“The heir to Crimhilde needs us?”
All eyes turned to Antonio, their faces etched with disbelief. It wasn’t surprising. The members of Black Skull had assumed their alliance with Theo was over the moment they’d heard about the Gang Brotherhood’s betrayal.
They had expected that, if Theo succeeded in sealing the Sea King, he would rise in power, likely leaving them sidelined. But here was Antonio, calling them together at dawn, insisting that Theo wanted their help.
With a slightly flushed face, Antonio nodded resolutely. “Exactly. Crimhilde’s heir has no intention of merely remaining a *hero*.”
“So he’s seeking a political foundation, then?”
“Right. He’s offered to help us secure the office of Governor if we support him.”
The term “Governor” lit up the eyes of several members. It was a position they had long aspired to—a role governing the Floating Islands’ autonomy.
“Of course, this means we wouldn’t just be *supporting* him; we’d need to be his hands, his tools if you will. But it’s something we can handle, isn’t it?”
“Not so fast.” Across from Antonio, a man with a cigar between his lips spoke up. This was the man Theo had previously assumed was the leader of Black Skull.
“No matter how much public support he gains, the ones truly holding the reins in the Floating Islands are the Maritime Alliance and the three ruling families. Do you really think it’s feasible to bypass them?”
Silence settled over the room, interrupted only by the slow exhale of cigar smoke.
“It’s impossible. Most of us have ties to those three families. It would mean severing bonds with our parents and siblings. It’s not as easy as you think.”
Antonio shook his head, however, showing no sign of backing down. “No, the families can be dismantled.”
“What? How?”
“First of all, let me make it clear that this isn’t just my opinion; it’s Crimhilde’s heir’s strategy.”
The man narrowed his eyes but said nothing as Antonio continued, “As you know, the three families have already fractured. The Grimahl family, supported by Troyban, is now on the verge of collapse. Romelin has always been neutral, and it’s likely they’ll align with the heir.”
Everyone’s gaze shifted to an empty seat at the table—the seat of Marti Romelin, who held a senior priest position at the central temple. Her allegiance was predictable, just as Antonio had said.
“That leaves my own family, the Spinolas. But my father? I know him well. He’ll bow to a stronger force if it benefits him.”
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freeweɓnøvel.com.
“So, at the right moment, you’ll oust your father and take control of the family yourself?”
“With Crimhilde’s heir at my back, failure would mean I wasn’t up to the task,” Antonio replied confidently.
With time, the Spinola influence would naturally flow his way, especially with the heir’s support. If he could secure control of the family, the governorship would be within reach.
His words conveyed that the Grimahl and Romelin families could follow his lead, while those unaffiliated with the three families were encouraged to ally with him.
Several members exchanged glances with Antonio, subtly signaling a desire to meet with him privately.
The man with the cigar chuckled bitterly. The conversation, which had once revolved around him, now centered on Antonio.
'Or rather, “Lant”—or whatever name he goes by now,' the man thought with a shiver. ‘The heir to Crimhilde has become the real power behind the scenes, and Antonio will end up as his puppet.’
Theo terrified him. In less than a day, Theo had shaken up the entire political landscape of the Floating Islands, establishing his own network with mere words.
Men like him couldn’t be opposed—they had to be respected and obeyed, awaiting an opportunity to act later.
“...Alright. So what’s the next step? The other families will surely make a move if Theo manages to seal the Sea King.”
It was a quiet acceptance of their alliance.
Antonio grinned. “Our next step is to meet our new leader—personally.”
He was instructing them to gather every available force they could muster. The goal was to ensure no one interfered with Theo's efforts or attempted any rash actions against him.
The members nodded solemnly in agreement.
“Then, since we’re all clear, let’s move quickly,” Antonio said, clenching his fists.
He felt as if the Floating Islands were already within his grasp.
But his moment of triumph was short-lived.
“Antonio! We’re in trouble!”
A member, who had gone to mobilize their forces, rushed back, pale with fear.
“The guard! The Grimahl family has taken control of the guard! Grimahl and the Ghostslayers are leading them toward the central temple. They’re staging a coup!”
* * *
[As a reward for your achievements, your Dragon’s Blood Trait has evolved, causing a transformation in your bloodline.]
---
**[Dragon’s Blood]**
*Type*: Talent
*Effect*: The ancient dragon bloodline within you has awakened, granting you extraordinary regenerative abilities and increased magical talent. The more your bloodline strengthens, the closer you become to wielding the powers of an ancient dragon.
---
*Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum!*
Theo’s heart pounded rapidly.
