Though Julius didn’t exude any overt pressure, his presence carried a weight that was unmistakable.

“Whoa… It’s the *Black Dragon*! The hero of the Battle of Theonan and the Kazakh Extermination Campaign… Is this real life? Seriously?” 

“Keep it down, would you? You’re embarrassing us!” 

Erica tried to calm Holcus, who was practically jumping with excitement, but his enthusiasm was hard to contain.

Since childhood, Holcus had idolized the Nine Dragons, and this moment felt like a dream come true.

The flag-bearer and other members found Holcus's antics amusing, chuckling at his visible excitement.

*‘So… this is the Black Dragon.’*

Though he remained calm outwardly, Theo was equally awed.

He was struck by the sheer presence of Julius, who usually appeared so warm and approachable, like an uncle next door.

*I want to be like him.*

With that thought, Theo’s eyes glowed with resolve.

“Welcome, all of you, to our family.”

Julius smiled as he spoke, his quiet voice carrying a weight that commanded the entire group.

This was the *White Armored Dragoons*.

Unlike outside formalities, he addressed them as their captain, with an informal tone.

“Unlike other divisions, the White Armored Dragoons always refer to ourselves as ‘family’ or ‘brothers and sisters.’ We believe we can entrust our lives to one another.”

*Family.*

Or rather, *siblings.*

The word struck Theo deeply, resonating within his heart.

“You may not fully understand what that means yet. But as you spend time here, you’ll come to understand, so don’t worry. Just follow your comrades closely.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Yes, sir!”

Theo and the Lanke siblings responded in unison.

Julius looked over at the flag-bearer beside him with a smirk.

“I thought I kept it brief. How did I do?”

“A bit dull, but it was passable.”

“Whew, that’s a relief.”

Their exchange felt more like light-hearted banter than a formal military setting.

Despite the discipline, the White Armored Dragoons allowed for a degree of casual camaraderie.

Julius brushed his hand through his hair and looked over the three new recruits, starting with Holcus.

“Well, that concludes my ‘old man’s lecture.’ Care to share why you chose this division?”

Holcus swallowed nervously, nodding as he tried to gather his courage.

Julius found his nervousness endearing, unable to suppress a smile.

“B-because it’s awesome!”

“Awesome?”

“Yes! White Armor, White Sword, White Dragon… They’ve all been my heroes since I was a kid!”

Holcus sneaked a glance at Theo as he spoke.

Theo choosing the White Armored Dragoons had surprised everyone, including Holcus and Erica.

By turning down every high-ranking offer, Theo had committed to starting at the bottom.

But Holcus felt lucky. It meant he didn’t have to part ways with Theo and could join the division he’d originally wanted.

“Standing alongside your heroes is indeed a pleasure,” Julius said, stroking his chin.

“But reality may be different. It’s far more brutal, even cutthroat. We’re always on the front lines, where death is like a constant companion. It might not live up to your fantasies. Are you prepared for that?”

Julius continued, his tone becoming more serious.

“Additionally, unlike other divisions, our unit requires an ‘aptitude test.’ We have *partners*, after all, so it’s unavoidable. If you don’t pass the test, your assignment will be revoked. How will you handle that?”

Julius’s sharp gaze seemed to pierce Holcus.

*Gulp!*

Holcus swallowed again, his voice trembling slightly as he replied.

“I… I’m prepared.”

“Prepared?”

One of Julius’s eyebrows arched in surprise.

“Yes…! Dragoons are, technically, airborne forces. We usually ride our dragon partners, and I know that the rider needs to be light enough not to burden the dragon.”

“That’s correct. But as you can see…”

“Yes, I’m from the Lanke family. I know I’m heavy.”

“So you’re aware that you might not pass the test.”

“I have a plan for that.”

“Oh? Can you share what it is?”

“Well… um…”

Holcus glanced sideways, as if hiding something.

