The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman

"A duel… Ah!"

Raon nodded as he looked at Glenn.

'That's right. It was postponed.'

When he returned to the family after reaching Transcendence, Glenn had suggested a light duel. At the time, Aris wasn't in good condition, so they had indefinitely postponed it. It seemed Glenn wanted to have that duel now.

"It would be an honor."

He bowed, saying he would gladly accept Glenn's instruction.

-Krrgh!

Wrath screamed in protest, clutching his head.

-It's going to get even noisier now! How am I supposed to sleep?!

'I'll try to be quiet.'

-Like you can keep things quiet while fighting that old geezer!

Wrath ground his teeth, insisting there was no way it could stay quiet.

"Don't get too excited."

Glenn slowly raised the [Heavenly Tremor]'s blade.

"I won't be going easy on you."

He nodded slightly, as if telling Raon to come at him with everything he had.

"Hm…"

Raon bit his lip as he stared at Glenn.

'No openings.'

Or rather, was everything an opening?

Glenn was simply standing with his sword, yet it felt like facing an insurmountable wall.

It was like he had no openings whatsoever—or perhaps, everything about him seemed like an opening.

-That's what a true natural stance looks like.

Wrath narrowed his eyes.

-Every place that looks attackable or not… they're all traps.

He clicked his tongue, saying that this entire space was already consumed by Glenn.

"Not coming?"

Glenn smiled faintly, cloaked in a heavy and sharp energy.

"If you hesitate, you'll lose without even swinging your sword."

He was right. Just standing before Glenn made Raon's head spin and cold sweat run down his back. Glenn's energy was slowly invading his space.

'Then I'll just have to go in with force.'

Raon let out a murky breath and drew the [Heavenly Drive] and [Soul Requiem Sword]. The intent within the newly forged blades slowly calmed his unstable emotions.

Rumble!

He planted the [Heavenly Drive] and [Soul Requiem Sword] into the ground, opening his mental world.

[Sword Field Creation].

[Divine-Demonic Harmony].

A red sun and blue moon rose into a cloudy, dark night sky.

The aura of heat and cold poured down on Raon like stage lights.

KWAHHHH!

With the sacred sword forged in the flames of the sun and the demonic sword sculpted in the frost of the moon, Raon once again stood before Glenn.

'The swords are giving me strength.'

He could feel the sacred sword's flames and the demonic sword's frost radiating stronger energy than before.

As the [Heavenly Drive] and [Soul Requiem Sword] were enhanced, the might of [Divine-Demonic Harmony] had clearly risen as well.

"I'm coming."

With that short phrase, Raon unleashed the [Supreme Harmony Steps]. He dashed toward Glenn's left, leaving behind a crimson flash that tore through the darkness.

Fwoosh!

The moment his foot touched the ground, he twisted his wrist gripping the swords.

Within the sacred sword's flame rampaged the mad beast of [Fangs of Insanity], and atop the demonic sword's frost bloomed the chilling wind of [Glacier].

CRAAANG!

Combining Sheryl's dual-blade technique with the essence of [Fangs of Insanity] and [Glacier], he aimed for Glenn's shoulder and waist.

"Judging your opponent's power and going all out from the start…"

Glenn nodded, seemingly pleased.

"A good strategy—but too light."

He slipped the [Heavenly Tremor]'s blade through the narrow seam where the sacred and demonic swords converged.

It was a single strike that shattered the synchronous flow of the dual-blade technique like clockwork.

CLAAANG!

Though Glenn's strike was light, it carried the weight of a thousand pounds. The [Fangs of Insanity] and [Glacier] shattered simultaneously, and Raon was violently flung backward.

"Huff…"

Raon brushed the sweat from his brow as if nothing happened and re-gripped his swords.

"Then I'll come at you a bit heavier."

Biting his lip, he stepped into [Supreme Harmony Steps]. The speed darkened his vision as he surged forward, slashing both swords at Glenn.

BOOOOM!

The sacred sword's flame roared into the shape of a dragon, while the demonic sword's frost shimmered into a glowing white orb.

[Flame Dragon Technique] and [Midair Cannon]—some of the most powerful strikes—detonated simultaneously.

KWAANG!

