REAPER SCANS
Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan
[Translator – Mr.Ghost]
[Proofreader – Harley]
Chapter 56 - Nomination Ceremony (1)
‘What’s his game?’ Theo thought while staring at Ed.
He couldn't decipher the man's impassive expression. Unlike Axion, whose thoughts were always transparent, Ed was a closed book.
Sky Dragon.
The title signified a dragon who has ascended to the heavens, perfectly reflecting Ed's unquestionable authority as the Clan Head's sword.
However, another nickname whispered among the people painted a different picture.
Serpent Dragon. A dragon possessing the cunning of a snake.
That was precisely the image Ed projected right now: a serpent waiting for the chance to snatch up its prey.
Bang!
Julius slammed his fist on the table, leaping to his feet. “What do you think you’re doing, Central Intelligence Director?!”
Julius was a man known for his unwavering courtesy, even to the lowest rank swordsmen. But right now, Julius radiated fury, as if confronting a bitter enemy.
“What do you think I’m doing? I'm offering a promising talent a position. Isn't this a long-standing tradition of the Nomination Ceremony?” Ed remained utterly unfazed.
“Don't insult our intelligence. Everyone knows this is about revenge for your nephew!”
“You’re mistaken,” Ed firmly denied. “Of course, I, as an individual, harbor anger towards Theo Ragnar. However, my duties as Director of the Central Intelligence Bureau take precedence.”
“Duties take precedence?”
“Indeed. The Awakening Ceremony is a ritual rooted in Ragnar’s long tradition. It is an unwritten rule that any grudges or conflicts stemming from it are to be left behind at its conclusion. It is, in fact, a cause for celebration. The Awakening Ceremony signifies rebirth as a true swordsman.”
Ed’s gaze settled on Theo before he continued, “Therefore, I enthusiastically welcome the emergence of a new genius rivaling the Black Iron Commander. My desire to recruit such talent is equally strong.”
Theo sensed the smallest flicker of emotion in Ed's eyes.
Greed. Or perhaps, yearning. However, he clearly craved Theo.
‘But he’s not yearning purely for me,’ Theo realized.
He had a hunch about Ed’s true intentions.
‘Observation.’
[Observing ‘Ed Troivan’.]
[Ed Troivan (46/Male)
· Title: Sky Dragon
· Talent: Cunning, Strategy, Scheming, Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Ambition.
· Status: Aims to take ‘Theo Ragnar’ under his wing and use him as a pawn to uncover the secrets of the Relics of the Primordial Dragon.]
‘Just as I suspected.’
Ed was after the Relic of the Primordial Dragon. He had even deduced Theo’s connection to it.
‘Is the Relic more important to him than avenging his nephew?’
The relics were mystical items passed down for the Ragnar Clan, so why was a Troivan so obsessed with them?
Ed continued, his explanation flowing smoothly, like a well-rehearsed speech, “As you know, the Central Intelligence Bureau, unlike you front-line fighters, is responsible for assessing the overall situation and maintaining order within Central. Therefore, we desperately need talented individuals. It might seem excessive, but that’s precisely why I'm offering Theo Ragnar such a high-ranking position.”
Meanwhile, Theo pondered the questions in his mind. To anyone unaware of the underlying circumstances, it sounded perfectly reasonable.
Julius’s face twisted with displeasure.
Suddenly, Lady Plum Blossom, who had been sitting quietly beside him, rose.
Was she about to intervene on his behalf? Julius looked at her expectantly, but her words were the opposite of what he had hoped.
“On this matter, I agree with the Central Intelligence Director.”
“…Lady Plum Blossom?”
「I apologize, Commander Julius. But I, too, desperately require Theo.」
“......!” Julius’s face hardened.
Lady Plum Blossom spoke while avoiding Julius’s gaze, “If one needs talent, one must offer appropriate compensation. Therefore, I, Osa Ragnar Plunus, not only renew my offer of becoming my disciple to Theo Ragnar but also promise him the position of Junior Lord of the Plum Blossom Palace.”
The hall erupted in a cacophony of gasps and murmurs.
“J-Junior Lord…?”
“Lady Plum Blossom doesn’t have any children…”
“Th-then that must mean…!”
“She’s practically adopting him!”
“He’ll get to be the first wife’s successor!”
Lady Plum Blossom held immense sway within the Ragnar Clan.
She was the matriarch, the very heart and soul of the vast Ragnar world.
