“Cold, isn’t it?”

“Yes, indeed,” replied Wellington, shivering despite being wrapped in a thick coat.

Theo chuckled as he observed Wellington struggling with the frigid cold. The harshness of the Winter Mountains was challenging even for the people of Ragnar, let alone Wellington, who hailed from the relatively milder climate of the Narciso family lands in the south.

The second Blossoming Ceremony had begun.

Theo and Wellington, following the guidance of the Law Inspectors and examiners, had arrived at the second trial site—the Winter Mountains.

“Are you really okay, Lord Theo? I mean no offense, but your clothes seem a bit… thin.”

After their conversation three days earlier, in which Wellington asked if Theo considered him a friend, the two of them had returned to a comfortable camaraderie.

“This kind of cold is nothing new to me.”

“You’re… used to it? Have you been in such conditions before?”

Theo only responded with a silent smile. How could he explain his past life, where he had traversed regions across the world as part of the Black Snow?

Wellington, already accustomed to Theo’s mysteries, didn’t press him further.

“What kind of test are they planning in a place like this?”

Wellington frowned, looking at the mountain’s edge, where visibility was reduced by the relentless snowstorm. Even with their aura slightly opened, the candidates had only been using their abilities for three days, and enduring such a harsh environment was daunting.

But this was Ragnar, after all, and considerations like that were hardly a priority.

“We shall now begin the second Blossoming Ceremony!”

The examiner’s magically amplified voice reverberated through the mountain slopes.

Amid the whistling winds that muffled most sounds, his voice was crystal clear to all 57 candidates, including Theo and Wellington.

“As you know, these Winter Mountains stretch from Winterer to the Demon Sea and are vast in both width and height.”

A flicker of fear crossed the eyes of some candidates.

The Demon Sea—an accursed land teeming with monstrous creatures beyond the Great Wall, a land Ragnar had defended humanity against for over a thousand years. Every member of the Ragnar Clan was obliged to take on this role one day.

“But as you are only trainee inspectors, we won’t be sending you into the Demon Sea itself. The test site is limited to the area within the Great Wall.”

Sighs of relief escaped from several candidates.

“Though the Law Inspectors, Black Iron Cavalry, and White Armor Corps will regularly monitor the area, be careful not to cross the boundary. Any accidental breach could lead to disaster. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Yes!”

“Good. Now, let’s discuss the details of the test.”

Theo focused intently on the examiner’s lips. He suspected that this second test would be quite challenging.

“There are various creatures around here, ranging from 9th-grade monsters to 5th-grade beasts, each with a bell tied around its neck.”

The examiner held up a small bell, but its ringing was nearly inaudible over the howling wind.

“Your objective is to collect these bells.”

The examiner’s gaze swept over the candidates as he continued.

“There are seven colors of bells: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, with the later colors yielding higher scores. The stronger the creature, the higher the score. Particularly, the violet bell signifies a creature so powerful that you won’t stand a chance against it.”

*Gulp.*

Someone nervously swallowed.

“You may use any hunting method you prefer. Form teams for group hunts or go solo if you’re confident in your abilities. Traps, ambushes, tactics—everything is permitted. You understand what this means, don’t you?”

The candidates exchanged wary glances.

None of them were ignorant of what the last remark implied: betrayal. They were being subtly encouraged to steal another’s kill or even engage in backstabbing.

‘They’re openly fostering discord,’ thought Theo, clicking his tongue in disapproval.

But it was typical of Ragnar.

‘They’re saying, deal with any discord—whether by crushing it with power or uniting through charisma—and lead your group.’

If the first Blossoming Ceremony tested swordsmanship and magical prowess, then this second one was about leadership, adaptability, and strategic cunning.

—Victory comes by any means.

This was Ragnar’s philosophy on what it meant to wield true power.

“Throughout the area, you’ll find regions with these Totems,” the examiner continued, pointing to a marker. “These Totems are equipped with enchantments that repel monsters within a fifty-meter radius. Each Totem has a limited capacity for people, and there are hidden supplies for the test near each one. Keep this in mind.”

These Totems provided the few safe zones in the perilous Winter Mountains, places where candidates could regroup and recover.

“The test will last for a full fifteen days. Be sure to return by the same time on the final day. Any delays will result in point deductions. Now, disperse!”

*Whoosh!*

Even before the examiner finished speaking, some candidates had already started running, scouting the terrain and searching for the Totem locations.

“Everyone seems eager to secure supplies,” Wellington noted.

“To last for fifteen days out here, they’ll need every resource they can get.”

Theo nudged Wellington forward. “We should get moving too. It’s best to claim a position before things get more competitive.”

From the moment they’d arrived, Theo had sensed several watchful eyes on him and Wellington. Among them were Axion and members of the Tyrant Dragon Society, who openly displayed their hostility.

It was as though they were waiting for an opportunity to strike from behind.

There was something Theo needed to obtain in the Winter Mountains before he could fully commit to the Blossoming Ceremony. To secure it, he needed to find an undisturbed location.

“No. Leave me here.”

Wellington stood his ground, refusing to move.

Theo turned, surprised. “Wellington?”

“Lord Theo, do you remember what I asked you three days ago?”

Theo’s gaze grew serious.

“You said we were friends.”

“That’s right. And I feel the same way. I think of you not just as a friend but even more than that. I’d give my heart if you needed it.”

“…”

“But, at the same time, I see you as my rival.”

‘So that’s it. That’s what he was wrestling with before the first ceremony.’

Being both a friend and a rival was a difficult balance to strike. As a friend, he might feel compelled to yield the top position, but as a rival, he would want to claim it for himself. It was a delicate balance, complicated by inevitable feelings of envy.

