Chapter 262

The duties of a clan head were overwhelming, from managing an immense workload to mastering diplomacy and maintaining proper decorum.

Theo found himself subjected to rigorous instruction under the Black Dragon’s watchful eye.

“I think I finally understand why the pen is mightier than the sword.”

He began to seriously consider that he might prefer rigorous training or even war to this endless grind. The so-called “immersive education” he once dreaded seemed to pale in comparison to this bureaucratic nightmare—it was nothing short of hell.

“Not bad for your first attempt,” the Black Dragon remarked, a satisfied smile on his face as he looked at Theo, whose complexion had darkened with exhaustion.

“Did Father handle all of this alone?”

Theo’s respect for Kyle Ragnar surged anew.

“How did he even have time to train?”

Despite his prior experience in the East and the accelerated thinking granted by Nirvana’s Insight, the sheer volume of work was staggering.

“So much happens in Winterer—far more than I ever realized.”

Before his regression, while serving in the Black Snow Mercenaries, Theo had thought he understood the weight of responsibilities. Now, as the clan head, he saw the magnitude of crises that required his attention had multiplied tenfold.

Monitoring the movements of magical beasts, resolving incidents large and small—somehow, northern folk always managed to escalate into violence at the slightest provocation.

Though much of the paperwork was delegated to individual departments, the final approvals and evaluations rested on the clan head’s shoulders.

Ordinarily, the workload wouldn’t have been this overwhelming, but his absence during the recent campaign had caused a significant backlog.

THUD!

With the final document stamped and approved, Theo leaned back in his chair. The mountain of paperwork was finally gone.

“Well done. It seems you don’t need much of an adjustment period,” the Black Dragon commented.

“Thank you,” Theo replied, though his drained expression betrayed how little he felt like celebrating.

Still, the Black Dragon seemed pleased. Theo’s quick and effective handling of the tasks, without a single complaint, had left a strong impression.

“Enough paperwork for now. It’s time to prepare,” the Black Dragon announced.

Theo tilted his head, puzzled. He had only just returned to Winterer—what preparations could he possibly need so soon?

“Did you think Ragnar’s succession ceremony was a simple formality?” the Black Dragon said with a sly grin.

Theo felt an ominous chill creep down his spine.

“What is it you’ve always done, Theo?”

Theo paused to reflect on the Black Dragon’s question. The answer was clear, despite the numerous tasks he’d undertaken.

“Proof,” Theo replied.

That was the core of his existence—proving himself. It was also the essence of Ragnar’s legacy.

“Exactly. Proof. You must prove yourself in the way most comprehensible to our people.”

In the North, strength was everything. Their culture both feared and revered the supernatural. Some even worshiped first-class magical beasts as deities.

“There has never been a bloodless succession ceremony in Ragnar’s history,” the Black Dragon continued.

Kyle Ragnar had ascended by slaying the Dragon Emperor, proving his strength by overcoming countless challengers to his position. Winterer’s citizens had witnessed his power firsthand.

Theo, however, lacked such a public achievement. Though his strength was renowned through reports and rumors, there were no grand, public victories to solidify his claim.

Even the presence of Lodbrok, the Guardian Dragon, as his ally wasn’t enough to sway public sentiment completely. Ragnar’s people craved spectacle—a dazzling, fiery festival steeped in the blood of the strong. Only such a demonstration of power could unite the masses behind him.

“There are many ways to prove strength. How do you intend to do so?” the Black Dragon asked.

Theo thought carefully before replying.

“Would bringing back a magical beast from beyond the Great Barrier suffice?”

“And your reasoning?”

The faint smile playing on the Black Dragon’s lips told Theo he was on the right track.

“Power isn’t just about strength itself,” Theo explained. “It’s about inspiring confidence that such power will protect and lead them.”

The Black Dragon’s hidden smile spread wider.

“Well said. With that approach, they will surely revere you. Magical beasts pose a constant threat to the North, taking countless lives. Bringing one down is a powerful statement.”

“A second-class magical beast should be sufficient,” Theo suggested.

Second-class magical beasts were notoriously dangerous. While not as catastrophic as the rare first-class magical beasts, they were responsible for a greater number of attacks on settlements, making them the most hated foes among Winterer’s people.

“That sounds about right. Let’s say... three of them should do the trick,” the Black Dragon replied casually.

Second-class magical beasts were so powerful that even an experienced Dragon Knight squad struggled to return alive, often requiring a seasoned Laurel Knight to ensure their survival.

“Scared? Shall I come along?” the Black Dragon teased.

“No, I think it’s best I go alone,” Theo responded firmly.

Bringing the Black Dragon along could cast doubt on Theo’s abilities. Both understood this was a joke to test his resolve.

