Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Relic of the Primordial Dragon (3)
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‘Good thing. If I’d had to face Ray too, it would’ve been rough.’
Unlike his outward appearance.
Theo let out a sigh of relief deep inside.
From the dungeon to the training grounds.
The nonstop fierce battles had already drained his stamina and mana completely.
After finishing the dungeon clear and coming out.
-Y-Young Master! We’ve all been looking everywhere for you! Where did you go?
-What’s wrong? Something happen?
-There’s a brawl breaking out at the Fourth Training Grounds right now…!
He’d rushed over upon hearing that the Fourth Training Grounds had turned into a madhouse, so he hadn’t gotten any proper rest.
‘Plus, I got those clear bonus rewards.’
[Congratulations! You have successfully completed Tutorial Quest #12 by slaying the Lesser Drake.]
[Rating: A+]
[As a reward, you obtained ‘Lesser Drake Fang.’]
[As a reward, you obtained ‘Lesser Drake Claw.’]
[As an additional reward based on rating, you have acquired <Skill> authorization.]
The quest reward he’d received after two months was worth more than enough to make up for the long wait.
First, the items.
+
[Lesser Drake Fang]
· Type: Material
· Effect: Reinforcement material for weapon crafting. Increases durability.
· Requirement: Level 10
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+
[Lesser Drake Claw]
· Type: Material
· Effect: Reinforcement material for weapon crafting. Increases sharpness.
· Requirement: Level 10
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Magical beasts caught in the demon seas were called a ‘windfall’ if their forms were intact.
They were incredibly useful for crafting weapons or armor.
And among those, a high-grade one like the Lesser Drake had been enough to dull the blade of his ceremonial sword and threaten Theo.
Even without the [Beginner Series], it was clear these would greatly help Theo craft new weapons and armor.
But.
Among the rewards Theo had received, the one that made his eyes gleam the most was something else entirely.
The ‘skill.’
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[Skill List (▼)]
- Lesser Drake Fear
- [None]
- [None]
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[Lesser Drake Fear]
· Rank: D+
· Proficiency: 1%
· Effect: Emits a murderous intent unique to Lesser Drakes, overwhelming those around you. Instills fear in targets weaker than the caster.
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The intensely chilling murderous aura, prickling against the skin, drives opponents into confusion and terror. On the battlefield, where cool judgment is key, no weapon could be more lethal.
This was exactly why dragons reigned as apex predators in their ecosystems.
Any lifeform exposed to dragon’s murderous intent had no choice but to bow its head.
And this skill seemed to allow him to wield that dragon’s murderous intent at will.
Even if it was from a low-tier Lesser Drake.
Just having it came with tons of advantages.
In fact, Theo had seized complete control of the Fourth Training Grounds’ atmosphere simply by activating the skill.
Even with his depleted stamina, he’d subdued Holcus in one strike partly because he’d crushed his momentum first.
‘Two slots left. Meaning I can learn two more skills like this in the future…? It’s like pure cheat territory.’
Theo savored the skill’s effects to the fullest while still keeping his guard up against Ray, refusing to let his tension slip.
And then.
“Intense vibe. Chaotic. Can’t talk. See you at the Awakening Ceremony.”
Just as she’d appeared spouting words no one—Theo or the others—could understand, she abruptly left.
Whoosh!
Her movement was too swift for even Theo’s sharp eyes to track.
“……?”
‘Talk? What’s that supposed to mean?’
What had she even come here for anyway?
Even in his past life, Ray’s true intentions had been impossible to read.
“W-We’ll be going too then…!”
Meanwhile, Jenkins and his crew, who’d been hoping to tag along with Ray and Holcus, started slinking away after gauging the mood.
Slash!
But Wellington was already there, swinging a sword gust to block their path.
“Shouldn’t you leave an arm or two behind before you go?”
“……!”
“……!”
“……!”
In an instant, Jenkins and his gang went pale as ghosts.
* * *
Evelyn’s temples throbbed.
A massive mess had erupted while she’d been away briefly.
“So… they badmouthed Young Master Theo first, and you couldn’t hold back, so you fought?”
“Y-Yes…”
“And that led to this disaster?”
Nod, nod…
Her followers couldn’t meet Evelyn’s eyes, staring only at the ground.