Theo had always thought Wellington was too soft-hearted, easily hurt if things didn’t go as he wished. This was apparent both during their conflicts with the Tyrant Dragon Society and in his interactions with Theo.

Given Wellington’s upbringing in the Narciso family, which prized authoritarian strength, it was only natural that he’d feel conflicted.

“So over the past three days, I gave it a lot of thought… and I realized I want to surpass you, Lord Theo, with everything I have.”

“…”

“Can you understand that feeling?”

In their past lives, Wellington had never come close to Theo. But in this life, their positions seemed reversed.

And so, Theo nodded.

“I understand. I also see you as a rival, Wellington.”

“Do you? Ha! I worried I might be the only one who felt that way. I’m relieved.”

“However…”

“...?”

“That’s why I have no intention of giving up this position.”

*Whoosh!*

A fierce aura spread from Theo, forming concentric circles around him. His long hair fluttered in the wind.

*Thump, thump, thump, thump!*

Wellington’s eyes widened as he watched Theo. How could someone who’d only recently unlocked their aura already be producing a mana storm?

Theo had grown even stronger over the past three days.

But instead of feeling discouraged, Wellington felt a competitive fire ignite within him.

*Thump, thump, thump, thump!*

His heart beat wildly in sync with Theo’s.

One corner of Wellington’s mouth lifted in a grin.

“No need to hold back on my account. That position is worth fighting for.”

“You’re right. Power is the only way to secure it.”

Their gazes locked, smiles flickering in the icy air.

In an instant, both drew their swords and clashed.

*Clang!*

* * *

After a fierce exchange, Theo moved on, leaving Wellington behind.

“Phew… I feel so much lighter.”

Wellington’s smile was genuine.

The weight that had been pressing on his chest was finally lifted.

Since their first duel in the Fourth Martial Hall, Theo had felt like an unattainable mirage to Wellington—always distant, vanishing whenever he tried to reach him.

But now, he was no longer a mirage. He was a wall Wellington needed to either break through or climb over.

“Foolish boy. I’ve told you many times—a lion doesn’t chase anyone. They make others follow them.”

At that moment, a middle-aged man dropped down beside Wellington.

It was Timothy Narciso, the assistant head of the Narciso family and Wellington’s uncle, dressed in the examiner’s uniform.

The one who, alongside Butler Ralph, had troubled Wellington with his ideals.

“I thought you’d finally improved, but here you are associating with that lowborn half-blood. Must be something in your blood that draws you to such…”

“Uncle.”

Timothy’s words stopped cold as Wellington cut him off.

“Hold your tongue.”

“What did you say?”

“If you insult my friend again, I won’t hold back. I’ll take up the successor role I’ve postponed and

, if needed, cut you down myself.”

“...!”

“Mind your words, lest they lead to your head decorating the town square. I will tolerate no further disrespect.”

“…”

Rage flared in Timothy’s eyes. His nephew, whom he’d always dismissed, was now standing up to him.

The man recalled whispers among others who called Wellington the *Sword Prodigy*—a name that no longer seemed undeserved.

It reminded him of his bedridden older brother, the current family head.

“You see? Silence is refreshing and respectful. I hope you continue observing proper conduct as a deputy head of the family and an examiner here.”

“…”

“Understood?”

“…Understood.”

“Then I’ll be going.”

Without waiting for a response, Wellington turned and disappeared.

*Crack!*

Timothy ground his teeth, seething.

“…Insolent brat…”

* * *

*Tap, tap, tap…*

Theo sprinted up a steep slope, moving quickly despite the ice that coated the ground.

The best thing about unlocking his aura was the newfound ease with which he could use his footwork techniques.

<Skylark’s Wings>.

It was a technique Theo had mastered during his time with Black Snow.

Light and agile, it was ideal for long-distance travel.

‘A few small adjustments, and even Black Snow won’t recognize it.’

By now, the examiners who had been watching Theo were likely panicking, as he seemed to have disappeared.

He needed to go unnoticed for what he intended to do next.

‘The Dragon’s Nest… I’ve double-checked its location on the map. This is the right direction.’

Theo had invested considerable effort to uncover secrets linked to the message he’d received, and he’d managed to find a few clues.

—Relics of the Ancient Dragon.

So far, Theo had discovered two such relics.

The dungeon.

The Whiteback Sword.

And these relics were protected by dragon-like creatures, just as the legends claimed dragons guarded treasures.

Lesser drakes.

Griffins.

Theo didn’t believe this was mere coincidence.

He didn’t yet know the precise connection between the message and the relics of the Ancient Dragon.

But he believed that finding more relics would eventually unlock the mystery.

So where might another relic be hidden?

‘It must be guarded by dragonkind.’

Fortunately, Theo knew of one such location—an area that, six years later, Black Snow would “accidentally” discover.

‘The Hatchling’s Nest.’

That place lay within the Winter Mountains.

*Crunch!*

Theo halted at a precipice lined with crevasses.

One misstep in the fierce wind, and he’d plunge into the abyss below.

Theo focused his gaze down toward a specific point.

*Whoosh!*

Amidst the blinding snowstorm, he caught a faint glimpse of blue light emanating from a distant cliff.

At the same time…

*Hum, hum!*

The Whiteback Sword at Theo’s waist began to emit a soft blue glow, trembling as if in response.

‘Found it.’

Theo’s eyes sparkled.

And…

*Clang, clang—*

The Devouring Totem sword strapped to his back—a masterpiece crafted by the Grandmaster Kirson herself—began to resonate as well, as though it, too, had recognized something valuable.