REAPER SCANS
Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan
[Translator – Mr.Ghost]
[Proofreader – Harley]
Chapter 76 - Joint Disciple (1)
Within the Winter Mountains was a valley where most of the residents were reclusive councilors of the clan.
“You seem to have a pep in your step,” a voice called out.
Upon hearing the voice, the Zenith Dragon smiled and quickly turned his head. A young-looking woman was sitting atop a wall, watching him with a moody expression on her face.
“Had I known raising a disciple was so enjoyable, I would have done it much sooner. It’s a shame I kept the Zenith Academy abandoned for so long.”
“Oh my. You speak as if you got ahold of a heavenly prodigy.”
“He is indeed such a prodigy. I teach him one thing, and he grasps ten. How could I not be joyous?” The Zenith Dragon burst out into laughter.
Remington Narcio, who he took on as a disciple after judging the Awakening Ceremony, was showing exceptional talent. Even more so than he had anticipated. He was already mastering proper utilization of the «Water Current Breathing».
Within a year or two, his growth was sure to capture everyone’s attention.
“What happened to sulking because you failed to recruit Theo?”
“This and that are separate matters. It would have been best had I taken both Theo and Remmy under my wing. What a shame,” said the Zenith Dragon.
The woman couldn’t believe his audacity.
“Had you done that, everyone would have wanted to stab you.”
“I would have loved to see them try. Isn’t the Ragnar Clan a place where anything is forgiven as long as you don’t get caught?”
The woman shook her head. Spoken like a true Ragnar. His arrogance knew no bounds.
“Besides, aren’t you the one most upset that I failed to recruit Theo, Lady Hilda?”
“Perhaps,” Hilda Ragnar, the former clan head, answered with an unreadable smile on her face.
‘She still refuses to share her intentions.’ thought the Zenith Dragon, hiding a bitter smile.
He had been in seclusion for over thirty years to avoid Kyle. There was only one reason he decided to come down from the Winter Mountains.
He was called upon by Hilda.
“The ‘wheel’ has started turning again. Why don’t you come down with me?” she had asked him.
The Zenith Dragon didn’t actually know what the «Wheel» was. He simply knew that it was a law of nature of sorts, something that mages and sorcerers called the ‘Order of the Heavens’.
As the last remaining vassal of Hilda, he couldn’t refuse the call from his liege.
He originally set off with the intention of enjoying the outside world for the first time in a while, but it was far more enjoyable than he anticipated. Not only did he meet various promising young’uns, but he even gained a disciple.
However, of all the encounters, the most fateful was none other than Theo Ragnar.
He was a child that might completely overturn the thousand-year history of the Ragnar Clan. Not to mention, he was the only child that Hilda paid special attention to.
“Do you have no intention of calling Theo here? Didn’t you say that he’s the first child to be selected in forty years by that so-called wheel?”
“I did say that.”
“Then why…”
“Haven’t I called him yet?”
The Zenith Dragon nodded. He was very much aware of the fact that Theo and Hilda shared a conversation during the nomination ceremony using sound telepathy. Back then, it sounded like she would call upon him soon.
So why was she delaying their meeting so much?
“I want to watch a little longer. There is something I still need to confirm.”
“......?” The Zenith Dragon tilted his head.
However, upon seeing Hilda’s smile grow thicker, he wore a bitter smile. He hoped that nothing would happen.
‘I pray that she won’t act like a Ragnar.’
But who knew if his hopes and prayers would be answered.
* * *
[Penalty: Death]
Theo couldn’t help but be speechless after seeing the final message.
‘I suspected it, but for it to really be the case…’
Truthful, Theo had guessed that ‘■■’ was obscuring ‘death’.
It was highly unlikely that these incredible quests and rewards wouldn't have a massive drawback. However, being confronted with reality created massive pressure.
‘She spoke as if we would meet again soon, yet I still haven’t heard from her. I wonder if something’s wrong.’
Considering the fact that she knew the secret of regression, it likely wasn’t some fickle change of heart.
‘Maybe I should seek her out first.’
There was no exact mention of when the penalty would be applied, but that only made Theo want to hurry.
