“For now, let’s keep everything that happened today under wraps.”

The Wind Sovereign’s secret techniques. Theo’s transformation through *Bermosesu*. Evelyn’s oath of loyalty. None of these were things that should be shared right away.

“Yes, understood. Besides, revealing too much might lower the morale of the unit.”

“Right. So, while we’re within the unit, Evelyn, treat me casually. No need for formalities.”

“What? But how can I…!”

“Aren’t you my superior here? That makes me the subordinate. It’s only natural.”

“But…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll catch up soon enough.”

Theo’s words hinted at his determination to climb the ranks.

“Are you sure you can?”

“Oh, you doubt me? Think I can’t do it?”

“It won’t be easy.”

“Even so, I’ll manage. I told you, I’ll become the White Armored Dragoon Commander within five years.”

“….”

“And I meant it.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“So.”

Theo locked eyes with Evelyn.

“Let’s start by dropping the formalities, *senpai*.”

---

After tidying up the area, Theo and Evelyn returned to the base.

The sun was already setting in the west.

“Haha! Theo, you’re the last one back! You’re supposed to be quick on your feet as a new recruit. How’re you already lagging behind?”

Hulcus, thrilled to have beaten Theo at something for the first time, was in high spirits. He and Erica had already passed the aptitude test and returned, eager to see Theo’s reaction.

As he approached Theo, who had just landed—

“Uh… w-wait…”

Hulcus froze.

*It’s… huge?*

The wyvern Theo had brought was much larger than his new partner. Hulcus’s partner was a large wyvern from the beast breed, but beside Theo’s, it seemed almost small.

His bear-sized companion let out a low growl.

*Grrrr?*

Hulcus’s wyvern, *Spatium*, bared its teeth at Umbra.

“Wha-what’s gotten into you?”

While Hulcus struggled to calm his usually docile partner, whispers spread among the members of the White Armored Dragoon unit.

—“W-wait, isn’t that… Umbra?”

—“Did he really tame *that* Umbra? The one that doesn’t listen to anyone?”

—“Unbelievable! How did he do it?”

Everyone knew Umbra’s story within the unit. But the unruly wyvern’s refusal to bond with anyone had been a constant concern. Yet somehow, this new recruit had succeeded where everyone else had failed.

—“A thousand-year prodigy really is different… talk about talent.”

The idle murmurs stopped as Theo and Evelyn approached Julius.

“Senior Knight Evelyn Nereville and Trainee Knight Theo Ragnar reporting back. Theo Ragnar has passed the aptitude test and has been assigned to the third nest wyvern, Umbra.”

“Good work. It seems someone’s finally managed to tame the troublemaker of our unit.”

At Julius’s words, Evelyn nodded.

“Indeed, it seems… Theo and Umbra are well-suited for one another.”

“Oh, that good, huh?”

Julius stroked his chin, his gaze thoughtful. The top record-holder from the *Blooming Ceremony* and the rogue wyvern of the White Dragon Nest—this duo would certainly bolster the unit’s strength.

“With this, we can streamline the unit deployment.”

Julius smiled, looking at Evelyn with a gleam in his eye.

*Eep!*

Evelyn instinctively straightened her back.

*What is he planning now…?*

She knew all too well that whenever Julius wore that expression, it meant something chaotic was brewing. She tried to intervene quickly, but—

“Alright, it’s getting late, so we’ll end today’s assembly here! Dismissed for the evening. Details on unit assignments will be shared tomorrow. That’s all!”

“Thank you, Commander!”

“Thank you, Commander!”

“And remember—keep your drinking in check. I hear one more complaint about hangovers…”

“Yes, sir!”

“Understood, sir!”

“I swear, you all and your chatter. Anyway, dismissed!”

“See you tomorrow, sir!”

“Good night, Commander!”

Thus, the eventful day of the designation ceremony and aptitude test came to an end.

---

After unit placements were settled, the next order of business was the welcome party for the new recruits.

“Hey, new recruit! Can I talk casually with you now?”

Selford approached Theo with a beer mug, grinning slyly. Theo chuckled.

*Didn’t he already start using casual speech before the test?*

Though Selford had Erica and Hulcus around him, his attention was fixed on Theo.

“While we’re in the unit, the title of successor is less relevant. Here, you’re a member of the White Armored Dragoon.”

“Exactly! Hahaha, I knew I’d like you. Hey, Arin, see? We can speak casually now!”

Arin, sighing as she sat with a few other members, just shook her head.

“So, how did you end up partnered with Umbra? Everyone’s dying to know.”

“Well…”

Theo avoided mentioning the Wind Sovereign’s connection, instead sharing a somewhat edited version of his experience with Umbra.

The others gradually gathered around, captivated by his story.

—“Ohhh!”

