"Hah...!"

As Theo stepped through the iron door, he let out an involuntary gasp.

The cavern was immense, large enough to hold hundreds of people.

Mountains of gold and silver lay stacked, glimmering in heaps, and towering shelves lined the walls, reaching even higher.

The golden glow Theo had glimpsed through the crack in the door was merely the light reflecting off these treasures.

But what astonished Theo the most was not the wealth but the "dragon" lying at the center of the cavern, sleeping.

Its tough, bark-like brown skin and shimmering dark blue scales were as deep and beautiful as the ocean.

Its massive body stretched dozens of meters, and it had wings so large they could engulf the entire cavern.

Theo realized that he was looking at an ancient dragon species, one thought to be long extinct, seen only in ancient myths and legends.

Even more surprising was the fact that this ancient dragon was breathing.

"This... isn’t just a hatchling’s lair... This is an actual ancient dragon’s nest."

A real ancient dragon’s lair, valuable enough to sustain entire generations, lay before him. From the size and imposing presence of the creature, it was undoubtedly of the "Dragon King" rank.

Just as Theo took in this unbelievable truth—

*Flash!*

The dragon, which he thought was sleeping, opened its eyes.

Golden pupils, sparkling like gemstones, reflected Theo’s shocked face.

"Ah, a visitor… It’s been a while since a *chosen one* has come here."

Theo steadied himself at the sound that echoed in his mind, then opened his mouth slowly.

"You are...?"

"My name is Lodbrok."

The ancient dragon, having revealed its name, slowly began to rise.

*Rumble…!*

Even that simple motion caused the cavern to shake, sending dust raining down from above.

"I am the *Guardian Dragon* of these Winter Mountains, as your clan calls me."

"...!"

More than the dragon’s immense size, Theo was startled by the identity it had revealed.

The Guardian Dragon.

The one who had formed a pact with Ragnar’s founder, Sigurd, even before he’d established the family in the North.

And… there was also the legend that this dragon had been Sigurd’s companion.

It was said that the second family head was a "half-dragon," born from the union of Sigurd and Lodbrok.

This was why the Ragnar clan claimed to have "dragon’s blood" in their lineage.

"I greet you as an ancestor..."

Theo hurriedly dropped to one knee, preparing to bow.

"Ancestor?"

But Lodbrok looked baffled, as if he didn’t understand.

Now it was Theo’s turn to be confused.

"Isn’t it because you were the companion of our founder and the mother of the second family head, *Friedlief*?"

"Who? Me? The mother of that brat?"

Lodbrok tilted his head.

"Hahaha! I see, so that’s how it happened. That rascal must’ve concocted quite the tale."

Lodbrok burst into loud laughter that echoed throughout the cave.

But Theo couldn’t laugh along.

Not only was Lodbrok’s tone dismissive about Friedlief, but Theo was also beginning to feel as if all he knew was being upended.

"Child of Sigurd, would you mind telling me how the world outside views me?"

After a moment of hesitation, Theo carefully recounted what he knew.

When he finished, Lodbrok smirked.

"Of course. That rascal twisted the truth to legitimize his lineage."

Theo was at a loss as to how to respond to such criticism about his ancestor.

"I’ll tell you just one thing. Though I was indeed born with female attributes, I’ve never defined myself by any specific gender. The responsibilities I bore were too great to waste thought on such things."

Lodbrok lifted his head proudly, exuding a commanding presence.

"While Sigurd and I referred to each other as ‘companions,’ it was a term of respect for a contract forged between souls. There was no romantic connection between us."

A hint of nostalgia laced her voice as she seemed to recall the past.

"And besides… I am a dragon, and he was a human. Our standards for appearance and attraction are fundamentally different. How could we possibly mate?"

Theo nodded with a wry smile.

It made sense. Just as he couldn’t discern whether Lodbrok was beautiful or ugly, dragons likely viewed humans in a similar way.

"However, Sigurd’s foolish son always wanted to use me. That’s partly why I left your clan."

