The Bastard’s Way of Life of the Returning Swordsman

Episode 33

Flowering Ceremony (3)

“It’s cold.”

“I mean.”

Theo laughed lightly as he watched Wellington tremble in the cold, even though he was fully armed with a fur coat.

The cold of the winter mountains is hard even for Ragnar’s people.

It must be difficult for the small household of the Narcio family, which is located in the relatively south of the 6 houses in the north.

The second flowering ceremony has begun.

Theo and Wellington had arrived at the Winter Mountains, the second test site, under the guidance of the Prosecutors and Examiners.

“Princess Theo… … Are you really okay? I’m sorry to say this, but the clothes you’re wearing look very thin.”

After being asked if he considered him a friend, Wellington was back to being comfortable with Theo as usual.

“I’m used to this cold.”

“Familiar… … do you say? When did you ever go through something like this?”

Theo laughed silently.

How can I say that I ran all over the world as a member of Heukseol in my previous life.

Wellington was used to it now, so he didn’t bury it any deeper.

“Rather than that, what kind of test are you going to take in a place like this… … !”

Wellington frowned as he looked at the foot of the mountain, which was obscured by the harsh snowstorm.

Even if they unlocked their magical powers, they were all beginners who were only three days old.

It was a risky move to do anything in such rough terrain.

But it wasn’t Ragnar who would consider such a thing in the first place.

“I will start the second flowering ceremony from now on!”

The foot of the mountain resonated with the cry of the judge mixed with magic.

Even when most of the sounds are drowned out by the sound of the wind, a voice that can be heard clearly by all test takers.

The eyes of 57 people, including Theo and Wellington, all turned to that direction.

“As you know, the winter mountains here are vast in width and size, from Winterer to Mahae.”

Fear flashed in the eyes of some test takers.

Demon Sea.

A cursed land that is said to be infested with various beasts and monsters beyond the great wall.

Ragnar has been protecting humanity from such evil for over a thousand years.

Those who immersed themselves in Ragnar had an obligation to take over that role someday.

“But you, who are only apprentice swordsmen, cannot enter the Demon Sea. The test site is confined to the inside of the colon wall.”

Amid a sigh of relief.

“The Prosecutor of the Law, the Black Iron Base, and the Baekgap Dragon Base will be inspecting it from time to time, but there is an emergency, so be careful not to go beyond that even if you make a mistake. Got it?”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

“One answer is loud. Then I will tell you about the content of the test.”

Theo focused on the shape of the judge’s mouth.

If my predictions aren’t wrong, this second test will be very difficult.

“From 9th grade monsters to 5th grade monsters, there are many kinds of monsters spread around here. And they will have bells like this hanging around their necks.”

with my daughter-

The judge held up a bell the size of the palm of his hand.

The sound of the bell was difficult to hear because of the wind.

“Your goal is to collect those species.”

The judge continued talking while making eye contact with each candidate.

“Red, orange, green, panambo, species are composed of a total of 7 colors, and the latter has a higher score. Of course, the higher the score, the better the ability of the monster. The purple species in particular are so strong that even if you wake up from death with your skills, you will never be able to catch them.”

Knock!

Someone swallowed dry saliva.

“The hunting method is good. You can form a team and hunt in groups, or if you are skilled, you can move individually. Traps, ambushes, tactics, and strategies are all allowed. or… … Do you understand without telling me?”

Candidates were busy looking at each other.

As Ragnar’s swordsman, there was no fool who could not notice the last words.

Back of the head.

It meant that it was possible not only to steal the prey that others had caught, but also to ‘betrayal’.

‘He’s openly promoting discord.’

Theo clicked his tongue.

However, if this was Ragnar, it was the content of the Ragnar test.

‘Because I’m telling you to take care of yourself whether you’re going to overcome such a disagreement with force or overwhelm it with charisma to lead the group.’

If the first flowering ceremony is to determine talent for swordsmanship and magic,

The second flowering ceremony determines leadership, coping skills, and number fights.

– How to claim victory.

That was the real ‘power’ that Ragnar followed.

