Chapter 114

Mystery.

Even in this era, where airships soared through the skies and trains raced across the land powered by steam, certain mysterious phenomena remained unresolved.

Some would come here to find a serendipitous event, receiving immense magical power, while others encountered the miracle of youth.

There were instances where families suddenly flourished, and conversely, cases where everyone around them succumbed to a deadly curse.

As a result, people revered these mysteries from afar, but in fear, they refrained from approaching them.

Today, there were exceedingly few who could harness these mysteries to their full potential.

The House of Ragnar, known for wielding the Relic of the Ancient Dragon, was a notable example, and the most famous mystery of all was the Colossus of Kriemhild, located in the Floating Archipelago.

The Colossus of Kriemhild.

Standing tall at the peak and very center of the Floating Archipelago, on Venota Island, it overlooked the vast ocean.

By day, it served as a lighthouse, guiding ships approaching the archipelago during the dawn hours when the sun dipped below the horizon.

Yet, legend held that when a phenomenon occurred within the Floating Archipelago, the Colossus would bestow the blessing of the heroic Kriemhild, contained within it, upon the “Chosen.”

However, to receive this blessing, one must undergo a certain trial—though, predictably, the Floating Archipelago never allowed anyone to face this trial.

In fact, it was impossible to approach the Colossus of Kriemhild beyond a certain distance.

Yet here was Theo, declaring his intent to go there.

Naturally, Antonio frowned, considering it an unreasonable demand.

“But isn’t that mystery essential to calming the Sea King’s fury?”

Antonio’s expression hardened at Theo’s words.

“…Explain in detail.”

“There’s a legend about the Colossus of Kriemhild, isn’t there? The ancient hero Kriemhild supposedly sealed away an evil dragon of the sea. The Colossus itself was even modeled to commemorate that very moment, was it not?”

“What relation could that absurd legend have with quelling the Sea King’s rage?”

“They must be related. After all, the ‘Sea King’ you refer to is that very dragon, isn’t it?”

Theo didn’t miss the flicker of uncertainty in Antonio’s eyes.

‘As I suspected, I was right.’

In truth, Theo had recalled the legend of Kriemhild immediately after reading Pontus’s thoughts.

Seeing the Sea King in its draconic form stirred memories of the Colossus of Kriemhild from his past life.

Moreover, the Dragon Slayer Sword in his hand resonated with an aura similar to the one emanating from the Sea King.

And so, the pieces of information naturally fell into place.

Perhaps the very sword Kriemhild used to vanquish the evil dragon was Balmung.

“To put the Sea King back to sleep, I need to awaken Balmung’s latent powers. For that, I need the mystery of the Colossus.”

“You’re saying that you’ll be the one to subdue the Sea King?”

“Didn’t you see it a moment ago? I drove back the Sea Serpent. I have the ability to face the Sea King—just not enough power. That’s why I need the mystery.”

“…”

“After that, I’ll return Balmung as promised. This benefits you as well, doesn’t it? You’ll protect the Floating Archipelago and get Balmung back.”

“And you get the serendipity?”

“It’s a mutually beneficial deal.”

Of course, Theo had no intention of returning the Dragon Slayer Sword. There was no reason to reveal that.

Antonio fell into deep thought.

“What is there to ponder? The mystery is important, but if it were me, I’d put the safety and lives of the island’s people first.”

“We could also choose to retrieve Balmung from you ourselves and secure Kriemhild’s blessing.”

“If the mystery of the Colossus could be unlocked, wouldn’t you have done it already?”

“…”

“But I know how. What do you think? Isn’t that tempting?”

Antonio shook his head.

“This isn’t a matter I can decide on my own. The Colossus of Kriemhild falls under the jurisdiction of the council…!”

“If you’re going to start on about lacking authority, we can end things here. I can formally propose this to the Shipping Alliance through the main family; I’m sure they’ll consider it.”

Without a hint of hesitation, Theo stood up.

The only reason he’d reached out to Black Skull was because he thought they’d have access to Balmung’s secrets and that it’d be easier to approach the Colossus of Kriemhild through them.

‘I’d rather avoid drawing attention from the family… but with time running out, I’ll have to keep it as a last resort if I can’t find another way.’

“Wait a moment!”

Antonio hurriedly grabbed the hem of Theo’s sleeve.

As Theo’s indifferent gaze fell upon him, Antonio bit down hard on his lower lip.