“Don’t underestimate your own strength. At your current level, you can handle as many as needed, given enough time,” the Black Dragon said with a smirk before turning away.

“He needs to understand his strength fully.”

While Theo’s capabilities could already challenge first-class magical beasts, the Black Dragon wanted Theo himself to recognize this. Strength without stability was incomplete. This mission would serve as both a trial and a transformation.

“You’ll leave at dawn tomorrow. The succession ceremony will take place two weeks after you enter the magical beast territory,” the Black Dragon instructed before departing.

『When Sigurd was alive, magical beasts didn’t dare approach this wall,』

Lodbrok said, reminiscing about the glory of Ragnar’s first patriarch.

Even mindless lesser beasts had instinctively avoided him, a testament to the unfathomable depth of his power.

“Was he constantly wiping out first-class beasts?” Theo wondered. It was plausible, given that even the lowest creatures would sense their impending death and avoid him.

“Loddy, do you know where second-class beasts reside?”

『No, they’re always on the move. But...』

“What?”

『With me by your side, no beast will dare approach.』

This time, not even Lodbrok could accompany Theo.

“That’s fine. Just keep me company through telepathy,” Theo replied with a smile.

As Theo left the hall to prepare, Cecilia greeted him warmly at the entrance to Camellia Palace.

“My son! You’re finally here!”

Theo approached with a wry smile, nervous about what her reaction would be to his upcoming mission.

“Mother, I have something to tell you.”

“Yes, what is it?” Cecilia asked brightly.

Taking a deep breath, Theo spoke cautiously.

“Tomorrow morning, I’ll be entering magical beast territory.”

To his surprise, Cecilia’s reaction was calm.

“Really?”

Her nonchalant response made Theo feel almost sheepish for his earlier hesitation.

“Is it strange that I’m not worried?”

“A little,” Theo admitted.

“Of course, I worry. But you’re my son, so I’ll wait without fear. When will you return?”

“In two weeks.”

“Two weeks? Then I’ll start preparing supplies right away,” Cecilia said, already bustling with purpose.

Watching her energetic preparations, Theo smiled warmly.

The shadows that once loomed over her were now completely gone.

***

The cold dawn air seeped into Theo’s lungs.

Inside his room, neatly packed bags filled with supplies prepared by Cecilia awaited him.

"I should’ve packed these myself."

As someone with an inventory, organizing these items would have been effortless for Theo. He felt both grateful and guilty for the effort Cecilia had put in.

With the bags slung over his shoulder, Theo left Camellia Palace and made his way toward the northern gate, where the Black Dragon was waiting for him.

“You’re out here early?” Theo said, surprised to see the Black Dragon greeting him in person.

“Someone ought to see you off,” the Black Dragon replied with a smile, his hands clasped behind his back.

It felt a little odd that the Black Dragon was the only one there.

“Well, it’s a secret known only to the two of us.”

The Black Dragon hadn’t shared Theo’s plan to cross into the magical beast territory, even with the likes of the Flame Dragon or the Sword Dragon. Undoubtedly, their reactions would have been dramatic had they known.

“Be careful. You never know what awaits in the depths of the beastlands,” the Black Dragon said, patting Theo on the shoulder.

He then handed Theo a map of the magical beast territory from his coat.

“Return safely,” the Black Dragon said with a nod.

“Yes. I’ll be back,” Theo replied as he stepped out of the northern gate and began his journey into the beastlands.

As soon as Theo disappeared into the distance, the Black Dragon pulled out a large notice and pinned it to the central plaza’s bulletin board.

Moments later, chaos erupted.

“You didn’t tell us about this?”

“That’s just unfair—completely unfair!”

Julius and the Plum Blossom Sovereign stormed into the plaza, their outrage directed at the Black Dragon.

Meanwhile, Theo placed the bags into his inventory, freeing himself from their weight. His steps felt lighter as he moved toward the border.

Though he could have flown comfortably using Umbra, Theo opted to walk, using this rare solitude as an opportunity to retrace his journey from the very beginning.

As he neared the boundary, an all-too-familiar presence stirred beside him, followed by a telepathic voice.

『I’ll accompany you as far as the border.』

Moments later, Lodbrok, in her human form, appeared and began walking alongside him.

“That’s perfect. A little company is always welcome,” Theo said with a smile.

Before long, they arrived at the boundary—the same place where Theo had once performed the Blossoming Ceremony. Now it was time to part ways.

“I’ll be back soon,” Theo said.

“Good. I don’t worry much, but still, be careful. I’ll visit my old nest while you’re gone,” Lodbrok replied with a yawn, heading off toward the winter mountain range.

Theo watched her leave before turning back toward the boundary.

As he crossed into the dark, uncharted beastlands, a mix of tension and excitement surged within him.

He was taking his first step into the unknown—a domain of darkness and danger.