“And there will be areas with totems that look like this all over the place. The totem is equipped with a special magic device, so monsters cannot invade within a radius of 50 meters. However, there is a limit on the number of people that can enter each area, and various support materials needed for the test are buried, so please refer to it.”

It meant that it was one of the few safe zones in the winter mountains where monsters might pop out.

Maintenance is also possible.

“The period is 15 days in total. All exams will end at exactly this time in 15 days, so don’t be late and return. A penalty will be awarded for tardiness. Then disband-!”

Pat, Parbat-

As soon as the referee finished speaking, several test takers ran busily.

It was to explore the surrounding terrain in advance and find a place with a totem.

“I don’t know how many supplies there are, so everyone seems busy.”

“Because it would take a lot of resources to move for a period of 15 days.”

Theo stepped forward, watching Wellington.

“First of all, let us move. Because I think we need to secure our position before the check becomes more severe.”

From the time I arrived at the Winter Mountains. Theo felt the eyes watching Wellington and himself.

In particular, Axion and the other members of the Gyoryukai were very blatantly hostile.

As if he would hit the back at any given opportunity.

Theo had something to gain from the winter mountain range before he started the second flowering ceremony in earnest.

In order to secure it, I tried to find a place where it wouldn’t be disturbed as much as possible…

“no. Leave me alone.”

Wellington did not budge from his place.

Theo looked back at him.

“Well?”

“Princess Theo, do you remember what you said to me three days ago?”

serious talk.

Theo’s eyes also sank deeply by themselves.

“I said we were friends.”

“exactly. I also sincerely think of Prince Theo that way. No, it’s more than that. To the extent that if you ask for my heart, I can open it without worrying.”

“… … .”

“But on the other hand, I also think of Prince Theo as a rival just as much.”

‘This is it. The reason why I had a lot of worries before the first flowering ceremony.’

friends and rivals.

The two criteria are in fact difficult to coexist with.

If it’s for a friend, you’ll have to give up the chief’s seat, and if you’re a rival, you’ll have to take that position away.

And it is difficult to deal with the envy that can easily arise in the process.

What Theo has felt while watching Wellington is that people are so kind.

He opens up so easily that he wonders if he can do that, and if he doesn’t come back as much as he hoped, he gets hurt.

It was like that during the Gyoryonghoe, and it was like that when dealing with Theo.

As a result, there must have been a lot of conflict between the two relationships of friends and rivals.

‘Furthermore, if you think of Narcio’s family tradition of pursuing the character of a dictator… … More so.’

“So I’ve been thinking about it for the past three days. And you got greedy I sincerely want to surpass Prince Theo.”

“… … .”

“Do you know how I feel?”

If Wellington was a mirage that would never be able to reach Theo in his previous life.

In this life, the position seemed to have changed.

So, Theo nodded.

“I know. I also consider Well a rival.”

“exactly? whooping! I wondered if I was the only one thinking that way again. Good luck.”

“only.”

“… … ?”

“That’s why I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let go of this seat.”

Whoa!

With Theo at the center, the fierce momentum spread out while drawing concentric circles.

His long hair swayed gently.

thump thump thump!

My heart beat wildly.

Seeing this, Wellington’s eyes widened slightly.

It’s been a long time since I opened my magic, and it’s already a magical wind.

Over the past three days, Theo has been getting stronger.

But.

That stimulated the sense of goodwill that was dormant deep in Wellington’s heart.

thump thump-

Wellington’s heart beat wildly at the same beat as Theo’s.

One corner of his mouth curled up.

“Concession is a specification here. That position is only as valuable as taking it by force.”

“That’s right. It is a position that must be defended by force.”

Theo and Wellington’s laughing glances pass each other in the air.

dig-

They swung their swords at each other as usual.

Chaaang!

* * *

After a skirmish, Theo left, leaving Wellington alone.

“Whoa! I feel more relieved.”

The smile on Wellington’s lips was sincere.

So far, it’s like getting rid of the lump in one side of your heart at once.

From the first time we competed swords in the 4th gymnasium.

To Wellington, Theo was like an unreachable mirage.

If you try to reach, you are far away

A mirage that disappears as soon as you try to get closer.