*Crack, crack.*
His body began to undergo a gradual transformation. The various experiences he had accumulated—necrotic poison, Crimhilde’s legacy—all merged with his Dragon’s Blood, creating a unified force.
His mind felt clearer, and the orb within his sword imparted insights with newfound clarity.
But the most significant change was yet to come.
“Heh. Now, I finally feel worthy of calling you my ‘companion,’” Rodbrock’s voice echoed telepathically.
[Your bond with your guardian dragon has strengthened, allowing you to communicate with her anytime, anywhere.]
Theo gazed into Rodbrock’s enormous eyes, which now reflected his own image.
‘Inspect.’
---
**Theo Ragnar** (Age: 15/Male)
*Titles*: Lightning Tiger, Greatest Talent in a Millennium, Swift Yasha.
*Talents*: Ragnar Clan, Player, Observation, Inventory, Shop Access, Guardian Dragon’s Companion, Shadow Beast Rider, Shadow Dragon Summoner, Heir to Crimhilde, Dragonborn, [Restricted].
*Status*: The people of the Floating Islands are eagerly awaiting your return. Gaining their “faith” will bring significant changes.
*Level*: 41
*Stats*: (▼)
Strength: 121 Agility: 103
Vitality: 48 Magic: 243
Intelligence: 104 Luck: 33
Unused Stat Points: 20
---
Theo now felt he’d reached the level of a high-ranking swordsman. Soon, he would turn sixteen, but even so, his growth was remarkable.
“You look pleased with yourself,” Rodbrock commented.
‘Indeed, I am.’
“Your progress is astounding, even compared to past chosen ones. But remember, running too fast can lead to stumbling. Take care.”
‘I will.’
“Hmph. You don’t sound like you mean it.”
‘You caught me?’
“That confidence is also part of your charm,” Rodbrock said, spreading her wings wide.
*Rustle.*
Beneath her, the Sea King’s body began to disintegrate, now that its heart was gone.
“Thanks to you purifying the curse, I’ve been able to extract a considerable amount of mana. It’ll take some time to properly absorb it, but I’ll reach out once I’m ready.”
‘Is it still not enough to replenish your heart?’
“Heh. I once stood as the apex of all dragons. A single heart, no matter how powerful, is hardly enough to fill me.”
Rodbrock gave him a playful wink.
Theo shivered inwardly. The Sea King alone had been like a force of nature, yet Rodbrock’s power far surpassed even that.
And if her strength was this incredible, how much more powerful must his father be?
A towering wall, far out of reach.
“But I’ll keep the channel open for whenever you need me. Companions should stay in touch, after all.”
With that, Rodbrock gave one last playful nod and quietly vanished.
Theo let out a deep breath.
From Crimhilde’s legacy to the Sea King’s death, it had been an unrelenting series of events, leaving him mentally and physically drained.
But one task remained.
The conquest of the Floating Islands’ autonomy.
He needed to solidify this place as his base.
“Master.”
Pontus approached him, bowing his head. The word "Master" replaced his former term of address, signaling his full acceptance of Theo as his lord.
The other sea creatures surrounding them mirrored Pontus’s gesture, demonstrating their allegiance.
“Thank you.”
‘Do you harbor any resentment? After all, it was I who vanquished your father.’
Pontus shook his head.
“Not at all. We understand how much suffering he endured. Watching his torment over the centuries, we suffered alongside him. You’ve given him peace.”
Pontus glanced around at the devastated seascape.
“And though he’s gone, he’ll continue to protect us from nature’s embrace. I do have one request, though.”
A request?
“Tradition dictates that a servant should accompany their master. But as you can see, there’s still much to restore here. With the Sea King’s passing, the upward mana flows have ceased, which could destabilize the Floating Islands above.”
Theo could guess what Pontus wanted to ask.
“I wish to remain here—to honor my father’s legacy and your contribution. Will you permit it?”
Pontus desired to stay behind, continuing his
father’s duty. Though serving Theo was an honor, preserving this domain held great importance.
Theo grinned.
“Pontus, do you know my dream?”
“A dream?”
“Yes, a dream.”
“I... don’t.”
“To become a king.”
Pontus’s eyes widened.
“But being king means I’ll be endlessly busy, with no time to settle in one place. I need someone to govern in my stead.”
Theo already considered the Sea King’s territory and Crimhilde’s domain his own.
“Will you help me?”
Pontus, his voice filled with emotion, lowered his head in reverence.
“Of course.”
His words were echoed by the sea creatures surrounding them, all bowing low.
“I, Pontus, your new Sea King, pledge my loyalty to you. The sea shall serve and protect you, as both servant and friend.”