Chapter 114
Chapter 114
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: Floating Archipelago (4)
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Mystery.
Even in this era of airships soaring through the skies and steam trains racing across the land, it remained an unsolved enigma.
Some gained immense mana here as a stroke of fortune, while others experienced the miracle of youth.
There were families that suddenly prospered, and others cursed with the death of everyone around them.
That was why people revered the mystery while fearing it, avoiding it altogether.
Thus, very few properly harnessed these mysteries today.
The Ragnars, who utilized the [Relic of the Ancient Dragon], were a prime example.
But publicly, the most famous was the mystery of the Floating Archipelago, known as [Kriemhilt's Colossus].
Kriemhilt's Colossus.
It stood tall on Benota Island, the pinnacle and center of the Floating Archipelago, towering over the vast ocean.
Normally, it served as a lighthouse guiding ships that arrived at the archipelago in the predawn hours after sunset.
But legend held that when calamity struck the Floating Archipelago, it bestowed the blessing of the hero Kriemhilt upon the 'blessed one'.
However, to receive that blessing required enduring certain trials—and naturally, the Floating Archipelago never opened those trials.
In fact, it was impossible to even approach within a certain distance of Kriemhilt's Colossus.
Yet Theo was saying he wanted to go there right now.
Antonio couldn't help but frown, viewing it as an excessive demand.
"Even to subdue the Sea King's frenzy, that mystery is absolutely necessary?"
He had no choice but to stiffen at Theo's follow-up words.
"......Explain in detail."
"There's a legend about Kriemhilt's Colossus. The ancient hero Kriemhilt sealed the evil sea dragon. And isn't the colossus's design a recreation of that very moment?"
"What connection does that far-fetched legend have with subduing the Sea King's frenzy?"
"There can't be none. The Sea King you speak of is that evil dragon. Isn't it?"
Theo didn't miss the tremor in Antonio's eyes.
'I suspected as much, and I was right.'
In truth, Theo had only recalled Kriemhilt's legend right after reading Pontus's lingering thoughts.
The Sea King's draconic form had vaguely stirred memories from his previous life of seeing Kriemhilt's Colossus.
Moreover, the dragon-slaying sword in his hand carried a similar aura to the Sea King's.
So the pieces naturally fell into place.
The sword Kriemhilt used to slay the evil dragon—wasn't it Balmun?
"To reseal the Sea King, we need to awaken the dormant Balmun's power. And for that, the colossus's mystery is required."
"You're saying you'll subdue the Sea King?"
"Didn't you just see it? Making the sea serpents retreat. I have the ability to face the Sea King. I just lack the power, hence the need for the mystery."
"......"
"And afterward, I'll return Balmun as promised. Nothing bad for you, right? You protect the Floating Archipelago and get Balmun back."
"And you get the stroke of fortune?"
"Mutual benefit."
Of course, Theo had no intention of actually returning the dragon-slaying sword.
But there was no reason to reveal that.
Antonio fell deep into thought.
"What's there to agonize over? The mystery matters, but if it were me, I'd prioritize the safety and lives of the islanders."
"We could also take Balmun back from you and claim Kriemhilt's fortune ourselves."
"If you could awaken the colossus's mystery, you would've done it long ago."
"......"
"But I have a way. What do you say? Tempted?"
Antonio shook his head.
"This isn't a decision I can make alone. Kriemhilt's Colossus falls under the council's jurisdiction...!"
"If you're going to whine about lacking authority, let's end this here. Even if I make a formal proposal to the Maritime League through the main family, they'll probably accept."
Theo rose from his seat without a shred of regret.
He had approached the Black Skulls because they knew Balmun's secrets well and accessing Kriemhilt's Colossus would be far easier.
'I didn't want to draw the family's attention... but with no time, if other methods fail, I'll have to use that as a last resort.'
"Wait!"
Antonio urgently grabbed Theo's sleeve.
As Theo's indifferent gaze turned there, Antonio bit his lower lip hard.
'Fine. Even if they take the mystery, as long as we recover Balmun...!'
Balmun was also the symbol of the Floating Archipelago and the Maritime League's legitimacy.
Securing it would greatly aid the Black Skulls in seizing power.
And perhaps he could sit at the top.
Even if not, it would solidify his position within the Spinola family.
If he could surpass his two older brothers above him.
Having finished all his political calculations, Antonio nodded.
"Very well. But in return, grant me my request."
"What is it?"
"My original request was for you to attend the upcoming Maritime Three Families' council as my bodyguard swordsman."
Hoo!
Antonio took a long breath before speaking in a stiff voice.
"If you succeed in resealing the Sea King, you'll gain immense fame and support. At that time, lend your strength to me and the Black Skulls. So I can become Doge."
* * *
Once all the deals were done.
"Let's talk."
Theo was halfway out of Antonio's office when Arin grabbed his wrist and dragged him elsewhere.
"What's this about?"
Arin's expression was rigid. Selphard looked troubled too.
"Explain yourself properly. What the hell are you scheming?"
"Didn't you say you'd follow my lead in this operation?"
"That was before I knew the ones you're shaking hands with are the Black Skulls!"
Bang!
Arin irritably slammed the wall.
"Hey! Hey! Don't make a racket! You'll break the ship!"
Selphard fussed, but Arin ignored him and glared.
"You know what they did to my seniors, right?"
"I know full well."
"Then why...!"
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"You!"
"If we need even a cat's paw to drive out Troyvan right now, we borrow it."
As murderous intent rose from Arin, Theo continued.
"And I never said I'd rig the board in the Black Skulls' favor."
"......What do you mean? Explain."
"I have no intention of letting the Black Skulls, who dared harm the White Dragon Knights, off the hook either."
