Theo stared blankly at Julius, utterly speechless.
'He's so cool,' the thought echoed in his mind.
Rendon was full of openings, but Julius displayed none. Every little movement, every path of the sword, every ripple of aura, became etched into Theo's memory.
'I want to be like that,' a sudden surge of ambition coursed through him.
However, Theo quickly caught himself and hastily bowed to show respect, "Thank you. You saved me. I don't know how to repay you…"
"Repay me? We're all part of the Ragnar Clan. Helping family is simply what we do."
Family. The word resonated deeply in Theo's heart.
"Ahem! However, if you're truly insistent… Ahem, ahem! Consider joining the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry after the Awakening Ceremony… ahem!" Julius said while coughing lightly.
He spoke casually, yet his gaze was intense.
It was enough to make Theo flinch, involuntarily stepping back.
'Why is he looking at me like that?' he wondered.
Since Julius had just rescued him, he didn't seem hostile.
That was when the thought of using «Observation» occurred to him. Theo was curious about the kind of information this imposing man possessed.
'«Observation».'
[Observing 'Julius Ragnar'.]
[Julius Ragnar (41/Male)
· Title: Demon Dragon
· Talent: Leadership, Sword Genius, Prodigy Collector, Pure Love
· Status: Wants to collect… no, recruit 'Theo Ragnar'.]
'Me?' Theo questioned.
Having lived a life of constant neglect, this was the first time he had received attention from someone of Julius' stature.
His immediate question was, 'Why?' In Julius' eyes, he was a literal novice.
"You seem surprised by the commander's sudden arrival, but don't worry. He's not a scary person," said a female voice.
Theo, still reeling, was brought back to reality by a tap on his shoulder.
"Evelyn," noted Theo.
"That duel was impressive. But I don't think this is a suitable place to talk… Why don't we take this somewhere private? The commander would like to discuss something with you," Evelyn requested.
[You have gained the approval of 'Julius Ragnar'.
Luck increased by 2.]
[You have gained the approval of 'Evelyn Nerevil'.
Luck increased by 1.]
Evelyn discretely winked at Theo, confirming the genuineness of Julius' interest.
Theo clenched his fists. He didn't know how the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry Commander had witnessed his duel, but perhaps his aspirations of rising through the ranks might be realized sooner than anticipated.
***
News of Theo's victory against Rendon spread through the clan like wildfire.
"The Imbecile of the Rose Palace beheaded his own teacher!"
The Rose Palace was home to the Clan Head's harem, and "Imbecile of the Rose Palace" was the nickname used by the swordsmen to demean Theo.
Now, this so-called imbecile had supposedly defeated his sword instructor in a duel.
Naturally, it piqued some interest. And with it, skepticism.
"Are we sure he's not lying?"
"Why would he lie?"
"The Awakening Ceremony is only a few months away. Perhaps the Imbecile of the Rose Palace is scheming something."
"I don't think that's the case."
"Huh? What makes you say that?"
"I heard the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry Commander was present."
"Wait, really?"
The news of Julius' presence lent the story credibility.
Some berated Theo for harming his own teacher while others countered that the instructor must have been really incompetent to lose to their student.
However, that was the extent of people's interest.
"So? It's not it changes anything."
After all, no one held any expectations for Theo. Rendon wasn't particularly renowned either, so this gossip faded as quickly as it had spread.
But they overlooked one crucial detail. Lately, rumors concerning Theo, however insignificant, had been circulating with increasing frequency.
***
Later that evening…
"What are your thoughts?"
"About what, sir?"
"About the conversation earlier today."
Julius entered Training Ground #4's management office, trailing behind Evelyn, and brought up Theo.
Evelyn glared at Julius as he rummaged through the most expensive bottles of wine from her shelf without even asking.
"I got a deep impression that he's quite thoughtful. By the way, that bottle you're holding… you don't actually intend to drink, do you?"
"I agree. This is why you can't trust rumors."
Pop!
Julius uncorked the bottle effortlessly with a smirk.
"Aaahh!" Evelyn cried out, but her protest fell on deaf ears.
'It was a rather intriguing encounter,' Julius thought.
Glug, glug, glug.
As the red wine filled his glass, the memory of their earlier meeting resurfaced.
"I apologize. While I appreciate the generous offer, Commander, I don't have any intention of being tied down just yet," Theo had responded immediately during their private meeting.
Both Julius and Evelyn had been taken aback.
The White-Armored Dragon Cavalry was a highly sought-after position, a dream for anyone in the Ragnar Clan.
They were more than mere cavalry.
They were Dragoons. Clad in gleaming white armor, they rode specially trained Wyverns as guardians of the northern skies. When they took flight, even the monsters of the Demon Sea trembled.
As a special unit unique to the Ragnar Clan, they were highly regarded even beyond its borders.
They had anticipated recruiting Theo with ease, but he had refused outright without even hearing their terms.
"Character, talent, and humility. Such a prodigy is rare. Now, how can I snatch him up?"
"Ahhh… My wine…!"
"I need to recruit him before anyone else catches wind of him. I've only heard stories. This is my first time being rejected. It really puts you in a daze."
"C-Commander, your glass is about to overflow…"
"I might sound like I'm bragging, but in my entire life, no man or woman has ever rejected me before. Which, oddly enough, only makes me want him even more. Hmm!"
"…Could you please listen to what I'm saying?!"
"Oh! I wonder if he's trying to avoid unwanted attention for now?"
The wine paused just before overflowing the glass.
Evelyn's legs buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor.