“You’ll show us when the time comes?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“Very well. I look forward to it. And if your illusions about the unit are shattered?”

“Then, with respect, Captain, I think you’re mistaken about my admiration for the White Armored Dragoons… It’s because of their strength.”

“Strength, you say.”

“Yes! I believe the true ‘awe’ of the White Armored Dragoons lies in their indomitable spirit and resolve.”

Julius seemed pleased and gave Holcus a light pat on the shoulder.

“Good answer. Let’s hope you don’t disappoint.”

Holcus let out a sigh of relief, clenching his fists in triumph.

This was just the beginning.

“Next, Erica Lanke.”

Theo’s attention shifted to Erica as well, curious about her choice to join.

Erica scratched her temple as if embarrassed.

“Well, there’s a respectable answer and a real one. Which would you like to hear?”

“Haha! There are two? I’ll take the real one.”

“Because it seemed fun.”

Her answer was swift and direct.

“Well, that’s… unexpected.”

“It just seemed like being around these two would be exciting, and fighting on the front lines would make me stronger, too.”

With a glint of competitiveness in her eyes, Erica’s answer brought an approving nod from Julius.

“Companionship is important as well. Very well, I’ll accept your assignment. I hope both you and your brother excel in the test.”

“Thank you.”

Julius turned to Theo, his gaze sharpening.

“That leaves… Theo Ragnar. I was most curious about your choice.”

The flag-bearer and other Dragoons nodded in agreement.

*‘What should I say?’*

After a brief moment of thought, Theo decided to answer honestly.

“This place is the surest path to my destination.”

“Your destination…”

Julius’s eyes sparkled.

He understood what Theo’s destination was.

The throne.

“Yes. That’s why I…”

Something inside Theo rose up as he spoke.

“My goal is to become Captain of the White Armored Dragoons. In five years.”

* * *

Five years.

A span that could feel long or short.

But to become the Captain of the White Armored Dragoons—one of the four pillars supporting Ragnar—in just five years was shockingly ambitious.

It was nothing short of a challenge to Julius himself, who currently held that position.

The flag-bearer and the members’ eyes flashed sharply at the audacity, while the Lanke siblings looked at Theo like he was insane.

*‘What is he thinking…?’*

*‘Haha! He’s truly insane!’*

The only one smiling was Julius.

“Five years… That’s very specific. Any particular reason?”

The reason was clear.

Theo knew better than anyone what would happen to this world in five years.

The *Great War.*

At that time, everything known—order, structure, everything—would collapse.

The age of survival of the fittest would dawn.

To seize the throne amidst the chaos, he needed to secure his foundation now.

“The White Armored Dragoons are Ragnar’s roots.”

“Roots… Indeed. The corps that Patriarch Sigurd first established to conquer the harsh north against monstrous forces became the origin of the White Armored Dragoons.”

The *Dragoon Corps.*

Sigurd, the contracted of Lodbrok, had built the Great Wall and formed this corps to defend it.

The Dragoon Corps grew into the great family of Ragnar, and its mission continued in the White Armored Dragoons.

It was a legacy that many citizens of Winterer respected and cherished.

This pride endured even in the harshest conditions.

But today, some of Ragnar’s warriors sought to diminish the prestige of the White Armored Dragoons to elevate themselves.

Theo’s words reminded them of their roots.

“Young as you are, you certainly have a discerning eye.”

“Hm, it’s true. Hearing it said aloud makes me feel a bit bashful.”

The previously stern gazes of the Dragoons softened considerably.

Julius chuckled at their reactions.

“So, you intend to build your foundation on these roots?”

“The Ascendant Dragon Hall, the Central Intelligence Bureau, and the Plum Blossom Palace all offered me high ranks and benefits beyond what I deserve. But those would only hinder me in the long run.”

Julius nodded in agreement.

For a novice at fifteen to receive such an excessive position would only invite jealousy.

*‘He’s a thoughtful child.’*

Julius felt reassured in his judgment of Theo.

