Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Awakening Ceremony (1)
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At that moment.
Theo was sorting through the messages that kept popping up before his eyes.
[Many people are showing deep interest in your performance.]
.
['Robert Ragnar' is watching you closely.]
['Osa Ragnar Prunners' wants to take you as a disciple.]
['Julius Ragnar' is dissatisfied with the attention focused on you.]
[Your Luck has greatly increased.]
'Now that my Luck is restored, gaining people's recognition has become much smoother. With this Awakening Ceremony, I can become famous even faster than expected.'
What delighted Theo most was that he had begun attracting the attention of several of the Nine Dragons.
Two in particular caught his eye.
First, Robert Ragnar.
It might seem like an ordinary name at a glance, but it was actually the hidden 'true name' of the Black Dragon.
He had thought he wasn't in the audience because he was off on another mission.
Had he been watching from somewhere else?
In this lifetime, he had no connection to the intelligence department.
Still, since he had been part of it in the past and wielded the Moonblade Sword, which was the Black Dragon's beloved blade, his gaze was inevitably drawn there.
'Of course, I have no intention of getting involved again.'
Being entangled with Black Snow was more than enough in his previous life.
The second was Osa Prunners.
The Northern Supreme Sword.
The true name of the First Wife, also known as the Plum Palace Lord.
She wanted to take him as a disciple.
It was an unexpected reaction even for Theo.
'In his previous life, she took on her first two disciples about two or three years later. Both died during the Great War.'
Looking back now, there were many suspicious aspects to the deaths of the Plum Palace Lord's disciples at the time.
Perhaps they had been assassinated amid succession struggles, just like him.
There were plenty of people who took notice of the Plum Palace Lord's disciples back then.
Succeeding the First Wife's lineage inevitably wielded significant influence in Ragnar politics.
So, if he became the Plum Palace Lord's disciple, he would likely be swept up in those dangers as well.
However, receiving instruction from her—someone even Kyle acknowledged as exceptionally skilled—was undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity.
Above all, it would greatly solidify his position as a successor candidate.
It was a matter of pros and cons.
But.
More than the recognition from these Nine Dragons, what pleased Theo most was something else.
['Hilda Ragnar' is showing interest in you.]
It was earning the acknowledgment of the former Family Head before last.
In fact, that was what he had most wanted from this Awakening Ceremony.
Hilda was a legend of the Ragnar Family.
Just capturing her interest alone was a huge advantage.
'Especially the Garuda's Heart that Hilda possesses... If I could obtain that.'
It would allow him to overcome the fatal weakness inherent to the Ragnar Family's dragon body.
Of course, Hilda wouldn't hand over such a reward lightly.
But Theo was satisfied just knowing that Hilda had become aware of his existence.
If he continued to show intriguing performances in the second and third Awakening Ceremonies ahead.
She might make the first move from her side.
While basking in the attention from so many people and solidifying his plans in detail.
"Wellington Narsio, step forward!"
Finally, Wellington's name was called.
He was the very last in line.
Theo watched Wellington's back as he slowly ascended the platform.
For some reason, his expression was rigidly set, unlike usual, making Theo wonder if something had happened.
And so, the final test was conducted.
-Whoa...!
-Another monster has appeared...
-Is this year's batch really something else?
The examinees who saw the traces he left were all plunged into shock.
It was only slightly inferior to Theo Ragnar's, but the mark he left was overwhelmingly superior to all other examinees.
"Wellington Narsio."
The judge meticulously confirmed it before shouting.
"Pass!"
Clang!
Wellington quietly sheathed his sword and descended the platform.
As if it were the most natural thing in the world.
* * *
"Now, we will announce the rankings—!"
After all the tests had ended.
The eyes of the examinees watching the judge burned with fervor.
Some gazed with a glimmer of 'maybe?', but.
"First place, Theo Ragnar!"
They all let out sighs with thoughts of 'as expected'.
-Ah...!
-In the end, it's the Island Tiger...!
-What trick did that Rose Palace cripple use? How the hell did he make such a sword mark?
"Quiet down, everyone! Anyone who interferes with the result announcement from now on will be disqualified."
The area below the platform fell silent in an instant.
"Theo Ragnar's score is a perfect 10 out of 10. No flaws in technique, mana, control, or speed. Even the depth of the sword mark was nearly identical to Young Master Torquel's record, surprising many examiners."
-Whoa! A perfect 10!
-And it matches Young Master Tor, Torquel...?
-No way...!
-Was it really that impressive?
