*Bermosesu.*

It was an ancient technique, one that artificially expelled impurities from the body, transforming the physical constitution to better accumulate magic.

Originally, it was a revered technique used by noble martial families to amplify the innate talent of their direct descendants. The ritual required the cooperation of several highly skilled elders, who would toil for days to ensure its success, making it a rare and demanding procedure.

Moreover, it was typically performed on children under the age of five.

Yet, here it was, happening to Theo.

This was an extraordinary coincidence, an encounter of fate woven from numerous unexpected factors.

When Theo was bitten by the old man, the poison that entered his body wasn’t ordinary. Had it been, his dragon-enhanced immune system would have easily neutralized it. But this poison was potent enough to overwhelm his defenses.

Not only did it contain residual magic from the old man, who had been one of the few unrivaled experts in the northern territories, but also *Demonic Essence* accumulated over decades from a diet of *Ghost’s Breath Mushrooms*.

*Shadowbane Poison.*

It was the same deadly toxin that had once transformed a wyvern into a spectral dragon in Theo’s previous life.

When Theo’s life was on the line, Umbra had intervened. Having consumed Ghost’s Breath Mushrooms regularly, Umbra instinctively knew how much crystal was needed to counter the poison’s effects.

As a result, Theo’s immune system managed to achieve a delicate balance between the Shadowbane Poison and the antidote. At that moment, his dragon heart, which had been slowing down, began beating fiercely again.

*Thump, thump, thump!*

His heart pounded violently.

*Fwoosh—*

His core trembled, as two kinds of energy surged wildly throughout Theo’s body, the poison and the antidote in pursuit of one another.

To his immune system, the two energies were indistinguishable, creating an urgent decision point.

Would he absorb them or expel them?

Theo’s immune system made a simple choice.

*Consume.*

The dragon blood within him, marked by greed and ambition, refused to waste this energy. His magic capacity surged, breaking through unopened blood pathways and vessels.

The circuit linking his dragon heart to his core expanded several times over.

As his magic attribute strengthened to handle the enormous energy, lightning crackled across Theo’s body, burning away impurities and reinforcing his muscle structure.

When the lightning reached a blinding intensity, illuminating the entire cave, the energy gradually began to shift.

The yellow lightning morphed into black.

Not a murky black, but an intense, midnight hue like the dark sky.

It was *Black Lightning*.

"What is...?"

Evelyn was stunned, having never heard of magic energy changing colors. Yet, sensing the significance of this transformation, she didn’t interfere.

Gradually, the intense heat of the black lightning cooled, and the energy settled back within Theo’s body.

Theo’s eyes snapped open.

*Flash!*

A fierce glint pierced the dim light.

“Are... you all right, young master?”

Theo gave a slight smile, nodding calmly.

“Sorry for worrying you.”

Evelyn finally exhaled a sigh of relief.

He was back to his usual self.

* * *

*[Observing ‘Theo Ragnar’.]*

---

**Theo Ragnar (Age: 15/Male)**

- **Title**: Flashing Tiger, The Greatest Talent of a Thousand Years.
- **Talents**: Ragnar, Player, Observation, Inventory, Shop Access, Guardian Dragon’s Partner, Bermosesu, Spectral Dragon, [Unavailable], [Unavailable].
- **Status**: Currently dazed from an unexpected stroke of fortune. He now possesses the Shadowbane Poison that once created the spectral dragon, a fortunate gain, yet without careful management, he risks becoming the next spectral dragon.

---

The words "Spectral Dragon" caught Theo’s eye.

*The power of the Spectral Dragon.*

Swallowing hard, Theo examined the rest of his status.

---

- **Level**: 21
- **Attributes**

  - Strength: 112
  - Agility: 62
  - Stamina: 38
  - Magic: 238
  - Intelligence: 36
  - Luck: 21

- **Skills**

  - Lesser Drake’s Fear
  - Hatchling Sync
  - Wyvern Taming

---

*An additional total of 85 attribute points thanks to the Spectral Dragon ability... That’s insane.*

Each of his six attributes had increased by at least ten points, a staggering result, equivalent to gaining 17 levels all at once.

While the Spectral Dragon's influence alone could explain these stat increases, Theo was focused on more than numbers.

There was also a significant physical transformation.

*The body of a Ragnar is already complete in its own right. But with the Bermosesu technique enhancing and reinforcing it, my future growth will only accelerate.*

Theo was pleased with the current outcome.

The message warned him that mishandling the remaining poison could turn him into another Spectral Dragon, but for him, strict self-discipline was already a given.

*More importantly, who was that old man?*

Turning to Evelyn, who was examining the corpse and the surroundings, Theo asked.

“Did you find anything?”

