Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: Found You, Finally (4)
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A single rumor began to spread like wildfire through Winterer.
-Theo Ragnar had set a new record for the fastest promotion in history. He had become a Combat Swordsman.
Winterer was still buzzing from the record Theo had set during the Awakening Ceremony.
The fresh bait tossed into the mix was like pouring oil on the flames.
-Combat Swordsman? You’ve got to be kidding.
-This isn’t a joke, right?
-No, it’s official.
-Crazy…! But more than that, there hasn’t even been any announcement about promotion exams lately. When the hell did this happen?
-Apparently, it’s based on merits from a secret mission.
-If getting promoted was that easy just from a few missions, I’d be an Advanced Swordsman by now. Now that he’s in the spotlight, they’re not just shoving him up from above, are they?
Of course, some raised questions about fairness.
But their doubts were quickly quelled.
-I heard he captured a Blood Priest.
-Huh?
-He caught a Blood Priest.
-…!
-And he even fended off a joint assault from two of them… Seems there were plenty of witnesses. Not just the White Dragon Knights, but Black Snow and the Plum Palace all endorsed the promotion announcement. It’s legit.
-No matter that he’s a direct descendant of the Ragnars, this level of talent is insane…
If it had just been the White Dragon Knights claiming it, they might’ve suspected favoritism. But with other units backing it up, the story changed entirely.
On top of that, Black Snow—ruled by the Black Dragon—was a neutral organization that didn’t align with any faction.
The weight of their endorsement was unmatched.
Questioning it would amount to challenging Kyle’s authority.
That was why people marveled even as they began dredging up new topics.
-Unbelievable talent.
They focused on the talent of a fifteen-year-old becoming a Combat Swordsman.
It evoked memories of someone from the distant past, now recalled by fewer and fewer people.
-Kyle.
Hadn’t Kyle stirred up a similar frenzy sixty years ago, when he first took up the sword?
And he had grown at a terrifying pace, ultimately succeeding in dragging the Dragon Emperor from his throne.
This naturally led to a fresh controversy.
-Isn’t this going to shake up the succession race that’s been stuck with the five candidates for over a decade?
Until now, the five candidates, led by Torquel, hadn’t made any direct contact with Theo.
No, they hadn’t even hinted at it.
As if they were completely unaware of his existence.
Only Torquel occasionally tossed out friendly messages toward Theo, but even he hadn’t moved to meet him in person.
The prevailing view was that the five candidates were simply observing Theo’s movements.
After all, there were plenty of talents like Naban Backus who shone briefly at the Awakening Ceremony but faded into obscurity afterward.
But now that Theo’s skills had proven effective in real combat.
And with rumors spreading that his talent rivaled Kyle’s, they couldn’t afford to just watch any longer.
Sure enough.
Whispers began to circulate that Torquel’s Black Iron Knights were mobilizing, and the other candidates were secretly summoning their executives.
Just as Winterer was starting to stir in earnest.
The protagonist of the rumors returned to the family estate.
* * *
“Island Demon.”
“…?”
As soon as Theo returned to Winterer, he headed straight for White Dragon Knights headquarters.
The matter was too urgent for proper rest after the long journey, leaving exhaustion etched on his face.
Yet Julius threw out an inexplicable remark right off the bat.
Theo tilted his head, wondering what it meant, when Julius curled up the corner of his mouth with a grin.
“It’s the nickname that’s stuck to you this time. What do you think? Like it?”
“…Didn’t I already have one?”
“You did. Something like Island Tiger or whatever. But only a few knew it, and it wasn’t that famous. It only spread during the Awakening Ceremony.”
Julius’s smile widened.
“But this one’s different. Caught a Blood Priest single-handedly, right? Plus, the intelligence chief’s vault got raided—still under embargo, though. And you got promoted to Combat Swordsman in record time. Obviously, they figured that wasn’t enough.”
Theo scratched his cheek awkwardly.
He wasn’t sure what to say.
If there was one thing he wasn’t used to since his regression, it was this kind of fawning… no, ‘cheering.’
