NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 166
Translator: FenrirTL
Editor: Doodle
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< Chapter 166: White Tower Ruins (1) >
Julius, whom they hadn’t seen in a long time, looked visibly fatigued.
He had mentioned that battles had been on frequent terms.
On top of that, various issues had piled up, leaving traces of irritation on his face. His usual calm and composed demeanor was nowhere to be found.
“A military conflict? What happened?”
Selperd and Arin, naturally startled, couldn’t help but ask.
Julius hesitated for a moment, deliberating on how to respond, and then slowly opened his mouth.
“There are indigenous people who have been managing the White Tower for a long time. You’re aware of that, aren’t you?”
“Yes, roughly.”
The White Tower was one of the few relics of an ancient civilization that only scholars in academia seemed to care about.
Here, the indigenous people known as the “Tower Tribe,” who had long overseen the White Tower, often provided visitors with traditional cultural experiences when they came to explore the site.
“There was a dispute regarding the protection of their residential area.”
The White Armored Dragon Cavalry insisted that the Tower Tribe and their residential area should be protected, not only for the sake of preserving the ruins that were still under excavation.
In contrast, the Black Iron Cavalry argued that, with battles intensifying daily, they had no capacity to protect the Tower Tribe and demanded their forced relocation to another area.
“Of course, conflicts of opinion are to be expected. After all, everyone thinks differently. The problem is that skirmishes broke out around the White Tower, and during the chaos, a Troyban infiltration unit was involved.”
Theo could vividly imagine the scene in his mind.
“…There must have been urban warfare.”
Selperd and Arin quickly turned their gazes toward Theo in surprise.
Julius smiled bitterly and nodded.
“Exactly. And it’s the type of combat both we and the Black Iron Cavalry despise the most.”
The infiltration unit had caused indiscriminate clashes during their elimination.
“On top of that, it seems likely that the Tower Tribe had informants planted by Troyban.”
“Did you perhaps have informants watching from our side?”
“That was just a conclusion I arrived at while contemplating what I would do if I were Troyban. If it sounded presumptuous, I apologize.”
“No, not at all.”
Although Julius waved his hand dismissively, he was inwardly astonished by Theo’s sharp insight that seemed to pierce through the situation in an instant.
‘His perspective has broadened even further in the six months since his return from the outside. As expected, that guy is…!’
Hadn’t Julius already received a letter from the Dojo of the Upsurging Dragon suggesting that Theo might soon be recommended for the rank of Advanced Swordsman?
Julius felt that it might be time to advance the plans he had prepared for Theo.
"Anyway, they keep shaking us up, and it's just exhausting, truly exhausting."
Selperd fell into brief contemplation before asking.
"Then, wouldn’t protecting the Tower Tribe itself be dangerous? I’m sorry, but this time, it seems the Black Iron Cavalry's opinion is correct. It’s not like we absolutely must protect them, is it?"
Arin and Theo nodded silently in agreement.
It wasn’t as though anyone was proposing to annihilate the Tower Tribe—they were only suggesting relocating them to a place easier to monitor. Once the war was over, their residential area could simply be returned to them.
However, Julius shook his head bitterly, indicating that it wasn’t so simple.
"Something called
"...What?"
"Ah."
That alone was enough for the group to grasp the situation.
Theo’s eyes darkened, sinking into deep thought.
"You need the Tower Tribe’s testimony, don’t you?"
"Exactly. So far, we’ve only confirmed that Mysteries are sealed beneath the White Tower. However, we haven’t figured out how to release them. That’s why we need to refer to the Tower Tribe’s oral traditions or lore. The problem is that, while they’ve been cooperative with other matters, they’ve been particularly secretive about this."
Theo nodded solemnly.
Mysteries could sometimes alter the balance of power between factions entirely due to their overwhelming force.
They weren’t called the "Incomprehensible" for nothing.
Thus, it was understandable that the Tower Tribe wouldn’t want to relinquish the Mysteries of the White Tower, which they had safeguarded for so long.
Conversely, Ragnar, having declared this region their territory, likely regarded the Mysteries as their rightful possession.
‘So, the White Armored Dragon Cavalry supports a conciliatory approach to gently win over the Tower Tribe and obtain the Mysteries, while the Black Iron Cavalry favors a hardline stance to coerce them. That sums it up.’
Theo reflected on his knowledge from his past life.
‘If it’s the Mysteries of the White Tower… it should be the
The Morning Star, the celestial body known for rising earliest in the sky and shining brightest before dawn.
The Mysteries of the White Tower were believed to draw upon the power of that very star.
It was said to have effects related to magic power[a], though Theo didn’t know the specifics. That was because Troyban had unlocked it before Ragnar ever could.
Yet, recalling that Troyban collapsed shortly after obtaining it, later generations evaluated it as not being particularly remarkable.
Theo had reached a similar conclusion, which is why he hadn’t prioritized obtaining it himself.
