In Winterer, a rumor quickly spread:

"Theo Ragnar has set a record for the fastest promotion. He's become a Combat Swordsman."

Winterer was already in an uproar over Theo’s achievements during the Blooming Ceremony, and now this new tidbit was like pouring gasoline on a fire.

"A Combat Swordsman? Is that even possible?"

"Is it true?"

"It’s official."

"Crazy… And there wasn’t even a separate promotion test announced, was there? When did this happen?"

"They say it was a result of merits from a secret mission."

"If a few missions were all it took to get promoted, I’d be a Senior Swordsman by now. Are they just pushing him up for publicity?"

Of course, some questioned the fairness of Theo’s rapid rise, but those doubts were quickly silenced.

"They say he took down a Blood Priest."

"Excuse me?"

"Yeah, apparently he killed a Blood Priest."

"...!"

"And he held his own against an attack by two of them. Lots of witnesses, from the Black Steel Vanguard to even Black Snow and Plum Blossom Palace, all confirmed it. It’s real."

Though some might suspect favoritism within the Black Steel Vanguard, the involvement of other units, especially the independent Black Snow, lent an undeniable weight to the confirmation. Questioning it would seem like challenging Kyle’s authority.

So, while marveling at the feat, people began to bring up another topic.

"That level of talent…"

Theo had become a Combat Swordsman at just fifteen—a prodigious talent that reminded those with long memories of someone from the distant past.

"Kyle."

Over sixty years ago, Kyle had stirred up a similar storm when he first picked up a sword. He had grown at an astonishing rate, ultimately toppling the Mad Dragon Emperor from his throne.

And so, people naturally began speculating about what this new star might mean.

"Could Theo’s success disrupt the long-standing competition for the succession, which has involved the top five candidates for over a decade?"

So far, the five main candidates, including Torkel, hadn’t made direct contact with Theo. Only Torkel had occasionally hinted at a favorable view of him, but even he hadn’t taken steps to meet Theo in person.

This distance had led people to believe that the top candidates were simply observing Theo’s progress. After all, there were many like Naban Bacchus who’d gained attention during the Blooming Ceremony, only to fade into obscurity.

But now that Theo’s skills had proven effective in actual combat, and his talent was drawing comparisons to Kyle’s, the candidates could no longer afford to remain idle.

Sure enough, rumors began to spread that Torkel’s Black Iron Unit was mobilizing, and that the other candidates were also gathering their senior officers in secret.

Just as Winterer seemed ready to come alive with movement, the protagonist of the rumors returned to the clan.

---

"Somyacha."

"...?"

As soon as Theo returned to Winterer, he headed straight for the Black Steel Vanguard headquarters. Exhausted from the journey, having rushed back without rest due to the urgency of the mission, his face showed signs of fatigue.

But Julius greeted him with an unfamiliar word, which left Theo puzzled.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

Julius gave a sly grin.

"It’s your new moniker. What do you think? Like it?"

"Don’t I already have a title?"

"Sure. You were known as 'Somho' or something like that, but it wasn’t particularly well-known. That one was just spread during the Blooming Ceremony."

Julius’s grin widened.

"But this time, it’s different. You single-handedly took down a Blood Priest, looted the Director of Central Intelligence’s vault—although that part’s still under embargo—and became a Combat Swordsman in record time. 'Somho' just doesn’t cut it anymore."

Theo scratched his cheek awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

If there was one thing he hadn’t grown accustomed to after his return, it was this sort of… fervor.

"They say lightning sparks from your blade, white steam billows, and crimson flames rise as you fight. When it’s over, you’re drenched in your enemies’ blood, like a demon from the depths of hell."

‘Do people really talk about me like that?’

Theo felt his cheeks redden slightly.

Julius found Theo’s embarrassment amusing and laughed heartily.

"What’s with the shyness? Weren’t you the one who boldly declared you’d be the youngest captain when you first joined? Where’d that confidence go?"

"I mean, I guess…"

"Our Black Steel Vanguard has found a real treasure, a priceless one."

"Well…"

"Is there anything you need? If so, I’ll personally make sure you get it. Equipment? Sparring partners? Say the word, and it’s yours."

"Uh, well…"

"Look, I may not brag, but I’m a ‘Dragon Slayer’ after all. Just ask. What wouldn’t I do for our little prodigy?"

Julius’s eagerness was so over-the-top that Theo shot a helpless look toward Evelyn, hoping for some backup.

But Evelyn only shook her head, indicating that there was no help to be found here.

"Just let him have his fun," she said telepathically. "He’s always had this playful side… we just have to endure it."

Just as Theo was adjusting to this unexpected side of Julius, another voice chimed in.

"I’d say the reason for all the recent buzz around you is also thanks to the exceptional intelligence work of Black Snow."

*Swoosh!*

Suddenly, Black Dragon dropped down from the ceiling, arms crossed.

Julius’s previously gleeful face turned to a scowl, his eyes narrowing dangerously as if to say, *How dare you show up here!*

But Black Dragon, unfazed, directed his words solely to Theo.

"Theo, this just proves how essential our Black Snow is for your future achievements. You and I, we make the perfect team. If you’re interested, come see me anytime."

*Whoosh*

Before Theo knew it, a plaque with a black dragon insignia was tossed into his hands.

"What’s this?"

"It’s a badge of proof for Black Snow."

"...!"

Theo’s eyes widened.

*You sneaky devil!* Julius hissed telepathically, his voice seething with anger. *What are you trying to pull here?*

Though keeping his composure for Theo’s sake, Julius looked as though he was about to lunge at Black Dragon’s throat.

