Chapter 119

Kriemhild’s new memory fragment resurfaced.

Fwooosh!

Haa… haa…!

Kriemhild was panting heavily.

Beneath the sword embedded in the ground lay the Evil Dragon, its head pierced through, body limp.

With the last of its strength, it rolled its eyes upward, taking in the image of the dragon slayer who had ended its life.

– To think that the sword piercing my skull was actually forged from my own rib. Haha. And the one who defeated me is the very friend to whom I entrusted my heart.

The Evil Dragon laughed.

In truth, Kriemhild had been its only friend over thousands of years.

The only one who had approached and opened their heart to it, cursed and withering from shame and disgrace.

A friend who transcended species.

– Do not weep, my friend. Though it is sad that we must part this way, I am grateful beyond measure to entrust my final rest to you. Truly, I must be blessed.

– Levi…

– Yet, parting this way does leave me with a single regret. Could you grant me one last favor?

– …Yes.

– The twin swords I gave you… Pass them down separately. When a worthy successor appears, place both in their hands.

Kriemhild understood why the Evil Dragon left that final request.

– Is this because of that ‘curse of shame’ or whatever it is?

– The curse of shame will return someday, and it will seek to cover this world in its shadow. This shadow is the remnant of a forgotten, ancient land.

– …

– That’s why you must find it. To stop that shadow from returning, without fail.

– …I understand. I’ll make sure no one else suffers our misfortune again.

– Thank you. I was truly fortunate to have you as a friend.

Leaving those words behind, the Evil Dragon sank slowly with the collapsing ground into the depths of the sea.

The Dragon Slayer Sword – later to be known as Balmung, the cursed blade – sank into the ocean with it.

Kriemhild quietly watched the scene.

Countless memories flashed through her mind.

A friend they met as companions, who, unable to overcome the curse, eventually became an Evil Dragon.

And because of her closeness with that friend, she developed an immunity to the curse, eventually becoming a Hero against her will.

After a long, bitter battle, she had finally driven her sword into her friend’s neck, ending their struggle.

– …

After a long time, Kriemhild finally placed the other twin sword from her waist into the ground and slowly rose to her feet.

Then, she turned her gaze toward Theo.

– This mystery was a measure I created to fulfill the final wish of my old friend, Levi. I never imagined that it would end up in the hands of a northern clan said to be blessed by dragons.

She looked Theo up and down as she continued.

– On top of that, they used my remains to achieve your resurrection? A dragon’s partner with immunity and characteristics of dragon-slaying! What greater invincibility could exist? It’s absurd!

Her words carried a hint of admiration, indicating her surprise at Theo’s mastery of the mystery.

Theo respectfully bowed.

– Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Theo Ragnar.

– Kriemhild. Originally, I was a nameless slave, without even a family name. This name was only given to me after I became a .

A faint smirk appeared at the corners of Kriemhild’s mouth, then her eyes darkened deeply.

The gentle gaze of the young girl from the initial memory was gone, leaving only the seasoned, battle-hardened stare of a veteran warrior.

– The fact that this mystery has awakened must mean that Levi has also awakened from his long slumber, correct?

– Yes, that’s right. In this era, he is called the ‘Sea King.’

– King of the sea… It’s a name he would be quite pleased with. Very well. We won’t have time for a long conversation, so let’s keep it brief. Draw your sword.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

A chance to receive instruction from Kriemhild.

Theo slowly raised Drake’s blade.

The greatsword had suffered significant wear from ongoing battles with the Dragon Fang soldiers.

– Due to the actions of the Deluded God, this world has far too many who have ended up in the same—or similar—states as Levi.

Theo now understood that Deluded God was a title referring to the .

– And the traces left behind by such Guardians are commonly called ‘mysteries’ by ordinary humans. They are remnants, or measures, of an ancient land nearly forgotten by all.

– ……!

‘So these mysteries were mechanisms to oppose the Nameless Sovereign?’

Was it not just the relic of the Ancient Dragon?

Theo felt his heart pounding with the revelation of this hidden truth about the world.

Thump!

– And to unlock these mysteries, Levi left the ‘keys’… two twin swords he personally crafted from his own ribs: Balmung and Hrathi.

Theo clenched his fist.

An entirely unexpected path lay right before him.

– From now on, I will teach you how to wield one of them, Balmung. I call it this…

Theo focused all his attention on each of Kriemhild’s movements.

“Nibelung.”

Kriemhild raised her sword.

“In ancient language, it means ‘destruction.’”

Kriemhild’s instruction began.

* * *

“What is that noise?”

Umberto lowered his glasses while reading, frowning.

A subordinate urgently opened the door and entered the study.

