Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan - Chapter 49

The Zenith Dragon.

He was the least well-known of Ragnar’s Nine Dragons.

Not only did he rarely go outside Wintera, but he also spent most of the year secluded in his dwelling.

Despite this, the Nine Dragons all knew that his emergence would herald significant upheaval.

Every member of the Nine Dragons both respected and were weary of him, including the sinister Black Dragon.

That was who the Zenith Dragon was.

“He should arrive soon.”

Julius and Lady Plum Blossom were patiently waiting for his arrival.

They had been taken aback by the announcement that Zenith Dragon was participating in this Awakening Ceremony as a judge. He had consistently refused the Clan Head’s invitations, choosing to remain in isolation.

The reason for his sudden change of heart remained a mystery.

Still, Zenith Dragon’s skill and impartiality were unquestionable, assuring an objective assessment of the examinees.

“To mobilize one of the Nine Dragons for a children’s exam,” Head Councilor Wolfgang grumbled, arms crossed.

Since Ed’s silent departure, clutching his nephew’s body, Wolfgang had relentlessly disparaged this generation of examinees.

Everyone knew that he was venting his frustration over the elimination of the majority of his council-backed candidates.

“He’s here.” Lady Plum Blossom’s words drew all eyes to the door.

Creak!

Tmp, tmp—

As the door opened wide, it revealed the Zenith Dragon. He entered slowly, with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression impassive.

All but Wolfgang rose and bowed, a gesture of respect to the venerable senior.

Zenith Dragon offered a silent nod.

“How did it go?” Julius inquired carefully.

A faint smile touched Zenith Dragon’s stern features.

‘The Zenith Dragon is smiling…?’ Julius was momentarily stunned.

In twenty years, he had never witnessed such an expression.

‘Wait. This feels familiar.’ Alarm bells started ringing in Julius’s head.

“I offered a promising child the chance to become my disciple,” said the Zenith Dragon.

“……!”

“Sir Zenith Dragon! That’s—!!”

Julius’s jaw dropped as his premonition proved true while Lady Plum Blossom shot to her feet, surprised.

Neither had anticipated the Zenith Dragon would become a new rival.

This was particularly unsettling for Lady Plum Blossom, who received a report from Natasha regarding Felix’s actions.

Because she hadn’t had a chance to explain herself to Theo yet, her anxiety grew.

Meanwhile, Wolfgang and the other executives were shocked for a different reason.

‘Zenith Dragon, who has never taken a disciple, has found someone worthy!’

This fact alone was enough to shock the whole of Wintera.

“But I, the Zenith Dragon, was rejected.”

Gasps filled the room.

Countless individuals in Wintera yearned for a glimpse of Zenith Dragon’s swordsmanship. What would all those people think about this news?

But the identity of the examinee who had dared refuse him was obvious.

“It seems my isolation has lasted too long. To have found a promising talent I desire, yet cannot obtain.”

“…That’s quite unfortunate, sir.”

“You should first hide your smirk before speaking, Julius.”

Julius subtly covered his mouth, amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes.

“Oh my. That’s my mistake,” Julius replied.

“Honestly… Where did that polite young man go, leaving only this cunning fox?” Zenith Dragon shook his head.

He was well aware of the rivalry between Julius and Lady Plum Blossom over Theo.

The Zenith Dragon continued, “Regardless, that’s how it unfolded. You’ll learn the final results soon, but the valedictorian scored 3,021 points. Remember that.”

“……!”

“……!”

“Isn’t that score…?”

Jaws dropped again.

A score exceeding 3,000. The implications were profound.

The Zenith Dragon nodded and stated, “A record broken only once in the last millennium has been broken again after just fourteen years.”

“……!”

“……!”

“……!”

Gulp—

Someone’s nervous gulp echoed.

“I wonder how that child Thorkell will react,” the Zenith Dragon’s smile widened.

* * *

Reaper Scans

[Translator – Mr.Ghost]

[Proofreader – Harley]

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* * *

“Someone surpassed the hellish 3,000 again!”

The rumor, originating from the Zenith Dragon, ignited Wintera.

The hellish 3,000. A recurring point of discussion.

It was because, in the many years of the Awakening Ceremony’s 2nd Stage, no one had ever surpassed 3000 points.

Between retrieving violet demon bells, discovering and deciphering the hidden passages, achieving a high understanding of Elemental Attributes, etc., the requirements were so demanding that 3,000 points had become an insurmountable wall.

Normally, simply scoring over 1,000 points usually netted an examinee valedictorian. They were then given the moniker of ‘Flourishing Talent’, gaining entry into any unit they desired.

In the rare case of surpassing 2,000 points, they were considered a ‘Brilliant Talent’, a future leader of Ragnar.

That was why the 3,000-point mark became to be known as a legendary, unbreakable threshold.

But then, fourteen years ago, the impossible happened. A true genius, a ‘Heavenly Talent’ emerged.

Thorkell Ragnar.