“Look here.”

Evelyn gestured to the wall where the chains were anchored.

Theo moved closer, narrowing his eyes.

"A journal."

"Yes. It seems he occasionally regained his senses."

The wall bore a journal, crudely etched into the stone by the old man. The precision of the writing showed his mastery, even in his weakened state.

One of the entries read:

*After my defeat by Kyle and Robert, I found refuge here. It’s a fitting place for my revenge to brew, but I wonder if I’ll ever succeed. My body is already crippled...*

The name Kyle lingered in Theo’s mind.

“Young master.”

“Yeah. He must’ve been defeated by my father. Was he a contender for the throne?”

*Kyle! Kyle! Robert! I hate you all!*

The words the old man had screamed before his death echoed in Theo’s memory. He hadn’t paid attention at the time, but now they made sense.

*Robert? Why would the name of the Black Dragon appear here?*

Puzzled, Theo continued reading.

*My body deteriorates swiftly. Perhaps it's because Robert wounded my core? I try to recover, but it’s difficult. The Ghost’s Breath Mushrooms I consume to survive are killing me.*

*I’ve started to lose consciousness. It’s not simple sleepwalking. What’s happening to my body?*

*I finally understand the cause. It's demonic energy. I’ve been consumed by inner demons. Damn it! I haven’t even begun my revenge! Why?*

*If I attempt to leave, it’ll ruin everything. I had no choice but to melt my cherished sword, Noksageom, with magic to forge these chains. I bound myself.*

*But this chain is as much theirs as it is mine. The day I break free will be the day I kill Kyle and Robert.*

*I curse the heavens that allowed this fate...*

*The periods of unconsciousness are getting longer. I may never wake again.*

*I pray that someone will discover this place, fulfill my desire for vengeance, and ensure my successor surpasses them...*

Below the journal, in a shaky script, were complex incantations.

Each formula looked powerful enough to rival the highest techniques.

"*Wind Sword Path*, *Thunderstorm Step*...? Could it be… the Wind Sovereign?"

Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock as she turned to the corpse.

Theo felt a similar jolt of realization.

“The Wind Sovereign... He was the one who contended with my father for the throne forty years ago.”

“It seems that way.”

“I’d thought he was dead, yet he was here all along?”

Decades ago, a man had fiercely opposed Kyle for the throne.

*The Wind Sovereign, Hector Ragnar.*

A hero renowned for his legacy, Hector had been as revered as Kyle, wielding the wind with unparalleled mastery. He was a fierce storm in battle, a gust of wind in movement, and a warm breeze to his allies.

But who would have expected such a legendary figure to end up in this pitiful state?

Evelyn suddenly knelt before Theo, bowing her head.

It was a posture like a prisoner awaiting the guillotine.

Theo frowned.

“What are you doing?”

“As a vassal of Ragnar, I am guilty of a grave sin for laying a hand on a potential successor. My life is yours to take…”

“Don’t say such nonsense.”

Theo cut her off sharply.

“You didn’t kill a Ragnar. You killed a crazed madman.”

“But…”

“And besides, you did it to save my life. What other choice did you have?”

“…”

“If it bothers you so much, then take these two techniques for yourself.”

Evelyn’s head snapped up.

“The Wind Sovereign’s techniques are on par with the Nine Dragons’ Techniques. But… why would you give them to me?”

“As thanks for saving my life.”

“…”

“Become the Wind Sovereign’s successor. Carry on his legacy. That way, he can finally rest. As his disciple, you won’t be condemned.”

Evelyn saw the intention behind Theo’s words.

The Wind Sovereign’s legacy.

It was a call for someone to challenge Kyle.

If Theo wanted to claim the throne, this was an essential path.

In other words—

“Will you be my sword, Evelyn?”

Theo’s intense gaze pierced into Evelyn’s very soul.

“...!”

Evelyn trembled slightly.

Theo had given her back her sword. His mother had restored her lost arm. And now, he was giving her wings

 to soar beyond her past.

With one knee raised, Evelyn adjusted her posture into a formal bow, lowering her head in a gesture of loyalty.

She pledged herself as a knight to her lord.

“I, Evelyn Nereville, protector of the Great Barrier and senior knight of Ragnar’s winter mountains, swear allegiance to Lord Theo Ragnar…”

Her voice was firm.

“I humbly beg my esteemed lord to accept this fragile servant’s oath.”

“I, Theo Ragnar.”

Theo raised the *Drake’s Fang*, gently touching it to Evelyn’s head and shoulders.

“Accept Evelyn Nereville’s vow, marking it in my heart and soul, and name her as my first sword to accompany me on this long journey.”

Thus, at this moment and in this place, the first vow of a legendary alliance was forged.