But not anymore.

It was a wall that had to be overcome somehow.

A wall to break or jump over.

“Stupid bastard. I’ve been told many times that a lion is a being that has to follow someone, not chase someone!”

At that time, a middle-aged man fell down next to Wellington.

Dressed as an examiner, he was Timothy Narcio, the viceroy specially dispatched from the Narcio family.

The only younger brother of the current head of the family.

Wellington’s uncle, and the main culprit who appeared with Ralph the butler and made Wellington’s head dizzy.

“I thought it would get better now, but it’s like this again. Besides, the person who suits him is also a bastard bastard. Maybe it’s because their natural blood is insignificant, maybe they’re attracted to each other… … !”

“Uncle.”

Timothy didn’t say anything, but was cut off halfway by Wellington.

“Shut up.”

“… … what?”

“If you insult my friend any longer, I will not stand still. I can immediately accept the position of the next head of the household, which I have been putting off, and cut off my uncle’s head right away.”

“… … !”

“Shut up if you don’t want to get caught by the neck in the middle of the market floor so that you can watch all the little things your uncle is talking about. I will no longer be rude.”

“… … .”

Anger flashed in Timothy’s eyes.

At this moment, the nephew who had been ignored until now was trying to resist him.

I remembered what people once said about Wellington.

Checker.

That nickname was never lacking.

The images of the elder brother and the family head lying in the sick bed overlapped.

“Look at that. How comfortable and how good is it that you are quiet? I hope you will continue to follow this command in the future. As the deputy head of the family, and here as the examiner.”

“… … .”

“You know?”

“… … i get it.”

“Then let’s go first.”

Wellington left and disappeared without even listening to Timothy’s answer.

Hard!

Timothy’s teeth were grinding.

“… … Foolish bastard, dare.”

* * *

Papababat-

Theo was speeding up the steep slope.

The snow was frozen and slippery, but this was a piece of cake for him.

‘The best thing about opening the Aura Hall is that I can use the New Law like this.’

＜The flutter of the lark’s wings＞.

It was a new law learned while soaking in the black snow.

It was very good for long-distance movement because it makes the body light like a lark and moves quickly.

‘If you give me a few anomalies here, I won’t notice much in the dark snow.’

Perhaps the examiners who were watching Theo by now were in a frenzy because he suddenly disappeared.

What he was about to do from now on was not to be seen by others, so it was necessary to hide it as much as possible.

‘The dragon’s lair… … I checked the location several times on the map. I’m sure this is it.’

In the meantime, Theo has put in a lot of effort to find out the secret of the message, and he has succeeded in finding some clues.

– Relic of the ancient dragon.

There were a total of two artifacts Theo had found so far.

Dungeon.

Moonbaek Sword.

And the relics were guarded by dragons, just like the old legend of ‘dragons love treasures’.

Make sure to read from noble mtl dot com

Lesser Drake.

griffin.

Theo never thought these facts were coincidences.

We do not know the exact relationship between the message and the remains of the Great Dragon.

But.

If you go looking for the relics of other ancient dragons… … It was Theo’s idea that the secret would one day be solved.

then.

Where will the other ancient dragon relics lie?

‘Of course it must be the place where the dragon is ‘guarded’.’

Fortunately, Theo knew only one such speculated place.

A place that will be ‘accidentally’ discovered by Heukseol six years from now.

‘A hatchling’s oyster.’

It was right here in the Winter Mountains.

Tadak!

Theo stopped running.

A precipice with crevasses precariously laid.

It was dangerous as if I lost my balance due to the fierce wind, I would fall under it right away.

Theo cast his gaze right down there.

That moment.

aaah-

On the edge of a cliff in the distance.

It was hard to see because it was covered by the snowstorm, but I could vaguely see the blue light leaking out.

at the same time.

Whoops, whoops!

The moonbaek sword on the left waist trembled finely as it sprayed blue light.

‘found.’

For a moment, Theo’s eyes lit up.

And.

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Less so, less so-

Docheolmun’s treasured sword hanging from his back… … Zweihander, which was produced by Majang Kirsson himself, responded in the same way.

As if you found something.