Chapter 271

The moment Theo heard the words Second Apostle, his body tensed involuntarily.

It wasn’t out of fear.

Bloodfiend Apostle, Raging Wolf Apostle, and Mad Dragon Apostle—among these, only the Mad Dragon Apostle had been human. The others were beings who had transcended humanity, exhibiting monstrous strength.

Their abilities, however, were solely focused on destruction, making them exceedingly troublesome adversaries. Furthermore, their extensive lifespans endowed them with experience, and their innate talents made them formidable even by the highest standards.

And now, the Second Apostle.

Given that the Apostles were ranked in the order they joined the Nameless Sovereign, this one had preceded even the Bloodfiend and Raging Wolf.

That raised another possibility—it might be someone Lodbrok recognized.

“What do you think will appear this time?” Theo asked with a smirk. “After mosquitoes and wild dogs, any guesses?”

Lodbrok’s eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and anticipation.

“Pointed ears, elongated face… an elf, most likely.”

“An elf, huh? Those long-eared creatures certainly live forever.”

Unlike the high elves who tended to the World Tree, these elves had entrenched themselves within human realms, carving out isolated forests as their own domains.

“They’ll be a nuisance,” Lodbrok muttered. “Those pointy-eared fools have little to occupy themselves with in their eternal lives except for mastering magic.”

The elves’ strength lay in their vast magical reserves. Known as a race more obsessed with magic than even the Mage Tower, it was said that the spells of elder elves could rival ancient magic.

Some, consumed by their lust for forbidden knowledge, had reportedly devoted themselves to the Nameless Sovereign. The Second Apostle, it seemed, was such an individual.

“A character like that would naturally oversee the materials you secured,” Theo speculated.

“Most likely,” Lodbrok agreed.

The collected materials—essential for a grand ritual—were probably under the management of the Second Apostle, someone well-versed in magic and rituals.

“I don’t know where their lair is,” Harald admitted.

Theo and Lodbrok tilted their heads slightly, the same thought flashing through both of their minds. A shared smile followed.

“If we destroy their branch, they’ll have no choice but to come out,” Theo suggested.

“Indeed.”

To Harald, the casual dismissal of such a daunting task bordered on absurdity. After all, attacking a branch under the Second Apostle’s command with just three people seemed suicidal.

But even so…

His heart pounded.

An uncontrollable surge of excitement coursed through him. It wasn’t baseless, though—his confidence came from the individuals before him. He shifted his gaze toward Lodbrok, the cornerstone of their plan.

“Even someone as cautious as you wouldn’t think to attack a branch under the Second Apostle’s control. They’ll never see it coming.”

Theo, poised to become Ragnar’s patriarch, was a figure Harald found increasingly reassuring.

“With the three of us, we might just manage to stir that hornet’s nest.”

Theo’s confident grin finally brought a wry smile to Harald’s face. He realized how weak-hearted he had become in contrast to these two.

“Leave it to me,” Harald said solemnly.

Taking that as their cue, Theo and Lodbrok stood from their seats.

“Wait here for a moment,” Theo said. “We’ll be right back.”

“Hm?” Harald frowned, puzzled by the sudden announcement. He had assumed they would depart immediately now that the plan was settled.

But he quickly dismissed the thought. Theo wasn’t the type to flee at the last moment or act with malicious intent.

“May I ask why?” Harald inquired.

“There’s something I need to prepare before the battle. I won’t be long,” Theo replied.

Although curiosity gnawed at him, Harald refrained from pressing further.

‘If they’re keeping it hidden, there must be a reason.’

Still, he couldn’t help but anticipate what these two powerful beings were planning.

‘Whatever it is, it’s bound to be extraordinary.’

* * *

Theo and Lodbrok returned to the cave where Umbra had been recovering.

Outside, the wyvern’s breathing had steadied somewhat, though its condition was still precarious.

‘Umbra will evolve here.’

With the Second Apostle as their target, Theo had to leverage every advantage available. If Umbra could successfully complete its evolution, it would become a powerful trump card.

However, this wasn’t just any ordinary bloodstone—it was the Viper’s Bloodstone. Feeding it to Umbra carried risks; unpredictable variables could arise. That’s why Theo had brought Lodbrok, an expert in both magic and draconic authority, to oversee the process.

