Theo’s eyes snapped open.

*Did he notice my Hatchling Sync?*

No, judging by Trainer’s expression, that didn’t seem to be the case. However, Trainer seemed aware of the cause of his intense headaches, even if Theo pretended ignorance.

“What is the Gate of the Mind?”

“Huh? You don’t even know what it is, and you opened it?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Hah! How is this possible?”

“...?”

“I’ve heard that some of those called ‘geniuses’ are born with the Gate of the Mind open, but in this case? This gate hasn’t been open for long… How could you not know about it?”

“I would appreciate it if you explained it clearly.”

Trainer stroked his chin, organizing his thoughts before speaking.

“Simply put, it means that your brain’s capacity has greatly expanded, or its functions have significantly improved.”

“…!”

“Judging by your reaction, I take it you have an idea?”

“Captain, are you saying Theo has crossed the ‘Barrier’?”

Evelyn interrupted, her tone filled with curiosity. The “Barrier” represents the line separating ordinary humans from the superhuman. It’s a realm every sword wielder dreams of reaching, but only a few succeed. In Ragnar, only a handful, including the Nine Dragons, had managed to cross it.

Evelyn herself hadn’t reached that stage yet, but she’d glimpsed enough of it to understand its nature—a perspective beyond that of ordinary people. It allows one to perceive the world from a different point of view, not only spatially but also temporally. This was closely tied to the brain, often referred to as the human body's *mystery.*

It seemed that Trainer’s “Gate of the Mind” was a gateway to accessing such a cerebral realm.

“No way. The Black Iron Captain only crossed the Barrier at twenty. Fifteen is far too young, especially for a recently awakened apprentice.”

Trainer shook his head.

“Then…?”

“It’s just that the sequence is reversed.”

Evelyn’s eyes lit up with understanding.

“Normally, people open the Gate of the Mind after crossing the Barrier, but Theo was born with his Gate of the Mind already open.”

“Precisely. People with this trait are usually called prodigies. The Black Iron Captain is a prime example; I heard he was like this as a child as well.”

“Wouldn’t such people have an easier time crossing the Barrier?”

“It’s not always that simple.”

“…?”

“Those born with an open Gate of the Mind often experience significant side effects.”

If the gate opened partially, it could cause differences in thought processes, physical imbalance, or even weaken the body. Such conditions often became a curse rather than a blessing.

“But… this boy doesn’t seem to have been born that way. It appears to have opened suddenly. And it’s still opening, even as we speak.”

At that moment, Theo had a realization.

*It’s because my Hatchling Sync leveled up.*

Furthermore, this skill evolution seemed to signify Theo’s approach to the realm of the superhuman.

*The essence of Hatchling Sync extends beyond mere perception. The sound of the primeval universe resonates within, embodying “Amon,” the spiritual vibration that allows one to hear the truths hidden within.*

As this spiritual resonance expanded, so too did Theo’s strength. Trainer’s earlier words about Theo’s “vessel” being vastly expanded now made sense.

“You’re like a large vessel with very little inside it. What do you think that results in?”

“A lot of empty space.”

Trainer nodded gravely.

“Precisely. With so much empty space, the contents get scattered, and your mind becomes overwhelmed, hence the confusion and severe headaches.”

“So… what should I do?”

“What do you mean? You just wait patiently.”

“…!”

“There are only two ways to stabilize the contents. Either wait until you become accustomed to the expanded vessel, enduring the headaches, or…”

“What’s the second option?”

“It’s practically impossible, but… fill the vessel with as much content as it can hold.”

“…!”

“That would mean acquiring a profound level of enlightenment or absorbing vast amounts of knowledge, but that’s not feasible right now.”

Theo clenched his teeth.

“But… the headache is intensifying. If this continues, I won’t be able to withstand the upcoming attack.”

“Does it really have to be you who faces it?”

“…?”

What was Trainer implying?

“From what I’ve heard, you’ve done more than enough as a rookie. Leave the rest to your teammates and seniors.”

The team nodded in agreement.

“Trainer’s right.”

“Yeah, get some rest.”

“You’ve done a great job, rookie. Take a deep breath. When you wake up, we’ll be in Winterlow.”

“Don’t you think we deserve a bit of the action, too?”

Selpherd chuckled, pounding his chest playfully.

“When do rookies need to take on everything? Leave it to the veterans.”

“….”

