Chapter 213

"Looks like there are some unfamiliar faces here."

The members of Kincarnon’s personal guard, the Sword Emperor’s Guard (검제위), tilted their heads as they observed the Bloodfang Swordsmen who had come along with them.

Though they had met with the Gardner family several times during this operation, today there seemed to be more people than usual.

The strangers wore deep blue cloaks, obscuring their identities, but their presence carried an unmistakable air of sharpness, like finely honed blades.

“They are the Cheonglang Swordsmen. Our Young Lord… Lord Algon personally assigned them to ensure this operation’s success, no matter what.”

The Bloodfang Swordsman who spoke seemed a bit tense, but the Sword Emperor’s Guard didn’t seem to notice it.

In fact, the guard members snickered, thinking that these newcomers couldn't possibly have Algon’s trust, despite what they were told.

How little did they know, to even send additional troops?

“You seem quite worried.”

“That’s right.”

“Well, when this is all over, let them know that it was too easy and they didn’t have much to do. Tell them they didn’t have to worry as much as they did.”

“If you say so.”

“Follow me.”

The Sword Emperor’s Guard took the lead, and the Bloodfang Swordsmen cast a glance at the Cheonglang Swordsmen, only to meet the eyes of a man standing at the far end of the group.

The man gave a subtle nod before they began to follow.

‘So arrogant.’

The man, Bracken Ranke, chuckled to himself as he watched the back of the Sword Emperor’s Guard.

He knew they had been following Kincarnon’s orders on the battlefield, racking up victories and holding their own, rivaling even the Four Major Units in skill. But seeing them come in such numbers without so much as a hint of caution, he couldn't understand it.

Did they think that simply having more people would be enough?

Or was it that they believed, “even if you betray us, we won’t worry”?

“Everyone, prepare yourselves.”

At that moment, the group arrived at their destination: Magnolia Palace.

On the outside, it looked like a run-down old palace, barely standing.

The crowd around it didn’t seem to pay any special attention.

"Despite the outward appearance, this place is filled with security measures. We don’t know what kind of dangers may be lurking inside, so don’t take it lightly. I’ll go ahead."

Fwoosh!

At the command of the leading guard, the Sword Emperor’s Guard leaped over the crumbling walls in unison.

"Hm! This place is perfect for making a quiet entrance without anyone noticing," Bracken muttered with a sly smile as he moved last, stroking his chin.

Clack!

With Kincarnon’s arrival, the atmosphere in the stands grew cold.

"He’s asking everyone to jump in all at once?"

"Even for Kincarnon, that seems reckless..."

"Who knows! Maybe he’s just overflowing with confidence!"

On the other hand, the audience was exhilarated.

Such arrogance and boldness were what people from the northern regions yearned for, after all.

"Ah, what is going on here? The match between Lezé Ragnar and Anonymous isn’t even over, but Kincarnon Ragnar has thrown down the gauntlet once again! How will the two of them respond to this challenge?"

"What do you think you’re doing, big brother?"

Lezé’s sharp voice abruptly cut off the announcer’s words.

Her face was contorted in displeasure.

However, Kincarnon simply chuckled lightly.

"As I said before, it’s just wasting time. Let’s finish this quickly."

"...."

Lezé gripped the Grim Reaper’s Scythe tighter, feeling a sharp sensation in her mind, as though something were about to snap.

But then—

"You’re bothered because Theo stole the spotlight, huh?"

Amore casually threw out the words, and it was as if cold water had been splashed in Lezé’s face, jolting her out of her thoughts.

Kincarnon remained expressionless.

But Lezé noticed the faintest tremor at the edge of his brow.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Don’t act like you don’t know. You’ve been enjoying all the attention, haven’t you? But now, it's all being stolen away. Doesn’t it annoy you?"

"You think you can’t win based on your skills, so you’re trying to stir up trouble instead? Well, I’ll give you credit for the attempt…"

"What the hell? Attention-seeking little brat."

"...."

"Seriously, what you’re doing right now, five-year-olds do that! 'Please pay attention to me, wahhh!'"

Amore exaggeratedly mimicked a childish whine.

Though her face was hidden by the mask, Lezé could tell that she was smiling mockingly behind it.

Crack!

For the first time, a crack appeared in Kincarnon’s icy expression.

It seemed like Lezé could hear that cracking sound in her ears.

"Well, now that it’s come to this, I’d rather not waste my time with two rounds of fighting. It works out well for me."

The playful tone that had been present up until now suddenly quieted.

With a small frame that defied the sheer force of his confidence, Kincarnon’s presence suddenly became overwhelming.

Roar!

The atmosphere on the stage shifted dramatically as Kincarnon’s energy surged.

"After all that bravado, wouldn't it be entertaining if you faceplanted into the ground?"

With those words, Amore’s stance was thrown off balance, and Kincarnon once again returned to his usual unreadable expression, slashing his sword through the air.

Crash!

A violent gust of wind surged upward as the blade was swung.

Boom!

And that was the signal.

***

"Ah, the final match is suddenly starting! What will become of the Dragon Ascension Tournament—"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

‘It’s started.’

Theo rose from his seat.

The thunderous cheers nearly drowned out the sound, but it was still clear in his ears.

"This is Cheongwon Hall! This is Cheongwon Hall! A mysterious group has launched a surprise attack—!"

"This is Bed Town, a sudden disturbance is making crowd control difficult...!"

"Unknown individuals are hastily moving toward the Central Military District. Requesting reinforcements...!"

