Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan - Chapter 50

[Tutorial Quest #17

Obtain the Dragon Slayer’s approval.

· Difficulty: S-

· Reward: 1 Coin

· Penalty: ■■ ]

‘The Dragon Slayer? And it’s S- rank difficulty?’

A wave of apprehension washed over Theo.

The title ‘Dragon Slayer’ itself was ominous, especially given Ragnar’s supposed dragon ancestry.

However, it seemed fitting for Kyle.

But the unfamiliar difficulty rating was deeply unsettling.

‘I already gained enough approval from Father to have had a single sword duel with him. Thanks to that, I even got to see the «Dragon Flash». Is gaining more approval really going to be that difficult?’

Theo wondered if there was a hidden element to the 3rd Stage.

‘I didn’t get to the 3rd Stage in my previous life… But I thought the 3rd Stage didn’t have any hidden pieces and complexities like the 2nd Stage?’

That was something he was certain from his time within the Black Snow.

That was because the 3rd Stage of the Awakening Ceremony was created specifically for the Clan Head to personally evaluate promising candidates. Examinees who failed to be selected by the Clan Head here were then picked by the units that desired them.

‘Maybe there’s an error with the message… I guess the only way to know is to go up.’

Determination sparked in Theo’s eyes, a flicker of golden lightning glowing in his eyes.

[Activating ‘Skill: Lesser Drake’s Fear’ to overcome the curse of terror.]

Ba-thump! Ba-thump—!

Theo’s heart hammered as magic power surged through him.

His Dragon Heart resonated with his dantian, pushing back against the Dragon Killing Intent.

Kkkzzzt!

His own Dragon Killing Intent clashed against Kyle’s. Despite the vast difference in power, it gave Theo a measure of freedom to move once again.

“Fuu…” He breathed deeply, quickly assessing the situation.

Remington and Erika were holding their own, but only just. They were clearly struggling. However, there was someone faring much worse than Remmington and the Lanke siblings.

Quietly, Theo moved to Ray’s side. Her already pale face was now ashen.

Fssss…

Uncontrolled ice energy seeped from her. Her Nine Severed Yin Meridians seemed to be flaring up again. Cold sweat slicked her skin.

“Close your eyes and focus on circulating your magic power,” Theo said.

Ray obeyed, squeezing her eyes shut.

Theo placed his palm on her back, channeling his magic power. He intended to use lightning energy to stimulate her fear-paralyzed nerves. The Nine Severed Yin Meridians’ symptoms likely stemmed from her inability to control her magic power flow.

Bzzzt!

As the Thruma attribute magic power flowed into her, Ray’s hunched posture straightened and color returned to her cheeks.

“Fuuu…” Ray’s breathing steadied, as she exhaled deep.

Theo withdrew his hand, guarding her as she regained control of her dispersed magic power.

He had questions for her.

“Why didn’t you tell me you obtained an Elemental Breathing Technique?” he asked.

“…I wanted to surprise you.”

“Did it perhaps occur to you that I was intentionally hiding it from you?”

“Yes.”

“And what thoughts did you have?”

“Chance encounters aren’t something you’re supposed to share.”

“Is that why you think I hid it?”

Ray shook her head.

“Then why?” Theo pressed.

“I thought so at first… but I quickly realized I must be wrong. Because you’re a kind person.”

Theo gave a wry smile. He wondered what the dead Axion would think if he heard her.

Since his regression, Theo had been acting solely for his own benefit, yet Ray saw him differently.

“So, I thought you’d tell me eventually,” she confessed.

“……”

Theo wasn’t sure how to react to Ray’s unconditional kindness and trust. In both past and present life, almost no one showed him such faith. However, Theo could feel the last vestiges of distance he was keeping from Ray melt away.

‘What would she have done if I had ulterior motives?’ He thought as a headache throbbed his template.

“Haah…! That’s why you were hiding it to surprise me?”

Ray nodded blankly, irritating him.

Thwack!

Unable to hold back his frustration, he flicked her forehead.

“Ow! Theo… why did you hit me?”

“Because you deserved it,” he grumbled. “Listen. The «White Glacial Arsenal» is already a top-tier secret art with an excellent attribute. On top of that, overcoming the Nine Severed Yin Meridians has given you unparalleled Frør attribute potential.”

Ray nodded. She knew this, which was why she chose the Frør attribute among the Elemental Breathing Techniques.

“But too much of a good thing can be a negative,” explained Theo.

“Are you saying my Elemental Breathing is dangerous for me?”

“Yeah. The Frør Attribute «Rime Frost Breathing» has a property in which it condenses magic power, altering the surrounding air currents. While their attributes might make them seem compatible, the «White Glacial Arsenal» focuses magic power solely on the sword. So, they can’t help but clash against each other.”

Theo let out a deep before continuing, “Also, you shouldn’t learn two secret arts with different origins together. What if your mana pathways become tangled?”

“But Theo, you—”

“You mean how I mastered the «White Glacial Arsenal» techniques you taught me?”

Ray nodded.

It wasn’t just the White Glacial Arsenal. Lady Plum Blossom’s «Full Bloom of the Plum Blossoms», Julius’s swordsmanship… He was even imparted with the Zenith Dragon’s machinations recently.

Yet, Theo continued to improve without issue.

Theo forced a smile. His ability to handle diverse techniques and swordsmanship stemmed from the Dragon Heart’s power, but he couldn’t explain that.

So, he had to feign ignorance for now.

“I’m fine.”

“Why?”

“…Just because.”

“……”

“It just… works for me.”