The entire Zieghart grounds seemed to tremble. The floor of the training hall twisted, and brown fissures cracked across the sky.

"That was rather spicy."

Glenn dusted his hand lightly, having taken the brunt of [Midair Cannon] and [Flame Dragon Technique] head-on without a scratch.

'Still didn't break through.'

Raon furrowed his brows as he looked at Glenn standing amidst the fading mist.

'Overpowering him isn't an option.'

Glenn hadn't even used his full strength, yet he had blocked both techniques. Overwhelming him with brute force was impossible.

"Then it's my turn."

Glenn casually swung his sword. It was a loose, almost warming-up strike—but the result was anything but light.

BOOOOOM!

The black night sky split open, unleashing a red thunderbolt. Glenn's [Thunder Aura] was faster and fiercer than a thunderclap.

'Can't just block…'

If he let himself be pushed back once, the duel would be over without him ever swinging properly.

No matter how fierce the attack, he had to keep a counter in mind.

Fwoosh!

First, he raised a [Flame Barrier] with the sacred sword to stop the falling lightning.

Then he braced his body against the violent force of the thunder and lifted the demonic sword he'd angled downward.

SZZZZZ!

A white wave bloomed from the demonic sword's blade, devouring the red lightning crashing through the [Flame Barrier]. It was a counterattack technique—[White Shadow Slash].

"Sharp!"

Glenn nodded in amusement and twisted the [Heavenly Tremor]'s blade. Splinters of lightning burst like a spray and shattered [White Shadow Slash].

"I suppose I can go a bit harder."

Smacking his lips briefly, Glenn stepped forward. [Thunder Aura] concentrated in the [Heavenly Tremor] surged as red beams, transcending the very concept of speed.

CLAAANG!

Raon crossed the sacred and demonic swords diagonally to block the strike, but it wasn't perfect. The [Thunder Aura] pierced his aura, pressing into his bones and flesh.

"From here on, you'd better keep your eyes wide open."

Glenn lifted the [Heavenly Tremor] above his head.

Above the blade, the vast night sky and red lightning crackled. It was the sword path of the [Heavenly Thunder Art] he had once taught Raon.

RUMBLE!

But this was no mere demonstration—it held a power on a different level than when he had first taught it. Glenn clearly hadn't been bluffing about not holding back.

'Still… I have to endure.'

Raon gritted his teeth and raised his swords against a strike that seemed to contain the very heavens.

For a swordsman, watching Glenn's techniques in action was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He had to learn whatever he could, no matter the cost.

'So this is how the [Heavenly Thunder Art] is really used.'

Facing the real thing, Raon finally understood how to wield it moving forward.

A sword that pressured the enemy's breath. The [Heavenly Thunder Art] wasn't just about speed and strength—it was a brutal technique that gnawed at both body and spirit.

"You're holding up well. I can raise it further."

Glenn smiled and poured even more [Thunder Aura] into the [Heavenly Tremor]. Waves of red lightning engulfed the fifth training ground.

'It's breaking through…'

The [Thunder Aura] penetrated the sacred sword's flame and the demonic sword's frost, stacking pressure against Raon's body.

The pain and numbness that started at his fingertips began to spread throughout his entire body.

"Thunder Aura isn't just about speed and power."

Glenn spoke quietly, his sword's flow hard to track—sometimes profound, sometimes beastly sharp.

"Hm…"

Raon bit his lip. He knew the sword path, but his body moved slower under the weight of the Thunder Aura, making it hard to block. It felt like sinking deeper into a swamp the longer the fight continued.

"Penetration."

Glenn looked at him with calm eyes that belied the intensity of the duel.

"Thunder Aura has the power to pierce an opponent's aura. If you don't consciously resist it, it'll hit every time."

He smiled faintly, saying Thunder Aura was incredibly useful in prolonged battles.

"You're probably having trouble moving now, so let's end this."

It seemed Glenn had intended to show the proper use of the [Heavenly Thunder Art] and Thunder Aura from the start. He was about to finish the duel.

But Raon had yet to try everything he came here to do. He couldn't end it like this.

FWOOOSH!

As Glenn brought the [Heavenly Tremor] down toward his shoulder, Raon exhaled sharply and unleashed a new power.

RUMBLE!

