‘What is he thinking?’

Theo looked at Ed.

Unlike the transparently malicious Aksion, Ed maintained an unreadable, indifferent expression.

There was no way to tell what he was really thinking.

**Hangryong**—The term referred to a dragon soaring in the sky, symbolizing Ed’s nearly absolute power as the clan’s sword, a title granted to him. Yet there were whispers calling him by another name:

**Saryong**—The “Serpent Dragon,” a creature with a serpent’s cunning but a dragon’s might.

And right now, he seemed exactly like that.

A snake, waiting for the perfect moment to snatch its prey in one gulp.

“What is the meaning of this, Director of the Central Intelligence Bureau?!”

Bang!

At that moment, Julius struck the table hard, rising from his seat.

Known for his unwavering politeness, even to the lowest-ranked inspectors, his face now radiated fury.

As though he were facing an enemy.

“What do you mean, ‘meaning’? Offering a position to a distinguished talent is a longstanding custom of the designation ceremony, is it not?”

Ed remained unflustered.

“Do you take everyone here for fools? Everyone knows you’re venting your anger over your nephew’s death.”

“You’re wrong.”

Ed denied Julius’s accusation firmly and continued.

“Certainly, as Ed Troyban, I bear a personal grudge against Theo Ragnar. But as Director of the Central Intelligence Bureau, my considerations are entirely different.”

“Different considerations?”

“Yes. The *Ceremony of Emergence* is a tradition honed by Ragnar over the ages. The grudges and conflicts that arise within it are customarily left behind once they are brought to the surface. If anything, they are to be celebrated. After all, the ceremony symbolizes the rebirth of an honorable swordsman.”

Ed’s gaze turned to Theo.

“That’s why I welcome the appearance of this new genius, following in the footsteps of the Black Iron Commander. And my desire for such a talent is very strong.”

Theo could see the faint glimmer of emotion in Ed’s eyes.

Greed.

Or perhaps, desire.

Ed wanted Theo.

‘But that desire isn’t purely for me.’

Theo had a sense of what Ed was after.

‘Observation.’

[Observing ‘Ed Troyban.’]

**+**

**Ed Troyban (46 years old/male)**

**· Title**: Hangryong (亢龍)

**· Talents**: Cunning, strategy, scheming, honeyed words with a hidden dagger, ambitious.

**· Status**: Aims to bring Theo Ragnar under his influence as a hunting dog to uncover the secrets of the Primeval Dragon’s relic.

**+**

‘As expected.’

His suspicions were confirmed.

Ed was after the Primeval Dragon’s relic.

He had sensed that Theo possessed part of it.

‘So, he values the Primeval Dragon’s relic more than avenging his nephew?’

The relic had originally been a mystery passed down within Ragnar.

But why would someone of the Troyban bloodline covet it so intensely?

“As you know, the Central Intelligence Bureau, unlike you who fight on the front lines, is responsible for understanding the entire situation and maintaining the center’s discipline. For this reason, we are in dire need of talents. It may seem excessive, but the promise of such a high position to Theo Ragnar is precisely for this reason.”

While Theo was deep in thought, Ed’s explanation flowed smoothly.

To those unaware of the underlying intentions, it would seem as if Theo was indeed desperately needed.

As Julius’s expression soured, the *Lord of the Plum Blossom Palace*, sitting next to him, slowly rose.

Was she going to help him?

Julius glanced her way, but her words defied his expectations.

“This time, I agree with the Director of the Central Intelligence Bureau.”

“...My Lady?”

“I apologize, Commander of the White Armored Dragoons, but I, too, desperately need Theo.”

“...!”

Julius’s face hardened.

The Lord of the Plum Blossom Palace avoided his gaze as she spoke.

“If we are in need of talent, it is necessary to offer suitable treatment. Therefore, I, Osa Ragnar Prunus, not only propose the position of disciple to Theo Ragnar once more but also promise him the position of *Young Lord of the Plum Blossom Palace*.”

The hall erupted into chaos.

—Young Lord...?

—The Lady of the Plum Blossom... doesn’t have children, does she?

