Chapter 219

While the three noble families were convening, Theo examined the newly restored Drake Blade and Dragonfire Blade.

Woom… Woom…

Zzzz-zzing!

“Thank you.”

“Do you even mean that, or are you just saying it?”

“Of course I do. Who else would I trust if not you, Grandma?”

“Gods, your mouth… If words could be sharper than blades… Hah!”

Kirsone sighed, frustration mingling with exhaustion as she puffed on her pipe. Her eyes were dark with shadows, evidence of the sleepless nights she had endured.

“I don’t need to explain much; you know these weapons better than anyone. Let’s start with the greatsword.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Theo picked up the Drake Blade.

Its weight almost made him worry that his wrist might snap. The blade shimmered with a dark hue, exuding an intimidating energy that made it hard to believe it had been shattered before.

The raw power it held now was overwhelming.

“You’ve noticed, I’m sure, but it’s three times heavier than before.”

“Yes, it’s definitely heavier.”

“But its durability and destructive power are leagues beyond what they once were. The enhancement came from the addition of the Ancient Dragon’s rib. Even though I tried to reduce the weight, it was nearly impossible.”

Kirsone’s tone became steady, her gaze sharp.

“I also focused on amplifying its anti-magic capabilities using the material’s unique properties and alchemical enchantments. In battles against magic, you’ll find it almost unbeatable. And considering you’ll likely be dealing with the Tower more frequently…”

The Drake Blade now emitted a potent aura that seemed to reject magic itself. Upon closer inspection, Theo realized that runes and enchantments had been meticulously inscribed between the fragments, transforming the greatsword into a bona fide artifact.

‘Her craftsmanship really is incredible.’

『Hah! With my rib, of course, it’s incredible! What did you expect? That elf smith’s skill is decent at best compared to my contribution!』

Lodbrok’s grumbling belied her own satisfaction.

『She seems to have used some sort of lacquer for reinforcement, but I can’t quite discern its exact composition.』

‘Is there something even you don’t know?’

『You think I know everything? Hmph. It seems to be some kind of elven alchemical secret—perhaps one of their ancient tinctures. Their alchemy and magic differ greatly from ours.』

“Elven tincture…” Theo mused.

Out of curiosity, he activated his Insight, but the blade revealed no additional secrets.

[Enhanced Drake Blade]

Type: Zweihander, Artifact Component

Attack Power: 300–500

Requirements: Strength 120, Agility 100

Effects:

Chance for critical damage on hit.

Reduces enemy defense by 30 on contact.

50% chance to worsen inflicted wounds.

In magic-based combat, a chance to nullify or reflect spells.

Self-repair through an unidentified lacquer.

The words "Unidentified" caught Theo’s attention, but he knew better than to ask Kirsone. She wouldn’t answer truthfully anyway.

‘Still, I think I know what it is…’

Memories of his past life surfaced, recalling the buzz around Bask Workshop regarding a mysterious enhancement material.

‘I guess I owe Kirsone a debt I can’t repay with the benefits I’ve given her so far.’

“And now for the Dragonfire Blade.”

Setting aside the Drake Blade, Theo placed the Dragonfire Blade on his lap.

“As you know, the blade is effectively ‘dead.’ Even I can’t bring it back to life.”

Kirsone seemed to have already deduced the artifact’s abnormal state.

“So, I took a different approach to restore its functionality.”

“What approach?”

“Resonance.”

“Resonance?”

When Theo tilted his head in confusion, Kirsone smirked, her confidence radiating.

“The more Ancient Dragon Artifacts you gather, the more powerful they become. Do you know why?”

“They’re… compatible with each other?”

“Exactly. While the ‘spirit’ within the Dragonfire Blade has been destroyed, its function isn’t completely gone. I’ve redistributed its activation authority among the other artifacts.”

The guardians of Theo’s other artifacts now shared the burden of maintaining the Dragonfire Blade’s functionality. This arrangement ensured smoother operation and reduced strain on the damaged weapon.