“Every time you swing your sword, yellow lightning crackles, white steam billows, red flames surge—then you’re drenched in enemy blood, looking like a demon from hell.”
*‘Th… that’s how the rumors have spread?’*
Theo’s face flushed slightly.
Julius burst into cheerful laughter, clearly amused by his reaction.
“Why so embarrassed? When you first enlisted, you bragged you’d become the youngest captain, and now where’d that bravado go?”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“Anyway, the White Dragon Knights hit the jackpot with you. A real treasure.”
“That’s…”
“Anything you need from your missions? Just say the word—I’ll cover it from my own pocket. Need sparring partners? I’ll hook you up.”
“Uh, well…”
“I don’t brag, but I’m the Demon Dragon, you know? Demon Dragon. Name it. What wouldn’t I do for our pretty boy?”
The mood was turning to him offering up his liver and gall, so Theo glanced at Evelyn for a subtle plea for help.
But she just shook her head.
*As if to say she couldn’t do anything about it.*
*‘He’s got this childish side that doesn’t suit his age… Just endure it, even if it’s cringey. No helping it.’*
Just as Theo was stepping back at this new side of Julius he’d never known.
“I think this fame of yours owes a lot to Black Snow’s top-notch intelligence backing it up.”
Swish!
Suddenly, the Black Dragon dropped from the ceiling, arms crossed.
In an instant, Julius’s goofy grin turned into a scowl.
*This guy—what the hell? This is my turf!*
That’s what his expression screamed.
But the Black Dragon ignored him completely and addressed only Theo.
“Theo, doesn’t this prove you’ll absolutely need Black Snow’s support for your future exploits? Our synergy is the best in the world. If it tempts you, come find me anytime.”
Flick—
Theo caught what the Black Dragon tossed him on reflex.
It was a black token engraved with a dragon.
“What’s this?”
“A Black Snow credential token.”
-…!-
Theo’s eyes widened,
*‘This bastard! What the hell are you doing!’*
Julius fired off a mental message in panic.
He was holding back only because Theo was there to save face; otherwise, he’d have grabbed the Black Dragon by the collar.
*‘Aigoo, that’s why you’re still an amateur. Watch and learn. This is how you lure talent when you spot one.’*
*‘…!?‘*
*‘Nothing beats a bribe.’*
Theo spoke up.
“I…”
“Oh, I know you have no intention of leaving the White Dragon Knights, so don’t worry.”
“But why go this far to help me? The Blue Command Token and helping me learn the Flame Link Ritual were already more than I deserved.”
Theo couldn’t quite grasp the Black Dragon’s behavior.
They’d never shared any real emotional bond.
Moreover, the Black Dragon hated regressors, just like Kyle.
So why treat him so well?
*‘What? When did you sneak in and pull that on him, you stray cat?’*
The Black Dragon brushed off Julius’s protest and replied.
“Just because.”
-…?!-
“You’ve been bold and impressive in your actions. Made me think I could trust you more.”
“Is that… so?”
Theo still couldn’t understand the Black Dragon.
But it seemed some aspect of his behavior since then had gradually won him over.
“Still, if it feels too burdensome, sure. How about thinking of it as an uncle’s gift to his nephew?”
-…!-
Theo was dumbfounded.
It was true the Black Dragon was Kyle’s blood brother, making them technically uncle and nephew.
But he’d never heard of the Black Dragon invoking personal ties like that.
Regardless.
The Black Dragon pressed on.
“With that token, you’ll have access to Black Snow safehouses worldwide, plus full support from our branches. I’ll have Klevé explain the details later.”
Essentially handing him authority rivaling Black Snow’s leadership.
Theo still couldn’t fathom his intentions, but the eyes peering through the mask were smiling.
Julius, watching from the side, was on the verge of exploding.
