Chapter 157

“You’re asking me to become the keeper of the crypt…?”

“That’s correct.”

Dengryong nodded gravely, continuing.

“Though the role has been neglected over time, the position of crypt keeper is by no means trivial. Its official rank is equivalent to the heads of various departments and divisions.”

“...!”

“This will be your first official ‘position.’ You understand the significance of that, don’t you?”

Theo silently nodded.

To hold a position.

To become part of the leadership.

This meant power—an official foundation that Theo could call his own.

For someone not yet twenty, it was an unprecedented promotion.

Dengryong was essentially placing an extraordinary opportunity in Theo’s hands.

Regardless of Dengryong’s underlying motives, the proposal was undeniably enticing to Theo.

But there was one issue.

“Will the Tulip Floral Association continue to operate? It’s an organization led by traitors.”

Ragnar never tolerated the seeds of rebellion.

If there had been any group under its jurisdiction, they would be eradicated or, at the very least, disbanded.

“That won’t be necessary.”

So, what was the plan?

“You won’t make this a public matter, will you?”

“Of course not. Why would we make a fuss over this?”

Dengryong clasped his hands behind his back, speaking evenly.

“Od has already taken responsibility for everything, hasn’t she? She bore the full weight of her choices and passed on. She had no family or comrades left—no roots for rebellion. So why provide Troivan with a convenient excuse to spread malicious rumors or cause trouble? There’s no benefit to it.”

So instead, they’d use the situation to their advantage.

That was the essence of Dengryong’s reasoning.

“Od fought valiantly against Troivan and the Holy Demon Church, tragically falling in battle. And you, Theo, were the one who witnessed her final moments and were chosen as her successor.”

Dengryong grinned mischievously, adding, “It’s rather convenient that you seem to know the sword techniques she inherited.”

“…How did you know that?”

He was referring to the *Black Ice Full Moon Jade Sword.*

Theo debated whether to feign ignorance but eventually surrendered to the knowing gleam in Dengryong’s eyes.

It was clear Dengryong was confident in his assertion.

“Od’s grandfather was a close friend of mine.”

Theo scratched his cheek awkwardly at the unexpected revelation.

“I know all the subtle habits, the footwork, and the way he gauged his opponents. You may have found an even more authentic heir to the tradition than Od herself. Congratulations.”

As expected of one of the Nine Dragons, Dengryong had already seen through Theo’s achievements and knew them in startling detail.

‘The *Black Ice Full Moon Jade Sword*... It’s similar to the *Black Flame Sun Jade Sword* but fundamentally different.’

The *Black Flame Sun Jade Sword* unleashed heat energy, creating a chaotic surge of entropy that destroyed its surroundings.

In contrast, the *Black Ice Full Moon Jade Sword* disrupted energy structures, transforming its surroundings into a lifeless domain.

This technique was called *Eclipse.*

Solar and lunar eclipses.

Theo was already devising ways to combine the two techniques for practical use.

‘If necessary, I might even be able to wield both swords simultaneously.’

If one half of his body wielded the *Eclipse of the Sun* and the other the *Eclipse of the Moon,* the destructive power would be unparalleled.

Theo’s mind quickly formed the foundational theory for such a feat, inspired by the insights the sword orbs provided.

In that sense, inheriting the *Black Ice Full Moon Jade Sword* wasn’t entirely inaccurate.

“So, take up the mantle of crypt keeper. If you don’t like the idea of being Od’s successor, think of it as spoils of war claimed by Ragnar’s law. Either way, it’s a position with no downsides, isn’t it?”

Theo hesitated briefly, then glanced toward the ghosts who were quietly observing.

Their faint smiles gave him a sudden realization.

Ultimately, Theo made his decision.

---

Dengryong smiled approvingly at Theo’s choice, assuring him that he would handle all the necessary formalities.

As Dengryong stepped away, Theo scratched the back of his head, turning to the deputy commander and the ghosts, who were now staring at him with peculiar expressions.

“So, this was what you all wanted me to do?”

- “Ahem!”

- “Cough, cough!”

- “Well, you see, it’s not something we could easily ask for ourselves.”

The ghosts averted their eyes, clearing their throats awkwardly.

Even these shameless souls felt a hint of embarrassment this time.

It wasn’t easy for them, as elders, to outright ask a descendant to take responsibility for them.

“But I still have my doubts. I agreed to take the position, but I don’t have the time to manage the crypt properly.”  

The underground crypt had been left half-collapsed from the recent conflict.

As crypt keeper, Theo would be obligated to restore it.

For someone like Theo, whose every day was precious, such a task was a daunting prospect.

Though Dengryong assured him that he could delegate the work to the Floral Association and that delays wouldn’t be an issue, Theo couldn’t bring himself to ignore the responsibility, especially with the ghosts visibly present.