“Of course, differing command systems might cause interference, but that’s something you’ll handle, right?”

“Absolutely.”

Theo nodded confidently.

『That should be no problem for me. I’m already the control tower for the whole system.’

‘Keratosuchus.’

『Indeed, Master. The legion has grown significantly. Perhaps it’s time for me to show you my full potential.』

Keratosuchus’s laughter echoed as Theo’s artifacts all seemed to hum in agreement, ready to take on their shared responsibility.

“I’ve also tweaked your other weapons and equipment. Each has new features and enhancements, so take your time to familiarize yourself.”

From the Crown of Kremhild to other artifacts, each piece gleamed with an almost otherworldly sheen.

Theo bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude.

The results of the past three days of labor by Kirsone and her master craftsmen were awe-inspiring.

“Next time, I’ll be counting on you again.”

“You! You’re already planning to use this old woman again! Just go!”

Theo smiled and left.

Kirsone, watching his retreating figure, puffed silently on her pipe, muttering under her breath.

***

For a while, Kirsone silently puffed on her pipe, lost in thought.

Eventually, one of the master artisans she treated like a protégé cautiously approached. Unlike the rugged demeanor one might expect of a craftsman, this figure exuded an air of refinement, as if better suited to studying in a grand library.

Beneath the edge of the hood that concealed his face, pointed ears peeked out—a telltale sign of his heritage. He was one of the few elven artisans working under Kirsone’s guidance.

“I have resealed the World Tree Sap as instructed.”

“Good. Well done.”

“...”

“Why? Got something to say? Why are you fidgeting like a restless puppy?”

“The sap... only two-tenths remain.”

“Is that so? Hah, given how much we’ve been throwing it around, it’s amazing we still have that much left. Guess it was a good call to snag a big haul while I could!”

Kirsone let out a hearty laugh, but the shadow on the elf artisan’s face refused to dissipate.

“That sap is our lifeline. You know this.”

“Of course I know. How could I forget? Those damn elders would love to have my head on a pike for what I’ve done.”

“Then why...?”

“Why? Because hoarding it won’t improve our situation. If anything, we need to spread it around. Investments, my friend! A good stock left to mature always pays off big in the end. You know, like, to the moon!”

“...Are you sure Theo is that good of an investment? He may be your grandson and a likely candidate to succeed Ragnar, but entrusting our entire clan’s future to him feels premature—unproven, even.”

“You’re misunderstanding something.”

Kirsone cut him off sharply, her tone suddenly cold.

She turned her head slightly, her gaze carrying a decadent lethargy that somehow felt chilling.

“Theo isn’t a good investment because he’s already proven. The point is, we need to make him one. If you can’t grasp that difference... well, let’s just say I’d be deeply disappointed in you.”

The elf artisan’s lips parted as if to protest, but realization struck him mid-thought. He lowered his head in silence.

“My apologies. I spoke out of turn.”

“I know what you’re worried about. It’s precious to you, isn’t it? And it hurts to see it used like this. You’re probably thinking there’s not much time left, either.”

Kirsone took another drag from her pipe, exhaling slowly.

“Which is precisely why we have to think ahead. Sharpening the sword that will fight for us—that boy—is the only thing we can do for now.”

***

"If my guess is correct, the lacquer applied to the sword is all World Tree Sap."

『What? World Tree Sap?』

Lodbrok's voice carried evident surprise at Theo's remark.

The World Tree (세계수) was a divine tree believed to transcend space and time, upholding the fabric of existence itself. Its vitality and natural force were so unparalleled that every race—be it humans, dragons, or others—yearned to touch its essence.

The powdered leaves of the World Tree and the sap harvested from its branches were especially priceless. Considered as potent as ambrosia or nectar by alchemists, their value was incalculable.

Yet, access to the World Tree was strictly regulated by the Tree Guardians, a role traditionally held by the High Elves. Without their explicit consent, no part of the tree could leave its sacred grounds.

