Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan

Chapter 106: A Cold Winter (1) >

Ouch!

Evelyn wrapped her left arm with her right hand, gripping it tightly against the resurgence of phantom pain she hadn’t felt in ages.

Her left arm throbbed painfully.

After attaching the metal prosthetic—

Evelyn no longer suffered from phantom pain.

Nor was she tormented by those relentless nightmares.

– It’s you, the child who bore the Nerevil name.

The nauseating stench of Wolfgang no longer resurfaced in her memories.

– Despite having such lowly blood, you certainly resemble that child from back then; your beauty is undeniable. Very well. From now on, you are my pawn. Just as your mother was, you too shall live for me.

But now,

– This is the path by which you can repay the favor to me, the one who allowed you to be born into this world, gifted with even a sliver of noble blood—a stroke of fortune in itself.

That nightmare had begun to rear its ugly head once more.

More than twenty years ago—

The child who had entered the House of Ragnar simply wanting to see her father turned away in disgust upon discovering his wretched nature.

Then, she took up a sword, adopting her mother’s surname as her own.

Driven by the single-minded vow to one day avenge the man who abandoned her and her mother.

But even after becoming a member of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry, even upon becoming an Advanced Swordsman, that man remained far out of reach.

The fact was almost unbearable for Evelyn.

Even Julius, Theo, Cecilia, and even Kirsion—they were all so readily fighting on her behalf.

So, she could not let herself remain suppressed like this any longer.

“I have to…”

Clang!

Her metal prosthetic hand clenched into a fist with renewed resolve.

“I have to overcome this, no matter what.”

With that vow, Evelyn lifted her head.

—

[Observing ‘Theo Ragnar’]

—

Theo Ragnar (15 years old / Male)

– Level: 32

– Stats (▼)

Strength: 119 Agility: 101
Endurance: 45 Magic Power: 243
Intelligence: 75 Luck: 27

– Skills (▼)

– Lesser Drake Fear
– Hatchling Synchronization
– Wyvern Taming
– Fairy Buff
– Worm Eater

– [Access Denied]

—

Theo’s level had already surpassed 30, and his other stats were steadily climbing, forming a steep growth curve.

Among these, the most remarkable progress was in [Intelligence].

Value: 75.

He was now on the brink of reaching 100.

Every additional stat point he had gained so far had been invested into [Intelligence].

The reason was simple.

Recently, while absorbing the sword orb, Theo had fumbled with the status window and discovered a few additional features.

One of those features was understanding how to make practical use of each stat.

Just as [Strength] enhanced muscle power and [Agility] improved nervous system response time,

[Intelligence] was essential for skill activation, making it the perfect target for his focus.

Thanks to this,

Theo achieved another substantial increase in combat power within just a few days.

[Activating ‘Skill: Hatchling Synchronization’ to enhance the latent willpower within the sword orb.]

In Theo’s vision, countless sword trajectories were drawn before him.

Swish—

– Grip the sword.

– Swing the sword.

– Sword.

– Sword.

– Give me the sword.

– Wield me.

Innumerable, unfiltered voices clamored from all sides, intensifying his headache, but Theo held firm, focusing on maintaining the skill activation.

The sword orb Kyle had given him, though its original owner remained unknown, contained an intense obsession and fervor for the sword.

Because of this, its depth of knowledge in swordsmanship was considerable, allowing Theo to gradually blend the various fragments of sword techniques he had absorbed so far.

The traces sketched in front of him served as proof.

Simply following those trajectories would enable him to unleash Dragon’s Claw with explosive power.

In this process, Theo gained countless fragments of insight.

‘So this is why Father told me to use this orb as my foundation.’

It was said that Kyle granted swords suited to the talents of only those candidates he acknowledged.

For Theo, who had learned swordsmanship from various people, this orb was proving to be his most exceptional teacher yet.

‘Who could the original owner of this sword be? Even if I’ve only learned the basics, techniques like Six Arts of the Demon Dragon and 24-Style Plum Blossom Sword are too distinctive to easily merge.’

The fact that it integrated the swordsmanship of the Nine Dragons alone was enough to hint at the extraordinary skill level of its original master.

Yet, no specific figure came to mind.

After all, Kyle had defeated an enormous number of experts in his rise to power.

