Chapter 31: The Blossoming Ceremony (1) >


    At that moment.


    Theo was organizing the messages that kept appearing before his eyes.


    [Many people have shown deep interest in your outstanding performance.]


    .


    [‘Robert Ragnar’ is closely watching you.]


    [‘Osa Ragnar Prunus’ wants to take you as their disciple.]


    [‘Julius Ragnar’ is displeased with the attention you are receiving.]


    [Your luck has greatly increased.]


    ‘Now that my luck has been restored, gaining recognition from others has be much smoother. It seems I’ll be famous far quicker than I expected with this Blossoming Ceremony.’


    What pleased Theo the most was realizing that he had begun to attract the attention of various members of the Nine Dragons.


    Among them, two individuals stood out.


    First was Robert Ragnar.


    Although the name may appear ordinary, it was, in fact, the hidden ‘true name’ of the ck Dragon.


    He hadn’t been in the audience, so Theo assumed he was away on some other mission.


    Was he watching from somewhere else?


    In this life, Theo had no connection with the intelligence agency.


    Still, having once been deeply involved with them and now possessing the Moon-White Sword, which had once belonged to the ck Dragon’s treasured de, he couldn’t help but feel a certain awareness toward him.


    ‘Of course, I have no intention of getting entangled with him again.’


    Dealing with ck Snow once in his previous life had been more than enough.


    The second was Osa Prunus.


    The best swordsman in the North.


    Also known as the Mistress of Plum Blossom Pce, this was the true name of the First Lady.


    She wanted to take him as her disciple.


    This was an unexpected response for Theo.


    ‘In my past life, wasn’t it two or three years from now that she first took on two disciples? Both died during the Great War.’


    Looking back now, there were suspicious elements surrounding the deaths of Plum Blossom Pce’s disciples.


    Perhaps, like himself, they were assassinated after being swept into the session disputes.


    At the time, many were mindful of the disciples of the Mistress of Plum Blossom Pce.


    Inheriting the First Lady’s techniques was bound to have a major impact on Ragnar’s politicalndscape.


    If he became her disciple, he could easily be drawn into such dangers.


    However, being taught by someone so skilled that even Kyle acknowledged her talent would be a tremendous opportunity.


    Moreover, it would solidify his position as an heir, a significant advantage.


    Everything had its pros and cons.


    But.


    More than the recognition from these members of the Nine Dragons, there was something that made Theo even happier.


    [‘Hilda Ragnar’ has taken an interest in you.]


    It was the fact that he had earned the recognition of the former Head of the House.


    In fact, this was what he most wanted to achieve during the Blossoming Ceremony.


    Hilda was a legend within Ragnar.


    Earning her interest alone could provide a huge advantage.


    ‘Especially if I could obtain Garuda’s Heart… the one Hilda possesses.’


    With it, he could ovee the fatal weakness inherent in Ragnar’s Dragon Body (Yongche).


    Of course, Hilda wouldn’t give away such a reward so easily.


    But Theo was already satisfied with the fact that Hilda had be aware of his presence.


    If he continued to show impressive performances in the second and third phases of the Blossoming Ceremony, she might eventually react in some way.


    As he enjoyed the attention from various people and refined his ns further—


    “Wellington Narcio, step forward!”


    Wellington’s name was finally called.


    He was thest to go.


    Theo watched as Wellington slowly ascended the tform. His expression was unusually stiff, which made Theo wonder if something was wrong.


    And so, the final trial began.


    -Heh…!


    -Another monster has appeared…


    -Is this generation truly different from the rest?


    The other examinees, who witnessed the mark Wellington left behind, were shocked.


    While his mark was slightly less impressive than Theo Ragnar’s, it was still overwhelmingpared to the others.


    “Wellington Narcio.”


    The judge thoroughly inspected the results and then dered:


    “Pass!”


    Click!


    Wellington quietly sheathed his sword and stepped down from the tform, as if it were the most natural oue.