"......"
"Use them and discard them. Once the hunt ends, boil the hound in the pot and be done."
Theo's gaze was impassive.
But precisely because it was his usual demeanor, Arin's heart wavered.
"You mean that, right? I can trust you?"
"Arin. Do you remember what I said when I first enlisted?"
Arin vividly recalled the words from back then.
-I aim to become Captain of the White Dragon Knights. In five years.
"You said you'd become captain?"
"Yes."
"That wasn't just talk?"
"I hate inefficiency the most."
Theo continued with a faint smile.
"To become a captain trusted by all, the knights' support is key, isn't it?"
Arin let out an involuntary chuckle.
Because Theo's 'knights' included her and Selphard.
I'll win you over first.
And make you my right and left hands to take the White Dragon Knights.
That's what he was saying.
'This cheeky little...'
Arin didn't dislike this impudent yet endearing junior.
In fact, if he kept showing this side, she might just become his biggest supporter in becoming captain.
"Fine. If you put it that way. So, what's next?"
Arin finally released her grip on Theo and asked.
Theo straightened his collar as he replied.
"As I said, first pull the Black Skulls to our side, saddle the Maritime League with a debt while resolving this, and erase all traces of Troyvan in the process."
"And the Black Skulls vanish on their own in that process?"
Theo answered with a sly smile.
Arin grinned pleasantly.
"Got it. I'll cooperate and watch with high expectations."
"Thank you."
Selphard, who had been watching from the side, smiled along.
* * *
"Do you trust him?"
"If not? Do we have any other options?"
Gray cautiously asked Antonio, but fell silent at his response.
As he said, they had no options right now.
"Better this way. A crisis is an opportunity. If that guy's words are true, it'll be our chance to flip the board. Even if it fails, we lose nothing. We can just play dumb and say we knew nothing. And."
Antonio's lips twisted.
"Once we've used up the mystery they take, we reclaim it."
Gray nodded.
Unlike his affable appearance, Antonio was never kind to outsiders.
What belonged to the Floating Archipelago stayed with the Floating Archipelago.
That was his guiding principle—closed-door policy.
"Contact headquarters and the family in advance. Tell them we're arriving soon and to prepare."
"Yes, understood."
Gray bowed and left.
Alone now.
Antonio lit a cigar.
Wordless smoke billowed, filling the room.
* * *
Upcurrents from the ocean currents began lifting the ship carrying Theo's group into the air.
"Ooh, we're afloat! The ship's flying!"
"Shut up already. Your job is flying ships—what's so amazing?"
"You saying it's not? Feels totally different from slicing through the sky."
"Sigh, whatever."
As Arin shook her head at Selphard's excitement,
the ship pierced the rough sea mist and approached Benota Island.
At the island's edge stood the colossus, boasting a height of dozens of meters.
A female warrior stabbing a sword into an evil dragon's head and stomping it.
'That's [Kriemhilt's Colossus].'
Theo sensed a tremor from within his inventory.
The dragon-slaying sword was reacting.
-Eh?
-What's up?
-Didn't you see? The colossus just twitched.
-Bullshit. Why would that move? Still sleepy?
-No, really... it moved...
-Delusions. Must be the ship shaking.
Amid such chatter, the ship reached the dock.
"Follow me."
Antonio disembarked first again.
Outside waited an eight-wheeled carriage emblazoned with the Spinola emblem.
'I wonder if that guy's doing well.'
As Theo thought of his friend from his previous life, the eight-wheeler comfortably ferried them to the Spinola mansion.
A grand estate so lavish it could pass for a palace.
Entering the courtyard, a gardener in a deeply pulled straw hat, pruning branches, greeted them warmly.
"Oh, my son is back?"
"Yes, Father. I returned safely. And these are Sir Lant and his companions I mentioned in the letter."
"Oh ho! Antonio rarely praises anyone, so they must be exceptional masters? Pleased to meet you. I am Umberto, head of the Spinola family."
Contrary to his genial tone, Umberto had a sturdy build and sharp eyes.
The look of a underworld king amidst death and blood.
At least an advanced swordsman, probably a Dragon Gate swordsman at minimum.
Selphard and Arin tensed noticeably.
'He must have already tipped off his father about me.'
To lend strength to what we're about to do—or at least not interfere.
Theo clasped the offered hand.
"I am Lant."
"Lant! Fine name. Might I ask your family name?"
"I'm currently on a secret sword pilgrimage, so I must beg your understanding for not disclosing it."
"Ah, yes. During sword pilgrimages, one often hides their identity to hone skills while wandering the world. Must be tough. Haha."
"Thank you for understanding."
Theo and Umberto naturally walked side by side along the garden path.
Antonio, Selphard, and Arin followed behind.
"We Spinolas have great expectations for you, Sir Lant."
"Is that so? Worried I might not live up to them."
"Your humble words belie that confident face. Heh. I like bold ones like you."
Umberto's curved eyes deepened darkly. No one to take lightly.
"Truth be told, when Antonio first contacted me, even this old man was skeptical. A hero to save us from the current crisis over the archipelago... the timing seemed too convenient, no?"
"I can see how it might seem that way."
"But then I thought—whatever he's hiding, as long as he wields the sword well, that's enough."
'If you fail as you claim, expect no mercy—a threat wrapped neatly.'
Theo suppressed a laugh and nodded.
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Oh dear, wasn't trying to nag. Haha. Stay here as if it's your own home. Antonio, show them around properly."
"Yes, Father."
Umberto bid Theo's group farewell at the mansion entrance and returned to the garden.
Antonio watched his father's back before gesturing to Theo's group.
"Follow me. My comrades are waiting inside."