Theo scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"Then… the claim that our family has dragon’s blood is just a form of propaganda?"

"Not quite. Sigurd and I shared *dragon’s blood* through a contract."

"Ah."

"Sigurd, who was far from ordinary, went through several refinements afterward. I suspect your clan’s unique physique is an inherited mutation that originated from those modifications."

Theo nodded in realization.

Now he understood why Friedlief’s propaganda had been so effective.

"Well, now that the introductions are over, it’s time to fulfill the Guardian Dragon’s duty to the chosen one."

The *chosen one.*

Theo understood that this term referred to someone selected by the Primordial Dragon Relic.

"By the ancient pact, I, Lodbrok, grant the chosen one three questions."

Theo’s ears perked up at that.

"Does this mean you’ll answer anything I ask?"

"Is that your first question?"

"...No. Please, give me a moment."

Theo thought that perhaps Lodbrok had a playful side despite her regal appearance.

*Focus. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.*

Considering the circumstances, it was clear that Lodbrok knew a lot about the secrets behind the events he was experiencing.

If that was the case, he had to frame his questions carefully to extract as much information as possible.

After organizing his thoughts, Theo finally spoke.

"Then, I’ll ask my first question."

"Go ahead."

"Why are you here?"

According to his clan’s lore, Lodbrok had retreated into nature, mourning Sigurd’s passing. Yet here she was, hiding in a remote place, her presence kept secret from the world.

"Interesting. A question aimed at uncovering hidden truths. A good question."

Lodbrok chuckled lightly before her expression turned solemn.

"It is because of the *Nameless Sovereign*."

"The Nameless Sovereign…?"

Theo felt an inexplicable chill crawl up his spine.

He was certain he’d never heard that name before, yet it struck a strange fear in him.

"It is a ‘monster’ that exists at the furthest edge of the world, beyond the demonic sea. For the past thousand years, I have been here, guarding the world against it. The Winter Mountains are merely a forward base for this purpose."

Two emotions emanated from Lodbrok: anger and… fear.

*A being that even the Guardian Dragon fears? This dragon, a Dragon King for over a millennium?*

Theo struggled to comprehend the gravity of this situation.

Just who—or what—was this *Nameless Sovereign*?

He had to hold back his questions, though. Asking more would waste his remaining chances.

With great effort, Theo swallowed his curiosity and moved on to his second question.

"My second question: What exactly is the Primordial Dragon Relic?"

"The Primordial Dragon Fafnir divided his soul into thirty-one fragments to protect humanity from the Nameless Sovereign."

"...!"

The name *Nameless Sovereign* had resurfaced.

"You possess three of them already. Soon, it will be four."

Theo’s eyes widened.

*Three? Not two?*

He touched the Drake’s Blade and the Moonlight Blade hanging at his side.

Did this mean he had another relic in his possession?

*…It must be.*

He quickly deduced what it was.

His return to the past—his regression.

Reversing time by more than a decade had to be the power of a relic.

However, it also raised a question.

*But every relic has a dragonkin guardian. Yet, during my regression, there was none.*

"This is your final question."

"Why me?"

"That question is too broad. Narrow it down."

"Why was I chosen?"

"Ah, that’s the question I was expecting."

A sly grin formed on Lodbrok’s lips.

"I should ask you instead: why do you assume that you alone were ‘specially’ chosen?"

"W-What do you mean...?"

"The ancient pact wasn’t designed to show favoritism. I’ve answered your three questions."

Lodbrok’s lips sealed shut, giving off the impression that no amount of prodding would make her speak further.

*Thump, thump, thump*

Meanwhile, Theo’s heart pounded in his chest.

*I’m not the only one chosen by the relic.*

It made sense in hindsight.

Ed, Kirson, and even the Black Dragon all knew about the relics and were trying to collect them.

It wouldn’t be surprising if some of them had already used a relic.

*Could they be seeing the same messages as me or have experienced regression like I did?*

Theo briefly entertained the thought but shook his head.