“It’s serious, my lord! The Kriemhild Colossus is collapsing!”

“…Explain it in detail. What exactly is happening?”

“The Mystery is running rampant! Because of this, an emergency summons has been issued not only to the Colossus’s guard but to the entire Alliance!”

“Antonio, that fool! What on earth is he doing?”

The fact that Black Skull could approach the Colossus without interference was due to Umberto’s intervention.

In truth, he hadn’t believed that his young son and those friends chasing illusions would obtain the Mystery.

But wasn’t there always a chance?

With the General Assembly close at hand, he thought it would be a profitable move to provide support if it meant obtaining any hints regarding the Mystery.

Who would have imagined such a disaster would unfold?

At this rate, not only Black Skull but Spinola could end up shouldering all the blame.

“What about Grimahl? And what is Romellin doing?”

He had to make a move before the other Three Shipping Families acted.

However,

“The head of Grimahl has deployed the Ghost Slayer Squad and is moving toward the Colossus… or so I’ve heard.”

“Damn it!”

Bang!

Umberto slammed the desk with irritation.

Grimahl was currently the leading family of a faction within the autonomous council aligned with Troyban.

Involved in banking, they wielded substantial influence across various regions and had long maintained good relations with Troyban.

They even advocated that the Floating Archipelago needed Troyban’s assistance to subdue the Sea King and secure lasting peace.

In contrast, Spinola had taken a stand as the leader of the anti-Troyban faction, positioning itself in opposition.

If the destruction of the Colossus—imbued with the spirit of their great ancestor—were pinned on them, Troyban’s influence would undoubtedly grow stronger.

‘Is it even conceivable to hand over this Floating Archipelago to such delinquents?!’

The pressing issue was that the head of Grimahl had personally mobilized the Ghost Slayer Squad.

-Ghost Slayer Squad.

Grimahl simply referred to it as a mercenary group they had “hired” from the “mainland.”

It was common knowledge that their true identity was a unit dispatched by Troyban to extend its influence over the Floating Archipelago.

Their skill was also exceptional, to the point where even Black Skull struggled every time they encountered them.

If such forces were being deployed, it could only mean they saw this as a prime opportunity to seize control.

“Gather all of our people to the last man. Warn them to brace themselves—a war might break out. We’re heading to the Colossus.”

“Yes, understood.”

The subordinate nodded heavily before rushing out of the room.

As Umberto picked up his jacket from the sofa, he clenched his fist tightly.

If it came to war against Troyban, backed by Grimahl’s wealth, what fate would await the Floating Archipelago?

Already, he could almost see the bleak future unfolding before his eyes.

* * *

“Hahaha! My, my, it looks like that greedy Umberto has dug his own grave!”

Giuseppe Grimahl, head of Grimahl, burst into laughter, his large body shaking with each chuckle.

The man seated across from him nodded silently.

He was an eerie figure, his face hidden behind a mask carved from wood.

「Do not grow too arrogant. Arrogance is often the root of all failure.」

The voice, barely more than a whisper, sounded like nails scraping across glass, chilling Giuseppe to the bone with its dark magical power.

Noyl.

In the old language of the eastern regions, it meant the number nine.

The Ghost Slayer Squad referred to him by that name.

He was one of the nine Attendants who served Troyban.

‘If all of Troyban’s Attendants are like that… no, if they’re even higher than that, there’s no way to defy them.’

Giuseppe was certain.

If it came to war between Ragnar and Troyban, it would end in an overwhelming victory for Troyban.

Thus, the future of both the Floating Archipelago and Grimahl would depend on that alliance.

“If I ever become arrogant and stray from the right path, wouldn’t you, Attendant, be there to set me straight? Being utterly ignorant of politics, I place my faith in you alone.”

「Your tongue is always so smooth, as if it’s been oiled.」

“I’ll take it to mean that I haven’t yet committed the error of misinterpreting your words, Attendant.”

The Attendant offered no further response, as if unwilling to continue the conversation.

Instead, he changed the subject.

「As per your request, the Ghost Slayer Squad will capture Black Skull just as they leave the scene. They will then be escorted directly to the royal court.」

“Black Skull is a rebel faction officially denounced by the Imperial Court. If we can link them with Spinola, not only the Autonomous Council but even the Shipping Alliance will have no choice but to align with Troyban.”

「On the other hand, the military strength of the Floating Archipelago will be cut in half. Are you comfortable with that?」

“Won’t Troyban be the one to fill that gap in our defenses?”

Tsk!

Watching Giuseppe smirk like a schemer, Noyl clicked his tongue inwardly.

This fool seemed to be plotting to use his money to manipulate Troyban. He even imagined he could control Troyban’s core with his wealth.

But, really?

