The <Mystery>.
In this era, where airships fly through the sky and trains race across the land, some mysteries remain unsolved.
People whisper of these mysteries that can grant immense magical power, or even miracles like rejuvenation. Some families have flourished suddenly because of them, while others have faced curses that wiped out everyone around them.
Thus, while people both revere and fear these mysteries, few dare to approach them. Today, only a handful truly harness the potential of these enigmas.
The Ragnars are a prime example, utilizing the <Relics of the Primal Dragon>. But the most famous mystery on the outside is the Floating Archipelago’s, known as the <Colossus of Kriemhild>.
The Colossus of Kriemhild stands atop Benota Island, the heart of the Floating Archipelago, towering over the vast sea. Normally, it serves as a beacon for ships approaching the archipelago at dawn, guiding them safely through the waters. However, legend has it that when the Floating Archipelago faces a crisis, the ‘blessed one’ may receive the heroic blessing of Kriemhild from the colossus.
But to gain this blessing, one must endure certain trials, trials that the Floating Archipelago has never allowed anyone to undertake. In fact, even approaching the Colossus of Kriemhild beyond a certain distance is strictly forbidden.
Yet here Theo was, insisting he must go there.
Naturally, Antoniou frowned at such a request, finding it excessive. But when Theo continued,
“I need the Colossus’ mystery to quell the Sea King’s madness.”
Antoniou’s expression hardened.
“Explain yourself in detail.”
“There’s a legend tied to the Colossus. It’s said that the ancient hero Kriemhild sealed away an evil dragon in the sea. The colossus was built in memory of that battle, was it not?”
“What does this far-fetched legend have to do with stopping the Sea King’s rage?”
“They’re directly related. The Sea King you speak of is none other than that very dragon. Am I wrong?”
Theo didn’t miss Antoniou’s subtle reaction.
‘So it was true.’
In fact, Theo had only thought of the legend of Kriemhild after reading Pontus’s thoughts. Something about the Sea King’s dragon-like form reminded him of the Colossus of Kriemhild he had seen in his past life. And the sword he now held, Valmung, seemed to resonate with the Sea King’s aura.
Theo’s theories had begun to fall into place, as he suspected that Valmung was the very sword used by Kriemhild to vanquish the dragon.
“To seal the Sea King again, I’ll need to activate the dormant power within Valmung. For that, I need the mystery within the colossus.”
“So, you’re saying you can subdue the Sea King?”
“You saw it earlier, didn’t you? I was able to drive off the sea serpent. I have the capability to face the Sea King, but I lack the power and need the mystery to bolster it.”
“...”
“And in exchange, I’ll return Valmung as promised. This benefits you as well, doesn’t it? You get to protect the archipelago and retrieve Valmung.”
“And you get a miraculous blessing?”
“A mutually beneficial arrangement.”
Of course, Theo had no real intention of returning Valmung. There was no reason for him to reveal that, however.
Antoniou fell silent, deep in thought.
“What’s there to consider? The mystery is valuable, but surely, I would think the safety of your people should come first.”
“We could just take Valmung from you and claim the blessing ourselves.”
“If you could awaken the mystery of the colossus, you would have done so long ago.”
“...”
“But I know how. Aren’t you tempted?”
Antoniou shook his head.
“This is not a decision I can make alone. The Colossus of Kriemhild falls under the jurisdiction of the Assembly...”
“If you’re just going to say you lack the authority, let’s end this here. I can make a formal offer to the Shipping League; I’m sure they’d consider it.”
Theo rose, showing no hesitation.
The only reason he had contacted Black Skull was because they had knowledge of Valmung’s secrets and could facilitate access to the colossus.
‘I would rather avoid getting my family involved...but if time runs short, I may have to consider it as a last resort.’
“Wait!”
Antoniou reached out and grabbed Theo’s sleeve.
Theo’s indifferent gaze settled on him, and Antoniou bit down on his lip.
‘Even if we lose the mystery, if we can at least retrieve Valmung...!’
Valmung wasn’t just a weapon; it was a symbol of the Floating Archipelago’s heritage and the Shipping League’s legitimacy. With it, Black Skull’s position would be strengthened significantly, and Antoniou might even rise to the top himself. At the very least, it would solidify his standing within the Spinola family, perhaps even above his older brothers.
Antoniou finished calculating the political ramifications and nodded.
“I’ll do it. But in return, I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“My original request was for you to accompany me as my escort to the Shipping Triad’s assembly, which will be held soon.”
Taking a deep breath, Antoniou spoke in a stiff tone.
“But if you succeed in pacifying the Sea King, you will gain immense fame and support. When that time comes, lend your influence to support me and Black Skull, to help me become the Doge.”
* * *
After the negotiations concluded, Theo was about to leave Antoniou’s office when Arin grabbed his arm and pulled him aside.
“What’s this about?”
Arin’s expression was tense, and Selpard wore a similarly troubled look.
“Explain yourself, Theo. What are you really planning?”
“I thought you agreed to follow my lead on this mission.”
“That was before I knew you were aligning with Black Skull!”
Bang!
Arin struck the wall in frustration.
“Hey! Hey! Calm down, or you’ll break the ship!”
Selpard tried to intervene, but Arin glared at Theo.
“Do you even know what those people did to our seniors?”
“I’m well aware.”
“Then why—!”
“Because the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
“You...!”
“If borrowing a cat’s paw would help take down Troivan, then I would.”
As Arin’s anger flared, Theo continued.
“And I never said I intended to support Black Skull.”
“...What do you mean? Explain yourself.”
“I have no intention of leaving Black Skull alone after what they did to the Hundred Knight Guards.”
“....”
