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Ragnar was represented by a dragon,

Narcio by a lion,

Hanabi by an eagle,

Gardner by a wolf,

and finally, Ranke by a bear.

Contrary to the image of a bear as a slow-witted creature, its immense strength, large size, omnivorous diet, and ferocity made it an object of totemism in ancient societies.

So, when Theo looked at it, no family resembled a bear more than the House of Ranke.

Not only did they have massive strength and size, but they were also clever. This was the reason why the Ranke family had managed to make a name for themselves under the towering presences of Ragnar and Narcio for so long.

‘And Erika was practically the incarnation of Ranke itself.’

Currently, the one who represented the Ranke family among the Four Lords of the North was the Black Bear, Holcus.

However, in the near future, someone far more talented than Holcus would appear and rise to the position of head of the family.

That person was none other than the White Bear, Erika.

‘She was also called “Erika the Calamity,” wasn’t she? It was said that nothing remained intact wherever she passed, everything was left in ruins.’

While Theo had been in Black Snow, he had worked alongside Erika on missions, so he remembered her tendencies well.

She was straightforward, yet fierce.

Because of her reckless nature—charging headfirst without considering the consequences—the Ranke family had often suffered greatly.

‘Like Ray, she had been in seclusion for quite some time, training behind closed doors. Because of this, she wasn’t well-known to the public, and only a few who knew her anticipated her greatness. She made her first appearance at this Blossoming Ceremony.’

And she was destined to be the first to uncover the secret of the Attribute Breathing Technique, marking the beginning of her rise… or at least, that was supposed to be the case.

‘But thanks to me, that future no longer exists.’

Thus, from the moment Theo encountered Erika, he had been paying close attention to her every move.

He couldn’t precisely predict how she would react to him.

But then…

‘…She wants me to be her husband?’

What kind of nonsense was this?

“Oh…! Damn it, she actually said it. This crazy woman…”

Holcus groaned, covering his face with his large hand. He seemed utterly embarrassed by the situation.

Ray and Wellington, too, were at a complete loss for words, staring back and forth between Theo and Erika, unable to follow the conversation.

“…What exactly are you trying to say?”

Theo furrowed his brows as he looked at Erika.

Erika chuckled mischievously as she spoke.

“Actually, I’ve been keeping an eye on you ever since I heard you beat this guy up.”

Holcus flinched for a moment under his sister’s gaze.

Watching that large figure shrink back, Theo couldn’t help but feel something strange.

“This guy may look stupid, but he’s not the type to just get beat up anywhere. I’ve trained him thoroughly since he was young.”

“Who are you calling stupid-looking…!”

“But then, this guy got beaten up. And that greedy Axion brat is grinding his teeth trying to catch you, right? On top of that, you left a clean slash on the stone slab. Now, tell me, wouldn’t anyone be curious?”

Erika casually dismissed Holcus’s protest and slowly drew her sword.

Srrrng—

A two-handed sword.

It was a large sword similar in shape to the Zweihander Theo carried.

“So, I wanted to spar with you when we met but I couldn’t even catch a glimpse of your face. Then, during the settlement ceremony, you suddenly threw a dagger at me.”

Erika shivered as if recalling the scene from back then.

A smile crept onto her lips.

It was pure exhilaration.

“And yet, my skin tingled way more than I expected, and the adrenaline was pumping like crazy, right?”

“I think I understand.”

“Right? I knew you’d get it.”

Erika beamed, her expression one of intense delight at finding a kindred spirit.

Theo nodded calmly as he replied.

“I understand. You’re a complete pervert.”

“What did you say, you brat?”

“Puhaha!”

Erika’s face crumpled in an instant, and Holcus burst out laughing beside her.

Only when he caught his sister’s fierce glare did he manage to stifle his laughter, though his face remained flushed red, unable to hide his amusement.

Theo gripped Drake’s Blade and assumed a stance.

“In the end, you’re just saying you want to fight me, but you’re going about it in such a roundabout way. Is that really necessary?”

“Exactly. I like how straightforward you are.”

For a brief moment, Theo and Erika’s eyes met in midair.

Paaah—

In the blink of an eye, the two vanished from their spots, clashing in the center.

Chaaaaang!

With a resounding metallic crash, the two large swords collided with such force that just watching it made it hard to breathe.

Erika glanced down at the few steps she had been forced back and let out an admiring sigh.

To think she would be overpowered in strength.

In the North, when one thought of “strength,” the first family that came to mind was undoubtedly the House of Ranke, so Erika’s surprise was genuine.

“Hey.”

“What?”

“Are you seriously not considering becoming a son-in-law for our family?”

The House of Ranke revered strength above all else.

And with Theo’s level of “strength,” he would undoubtedly rank among the top even within the Ranke family.

“I’m a total sucker for good looks, you know? But you’re also strong? Then, of course, you’d be the perfect candidate for a son-in-law, don’t you think?”

Judging by her expression, it seemed she was completely serious.

Theo let out a faint chuckle.

After his regression, he felt like he was encountering all kinds of strange situations.

‘I heard that she never found a man who caught her eye, and that she turned down countless suitors.’

Just like with Wellington, it felt good to be recognized by someone who had once been a figure of admiration.

Of course, he had no intention of accepting her proposal.

“Sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”

“Huh? Why? Is it because you’re embarrassed by the idea of being a son-in-law? Come on, think it over. You might not know this, but I’m about to become the head of my family. Being the lord of the House of Ranke’s consort—doesn’t that sound like a pretty decent title?”

Snicker—

Theo laughed lightly.

“No, that’s not the reason.”

“Then what?”