"Kirsone was once a Tree Guardian," Theo explained, "but he committed the grave sin of stealing World Tree Sap and fleeing."

『That’s...!』

"Yes, a crime punishable by nothing less than death."

『...And yet, it’s surprising no execution order has been issued against him thus far.』

"That’s because the High Elves have far bigger concerns to deal with right now."

『What concerns?』

"The World Tree is dead."

『...What?』

"I’ve heard it was due to corruption from the Demonic Calamity, but regardless, the High Elves are currently preoccupied with nurturing a new World Tree sapling. They don’t have the capacity to focus on Kirsone or his followers."

Theo had gleaned this information during his previous life while working for the intelligence division. Classified as top secret, he only knew fragments, but the conflict between Kirsone and the High Elves had escalated to the point where Ragnar was deliberating on how to intervene.

"Kirsone is supposedly searching for a way to resurrect the World Tree, which is why he left his secluded role as Tree Guardian. His interest in artifacts might be tied to this objective."

『So he sought to find a way to revive the World Tree using the powers of the Primordial Dragon’s relics? Makes sense. It’s certainly something worth aiming for.』

Lodbrok chuckled.

『And now, those Primordial Dragon relics are in your possession, partner. Hmm, it seems Kirsone has bet everything on you.』

Theo thought about his resolve to stand against the Nameless Sovereign and how the revival of the World Tree seemed an inevitable part of his responsibilities.

Perhaps, as he dealt with matters related to the World Tree, he would also uncover a way to overcome those who sought to destroy the world.

***

The Fourth Training Ground was more intense than it had ever been.

“Do you think we’ll really make it?”

“We have to. If we don’t, it’s all over.”

“Phew…! Ugh, I’m so nervous I could die.”

For the past few days, Theo had rigorously drilled his followers using the basic training regimens of the White Steel Vanguard.

The purpose? To select members for the 6th Unit.

And today was the long-awaited exam day.

“I’ve memorized everything they told us to, but what if I fail?”

“Even if you fail, he said volunteers could still join him in the East. He mentioned recruiting people for security forces, didn’t he?”

“That’s just for rear support! I want to stand by Theo’s side on the front lines!”

“I feel the same way, but... ugh, why haven’t they started yet?”

“All candidates, assemble!”

As the supervisor’s command rang out, the candidates bustled into position.

That evening, Theo met the nine new members who had been selected for the unit.

“Sibyl Nob, reporting for transfer to the 6th Unit of the White Steel Vanguard!”

“Kirk Harbin, reporting for transfer.”

“Hayjin, reporting…!”

“…Reporting for duty!”

“Welcome, all of you. I look forward to working with you.”

Theo nodded approvingly as he observed the new recruits dressed in the pristine white uniforms of the Vanguard, a symbol of their unit.

“Damn it!”

“Why them and not me?”

“Ugh, I’m so jealous I could die!”

Meanwhile, those who had failed the exam bit their sleeves in frustration, swallowing their tears of disappointment.

The new recruits, in contrast, raised their chins triumphantly and gloated, as if to say, “Behold, the difference in caliber between us and you.”

“Shut up, you losers.”

“Jealous? Then try harder next time.”

“Damn it! Next time, I’m definitely making it, you bastards!”

“Yeah, yeah. Talk after you actually pass.”

Only after the bickering between the groups settled did Theo finally speak again.

“This exam was limited to those vying for positions as dragon riders. But I don’t intend to restrict myself to just one type of soldier. I’ll be diversifying our forces and introducing new training programs, so don’t be too discouraged.”

“Of course! That’s why we trust Theo!”

“Unlike those traitorous bastards, Theo always stands by us. I’ll devote my life to serving you!”

Once the various line-ups were completed, the ceremonial review was held, followed by the deployment ceremony.

With all formalities complete, Theo’s expedition to the East officially began.