The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 284: The Apostle's Bargain
Raon Zieghart stabbed the 7th Apostle's neck with the Requiem Sword while wrapping his left arm around the man's neck and retreating backward. He turned to look at the man who had been interfering.
The man was a middle-aged man wearing a white coat embroidered with ten beads on the left chest, with a gray streak in the center of his black hair, and eyes fierce like a beast. 'So it was the 10th Apostle after all.' The blood aura that approached from behind was the same as the 10th Apostle's that Raon had felt just before killing the 7th Apostle in Forvan City.
He was the second one to interfere, but this time he was faster.
Goooooooo.
The 10th Apostle's eyes slowly rose. His gaze was dry, as if he had been waiting for a drought. Despite the fact that the 7th Apostle could die at any moment, his pupils didn't shake.
Raon bit the flesh inside his cheek. 'How damnably strong.' Because he had reached Master, the 10th Apostle's power was transmitted directly. It was so overwhelming that it was hard to breathe just from his momentum. 'Is it still impossible?' Even without consuming aura and stamina, it wouldn't change. A Grandmaster was an opponent that even if Raon died and came back to life now, he couldn't win. It wasn't a fight; he had to survive in another way. 'There is one thing.' Raon turned his eyes to the right.
-What are you looking at so arrogantly.
Wrath, who had been yawning inappropriately, frowned. 'No way.'
He shook his head.
It couldn't be used now.
If he accepted Wrath into his body, even if the Blood Cult Leader came, he could survive.
Since the Fire Ring had reached 7 stars, he might be able to recover his body later. But Wrath said that if he took over the body, it would go into 100% rampage, so the people above would likely get caught in it. 'First, I need to check the situation.'
Raon smiled faintly and tilted his head.
"I didn't know the Blood Cult was such a righteous place."
Mocking the Blood Cult, Raon resonated the Fire Ring to respond to any movement from the 10th Apostle, and raised his aura.
"Even if you're a priest, chasing and taking care of a Master? Is this overprotection? Are you going to feed him too?"
"Release him." The 10th Apostle's eyes calmed as if he had the upper hand.
"Don't give orders."
Raon smiled coldly and twisted the Requiem Sword embedded in the 7th Apostle's neck slightly. Flesh tore, and gray blood fell as a lump.
"Kruek!"
A moan filled with pain came from the Requiem Sword as it spurted.
"S, brother..."
The 7th Apostle reached out his hand toward the 10th Apostle. It looked like he was begging for his life.
"Even if the Blood Cult doesn't fear death, it can't easily fill the apostle position?"
"Kkuh..."
Raon squeezed the sword blade of the Requiem Sword tightly. Just from that vibration, the 7th Apostle's whole body trembled.
"The position of the 4th Apostle who died by my hand is still vacant. If this guy dies too, two apostle positions will be empty among the apostles, and it's not like falling out of the Five Demons because he's weakened, right?"
Even if the Blood Cult has the most heads among the Six Kings and Five Demons, filling apostle-level talent isn't easy. Right now, with the 7th Apostle as a hostage, he had to find a way to survive somehow.
"As you said, the 4th Apostle's position is still vacant. However..." The 10th Apostle slowly shook his head. His dry gaze looked down on Raon and the 7th Apostle.
"The strongest in our sect are not just the apostles. The reason apostles are important is not because of their strength, but because they pass on the light and truth of the Blood God to the common people." The 10th Apostle slowly opened his mouth in a dry voice. A faith that didn't match his austere expression shone through. 'Are there people stronger than apostles?' Even from memories of his previous life and information from Biyeonhoe, he hadn't seen this content. 'Whether this is true or not, it means I can't easily discard this guy.'
The Blood Cult is a religious organization before being a military organization. Having a higher status than someone stronger than an apostle means the 7th Apostle is valuable enough as a hostage.
"I don't care if the apostles are eating or not. What I want is..." When he was about to tell the 10th Apostle to step back, footsteps came from the ceiling with a hole.
"Raon!"
"Lord Sub-Division!"
"Are you alive?"
The Light Wind Squad swordsmen, including Runaan and Burren, waved their hands while looking down.
"Eh...?"
"Wai, wait! That person..."
