From early morning, Kyrson was clutching his temples in frustration, dealing with the unexpected visitors who had shown up at his door.

“So, let me get this straight.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Theo… that damn… I mean, our… beloved grandson… sent you here?”

“That’s correct, sir.”

“And he said he’d cover it for ‘free’?”

“Yes…”

Kyrson’s hand shook as he clutched his pipe.

He had heard a rumor that there were serious casualties within the Fifth Division of the White Armored Dragon Brigade. But to think they would be dropped off right at his doorstep—and for free!

*‘This kid really thinks I’m a pushover!’*

The problem was that Kyrson couldn’t exactly complain to Theo.

Theo’s popularity was soaring, and his success was also boosting Kyrson’s business ventures through the “Theo Syndrome.”

Theo likely knew all of this and had strategically dumped the responsibility onto him.

Meanwhile, Trainer and the injured soldiers, who weren’t aware of these details, exchanged anxious looks.

*‘Is this really okay?’*

*‘Let’s just hold on for now.’*

*‘Right! Evelyn and Theo both said it would be fine.’*

During their return after the occupation of Fort Blanque, Theo had reassured them with the following:

*“I appreciate your words, but do you really think the Basque Workshop will help us? It seems unlikely.”*

*“Why do you think that?”*

*“We don’t have any money. With equipment that valuable, I doubt we can afford the costs with our salaries.”*

*“Oh, that’s what you were worried about.”*

*“It’s hard not to think about it…”*

*“Don’t worry. Just go and tell them I promised to cover it for free.”*

*“...What?”*

*“You’ll understand once you tell them.”*

At the time, they hadn’t fully understood what Theo meant. But now, seeing the situation firsthand, it made sense.

*‘Who would’ve thought Madam Cecilia was Kyrson’s adopted daughter?’*

*‘That makes Theo the workshop master’s grandson!’*

Their eyes sparkled with hope as they looked at Kyrson.

“…Sigh! I guess there’s no choice. Since you’re… our grandson’s… colleagues, we can’t charge you, right? Haha. Hahaha.”

Watching him force a smile, the injured soldiers thought to themselves:

*‘He’s famous for loving money and gold… He must love his grandson even more!’*

As this misunderstanding spread, Kyrson began calculating how best to turn this situation to his advantage.

* * *

“...?”

“What’s wrong?” Kleve asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry. My ear just started itching suddenly.”

“I won’t explain anything twice. Pay attention.”

“Yes.”

Theo and his group were traveling quickly toward their destination, while Kleve lectured Theo along the way.

*Is someone talking about me?* Theo wondered for a moment but refocused on Kleve’s lesson.

There were few warriors in Ragnar with a “Master” rank, and Kleve was one of them. This was an invaluable opportunity for Theo.

“What do you think thunder is?” Kleve asked a fundamental question.

“An intense natural phenomenon or disaster, perhaps?”

“Let’s get more specific. What do you think it’s made of?”

“Hmm… Thunder and lightning?”

“No. It’s light and heat.”

Theo’s eyes lit up with interest.

“Light is fast. The term ‘speed of light’ wasn’t coined for nothing. The closer you approach that speed, the more destructive the force becomes. And with weight added? It’s unstoppable.”

“Light…”

“Heat is different. While light travels in a straight line, heat spreads outward. And the higher the temperature, the wider the area it impacts.”

Kleve continued her explanation.

“Light requires rigorous training, as it’s directly tied to swordsmanship. But heat is connected to mana. The purer and more efficient your mana, the higher the temperature of the heat you emit. This is what *Thermal Potential* refers to.”

“So, it increases mana efficiency.”

“Exactly. That’s why I gave you the Pure Essence Pill—to enhance the effects of the *Thermal Potential* technique.”

The Pure Essence Pill and the Thermal Potential technique would undoubtedly bolster Theo’s lightning-based techniques, translating into increased power.

*I wonder how much stronger this will make me?* Theo thought, already excited at the prospect.

“Now, swallow the Pure Essence Pill.”

Theo opened the small box and swallowed the pill, which dissolved on his tongue and traveled down his throat.

“We’re on the move, so it’ll be harder to absorb the elixir efficiently. I’ll guide your mana as a ‘mana conduit’—”

As Kleve was about to place her hand on Theo’s back to assist with mana absorption, she paused, surprised.

His mana surged within his aura core, and the Pure Essence Pill’s energy vanished instantly. It was absorbed completely, with no trace left.

*Did he absorb it all already?*

She checked his mana, but there was no noticeable difference.

“What’s wrong?” Theo asked.

“Ah, nothing. I think I may have given you a defective Pure Essence Pill. Try this one.”

Mass-produced elixirs like the Pure Essence Pill could occasionally have flaws, and Kleve handed Theo another pill from her reserves.

“Thank you.”

Theo swallowed the second pill.

Gulp.

“Let’s try again… Wait, what?”

“Is something wrong?”

“Hmm… It seems like all the ones I brought might be duds. Apologies for the trouble.”

“No need to apologize. I’m grateful for the help.”

“Your manners are impeccable—quite unlike a typical Ragnar. Here, take this. It should work.”