*‘Bribery right in front of me? Do I look like a pushover?’*
*‘Huhu. Better keep your wits about you from now on. Plenty get their noses cut off even with eyes wide open, like me.’*
*‘You wanna fight or what?’*
*‘Think you can win?’*
*‘Damn…!’*
*‘If you’re mad, do it yourself.’*
*‘Just you wait. Big bro, Osa, all these guys drooling over my boy—I’ll shut their mouths for good. Think I’ll sit idle?’*
*‘That’s why—go ahead and try.’*
*‘Argh…!’*
*‘Huhu! Anyway, I’m busy, so I’ll be off.’*
The Black Dragon fanned Julius’s rage even more, vanishing as abruptly as he’d appeared.
It felt like being haunted by a ghost.
Theo stared blankly at the spot where he’d been, while Julius forcibly swallowed his boiling anger and forced a smile.
But one corner of his mouth twitched.
*‘Our captain’s having a rough day.’*
Only Evelyn accurately read Julius’s true feelings and stifled a laugh.
“The intelligence chief must’ve taken a liking to your exploits and given you that gift out of the goodness of his heart. Use it well—it could become sharper than any treasured sword, depending on how you wield it.”
Words straight from Julius’s heart? Not in the slightest.
But Theo nodded solemnly, accepting it.
*‘I thought I’d never get tangled with them again… Fine. Since it’s come to this, I’ll take it. No need to refuse, as Julius said.’*
Theo resolved to acknowledge a fact he’d been ignoring.
-His nature meshed perfectly with Black Snow.
Despite bad memories from his past life making him deliberately keep his distance,
Those habits were still deeply ingrained.
His worldview,
His way of thinking,
The direction of his plans, and more.
He was confident he could make full use of this token.
*‘Even the Black Dragon, who hates regressors alongside Father, keeps showing me favor. There must be a reason.’*
Julius cleared his throat lightly, watching Theo stroke the token.
“Ahem! Hem-hem!”
“…?”
*‘…We get it, no need to overdo it.’*
Evelyn’s exasperated remark cut in, but Julius pretended not to hear.
“Anyway, good work on the long trip. We’ve got solid proof of the Anti-Dragon’s treason now, so time to wrap things up.”
Wrap things up.
Theo’s eyes sharpened in an instant.
The words he’d been waiting for.
“We taking down the Central Intelligence Chief now?”
Julius dropped the playfulness, nodding gravely.
“Yeah. All preparations involving him are complete. Got the Family Head’s approval too.”
Family Head’s approval.
Meaning Kyle had given the green light.
“The Central Intelligence Chief is currently out on a task requested by Black Snow… Soon, the intelligence chief will lead Black Snow to arrest him.”
*‘So that’s why the Black Dragon left in such a hurry.’*
“I’ll take my forces, get the Plum Palace’s cooperation, and seize the Central Intelligence Agency.”
“Striking while the head’s away.”
“Their loyalty to the chief is infamous. Gotta neutralize them first. That’s why we sent him out separately.”
Theo nodded heavily.
Julius and the Black Dragon handled things decisively.
Something for him to learn.
“And your job is suppressing the Rose Palace.”
Theo clenched his fist.
*‘Finally…!’*
Julius clapped his shoulder.
“None of this op would’ve gone smoothly without your exploits. So you handle the finale yourself.”
Theo realized this was Julius’s gift to him.
*‘Setting the stage for me to gain real standing and renown.’*
The Rose Palace housed Third Wife Emil Troyvan.
The legal wife, in name.
A mere bastard like Theo arresting Emil for rebellion?
With his fame from the Awakening Ceremony and Combat Swordsman promotion, it was bound to etch his name indelibly in people’s minds.
And with Ed and the Troyvans involved, the issue would snowball.
If it escalated to war with the Troyvans.
Theo would always be at the eye of the storm.
Etching his name forever in Winterer.
And that wasn’t all.
Julius was one of the few who vaguely knew of the bad blood between Theo’s mother and Axion’s.
Entrusting its closure to Theo was an irrepayable favor.
Not to mention.
The Black Dragon was finally opening up.
Seeing Theo not as a ‘regressor,’ but as a ‘nephew.’
*‘Julius, the Plum Palace Lord, the Black Dragon… All backing me with power. Far more than I deserve.’*
So,
*‘I’ll finish it properly.’*
He couldn’t afford to disappoint them.