‘Fine. Even if he takes the mystery, as long as we can reclaim Balmung…!’

Balmung symbolized the legitimacy of both the Floating Archipelago and the Shipping Alliance.

If they regained it, Black Skull would have an immense advantage in taking power.

He might even place himself at the very pinnacle of that power.

Even if not, his standing within the Spinola family would be firmly established.

If only he could surpass his two elder brothers above him.

Antonio finished all his political calculations and nodded.

“I’ll do it. But you must fulfill a request of mine in return.”

“What is it?”

“My original request was for you to attend the upcoming Three Shipping Families’ council as my personal escort knight.”

Taking a long breath, Antonio spoke in a firm voice.

“If you succeed in putting the Sea King to sleep again, you will gain tremendous fame and support. At that time, lend your strength to me and Black Skull, so I can become Doge.”

* * *

After the deal was concluded.

“Let’s talk.”

As Theo was leaving Antonio’s office, Arin grabbed him by the wrist, dragging him off somewhere else.

“What is it?”

Arin’s expression was tense, and Selperd’s face was equally troubled.

“Explain yourself properly. Just what are you plotting?”

“Didn’t you agree to follow my lead completely in this operation?”

“That was before I knew the people you were aligning with were Black Skull!”

Bang!

Arin slammed her fist against the wall in frustration.

“Hey! Hey! Don’t make a scene! You’ll break the ship!”

Selperd fussed nervously, but Arin ignored him, her eyes glaring sharply at Theo.

“Don’t tell me you’re unaware of what those guys did to our seniors?”

“I know very well.”

“Then why…?!”

“Because the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

“You!”

“To defeat Troyban, if I have to borrow even a cat’s paw, I will.”

Just as the murderous intent began to flare in Arin’s eyes, Theo continued.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Besides, I never said I’d tip the scales in Black Skull’s favor.”

“…What do you mean? Explain yourself.”

“I have no intention of letting Black Skull, who harmed the White Armored Dragon Cavalry, go unpunished.”

“…”

“Bait-and-switch. Once the hunt’s over, it’s only fitting to throw the hunting dog into the pot.”

Theo’s gaze was indifferent.

But it was precisely that look that shook Arin’s heart.

Because it was as if nothing had changed.

“Can I trust what you’re saying?”

“Arin, do you remember what I said when I first joined?”

Arin vividly remembered what he’d said back then.

– I plan to become Captain of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry. Within five years.

“When you said you’d become captain?”

“Yes.”

“Was that just talk?”

“I hate inefficiency more than anything.”

A faint smile appeared on Theo’s lips as he continued speaking.

“To become a respected captain, wouldn’t gaining the support of the crew be the most crucial part?”

Arin couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

After all, Theo’s mention of the “crew” included both herself and Selperd.

He intended to win over their favor and make them his right and left hands to secure command of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry.

That’s exactly what he was saying.

‘This audacious little thing.’

Arin found that she didn’t dislike this bold yet clever junior of hers.

If he kept showing this side, she even thought that she might indeed become his biggest supporter in reaching the captaincy.

“Alright. If you’re going that far. So, what’s your next move?”

Only then did Arin release her grip on Theo as she asked.

Theo adjusted his collar before answering.

“As I mentioned, the first step is to pull Black Skull onto our side. From there, we’ll resolve this issue while making sure the Shipping Alliance owes us a debt. Along the way, we’ll also eliminate Troyban’s shadow.”

“And Black Skull will conveniently disappear in the process?”

Theo replied with a faint, knowing smile.

Arin laughed, pleased.

“Fine. I’ll keep helping and looking forward to it.”

“Thank you.”

Selperd, who had been watching them, also smiled along with them.

* * *

“Do you trust him?”

“And if I don’t? Do we have any other options?”

Gray asked Antonio carefully, but Antonio’s reply left him silent.

As Antonio had said, they had no other viable solution at hand.

“In a way, this is ideal. With crisis comes opportunity—if he really does what he claims, it’ll give us the chance to turn the tables. Even if he fails, we don’t stand to lose anything, do we? We’ll just say we knew nothing of it and deny it all. And besides,”

The corner of Antonio’s mouth twisted.

“We can always take back the mystery after it’s served its purpose.”

Gray nodded.

Despite his friendly exterior, Antonio was never one to treat outsiders kindly.

To Antonio, what belonged to the Floating Archipelago was for the Floating Archipelago alone.