Pushing such thoughts aside, Theo focused solely on the sword in his grasp.

‘I suppose the day will come when I find out.’

Thump, thump, thump, thump…!

[Activating ‘Skill: Fairy Buff’ to apply a powerful blessing.]

[The hidden effects of the skill manifest due to the ‘Powerful Blessing.’]

[Vitality is granted.]

[Dynamic vision is enhanced.]

[Reaction speed increases.]

[Recovery rate of stamina and magic power is boosted.]

Then, additional skills followed suit.

[‘Skill: Worm Eater’ is applied, increasing attack power in inverse proportion to the opponent’s stamina.]

[‘Skill: Lesser Drake Fear’ is activated, and the dragon-slaying spirit crushes the opponent’s will.]

[With enhanced intelligence, the efficiency of all skills increases!]

With the Sword Orb and skill buffs now combined—

And with the blessed physique of the Ragnar lineage added to it, Theo could not help but display prowess far exceeding his current level.

Boom—

“Argh! I’ll kill youuuuu!”

Beta’s face flushed red with rage.

Not only was he losing in skill to a mere Practical Swordsman, but he’d also been momentarily overwhelmed by Theo’s sheer spirit—a humiliation that stung unbearably.

Returning to the Senate in disgrace like this was unthinkable.

Desperate to prevent that outcome, he rushed forward, shouting with all his might.

Crash!

Theo brought down a powerful diagonal strike that scattered thunder, not only shattering Beta’s sword but tearing through his upper body in a vicious sweep.

After the intense heatstorm swept past—

“Ugh… ugh…”

Beta collapsed, revealing a deep wound as if a dragon’s claw had raked across him.

Thud!

“…!”

“…!”

“…!”

An ordinary soldier had bested a Senate swordsman.

The crowd, struck silent by the shocking scene, stood with mouths agape.

Only Theo, lowering his sword indifferently, spoke a single word.

“Next.”

His arrogance was undeniable, and Wolfgang, along with the elders, could only tremble with shame as they clenched their fists.

Meanwhile, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.

– Did you see that?

– He actually won…!

– They call him a demon who summons thunder! If anything, the rumors fall short—he’s a monster, a real monster!

– Flash Demon!

– Flash Demon!

Acting as a mediator, Niel, who had been observing the situation, asked.

“Does that mean you’re participating in the second match as well?”

“Yes. I’m not even tired,” Theo replied casually.

At his words, Niel couldn’t help but chuckle.

He sounded just like Kyle in his youth.

Wolfgang, on the other hand, was utterly exasperated.

‘The mood… it’s all shifting to that brat.’

After all, the House of Ragnar has always revered strength.

And they welcomed the bold demeanor of the strong.

Theo embodied just that.

Arrogance and confidence.

The line between the two was razor-thin.

To the crowd, it appeared as confidence; to the Senate, it seemed like sheer arrogance.

Grit!

Who knew how many times he had clenched his teeth today. It felt as if his molars might shatter.

“Page.”

“Y-yes, sir?”

“You’re up next.”

“M-me, sir?”

The elder called Page looked startled and stammered in reply.

“Is there anyone else here by the name of Page?”

With Wolfgang’s stern gaze and the other elders’ icy stares fixed on him, Page swallowed nervously.

-Flash Demon!

-Flash Demon!

Even now, the crowd was chanting Theo’s name.

What would happen if he stepped forward as the second duelist in an atmosphere like this?

The Senate might claim victory, but—

his hard-earned standing as an elder would be gone, irretrievable.

But Wolfgang motioned with his chin, urging him forward, and the other elders averted their eyes from Page’s silent plea for help, unwilling to take his place.

“Understood. I’ll go and restore the honor of the Senate, whatever it takes.”

In the end, Page could only rise with heavy steps.

“Remember this—defeat him resoundingly. No, finish him for good, so he’ll never raise his head again.”

The whispered command in his ear made Page’s back grow damp with sweat.

At first, they had only ordered him to take Theo’s right arm; now, they were openly telling him to kill him.

The difference between the two was vast.

This matter might even catch the attention of Julius or the Lord of Plum Blossom Palace.

But he had to proceed.

Refusing Wolfgang’s order might lead to harm coming to his family later.

