the atmosphere.

“C-couple?! Absolutely not!”

Yulius shook his head violently, telling her not to look at him and Yua that way.

“I agree! I see it that way too!”

Yua nodded, saying she understood what Evelyn meant.

“Stop saying such childish thi— Huh? R-really?”

Yulius was about to shout at her to stop talking nonsense, but his face brightened instantly at Yua’s words.

“You really think so…?”

“Of course, not as a couple!”

Yua waved her hand, clarifying that it wasn’t that kind of atmosphere.

“Ah…”

Yulius’s bright expression darkened once again.

“Phew.”

Raon let out a sigh of relief.

‘Thank goodness. At least those two are cute.’

He thought the trip would be suffocating because of Evelyn, but thanks to Yua and Yulius, it seemed it might be somewhat enjoyable.

“We have a long way to go, so let’s hurry.”

Raon led the three of them toward Zieghart’s main gate.

As he approached the Holy Wall to ask Outer Chief Iliyun to open the gate, he saw a familiar person.

“Darkhan?”

Raon’s eyes widened as he saw Darkhan leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

“Why are you here…?”

“I was waiting for you.”

“Me? Then you could have just come to the annex.”

“Because I must leave as well.”

Darkhan rotated his ankle, saying that the time had come for him to leave Zieghart.

“I waited because there was something I had to tell you before I left. Raon Zieghart, you…”

He looked at Raon and placed his hand on the hilt of the Black Sword.

“Do you know the secret of the Holy Sword Alliance’s sanctuary?”