Just as Theo was about to announce his choice, a voice whispered into his ear, intruding on his thoughts.

*"You… are a regressor, aren’t you?"*

“...!”

In an instant, Theo felt his entire body stiffen.

A regressor.

The secret he had intended to take to his grave.

Theo’s gaze darted sharply to one side, toward the area where the officials were seated.

There, a woman looked at him with a sly smile.

Though she was surrounded by people, it felt as though she existed in another realm altogether.

Hilda Ragnar.

The former head of the Ragnar family was staring directly at him!

Thump, thump, thump—

And at that exact moment,

*Ding!*

[A quest has arrived.]

**+**

**[Tutorial Quest #18]**

Uncover the hidden secrets of the family, resolve all lingering doubts, and complete the tutorial.

· Difficulty: S

· Reward: 1 coin

· Failure Consequence: ■■

*This is the final tutorial quest.*

**+**

Thump, thump, thump!

The sudden quest made Theo’s heart race even faster.

The final tutorial quest.

Its significance was instantly clear.

This encounter with Hilda was the key to unraveling the final mysteries surrounding his regression and the messages he’d been receiving.

*‘Stay calm, stay calm.’*

Theo took a long, deep breath and carefully responded.

*"I… don’t understand what you’re implying."*

Theo wished he could somehow conceal the cold sweat trickling down his cheek.

*"Oh, still pretending, are we? I don’t know what life you led in your previous loop, but your acting is quite refined—remarkable, even."*

"....."

*‘Loop? What does that mean? Are there set numbers for regression or reincarnation?’*

The thoughts only made his mind spin even more.

However, one thing was becoming clear.

Hilda didn’t know the details of his previous life.

*"Why not just admit it? It’s not like hiding it will move our conversation forward."*

Hilda’s smile grew, and Theo’s thoughts churned, wondering how to respond.

“What’s wrong, Theo Ragnar? Is there something the matter?” 

The judge laid a reassuring hand on Theo’s shoulder, sensing something was amiss.

Theo had paused mid-sentence, just as he was about to announce his decision.

“Could you give me just a moment to gather my thoughts?”

“Of course. It’s understandable that you’re a bit conflicted. But remember, there are others waiting their turn, so try not to take too long.”

“Thank you.”

Theo bowed slightly, then looked back at Hilda.

*"How did you know?"*

He’d decided against hiding the truth from her.

With someone like Hilda, no excuse he could muster would hold water.

So confronting her directly was the best option.

And then—

*"Because I’m also a regressor."*

Her response was even more surprising.

“...!”

*"It’s not that hard to recognize one another, don’t you think?"*

“....”

*"Though, unfortunately, all my loops have run their course."*

Hilda shrugged her shoulders.

*‘Loop… there’s that word again.’*

Theo’s gaze grew darker, though his heart pounded even harder.

*"So you mean there’s a set number of regressions?"*

*"Who knows."*

“...?”

“Hmm?”

Theo wondered what she meant, but then noticed Hilda tilting her head as if she were puzzled by something.

*"Wait, don’t tell me… Kyle never told you anything?"*

*"I don’t understand why my father is relevant here."*

*"Ha! You’re really going to play dumb now? He’s obsessed with regressors. There’s no way he wouldn’t have told you!"*

Hilda crossed her arms, looking mildly annoyed.

*"Or… could it be? Ha! Look at you. Is this some kind of trick?"*

She muttered to herself before turning back to Theo.

*"To put it simply, regression is a power shrouded in mystery. The activation method, specific conditions, and even the reason for its use remain unknown. All we know is that it’s tied to the Primeval Dragon’s relic and this accursed Ragnar body."*

One particular phrase caught Theo’s attention.

The Primeval Dragon’s relic.

*‘So, as I suspected, the power of regression is tied to the first relic that I unknowingly possessed. But what does it have to do with my body? Is this part of the family secret the quest mentioned?’*

Hilda’s mouth curved into a smirk.

*"You seem to have a lot of questions."*

*"If I’m being honest… yes. There’s much I don’t know."*

*"I see."*

Hilda’s smile widened.

The crowd began to murmur as her conversation with Theo continued.

*"This isn’t the best place for this conversation. Let’s talk more later."*

Without specifying a time, Hilda suddenly disappeared.

“....”

Theo felt as though he’d just awakened from a vivid dream.

*‘But soon, I’ll uncover all these secrets. The messages, my father’s intentions, even the mysteries surrounding Lodbrok.’*

For now, he decided to focus on the matter at hand.

Turning back to the judge, he finally spoke.

“I…”

He could now make his choice.

* * *

“I choose the Ascendant Dragon Hall.”

The moment Theo made his decision, it sent shockwaves through the audience, the officials, and the Nine Dragons alike.

And then, the next candidate, Wellington, stepped up to the platform and made his own choice, igniting yet another round of astonishment.

—The Ascendant Dragon Hall? Is there such a place in Winterer?

—What are you talking about? It’s that place! Don’t you remember?

—That place? Wait, where?

—The academy that the Ascendant Dragon himself established!

—Oh!

—How could you forget that?

About ten years ago, Kyle had set up an institution to encourage the Ascendant Dragon to take on disciples rather than living in isolation.

The Ascendant Dragon Hall.

It was an academy he’d permitted to alleviate the loneliness of old age.

