Chapter 167

Thump, thump, thump.

Theo barely managed to suppress his pounding heart.

“My own squad? But hasn’t the White Steel Vanguard always been limited to five squads?”

“It was.”

*‘It was?’

“But Evelyn recently expressed her intent to step down as a squad leader.”

“...!?”

Theo’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected revelation.

“She said she wanted to focus on completing the Yongmun Swordmaster promotion exam for the time being.”

“She hasn’t passed it yet?”

“Becoming a Yongmun Swordmaster isn’t an easy path. It’s not just about skill.”

It went without saying, but the higher the rank, the exponentially harder the promotion exams became.

The Yongmun Swordmaster title, representing Ragnar, had an especially rigorous and demanding process. Some candidates spent over three years just trying to pass.

Evelyn’s decision to step down stemmed from her desire to focus on this grueling task.

More than anything, Theo couldn’t help but think:

‘She probably did it for me as well.’

Evelyn was the first to swear loyalty to Theo, his first blade.

To her, passing on her squad leader position to Theo likely felt natural, and she wouldn’t have hesitated in the slightest.

And if she succeeded in becoming a Yongmun Swordmaster and stood by Theo’s side?

She would become an even sharper and more formidable sword.

‘I keep receiving so much from Evelyn.’

“Evelyn recommended you as her successor. I took her recommendation and gathered the other squad leaders to discuss it.”

Amore, It, and Gorito’s eyes were firmly fixed on Theo.

“The vote among the four leaders resulted in two in favor, one against, and one abstention. Since it didn’t pass the majority threshold, we also considered the opinions of other members, particularly Selpherd Gardener and Arin Negative, who participated in this mission with you.”

Theo turned sharply toward Selpherd and Arin, wondering when this had happened.

The two simply waved at him silently.

“As a result, we’ve approved it conditionally. There are two requirements.”

“What are they?”

“The first is passing the Senior Inspector promotion exam, a basic qualification for a squad leader. This means you’ll have no second chances.”

Julius held up a second finger.

“The second is earning merit in the ongoing war against Troivan. You must prove your leadership capabilities despite your young age.”

While the conditions were strict, Theo knew they were challenges he needed to meet regardless.

Julius’s lips curled into a faint smile.

“Well? Will you do it?”

“Do you remember what I said when I joined the White Steel Vanguard last year?”

A seemingly random question.

But Julius hadn’t forgotten Theo’s bold declaration.

“You said you’d take my position within five years. By my count, that leaves four years now, doesn’t it?”

It and Gorito looked at Julius in shock.

That rumor was true? It wasn’t a joke?

They no longer saw Theo as the promising rookie they’d admired.

Amore, the only one who already knew, simply gazed at Theo with a curious expression.

“Yes, but it seems I won’t be able to keep that promise.”

“And why is that?”

“At this rate, I’ll achieve it within two years instead.”

“What? Hahaha!”

“I suggest you start considering your post-retirement plans. It might be a good way to pass the time.”

Julius’s laughter echoed through the tent.

It and Gorito scratched their cheeks awkwardly, while Amore chuckled in delight.

Julius’s eyes glinted with amusement.

“Fine. Do as you please. But as I’ve always said, it won’t be easy.”

“The harder it is, the more satisfying it’ll be to overcome.”

“Your way with words never fails to impress. Alright, consider the proposal accepted. Everyone, prepare accordingly.”

With a quick glance from Julius, the three squad leaders quietly left.

“What will the promotion exam entail?”

“I can’t say much just yet. But Central Command has already approved it, and the exam will take place in three days. It won’t last long, given the circumstances, but it’ll be intense. You’d best prepare yourself.”

“I’m already looking forward to it.”

“Pfft! Glad to hear you’re not complaining about the short preparation time.”

Theo smiled faintly but responded inwardly.

‘No complaints at all. That’s plenty of time to retrieve the relic.’

A relic, a squad leader position, and the youngest Senior Inspector title.

Theo intended to use this opportunity to solidify his position as one of the Six Candidates.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

***

“A toast to our Theo Ragnar, squad leader!”

“Cheers!”

“To the youngest Senior Inspector ever!”

“Cheers!”

“And finally, to our cocky rookie recruit!”

“Cheers!!!”

Theo’s bold declaration to become Commander within two years had quickly turned into a running joke, circulating among the White Steel Vanguard.

The Vanguard prided itself on fostering a family-like atmosphere, but it never strayed far from its Ragnar roots.

In fact, their identity as the backbone of Ragnar gave them a certain pride, which led them to actively support ambitious and talented juniors like Theo.

What if Theo really did take Julius’s position someday?

That would be amusing in its own way, they thought.

After all, it would mean endless teasing for Julius.

Hulkus, aware of the Vanguard’s supportive atmosphere, had always wanted to blend into that camaraderie.

But after Rey’s stinging remarks earlier, he found himself unable to shake off his frustration.

Erica sighed, unsure what to do with her sulking brother, whose mood didn’t match his bulky frame.

“Is someone here?”

The squad members reflexively turned toward the entrance.

The lively chatter ceased, and an oppressive silence filled the tent.

“My, my. I hope I’m not interrupting your fun,” came a voice, cool and sharp.

“And what brings a lowly ground-dwelling mutt to such a fine sparrow’s nest?” Arin quipped with venom.