—“That’s incredible!”

—“So that’s how it happened?”

Some even shed tears, clearly moved by the tale.

Theo observed the camaraderie flowing through the White Armored Dragoon.

*I’d heard this unit was more easygoing than others, but they’re so expressive here.*

The Ragnars, bound by their might-makes-right culture, were notoriously strict about hierarchy. But here, despite having a rank structure, there was no condescension or belittling of one’s dignity.

*It must be Julius’s philosophy of treating everyone as family.*

Because of this, neither Theo nor Erica and Hulcus had to endure any hazing. Barely out of the test, Theo was already blending in with the group.

Once the welcome party ended, and after exchanging goodnights with the others, Theo made his way back to the Camellia Palace.

It was late, and the moon hung high above him.

*The unit…*

Theo paused, looking up at the moon, a strange feeling swelling in his chest.

Satisfaction.

It was a fulfillment he had never felt in his past life.

*This life is so different.*

“What’s with you standing there all dramatically? You didn’t even drink.”

Startled, Theo turned to see Hulcus and Erica, their faces slightly flushed, approaching.

“I thought you two had gone back to your quarters?”

Grinning, Erica waved a beer can.

“You think one round’s enough on a night like this?”

Theo couldn’t help but smile.

Every time he saw them, these siblings, like the other members of his old training ground, felt so genuine and down-to-earth.

“I know just the place. Shall we?”

“Oh! Lead the way, Lord Theo.”

“Great, but hand that over.”

Theo swiftly snatched the can from Erica’s hand.

“What? Why?”

“Need I remind you? We’re underage.”

“Damn! You’re such a stickler! It’s tradition to relax after the ceremony!”

“Tradition just means they turn a blind eye. Doesn’t mean we’re actually allowed to drink.”

Erica scowled.

“If you don’t like it, you can always leave.”

“Oh, whatever! Let’s just go. Where are we headed?”

Mumbling in protest, Erica followed Theo. Hulcus, watching his sister get bossed around, trailed along, intrigued.

Theo led them to the fourth training ground’s favorite pub.

“Oh, you’re finally here!”

“Everyone, Lord Theo’s back!”

“What? Really?”

“Haha! Welcome back, my lord. We’ve been dying to hear some battle stories!”

Erica and Hulcus were stunned by the wave of people that greeted them.

*Is this place always this packed?*

But Theo, handling the crowd with ease, gestured for the siblings to come inside.

They shuffled in hesitantly, finding familiar faces already waiting—Wellington and Ray.

“Good to see you, Lord Theo. You’re quite late.”

“Yes, the test took longer than expected. And Ray, you’re here too.”

“Y-yeah…”

Ray’s cheeks flushed, apparently embarrassed by the crowded setting. The aloof Ice Sword’s famous stoicism was nowhere to be found.

Wellington chuckled.

“I found him lingering around outside and urged him to join us.”

“I-I wasn’t lingering!”

“Fine, let’s just say I persuaded you.”

Ray glared at Wellington, who only laughed harder.

At that moment, Erica and Hulcus approached. With their size, the pub suddenly felt cramped.

“What’s with everyone gathering here? The loner and the ice queen too?”

“What else? We’re here to celebrate the ceremony. Would you care for some whiskey?”

Wellington raised his glass, offering it to Erica, who looked intrigued.

“Oh, you’re not as stiff as I thought. I’ll take that.”

“Is it too much to ask you to stop calling me stiff?”

“How about ‘stiff thug’?”

“You’re not dropping the ‘stiff’ part, are you?”

“Haha, if I change a nickname too quickly, it’s no fun.”

Just as Erica reached for the whiskey, a hand covered hers.

It was Theo.

“Uh?”

“No drinking for minors.”

“Oh, come on! Your friend offered!”

“Still not happening. Don’t like it? Leave.”

“Argh! You’re even stricter than

 my grandfather!”

“Ha! For someone who doesn’t want nicknames changed, Theo’s doesn’t stay the same.”

“Same goes for you, Wellington.”

“W-wait?”

“Hand it over.”

“L-Lord Theo! Surely you could be lenient just this once…”

Desperate, Wellington watched helplessly as his whiskey was confiscated.

Theo was unyielding.

“I don’t get it. Just enjoy some juice, why bother with that stuff?”

*Sip, sip.*

Beside them, Hulcus sipped from his orange juice with a child-sized straw, shaking his head in bewilderment.

“Anyway, Lord Theo!”

“Tell us a story!”

“Now that the top members are all here, share some stories with us!”

The other members crowded around, their eyes sparkling.

Ray, though visibly uncomfortable, stayed put, quietly enjoying himself.

*…This is fun.*

For Ray, who had always lived in isolation due to his health, this scene was like a new world.