    * * *


    “We will now announce the rankings!”


    After all the tests had concluded.


    The examinees’ eyes burned with intensity as they looked toward the judge.


    Some of them watched with hopeful thoughts of ‘Maybe…?’


    “The top scorer is Theo Ragnar!”


    But most, as expected, sighed in resignation.


    -Ah…


    -In the end, the sh Tiger took it…


    -How on earth did the ‘Cripple of the Rose Pce’ manage this? How did he leave those sword marks?


    “Quiet down, everyone! Any further disruptions during the announcement of the results will lead to disqualification.”


    The area below the tform instantly fell silent.


    “Theo Ragnar’s score is a perfect 10. His technique, magic power, control, and speed—all were wless. Even the depth of his sword marks was so simr to those of Lord Torkel that many examiners were astonished.”


    -Wow! A perfect 10!


    “Even as much as Lord Torkel…?


    Impossible…!


    Was it really that incredible?”


    “…The ck Iron Cavalry will be in an uproar.”


    The reactions from the examinees were far more shocked than before.


    Torkel Ragnar.


    He was one of the ‘Top Five Candidates’ currently considered closest to inheriting the family leadership.


    His talents were said to surpass even those of Kyle in his youth.


    Moreover, he was now the leader of the ck Iron Cavalry, a force oftenpared to the White Armored Dragon Cavalry.


    Given that Theo’s achievement wasparable to what Torkel had shown in his own Blossoming Ceremony, it was only natural for people to be astonished.


    The judges’ gazes toward Theo had also changed significantlypared to earlier.


    “Although the depth did not reach his level, it is indeed impressive. Do not be arrogant, and strive to disy the same level of skill in the second Blossoming Ceremony.”


    Theo responded with a nod.


    Now, the other examinees regarded Theo as their primarypetitor.


    “The runner-up is Wellington Narcio. He also scored a perfect 10, but was ssified as second due to the shorter length of his sword markspared to Theo Ragnar.”


    The second perfect scorer.


    The audience could no longer remain quiet.


    “Third ce goes to Axion Ragnar. Fourth ce to Ray Ragnar. Fifth to Holcus Ranke. Sixth is…!”


    Those who received news of their passing cheered, while those ssified as failures copsed to their knees in despair.


    After the storm of chaos had swept through—


    “The second phase of the Blossoming Ceremony will be held in three days. Check your equipment and manage your condition carefully until then. Dismissed.”


    The judge dered the end of the first phase of the Blossoming Ceremony.


    * * *


    “Hurry up! We can’t let others snatch them first. Move quickly!”


    Pandemonium ensued.


    The emergence of a perfect scorer for the first time in decades, and apetitor whose abilities rivaled Torkel’s.


    Naturally, various military units and organizations were eager to recruit them, and as soon as the announcement of the ceremony’s end was made, many of the officers in the audience rushed to take action.


    Some hurried to contact their leaders in distantnds.


    Others moved to investigate whether these top scorers had any hidden backers.


    * * *


    “To Lord Theo and Lord Wellington, for their continued sess as top scorers!”


    “Cheers!”


    “Cheers!”


    The , which had now be a regr haunt for Theo and his followers, was livelier than ever today.


    Theo and Wellington had swept the top two positions in the first phase of the Blossoming Ceremony.


    “Wow! It’s amazing enough that both of you took first and second ce, but to score perfect tens? Is that even possible?”


    “I’m telling you, it’s truly incredible.”


    “This is the strength of our Fourth Training Hall!”


    What excited their followers the most was the pair’s scores.


    Who could have predicted that the notoriously strict judges and examiners of the Blossoming Ceremony would award perfect 10s?


    Even Evelyn seemed to be enjoying the moment.


    ‘It’s nice to see everyone so happy.’


    Theo sipped his orange juice through a straw, ncing at Wellington out of the corner of his eye.


