REAPER SCANS
Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan
[Translator – Mr.Ghost]
[Proofreader – Harley]
Chapter 58 - Nomination Ceremony (3)
Even actively exuding his aura, Julius radiated a quiet intensity that filled the air.
“Whoa… it’s the Demon Dragon! The hero of the Battle of Teonan as well as the Kazakh Annihilation…! I can’t believe this is really happening!”
“Be quiet! You’re embarrassing me!” Erika desperately hushed Hulkus, whose excitement was practically palpable.
However, Hulkus couldn’t stop. He had idolized the Nine Dragons since childhood, so this felt like a dream.
The flag-bearers and dragoons chuckled, charmed by Hulkus’s enthusiasm.
‘So this is the real Demon Dragon…’ Theo, despite his neutral expression, felt the same awe.
He had only ever known Julius's kind, friendly side. In contrast to his uncle-like behavior, Julius's true presence was overwhelming.
‘I want to be like him.’ Theo’s eyes burned with ambition.
“Welcome to the family,” Julius said, a small smile playing on his lips.
The words, though soft, held undeniable authority. Within the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry, he was undeniably their commander.
“Unlike other units, we always refer to ourselves as ‘family’ or ‘brothers’. This means that we trust each other with our lives.”
Family. Brothers.
The words resonated with Theo.
“You may not understand that now. But you will soon, as you live here together. For now, just follow your brothers’ lead.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Yes, sir!”
Theo and the Lanke siblings answered as one with gusto.
Julius smiled and glanced at a nearby flag-bearer, “I tried to keep it brief. Was that alright?”
“You fell just short of being boring, Commander.”
“Phew. That’s a relief.”
Their easy banter hinted at the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry's dynamic—disciplined, yet also close with each other.
Julius ran a hand through his hair and looked over the three recruits.
He started with Hulkus, “Enough of my fogey lecture. Tell me, why did you pick this unit?”
Hulkus swallowed hard, nodding rapidly. Julius couldn’t help but smile at the hulking young man’s nervousness.
“B-because it’s awesome!”
“Awesome?”
“Yes! White Armor— I mean, White Hammer—Uh, White Dragons… Th-they’ve been my idols since childhood!” Hulkus shouted while glancing at Theo.
Theo's decision to join the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry had surprised everyone, including him and Erika. Theo had rejected far more prestigious offers to start at the bottom.
But at the same time, Hulkus was relieved. He could stay with Theo, and the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry had been his first choice anyway, even before he had sworn to be Theo’s sword.
“Standing alongside your idols. That does sound enjoyable,” Julius said, stroking his chin. “But reality can be different. Harsher. More demanding. We're always on the front lines, where death is a constant companion. It’s far from ‘awesome’. Your illusions may shatter. Are you sure you won’t regret it?”
Julius continued, “Also, unlike other units, we first start with an ‘aptitude test.’ This is necessary due to us needing a <partner>. If you fail, your nomination will be withdrawn. What will you do then?”
Julius’s sharp gaze bored into Hulkus.
Gulp!
Hulkus swallowed again. “I… I’m ready to face the challenge head-on.”
“Ready, you say?” Julius’s eyebrow arched in surprise.
“Yes…! I know that Dragoons are essentially an air force, meaning they need to ride around a flying dragon. I also know a rider must be fairly light to not burden their dragon.”
“Indeed. But as you can see…”
“Yes. I’m a Lanke. I’m naturally heavy.”
“So you know you might fail the aptitude test.”
“I have prepared something for that.”
“Oh? And what have you prepared?”
“Well, that’s…” Hulkus’s eyes darted away, a flicker of secrecy in them.
“You’ll show us then?”
“Yes! Precisely, sir.”
“Alright. I’ll look forward to it. And what about your resolve if your illusions about us are shattered?”
“I think you’re mistaken, Commander. My admiration stems from… strength.”
“Strength, you say.”
“Yes! The true ‘awesomeness’ of the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry lies in their indomitable spirit and will!”