“……”

“……”

Ray narrowed her eyes.

Her gaze felt cold for the first time, “Theo, you’re being a mega jerk.”

“…Regardless, you need to be more careful. No secret art is as sensitive as the «White Glacial Arsenal».”

Ray nodded silently, a hint of disappointment lingering.

The brief combination of «Rime Frost Breathing» and the «White Glacial Arsenal» felt incredible. She felt that if she could master it, she could elevate the «White Glacial Arsenal» to new heights!

“For now, memorize the following.”

“……?”

Ray blinked in confusion, but Theo had already begun.

“At the twilight of dawn, the frost that kisses the leaves carries the color of water, yet holds the earth’s…”

“……!”

Ray snapped to attention, frantically trying to memorize the passages.

They were passages for the «Rime Frost Breathing», but the contents were slightly different from what she had found.

The passages were much longer, and there seemed to be four passages in total.

‘Did he modify it for me?’ Ray wondered.

Altering an established passage required a deep understanding of martial theory. Not only was Theo’s ability impressive, but his willingness to help touched her deeply.

‘It seems I’m only ever able to receive his help…’ Ray thought as she immersed herself in the passages.

Magic power stirred within her Aura Hall, blending seamlessly with the words. It was a perfect match for the «White Glacial Arsenal».

Fwoosh…!

A cool breeze swirled around Ray.

* * *

Reaper Scans

[Translator – Mr.Ghost]

[Proofreader – Harley]

Join our discord for updates on releases! https://dsc.gg/reapercomics

* * *

‘Thank goodness I can read residual thoughts,’ Theo sighed softly.

Modifying «Rime Frost Breathing» wasn’t an easy feat, even for Theo. However, he couldn’t leave Ray to struggle, especially since her two techniques would only continue to clash more.

Fortunately, he had collected quite a few passages, and by having already read all the residual thoughts of the passages, he was able to make a quick revision.

‘This repays my debt for her teaching me the «White Glacial Arsenal».’ Theo smirked, rising to his feet.

Ray also opened her eyes, her gaze clear and free from the pressure of the «Dragon Fear». The corners of her eyes crinkled as she looked at Theo.

“I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

“You’re kind.”

“……”

Thwack!

“You… you hit me again…” Ray rubbed her forehead, whimpering.

Then, she noticed Theo’s ears were red as he turned away.

“Indeed, Young Master Theo is kind,” Remington strolled over, grinning.

“…Why are you here?”

“To tease you?”

Theo’s eyes narrowed.

“Oh my. Please don’t glare at me. It’s very scary. Besides, I think you should worry about your blushing face instead.”

Theo exhaled, looking at the smug Remington. At the same time, he was impressed Remington had overcome the «Dragon Fear» without aid.

‘He’s far stronger than he was at this point in my past life. His seclusion training and the Elemental Breathing must have fueled explosive growth,’ Theo noted.

Remington’s capabilities had surpassed a typical trainee swordsman and were approaching that of a basic swordsman, also known as a ‘combat swordsman’. It was astonishing progress for someone who’d only opened his Aura Hall two weeks ago.

Theo knew Remington would catch up to him soon if he wasn’t careful.

‘Rival.’ Theo recalled Remington’s words. ‘It seems that I shouldn’t let my guard down.’

“Young Master Theo.”

“……?”

“Do you have a way to reach the top?” Remington asked seriously, gesturing towards the summit lodge.

While they were currently resisting the «Dragon Fear», the pressure would surely intensify as they climbed.

He was asking how they would overcome it.

“Weren’t you the one who said we should act separately during the Awakening Ceremony? Since we’re rivals?” Theo teased.

“Even life-long enemies cooperate when push comes to shove. So why shouldn’t we, especially when we’re friends?”

Theo chuckled at Remington’s shameless logic.

“Can’t argue with that,” said Theo.

“So, do you have a way?”

Theo glanced at the judge and proctors. They were watching intently, curious to see how they would overcome this obstacle.

‘Who was it that said the final trial would be quick compared to the 2nd Stage?’ thought Theo.

While it might be shorter, it was magnitudes harder.

Just as Theo clicked his tongue and was about to speak—

Whoosh—

He drew the Drake Blade and swung it in the opposite direction from where he was facing.

Shing!

Ray and Remington followed the motion with their eyes.

“Oi, valedictorian.”

Erika and Hulkus Lanke, having overcome «Dragon Fear», were now glaring at them.

More accurately, It was Erika who was glaring, her hostility palpable.

She was almost as tall and hulkish as her little brother.

The intensity of her gaze, combined with her imposing figure and lion’s mane hair, made the air crackle with tension. It felt like a bloody brawl was about to erupt.

Shnng—

Ray and Remington quietly drew their swords, yet Erika’s gaze remained fixed on Theo.

One corner of her mouth curled upwards, “You’re pretty good.”

“So?” Theo replied nonchalantly.

She was likely referencing his demonstration of his «Thunder Dragon’s Claw».

From her perspective, she had become a stepping stone for Theo’s valedictorian title. So her anger was understandable.

Theo was well aware of Erika’s personality, known as the most reckless and bullheaded in the Lanke clan.

He calmly raised his Drake Blade. He wasn’t about to shy away from a fight.

Erika seemed to approve of his stance, her presence growing more menacing. Her parted lips revealed prominent, almost bear-like canines.

But then—

“So, you pass.”

“……?”

Her words were completely unexpected. What did she mean?

As Theo tilted his head in confusion, Erika’s grin widened, a playful glint in her eyes.

“As my future husband.”

“……?!”