Her influence stemmed from her position as the first wife, her swordsmanship that even surpassed Kyle’s, and her warm personality.
Many believed that if she had a child, the War for the Throne wouldn't even be occurring. After all, the whole of Wintera would have unanimously supported her offspring.
And now, Theo was being offered a chance to become her adopted son?
It was a chance to shed his status as an illegitimate child, which had been hindering him. He was being offered wings.
Rumors of Lady Plum Blossom’s interest in Theo had been circulating, but this public declaration sent shockwaves through the hall.
Even the expressions of the Five Major Candidates, seated among the high-ranking executives, hardened.
「I apologize, Theo. This is all I can offer. I feel terrible for what I put you through due to my own shortcomings.」
Lady Plum Blossom's voice reached him through Sound Telepathy.
「I’ve been wanting to tell you this.」
It was an apology for Felix and his gang. She offered no excuses, even though it wasn't her fault. She was someone who bore the mistakes of her subordinates as her own.
「I’m alright. Please don’t worry. I appreciate you thinking about me.」 Theo shook his head, mouthing the words.
Lady Plum Blossom was surprised by the fact Theo could already use Sound Telepathy,
She nodded at Theo, 「Don’t feel pressured. No matter your decision, I will always support you.」
Theo bowed his head in gratitude. Her sincere words resonated deeply with him.
“The Sky Dragon is offering the position of Deputy Director, and the Sword Dragon is offering Junior Lordship? Both are practically offering to take him on as their successor.”
“Two of the Nine Dragons already…!”
“I heard Theo Ragnar declared his candidacy for the War for the Throne. He’s starting with incredible backing.”
“Indeed. The other commanders and directors might not stand a chance.”
Whispers filled the hall, glances darting towards the high-ranking executives.
As expected, the Gale Sword Platoon Commander and the Security Bureau Director wore wry smiles, effectively conceding. They couldn’t compete with such offers.
“So, is it down to those two for Theo Ragnar?”
Just then, a rough voice echoed from above.
「I’d like to be included.」
* * *
Reaper Scans
[Translator – Mr.Ghost]
[Proofreader – Harley]
Join our discord for updates on releases! https://dsc.gg/reapercomics
* * *
Every head turned upwards.
Rumble!
A black bolt of lightning struck the platform's central flagpole. Then, a figure clad in black appeared. He had long, flowy white hair, and he wore a jet-black mask, concealing his face.
“Th-the Black Dragon!”
“The Black Emperor! The Black Emperor has appeared!”
It was said that with the Dragon’s Avatar in the sky and the Black Emperor on earth, the era of the Ragnars was unstoppable. The arrival of the figure who, alongside Kyle, had ushered in Ragnar’s golden age, created a powerful ripple.
Even Ed stiffened.
‘Why is he here?’ Theo was equally surprised.
The image of the old man fishing with the Griffin flashed through his mind.
Ba-thump ba-thump!
At the same time. His heart pounded.
“For the Black Emperor to appear in person…!”
“Does he also want to recruit Theo?”
The Black Dragon said, “Theo Ragnar.”
The simple utterance of his name quickened Theo’s heartbeat.
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
The cold gaze from behind the black mask seemed to pierce him, seeing through everything. It was a completely different feeling from facing Kyle.
‘Calm down. I might know him, but he doesn't know me at all.’ Theo took a deep breath, slowing his racing heart, but the tension remained, a prickling sensation along his spine.
“I’ve been observing you throughout the Awakening Ceremony.”
‘He has…? Since when?’
He wondered if the Black Dragon saw things related to Lodbrok.
“And I’ve reached a conclusion. Your disposition is remarkably similar to our Black Snow,” said the Black Dragon.
Having spent so long in Black Snow, Theo’s past habits had inevitably surfaced.
“Therefore, I offer you the rank of Null Snow.”
“......!”
“I’m sure you already know what that means.”
Theo indeed knew what ‘Null Snow’ signified within Black Snow.
‘He’s offering me a chance to step into the light.’
Null Snow agents were special agents. Unlike other Black Snow members, condemned to the shadows, they could publicly reveal their identities. They could earn recognition and even hold positions of power, all while retaining access to Black Snow’s vast intelligence network. It was an incredible opportunity.
Currently, there were only eight Null Snow agents. It was the very position Theo had craved in his past life.
Thump, thump, thump, thump…!
The fact that his lifelong dream was within reach made his heart flutter.
“I see you understand. You seem pleased.” The corners of the Black Dragon’s eyes curved upwards behind the mask.
