Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan - Chapter 51

Ragnar and other fellow northern region clans were often compared to animals.

Ragnar, the Dragon.

Narcio, the Lion.

Hanavi, the Eagle.

Gardner, the Wolf.

Lanke, the Bear.

Bears, despite their perceived slow and lazy image, possessed immense strength, large size, omnivorous nature, and intense ferocity. That was why they were often revered as Totems in ancient cultures.

To Theo, no clan was more fitting to symbolize the bear than Lanke.

They possessed not only a bear’s strength and size but also its sharp intellect. This explained the Lanke Clan’s enduring reputation, standing tall and mighty along with powerful clans like Ragnar and Narcio.

‘And Erika is the very embodiment of the Lanke Clan,’ thought Theo.

Hulkus the Black Bear was the one currently representing the Lanke clan as a member of the 4 Hounds.

However, soon a talent far surpassing him would rise to become Clan Head.

That talent was Erika, the White Bear.

‘If I remember correctly, her title became ‘The Human Disaster’ because wherever she went, destruction followed.’

Having been on missions alongside Erika in Black Snow, Theo vividly recalled her personality.

Bold and utterly savage.

Her impulsive nature, charging into situations without hesitation, had often caused the Lanke Clan considerable headaches.

Like Ray, she was in seclusion training for a long time. That was why she’s relatively unknown. Only a select few anticipated her performance. This Awakening Ceremony was the first time she showed herself to the public’s eyes…

She was going to grab the spotlight by being the only one to uncover the secrets of the Elemental Breathing… or at least, that was what was supposed to happen.

‘I ended up throwing a wrench into that future.’

That was why Theo had watched Erika so closely since their first encounter. He couldn’t anticipate how she would react to him.

However…

‘…She wants me to become her husband?’

The very idea was absurd.

“Gah…! Damn it, she actually said it. Sis has gone off the rails again…” Hulkus groaned, burying his face in his hands, mortified.

Ray and Remington, also utterly bewildered by the exchange, could only stare back and forth between Theo and Erika.

“…What are you trying to say?” Theo asked, frowning at Erika.

Erika grinned mischievously, “Truthfully, I’ve had my eye on you since I heard you schooled this idiot.”

Hulkus flinched under his sister’s gaze. The sight of such a large man cowering was oddly comical.

She continued, “He may look like a half-wit, but he’s pretty tough. I’ve trained him mercilessly since he was a child.”

“Who are you calling a half-wit—!”

“Yet, he was pummeled. Not to mention, I heard that greedy little Axion was desperate to get you. You even left a clean cut on the stone tablet. How could I not be intrigued?”

Erika waved off Hulkus’s protest and slowly drew her sword.

Shing!

It was a two-handed greatsword, similar in shape to Theo’s Zweihander.

“I wanted to duel you, but you vanished. Then, at the closing ceremony, you suddenly threw a dagger at me.”

Erika shivered, the thrill of the moment still palpable.

A smile played on her lips, “You were even more exhilarating than I imagined. My adrenaline was pumping. Do you get it?”

“I think I understand.”

“Right? I knew you would.”

Erika beamed, radiating the intense satisfaction of finding a kindred spirit.

Theo nodded slowly as he responded, “I understand that you have a sick fetish.”

“What did you just say?!”

“Bwahahaha!”

Erika scowled while Hulkus roared with laughter. Hulkus quickly clapped a hand over his mouth under his sister’s glare, but his flushed face betrayed his amusement.

Theo assumed a ready stance, Drake Blade in hand.

He said, “You’re being way too roundabout in asking for a fight. Why don’t we cut to the chase?”

“I like how direct you are.”

Their gazes locked for a brief moment.

Whoosh!

Their figures blurred, colliding at the halfway point.

KLANG!

The deafening metallic ring of their massive swords echoed, a breathtaking spectacle.

As she stumbled back, Erika was impressed. She never expected she’d lose in a contest of strength. As a member of the Lanke Clan, famed for their strength throughout the Northern Region, she was genuinely shocked.

“Hey,” said Erkia.

“What?”

“Are you sure you don’t want to marry into my clan?”

The Lanke Clan pursued strength above all else, and Theo’s strength easily rivaled the strongest among them.

“To tell you the truth, I’m really picky. I only like good-looking guys. On top of that, you’re strong. That makes you prime husband material.”

Her expression was utterly serious.

Theo chuckled. His regression had led to a truly bizarre encounter.

‘In my previous life, she never married. She rejected countless proposals, believing no man was worthy,’ he thought.

Like with Remington, it felt good to be acknowledged by someone he once admired. Of course, he had no intention of accepting her offer.

“Sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”

“Huh? Why? Are you embarrassed that you’d be marrying into my clan? Even so, think it over. You may not know this, but I’m soon to be the Clan Head. You’ll get to be the Lanke Clan’s first gentleman. Isn’t that a worthy position?”