—Then...!

—It essentially means she’s adopting him!

—The successor to the Lady of the Plum Blossom!

In Ragnar, the weight of the Lady of the Plum Blossom’s title was no small matter.

As the clan’s *Mother*, she was the nurturing figure for the vast world of Ragnar.

As the first wife, her swordsmanship surpassed even that of Kyle’s, and her gentle temperament was widely known.

Many believed that if she’d had a child, the competition among Ragnar’s heirs for power might never have taken shape—because all the people of Winterer would have supported her offspring.

And now Theo would be adopted by her?

In a single stroke, he would be freed from the status limitations that had bound him as an illegitimate child.

No, it would be as if he had wings.

Rumors had long circulated that the Lady of the Plum Blossom desired to take Theo under her wing, but making it official had shocked everyone.

The expressions of the five candidates seated in the executive area froze.

“My apologies, Theo, for only being able to offer you this,” came the voice of the Lady of the Plum Blossom in Theo’s ear.

Theo looked toward her as her voice carried softly to him.

“I’ve wanted to say this for a long time.”

It was an apology for the wrongs committed by Felix and his followers.

Though she was not directly responsible, she did not offer any excuses.

She was someone who would carry even her subordinates' mistakes like a burden.

“I am fine. Please, don’t worry about me. I’m grateful you’ve shown such consideration for my feelings.”

Theo shook his head and mouthed the words.

The Lady of the Plum Blossom was surprised that Theo could already use voice transmission, but she nodded.

“Don’t feel pressured about your choice. Whatever you decide, I will always be on your side.”

Theo bowed deeply to express his gratitude once more.

Her sincere words of unwavering support warmed his heart.

—The Hangryong offers the deputy director position, while the Lady of the Plum Blossom offers the title of Young Lord? It’s like they both want him as their successor.

—Of the Nine Dragons, two have already taken action…

—Theo Ragnar announced his participation in the competition for the throne, and from the start, he’s carrying an immense backing.

—Indeed. Other commanders and directors won’t be able to even open their mouths.

As the crowd murmured, their gaze shifted toward the executives.

As expected, the commanders of the Stormblade Corps and the Security Bureau were smiling bitterly.

It was as good as giving up.

To bring Theo to their side, they would need to secure a substantial position for him.

—Then will Theo Ragnar’s options be limited to those two?

Just then, a booming voice echoed from the sky.

“Add me to the list as well!”

Everyone’s eyes turned upward.

With a thunderous sound, a dark figure clad entirely in black appeared atop the central flagpole.

A man with long white hair and a jet-black mask.

—It’s the Black Dragon!

—The Black Emperor! The Black Emperor has arrived!

Where dragons soar in the sky, the Black Emperor stands on earth, marking the era of Ragnar.

The impact of his arrival was profound.

Even Ed’s face turned stone-cold.

‘Why is he here?’

Theo was equally stunned.

A fleeting memory of the old man fishing with a griffin flashed through his mind.

Thump. Thump.

Theo’s heart pounded fiercely.

—The Black Emperor himself appeared…!

—Does that mean he wants to recruit Theo Ragnar as well?

“Theo Ragnar.”

Just by calling his name,

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Theo’s heartbeat quickened further.

It felt as if those cold eyes behind the mask could see right through him.

The feeling was unlike what he felt when he faced Kyle.

‘Stay calm. Stay calm. Unlike me, he knows nothing about me.’

Theo took a long, slow breath.

His heartbeat slowed, but the tension kept him on edge.

“I’ve been observing you throughout the Ceremony of Emergence.”

‘Observing me…?’

When had he been watching?

Did he witness anything related to Lodbrok?

“And I am convinced. Your temperament resembles that of our Black Snow very closely.”

It seemed that his habits from his time in the Black Snow had surfaced here and there.

“Therefore, I offer you the rank of *Moo-seol* (無雪).”

“...!”

“You should know very well what that means, don’t you?”

Theo knew the significance of Moo-seol within the Black Snow.

‘It’s the chance to live in the light.’