-...The Black Iron Cavalry is going to flip out.
The reactions from this year's examinees were far more shocked than before.
Torquel Ragnar.
He was one of the 'Five Candidates' known to be closest to the next succession rights.
A genius whose talent alone was said to surpass even Kyle in his youth.
He was also currently the captain of the Black Iron Cavalry, a force rivaling the White Dragon Knights.
It was only natural to be astonished if it matched Torquel's achievement from the Awakening Ceremony.
The examiners' gazes toward Theo had also changed significantly from the beginning.
"Though the depth didn't quite reach that level, it was still remarkable. Do not grow arrogant, and strive to demonstrate the same prowess in the second Awakening Ceremony."
Theo bowed his head in response.
The surrounding examinees now viewed Theo as the primary threat to watch.
"Second place, Wellington Narsio. Also a perfect 10, but regrettably shorter in length than Theo Ragnar, so classified as second."
The emergence of the second perfect scorer.
The audience seats could no longer remain silent.
"Third place, Axion Ragnar. Fourth, Ray Ragnar. Fifth, Holkus Ranke. Sixth...!"
The passed examinees cheered in joy, while the failed ones knelt in despair.
After the storm of commotion swept through.
"The second Awakening Ceremony will be held in three days. Inspect your equipment and manage your condition in the meantime. Dismissed."
The judge declared the end of the first Awakening Ceremony.
* * *
-Move quickly. We can't let the others snag them first. Hurry!
Chaos erupted.
The appearance of perfect scorers after over a decade, and the emergence of a talent matching the past Torquel.
Naturally, various units and organizations eyed them keenly for recruitment.
The moment the end of the Awakening Ceremony was declared, countless executives in the audience seats sprang into action.
Some to contact leaders away in distant lands.
Others to check if the perfect scorers had hidden backers.
* * *
"To the continued first and second places of Young Master Theo and Young Master Wellington!"
"For that!"
"For that!"
The [Traveler's Rest], now a regular haunt for Theo and his followers.
Today, it was far rowdier than usual.
Because Theo and Wellington had swept first and second in the first Awakening Ceremony.
"Whoa! Not only taking first and second side by side, but both perfect scores? Is this even possible?"
"That's why they're so amazing."
"This is the true potential of our Fourth Training Hall!"
What excited the followers most was their scores.
Who could have predicted that the notoriously strict Awakening Ceremony judges and examiners would give perfect 10s?
Even Evelyn seemed to be enjoying this moment.
'Good to see everyone having fun.'
Theo slurped his orange juice through a straw and glanced at Wellington.
'Is something really wrong?'
From the first Awakening Ceremony until now, Wellington hadn't spoken more than ten words.
Even when Theo and the others probed gently, he only gave short replies of 'I'm fine'.
So they couldn't ask further.
In the end, Wellington remained silent until the afterparty concluded.
"...Young Master Theo."
Then, on the way back to the dorms as night fell.
Wellington, walking quietly beside Theo in the night streets, suddenly called out to him.
"We are friends, right?"
A completely baffling statement.
But Theo nodded calmly, affirming it.
Wellington let out a relieved sigh, as if a weight had been lifted.
Then, with a face suddenly much brighter, he said.
"Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to sort out all the complications. See you tomorrow. Take care."
Theo watched Wellington's back until he entered the dorm.
'Whatever it was, I'm glad he seems to have sorted his mind.'
The second Awakening Ceremony wouldn't be lenient enough to allow participation with distractions.
It was a treacherous field where even a tiny mistake could cost one's life.
'Moreover, in the Winter Mountains... there's something I must obtain no matter what.'
With a sigh of relief, just as Theo turned to head to the Camellia Palace.
Flash—
Theo drew the spare ordinary sword he carried and swung it in the opposite direction.
Clanggg!
In an instant, a clear metallic ring echoed, and the empty space rippled as someone was flung out.
A face saying he never expected to be caught.
Theo didn't hesitate and swung his sword again.
He was even prepared to draw the Moonblade Sword if needed.
"W-Wait a moment! I'm not a suspicious person!"
"You've been tailing me all this time and you're not suspicious? Nonsense."
As Theo scoffed and brought his sword down toward the man's neck, he hurriedly retreated and shouted.
"It's true! I can prove my identity!"
Theo finally paused his attack.
"Whew...! I just wanted to check since our skills seemed similar even in casual times. If I'd tried twice, I wouldn't have my head anymore."
"Cut the crap. Didn't you say you could prove your identity?"