    ‘Is something really bothering him?’


    Since the start of the first phase of the Blossoming Ceremony, Wellington hadn’t spoken more than ten words.


    Even when Theo or the others tried to engage him, he only gave brief responses, saying he was fine.


    Because of that, they couldn’t ask him for more details.


    By the time the gathering ended, Wellington had remained silent throughout.


    “…Lord Theo.”


    Later that night, as they walked back to the dormitories together, Wellington suddenly called out to Theo while they quietly strolled through the night.


    “We’re friends, right?”


    Apletely out-of-the-blue question.


    But Theo, without hesitation, nodded calmly in agreement.


    Wellington let out a deep sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.


    Then, with a much more rxed expression than before, he said:


    “Thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve sorted out everything that was troubling me. I’ll see you tomorrow. Take care on your way back.”


    Theo silently watched Wellington’s back as he entered the dormitory.


    ‘Whatever it was, it seems like he’s found peace. That’s a relief.’


    The second phase of the Blossoming Ceremony wasn’t going to be so forgiving that they could afford to be distracted.


    It was a perilous test site where even the slightest mistake could cost someone their life.


    ‘And in the winter mountains… there’s something there that I absolutely must obtain, no matter what.’


    With a sigh of relief, Theo turned to head back toward the Camellia Pce.


    Fwoosh!


    Suddenly, Theo swiftly drew the in sword he kept on hand and swung it in the opposite direction.


    ng!


    A clear metallic sound rang out, and the seemingly empty space trembled as someone was knocked out of hiding.


    The person’s face showed disbelief, as if they hadn’t expected to be discovered.


    Without hesitation, Theo swung his sword again.


    He was ready to draw the Moon-White Sword if necessary.


    “W-Wait! Please stop! I’m not a suspicious person!”


    “Not suspicious? After secretly trailing me this whole time? Don’t spout nonsense.”


    Theo snorted and was about to bring his sword down toward the back of the man’s neck when the stranger hastily retreated, shouting.


    “It’s true! I can prove my identity!”


    Only then did Theo pause his attack.


    “Whew…! I was just curious to see if your skills were as good as they seemed, but if I try that again, my life won’t be spared.”


    “Enough with the useless talk. Didn’t you say you could prove your identity?”


    “Understood. Ahem! I am Gatsby Yotan, a member of the Gale Sword Unit.”


    The man gave a slight cough and pulled out his identification.


    Theo’s eyes widened slightly.


    Gale Sword Unit. One of Ragnar’s elite strike forces.


    A groupposed of highly skilled swordsmen.


    In particr, the leader of this unit was Kyle’s cousin, a person with considerable influence.


    Now that Gatsby seemed to think he had piqued Theo’s interest, he smiled confidently.


    “Our unitmander was quite impressed with the performance you showed at the Blossoming Ceremony, Lord Theo, and sent me personally.”


    In simple terms, he was here to scout Theo.


    ‘I expected offers woulde, but not this soon.’


    Theo clicked his tongue inwardly.


    It hadn’t even been a day since the first phase of the Blossoming Ceremony had ended. Quite fast indeed.


    “He said that ‘if’ Lord Theo wishes, we would grant you the opportunity to take the qualification test to join our unit.”


    But something about the offer seemed off.


    “So, it’s not an invitation, but rather an opportunity to take a test?”


    “Exactly. You must have heard of the reputation of the Gale Sword Unit. Just being given the chance should make you proud.”


    Gatsby sounded confident.


    He fully expected Theo to shed tears of gratitude any moment now.


    ‘Hah! This is a direct offer from the unitmander to a mere illegitimate son. Naturally, he should be groveling in eptance.’


    In truth, themander of the Gale Sword Unit had never mentioned any qualification test to Theo.


    In fact, themander had urgently requested that, as long as it wasn’t for the position ofmander itself, they make any possible offer to bring Theo into the unit.


