Theo tossed all the bodies over the cliff, trying to erase any trace of what had occurred.

But then—

*Thud!*

"...What was that?"

As he threw the last body of Hyde over the edge, it got snagged on something midway down. At first, Theo thought it might have been caught on a tree or rock protruding from the cliff.

"But it doesn't seem like that."

He narrowed his eyes.

In the middle of empty air, the body seemed to have struck an invisible object, leaving a red stain from the blood. The shape appeared to be a rectangular block.

Right at that moment—

*Ding!*

**[A quest has arrived.]**

---

**[Tutorial Quest #15]**

**Find the invisible steps and explore the blue-tinged cave.**

- Difficulty: A
- Reward: Primordial Dragon Relic
- Failure: ■■

---

Theo clenched his fist tightly.

He’d been wondering how he might descend the cliff, and it seemed like this was the solution he needed.

"Given that it’s marked as difficulty A, it won’t be easy."

Between the updrafts coming up the cliffside and the ongoing blizzard, even if he found the device, getting there would be challenging.

One wrong step, and he’d plummet straight off the cliff.

"But finding the path makes a big difference."

Determined to examine the bloodstain area more closely, Theo focused his mana into his eyes.

*Thud… thud…*

As his heart pounded heavily, mana resonated within his core.

*Flash!*

"...!"

Theo involuntarily flinched in surprise.

Things he hadn’t seen before started appearing in his vision, one by one.

The world had turned monochrome.

Along the narrow ravine, transparent, block-like steps spiraled downward.

"Spirit Vision…!"

Theo intuitively understood the change in his sight.

In the description for the special ability [Inspiration], which he had gained when his mana coefficient surpassed 200, there had been a note about [physical enhancement].

At first, he hadn't understood what it meant.

Now, it seemed to mean that it enhanced certain bodily functions.

---

**[Spirit Vision]**

- Type: Special Ability
- Effect: Physical enhancement. Mana regeneration rate increased by 1.5 per second.

---

With Spirit Vision, he could now see things previously hidden from view.

Could it also work for other body parts, like his legs?

Theo directed his mana down to the soles of his feet.

He felt a sudden lightness, as if his body had become weightless.

*Whoosh!*

Taking advantage of this, Theo lightly pushed off the ground.

The result was astonishing.

He jumped further than he’d expected, feeling as if he’d sprouted small wings on both feet.

"This didn’t happen when I was climbing the mountainside."

He hadn’t felt such lightness when he’d previously used <The Lark’s Flutter>, making him wonder why this was happening now.

Then he realized that he hadn’t triggered mana resonance back then.

"When I moved using only the aura core’s mana, it was simply fast. But with the aura heart in play, Spirit Vision activated. Is this an effect of mana resonance?"

He didn’t know the exact reason.

But Theo sensed that if he used this difference wisely, it could be a valuable asset.

*Fwoosh!*

He turned his body lightly mid-air.

His goal was to land on the invisible steps.

*Tap!*

His landing was much softer than before.

Not only did it put less strain on his body, but he also realized it could be very useful in combat situations.

"Onward to the Hatchling’s Lair."

Theo's eyes sparkled with determination.

It was time.

Time to explore the Hatchling’s Lair.

And at that moment—

*Flutter!*

A black lark nearby took flight into the sky.

---

“Currently in first place, Aksion Ragnar. The number of dark bells he’s collected totals 41, and he’s grouped up with 21 people. The next in rank is Ray Ragnar…”

With each interim report from the second Blooming Ritual, the expressions of the Nine Dragons subtly shifted.

It was because they hadn’t heard anything about the person they were waiting for.

"What about Theo Ragnar? What’s his status?"

In response to Julius’ question, the reporter quickly searched his notes.

"Theo Ragnar… Currently, he has collected zero dark bells. He’s not accompanied by anyone. We suspect he’s either hiding in a nearby shelter or lying in ambush."

"Hiding…?"

Julius furrowed his brows.