“I’m only keeping them around until they’ve served their purpose. Once they’re no longer useful, I’ll dispose of them.”
Theo’s calm gaze held a cold resolve, and something in it soothed Arin’s anger.
“Can I trust you on this?”
“Arin, do you remember what I said when I first enlisted?”
Arin clearly recalled that day and Theo’s bold words.
- I intend to become the captain of the Hundred Knight Guards within five years.
“You said you’d be captain.”
“Yes.”
“Wasn’t that just empty talk?”
“I’m not one for inefficiency.”
Theo’s lips curved into a faint smile as he spoke.
“And what’s more efficient for a captain than earning the trust of his troops?”
Arin couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, realizing Theo’s intent. He was winning their trust—his and Selpard’s—so that one day, they would be his right and left hands.
‘You audacious little brat.’
Despite Theo’s boldness, Arin couldn’t help but feel fond of this ambitious junior. If he continued showing such resolve, Arin might just become his biggest supporter.
“Fine. Since you’re saying all this, what’s the plan?”
Arin finally released Theo’s arm.
Straightening his collar, Theo replied.
“As I said, we’ll bring Black Skull to our side, settle this affair, and tie the Shipping League’s interests to ours. And in the process, we’ll wipe out Troivan’s influence completely.”
“And Black Skull will fall apart as well?”
Theo’s sly smile was all the answer Arin needed.
Arin laughed, feeling reassured.
“Alright. I’ll cooperate.”
“Thank you.”
Selpard, watching the exchange, grinned as well.
* * *
“Do you trust him?” Gray asked cautiously.
“If I didn’t, what choice would we have?” Antoniou replied.
As Antoniou’s blunt answer left Gray speechless, he continued.
“If his plan works, we’ll have the opportunity to turn the tables. And even if he fails, we lose nothing. We can simply deny any knowledge. Besides...”
A wry smile formed on Antoniou’s lips.
“We’ll take the mystery back once he’s finished with it.”
Gray nodded. Antoniou’s pleasant demeanor masked a man who harbored no goodwill toward outsiders. He believed that everything of the Floating Archipelago belonged solely to its people.
“Alert both headquarters and the family. Let them know we’re arriving soon and to be prepared.”
“Yes, understood.”
Gray bowed and left.
Alone, Antoniou lit a cigar, the smoke swirling in silence around him.
* * *
A powerful current lifted Theo’s ship into the air.
“We’re flying! The ship is really flying!”
“Oh, quiet down. Flying is your job, why are you so amazed?”
“Are you not impressed? This feels completely different from just soaring through the sky.”
“I give up...”
While Selpard gushed in excitement, Arin shook his head.
The ship sliced through thick mist, and soon, they neared Ben
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ota Island.
There, at the island’s peak, stood the towering Colossus, a warrior trampling the head of a dragon with her blade thrust into it.
‘That’s the <Colossus of Kriemhild>.’
Theo felt a vibration within his inventory—Valmung was reacting.
“Did...did you see that? The colossus...it moved!”
“What nonsense? How could it move? Are you still half-asleep?”
“No, I swear it did...”
“It’s just the ship rocking; don’t be ridiculous.”
Amidst the murmurs of the crew, the ship docked.
“Please follow me.”
Antoniou disembarked first, where an eight-wheeled carriage, the Spinola family emblem upon it, awaited them.
As Theo’s mind drifted to thoughts of his old friend, the carriage took them to the Spinola estate.
It was more palace than mansion, with a grandiose exterior.
Entering the courtyard, they encountered a gardener in a straw hat, pruning a tree. He greeted them warmly.
“Ah, my son, you’ve returned!”
“Yes, Father. I’ve returned safely. And here is Lord Rant and his entourage, as mentioned in my letter.”
“Ah, Antoniou rarely praises anyone, but he’s spoken highly of you. It’s an honor to meet you, Lord Rant. I am Umberto, head of the Spinola family.”
Umberto’s kind words belied his sturdy build and sharp gaze, exuding the presence of a true master of the underworld. At minimum, he was a high-level swordsman, possibly even a Swordmaster.
Selpard and Arin tensed instinctively.
‘Antoniou must have informed his father about me.’
Theo guessed that this was Antoniou’s way of asking his father to lend support, or at least refrain from interfering with his plans.
Theo extended his hand, shaking Umberto’s firmly.
“Rant, at your service.”
“A fine name, Lord Rant. May I ask your family name?”
“As I am currently on a confidential mission, I must request to withhold it.”
“Ah, yes. It is common for swordsmen in training to conceal their identities while wandering the world to hone their skills. You must endure much hardship.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Umberto and Theo strolled side by side along the garden path, with Antoniou, Selpard, and Arin following closely.
“We at Spinola have high expectations for you, Lord Rant.”
“Do you? I’ll do my best to meet them, though I am a bit concerned.”
“Despite your humble tone, your confidence shines through. I quite admire a man with such assurance.”
Umberto’s gaze grew serious, a reminder that he was not a man to be taken lightly.
“When Antoniou first wrote to me about a hero coming to save us from this crisis, it felt too convenient, too coincidental, don’t you think?”
“It’s understandable.”
“But I thought to myself: does it matter? As long as you wield your sword well, does anything else truly matter?”
Theo recognized the thinly veiled threat—Umberto was telling him that failure would not be tolerated.
Yet Theo merely nodded, his expression calm.
“Understood.”
“Oh, I wasn’t scolding you. Haha! Feel free to think of this place as your own during your stay, Lord Rant. Antoniou, take good care of our guest.”
“Yes, Father.”
As Umberto returned to his gardening, Antoniou gestured for Theo and his group to follow him.
“Please, come inside. Our associates await you.”