Embarrassed, Kleve handed him another elixir, this time a superior one called the Blue Glow Pill. 

*I had planned to save this as a reward after completing the mission, but it’s necessary to establish the Thermal Potential technique properly.*

However, the Blue Glow Pill had the same result as the Pure Essence Pill—it disappeared immediately upon entering Theo’s body.

*What in the world…?*

Elixirs vanishing without any effect was unheard of. Kleve’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“It seems to be a powerful elixir. I feel much clearer,” Theo remarked with a satisfied expression.

*That’s not even its intended effect…?*

Kleve was at a loss for words.

Theo, sensing her confusion, hid his amusement.

*They all seemed genuine. I think I’ll just play along.*

Even Theo hadn’t anticipated this outcome.

>[The Dragon Heart has absorbed all foreign energies.]

>[Impurities have been purified, and the mana’s purity has increased, improving fluidity.]

>[Efficiency has increased.]

>[A hint about mana density has been obtained.]

>[Mana capacity has slightly increased.]

>[Muscle fiber density has been enhanced.]

*Who could’ve expected the Dragon Heart to devour the essence from the pills immediately?*

Kleve, unaware of this, had only lost more elixirs.

*Apparently, the Dragon Heart and Pure Essence Pill created a synergistic effect. Lucky me.*

Explaining all of this would be complicated, so Theo decided to act oblivious.

“Please guide me on the technique. I’ll try it now.”

“Hm? Ah, right.”

Though still baffled, Kleve began explaining the technique. She couldn’t shake her lingering doubts, but she resumed the lesson.

* * *

*Heat projection… I could combine this with Wind Lightning to create artificial gusts…*

As Theo learned the breathing technique, he started considering how to incorporate it with his existing skills.

*He’s a genius…! How can anyone have this level of comprehension?*

Kleve was astonished at Theo’s rapid mastery.

Theo was already emitting a visible haze of heat around him, proof that he’d successfully internalized the technique.

*He’s already dissected Thermal Potential and created auxiliary techniques with its formulas…*

Kleve swallowed hard.

Judgment, talent—Theo had it all. She now understood why the Black Dragon had been so insistent about Theo.

*If only he’d been my apprentice…*

Kleve imagined the possibilities if Theo had been under her direct mentorship.

*My commander will have his hands full; Black Snow will be keeping a close watch from now on.*

Meanwhile, Evelyn chuckled to herself, picturing Julius pulling his hair out over Theo’s rapid progress.

*He might actually pass his promotion test…*

Hazel, finally witnessing Theo’s talent firsthand, clicked her tongue.

*Still, let’s see how he performs by the end of this mission.*

As each of Theo’s examiners marveled at his abilities, the group finally arrived at their destination.

In the northeastern region, at the city of Kalhelm, merchants had already formed a line outside the city gates in the early dawn.

“These are artifacts inscribed with concealment magic. Everyone, put them on.”

Theo and his companions donned the cloaks Kleve provided, activating the enchantments that blurred their identities.

“We need to leave no trace of our presence in Kalhelm, so we’ll be scaling the walls quietly. Once inside, we’ll head straight to the ‘Breathing Hill’ inn and eliminate everyone there.”

Theo, Evelyn, and Hazel nodded.

Kleve pulled her hood up over her head.

“Let’s begin.”

With that, they moved swiftly.

* * *

Scaling the wall wasn’t particularly difficult.

Kalhelm was a border city, and attacks here were rare, so security was relatively lax.

With the concealment magic and careful movements, no one noticed their approach.

They arrived at an inn that looked so rundown it seemed unlikely to have any guests.

Bang!

Kleve kicked down the door and entered first.

“Wh-Who are you?!”

“What the hell…?!”

The clerk at the counter jolted awake, only to be met with a flash of light.

Slash!

“You bastard!”

Another attendant, realizing what was happening, reached for his weapon, but Evelyn decapitated him in an instant.

Shiiiing—

Theo and Hazel darted in opposite directions, moving with precision.

Theo headed to the basement, while Hazel went upstairs.

They’d already coordinated this plan, aiming to leave no survivors.

“They’re here! Block them!”

Swish, swish—

Theo mercilessly cut down everyone on the stairs attempting to confront him.

Each swing of his sword generated a hot wind, leaving scorch marks on the walls and floors.

The Thermal Potential technique had already enhanced his lightning techniques, allowing him to emit heat externally.

With the improved efficiency, Theo’s speed and power had increased significantly.

*And now, there’s even an explosive impact…*

“Gah!”

“Urgh…!”

“Damn… killed by a kid…”

The assassins fell like leaves in the wind under Theo’s relentless assault.

Their stealth techniques were terrifying, but in a direct confrontation, none could match him.

And in the face of Theo’s Zweihander, brimming with speed, strength, and reach, they had no chance.

Boom!

The basement door burst open in a fiery explosion, consuming the assassins in its wake.

“This… this can’t be!”

Trembling, the remaining assassins cowered, watching Theo in horror.

Standing amidst the scorched ground, heat radiating from his body, surrounded by steam and flickering lightning, Theo looked like a demon emerging from the depths of hell.