Lodbrok raised her palm toward the ground, chanting in a low tone. A faint blue light shimmered, and a sudden wind stirred within the cave.

A magic circle began to form under her hand, its intricate patterns expanding across the floor like an exquisite work of art.

“Place Umbra in the center,” Lodbrok instructed.

Before Theo could move, Umbra dragged itself toward the center of the circle, settling down as if it felt at home. Theo couldn’t help but feel reassured.

“This will stabilize Umbra’s energy.”

Seeing Umbra’s calm demeanor, Theo retrieved the Viper’s Bloodstone from his inventory.

‘Menacing.’

The bloodstone pulsed with a dark crimson glow, its energy swirling violently within. Even compared to the other bloodstones Theo had collected, this one radiated an ominous aura.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Bring all the bloodstones together,” Lodbrok commanded.

Theo swiftly arranged the bloodstones in a neat pile.

With a sharp flick of her finger, Lodbrok sliced Theo’s palm, using his blood to draw symbols onto the magic circle.

“The remnants of Viper and the other beasts will resist, but the blood of their slayer will provoke them to submission.”

As a single drop of blood fell into the center, the pile of bloodstones began to quiver. Dark energy seeped out, and the Viper’s Bloodstone glowed so intensely it seemed ready to explode.

“Assist me. Once the stones submit, I will purify them,” Lodbrok said.

Theo placed his hands over the circle alongside Lodbrok. The stinging sensation of the toxic energy coursed through his palms, but he immediately drew upon his mana, countering the resistance.

One by one, the lesser bloodstones yielded, settling quietly on the ground. Only the Viper’s Bloodstone continued its fierce defiance.

Finally, with a surge of mana, the oppressive black energy dissipated, leaving the stones shimmering with a purified light. Lodbrok gestured toward Umbra, and Theo brought the purified stones to his companion.

Umbra’s gaze fixated on the Viper’s Bloodstone, its hesitation evident. But when Theo reassured it, the wyvern relaxed, swallowing the stones in a single gulp.

A storm erupted within the cave, mana swirling violently as the air grew thick with power. The ground quaked as Umbra absorbed the immense energy.

‘Even after such careful preparation, the sheer force is overwhelming.’

Theo watched in awe as Lodbrok stabilized the raging energy, guiding it into Umbra with meticulous precision.

Umbra’s form flickered, its body shifting as though caught between dimensions. Concerned, Theo glanced at Lodbrok, who calmly explained, “Do not worry. It is shedding its former shape. Its life is not in danger.”

Though reassured, Theo couldn’t suppress his unease as Umbra’s figure grew increasingly translucent.

With a triumphant roar, the transformation concluded. A notification rang in Theo’s mind.

+

Congratulations! The entity ‘Umbra’ has successfully evolved.

Umbra has ascended to a higher existence, completing its evolution into a Shadow Dragon.

Evaluation: S

As a reward, you have obtained ownership of the Shadow Dragon.

+

“A Shadow Dragon?” Theo murmured, examining Umbra’s new form. Though slightly smaller, its sharp, draconic features exuded an unmistakable aura of power. It was no longer a wyvern but a true dragon.

“Good job,” Theo said, embracing Umbra. The dragon nuzzled against him, purring contentedly.

“This evolution is beyond exceptional,” Lodbrok remarked. “A wyvern transforming into a dragon is exceedingly rare.”

“Thank you, Lodbrok,” Theo said earnestly. Her assistance had been indispensable.

“Of course,” Lodbrok replied with a self-satisfied grin. “Shall we test its strength?”

“No,” Theo said firmly. “Umbra’s existence will remain a secret.”

“Hm?”

Umbra’s stealth capabilities, inherited from the Viper, would make it an invaluable asset. Theo intended to unleash it only at the most critical moment—perhaps to strike down the Second Apostle himself.

* * *

In the northern reaches of the Beastlands lay a canyon, an uncharted region inaccessible without traversing its treacherous center. Even Ragnar’s influence didn’t extend here.

This was the sanctuary of the Holy Church of Light in the Beastlands.

Protected by natural barriers and layers of illusion magic, traps, and phantoms, it was a fortress the Church considered inviolable.

Or so they thought.

Boom!

Explosions rocked the sanctuary, shattering the peace it had enjoyed for centuries.