‘Still, we can’t let Troyban get it. Nor can we allow the Black Iron Cavalry to have it.’
Fortunately, even if Theo couldn't unlock the Mysteries, he at least knew how to get close to them.
It was then.
Ding!
[You have received a quest.]
---
[Scenario Quest #7]
You have arrived at the ruins left by the Primordial Dragon. Retrieve the Mysteries buried here.
- Difficulty: A+
- Reward: Relic of the Primordial Dragon
- Penalty for Failure: Death
---
The White Tower was left behind by the Primordial Dragon?
Theo’s eyes widened slightly.
This gave him an undeniable reason to ensure he obtained it at all costs.
"Anyway, everyone, avoid unnecessary clashes with the Black Iron Cavalry as much as possible. We're the ones protecting the Tower Tribe's residential area, and we have jurisdiction over them. There's nothing to gain from getting tangled up with them."
At Julius's repeated emphasis, the group nodded in agreement.
Only then did Julius relax his serious expression and flash a smile.
"I heard you all had quite the journey coming here. Why don't you tell me about it?"
"Didn't you already receive a report?"
"Hearing heroic tales in person is much better than reading them in a dry, stiff document."
"You’re not planning to just listen for free, are you?"
"Haha! Of course not. I've got everything ready."
At Selperd’s mischievous question, Julius clapped his hands lightly.
Clap, clap!
Suddenly, the back door opened, and a crowd that had been waiting outside surged in.
"We’ve been waiting ages for your call!"
"Get the barrels inside first! Move the barrels!"
"What about the meat?"
"It’s all roasted and ready! Bringing it over now!"
The members of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry entered, each carrying barrels of alcohol and platters of snacks.
The drinking party had begun.
* * *
"Ha-ha-ha! What? The statue collapsed there?"
"Those Troyban bastards must’ve been terrified! Years of work, gone in an instant!"
"So? What happened after that?"
"I’ve heard of the Mysteries of the Floating Archipelago before, but I thought it was just a legend. Turns out it’s real? Damn! Hey, let me feel that for myself."
It was noisy.
Throughout the entire drinking party, Theo couldn't shake a single thought from his mind.
Since the various units scattered across the northern regions had all gathered here, there were many familiar faces, and the room was abuzz with greetings and conversations. The atmosphere resembled a bustling market.
Yet the undeniable focus of attention was Theo.
『The star born from the White Armored Dragon Cavalry. A once-in-a-millennium idol. The “Millennium Idol,” isn’t that right? Hahaha!』
‘…Please stop teasing me.’
『Oh, but when our Millennium Idol himself says so…』
‘Sigh!’
The members of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry treated Theo with affection with a sense of adoration.
Given that their unit prided itself on a friendly, family-like atmosphere without rigid hierarchies or hazing, Theo, who had recently gained fame, was cherished as if he were their youngest sibling.
They had tugged at his cheeks so much that they still stung.
As if that weren’t enough, everyone, affected by alcohol, clinged to him, eager to touch the muscles on his arms and legs. It was exhausting just trying to fend them off.
The problem wasn’t just the White Armored Dragon Cavalry driving Theo to the brink of distraction.
- Slurp! That meat looks delicious.
- Ah, I’m thirsty for some booze. I used to drink a whole keg by myself back in the day.
- Stop it, you fools. Wishing for it will only make you crave it more. But that aroma… Oh! I knew it! I should’ve just ascended back then!
The ghosts of the Spirit Mausoleum Blade were wandering about haphazardly, adding to the chaos and doubling the noise.
The White Armored Dragon Cavalry and the Dragon Fang Corps—their atmospheres were so alike it was uncanny, almost as if one had been copy-pasted from the other.
“Uh… hmm… I can’t find a way to butt in at all, sis. What should I do?”
“What do you mean, ‘what should you do?’ Your plan failed miserably again, that’s what.”
“Damn it.”
Holcus, frustrated, chugged his beer in rapid succession.
He had been training diligently, determined to at least qualify as Theo’s rival with his sword. He’d been filled with confidence—until now.
But Advanced Swordsman? That was beyond him.
According to Selperd’s tales, Theo’s current capabilities might even rival those of a Dragon Gate Swordsman if he put his mind to it. Holcus’s confidence had withered in an instant.
At this rate, could he ever stand beside Theo?
“You’re weak.”
Sitting across from him, Ray, after hearing the situation from Erika, delivered a blunt dagger to his pride.
“What did you just say, punk?”
“Theo is much stronger than you.”
“Yeah, I know that!”
“No, he’s stronger than you think. Theo fought on the brink of death. You played from the sidelines.”
“Played? I’ve been fighting hard in battles too…!”
“Child’s play.”
“You little…!!”
Bang!
Holcus, boiling with anger, slammed the table and stood up.
Ray, however, remained unfazed, casually sipping her beer.