The Theo he knew wouldn’t be lurking in some hidden spot waiting for an opportunity; he was more likely to confront things head-on.

Just then, the Plum Blossom Lord spoke.

"You said that’s just a guess. So no one’s actually confirmed this?"

"Y-Yes… That’s how we understand it at the moment…."

First Julius, then the Plum Blossom Lord.

Under their combined questioning, the reporter fumbled nervously, shuffling through his papers with increasing discomfort.

“Enough, you two. What more can this young man tell us? He’s only here to deliver the report. That will do; you may go.”

The reporter, relieved to be rescued from the grilling by the Elder Council Head, Wolfgang, bowed and hurriedly left.

"Just because he stood out in the first round doesn’t mean he’ll perform the same way in the second. Who knows? Maybe when it comes to real combat, he’s more likely to freeze and hide."

Though the words seemed to defend Theo, a tinge of mockery was apparent in the tone.

Julius and the Plum Blossom Lord glared at Wolfgang silently.

Wolfgang, however, was unbothered, his smirk practically reaching his ears.

"Seems the thugs were more efficient than I expected. Heh, heh!"

He thought of the faces of Hyde and his gang, who he had ordered to track down and eliminate Theo.

*Could it be that Wolfgang was involved in this?*

Just then, a voice whispered into Wolfgang’s ear through an encrypted channel. It was Ed.

"Oh dear! I didn’t give you a heads-up, did I? Well, you can see how things turned out. No need for thanks; we’re both on the same side here."

Wolfgang assumed that by now, Hyde’s group had assassinated Theo and thrown him off a cliff to erase any evidence.

Despite Theo’s impressive skill, dealing with trained assassins from a young age would be no easy feat.

He felt a weight lift from his chest, one that had been stifling him for days.

"A lowborn who doesn’t know his place and tries to stand above the true-blooded has met his end. Others should learn who really owns Ragnar."

Julius and the Plum Blossom Lord, did they know?

Did they realize that the order they sought to disrupt within Ragnar was finally restored?

"Even the Nine Dragons lack common sense sometimes. That’s why families need an elder’s wisdom."

Thanks to Ed, who still possessed a modicum of sense, things hadn’t spiraled further out of control. Otherwise, it would have been a real mess.

Ed, who resented Theo for taking over Dongbaek Palace, would likely be satisfied with this outcome.

Everything was unfolding "naturally," just as Wolfgang believed it should.

In his self-assured state, Wolfgang failed to notice Ed’s quietly twisted expression as he stared at him.

*Damn it…! That senile fool just went and acted without any permission!*

While Ed had planned to kill Theo in the Winter Mountains as well, he had a more pressing concern.

*This must be stopped!*

Ed quickly communicated with his subordinates waiting outside.

"Get word to Aksion immediately! Stop the Council’s hounds from reaching the Rose Palace weakling. Don’t let any clues about the relic be lost. Hurry!"

The Primordial Dragon Relic that had eluded him at Rose Palace—

Ed was sure Theo possessed it.

So securing Theo’s capture was now essential.

*Rustle, swish!*

Ed’s agents began moving swiftly, sending word to their contacts among the overseers.

Ed clenched his fists, barely containing his frustration over the unexpected need to "rescue" Theo.

---

"It seems clear that both the Elder Council Head and the Intelligence Chief are scheming something," Julius whispered as he picked up on the tension between Wolfgang and Ed.

The Plum Blossom Lord nodded subtly.

"They’re probably trying to manipulate the second Blooming Ritual to their liking, so we should take action ourselves. I’ll give orders to our contacts."

"Ha! I had hoped to avoid meddling in the trials… but I’ll leave it in your hands."

Though Julius sighed lightly, he couldn’t resist shooting a glare at the Plum Blossom Lord.

"And I won’t let you off the hook for meeting with Young Master Theo behind my back. You’ll have to answer for that."

Clearly, he was displeased that she’d defied his warning to keep her distance from Theo.

"Isn’t it Theo’s choice that matters the most here?"