‘It’s time he learned that some things can’t be swayed by mere money.’

Noyl dismissed it, thinking that the higher-ups would handle matters as needed.

“However, for that plan to succeed, you must secure the custody of Antonio, Umberto’s son.”

「Leave that to us. Such operations are precisely the specialty of the Ghost Slayer Squad.」

At Noyl’s chilling words, Giuseppe shivered once more, already picturing the Floating Archipelago at his feet.

* * *

“Gray…! And now you too, after Slow!”

Antonio clenched his teeth as he saw the bodies of the Gang Brothers scattered around the statue.

In the end, the worst-case scenario he’d hoped to avoid had come to pass.

“Theo! Theo!”

“Theo! Where are you? Answer if you’re here!”

Meanwhile, Selperd and Arin searched desperately for Theo, but they couldn’t find a single trace of him.

Their vision was greatly hindered by the swirling gusts, bright flashes, and clouds of dust.

“We’re almost out of time.”

Then, at Ray’s remark, the expressions of the two hardened.

In fact, the only reason they could search like this was due to Ray’s frost aura.

Just as they were about to ask him how much longer he could hold it—

“There’s someone there.”

Suddenly, Selperd sensed something and turned his head in the opposite direction.

Arin and Ray’s gazes followed.

Beyond the flames mingling with bright light, dozens of sinister, gleaming eyes appeared.

Every single one radiated a deadly aura.

-Subdue all survivors near the Colossus and bring them in! If the bodies are in bad shape, just take the heads if they’re recognizable!

-At once!

-At once!

‘The guards? But the killing intent is too strong for that… as if they’re from Troyban!’

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

While Selperd was lost in thought, the owners of those gleaming eyes leapt over the flames, landing near the four of them.

“Arin! Snow Frost Sword!”

As Arin and Ray deflected the attackers’ strikes, Selperd lunged towards Antonio.

Clang-clang-clang!

Shaaang—

Barely managing to save Antonio, Selperd steadied himself, pointing his sword forward.

“So, you’re the mysterious people Antonio brought along with Black Skull, huh? Impressive, blocking my sword like that. I’m curious now. You seem a bit familiar.”

The opponent adjusted his sword with a smirk.

“Well, I don’t recall making friends with shady types like you.”

Selperd scoffed, pressing his sword to Antonio’s neck.

“Don’t come any closer. Move even an inch further, and this young master’s neck will hit the floor.”

Selperd felt Antonio flinch at the cold touch of the blade, but he paid no mind.

The enemy observed the scene and chuckled.

“So, you’re Spinola’s third son. Upper management did say they’d prefer to bring him in, if possible.”

The smirk spread across the attacker’s face.

“Well, if he dies in the middle of this hostage situation, so be it. That actually makes things easier for us, ties up loose ends.”

The enemy approached Selperd as if daring him to go through with it.

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

Antonio struggled, pleading for his life.

‘These people… they aren’t from the Shipping Alliance. A third party…!’

In that instant, Selperd thought he understood who they were.

A comment Theo had made in passing suddenly came to mind.

Troyban.

“You’ve got a sharp tongue. But I’m sure you’ll talk freely enough after a little interrogation.”

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Within moments, Selperd and the enemy exchanged dozens of rapid strikes.

This brief encounter confirmed Selperd’s suspicions.

Ed’s distinguishing traits and swordsmanship had been disclosed to every Ragnar swordsman, and his opponent’s style mirrored these details exactly.

‘So Troyban’s influence over the Floating Archipelago is deeper than I’d thought? If that’s the case, headquarters must be informed.’

The problem was that more enemies were continuously arriving.

If he’d managed to secure Theo’s whereabouts, he might’ve tried to escape. But now, that wasn’t an option.

Tactically, retreat wasn’t viable.

If Theo were captured, the other side would realize that Ragnar was reaching into this region.

“You look deep in thought. There’s really no need for that.”

The enemy let out a cold smile and unleashed a thunderous roar toward the sky.

「The Ghost Slayer Squad will deploy the Ghost Sword Formation and capture them all!」

Swish-swish-swish—

The Ghost Slayer Squad began moving in perfect synchronization, forming a battle line.

Troyban was renowned for its elusive tactics and intricate sword formations.

It was said that once trapped within one of their sword formations, there was no escape.

At this rate, things were truly dangerous.

‘Damn it!’

Just as Selperd was about to shout something—

Creak, creak, creak!

The Kriemhild Colossus, which had been swaying as if on the verge of collapse, began to move with a strange, ominous sound.

Its massive head, which had been looking downward, slowly turned to the side,

Flash!

The eyes, now locked directly onto the Ghost Slayer Squad, shone with an intense, menacing light.