“How could the head of Ragnar become the consort of Ranke? We’re still a noble family, after all.”

“……?”

For a moment, Erika didn’t understand Theo’s words and blinked, but soon after, she burst into laughter.

“What? Pahaha! Are you telling me you’re aiming for the succession?”

Ray, Wellington, and Holcus, who were present, all widened their eyes in shock.

And it wasn’t just the three of them.

Even the judges and examiners who had been quietly observing Theo and Erika’s clash had expressions of pure astonishment.

Especially,

Ray was the most surprised.

Usually, even if someone was a contender for succession, they wouldn’t openly reveal their ambitions until they had built a solid foundation.

The stress of constantly being under the watchful eyes and interference of other siblings was immense.

‘Theo, being an illegitimate son, should be well aware of that… yet he still said it.’

This was a declaration.

A declaration that he intended to become the head of the family.

Considering that he had already attracted significant attention by securing the top spot and surpassing the seemingly impossible barrier of 3,000 points, such a bold declaration would undoubtedly stir up immense chaos if made public.

Moreover, it wasn’t just judges and examiners present at this moment.

‘Father…!’

Up on the distant summit.

Father—Kyle—was seated, waiting for them.

If it was him,

The one who was the incarnation of a dragon, a being who didn’t seem human, then it was certain he had already heard Theo’s resolution.

‘We’ll be seeing Father soon… What’s your plan, Theo?’

Ray’s thoughts deepened.

Meanwhile,

“The great power of Ragnar… So, you’re after that, huh?”

Erika was laughing.

Her laughter could be seen as mocking, but at the same time, it seemed full of astonishment.

“Every successor of Ragnar dreams of that much, don’t they?”

“Yeah. It’s one thing to dream. But there’s a huge difference between just dreaming and actually achieving it.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. But from what I can see…”

Erika’s eyes sparkled as she licked her lips with her tongue.

Churp!

“It seems like you’re actually going to do it.”

Theo responded with nothing more than a smile.

A silent affirmation.

“But I heard you’re an illegitimate son. Are you sure that’s alright?”

“Is there a rule that says an illegitimate son can’t claim the succession?”

“There’s no rule against it, but it’s difficult, realistically. To seize the great power, you need the backing and foundation to do so, but you lack those.”

“Foundation, huh?”

“……?”

Tap, tap—

Theo launched his body forward again.

“I’ll just build it from now on.”

“……!”

Sweeeaaa—

Drake’s Blade slashed fiercely in a wide arc.

Chaechaechaechaeng—

Cheng! Cheng! Cheng! Cheng!

Without a trace of tension, Erika smiled as she swiftly met Theo’s strikes with her own blade.

A greatsword versus a greatsword.

Strength against strength.

The impact of their blows was so intense that the ground beneath them seemed to hum with the vibrations.

“At this rate, I think I’m qualified enough to build it, don’t you?”

Theo flashed a confident grin.

By then, Erika’s smile had grown even wider.

It was a mad laugh—gwangso.

“Puhahahaha—! Look at that confidence! That’s amazing! Yeah! A person should have a grand ambition or two. Hey, Holcus! You should learn from him. Every time I ask for a match, you come up with some lame excuse!”

Caught off guard by the sudden jab, Holcus seemed like he had a lot he wanted to say, but he chose to keep his mouth shut.

Erika laughed gleefully, then suddenly clicked her tongue in regret.

“Ah, this is really a shame. I thought I’d found a good candidate for a husband.”

“Look somewhere else.”

“I was going to, anyway. But still…!”

Chuuuuong!

Erika deflected Drake’s Blade with a fierce clash and smiled wickedly as she blocked the strike aimed at her throat.

“A good drinking buddy, though—I think we could at least manage that. What do you say?”

“I’m underage, so I haven’t had a drink yet.”

“No wonder your tone is so proper. What do you even do for fun? Well, how about just being friends, then?”

“If it’s that, I’d welcome it.”

As Theo laughed along with her, Erika’s laughter grew even louder.

“Great! Then let’s first see who’s on top!”

“Can you really call it friendship if you’re ranking each other?”

“Stop yapping and swing your sword already! The duel’s not over yet!”

Paaaah—

Erika and Theo clashed once more.

* * *

“So, the great power, huh? The great power! Hahaha!”

Kyle, the dragon’s incarnation, laughed brightly as he gazed out the window.

It was a laugh filled with joy—or perhaps amusement.

Hoooorrr!

At that moment, the black skylark perched on Kyle’s left shoulder let out a cry.

(E/n: A skylark is a type of little bird)

A sound full of concern.

“I know what you’re worried about.”

Hoooorrr…

“But how can anyone stop someone from dreaming? Especially when it’s between parent and child.”

Kyle truly liked Theo.

Just as he cared for Torkel and his other five children whom he cherished deeply.

Of course, that affection was different from what one might expect from an ordinary father and son.

It was about the family’s revival.

The prosperity of Ragnar.

He cherished them because they were “swords” for that purpose.

Kyle was always meant to be the one gripping the hilt of those swords. But if those blades ever turned towards him, he wouldn’t hesitate to break them.

And now,

Theo was declaring it.

That he would become one of those swords.

Though whether he would become the hilt or the blade remained to be seen.

One thing, however, was certain.

That blade—

Would be incredibly sharp.

“Weren’t you and I like that in our younger days? No one can stop youthful passion. So, let’s see what happens.”

The black skylark finally clamped its beak shut.

“Even if he meets a towering wall, will he break, or will he endure?”

Kyle’s gaze sharpened, his eyes flashing dangerously as he looked out the window.