The hurried voices coming through the magical communication network indicated that Kincarnon’s followers, hidden all over, had begun to move.

And then,

[‘Skill: Drake Piercer’ and ‘Skill: Hatchling Sync’ are simultaneously activated to expand your perception.]

Theo quickly noticed the busy movement through the audience.

“Sixth Group.”

Theo’s low voice rang out, and the members of the group, who had been waiting behind him, all turned with their eyes glinting coldly.

“From now on, anyone causing disturbances will be considered rebels. Subdue them all.”

“Understood!”

“Understood!”

“Understood!”

The members of the group transformed into beams of light and soared into the air.

Whoosh!

They had already scouted the audience and were ready. They knew exactly where the suspicious individuals were moving, making it easy to identify their targets.

Crash!

A blade of energy shot through the stands.

"Ahhh!"

"What is going on?"

"Why is the Young Lord doing this?"

Amid the chaos, Theo gathered his magic and shouted loudly.

"How dare you—! I’ve received intelligence that an attempt to stage a coup during the Dragon Ascension Tournament is underway—! I, Theo Ragnar, as the Young Lord, will hold you accountable for this!"

The stone he threw created a powerful ripple through the chaos.

"Coup?"

"Are you insane?"

"Who would—!"

"Who in Winterer would dare? The Young Lord and the Lord are both here!"

"Is it Troyban?"

The crowd was filled with confusion.

Though Ragnar was a place where internal conflicts often broke out due to the law of the strong, it hadn’t happened in the decades since Kyle had taken power. It was unthinkable.

And hadn’t the war with Troyban only ended recently?

But then,

Clack!

As soon as Theo took his first step, the confusion seemed to stop instantly.

While Drake Piercer calmed the atmosphere, Theo’s movement had been completely unexpected.

He waved his hand in the air lightly.

Thunder crackles!

A bolt of lightning struck, pushing Kincarnon, Lezé, and Amore back, widening the gap.

"What’s going on? Why is he going that way?"

"Does this mean one of them is behind the coup?"

The whispers grew louder.

“Are you making a bigger mess than necessary, Young Lord?”

A booming voice echoed from above.

[An enemy has appeared!]

And then, a meteor streaked down toward Theo.

Boom!

The falling meteor kicked up a massive dust cloud, revealing its identity.

"A Dragon Slayer!"

"Why is Dante here?"

The figure was massive, even larger than Bracken, radiating an oppressive aura as the Dragon Slayer stood before Theo, grinning.

“What is this, Dragon Slayer? I’ve clearly been pursuing rebels. Are you interfering with my work?”

“Not at all. Dante here is loyal to the Lord, and everyone knows how much I serve.”

“Then, how am I supposed to take this?”

The appearance of the Dragon Slayer was something Theo hadn’t anticipated.

The alliance between Kincarnon and Ansio was something Theo had never expected.

But still, it wasn’t entirely shocking.

‘After all, once Gishar is dead, I was bound to clash with the Dragon Slayer at some point.’

The Dragon Slayer was just testing his standing, nothing more.

It was a clear show of strength: testing the waters.

Theo knew better than anyone not to show weakness to the Dragon Slayer.

Dante grinned.

“Well.”

“I don’t know what you want, Dragon Slayer, but there’s one thing I’ll say.”

In that moment, Theo’s eyes turned cold.

“But who said you can block my path?”

"...!!"

For the first time, one of Dante's eyebrows twitched.

His pride had been wounded.

The Dragon Slayer’s goal was simple.

To hold Theo back until Kincarnon’s followers had obtained the Emperor’s Scepter.

Dante thought it wouldn’t be difficult at all.

As he’d followed Theo’s movements, he thought, “Once Theo becomes the next Lord, he’ll surely lead Ragnar well,” but at the same time, he also felt Theo was still young, inexperienced.

So Dante decided to throw his support behind Kincarnon, hoping to gain more power for himself.

As the conflict between Theo and Kincarnon escalated, his value would increase.

‘I’ll take the East and make sure I don’t lose in this trade.’

What Dante wanted was simple.

The throne.

He never thought he could defeat Ragnar, but he felt he could carve out a place for himself where Ragnar’s reach didn’t touch, exerting power there.

That was Dante’s plan: to support Kincarnon while promising to secure the Eastern territories, then backstab Kincarnon once he had what he needed.

But Theo, unsurprisingly, wasn’t interested in hearing him out.

“This chance is my way of showing appreciation for you saving me in the Buyongjun. But any further interference will not be tolerated.”

However, Theo, too, had his own plans.

He knew better than anyone that showing weakness to Dante would only lead to more trouble.

“Arrogance. The price for it will be entirely yours to pay.”

“My future is mine to decide. You must decide. Will you help me secure my position, or side with Kincarnon and be purged along with him?”

“That—"

For a brief moment, Dante quickly calculated in his mind.

Given Theo’s strong attitude, it seemed that siding with Kincarnon would only result in being caught in the aftermath.

But did he risk everything to oppose Theo and gain what he wanted?

Or did he side with Theo for a safer, less risky future?

The former was a gamble—if it worked, he would gain a lot, but if it failed, it would be catastrophic. The latter, however, was a safer bet with little to lose.

But then, just as he was about to make his decision, a transmission came through.

"It’s not worth it, Master! Standing with Theo Ragnar is too dangerous!"

Ansio’s urgent message pierced his thoughts.

In that instant, a new option surfaced in Dante’s mind.

‘There is a third option.’

Dante smiled coldly and opened his mouth.