The expensive wine she had saved half a year's salary for was being carelessly squandered by her former superior.
The tension she had felt when facing an 8-Star swordsman alone paled in comparison to this.
Oblivious, Julius remained lost in thought.
"That makes perfect sense. Even for a dormant dragon that has decided to awaken, the attention would be overwhelming. And he wouldn't want the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry to be seen unfavorably for having faith in him."
Julius' eyes widened in realization.
"Aha! All things considered, that must be the biggest reason. To even worry about our reputation… Such remarkable consideration!"
In Julius' mind, Theo's image had ascended to near-sainthood.
"Then we must reciprocate that consideration by assisting him any way we can—hmm?"
Julius' gaze shifted to Evelyn, who was still staring intensely at the wine glass.
Evelyn instinctively flinched. There was something unnerving about the look in Julius' eyes.
Experience had taught her that whenever he wore that expression, she would inevitably become entangled in something troublesome.
She was about to refuse before he could even speak, but…
"Evelyn, have you ever considered becoming a sword instructor?"
Evelyn instinctively clutched her empty left sleeve.
"I…!"
"Don't tell me you can't because you're missing an arm. You're arm-crippled, not swordsmanship-crippled."
"..."
Arm-crippled.
The reason Julius used such harsh language was because that was how Evelyn degraded herself after retirement.
"I accepted your retirement because you couldn't hold the reins anymore, not because you couldn't wield a sword. So, think about wielding a sword again. Isn't it time you got back on your feet?"
The wine-filled glass reflected Evelyn's wavering eyes. .
* * *
"My lovely, dear son, Theo! I always knew you were destined for greatness!"
Theo returned to the palace to find Cecilia welcoming him with open arms. He couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
"And the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry Commander was there as well? Has he perhaps taken a liking to—?"
"Mother, I apologize for interrupting, but I'm quite exhausted."
Cecilia awkwardly retracted her outstretched arms.
She forced an awkward laugh, "O-Oh, I see. Of course, after witnessing such an unpleasant display it's only natural. Get some rest. I will visit again tomorrow."
Theo sighed softly as Cecilia left, a sigh laden with mixed emotions.
He then looked back at the maids and butlers who were stealing glances at him.
They quickly lowered their heads when their eyes met his.
"No need to be so nervous. Similar things will happen more often from now on, so try not to overreact," Theo instructed them.
Ignoring their mumbled replies, Theo returned to his room and collapsed onto his bed.
"This is really difficult. I'm not sure if I'm doing this correctly."
Others might deem refusing Julius' offer foolish. However, despite his self-doubt, Theo didn't regret his decision.
He had faith. Faith that he could achieve even greater heights.
In fact, the offer had only solidified his resolve.
'Even if I am to join the White-Armored Dragon Cavalry, I need to first increase my value enough to receive offers from everywhere else.'
Only then could he begin to establish a foundation of his own.
'The Awakening Ceremony is the perfect stage for that.'
But this year's Awakening Ceremony was expected to be record-breaking, with countless geniuses and promising talents converging at once.
To achieve overwhelming results in such fierce competition, he couldn't afford to be complacent.
'I need to close the gap with the others in the remaining time.'
Theo turned his head on the bed.
A full-length mirror stood against the wall, reflecting his image lying on the bed.
'«Observation».'
[Observing 'Theo Ragnar'.]
[Theo Ragnar (15/Male)
· Title: Imbecile of the Rose Palace, Motherfucking Waste of Ragnar Blood
· Talent: Ragnar, Player, Observation, [Access Denied], [Access Denied], [Access Denied], [Access Denied].
· Status: Strongly yearning for the Awakening Ceremony.]
Theo's eyes lit up.
He thought if «Observation» functioned on anything within his line of sight, then it should logically function on his reflection in the mirror.
Thankfully, his theory was proven correct.
'«Observation» is listed under Talent. Does this mean I can acquire four more amazing abilities like it if I continue completing missions with favorable results?'
He was already anticipating what they might be. Perhaps one of them would grant him access to the rewards he had supposedly earned.
'But how do I check my stats?'
He had received messages about stat increases, so there had to be a Status Window to numerically display his abilities.
Theo experimented with the messages, discovering he could flip them over.
Excitement welled up within him. What was his current level?
[Displaying Additional Info.]
[Theo Ragnar (15/Male)
· Level: 1
· Stats (▼)
Strength: 13
Dexterity: 14
Vitality: 12
Magic Power: 190
Intelligence: 11
Luck: -50
· [Access Denied]
· [Access Denied]]
"…Negative fifty? What?"
Theo's excitement shattered.
His [Magic Power], carried over from his past life, was exceptionally high, but the unexpected state of his [Luck] stat made his head spin.
This was an objectively awful number. Not to mention, hadn't his [Luck] increased by 4 points during his duel with Rendon?
'Or wait, that means that it was even lower before the duel. Haah… No wonder I was so unlucky in both of my previous lives.'
Theo rubbed his forehead.
'This must be some sort of curse or something.'
He didn't understand the exact function of [Luck] yet, but speculating from his experiences, it likely influenced both short-term chance occurrences and long-term social standing.
Of course, Theo wondered how it was possible to quantify the various misfortunes one could experience, but he was grateful to finally have a potential means of mitigating his bad luck.
'The question is, how do I raise my [Luck] to zero?'
The conditions under which his Luck had increased during the duel with Rendon were all different, so he needed more data.
As Theo pondered the matter, a chime rang out.
Ding!
[Que■■ received.]