"10th Apostle!"
"Why is that monster here!"
They immediately recognized the 10th Apostle and swallowed dryly.
"Don't move." When the 10th Apostle tried to lift his head, he raised the Fire Ring. He gathered the strongest aura and put strength into the hand holding the Requiem Sword.
"Kkuh..."
The aura from the Requiem Sword was amplified by the Fire Ring, and the 7th Apostle's moan became thicker.
"If you take even one step from there, this guy dies." The 10th Apostle didn't answer, just stared at this side. Whether the threat was effective or not, now was the time to speak.
"Burren! Runaan! Take all the people in the city and get out of here!"
Raon shouted toward the ceiling to use the only way they could all survive.
"Raon!"
"What are you going to do!"
"Lord Sub-Division! No!"
"We trained to fight together!"
The Light Wind Squad raised their fighting spirit as if they would come down immediately without backing down. 'These guys...' Even though they felt the 10th Apostle's terrifying momentum, they said such words, so it was worth teaching them.
It felt good, but he couldn't let them do something stupid like breaking an egg with a rock.
"This time it's an exception. I can survive, so don't worry about me and take everyone out."
"Raon."
"You bastard..."
Raon faced Runaan and Burren who were showing concern and smiled faintly.
"You know I never lie, right?"
It was sincere. If the Light Wind Squad took the people in the city out, there was a possibility of calling Wrath to reverse-capture the 10th Apostle.
"See you later."
With that, the Light Wind Squad who had been bowing their waists stood up at the same time.
"The Light Wind Squad obeys the Sub-Division's orders!"
"Everyone move!"
The Light Wind Squad spread out in all directions without looking back. Runaan was the last one to look, but she also bit her lip and left.
"B, brother. Why are you standing still? If we take these guys as hostages...
Kuek!"
Raon covered the 7th Apostle's muttering mouth and looked at the 10th Apostle. 'Strange?' According to the 7th Apostle's words, the current situation was an opportunity for the 10th Apostle too. Even though it was a chance to shake this side by taking the Light Wind Squad as hostages, the guy was really staying still. As if all the objectives were only here. 'Wait.' Now that I think about it...
If it was Master, it would be one thing. But if the Grandmaster 10th Apostle really intended to ambush from behind, it was impossible for Raon to block that surprise attack. Honestly, if the guy was serious, his neck would have already flown off.
Recalling what had happened so far, one chilling assumption came to mind. 'Is that guy...?' Is he aiming at me?
It was a sufficiently possible assumption that he didn't think about capturing the Light Wind Squad members, had no big interest in the 7th Apostle, and the ambush was not for killing but for capturing.
'He explained about apostles unnecessarily.' Just a moment ago, the 10th Apostle talked about the role of apostles that didn't need explanation. Thinking about the guy's personality who doesn't mutter, there was probably intent in that explanation too.
"Are you trying to make me an apostle?"
The 10th Apostle's expression changed for the first time with Raon's quiet words. His two eyes wide open revealed his surprise.
"Now I understand why you brought you. As expected, the one who looks down on the world from his seat." The 10th Apostle slowly closed and opened his eyes. His shaking pupils hardened like a winter swamp.
"Yes. I came to take you. Raon Zieghart."
"W, what does that mean? This, this guy is my enemy! Become an apostle!" The 7th Apostle, despite the sword in his neck, spat out his dissatisfaction to the end.
"It's my master's order."
"Kkuh..."
He shut his mouth at the mention of the cult leader's order.
"Raon Zieghart. You have no choice. If you refuse, none of your subordinates will survive."
"Is my priest not visible?"
Raon twisted the Requiem Sword embedded in the 7th Apostle's neck again. With a sound like flesh being crushed, blood flowed down.
"It doesn't matter if I kill him."
"S, brother?"
"For the same opponent. An apostle who has lost to a lower rank twice is more helpful." The 10th Apostle's gaze and voice were cold. It seemed like he wasn't even intending to kill the 7th Apostle himself.
'Is the hostage not working?' Recalling the explanation about apostles, it felt like boasting, but the disadvantage was on this side. 'I need time...' The Light Wind Squad and people hadn't escaped the city yet. Even if it was just to stall for time by talking nonsense.