Pataya, the messenger, twitched an eyebrow at the insult but reminded himself of his role. He turned to Julius and bowed his head.

“My commander has sent a letter addressed to Theo Ragnar. I’m here to deliver it.”

“‘Addressed to Theo Ragnar?’”

“Yes. Theo Ragnar isn’t just a member of the White Steel Vanguard but also an heir candidate.”

This meant Torquel, acting in his capacity as an heir candidate rather than as the commander of the Black Iron Brigade, was reaching out to Theo as an equal.

By extension, it suggested the Vanguard, unrelated to the inheritance battle, should step aside.

Arin bristled at the veiled slight, but Selpherd placed a hand on her arm to hold her back.

Better to first figure out their intentions.

“You’re Theo Ragnar?”

“That’s correct.”

“This is for you.”

Pataya handed Theo the letter, which he opened and scanned quickly.

The contents were straightforward:

The five primary candidates were gathering and inviting Theo to join them.

It was essentially an acknowledgment of Theo as the sixth candidate.

‘If the goal was to irritate the White Steel Vanguard, they’ve certainly succeeded. But this isn’t just about annoyance. What’s their true intent?’

Theo knew Torquel wasn’t someone who moved without purpose. Every step he took was layered with hidden schemes.

Pataya’s smug expression practically screamed, You wouldn’t dare refuse this invitation.

Though he used polite words, it was clear he didn’t truly respect Theo. In his eyes, Theo was just a green rookie.

Even sending someone like Pataya as the messenger likely carried its own message.

Theo folded the letter and handed it back.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ve only just returned to my unit. Please let your commander know that I’ll visit to pay my respects after I’ve settled in.”

Pataya’s expression hardened.

“You’re declining Torquel’s invitation?”

“If you relay my situation properly, I’m sure Commander Torquel will understand.”

“This isn’t just about Torquel. Regé, Kisar, and Ansio will be present as well.”

Theo’s eyes glinted momentarily.

Kisar and Ansio.

The fraternal twins, monstrous prodigies who ranked among the five candidates.

And if Regé was also there, it meant that nearly all the top candidates, save for Kincarnon, were gathered.

‘Four out of the five candidates in one place? This isn’t a mere social gathering.’

Theo found it strange that these rivals, who were more likely to kill one another than cooperate, would be convening.

Even so, Theo’s answer remained the same.

“That works out even better. I trust they’ll understand my situation just as well.”

“You’ll regret this.”

Pataya’s face flushed red with indignation as if he had been personally insulted. With a huff, he stormed out of the tent.

The White Steel Vanguard members watched him go, feeling both satisfaction and curiosity.

“Are you sure it’s okay to turn that invitation down? You don’t have to force yourself to stay here if there’s no real reason to.”

“It’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

“If I go in blind, I’ll only end up being dragged along by their schemes.”

Julius chuckled as he received Theo’s telepathic message.

As expected.

Theo instinctively understood the importance of maintaining control in a competitive environment.

***

“He refused my invitation?”

“Yes, Commander! Such insolence from a bastard of low birth! Just give the word, and I’ll take my men and—”

“To do what? Flip over a drinking table?”

“N-No, not exactly, but—!”

“Insubordination on the battlefield, regardless of the reason, is punishable by immediate execution. No matter how deep your grudge against the White Steel Vanguard may run, I suggest you learn to separate your personal feelings from professional conduct.”

“M-My deepest apologies!”

“You’ve done enough. Dismissed.”

“Y-Yes, sir…”

As Pataya slinked out of the tent, nervously glancing back for approval, Torquel sighed heavily.

From the side, Regé, who had been quietly nursing her drink, chuckled.

“Dealing with dimwitted subordinates is such a hassle, isn’t it?”

“I have no defense, ma’am.”

“Well then, it’s time to collect my winnings. What are you all waiting for? Pay up!”

Regé spread her hands expectantly.

A young man with scruffy hair and a sharp-eyed woman both clicked their tongues in annoyance, reluctantly pulling out their wallets. They slapped several bills into Regé’s outstretched palm.

The bet had been on whether Theo would accept Torquel’s invitation.

Regé, the sole victor, grinned triumphantly.

“I told you, didn’t I? That kid Theo—he might look young, but his cunning puts the rest of us to shame. Ignore him, and you’ll end up just like I did back then.”

“Are the rumors true, then? That you lost to him during the royal… no, the Prophet’s Succession battle?”

“They’re true.”

“That’s… impossible…”

Kisar, known as the Heavenly Beast of Divine Waters, stared at Regé in disbelief.

This was Regé, after all—a shadow ruler with the elite Shadow Envoy assassins as her personal guard, and a master whose skills even Kisar wouldn’t dare underestimate.

And yet, she openly admitted to yielding to Theo, a mere sixteen-year-old.

It defied all logic.

But Regé, despite the potential damage to her reputation, acknowledged it without hesitation.

“He’s refusing to let us drag him into a game where he’ll be helplessly manipulated.”

“You mean…”

Regé nodded.

“Yes. Theo is already starting to build his own game—one that will ensnare us instead.”

“...!”

“...!”

Kisar and Ansio’s faces hardened at the realization.

Only Torquel remained silent, staring at Regé with an inscrutable expression.