He looked like a fisherman who had just landed a prize catch.
“Three of the Nine Dragons…”
“These are people that rarely showed up for the other generations!”
“What about the other Dragons? Will they join the fray?”
Murmurs rippled through the hall.
The Sky Dragon, Sword Dragon, and the Black Dragon all exuded intense auras.
「Both of you, step back. I will be taking Theo Ragnar no matter what it takes.」 said Ed.
「Do you honestly believe that Theo will choose you, Central Director?」 Lady Plum Blossom replied.
「He’s a smart and ambitious child. I’m certain he will pick the place that will benefit him the most.」 Ed retorted.
「In that case, wouldn’t the Black Snow be best for him? There’s no chance of him being backstabbed, as opposed to the Central Intelligence Bureau or the Plum Blossom Palace.」 The Black Dragon chimed in.
「Intel Director! What are you trying to say…?!」
「Have I said anything I shouldn’t have, Osa?」
None of them was willing to budge even an inch. The tension made everyone worry that it might break down into a sword clash.
“First the Sky Dragon and the Sword Dragon, and now even the Black Dragon? Since when have the Nine Dragon’s authority fallen so low?” said the judge while clicking his tongue.
He could clearly hear the Sound Telepathy going back and forth among the three Dragons, including the unspeakable swearing.
In the end…
THUD—!
The judge stomped the ground hard.
Rumble rumble—
The shockwave caused a ripple that not only pushed away the auras of the three Dragons but also silenced the turbulent crowd.
Fwoooo!
The judge’s deadly killing intent covered the entire headquarters, and a suffocating silence descended.
“How dare you all be such an embarrassment? You’re bickering over a single child while everyone's watching, even exuding killing intent. How is this behavior befitting for the leaders of Ragnar?!” the judge scolded.
The judge, the Zenith Dragon, was not just the oldest among the Nine Dragons but among all executives. Because of this, even the highest-ranking executives couldn't help but flinch at his fury.
Lady Plum Blossom bowed her head down in shame while Ed averted his gaze. Meanwhile, the Black Dragon maintained his silence.
“There are other children after Theo, so rather than drag this out, let’s have everyone who desires to recruit the overall valedictorian express their intent right now! The valedictorian will decide immediately!”
Of course, almost no one dared express their intent amidst such a fierce clash.
“Ehem! As a side note, unlike these disrespectful young'uns, I am part of no faction. Therefore, I am able to freely partake in activities, such as ones that could help someone in the War for the Throne,” the judge said while lightly coughing.
The crowd was momentarily confused by the judge’s words until they realized that he too was trying to recruit Theo.
“Even the Zenith Dragon…?”
“This feels like cheating…”
The judge winked at Theo, “Though you did turn me down once already, I will keep the offer open. So, take your time to think about it.”
Theo scratched his cheek, feeling a bit troubled.
“What’s going on? That’s almost half of the Nine Dragons now…!”
“No. You forgot, there’s one more person.”
“You’re right!”
Everyone’s gaze shifted towards Julius. Everyone knew he was the one who first discovered Theo.
What would he offer?
But unexpectedly…
“The White-Armored Dragon Cavalry also desires to recruit Theo Ragnar. However, all we can guarantee is our full support for development as a trainee swordsman and the pride of being a dragoon. We cannot offer special treatment. It wouldn't be fair to the other recruits,” said the Demon Dragon.
Julius clearly wanted Theo, but he refused to compromise his principles.
“What? Is the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry backing down then?”
“Seems like it.”
“Such a pity. Commander Julius is so old-fashioned. He should learn to be more flexible in situations like this.”
“Indeed. If you want to recruit talent, you have to invest accordingly.”
“But he has a point, doesn't he? Favoritism can breed resentment. And he’s trying to avoid that.”
Those in the crowd who knew how much Julius desired Theo wore expressions of disappointment, though some also mocked him.
However, Julius remained resolute, unwavering.
His stance resonated strongly with Theo.
‘This is so like him…’
Julius might be considered inflexible, but Theo understood. His decision was meant to preserve order and camaraderie within his ranks.
Julius cherished Theo, but he also cherished the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry like they were his own children.
Moreover, one phrase echoed in Theo’s mind.
‘The pride of being a dragoon.’
Dragoon. The position every swordsman in Ragnar dreamed of was right before him.
‘And that is Ragnar’s original identity.’
After much deliberation, Theo finally made his decision.
“I will…!”
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