"If I become an apostle..."
Raon bit his lip slightly and looked at the 10th Apostle.
"Can I receive direct martial arts training from the Blood Cult Leader?"
"Of course. Becoming his disciple is the first step to being an apostle."
"Receiving teachings from one of the continent's strongest masters isn't bad."
It was when he was muttering meaningless words to stall for time. The Fire Ring captured the faint mana flow rising in the air. 'This is...' Raon stored the mana flow in his eyes and swallowed dryly. 'If I do this well...' Could I survive without summoning Wrath?
* * *
Burren lied to the people who escaped the Blood Manifestation Aberration Formation that the 10th Apostle appeared and destroyed Gransavil, so he sent them all outside the city.
The Blood Cult and blood aura remnants remained throughout the city, and buildings were crumbling like sand castles, so it wasn't hard to convince people.
"What about the 1st Squad?"
"We decided to gather at Marta's place, so everyone will be outside! Don't worry and run!"
"Squad Leader..."
"I'll go after confirming."
After confirming the last person left in the city with Runaan, Burren looked at the pit where Raon and the 10th Apostle were.
He wanted to help, but he knew that going there would interfere, so he bit his lip and left the city.
When he arrived at the place where Marta was, the Light Wind Squad was all gathered.
"What the hell is this! Why are all of you coming out?"
"The 10th Apostle appeared."
"The 10th Apostle..."
Marta, who was holding a young child, shook her chin and stood up. An immense aura surged from her empty dantian. It wasn't aura, but an aura like burning life.
"That bastard came, why are you guys here!."
"Raon..."
"You can't just leave him? We have to kill him together!"
After explaining the situation, Marta clenched her sword blade as if she would run immediately.
"No."
Runaan grabbed Marta's wrist.
"Don't let go! I have to kill the 10th Apostle! Raon alone can't do it!"
"Raon said he's coming back. He asked me to believe it."
Even though Marta waved her rough hand, Runaan didn't let go of her wrist.
"Release it!"
"Marta. I know the 10th Apostle is your enemy, but it's not the time now. Going there will only interfere."
Blood flowed from Burren's lips.
"Damn it!"
Marta saw Burren's lips stained with blood and stomped her foot.
"What's the situation every time...
Kuek!"
When he tried to sit down while cursing, Runaan hit her back with the fist she was holding.
Boom!
Marta, unable to react to Runaan's sudden attack, rolled on the floor.
"Eh...?"
"R, Runaan?"
"2nd Squad Leader..."
All the Light Wind Squad members opened their mouths looking at Runaan.
"What the hell are you doing now, you crazy woman!"
Marta shook off the dirt on her face and cursed.
"To stop her from running."
"Who blocks like that!"
"You."
Runaan pointed at Marta.
"I never block like that...
Are you serious...?"
Marta frowned. It seemed like she was referring to when she met the Blood Ghost and Runaan had a fit and knocked her out from behind.
"Is that revenge?"
"It's not revenge, it's to stop you."
"That's revenge!"
"No."
"Kuuu..."
Marta tried to punch Runaan but stopped. 'This guy...' Runaan's eyes, usually the most blank, were violently shaken unlike her. She was clearly worried about Raon left alone.
"Sigh..."
Looking at Runaan's eyes, the thought of running disappeared.
"Can't help it."
Marta bit her lip and turned her back. The children brought by the 1st Squad were all trembling with fear.
"Hey. Feed these kids...
Eh?"
Marta scanned the Light Wind Squad and frowned.
"Why is that guy gone?"
* * *
Raon, pretending not to know the newly revealed mana flow, smiled faintly.
"If I become an apostle, can I receive a divine pill?"
"Not just a simple divine pill, you can receive his blood. Since he likes you, you'll instantly surpass the current realm."
"The reason this guy got stronger is probably because of that blood."
He moved the Requiem Sword and pushed the 7th Apostle forward slightly.
"Yes. If you follow and believe in the Blood God, there will be such blessings for you too." The 10th Apostle slowly raised his hand. Pure white aura that looked like it would burn from his hand.
White Blood Aura. The realm called the pinnacle of blood aura.