For a moment, Theo felt blank. *…Comrades.* He felt a warmth in his chest. For so long, he had believed he had to shoulder everything alone. But now, he realized he was a part of the White Armored Knights—a family united as one.

*No, that’s why I must act.* This battle had become a direct confrontation with Ed. Theo was almost certain that the bombardment above was orchestrated by Ed’s henchmen.

—The retrieval of Balmung.

It had now become an absolute necessity.

*I can’t reveal Ed’s involvement just yet; I don’t have the proof or the right channels to convey the information.*

Theo clenched his jaw, the metallic taste of blood snapping him back to clarity. His resolve hardened.

“Unyielding and Unretreating—that’s the spirit of the White Armored Knights. So I will fight as well.”

“Hmm…!”

Unyielding, refusing to be subdued. Unretreating, refusing to step back. At Theo’s invocation of the Knights’ creed, Trainer and the other members looked at him, startled by his determination.

At that moment, Evelyn interjected with an unusual question.

“Captain, does the ‘contents’ also refer to the teachings of a master?”

Trainer cocked his head, puzzled by her question.

“That would certainly be fitting for filling an expanded vessel, but finding that immediately would be difficult…”

“No, I think we have exactly what he needs.”

“…!?”

Trainer didn’t even have time to ask what she meant before Evelyn pulled out a book from her belongings.

“I thought it was too early to give it to him, but maybe this is perfect timing.”

Theo took the book from Evelyn, studying its cover.

—*One Branch of Plum Blossoms*.

A plum blossom on the end of a single branch? He opened the book curiously, and as he read…

“…!”

Theo was struck with awe.

It was a collection of dialogues between the Sword Dragon, Mae Hua Gungjoo, and the Demon Dragon, Julius, discussing the philosophy of swordsmanship. Their insights, born from a lifetime of dedication, were recorded here with brutal honesty, including their occasional sword duels.

Julius: *What do you consider the sword to be, Sword Dragon?*

Mae Hua: *I consider it a flower.*

Julius: *A flower?*

Mae Hua: *Yes. For a flower to bloom brightly, it must endure a long journey. It starts as a seed, sprouts leaves, and grows stems and buds, all while remaining resilient enough not to snap.*

The meticulous exchange between the two masters held a deep understanding of the sword’s essence, and Theo felt his heart race.

*A guide…*

He remembered the words Mae Hua Gungjoo had spoken to him at the designation ceremony:

*“No matter what choice you make, I’ll always be by your side.”*

Despite giving him so much, they still continued to guide him selflessly. He felt a surge of gratitude as he closed his eyes, overwhelmed.

[‘Skill: Hatchling Sync’ reads the thoughts embedded in this item.]

Whoosh!

In an instant, his vision turned, and he found himself witnessing a quiet night under the moon.

Mae Hua Gungjoo and Julius were speaking, facing each other.

*Do you think this book will be helpful to Theo?*

*It’s just a record of our conversations. There may be more he doesn’t understand than he does.*

*Then why did you write it?*

*To serve as a guide.*

Mae Hua Gungjoo’s gentle smile conveyed her genuine care for Theo.

Julius gazed at her, nodding slowly.

*Indeed. Very well. I’ll help as well.*

*Considering he’s now under your protection, wasn’t it unnecessary to involve yourself this much?*

Julius chuckled.

*Because he’s family.*

With that, the scene faded, and the entirety of *One Branch of Plum Blossoms* flooded into Theo’s mind.

Through Hatchling Sync, Theo absorbed the book’s contents effortlessly, including the essence of the two masters’ debates. The guiding principles that had eluded him now fell into place, and he could observe his skill, *Dragon’s Four Claws*, from a fresh perspective.

At the same time…

The throbbing headache that had plagued him started to dissipate. His aches vanished, and his mind felt as calm as if he’d been immersed in cold water.

“…”

In that profound silence, he could hear the powerful beat of his heart, steady like a ship’s horn. He felt his blood coursing through his veins, his awareness heightened.

In that moment, Theo realized the journey was not over. His mind had expanded to match his enhanced physique, and his newly filled vessel now brought him into equilibrium.

*Mind, Body, Spirit.*

This balance was crucial

.

[You have gained new insights into swordsmanship. A vast amount of experience has been accumulated, and your level has increased.]

[Your level has increased.]

Theo opened his eyes, feeling refreshed as if he’d been washed clean.