Maintaining a strict isolationist stance was one of his core principles.

“Notify headquarters and the family in advance. They should be ready by the time we arrive.”

“Understood.”

Gray bowed and left the room.

Left alone, Antonio placed a cigar between his lips.

In silence, thick smoke swirled and filled the room around him.

* * *

The rising air current, originating from the ocean currents, began to lift the ship carrying Theo and his companions into the air.

“Whoa, it’s lifting, we’re actually flying!”

“Ugh, can you keep it down? Flying’s what we do, so why are you so amazed?”

“Aren’t you amazed? This feels completely different from just cutting through the sky.”

“Forget it, I don’t understand you.”

While Arin shook her head at Selperd’s excited fussing, the ship cut through the dense sea fog, drawing closer to Venota Island.

At the edge of the island stood a colossal statue towering dozens of meters high.

A warrior woman, her foot pressed on the head of an evil dragon she had pierced with a sword.

That must be the Colossus of Kriemhild.

Theo felt a faint tremor from within his inventory.

The Dragon Slayer Sword was reacting.

– Hey, did you see that?

– See what?

– Didn’t you notice? Just now, it seemed like the statue moved!

– What nonsense are you spouting? Why would it move? Are you still half-asleep?

– No, I’m serious… it definitely moved…

– It’s nonsense. Maybe the ship shook or something.

Amid the murmurs from those around him, the ship finally docked at the port.

“This way, please follow me.”

Once again, Antonio disembarked first.

Waiting outside was an eight-wheeled carriage adorned with the emblem of the Spinola family.

Wonder if that guy is still doing well.

While Theo briefly thought of an old friend from his previous life, the comfortable eight-wheeled carriage transported them to the Spinola estate.

It was a grand mansion, so splendid it could have been mistaken for a palace.

As they entered the yard, a gardener—wearing a straw hat pulled low over his face—looked up from trimming the hedges and greeted them warmly.

“Oh, my son is back?”

“Yes, Father. I’ve returned safely. And these are Sir Lant and his companions, whom I mentioned in my letter.”

“Oh-ho! It’s rare for Antonio to give such high praise. It seems you are indeed formidable masters. Pleased to meet you. I am Umberto, head of the Spinola family.”

Despite his friendly tone, Umberto’s muscular frame and sharp eyes betrayed his ruthless nature—the look of a ruler of the underworld, a man who had waded through death and blood.

At the very least, he seemed to be an Advanced Swordsman, if not a Dragon Gate Swordsman.

Selperd and Arin were visibly tense.

‘Antonio said he already gave his father a heads-up about me.’

It likely meant that he wanted his father’s support in what was about to unfold. At the very least, it was a signal not to interfere.

Theo clasped the hand Umberto extended to him.

“I’m called Lant.”

“Lant! A fine name indeed. Might I inquire about your family name as well?”

“I apologize, but as I am currently training incognito as a swordsman, I must keep that information private.”

“Ah, yes. Many swordsmen, while honing their skills, travel the world under secrecy. You must be enduring quite the hardship. Ha-ha.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Theo and Umberto naturally began to stroll side by side along the garden path, with Antonio, Selperd, and Arin following behind.

“Our family, the Spinola, holds high expectations for you, Sir Lant.”

“Is that so? I hope I’ll live up to those expectations, though it is a bit daunting.”

“Your words may be humble, but I see the confidence on your face. Ha-ha. I’m quite fond of people with such boldness.”

Umberto’s eyes, narrowing with amusement, held an intense depth. He was not a man to be underestimated.

“To be honest, when Antonio first contacted me, this old man was skeptical. A hero to save us from the crisis that’s engulfing the archipelago… doesn’t the timing seem a bit too convenient?”

“It might appear that way.”

“But then I thought, whatever you may be hiding, so long as your blade is sharp, isn’t that what matters most?”

He’s managed to turn a threat into a gentle warning—basically telling me there’ll be no mercy if I don’t deliver.

Theo felt a smile tug at him but kept it concealed as he nodded.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Oh, don’t take it as scolding, now. Ha-ha-ha. Please, consider this place your home for the duration of your stay. Antonio, make sure they’re well taken care of.”

“Yes, Father.”

Umberto bid farewell to Theo and his companions at the mansion entrance, then returned to the garden.

Antonio, watching his father walk away, turned and gestured to Theo and the others.

“Come with me. The others are waiting inside.”