Chapter 124

“…The successor of Kriemhild needs us?”

All the members of Black Skull turned their attention towards Antonio.

Their faces showed disbelief.

After all, ever since they had heard the news that the Gang Brotherhood ignored the organization’s decision and stabbed Theo in the back—

They had believed that any relationship with Theo had already fallen apart.

Instead, they had been anxious that Theo might cast them out once he succeeded in resealing the Sea King and seized power.

Yet here was Antonio, calling them out at dawn, telling them that Theo needed them.

Antonio nodded vigorously, his face tinged slightly red.

“Yes, just as I said. Kriemhild’s successor has no intention of remaining merely a ‘Hero’.”

“…So, he needs a political foundation as well.”

“That’s right. And if we help him, he’s promised me the position of Governor.”

For a moment, some of the member’s eyes gleamed.

‘Governor.’

The position of governor of the Floating Archipelago was a status they all desired.

“Of course, to make that happen, we’d need to go beyond simply ‘helping’ and become his hands, or even his hounds… but surely, that much is doable?”

“No. It’s not something to take so lightly.”

The man sitting across from them spoke while taking a cigar between his lips.

It was the man Theo considered the leader of Black Skull.

“Even with overwhelming popular support, the Shipping Alliance holds the real power over the interests of the Floating Archipelago, and at the top of it are the Three Shipping Families. Is it even realistically possible to push all of them aside?”

All the members pressed their lips together in silence.

A long sigh—

Smoke from his cigarette drifted upward.

“Impossible. Most of us here are from the Three Shipping Families, after all. Betraying our parents and siblings to create a new faction isn’t as simple as it sounds, is it?”

As his sarcastic remark was met with deepening silence,

Antonio shook his head.

“No, the cessation of the Three Shipping Families is possible.”

“What? How?”

“First, let me clarify that this isn’t just my personal opinion—it’s the opinion of Kriemhild’s successor.”

“…….”

The man closed his lips.

“As you all know, the Three Shipping Families are already scattered. Grimahl was backed by Troyban, so now their downfall is inevitable, while Romellin has always been neutral and will naturally side with the successor.”

The man and the members’ gazes shifted toward an empty seat.

Marti Romellin.

As a priestess of the Central Temple, her choice was as predictable as Antonio had suggested.

“The only one left is my own family, Spinola… But I know my father well. If someone stronger appears, he’ll bow his head on his own. And…”

“So, you intend to create a justification at the right time to drive out your father and seize control of the family?”

“If I can’t manage that even with the successor of Kriemhild backing me, then I’m the one at fault.”

Antonio was confident.

The legitimacy had already shifted from Umberto to him.

Over time, his influence within the family would naturally surpass his father’s.

Once he took control of the Spinola family, the position of Governor would be that much closer.

Antonio hinted at his own rising status, sending a positive signal to those from the Grimahl and Romellin families, suggesting that they too could achieve the same.

To those not of the Three Shipping Families, he gave a clear invitation to join him.

Some indeed exchanged glances, their eyes glinting and discreetly signaled they would like to meet Antonio separately later.

The man gave a bitter smile.

The atmosphere, which had once revolved around him, now centered around Antonio.

‘Or perhaps, it was actually Lant? No, that’s likely just an alias. Either way, Kriemhild’s successor has turned into a true puppet master, with Antonio as nothing more than his doll.’

The man genuinely feared Theo.

Theo hadn’t even been in the Floating Archipelago for a full day, yet he was already shaking up the power dynamics.

What’s more, he was building his own base simply by sending a few messages from afar.

From past experience, the man knew not to oppose someone like that.

He would need to bow down completely and wait for another opportunity to arise, considering his next move only when the time came.

“…Alright, then. What’s your plan now? The other families within the Three Shipping Families will surely begin to make moves, preparing for the sealing of the Sea King.”

It was a declaration of surrender in practical terms.

Antonio twisted one corner of his mouth in a smirk.

“What else? We need to welcome our new leader personally.”

The implication was to gather every possible force they could muster.

This was to ensure the Three Shipping Families couldn’t make any futile attempts against Theo.

The members all responded with a sincere nod.

“Then, if everyone’s in agreement, let’s move quickly.”

Antonio clenched his fist.

A new world—

The Floating Archipelago, as his own, felt within reach of his fingertips.

But Antonio’s anticipation didn’t last long.

“Antonio! We have a serious problem!”

One of the members who had gone out to gather forces returned, his face drained of color.

“The guards!”

“Calm down and speak slowly. What happened?”

“The guards have switched to Grimahl’s side! Grimahl and the Ghost Slayer Squad are leading the guards toward the Central Temple! It’s a coup!”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“……!”

* * *

[As a bonus reward based on evaluation, the traits and talents of Dragonblood are enhanced, causing a mutation in your bloodline factor.]

+

[Dragonblood]

· Type: Talent

· Effect: The bloodline factor of the Ancient Dragon awakens, granting exceptional regenerative abilities and magical talent. As the bloodline factor strengthens, the powers of the Ancient Dragon can be unlocked.

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Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump!

His heart raced intensely.

Crack, crack—

Simultaneously, his body underwent subtle yet significant changes.

The various fortunate encounters Theo had accumulated, such as the Shadow Demon Poison and Kriemhild’s Mysteries, began merging with Dragonblood, fusing into a single entity.