Grind, grind!
Every time the sound of her grinding teeth reached them, their heads drooped lower.
The Evelyn they’d known all this time was that terrifying.
Even in the White Dragon Knights, she wasn’t called the Tiger Instructor for nothing.
“I told you over and over not to fight, didn’t I? And you couldn’t even follow that, leading to this shitshow? I’m losing my mind.”
The incident at the Fourth Training Grounds had already spread like wildfire throughout Winterer.
-The cripple from Rose Palace spent the last two months in closed training after learning a single strike from the Family Head and got insanely strong.
-The Northern Four Elites heard about it and challenged Theo.
-Theo took them all down in one strike each.
-Holcus got critically injured and carted off to the ER, Ice Sword Blade tucked tail, and Sword Lion knelt.
-The Rose Palace cripple said none of them were worth his time as opponents, and anyone wanting to prove themselves should come to the Fourth Training Grounds.
Some rumors were accurate, others wildly exaggerated.
But.
One thing was certain.
Theo’s name had been seared into the minds of everyone in Winterer.
-Island Tiger.
The nickname that had floated around only in small circles had now spread far and wide.
‘A bit of fame is good, but too much just invites scrutiny.’
But Evelyn didn’t like the situation.
A moderate level of fame was definitely beneficial.
But excessive fame only bred wariness.
Especially right before a major event like the Awakening Ceremony—it was nothing but a minus.
‘The Awakening Ceremony values individual skill, but teamwork is just as crucial.’
If others ganged up on Theo out of wariness, they could easily sabotage him.
Oblivious to Evelyn’s worries.
Theo was sparring with Wellington, whom he hadn’t seen in ages.
Clang, clang, clang—
‘Much sharper now. Relentless.’
Every time Theo’s sword flashed, Wellington’s feet were pushed back bit by bit.
The gap in their skills was now clear for all to see—who held the edge.
Wellington’s swordsmanship was still superior, no doubt.
But Theo’s blade swiftly zeroed in on weaknesses, hounding them mercilessly.
It looked less like a spar and more like a deathmatch.
Less swordsmanship, more swordfight gladiator style.
‘Did he see real combat somewhere?’
He knew Theo hadn’t budged from Camellia Palace all this time, yet the thought was unavoidable.
The scent was too strong—that of someone who’d honed their blade rolling through battlefields and brushing death countless times.
People like that weren’t called ‘swordsmen.’
They were called ‘warriors.’
Maybe the closest thing to a true Ragnar.
‘Insanely rapid growth that defies belief.’
Evelyn clicked her tongue inwardly.
As a master, a disciple growing stronger was joyful, but it brought pressure too.
Not that she had any intention of giving up this fun.
‘For the next five days, focus on refining that rough fighting style.’
Evelyn decided to shelve her worries.
Scrutiny from others was inevitable now.
So?
What could she do?
Just make Theo so overwhelmingly strong that no amount of scrutiny could touch him.
Evelyn was already planning to make Theo the star of the Awakening Ceremony.
If Julius found out, he’d throw a fit about too many rivals.
But oh well.
‘Reap what you sow.’
After all the grief he’d given her, time for the captain to suffer a bit.
Imagining Julius tearing his hair out suddenly lifted Evelyn’s mood.
Heh heh heh!
“…….”
“…….”
“…….”
Seeing Evelyn’s laugh, Sybil and the followers shuddered and quickly looked away, pretending not to notice.
* * *
On the way home after all training ended.
Wellington was wrapped in an inexplicable, bittersweet emotion.
‘I really can’t keep up with his skill anymore.’
Recalling Theo’s overwhelming presence against Ray and Holcus, Wellington let out a hollow chuckle.
Just two months ago, before Theo’s serious training began, he’d never thought he’d lose even at full power.
What the hell had happened in that time?
Theo seemed like a completely different person now.
His fighting spirit, skill, battle sense—all razor-sharp.
‘Never imagined he’d take down Holcus in one stroke…’
He couldn’t do that himself.
The Northern Four Elites had always been neck-and-neck in skill, past and present.
‘I thought I’d gotten stronger too. I worked that hard.’
Wellington fiddled with the hilt of the sword at his waist.
‘Is this the difference in talent?’
Of course, he was happy his friend had grown strong.