Finally satisfied, Julius grinned and clapped Hulkus on the shoulder. “Good answer. I hope your words aren’t merely empty praises.”
Hulkus exhaled, relieved. He’d made a good impression. He clenched his fist with pride. However, this was just the beginning.
“Next, Erika Lanke,” said Julius.
Theo’s eyes darted over to her, curious about why the junior clan head of the Lanke Clan would choose to be there.
“I have two answers—the presentable one and the real one,” Erika said, scratching her temple with a grimace. “Which would you prefer?”
Julius chuckled. “Haha! Two versions? Well, let’s hear the real one.”
“Because it’ll be fun,” she replied instantly.
“Well, that’s another unexpected answer.”
“I thought wherever these two idiots are, it’s bound to be entertaining. Besides, fighting on the front lines is a fast track to getting stronger.”
Seeing Erika’s eyes gleam with competitive fire, Julius nodded. “Camaraderie is crucial. Very well. I’ll accept your nomination for now. I hope you and your brother will perform well on the test.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Julius clasped his hands behind his back and turned to Theo, his gaze sharpening. “Now, all that’s left is… Theo Ragnar. Frankly, I was most curious about your choice.”
The flag-bearers and dragoons nodded in agreement.
‘What should I say?’ Theo considered briefly, before deciding on honesty.
“Because this is the surest shortcut to my destination.”
“Destination, you say…” Julius’s eyes glinted.
He knew where Theo was headed.
The throne.
“Yes. And that is why…” Something within Theo stirred, lifting his chin. “I intend to become the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry Commander within five years.”
* * *
Reaper Scans
[Translator – Mr.Ghost]
[Proofreader – Harley]
Join our discord for updates on releases! https://dsc.gg/reapercomics
* * *
Five years.
One could say it’s a long time, while another might describe it as fleeting.
However, it was an absurdly short time for one to become commander of the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry, one of the Ragnar Clan's four pillars.
Yet, Theo had declared it.
In a sense, it was a declaration of war against Julius himself. The flag-bearers and dragoons’ eyes hardened, and the Lanke siblings stared at Theo as if he’d gone mad.
‘What’s wrong with him…?’
‘Bwahaha! He really is crazy!’
Only Julius laughed. “Five years… That’s very specific. May I ask why?”
The reason? It was because Theo knew what would happen in five years.
The Great War.
When that time comes, all order would collapse, and a true era of survival of the fittest would begin. To seize the throne amidst the chaos, he needed to build and prepare a foundation by then.
“Because the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry is the root of Ragnar,” answered Theo.
“The root… Well, it’s true that the order of knights founded by our progenitor Sigurd to pioneer the northern lands was the precursor to the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry.”
The Dragon Knights. It was an order established by Sigurd, Lodbrok's pact-bearer, to protect The Great Wall. The order grew larger and larger until it became the great Ragnar Clan.
The original mission of the Dragon Knights lived on with the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry. Many in Wintera supported the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry because of this legacy. It was the source of the dragoons’ pride, even amidst hardship.
However, the swordsmen of today’s Ragnar Clan often downplayed the dragoons’ contribution to elevate their own. Theo had just highlighted that fact. He reminded them that ‘they’ were the true roots and foundation of Ragnar.
“Ehem! What a perceptive young man.”
“Hm, hm! Though true, it’s a bit embarrassing to hear it so plainly.”
Thanks to that, the dragoons’ gazes softened.
Julius chuckled, amused. “So, your goal is to seize this root and make a name for yourself?”
“The Zenith Academy, the Central Intelligence Bureau, the Plum Blossom Palace. They all offered me far too high positions and benefits for what I deserve. I believed that in the long run, that would come back to bite me.”
Julius nodded. A fifteen-year-old trainee swordsman in such a high position would only attract envy.
‘As I thought. He’s a very wise child.’ Julius was pleased with his judgment.
“But the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry is a place where I can rise as high as I can based on merit. And it’s the root of Ragnar. That’s why I chose it.”