Resigned, Page took the dueling ground with cold determination and placed his hand on his sword.

-Boooo!

– An elder stepping in against a Practical Swordsman? Really?

– Does the Senate have no pride left?

Jeers erupted from all around, but Page ignored them completely, acting as though he couldn’t hear a thing.

If anything, it only strengthened his resolve.

‘The moment the duel begins, I’ll strike within a single second.’

If he held back and gave Theo even a chance to defend, his intent would be exposed.

That would invite not only rebuke toward the Senate but possibly intervention from Julius and the Lord of Plum Blossom Palace as well.

“I am Page Grason of the Senate. In my prime, they once called me ‘The Exquisite Blade.’ As an elder of my house, I will crush that arrogant attitude of yours.”

“I look forward to your guidance.”

– And you call yourself an elder of Ragnar?!

– You should just go and hide in the back rooms!

With an indifferent nod, Theo lightly clashed swords with Page, signaling the start of the duel.

In that instant, Page swiftly swung his sword to strike Theo’s neck.

Just as his blade, infused with fierce sword energy, was about to flash—

“Surrender.”

Suddenly, Theo stepped back with his hands raised, as if he’d anticipated everything all along.

Page’s face was filled with confusion.

“…What?”

“I surrender. This second duel is a loss for our side. After all, how could a young, inexperienced junior like me dare to face a senior in combat? But you must feel quite pleased, having claimed at least one win, right?”

Theo shot a mocking smile at Page, who was still staring in shock, then turned around and exited the dueling grounds.

– W-what’s going on?

The crowd began to murmur at the sudden turn of events.

– He surrendered out of nowhere?

– From the look on his face, he planned this all along! Haha!

– Ah…! I get it. In the end, the final duel will be between the Demon Dragon and the Origin Dragon, right?

– Since they’ve already secured one victory, the second duel doesn’t really matter to them.

– Hahaha! So, what happened here? The Senate sent in an elder just to fight a junior swordsman and ended up as the laughingstock?

– The Senate looks like a dog chasing after a chicken—completely in vain. Haha!

“Damn it!”

Page’s face flushed with rage, his complexion turning red and blue as he realized he’d been toyed with by Theo.

The Senate had lost its honor in the first duel, and in the second, they had gained nothing but humiliation.

Meanwhile—

It appeared that Julius of the White Armored Dragon Cavalry was preparing to stand as the third duelist.

In a panic, Page looked back toward the Senate’s side.

Wolfgang, shaking with rage, sprang up from his seat.

An intense killing intent surged from him.

“These little bastards…! Fine. If this is how you want to play it, then I’ll have no choice but to respond in kind…!”

Thud, thud!

Wolfgang stormed forward with powerful strides.

* * *

Flashback

-I’ll make a fool of the Senate right in front of everyone.

Recalling Theo’s words when he’d insisted on taking on the first two duels himself, Julius smirked.

So this was what he meant.

The entire Senate had ended up humiliated and mocked, caught in the palm of Theo’s hand.

This would be a story people would talk about for a long time to come.

Theo’s reputation would surely soar.

The White Armored Dragon Cavalry, who had been quietly oppressed by the Senate all this time, would now be seen as standing above them.

‘As expected, he’s a sly one.’

That was precisely why Julius cherished Theo so deeply.

“Then I suppose I’ll handle the final finish.”

And if they could break the last arm of the Senate’s leader here, the Senate would have no honor left to revive for some time.

Right then, Wolfgang, visibly seething with rage, strode out into the arena.

Julius, chuckling, was about to step forward himself when—

“…Evelyn?”

Suddenly, Evelyn extended her metal prosthetic, blocking Julius’s path.

Her gaze was intense, filled with a firm resolve.

With a steady, somber look, Evelyn spoke.

“Please allow me to take the third duel.”

“…!”

Julius’s eyes widened in surprise.

* * *

When had it started?

Julius often thought—

Evelyn was like a cocoon.

A being that could, once shed, soar beautifully into the sky—but still, a cocoon not yet ready to break free.

That child,

the butterfly,

was now struggling to emerge from its cocoon, preparing to spread her wings.

At that moment, Julius realized something—

even his own feelings that had been stirred by watching her for so long.

‘Yes. I’ve always… been moved by this side of her!’