Of course, her words didn’t faze the Plum Blossom Lord in the slightest.

If anything, she responded with a relaxed smile.

Her confidence in Theo’s allegiance was unwavering.

Julius let out a dry laugh and shook his head.

"If this keeps up, recruiting Theo will only get harder, not easier."

Perhaps he should have pressed Theo harder when he’d first proposed the idea.

Julius let out a sigh, feeling the weight of his own dilemma.

Then he lifted his head again.

Whether Theo joined the White Armor Dragon Guard or not, his safety had to be secured first.

And so—

Surrounding Theo—

The Blooming Ritual in the Winterer

 Mountains marked the beginning of a struggle between four dragons.

Or rather,

*Shiver!*

—Five dragons.

---

When Theo finally arrived at the Hatchling’s Lair after navigating the invisible stairs, he felt three distinct sensations.

Cold.

Dark.

And—

*Dizzying.*

*I don’t want to die…*

*I want to live…*

*I don’t want to stay here…*

*Living people…*

*Get out…*

*Leave…*

*Wooo-oo-oo…*

All around, the eerie echoes of wails reverberated through the cave.

Even his vision wavered as if the air itself were distorted, making it hard to see clearly.

*I hadn’t heard of ghost-type monsters here. This won’t be easy.*

Specters, banshees, ghosts, phantoms, ectoplasm—monsters without a defined form were notoriously difficult to deal with.

Physical attacks had no effect on them, and they often used mental control or curses.

Theo was currently trapped in an illusion prison conjured by ghost-type monsters.

It was a curse designed to stimulate trauma and generate hallucinations.

If one got lost in it, they’d be doomed to wander here forever, eventually becoming another ghost.

Fortunately, Theo’s mental fortitude was strong enough to resist mind control attempts, like those from the Moonlight Blade.

Handling an illusion prison was something he could manage.

The issue lay in what came afterward.

—Sensory disruption.

Humans perceive the world through their senses.

But without them, analyzing the situation would be impossible.

The quest had instructed him to explore the cave.

It seemed to imply that he had to get through this somehow.

*The quests are all connected. The answer must be here somewhere. How did the Black Snow pass through this place in my previous life?*

Theo didn’t think getting through was impossible.

The quests only assigned tasks that could be accomplished.

He closed his eyes.

Then, reaching out to touch the wall, he cautiously began to move forward.

*Feeling his way…*

*When Spirit Vision enhanced my sight, I could see the hidden layers. What if I apply Spirit Vision to my ears or hands?*

Humans possess five senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste.

As he slowly circulated his mana, he imbued his entire body with Spirit Vision.

And then, gradually, his body began to change.

First, his sense of touch sharpened.

He could feel the shape, texture, length, and hardness of the wall, and even detect the contours of the passageway beyond it.

Next, his hearing heightened.

He could distinguish between the wails of ghosts and the wind blowing through the cave.

Then, his sense of smell awakened.

Through the scent carried by the wind, he could discern the cave’s humidity, contours, and shape.

Finally, as his senses of sight and taste followed suit, the five senses united.

Even with his eyes closed, the cave’s layout was drawn in his mind, vividly clear.

*This is…!*

For Theo, it was an entirely new experience.

The harmony of all five senses.

**[You have unlocked Synesthesia.]**

**[You have mastered the use of the five senses. From now on, you will be able to perceive Spirit Vision more acutely.]**

**[A path begins to reveal itself.]**

At that moment—

Theo felt as if he had stepped into a new world.

The thick veil that had covered his eyes and ears lifted, and he glimpsed the “true” world beyond it.

Following this new path, Theo continued onward.

The ghosts faded into obscurity, replaced by a long, blue-tinted light that beckoned him forward.

And at the end of this light—

*Thud…*

A massive iron door, easily ten meters tall, appeared.

*This is it.*

Theo swallowed hard as he recognized the door from his past life.

Then—

*Creak!*

He pushed with all his might.

As the door slowly opened, rays of light spilled through, illuminating Theo’s path.