The White-Armored Dragon Cavalry prioritized skill over seniority, more than any other unit. Even the newest recruit could advance based on ability.
In the chaos of the Great War, being the commander of a legacy unit would be a significant advantage.
“So, you intend to climb to this position? Hahahaha!” Julius was delighted by Theo’s confidence.
From anyone else, this would have been taken as just some cocky boasting. But from Theo, it seemed plausible.
‘This kid is going to keep me on my toes,’ thought Julius.
Julius thought he had recruited a useful talent, but he had just invited in a tiger cub. A cub that wanted to grow and take his seat.
“I understand your reasoning, but why five years specifically?” asked Julius.
This time, Theo smiled as a reply.
“Staying silent, are you? So, you have a plan. I guess you are already behind compared to the other candidates who are aiming for the Throne. It sounds like a good plan to establish yourself before you are an adult,” Julius reached his own conclusion and nodded.
“I like ambitious people. They drive improvement, stimulating those around them. However…” Julius’s eyes turned icy. “Conversely, such people sometimes endanger their comrades for their own gain. If I even see a hint of that… I will execute you on the spot.”
An intense killing intent washed over Theo. It was a firm warning against any foul play.
The killing intent stung… but Theo simply smiled and nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind, sir.”
“…You’re no fun. Tsk.” Julius withdrew his killing intent and clicked his tongue, disappointed by Theo’s lack of reaction.
He once again felt like the boy was an old soul.
“Still, I doubt I’ll be bored for the next five years thanks to these youngsters. Selford! Erin!”
A white-haired man and a petite woman stepped forward. It was Selford and Erin, the proctors Theo had met at the Awakening Ceremony.
“Escort the recruits to the ‘nest’. Brief them on the unit and prepare them for the test immediately,” Julius ordered.
“Yes, sir!”
“Yes, sir!”
“W-we’re testing now?” Hulkus asked, surprised.
“If we delay, it’ll be difficult for you to be nominated elsewhere. So, it’s better to finish quickly. Good luck,” Julius saluted the three recruits and launched himself into the air.
A massive Wyvern appeared, catching Julius on its back and vanishing into the clouds.
“Whoa!”
“So that’s the flying dragon I heard so much about…!”
Selford chuckled at the Lanke siblings’ awe, “That’s the Commander’s partner, Gulla. He’s got a monstrous appetite and libido. Just as energetic, too. You’ll meet your own partners soon.”
“R-really?” Hulkus’s eyes sparkled.
“Well, if you pass the test,” Selford replied.
“Oh, right…” Hulkus deflated.
Selford chuckled at Hulkus’s fluctuating reactions. Erin elbowed him, telling him not to scare the recruits, but he ignored her.
He instructed, “Alright, let’s head to the nest. Get ready to mount a flying dragon.”
Fweet—!
Erin pursed her lips and whistled, and two Wyverns descended.
They were smaller than Gulla but similarly armored in white. The term White Dragon suited them perfectly.
“The test is simple. We’ll drop you three off at a Wyvern nest. All you need to do is be chosen by a Wyvern as a partner. Easy, right?”
Despite his casual tone, Selford’s eyes twinkled mischievously.
Wyverns were infamous for being ferocious and powerful among the lower dragon species. Even if they’ve been trained, they wouldn’t be easy to handle.
“Now, get ready,” said Selford.
As the Lanke siblings checked their gear, the Wyverns landed. However, their numbers had increased to three.
A familiar figure sat atop one.
“Evelyn?” exclaimed Theo.
“It’s been a while, young master,” Evelyn, clad in white armor, greeted him with a slight bow.
“Evelyn, what are you doing here…? Wait, your arm…!”
“Ah, this?” With her right hand, Evelyn stroked the prosthetic left arm gripping the reins. “It was a gift from your mother.”
“…!”
Theo remembered Kirson’s words. “Forgive your mother’s fussing, Theo. She’s been worried sick for the past half month. Not to mention the ‘present’ she prepared—!”
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