The youngest of the Five Major Candidates, the frontrunners for the position of the next Clan Head.

He was also the commander of the Black Iron Cavalry, respected by all young swordsmen for all his contributions on the battlefield.

People believed no one would ever replicate his feat.

But now, that belief was shattered.

And…

“The valedictorian is Theo Ragnar, again.”

When the rumor linked the Imbecile of the Rose Palace to this feat, silence fell. No one knew how to react.

But that silence didn’t last long.

The Black Iron Cavalry issued a statement on Thorkell’s behalf: “I would very much like to meet this kid.”

No further explanation was needed.

“There’s still the 3rd Stage! I need to know what’ll happen in the final exam!”

“What does the Clan Head think of him?”

“Theo Ragnar’s mother is at the Camellia Palace! Send someone, now!”

“I heard Theo Ragnar carries a Zweihander, and that it was made by the Basque Workshop. Send an inquiry to see if they can forge another!”

Everyone sprang into action, anticipating the 3rd and final exam.

***

The 3rd Stage commenced after a short recess.

“The 3rd exam is simple.”

The examinees watched Zenith Dragon, who had resumed his role as judge.

They were traveling to the next exam area.

Gulp!

A nervous gulp echoed.

“It seems some of you already know,” the Zenith Dragon chuckled. “The next exam is a single sword duel with the Clan Head.”

“……!”

“……!”

“…W-we get to be in the presence of the Clan Head?”

For Ragnar Clan trainees, the ‘Clan Head’ was a distant figure, a star in the night sky.

Yet they’d get to meet him? They were thrilled, awestruck.

“Yes, indeed…”

The Zenith Dragon’s tone was strangely ambiguous, positive yet tinged with melancholy.

The only one who noticed the shift in tone was Theo.

‘The conflict between the Zenith Dragon and the Clan Head… it’s well-known, though hushed,’ Theo remembered.

Theo gave a wry smile as the Zenith Dragon continued.

“However, most of you will fail to get anywhere close to the Clan Head. To stand before him, you must first pierce his killing intent.”

Remington and Erika swallowed nervously, but the majority of the examinees tilted their heads in confusion.

Even if the Clan Head’s killing intent was powerful, it was merely pressure, not an attack. They didn’t understand the difficulty.

“If you can reach him, he will bestow upon you a single strike. What you glean from that experience is entirely up to you. Keep in mind, your scores will be based upon the depth of the insight you attain.”

The examinees clenched their fists. If the evaluation was based on their changes after the exchange, they felt they finally had a chance to become valedictorian.

‘I can see Father again?’ thought Theo.

He recalled his previous encounter with Clan Head Kyle. The thrill, exhilaration, and tension.

Also, the elation of encountering the light for the time…

He yearned to relive that moment. However, another thought arose.

“Kyle.”

Theo thought back to Lodbrok’s answer when he asked her who stole her heart.

“Despite that, he broke past his limitations and became the Clan Head. He is a being with exceptional abilities matched only by a few. He may be the damned wretch who did this to me, but his drive and capabilities were certainly admirable.

“So, as a human, you can be proud of your father. Your father… he might have the body of a human, but he is not one. However, he’s also the most human-like being to approach godhood. That’s the kind of monstrous human he is.”

Lodbrok held Kyle in high regard.

She said that, despite his flawed body, he was a true monster who managed to break past human limitations.

‘When I stand before him again, what should I do?’

Of course, he still needed to conceal his status as a pact-bearer with the Guardian Dragon. However, someone like Kyle was capable of perceiving his opponent’s intentions with ease.

Theo wondered whether the Clan Head was an enemy or an ally.

Unaware of Kyle’s secrets, Theo couldn’t come to a firm decision.

But his thoughts were interrupted by the judge.

“Alright, the 3rd exam shall begin.”

With those words, the Zenith Dragon suddenly rushed forward. The examinees, focused on the approaching building, were startled by his abrupt declaration. However, before they could even ask anything…

Du-dun…!

An immense pressure crashed down on all the examinees.

It was a crushing weight, threatening to shatter their shoulders and constrict their lungs.

“Ugh!”

“Kugk…!”

Most of the examinees collapsed unconscious, frothing at the mouth.

Only five remained standing.

Theo, Remington, Ray, Erika, and Hulkus.

“Damn it allll! What the hell is thiss?!” Hulkus roared, straining to shake off the pressure.

But the more he resisted, the more intense the pressure became.

Thud!

In the end, he couldn’t hold up against the pressure and one of his knees buckled, slamming him down into the ground.

‘It’s similar to «Dragon Fear»…’

Theo recognized the oppressive force. It was similar to what he felt in the dungeon. Of course, it was incomparably stronger and more destructive. But understanding its principle, he understood how Kyle could exhibit such power.

‘Father must have consumed Lodbrok’s heart!’

The mountain lodge atop the mountains where Kyle resided now resembled a nest where a dragon coiled within.

And then…

Ding!

[Quest received.]

A new message appeared.