Chapter 182

Theo was well-versed in the legends of Dragonians.

Unlike ordinary dragonkin, who gradually inherited the physical traits of ancient dragons, Dragonians, along with nagas, were unique in awakening the intellectual characteristics of ancient dragons.

Because of this, they were capable of wielding magic and occasionally appeared in the human world in mysterious forms.

Most of the legends surrounding dragonkin that persisted in the human world were, in fact, tied to the Dragonians.

However, unlike the communal nagas, Dragonians were intensely individualistic.

This made it rare for them to leave descendants, and as a result, most were believed to have gone extinct in the present day.

“But this woman…”

“Indeed. She lacks the distinctive physical features of dragonkin. She’s almost entirely human in appearance.”

Lodbrok chuckled, her tone laced with intrigue.

“And that’s what makes her even more extraordinary. It means her magical abilities are strong enough to conceal her true form entirely.”

Theo’s eyes gleamed with understanding.

“Tsk, tsk. I see that look in your eyes. You like her, don’t you?”

Knowing Theo’s penchant for talented individuals, Lodbrok let out a dry laugh.

“Have I made some sort of mistake…?”

The "Black and Blue Bird" looked slightly hesitant, her confidence wavering when Theo remained silent.

Theo quickly shook his head.

“No, it’s nothing. I’m just…”

“…surprised to meet a Dragonian here.”

At his response, the "Black and Blue Bird" visibly brightened.

Suddenly—

Fwoosh!

The "Black and Blue Bird’s" body was engulfed in radiant light, and her form began to shift.

Crack—

A horn sprouted from her left temple, angled sharply. Her clothing stretched as large, feathered wings unfurled behind her.

“Shibara kum!”

“Dangol! Dangol! Mir Yorna Homabem!”

“Danana!”

As the tribespeople clamored in excitement, the light faded, revealing her transformed appearance.

She now bore horns, wings, a tail, and sharp fangs—her form was an exquisite blend of human and dragon.

The gentle aura she’d exuded earlier had shifted into something keenly sharp and predatory.

“She’s awakened some degree of Dragon Fear as well. Without a doubt, this one is pureblood. Even in my time, it was rare to find someone like her. Remarkable.”

Theo didn’t bother asking what Lodbrok meant.

She always enjoyed explaining herself, and Theo knew she’d elaborate in due time.

“For lesser dragonkin, lineage determines how close their blood is to that of an ancient dragon.”

“Lineage?”

“Yes. The closer they are to us—true dragons—the stronger their abilities. Dragonkin, after all, are essentially byproducts of our efforts to guard the world.”

As Lodbrok stroked her chin, her gaze lingered on the "Black and Blue Bird," scrutinizing her closely.

“This one, though, stands out even among the purebloods I’ve encountered. Her bloodline is extraordinarily deep. She might even qualify as a first generation.”

“First generation?”

That meant she was directly born from an ancient dragon, a rarity in any era.

If that were the case, she would be at least a thousand years old.

“Someone of that age is still alive?”

Theo couldn’t help but find her fascinating.

The "Black and Blue Bird," noticing the worried looks of the tribespeople, reassured them before addressing Theo.

“My identity as a Dragonian is a secret, but it’s no issue with these people. Thank you for your consideration, though.”

“I never imagined there would still be Dragonians in this world, let alone one with such pure blood.”

The "Black and Blue Bird’s" eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“It’s impressive enough that you recognized me as a Dragonian, but to deduce my bloodline as well…”

“If I’ve overstepped, I’ll be more cautious in the future.”

“No, not at all. It’s ancient history anyway. Hohoho. Truly, the one who opened the gates of the White Tower is different.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Theo smiled as he met her gaze.

“Look at that brazen expression.”

“Then why don’t you appear and greet them yourself?”

“Too troublesome. Can you imagine how exhausting it would be to deal with these types personally?”

“As selfish as ever,” Theo thought with a bitter laugh.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“I felt that.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“You’re even growing as shameless as Sigurd.”

Theo deliberately ignored Lodbrok’s exaggerated sigh.

“Unfortunately, my knowledge is limited. May I ask whose blessing you’ve received?”

The "Black and Blue Bird’s" lips curled into a mysterious smile.

“It’s not difficult to explain. In fact, the one who blessed me is someone close to you, Gatekeeper.”

Theo blinked, baffled. Even Lodbrok seemed puzzled.

“The one who blessed me is Lodbrok, the guardian dragon of Ragnar.”

“Excuse me…?”

“What?”

Theo instinctively turned toward Lodbrok’s ethereal form.

Her pupils trembled furiously.

“Did you… have a child?”

“Are you insane? I’ve spent my life battling calamities! I’ve never even held hands with a man!”

“Then who is she?”

“How would I know?!”

Watching Lodbrok’s flushed and frantic denial, Theo found it hard to believe she was lying.

Then who…?

The "Black and Blue Bird" chuckled softly.

“You seem surprised.”

“Well, it’s certainly unexpected…”

“You may call me Dangol.”

The "Black and Blue Bird" explained that Dangol, in their language, meant shaman.

“...There’s no record of you in the clan’s history.”

“Of course not. I am a creation of the Pantheon, born of necessity.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Before Lodbrok returned to the Winter Mountains, one of her ‘traces’ in this world was shaped by the intervention of the Pantheon to guard the White Tower and its connection to the divine.”

Theo began piecing together the story.

“So the outer gate is guarded by Dangol, while the inner gate is protected by Certosucus. Both protect the entrance to the Pantheon.”

“The Pantheon’s antics are as infuriating as ever.”