"Understood. Ahem! I am Gatsby Yotan of the Gale Sword Unit."
The man cleared his throat lightly and showed his identification.
Theo's eyes widened slightly.
Gale Sword Unit. One of the Ragnar Family's prized strike forces.
A group assembled from fairly skilled swordsmen.
Especially since the unit captain position was held by Kyle's cousin, it carried considerable influence.
Gatsby, thinking Theo was now interested, grinned confidently and said.
"Our unit captain was impressed by Young Master Theo's performance in this Awakening Ceremony and sent me."
In simple terms, it meant he had come to scout.
'I expected bites, but not this soon.'
Theo clicked his tongue inwardly.
Not even a day had passed since the first Awakening Ceremony ended—impressively fast.
"So, he said that if Young Master Theo 'especially' wishes it, we would offer a chance to take the unit entry exam."
But the content was a bit off.
"Not an invitation to join, but to take a test?"
"That's right. Young Master must have heard of the Gale Sword Unit's reputation. Just getting the opportunity should make you proud enough."
Gatsby was confident.
That Theo would soon burst into tears of gratitude.
'Hmph! A direct offer from the captain to some no-name bastard illegitimate. Of course he'd grovel in acceptance.'
In truth, the Gale Sword Unit captain had never mentioned an entry test to Theo.
On the contrary, he had earnestly instructed to bring Theo into the unit no matter what conditions—except for the captain position itself.
But Gatsby couldn't stomach that.
Sure, he took first place, but it was just a good showing in the first round.
To offer such preferential treatment already? It grated on him.
So he changed the words midway.
To remind Theo of his 'place'.
But.
"Puhahaha! What kind of bullshit is this? When they should be begging you on their knees... What? Entry test?"
"Who's that!"
Gatsby scowled at the mocking laughter, turned his head, and jolted in shock.
"G-Goblin...?"
"Hmm? You know who I am and still call me that?"
"Eek!"
Gatsby hurriedly covered his mouth with both hands.
The woman emerging from the alley had dangling earrings on one earlobe and a massive black axe-sword slung on her back.
Theo's expression turned peculiar.
He knew exactly who she was.
'Ogre' Iyan Sosori.
Vice-captain of the Black Iron Cavalry.
A figure as infamous in the Ragnar Family as her fiery temper, skewering all enemies like human kebabs.
She was in a completely different league from Gatsby.
"Young Master Theo Ragnar, unlike these idiots, our captain wants to invite you directly as a Black Iron Cavalry member. Any thoughts?"
Gatsby paled in terror.
The Black Iron Cavalry was so elite and arrogant that taking even one recruit per Awakening Ceremony was considered a lot.
They imposed a minimum five-year probation, and were notorious for weeding most out.
Yet inviting him as a full member from the start?
It was an unprecedented bombshell.
'I-I-I took a full ten years to earn full membership in the Gale Sword Unit—how the hell...!'
But that wasn't the only problem.
Out of nowhere, scouts were pouring in from everywhere.
"Nice to meet you. I'm from the Black Sword Unit. We're betting the squad leader position in three years for Young Master Theo...!"
"It's the Law Court. The Chief has promised to personally instruct you in swordsmanship...!"
"Security Bureau here. We'll provide any support you want for excelling in the next selection exam...!"
The surroundings turned into pandemonium in an instant.
"These guys popping out of nowhere! Cutting in line? Stand in line properly!"
"What line? You stand in line!"
"The one who takes him is the rightful one—what the...!"
It even escalated to grabbing collars over who would recruit Theo.
Gatsby was left dumbfounded in an instant.
The situation unfolding over one person felt utterly unreal.
'I'll be in deep shit if I stay here.'
Meanwhile, Theo let out a hollow laugh as he searched for a way to slip away.
But.
「If I, as Family Head, meddle where all the retainers are vying for attention, I'll surely be criticized for overreaching... but to win over talent, I suppose enduring that much disgrace is necessary?」
A voice suddenly boomed from the sky.
Crystal clear, yet laced with such majesty that heads bowed involuntarily just from hearing it.
Those quarreling over Theo snapped their heads up.
And were greatly shocked.
"Pl-Plum Palace Lord...?"
"Why has the First Wife personally come to a place like this...?"
Atop a distant building roof.
The Plum Palace Lord stood tall against the moon, looking down below.
With a faint smile on her lips.
「What affair? Like all of you, I too came out for a stroll to see Theo Ragnar, that child.」
"......!"
"......!"
"......!"
「So, if you don't mind, could everyone yield one step to me?」