*Ah, little brother, you’re still an amateur. Observe closely. This is how you entice someone you’re interested in,* Black Dragon replied, unperturbed.

*Excuse me!?*

*Nothing’s as effective as a little bribe.*

Theo finally found his voice.

"I…!"

"No need to worry. I know you have no intention of leaving the Black Steel Vanguard."

"Then why go this far to help me? The resources, the training—it's already more than enough."

Theo struggled to understand Black Dragon’s unexpected generosity. They had hardly shared any emotional connection.

Moreover, like Kyle, Black Dragon despised regressors.

Why, then, was he being so accommodating?

*What? You’ve been sneaking around like a stray cat and pulling stunts behind my back?*

Ignoring Julius’s grumbling, Black Dragon answered Theo’s question.

"Just because."

"...?!"

"I admire what you’re doing. You’re bold, and I believe you’re worth supporting."

"I… see."

Theo couldn’t fully grasp Black Dragon’s motives, but it seemed that his actions had somehow won him favor.

"But if that’s too much pressure for you, just think of it as a gift from an uncle to his nephew."

"...!"

Theo was taken aback.

Black Dragon was, after all, Kyle’s younger brother, and that technically made him Theo’s uncle.

But Theo had never heard of Black Dragon invoking any sort of familial bond.

"With that badge, you’ll have access to Black Snow’s safehouses worldwide and receive full support from each branch. I’ll have Clebe explain the rest later."

In effect, Black Dragon was handing him near-equal authority to a member of Black Snow.

Theo still didn’t fully understand Black Dragon’s intentions, but through the mask, he could see Black Dragon’s eyes gleaming with a smile.

Julius, observing from the side, could barely contain his frustration.

*So you’re going to bribe him right in front of me, huh? You think I’m just going to stand by and watch?*

*Stay alert, little brother. I’m not the only one who can sway people while you’re looking the other way.*

*Are you trying to start a fight?*

*Confident you can win?*

*Damn…!*

*Then why don’t you try too?*

*Just you wait. I’ll make sure you’re the last one who ever tries to make a move on my prodigy.*

*Go ahead, then.*

*Grr…!*

*Hahaha! Anyway, I have business to attend to.*

With a final taunt, Black Dragon vanished as suddenly as he’d arrived.

Theo stared blankly at the spot where Black Dragon had been, while Julius forced a strained smile to mask his irritation.

Only Evelyn, who could see through Julius’s façade, suppressed a laugh.

"It seems the Intelligence Chief is quite taken with your achievements. Use that badge wisely. In the right hands, it could be sharper than any blade."

Though Julius’s words carried little sincerity, Theo nodded solemnly, understanding the significance.

‘So it’s come to this. There’s no need to refuse.’

He acknowledged the truth he’d been ignoring.

*He and Black Snow were indeed a natural

 fit.*

Despite his attempts to distance himself due to painful memories from his past life, Theo recognized that certain habits still lingered within him.

The way he saw the world, his thought processes, his strategies—these things hadn’t left him.

With this badge, he felt confident in his ability to put it to good use.

‘For a man who hates regressors, Black Dragon’s favoritism must mean something.’

Julius, watching Theo run his fingers over the badge, cleared his throat theatrically.

"Ahem! Ahem!"

"...?"

*There’s no need to overdo it, he understands,* Evelyn’s chiding voice whispered, but Julius ignored her entirely.

"In any case, good job on a tough mission, and with proof of the Anti-Dragon faction’s betrayal secured, it’s time to wrap this up."

The final phase.

Theo’s eyes gleamed, as this was the moment he’d been waiting for.

"Are we finally going to oust the Director of the Central Intelligence Bureau?"

Julius’s expression grew serious as he nodded.

"Yes. Everything is ready, and the Patriarch has given his approval."

The Patriarch’s approval—that meant Kyle had sanctioned it.

"The Director has been lured away from his office by Black Snow and is currently out. The Intelligence Chief will lead Mu-Seol to arrest him."

‘So that’s why Black Dragon left so abruptly.’

"I’ll take charge of the operation with the support of Plum Blossom Palace."

"You’re going to strike while the leader is away."

"The Bureau’s loyalty to its Director is well-known. We need to secure the place first. Isolating him was part of the plan."

Theo nodded in agreement, impressed by Julius and Black Dragon’s foresight.

"Your task is to lead the raid on the Rose Palace."

Theo’s fist clenched tightly.

‘Finally…!’

Julius placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Your role in these missions has been instrumental, and you should be the one to see it through."

Theo recognized this as Julius’s way of giving him a stage, a platform to establish his own reputation and standing.

‘He’s paving the way for me to solidify my position.’

The Rose Palace was the residence of Lady Emil Troivan, the third wife.

For Theo, an illegitimate child, to charge Emil with treason was bound to make a powerful impression.

Given his recent rise to fame with the Blooming Ceremony and his promotion to Combat Swordsman, this would be another milestone event.

With Troivan involved, the repercussions would only grow.

If this led to open conflict with Troivan’s forces, Theo’s name would continue to reverberate throughout Winterer.

And that wasn’t all.

Julius knew of the dark history between Theo’s family and the Axion family, though only vaguely.

By entrusting Theo with the final act, he offered him an unrepayable gift.

Moreover, Black Dragon had now opened up to him, choosing to see Theo not as a regressor but as a nephew.

‘Julius, the head of Plum Blossom Palace, and Black Dragon… all lending me their support. It’s more than I could ever deserve.’

So…

‘I have to see this through.’

He would not disappoint them.