*No. Each relic has unique powers. Just as Drake’s Blade leads to a dungeon and the Griffin holds the Moonlight Blade, my regression might be unique to my relic.*

Still, this was just a theory; he couldn’t be certain.

*What would happen if I collected all 31 relics? Would the Primordial Dragon be resurrected?*

Would that lead to some sort of final showdown with the Nameless Sovereign?

One question led to another.

"You have a lot on your mind," Lodbrok observed.

"Indeed."

"That, too, is part of your burden. Too much information can restrict the chosen one’s decisions."

Lodbrok’s gaze turned cautious, as though wary of revealing too much.

Understanding, Theo refrained from pressing further.

Though he still had questions about the Nameless Sovereign and other chosen ones, he was satisfied to have at least uncovered the nature of the relics and why he was facing these challenges.

*I’ll likely learn more as I continue to collect relics. I’ll uncover these truths even as I ascend to the throne.*

"You handle things well. Previous chosen ones would have caused an uproar at my cryptic responses," Lodbrok said approvingly.

Theo nodded.

Indeed, if it were the Ragnar he knew, they would’ve thrown a fit if the Guardian Dragon’s answers didn’t satisfy them.

"Now that the quest is complete, it’s time for your reward."

Lodbrok spread her wings wide.

**[Congratulations! You have successfully completed Tutorial Quest #15.]**

**[Evaluation: A+]**

**[You have earned the opportunity to obtain a ‘Primordial Dragon Relic’ as a reward.]**

"As you can see, my nest is filled with treasures gathered over many lifetimes. I will give you one of them. What do you desire?"

Theo’s fists clenched at the word *reward.*

It was a thrilling word no matter how many times he heard it.

And since this treasure came directly from the Guardian Dragon, its value would be unimaginable.

"Jewels? Just one of these could buy a whole city. A magic tome? It would grant you great power. How about an elixir? It would elevate you by at least one level. There are also secret manuals. With one, you could rise above everyone in the near future."

Theo looked around at the mountains of gold and silver and the towering shelves reaching the ceiling.

"What about a weapon? For a clan like Ragnar, which values the sword as a testament of strength, it would be the perfect choice."

Jewels, magic tomes, elixirs, secret manuals, weapons...

Every treasure that had once shaken the world was here.

"Speak your desire, and I shall grant it."

Lodbrok’s demeanor exuded confidence, as if there was nothing she couldn’t provide.

*This must be why Black Snow chose the Tome of Amon here.*

The rumor of the *Hatchling’s Lair* could have been misinformation spread by Black Snow to keep the Guardian Dragon’s existence a secret.

They likely wanted to enjoy these treasures exclusively.

*So, what should I choose?*

At first, Theo thought about choosing the Tome of Amon but quickly shook his head.

He knew too little about Amon.

What if it hindered his growth?

But there were many treasures here that could aid his progress immediately.

He just needed to choose wisely.

"Hmm. If you’re undecided, feel free to explore the nest until you make up your mind."

Lodbrok was offering him the freedom to explore, but Theo couldn’t take her up on it.

The Blooming Ritual was still underway.

If he stayed away too long, he’d risk arousing the overseers’ suspicions.

*What should I choose, then...?*

At that moment, a thought struck Theo.

Lodbrok had said this nest contained "all" the treasures of the world.

And she’d said he could ask for "anything."

If that was the case…

*Could something ‘outside the norm’ be possible?*

After a moment of thought, Theo lifted his head and stared straight into Lodbrok’s eyes.

"Oh? Have you decided?" Lodbrok’s gaze sparkled with curiosity.

"Can I truly have any treasure I wish?"

"Of course. A dragon’s words are bound by their nature. I cannot lie. Though I cannot give what isn’t here, if it is present, you may have it."

"In that case, there’s only one thing I desire."

"Name it."

Theo looked deeply into her golden eyes, his reflection shining back at him.

"I want Lodbrok."

"…What?"

For a moment, Lodbrok blinked, wondering if she had misheard.

But Theo, his expression serious, spoke clearly once more.

"I said, the treasure I want is Lodbrok."