“But the White Armored Dragoons allow for upward mobility based on merit. And since they’re the foundation of Ragnar, I chose to join.”

Because the Dragoons operated on the front lines, merit often took precedence over seniority.

Even a new recruit could rise based on skill.

In the chaos of the Great War, the position of a commander in such a revered unit would be a powerful foundation.

“So you’ll rise to this position?” Julius laughed.

Theo’s confidence was contagious.

While others might dismiss it as bravado, coming from Theo, it felt achievable.

*‘I’ll have to stay sharp around him.’*

He had thought he was recruiting a promising talent, only to find himself with a tiger cub.

“Still, you haven’t given a reason

 for the five-year deadline.”

This time, Theo only smiled.

“Silent, are we? You must have some plan. And if you’re aiming for Ragnar’s throne, you’re already behind, so establishing yourself before adulthood is wise.”

Julius drew his own conclusions and nodded.

“I like ambitious people. They inspire others to keep pushing forward. However…”

Suddenly, his gaze turned icy.

“Ambitious people sometimes endanger their comrades. If I see the slightest hint of that in you… I won’t hesitate to put you down.”

For a moment, a wave of killing intent swept over Theo.

It was a warning that any foolish moves would not be tolerated.

Though his skin prickled painfully, Theo merely nodded with a smile.

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“...You’re no fun.”

Julius clicked his tongue, pulling back the killing intent.

He had hoped to startle Theo, but his calm reaction was anticlimactic.

Theo always acted like a wise old man.

“Still, it seems I won’t be bored for the next five years, thanks to you. Selperd! Arin!”

A white-haired man and a petite woman stepped forward—Selperd and Arin, the instructors Theo had met at the Ceremony of Emergence.

“Escort the recruits to ‘the Nest.’ Ensure they’re prepared and get them ready for the test.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Yes, sir!”

“W-we’re starting the test already?” Holcus asked, eyes wide.

“If we delay, you won’t have time to select another unit if you change your mind. It’s best to finish quickly. Good luck to all of you.”

Julius gave them a salute, then pushed off the ground, soaring into the sky.

At that moment, a large wyvern appeared overhead, and Julius mounted it, disappearing into the sky.

“Wow…”

“So that’s… a dragon mount…”

Selperd chuckled at the Lanke siblings’ awe.

“That’s ‘Gula,’ the captain’s partner. His appetite and drive are intense, as is his stamina. Soon, you’ll have partners like that.”

“Really?”

Holcus’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Well, that’s if you pass the aptitude test.”

“Oh… right…”

Holcus’s shoulders slumped.

Selperd chuckled at Holcus’s ever-changing expressions, while Arin elbowed him, telling him not to tease the recruits.

“Now, prepare to move to the Nest and mount your wyverns.”

*Whistle!*

Arin gave a quick whistle, and two wyverns descended from the sky.

They were smaller than Gula, but clad in the same white armor.

They truly fit the description of *White Dragons*.

“The aptitude test is simple. We’ll drop you in the Nest where the wyverns live. You just have to get chosen by a wyvern as their partner. Simple, right?”

Despite his words, Selperd’s tone was mischievous.

Wyverns, even trained, were notoriously fierce and strong, some of the most difficult creatures to handle.

“Prepare yourselves.”

As the Lanke siblings checked their gear, the wyverns landed.

But now, there was a third wyvern, already mounted by a familiar face.

“Evelyn?”

“It’s been a while, young master.”

Clad in white armor, Evelyn greeted Theo with a respectful bow.

“Why are you here… and your arm…!”

“Oh, you mean this?”

Evelyn tapped her left prosthetic, which held the reins tightly.

“Your mother gave it to me as a gift.”

Theo remembered what Kirson had mentioned before the ceremony:

*“Your mother has been fretting a lot these past few weeks. If you knew how much, you wouldn’t say a word. And she’s even prepared a ‘gift’ for you…”*