The [Askarai's Fighting Spirit], embedded in his swords, expelled the numbing Thunder Aura from his body. The will of a king did not yield—even to Glenn's Thunder Aura. In a split second, it restored Raon's body and mind to their original state.

CLAAANG!

Raon stomped his right foot and struck the [Heavenly Tremor] with both blades.

[Raon Zieghart Swordsmanship].

[Form Six: Divine-Demonic Harmony—Azure Crimson Invincible Blade].

The flames and frost burning along the straight blades exploded like a final breath, sweeping toward Glenn's entire body.

"What…?"

For the first time, Glenn's eyes wavered in surprise. Not at the [Azure Crimson Invincible Blade], but at the fact that Raon had moved at all despite being overwhelmed by Thunder Aura.

CRACKLE!

Even in that brief moment of shock, Glenn slashed through the flames and frost of [Azure Crimson Invincible Blade] with the [Heavenly Tremor], extinguishing them in an instant.

'I expected that.'

Even with [Askarai's Fighting Spirit], the gap between him and Glenn was still vast. There was no way he could truly break through.

Which is why he had prepared his final move.

SZZZZ!

The [Woodwheel Sword] slid out of its scabbard and shot toward Glenn's back. It was [Void Kill]—a unique swordplay that fused [Silent Slash], [Void Slash], and [Spatial Blade].

RUMBLE!

The shockwave of the reborn [Azure Crimson Invincible Blade] struck from the front, while [Void Kill] tore in from behind. Glenn's pupils narrowed as he was besieged from both sides.

"Hah!"

A deep smile finally appeared on Glenn's lips.

"Impressive."

At his murmur of praise, a Thunder Aura unlike anything so far erupted.

What had been a marble-sized spark expanded in an instant, crushing both [Azure Crimson Invincible Blade] and [Void Kill].

"Urgh…"

Raon rolled across the ground, letting out a weary breath.

If Glenn had unleashed that Thunder Aura in earnest, he'd be dead. He had clearly held back to the end. Glenn's true power was still beyond his reach.

Thunk!

The sacred and demonic swords returned to their original forms, embedding into the ground, and the [Woodwheel Sword] flew across the room, stabbing into the wall.

"Huff…"

As he panted and lifted his gaze, he saw Glenn smiling down at him.

"Looks like you gained something again."

Glenn returned the [Heavenly Drive], [Soul Requiem Sword], and [Woodwheel Sword] and handed them to Raon.

"You always exceed my expectations, but this time… I'm truly surprised."

His voice carried sincere admiration.

"Thank you."

Raon bowed deeply, saying he'd been able to test many things thanks to him.

"All three swords have different personalities, yet they suit you well. I'm looking forward to what's next."

Glenn nodded, congratulating him on acquiring such fine weapons.

"I won't let you down."

Raon sheathed the swords and stood, smiling faintly.

"Hmm, by the way…"

Glenn's expression suddenly darkened as he stepped closer.

"How close are you to Karoon?" (T/N: This grampa. Are you for real????!! HAHAHAHAHA)

He suddenly brought up Karoon with a furrowed brow.

"Um… not that close, really."

Raon tilted his head, then shook it. Glenn seemed to want them to grow closer, but Raon honestly explained that they weren't yet.

"I see…"

Oddly, Glenn's lips curled upward slightly, as if he liked the answer.

"Right. I do think it's cool he's changed and is trying to atone for the past, but we're not close yet."

"What's cool about that guy?! Absolutely not!"

Glenn shook his head, saying it wasn't even close.

"Just… keep it exactly like it is now."

He patted Raon's shoulder and left the training ground with a much lighter step.

"Uh…"

Raon blinked in confusion as he watched Glenn leave.

'Wait… Is Karoon an enemy?'

-Yaaawn.

Wrath yawned loudly and shook his head.

-I'm just wondering when these idiots will finally catch on.

He smacked himself on the head, urging Raon to go to sleep already.

—

"From now on, your name is 'Black Wave'! It means burying your enemies in waves of death!"

A swordsman from Light Wind Unit 1 raised his black sword and grinned.

"That wave's nothing! You can't even reach the toes of this 'Green Tide ver.3'! Just look at this dazzling blade!"