‘The problem is that I don’t know where Hilda lives…’
Theo only had one piece of information regarding Hilda from his past life.
“Captain, do you know how to get to the ‘Spectral Castle’?” Theo asked.
Evelyn found the sudden change in topic odd, but she nodded her head.
“By the Spectral Castle, you mean the old home of the clan, right?”
“Yes.”
The current home of the Ragnar Clan was a place they had relocated to after an insurrection three hundred years ago.
The Spectral Castle was the previous home of the clan. However, for safety and security, it had become designated as a forbidden area.
Surrounded by various magic circles and barriers, it was impossible to even get close without a special method.
Despite that, Hilda resided at the Spectral Castle.
“Since our job is to fly around the Winter Mountains, I know where it is. It’s pretty easy to spot, actually. However, I don’t know how to actually get to it.”
“Can you please share its location?”
“I don’t know what’s gotten into you… but very well.”
Evelyn didn’t prod. Having faith in your liege was one of the traits required of the first sword. Though she was officially the captain and he was her subordinate, Evelyn did not forget what was required of her.
* * *
Reaper Scans
[Translator – Mr.Ghost]
[Proofreader – Harley]
Join our discord for updates on releases! https://dsc.gg/reapercomics
* * *
When Theo arrived at the Plum Blossom Palace, someone was awaiting his arrival. In fact, it was a familiar face.
“Should I say it’s been a while? It hasn’t even been a month yet, but it feels like it’s been a long time.”
“I didn’t know you’d be waiting for me.”
“It’s nothing. Don’t mention it.”
It was Natasha, the woman who helped Theo during the Awakening Ceremony and punished Felix for disobeying Lady Plum Blossom’s orders.
“You must have been eating well. You look full of vigor,” Natasha commented.
“Is that so? Thank you for the compliment.”
“…What a geezer-like reaction. How boring,” Natasha grumbled.
Standing next to Natasha was an old man.
“Natasha, could you introduce this old geezer to this young man?” the old man requested.
“This is Sir Lang Frenze, the head butler of the Plum Blossom Palace, and this is Theo Rangar, a new recruit of the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m the aid of the first wife, Lady Plum Blossom,” the old man bowed politely. He had short-white hair and a monocle.
With a surprised expression on his face, Theo bowed back, “I never thought I’d meet the ‘Spear Ghost’. It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”
Lang’s monocled eye shone brightly.
“Oh my… For a succession heir to know who I am. What an honor, young master.”
“Wouldn’t it be a problem if I were ignorant of your reputation, sir?”
The Spear Ghost was one of the few martial arts masters who used a spear instead of a sword in the Ragnar Clan.
‘He is a supreme master who was once recommended to the position of laurel swordsman… I thought he retired instead due to his old age. To think he’d be at the Plum Blossom Palace instead of the Council. As a mere butler, at that!”
The laurel wreath has been a symbol of honor and victory since olden times. As they use such a symbol as their trademark, the laurel swordsmen were some of the top swordsmen to represent the Ragnar Clan, almost akin to the nine dragons.
Theo became curious about the man who had rejected such a high position to stand at Lady Plum Blossom’s side.
“It's been a while since someone has flattered me like this. Why don’t we head on inside? The lady is waiting for you.”
Following Lang and Natasha, Theo cut across the palace.
Never in his past life did he have an opportunity to enter the Plum Blossom Palace. He saw that the inside was filled with plum blossom trees.
“It’s like walking in a forest,” Theo commented.
“Ohoho. Lady Plum Blossom loves plum blossom trees dearly. Whenever she sees plum blossoms, she’s always saddened by the fact that they only bloom for a short time once a year,” Lang explained.
“Plum Blossoms are flowers that bloom in the spring, and as you know, the spring here at Wintera is very short,” Natasha added.
“Oh. I didn’t know that,” Theo responded.
As Theo chatted about various topics with his guides, he noticed the bitter gazes from the people he was passing.
‘Way to make someone feel unwelcomed.’
They were all on guard against him. It was likely a reaction to the news that Lady Plum Blossom wanted to take Theo on as a disciple during the nomination ceremony. They were also likely scolded over the Felix incident.