Erika, sitting between them, watched the exchange with eyes full of intrigue.
“Are you seriously asking for a fight? Huh?”
“Ten seconds.”
“What do you mean, ten seconds? Speak clearly.”
“The time it’ll take for you to hit the ground.”
“This bastard…!”
“The time I’ve endured and the time you’ve endured are completely different.”
“Fine! You really want to go, don’t you?”
Just as Holcus was about to menacingly press Ray further—
Shwick!
A sword was already placed beneath his chin.
‘When did she even…!’
"Sorry. I overestimated you. One second is all it takes."
“...!”
"If you can’t even react to this, don’t even dream of standing beside Theo. He’s someone who will always walk the line of death."
Ray, as if her interest had completely vanished, quietly sheathed her sword and walked away.
Holcus stood frozen for a long time.
The shock Ray had delivered was immense.
Back during the Blossoming Ceremony, there hadn’t been such an overwhelming gap between them.
But now, he couldn’t even read Ray’s sword movements.
If Ray had grown this much stronger, then just how far ahead had Theo climbed?
His gaze stayed fixed on Theo, blank and bewildered.
‘What kind of life are you living?’
Watching her younger brother in such a state, Erika casually sipped her beer.
Even for her, the situation had been eye-opening.
"It looks like I can’t afford to slack off either."
* * *
After the uproar had died down—
Theo had the opportunity to formally exchange introductions with the other squad leaders.
"Sorry for the delay in introductions. My name is It Bolseman, leader of Squad Two."
The leader of Squad Two, specializing in exploration of the Demonic Sea, had a wiry frame and piercing eyes brimming with intensity.
His nickname was Gloomy Sword, owing to the eerie aura he emanated.
Theo thought he resembled a dignified leopard.
"I’m Gorito Ken. Nice to meet you. If we get the chance, let’s share a drink sometime, eh?"
The leader of Squad Three, nicknamed Iron Wall, offered his hand for a rough handshake. He had a solid, robust build that lived up to his title.
His black eyes and golden skin marked him as a foreigner from a distant nation in the Far East.
"Hanata Ragnar. It’s a pleasure."
The leader of Squad Four, known as Blazing Fire Sword, spoke with a gentle demeanor and warm tone, making her surname, Ragnar, seem almost ill-fitting.
But Theo wasn’t fooled.
He had heard plenty about how ferociously violent Hanata could become when angered.
"I’m Theo Ragnar. I look forward to working with all of you."
After politely greeting them, Theo finally turned to the last individual.
Despite barely standing 150 centimeters tall, with a youthful face and diminutive frame, the figure carried a fearsome aura, with a massive spear over three meters long strapped to their back.
‘Squad One Leader, Demon Amore Tan.’
As part of Julius's personal guard, the leader of Squad One was renowned for her exceptional combat prowess, seldom appearing before the public and instead operating exclusively on the most dangerous frontlines.
If anyone were to be awarded the currently vacant title of Soaring Dragon, this woman was the undisputed top candidate.
Even though Theo was 30 centimeters taller than Amore, she felt overwhelmingly larger to him.
“Hi there, nice to meet you! Looking forward to working with you. You can call me Big Sis More in informal settings, got it?”
Her tone, however, was far too cutesy for her image...
“Ugh!”
"Big Sis More? Really? First Squad Leader? Where’s your dignity?"
“Someone nearing her 60th birthday talking like that... And seriously, when was Bang-ga Bang-ga even a thing?”
“I just wanted to manage my image for a change since we finally got a handsome junior. Can’t you all shut up?”
When Amore's eyes flashed with annoyance, the other three squad leaders hastily averted their gazes.
Theo scratched his cheek awkwardly, feeling sheepish.
‘So, the rumor that the First Squad Leader is older than the Captain was true after all.’
Despite being nearly 60 years old, she didn’t look a day over 30. Theo thought he might ask her secret someday to share it with his mother.
“Anyway, if you have any questions about life as a squad leader or run into any issues, feel free to come find me anytime, okay?”
Amore gave him a playful wink.
But Theo wasn’t focused on that; his mind was fixated on something else entirely.
Squad leader?
“Oh, wait. Was that supposed to be a secret still?”
Amore, noticing Theo’s expression and realizing she might’ve slipped up, lightly tapped her lips with her hand and glanced toward Julius.
Julius let out a small sigh.
“Well, I was going to tell you soon anyway… I suppose now’s as good a time as any. Theo Ragnar.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Theo straightened his back instinctively, fully alert.
"Due to your achievements in recent missions, combined with a recommendation from Master Dojo of the Upsurging Dragon, you’ll soon be taking the Advanced Swordsman Qualification Exam. And once you pass..."
Julius's eyes gleamed.
They were the Eyes of the Demon Dragon.
“You’ll be forming your own squad.”
“...!”
Thump!
Theo’s heart raced.
[a]It could be demonic energy too, might need to come back here later.