Whether it was the unsolicited creation of beings or their unilateral decisions, Lodbrok’s distaste for the Pantheon seemed to deepen, especially since meeting Sigurd.

“But guarding the White Tower was a task too great for me alone, so I sought the help of these people.”

In other words, Dangol had essentially created the White Tower’s tribespeople.

“Then, why have you come to me?”

“After waiting for so long, the true Gatekeeper has finally arrived. My mission is complete, so I have a request.”

Dangol gracefully bowed before Theo.

“If you grant my request, I and my people will lend our strength to the dragon legion you lead.”

One of the tribespeople stepped forward and handed Theo an object wrapped in red silk.

Dangol gently pulled the silk aside.

Theo’s eyes widened.

“This, too, is yours.”

Inside was a simple, unadorned ring.

Yet, it emanated a faint, blue glow.

Fwoosh!

It was an artifact of an ancient dragon.

***

By the time the clock struck 4 AM, the mission was set to begin.

Theo, escorted by Squad Five, arrived at the designated assembly point.

The sight of over a hundred white wyverns filling the skies in a perfect formation was a spectacle to behold, their wings blotting out the moonlight.

“...”

“...”

“...”

On the ground, the Black Iron Brigade stood in disciplined silence, clad in pitch-black armor that mirrored the night sky.

Though their numbers were reduced due to injured members, this only seemed to sharpen their resolve further.

Underneath the hundred black helmets that turned to face the sky, not a single sound could be heard.

It was as though they had forgotten how to speak.

The White Armor Vanguard mirrored their silence.

Words were unnecessary.

For both sides, the mission was the only thing that mattered.

“Move out,” Torkel ordered.

Thud-thud-thud-thud!

Kreeeeaaak!

The operation began.

Kreeeeeak!

Umbra, Theo’s wyvern, let out a piercing cry as it flapped its wings powerfully.

Squad Five took the rear position of the formation, trailing behind the main forces.

From this vantage point, Theo could see not only the movements of the White Armor Vanguard but also those of the Black Iron Brigade.

“To think another artifact would be hidden here of all places…”

Theo absentmindedly touched the ring now resting on the ring finger of his left hand as he recalled the recent events.

-This artifact’s seal won’t open immediately, will it?

-Correct. The guardian of the artifact is me, after all.

-So, what’s your request?

-It’s quite simple…

Dangol’s conditions for obtaining the artifact were straightforward:

[Scenario Quest #8]

Present a new future for the Lacunacum tribe, protectors of the White Tower.

· Difficulty: A+

· Reward: Ancient Dragon Artifact

· Failure Penalty: Death

+

Dangol had explained it plainly.

The Lacunacum tribe was currently in high spirits, their pride boosted by the fulfillment of their long-standing aspirations.

However, some of the elder members were anxious about the uncertainty that lay ahead for the younger generation.

“They might feel fine now, but over time, a sense of emptiness will creep in. Dangol wants to provide them with new hope and purpose.”

At first glance, the quest seemed daunting.

Providing a tribe with a new vision and mission was no small task.

To some, it might have felt like an unnecessary burden.

“But this turned out better than expected.”

Theo, however, wasn’t worried.

After all, he already had the Knights of Kriemhild at his disposal—loyal allies who would come at his call and provide a solid foundation for any endeavor.

Now, with the addition of the Lacunacum tribe, his base of operations could expand even further.

Thus, Theo had suggested a new path to Dangol:

-Bring the tribe to the floating archipelago. If you mention my name to the Kriemhild Knights, they’ll prepare a place for you. While some may resist leaving their homeland, the conditions there will undoubtedly be better than here.

The Black Iron Brigade, who openly scorned the Lacunacum tribe, was likely to cause trouble sooner or later. No one could predict what form their retaliation might take.

-Additionally, select volunteers from your tribe to train alongside the knights. In the near future, I’ll call on you again.

Theo planned to implement a new system within the Knights of Kriemhild.

“Why should dragon knights only consist of wyvern riders?”

If there were an air force, why couldn’t there also be a ground force or a navy?

What if the archipelago could be defended by drake riders on land and serpent riders at sea?

And that wasn’t all.

A magical division was also a possibility.

With fairy dragons, Dragonians, and knights to support and protect them, their overall combat strength could be significantly enhanced.

And if Theo eventually succeeded in consolidating the White Armor Vanguard with the Knights of Kriemhild, it wouldn’t just be a knights’ order.

It would become an unprecedented legion of dragon knights.

Of course, he couldn’t openly build such a force without raising suspicions.

In that regard, the floating archipelago served as a perfect covert stronghold.

-Your vision for Ragnar’s future is strikingly different from what the clan has seen before. I approve.

Thanks to Dangol’s recognition, Theo had secured ownership of the artifact.

[Congratulations! You have successfully completed Scenario Quest #8 by presenting the Lacunacum tribe with a new mission and vision.]

[Evaluation: AAA+]

[As a reward, you have obtained the ancient dragon artifact, Tear of the Dragonian. Please consult the guardian for further details.]

[An additional reward for your evaluation: Your magical abilities have increased.]

-The Tear of the Dragonian is a consumable artifact.

-Consumable? Does that mean its uses are limited?

-Exactly. It can only be used three times. But I can guarantee this: during those three uses, no one—not even the gods of the Pantheon—will be able to kill you.

-...What?

Theo’s thoughts returned to the present as Umbra’s wings carried him steadily forward.

The battlefield was drawing near, and Theo's gaze sharpened.

The ring on his finger glowed faintly, resonating with the unimaginable power contained within.