Moo-seol was an elite rank.

Unlike other agents of Black Snow, who lived their lives entirely in the shadows, they could reveal their identities.

They could earn credit and hold power.

On top of that, they had access to Black Snow’s vast intelligence network, which was a tremendous benefit.

Currently, only eight such agents existed.

In his past life, Theo had yearned for that position.

Thump. Thump. Thump...

The opportunity he had always dreamed of was right in front of him, making his heart race with excitement.

“You seem to know. I see you like the idea, don’t you?”

The Black Dragon’s eyes curved slightly behind his mask.

They looked like the eyes of a fisherman who had finally caught the fish.

—

So, that’s three of the Nine Dragons…

—These people hardly ever showed themselves to previous generations.

—What about the other Dragons? Are they participating as well?

The crowd murmured as the air thickened with a menacing tension between Ed, the Lady of the Plum Blossom, and the Black Dragon.

“Both of you stand down. Whatever it takes, Theo Ragnar will be mine.”

“Do you think Theo would really go to the Director of Central Intelligence?”

“He’s ambitious and smart. He’ll know which choice benefits him most.”

“If that’s the case, Black Snow might be safer than the Central Bureau or the Plum Blossom Palace, where betrayal is a constant threat.”

“Information Director! Do you even hear yourself?”

“Am I saying something wrong, Osa?”

Neither side backed down.

They looked as if they were prepared to draw swords to resolve the matter.

“A Hangryong, a Sword Dragon, and now even the Black Dragon? Has the weight of the Nine Dragons ever felt this light?”

*Tsk!*

The judge clicked his tongue, witnessing the tension and veiled insults exchanged between the three Dragons.

Finally,

*Boom…!*

The judge stomped his foot down hard.

A ripple of energy spread out, neutralizing the Dragons’ tension and calming the restless crowd.

A fierce aura radiated from the judge, enveloping the hall in a chilling silence.

“What kind of disgraceful behavior is this?! Bickering over a child in front of everyone, filling the air with killing intent. Is this how those who lead Ragnar should act?!”

The judge, the eldest of the Nine Dragons and all the clan’s executives, scolded them harshly.

The Lady of the Plum Blossom lowered her head in embarrassment, Ed looked away, and the Black Dragon remained silent.

“Since there are others waiting their turn, if there’s anyone else who wants to recruit the top candidate, step forward now and let him choose!”

In such an atmosphere, no one else dared to come forward.

“Unlike those spoiled Dragons, I am free to act independently. There’s much I can do for the competition for the throne, all on my own.”

The judge added, clearing his throat and casting a sly glance at Theo.

The crowd looked on, initially puzzled, until they realized that the judge, too, was trying to persuade Theo, causing an uproar.

—Even the Dragon Ascendant?

—That’s… that’s cheating…

“Though you declined before, the door will always remain open, so take your time and think about it,” the judge said, winking.

Theo scratched his cheek awkwardly.

—What does this mean? Four of the Nine Dragons… Half of them?

—No, you fool. There’s still one more…

—Oh!

The crowd’s gaze instinctively turned toward Julius.

Everyone knew.

Julius was the one who had first discovered Theo.

What would his offer be?

However,

“Our White Armored Dragoons are, of course, eager to recruit Theo Ragnar. However, the only promise we can make is to fully support his growth as a trainee swordsman and instill the pride of a Dragoon. But we cannot offer special privileges that would be unfair to other new recruits.”

The crowd felt a pang of disappointment.

Some snickered, but Julius’s face showed no hesitation.

His stance was unyielding.

That attitude only resonated more strongly with Theo.

‘As expected… Julius truly embodies the spirit of the Dragoon.’

As stubborn as it seemed, Theo knew it was a decision made for the unity and morale of his troops.

More than that,

Julius’s words had left a deep impression on Theo’s heart.

—The pride of a Dragoon.

**Dragoon**.

It was a position every swordsman of Ragnar aspired to.

‘It’s the true identity of Ragnar, after all.’

After much contemplation,

Theo made his final decision.

“I…!”