"Come to the Blood Cult. If it's you, you can obtain the honor of inviting gods from a higher place than me."
"God? God..."
Raon chuckled while looking at the white flames burning from the 10th Apostle's palm.
"I don't believe in gods."
Not just now. In his previous life too, he didn't believe in gods.
"I don't care about things like the Lord God or Holy God, but calling it the Blood God is funny."
Even mocking their own gods, the 10th Apostle didn't react.
"What I believe is only myself 'myself'."
Raon hit his own chest with his right hand.
"I made a promise to you a moment ago."
"Promise?"
"It's a promise with these people."
He raised his head with a sinking smile. The corpses piled up like a mountain in the common area came into view.
Countless corpses, unable to recognize their original faces due to pain and fear, looked at this place as if resenting it.
"I swore to kill this guy. A god who doesn't keep promises is unpopular. I have no intention of leaving these people's grudges."
"Kkuh..."
From the 7th Apostle, fear mixed with trembling was transmitted.
"You..." The 10th Apostle's pupils trembled with the flames Raon showed.
"As expected, the brotherly bond seems precious to you too."
The soft smile on Raon's face stopped abruptly.
"Disgusting."
With that word, he pulled out the Requiem Sword embedded in the 7th Apostle's neck. A crimson flame contrasting with the gray blood split the 7th Apostle's neck.
Crack!
With a creepy sound of bones and flesh tearing, a fierce amount of blood poured out from the 7th Apostle's neck.
"S, sa..."
The 7th Apostle couldn't continue speaking because his neck was split, and his hand trembled as he sank to the floor. In his bulging eyes filled with pain, death was reflected.
"Raon Zieghart!" The 10th Apostle approached with murderous eyes filled with anger. From his swinging hand, a power beyond imagination exploded.
Kugugugu!
Raon exhaled low and gripped the two swords. When he tried to gather all remaining aura for defense, space twisted into an X and spewed out colorful light.
Zzeeeeeeng! The gap in the space that blocked the 10th Apostle's offensive opened wide, and a woman wearing a black robe walked out.
"Merlin?" The 10th Apostle frowned at the wrinkled old woman's mask.
"Haa..."
Merlin, instead of the 10th Apostle, looked at Raon and let out a delighted moan.
"As expected, you're the only one. Only you can wear that helmet."
Desire was embedded in her pupils visible through the mask. More desire than when he first saw her in Habun Castle, more than when he fought Sheryl.
"Come with me. Raon. For the rest of my life, only looking at me..."
"Eden's Merlin." The 10th Apostle raised a blood aura completely different from before, glaring at Merlin. The space Merlin created melted from the white blood aura burning from him.
"It's not the time for you to interfere. Disappear."
"You interfered between me and Raon."
"Are you going to break the Five Demons' agreement?"
"Agreement? Did we even make one?"
Merlin floated leisurely in the air and spread both hands. She created a powerful mana that didn't yield to the 10th Apostle's blood aura at all and smiled.
Raon narrowed his eyes at Merlin's back. 'So it was that guy.' When he was pretending to be interested in the Blood Cult to stall for time, the mana fluctuation caught by the Fire Ring was, as expected, Merlin's. 'From the first meeting, he was aiming at me.' Merlin had shown desire from the first meeting in Habun Castle, and in the second confrontation, she had a maniacal obsession, so Raon thought she would stop the 10th Apostle from taking him.
So, when it really didn't work out, he killed the 7th Apostle who might have to be saved, and entrusted the aftermath, but she moved perfectly as expected.
Goooooooo! The mana dragon rising from the ground to the sky end from the momentum of two monsters, the 10th Apostle and Merlin, who surpassed Grandmaster, erupted. 'They won't fight to the death.' The Five Demons agreement. Even if it's just a name, high-ranking executives won't directly aim for each other's lives. 'I have to break that.' Both of them want me.
They decided to do what was possible only now.
He moved back and leaned his back against the wall.
"Eh?"
"You?"
"You two fight."
Raon looked at the two monsters with wide eyes in surprise and raised his chin.
"I won't follow the winner."
-This is really...
Wrath, seeing Raon's confident smile, twisted his mouth.
-Insane guy?