- “Don’t worry about us. We’ve managed just fine without you so far.”

“I can’t just leave things as they are.”

- “Seriously? The coffins will decay and disappear eventually. What’s the difference?”

“You deserve a place where you can rest peacefully.”

- “Huh? Why would we lie down?”

“Well, so I can come and pay my respects…”

- “Why would you do that?”

“What? To commemorate you after you pass on, of course.”

- “Why would we pass on?”

“…?”

- “…?”

It was only then that Theo and the ghosts realized they had been talking past each other.

---

「It seems you each have very different ideas about what a ‘crypt keeper’ should do.」

Lodbrok interjected with a chuckle.

Theo turned to her in surprise.

“Didn’t you just want me to protect the crypt?”

The ghosts exchanged glances among themselves.

- “Let’s be honest about what we really want.”

Clearing his throat, the deputy commander stepped forward.

- “Originally, we planned to move on after the captain’s sword hall was restored. We aren’t undead; lingering as wandering spirits is unseemly, after all.”

Theo nodded silently.

- “But in that time, we’ve developed a new attachment.”

“Attachment?”

- “It’s not about managing our graves or anything like that.”

The deputy commander paused, glancing at the other ghosts, who avoided his gaze as if embarrassed by the topic.

- “We want to continue watching over your growth.”

“Does that mean…?”

- “If possible, we’d like to follow you.”

“…!”

Theo’s eyes wavered—not from joy, but from pure bewilderment.

---

『Looks like you’re about to gain some extra baggage.』

‘…You make it sound like I think they’re a burden.’

『Are they not?』

‘I didn’t say anything like that.’

『Oh, how amusing.』

Theo ignored Lodbrok’s laughter.

But she wasn’t entirely wrong.

Theo had assumed the role of crypt keeper would end with managing the crypt after the ghosts had passed on.

Instead, they were asking him to take responsibility for them indefinitely.

While he didn’t dislike the ghosts, the thought of enduring their endless chatter for who knew how long was daunting.

『Still, you realize how beneficial this could be, don’t you?』

‘I do. That’s why I’m hesitating….’

Each ghost was an exceptional master.

Their advice would undoubtedly be invaluable to Theo’s growth.

And if his magical abilities advanced further, he might even be able to summon them as tangible forces in battle, as he had done during the *Clockwork Assembly.*

But there was another problem:

‘Even if I agree, how can I sustain 299 spirits? They’re not bound to a place, but maintaining their forms requires energy.’

『If there’s a way to address that, would you take them with you?』

‘Is there a way?’

『There is. The question is whether you truly wish to become a ‘keeper.’』

Not just a caretaker of the crypt, but a guardian of the spirits themselves.

Theo contemplated briefly before nodding.

The power of the *Dragon Fang Legion* had been too alluring to dismiss.

“Yes.”

---

『There’s something called a *Soul Sword.*』

‘A Soul Sword?’

『It’s a type of magical artifact that seals spirits. The more spirits it contains, or the higher their rank, the stronger it becomes. Find one.』

Theo considered whether the Imperial Vault might hold such an item but quickly shifted his thoughts elsewhere.

**[Opening the Store Interface.]**

---

**[Sealed Spirit Sword]**

A sword-like magical artifact capable of sealing spirits. Its properties vary depending on the spirits it contains.

- **Type**: Two-handed sword, Magical Artifact.

- **Effect**: Spirit Sealing.

---

“It’s here.”

Using the remaining coins, Theo purchased the Soul Sword from the store and retrieved it from his inventory.

At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary iron sword.

Lodbrok’s eyes widened slightly.

『That subspace ability again. You’re truly different from other Selectors.』

Theo offered her a wry smile before turning to the ghosts.

Despite trying to appear indifferent, the ghosts seemed anxious about whether Theo would reject them.

- “This is… a Soul Sword. Are you asking us to enter it?”

“Yes. If you’d prefer not to…”

- “No, we’ll go in.”

Before Theo could finish, the deputy commander placed his hand on the Soul Sword and was absorbed into it.

- “It’s a bit cramped, but tolerable.”

- “It’s not much different from staying in the crypt.”

- “Actually, it’s better. We can see more of the world this way.”

The other ghosts readily followed suit, their forms disappearing into the blade.

As more spirits entered, the sword began to transform.

Its rough surface grew smoother and sturdier, its hue shifting to a radiant violet until it gleamed like a precious gemstone.

The power it radiated was enough to leave ripples in the air with each vibration.

Theo ran his fingers over the blade, a small smile forming on his lips.

Calling it a “Soul Sword” felt impersonal.

Considering it now housed the crypt’s legacy, its new name came naturally:

**Spirit Crypt Sword (영묘검).**

Satisfied, Theo sheathed the blade, ready for what lay ahead.