    However, Gatsby was deeply displeased with the idea.


    No matter how well Theo had performed, it was only the first phase of the ceremony. How could he already be receiving such preferential treatment?


    Jealousy burned within him.


    So, he decided to alter the message.


    To put Theo in his ce.


    But then…


    “Pahahaha! What kind of foolery is this? Testing for entry when they should be begging on their knees… A qualification test? Really?”


    “Who goes there?!”


    Gatsby frowned deeply at the mocking voice and turned his head, only to be utterly shocked.


    “T-The me Goblin…?”


    “Huh? You know who I am, yet you dare address me like that?”


    “Guh!”


    Gatsby hurriedly covered his mouth with both hands.


    A woman emerged from the alley, wearingrge dangling earrings on one ear, and carrying an enormous ck axe strapped to her back.


    Theo couldn’t help but wear a strange expression.


    He also knew exactly who she was.


    The me Goblin, Ayan Sosori.


    The vicemander of the ck Iron Cavalry.


    Known for her fiery temper, she had earned her reputation by skewering enemies like they were on a spit, leaving mes in her wake. Her fearsome reputation spread even within Ragnar.


    Naturally, Gatsby didn’t evenpare to her.


    “Theo Ragnar,” she said, addressing him directly, “unlike these idiots, ourmander would like to invite you to join the ck Iron Cavalry immediately. Are you interested?”


    Gatsby paled in shock.


    The ck Iron Cavalry was known for its exclusivity. They were so selective that they often recruited only one person per year from the Blossoming Ceremony, if at all.


    On top of that, their probation periodsted at least five years, with most recruits notoriously failing during that time. Their harsh standards were widely feared.


    But to be called as a full-fledged member from the start?


    It was an unprecedented and shocking event.


    ‘I… I… it took me a full ten years to be officially recognized as a member of the Gale Sword Unit! How can this even happen…?’


    And that wasn’t the only issue.


    Suddenly, from seemingly out of nowhere, a flood of scouts appeared, as if they had been lying in wait.


    “Greetings. I’m from the ck Sword Unit. In three years, we will offer you the position of squad leader, Lord Theo…”


    “We’re from the Judgment Hall. The Chief has personally promised to give you direct swordsmanship guidance…”


    “We represent the Security Bureau. Whatever support you need to secure top scores in future exams, we’re ready to provide it…”


    The scene around them instantly turned into utter chaos.


    “Where did all these peoplee from? Cutting in line all of a sudden! Can’t you wait your turn?”


    “What turn? You get in line!”


    “It’s firste, first served! Whoever takes him gets to keep him, so back off…!”


    Eventually, it devolved into a situation where they even grabbed each other by the cors, all vying to recruit Theo.


    Gatsby was left utterly stunned, frozen in disbelief. The entire situation, all caused by just one person, seemed too surreal.


    ‘If I stay here, this is going to turn into a real mess.’


    Meanwhile, Theo let out a faintugh as he tried to find a way to slip out of the situation.


    But then—


    “If I recklessly step into the fray where everyone’s attention is focused, I’ll surely be criticized for being overambitious… But one must endure such disgrace to win the favor of a truly exceptional talent.”


    A voice suddenly boomed from above, loud and resonant, yet clear as a bell. The mere sound of it carried such an air of authority that it made everyone instinctively bow their heads.


    The people who had been fighting over Theo hastily looked up, shocked.


    “L-Lady of Plum Blossom…?”


    “Why is the First Lady personally showing up in a ce like this…?”


    Far off in the distance, atop a rooftop silhouetted against the moon, stood the Mistress of Plum Blossom Pce, gazing down upon the scene below with a faint smile on her lips.


    “What else would bring me here? Like all of you, I’vee out for a stroll to observe young Theo Ragnar.”


    “…!”


    “…!”


    “…!”


    “So, I’m sorry to ask, but I hope you’ll all take a step back and yield this time.”