Smirk—

Theo chuckled.

“No. That’s not why.”

“Then what?”

“How can the Clan Head of Ragnar also be the Lanke Clan’s first gentleman? We’re the suzerain clan, after all.”

“……?” Erika blinked, momentarily confused, then burst into laughter. “What? Hahaha! Are you seriously aiming to be the successor?”

Ray, Remington, and even Hulkus stared, wide-eyed.

It wasn’t just them. The judges and proctors observing the clash were equally stunned.

Ray was the most shocked.

Heirs that wanted the throne typically kept their ambitions hidden until they had a solid foundation to avoid interference from their siblings.

‘As a natural child, Theo should know this better than anyone… yet he still said it,’ thought Ray.

This was an official declaration. A declaration of his intent to become the Clan Head.

Having secured the valedictorian position twice and surpassed the daunting 3,000-point mark, this declaration, if it spread to the public, would undoubtedly ignite a firestorm.

Moreover, there were more than just judges and proctors present.

‘Father…!’ Ray tensed.

Far above at the very summit, their father, Kyle, was waiting for them. As the Dragon’s Avatar, he would have undoubtedly heard Theo’s declaration.

‘We’ll be meeting Father soon. What are you planning, Theo?’ Ray’s thoughts grew heavy.

Meanwhile…

“Ragnar’s Throne, I see…” Erika’s laughter continued.

It was hard to tell if it was mockery or genuine amazement.

“Any Ragnar heir can dream of that, can’t they?” Theo commented.

“Yeah, they can dream. But there’s a big difference between dreaming and pursuing it.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. But from what I see…” Erika’s eyes glittered, and she licked her lips.

Slurp!

“You look like you’ll really give it a try.”

Theo simply smiled, a silent confirmation.

“But I heard you’re an illegitimate child. Will you be alright?”

“Are illegitimate children forbidden from claiming succession rights?”

“Not forbidden, but realistically challenging. You need backing and a foundation to seize the throne. But you lack both.”

“I can always…”

“……?”

Fwoosh—

Theo lunged again.

“…Start building a foundation now.”

“……!”

Swoosh—

The Drake Blade sliced horizontally with ferocious speed.

Kling! Klang! Klang! Kling!

Erika, undaunted, met his attacks with a smile.

Greatsword versus greatsword.

Strength versus strength.

The repeated impacts made the ground tremble.

“Don’t you think this is enough to have the right to build one?” Theo grinned.

Erika’s laughter intensified, bordering on manic.

“Hahaha! Such confidence! That’s amazing! Yes! Everyone should have that kind of ambition. Hey, Hulkus, you should learn from him and stop making excuses every time I challenge you!”

Hulkus, unexpectedly called out, seemed to have much to say, but remained silent.

Erika, still grinning, suddenly smacked her lips. “Ah, what a shame. I thought I finally found good husband material.”

“Look elsewhere.”

“I guess I’ll have to. But…!”

CLAAAANG!

Erika forcefully deflected the Drake Blade aimed at her throat and grinned.

“I think we could at least be good drinking buddies. Whatcha think?”

“I’m still underage, so I don’t drink.”

“No wonder you sound so straitlaced. What’s the point of living? Then, how about just friends?”

“I’ll gladly welcome that.” Theo smiled back.

Erika’s grin widened, “Good. Then let’s first see who’s superior!”

“Do friends really need to establish a hierarchy?”

“Stop chattering and swing your sword! We’re not finished yet!”

Whoosh!

Erika and Theo clashed once more.

* * *

Reaper Scans

[Translator – Mr.Ghost]

[Proofreader – Harley]

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

* * *

“He wants the throne! Hahahaha!” Kyle, the Dragon’s Avatar, laughed heartily while looking out the window.

He seemed delighted—or perhaps amused.

Chirp!

A black skylark perched on Kyle’s left shoulder chirped worriedly.

“I know your concern.”

Chriiip…

“But if he wishes to dream, who am I to stop him? Especially when we are father and son.”

Kyle genuinely held Theo in high regard, just like Thorkell and his other five favored children.

Of course, his affection differed from a typical father’s.

He cherished them because to him they were ‘swords’ for the prosperity of the Ragnar Clan. Kyle had to be the one who could wield those swords. However, if their edges ever turned against him, he would break them without hesitation.

And now, Theo had declared his intent.

He would become a sword, though it remained to be seen if he’d be an obedient or defiant sword.

But one thing was certain. The edge of this sword would be exceptionally sharp.

“Didn’t we both do the same at that age? Youthful ambition is unstoppable, so let us observe.”

The black skylark closed its beak.

“Let us see if he breaks or not when he encounters a great wall.”

Kyle’s eyes glinted menacingly as he looked out the window.