Proud like it was his own achievement that Theo was shattering the family’s disdain and gaining recognition.
But still.
This bitterness was unavoidable.
Talent.
Maybe that word.
His father’s words from long ago lingered in his mind.
-The blood comprising half of you is inferior. Such a pity your talent is wasted. It’s regrettable that you’re the only heir heaven granted me.
For over ten years, to catch that man’s eye, he’d gripped the sword sleeplessly, relentlessly.
How much harsher did he have to grip it from here?
Crunch.
As his grip tightened fiercely on the hilt.
Flick!
“……Who’s there?”
Mid-stride, Wellington drew his sword from his waist and aimed behind him.
His icy gaze pierced the empty alley.
And then.
“If you won’t come out, I’ll judge your intent hostile and cut you do—”
“As expected, I can’t match Young Master’s senses.”
Step, step—
From the alley that had clearly been empty, a familiar face emerged.
Wellington’s eyes widened slightly.
He’d met someone completely unexpected.
“Ralph?”
The middle-aged man in butler attire.
Ralph Giggs, the head butler of the Narsio family who’d cared for Wellington since childhood.
“Have you been well, Young Master?”
“So-so. More importantly, what brings you all the way here?”
“Naturally, with the Awakening Ceremony approaching, I came to see you.”
“Me? You know the family has no interest in me.”
Always polite to others, Wellington was unusually cynical now.
Ralph smiled wryly.
“How can you say that? You’re the one to carry the main family’s future… Anyway, I must first ask your permission about something.”
“Permission?”
“Yes. We’d planned for just me and the retainers, but unavoidably, we’re escorting one more.”
Step, step—
From behind Ralph, a figure approached with silent steps.
In that moment, Wellington’s face hardened.
* * *
Flick—
Swoosh!
‘Ray Ragnar?’
On his way back to Camellia Palace, Theo narrowed his eyes at the presence stealthily tailing him.
She probably thought she was moving quietly.
But it wasn’t enough to fool Theo’s keen senses.
‘She stuck around the training grounds the whole time. Why’s she following me? Want a proper duel?’
But it didn’t feel like that.
‘If so, she would’ve come out and challenged me ages ago.’
In truth, despite her cold exterior, Ray was prone to impulsive acts, making her a huge headache for his past life’s intelligence division.
-Don’t try to understand Ray Ragnar. It’ll never end. Just accept her as she is.
Enough said for that kind of rumor to circulate.
If she had business, she’d approach eventually.
Theo decided to pretend he hadn’t noticed.
‘Still, Theo Ragnar, you’ve grown a lot. Not just matching the Northern Four Elites, but being compared to them.’
A situation unthinkable in his past life.
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those he’d admired was undoubtedly thrilling.
It meant recognition as a swordsman.
But contrary to expectations, he wasn’t overly excited.
More indifferent, really.
A natural, matter-of-fact feeling?
‘Have my standards gotten too high?’
Theo suspected it stemmed from witnessing Julius and Kyle’s single strikes.
The Dragon Island lingering deep in his heart had utterly reshaped his mindset and aspirations.
“…….”
Theo reached toward the moonlit sky.
He clenched his fist, but the moonlight slipped through his fingers.
Just like gazing at Dragon Island.
‘I kept practicing to catch up somehow… but am I even on the right path?’
Julius had been right—it would be difficult.
Climbing to lofty heights was that grueling.
In the process, surrounding scenery or fellow climbers faded from view.
The Northern Four Elites felt just like that.
And so.
In this moment.
A small but profound change stirred in Theo’s heart.
-The aspiration to reach the pinnacle of the sword.
His simple desire for recognition through the blade had evolved.
Of course, his resolve to become Family Head or hunt down his past life’s enemies hadn’t vanished.
A higher aspiration.
It meant he now pursued an ideal.
Before, he’d been too busy surviving day-to-day, blaming his shitty circumstances.
Never thinking to break free.
But now was different.
He would shatter it somehow.
Rise and reach those heights.
Theo vowed.
Crackle……
Unbeknownst to him, the last chains binding his body and soul crumbled away.
“……What?”
Entering Camellia Palace with a light heart, Theo halted midway.
……
For some reason, Camellia Palace and its surroundings were too quiet.
An artificial stillness.
There were intruders.