But the Ascendant Dragon had ignored it, rendering the institution effectively meaningless.

Until now.

—Does that mean he’s essentially become the Ascendant Dragon’s disciple?

—The only disciple, most likely… And it’s the young heir of Narsio?

—So what does this mean? Does the Ascendant Dragon’s legacy pass to Narsio?

—Can that even happen?

—It’s a great family’s heritage. Can it go to a vassal family? Though, I suppose the Ascendant Dragon wasn’t originally part of Ragnar.

As speculation ran wild, Wellington looked at the judge, who nodded approvingly.

That settled it.

—The Ascendant Dragon has finally come out of seclusion!

It was yet another unexpected development.

“The next candidate, Erica Lanke!”

As Wellington switched places with Erica, he exchanged a glance with Theo.

“Congratulations.”

“It’s all thanks to Master approving of me. Thank you.”

Wellington still seemed uncomfortable with the word “Master,” as if it hadn’t quite settled on his tongue.

“Aren’t you curious why I didn’t choose to follow you?” he asked with a mischievous smile.

Theo chuckled in response.

“I think I know.”

“And what do you think the reason is?”

“It’s the same reason as in the second evaluation round, isn’t it?”

Wellington laughed, as if he’d expected Theo to understand.

“Indeed. I still believe I’ll surpass you in my own way.”

“Did you see that path in the Ascendant Dragon Hall?”

“That’s right.”

Wellington’s eyes sparkled.

Theo could see a new world reflected in his gaze—a world beyond Ragnar and Narsio.

What kind of world had the Ascendant Dragon shown him?

“Good luck.”

“I wish you the best as well, Theo.”

They passed by each other, exchanging good wishes.

*‘History has diverged once again.’*

In his previous life, Wellington had never become the Ascendant Dragon’s disciple.

He had returned to Narsio right after the Ceremony of Emergence to prepare to lead his family and eventually rose in revolt against Ragnar.

But things were different now.

He had formed close ties with Theo and was now even more entwined with Ragnar.

Where it would all lead, nobody knew.

But Theo was certain of one thing.

The ripple he’d created was beginning to stir profound changes.

And he knew that he could not control everything.

Ideally, everything would proceed as planned, but people weren’t mere puppets on a stage.

Everyone had different ambitions and different dreams.

They moved forward, seeking new paths to realize those dreams.

*Just like me.*

Theo couldn’t help but smile, feeling as though he could see a massive wave of destiny unfolding before him.

Thump, thump, thump, thump!

Excitement made his heart race.

* * *

The designation ceremony finally came to an end.

Wellington headed off to the Ascendant Dragon Hall, while Rey returned to the place she’d been before—the Palace of Tranquil Waters.

Rey was especially reluctant to part from Theo, but—

“Come visit Dongbaek Palace whenever you get bored.”

“Really…? Can I?”

“Of course. We’re family, and we’re friends too.”

“Friends… yes, we’re friends.”

Only then did she smile as she left.

And some who hadn’t given up on Theo approached him afterward.

“You’ll regret this.”

The first was Ed.

“Aksion said the same thing.”

“...”

“There will never come a day when I serve you, Hangryong.”

“...See you next

 time.”

Ed glared at Theo before turning and leaving.

Next was the Lady of the Plum Blossom Palace.

“It’s a pity we won’t be together.”

“I’m also sorry I couldn’t give you the answer you wanted.”

“You must have seen your dream in *him,* then?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

After hearing Theo’s firm reply, the Lady of the Plum Blossom smiled, her disappointment gone.

“Well, if that’s your choice, then that’s that. As long as there’s no ill will toward me or the Plum Blossom Palace, that’s what matters. Connections can always be renewed.”

“...?”

“Let’s meet again next time.”

Her words seemed far more promising than Ed’s parting, leaving Theo feeling as though she had something more specific in mind.

After several rounds of goodbyes—

“All new recruits, gather under the white banner—!”

Theo moved toward the white banner as the call rang out.

The banner bore the insignia of a white dragon roaring over a sword.

*‘That’s the insignia I’ll wear on my chest from now on.’*

Thump, thump!

A feeling akin to remembering a childhood dream surged within him.

“Hm, hm! Hm-hmm!”

Just then, Holcus sidled up to Theo, coughing awkwardly.

“Hm-hm-hm! Well… what a surprise! What a coincidence, Theo… you’re here too? Ha, ha, ha… what are the odds?”

“...?”

Holcus’s stiff handshake and stilted greeting seemed out of character, as if he were reading from a script.

“What are you talking about? We were just at the ceremony together.”

“Ha, ha… oh, really?”

“...??”

Theo’s confusion grew as Holcus stumbled over his words.

Erica, standing beside them, buried her face in her hands with a deep sigh.

“This idiot… Theo, just ignore him. He’s just excited to see you.”

Though surprised at Holcus’s unusual behavior, Theo nodded, deciding he must have his reasons.

There was something else that crossed his mind.

In his previous life, the Lanke siblings had returned to their family.

But this time, they’d chosen to join Ragnar’s forces.

Just like Wellington, what new aspirations had stirred within the Lankes?

Setting aside these questions—

“The commander is coming. Attention—!”

Following the banner bearer’s call, Theo and the Lanke siblings turned to look.

Step, step—

Julius was approaching.