Some even tried to gauge Theo by sneakily releasing their killing intent.
However…
‘I see no reason for me to yield.’
Fwooosh!
[Activating 'Skill: Lesser Drake's Fear' to reflect the killing intent.]
“......!”
“......!”
“......!”
As soon as Theo activated his skill, the people who aimed their killing intent at him backed down in shock. Some of them turned pale, while others demonstrated even more hostility.
Smirk!
Entertained by Theo’s reaction, Lang chuckled softly. Meanwhile, Natasha shook her head in disappointment. Other than that, neither actually brought attention to what was going on.
It was as if they were telling everyone that if they were Ragnars, they needed to prove it with their abilities.
“We’ve arrived. You may enter. Lady Plum Blossom is waiting inside,” Lang said, stopping in front of a training ground.
Theo bowed his head in thanks before entering the training grounds. Inside stood Lady Plum Blossom. She was brushing the leaves of a tall plum blossom tree.
“I’ve been waiting quite a while for you. I’m a little annoyed at Commander Julius for taking his sweet time,” Lady Plum Blossom said while turning towards Theo.
“So, did you like it?” she asked.
She was referring to the Lone Plum Blossom.
Presenting a sword salute, Theo lowered his head. “Thanks to you, I’ve found a new path.”
“I’m glad it was of help.”
“I learned that the flower isn't the only thing one can draw with a sword.”
Theo’s words brought a bright smile to Osa’s face.
“I knew you would understand it. You’re correct. People desperately focus on completing the ‘flower’ as fast as they can, neglecting the process even though the process is far more important.”
Lady Plum Blossom extended out her hand, and the sword that was stuck in the ground flew into it.
Snatch!
“I want to continue teaching you about the building blocks of technique that one might easily overlook, as these building blocks are the root of swordsmanship.”
Theo silently nodded along.
Lady Plum Blossom continued, “So I’ll ask again. Will you become my disciple?”
Ba-thump!
Theo’s heart pounded.
Having read the memories of the Lone Plum Blossom, he knew how truly great of a swordsman Lady Plum Blossom was. If he could fully inherit her martial knowledge, it would pave a new path for him. Not to mention, this would set up the political foundation that he lacked as an illegitimate child.
But before he made his decision, there was something he had to know.
“May I ask something first?” he asked.
“Of course. Anything.”
“Why are you treating me so well? I haven’t done anything for you. If anything, I could jeopardize your honor. Yet—”
“It’s because you’re like Kyle.”
“......!”
It was a completely unexpected answer.
Theo froze in shock.
“Does that suffice as an answer?” Lady Plum Blossom smiled brighter. “You might not know this, but you greatly resemble Kyle in his youth. Despite being so far from the throne… you try your best to face and overcome the challenges head-on. But at the same time, you won’t cross the line. It’s all so much like Kyle.”
‘I’m like father…?’
Osa’s words echoed in Theo’s head.
“Not only that, but you also resemble me. Do you know how you appear when you’re wielding your sword?”
“I’m not sure…”
“You’re always smiling.”
“......”
“I was like that. Wielding a sword was so fun, I was always happy when swinging my sword. You’re the same.”
After gaining the chance to fulfill the dream he couldn’t in his past life, Theo found every single day precious. That caused him to wield his sword more eagerly, swinging his sword with joy.
It seemed those emotions had resonated with Osa.
“Maybe it’s natural that I’d feel a fondness for a child that reminds me of my husband.”
Lady Plum Blossom’s smile reminded Theo of Julius.
‘I see. Both of them are still people.’
Julius said that he was only returning what he received from Kyle to the clan. Meanwhile, Lady Plum Blossom felt a fondness for Theo, as if he were her son, because he reminded her of Kyle.
Such human answers.
Instead of giving some ideological justification, these emotional responses resonated more with Theo.
Will you become my disciple?
That was an offer, not a demand. By learning the sword from them, Theo was sure he would be able to reach the throne.
“Do you have any other questions?”
“I do not.”
“Then, can I have an answer to my question?”
Theo nodded his head and spoke.
Upon hearing his answer, her smile grew thicker, like a plum blossom blooming in the spring.
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