A Unit 2 swordsman admired his sword, infused with a soft green glow.

"Super Hacksar, Destiny of Fate—I'm sorry! But now, the new sword, 'Storm of the Storm,' is calling my soul!"

The Unit 3 swordsman hugged his sword, where a blue wind swirled, tears in his eyes.

"Haa…"

Raon sighed deeply as he watched the Light Wind swordsmen reveal their long-standing madness over naming swords.

'They're still like that.'

They'd done the same back when Light Wind started—naming swords with ridiculous names and competing. Even now, they hadn't changed.

Still, they weren't the only ones happy.

Every Light Wind swordsman had received a sword forged from a dragon's bone, and laughter filled the fifth training ground instead of training shouts.

"This sword really is the best…"

Runaan blinked blankly as she swung her new sword, shaped like her original [Snow Flower].

"Nothing beats what you're used to."

Martha smiled broadly, clearly satisfied with her newly forged weapon based on the one Denier had given her.

'Hm? That presence…'

As Raon smiled, watching everyone admire their swords, he sensed a familiar energy approaching the fifth training ground.

Thunk.

The doors opened, and Mark Gorton entered, wearing a gray robe.

"Huh?"

"Sir Mark Gorton!"

"You're back?"

Dorian, Burren, and Martha rushed to him with delight.

"It's been a while."

Mark Gorton gave a light nod to the Light Wind swordsmen and stepped up to the platform.

"Leader. I've returned after completing my training at the Holy Sword Alliance." (T/N: Oh yeah. I forgot about his training there.)

He knelt with a heavier gaze than before.

"Welcome back."

Raon descended to meet him.

"You seem to have gained a lot."

"Day by day, I trained earnestly—and I found a small path."

Mark Gorton smiled faintly, saying that training never betrays.

"Just as you said, Sir Lawrence may seem cold, but he's deeply considerate. He helped me in many ways whenever I visited."

He nodded, saying he grew thanks to Lawrence's support.

"That does sound like him. Though I'm sure Sir Lawrence was annoyed."

Raon narrowed his eyes, examining Mark Gorton's aura.

'You've grown a lot.'

Even if it wasn't a short time, Mark had improved tremendously.

Before leaving for the Holy Sword Alliance, he was about even with Runaan and Martha. Now, he stood a little ahead of them.

It seemed he would be the first to break through the wall of Grandmaster.

-He's even found composure.

'True.'

Mark, once called a genius, had stagnated at the entrance to Master-level and always seemed impatient.

Now he had the calm air of a seasoned warrior.

"I wanted to return right after hearing about Vice Leader Rimmer, but the Alliance Master stopped me. Said Rimmer wouldn't want me to leave training behind."

Mark bit his lip, apologizing for missing Rimmer's funeral.

"No, that was the right call."

Raon shook his head with a smile.

'Master would've said the same.'

Rimmer was always indifferent to death. If he knew Mark had missed his funeral due to training, he would've been pleased.

"But it seems… something's changed."

Mark glanced around at the swordsmen curiously.

"We got new swords!"

Dorian waved his weapon excitedly.

"Swords? Oh, from that dragon?"

Mark nodded in understanding.

"Sir Mark, wouldn't now be a good time to forge a new blade?"

They gestured toward the others' swords and suggested he make one too.

"It's a great opportunity, but the sword our Leader gave me is enough."

Mark shook his head, saying he had no desire for new weapons. He was like a sage untouched by worldly things.

"You could use it as a base and improve on it."

"Is that possible?"

"There are some remarkable craftsmen in Mirthan Village…"

Raon nodded and explained about the artisans in Mirthan.

"That… That's tempting. No—I want to make one!"

Mark's asceticism ended instantly. Even he couldn't resist the allure of weapons forged by the continent's top artisans.

"Then let's head there right away."

Raon stepped out with Mark to head to Mirthan —only to see Chad, head of the Shadow Agents Division, rushing toward them.

"Light Wind Division Leader!"

Chad approached with a grim face and bowed.

"The family head has summoned you."

He exhaled softly, saying Raon needed to go to the audience chamber.

"Is it urgent?"

"Yes. There's been… an emergency support request from the Iron Division…"

Chad bit his lip, his expression heavy.