He felt a sense of clarity in his mind.

Moreover, the inspiration flowing from the core of his sword seemed to become sharper.

However, the most ponderable change was something else entirely.

「Heh. Now, it seems we can finally call each other ‘partners’ in earnest.」

Lodbrok’s voice and telepathy reached him simultaneously.

Their channeling connection had strengthened.

[Your connection with the Guardian Dragon has deepened, allowing you to hear the Guardian Dragon’s insights at any time and any place.]

Theo gazed into Lodbrok’s large eyes, focusing on his own reflection in them.

‘Observe.’

[Observing ‘Theo Ragnar.’]

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Theo Ragnar (15 years old / Male)

· Titles: Flash Tiger, The Greatest Talent in a Millennium, Flash Demon.

· Talents: Ragnar, Player, Observation, Inventory, Shop Access, Partner of the Guardian Dragon, Purge Cleansing Technique, Shadow Wyvern, Successor of Kriemhild, Dragonborn, [Access Denied].

· Status: The residents of the Autonomous Territory of the Floating Archipelago fervently await your return. If you gain their ‘faith,’ there will be significant changes.

· Level: 41

· Stats (▼)

Strength: 121 Agility: 103

Endurance: 48 Magic: 243

Intelligence: 104 Luck: 33

Additional Stats: 20

· Skills (△)

· [Access Denied]

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Theo now felt confident that he had reached the level of an Advanced Swordsman.

He would turn sixteen in just a few months, and regardless, this was a monstrous growth.

「It seems you’re quite pleased with yourself.」

‘To be honest, yes.’

「Indeed, your rate of growth stands out even among previous Chosen Ones. But remember, if you run too fast, you risk stumbling.

‘I’ll keep that in mind.’

「Hah. You don’t sound like someone planning to be cautious.」

‘Did you see through me?’

「That confidence is one of your charms.」

Lothbrok spread her wings wide, lifting herself up.

Rustle—

Below her, the Sea King, having lost its heart, was rapidly disintegrating.

「Thanks to you refining the curse, the magic I’ve extracted from its heart is substantial. It will take some time to process, so I’ll contact you as soon as it’s done.」

‘Is it still not enough to fill your heart?’

「Hah. I once stood at the pinnacle of all dragons. It would take much more to satisfy my vessel, don’t you think?」

Lothbrok winked playfully.

Theo clicked his tongue internally.

The Sea King was already a natural disaster incarnate, yet Lothbrok was on a whole different level?

Then, what level was his father, who had managed to defeat her?

Still far beyond his reach—

A towering wall of unimaginable height.

「Nonetheless, I’ll keep the channel open anytime. Feel free to reach out when you’re bored. After all, isn’t that part of being partners?」

With one last cheerful remark, Lodbrok quietly vanished.

Phew…

Theo exhaled deeply.

From the mysteries of Kriemhild to the death of the Sea King—

Pushing through all these events without pause had left him completely drained.

It was exhausting just to even hold himself together.

‘But there’s still one last thing left.’

The takeover of the Autonomous Territory of the Floating Archipelago.

He needed to establish this place as his foundation.

「Master.」

At that moment, Pontus approached quietly.

He no longer addressed Theo as ‘you,’ but as ‘Master.’

This marked his genuine acknowledgment of Theo as his lord.

The other sea creatures seemed to feel the same, surrounding Theo in every direction.

「Thank you.」

‘Do you not resent me? In a way, I’m the one who harmed your father.’

Pontus shook his head.

「Not at all. We know all too well the intense agony our father endured for the past centuries. Watching him suffer was as painful for us as it was for him. Master has brought him peace.」

Pontus swept his gaze around.

The chaotic seascape, scarred by the Sea King’s madness, came into view.

「And Father will continue to watch over us from the embrace of nature. We don’t believe he’s truly gone. More importantly, I have a request for you, Master.」

A request?

Was there still something left unfinished?

「As a retainer, it is only proper to stay by my lord’s side. But as you can see, this place is still in disarray. Now that Father has departed, the magical updrafts he sustained have ceased, which could pose a serious risk of submersion for the islands above.」

Theo felt he knew what Pontus’s request would be.

「I wish to remain here and carry on my father’s and our friend’s legacy. I also want to preserve the traces you left here. Will you grant me this permission

Pontus wanted to stay.

Following Theo would be rewarding, but he deemed it equally important to carry on the Sea King’s legacy in this place.

It was clear how much he had pondered before voicing this request.

Theo smiled.

‘Pontus, do you know what my dream is?’

「A dream?」

‘Yes, a dream.’

「I… don’t know.」

‘To become a king.’

「……!」

Pontus’s eyes widened.

‘But to become a king, I’ll be very busy, always moving forward. It’ll be hard for me to settle in one place. That’s why I need someone to govern my lands in my stead.’

Theo already regarded the territories of the Sea King and Kriemhild as his own domains.

‘Can I count on you?’

「Of course.」

With a voice filled with emotion, Pontus bowed deeply.

Following his lead, countless other sea creatures lowered themselves in respect.

「As long as I, Pontus, exist—」

The new Sea King pledged with words of binding force.

「The sea will serve you as your vassal and as your friend.」