"The essence of *Nibelung* is not about how fast you swing or how many enemies you cut down."
Theo was explaining the profound technique of *Nibelung* to Marti.
Since he would soon be leaving, Theo aimed to teach as much as he could before his departure.
As the captain of the *Knights of Kriemhilt*, Marti's eyes sparkled with focus, even more than usual.
"Then what is it about?"
"It's about how much mana you can condense into your sword."
"...?"
"Condensation power. How much mana you can concentrate around a core and axis to amplify its potency."
Seeing Marti’s lingering confusion, Theo drew the *Dragon Slayer* sword, continuing his explanation as he recalled what he had learned from Kriemhilt.
*Whum!*
As Theo infused mana into the *Dragon Slayer*, the sword trembled lightly.
"This is what people typically call 'mana emission.' And when you channel mana outward from the weapon to form a shape, it’s known as 'aura.'"
*Tsut-tsut-tsut—*
Tiny droplets of mana began to flow out of the blade, connecting with each other, undulating like waves and wrapping around the sword, revealing a sharp, powerful aura.
Aura. Or, in other terms, sword energy.
It was a technique that any aspiring master swordsman needed to learn to reach the level of an elite warrior.
"However."
Suddenly, the aura, which had been wavering freely, began to spiral around the blade, gradually concentrating toward the center.
"*Nibelung* does not seek this typical aura," Theo continued. "As I said, it demands condensation—within the sword itself, not outside."
The *Dragon Slayer*’s blade began to transform, scales appearing where the aura concentrated, spreading outward in a hexagonal pattern.
*Charrk!*
It was a mysterious sight, as if dragon scales were sprouting from the blade.
The more scales appeared, the stronger the subtle aura emitted by the *Dragon Slayer* grew.
"What on earth... how is this even possible...?"
Marti shuddered, experiencing a phenomenon he'd never seen before.
Theo chuckled, as if expecting this reaction.
"Didn’t I tell you? The core of *Nibelung* lies in concentrating aura. You must continuously spin the aura clockwise and hold it inside the sword. This will enhance the sword's durability and its power."
"...!"
"I call it *Inner Aura*."
"Inner Aura..."
"Of course, it’s easier said than done. Even the slightest mistake in mana control—"
*Boom!*
The scale pattern on the *Dragon Slayer* suddenly dispersed, and an intense explosion echoed outward.
*Rumble—*
The explosion was strong enough to make the temple shake violently.
"And this is the result," Theo remarked.
*Crash!*
"Captain! What’s going on?!"
Knights who had been waiting outside burst in, alarmed, fearing a possible attack from Troivan.
Marti waved them off, assuring them it was nothing. Once they left, he turned back to Theo.
The *Dragon Slayer* still trembled slightly, its blade almost appearing as if it could shatter.
"...So if there’s even a slight mistake in control, the sword will explode."
"Exactly. Aura is an extremely efficient energy mass on its own. If you forcibly hold it in place, the resulting shock is inevitable."
"It’s a dangerous technique that could harm the swordsman or knight using it."
"On the other hand, it allows you to draw out two to three times the power with the same amount of force."
"..."
For Theo, forming *Inner Aura* was not particularly difficult.
As a member of the Ragnar family, he possessed unparalleled mana sensitivity, and awakening the essence of an ancient dragon had exponentially increased his control over mana.
But for others? It would likely be a significant challenge to master.
Kriemhilt herself had struggled with it, only managing to master it with the help of the Sea King.
"Therefore, to make *Inner Aura* safe, you must learn to set a wick inside the sword."
"A wick that forms an artificial force at the center, pulling the aura in and constantly rotating it so the centrifugal force prevents it from escaping."
"Exactly."
"It sounds simple, but it’s a difficult skill to master."
"However, once mastered, it becomes a trump card. Even if others discover the method, they won’t be able to wield it."
Marti was initially puzzled, then realization dawned.
"So, it can only be trained within the temple!"
"Correct. The difficulty level of *Inner Aura* is so high that it’s nearly impossible to master without innate talent. However, the Floating Archipelago’s terrain, shaped by the Sea King’s mana, especially the temple, where the upward currents concentrate, provides an abundance of mana. It’s one of the few places on the continent where this training is possible."
It was a sanctuary, known only to the *Knights of Kriemhilt*.
Marti clenched his fists.
The Floating Archipelago had always lagged behind the continent in swordsmanship and magic.
But with the secret techniques of *Nibelung*, they could turn the tables.
"How did Lady Kriemhilt even come up with such a vision...?"
"Think of the enemies she had to face."
"Ah."
"To slice through the Sea King’s tough scales and break magic and curses, she needed a sword with greater durability and destructive power."
Marti nodded gravely.
Though he had never seen the Sea King, its residual mana alone had created the unique geography of the Floating Archipelago. It was almost like a deity.
And Kriemhilt had defeated such an entity.
No wonder she, too, had reached a near-godlike status, inspiring the creation of this temple in her honor.
"Lord Theo is the successor of such a figure," Marti thought.
"If we follow him, the Floating Archipelago might truly surpass the continent."
This expectation filled Marti's heart.
* * *
While Marti left to review what he had learned, Theo held the *Dragon Slayer* lightly and steadied his breath.
"Ha—!"
With a breath out, the *Dragon Slayer* hummed with a clear resonance, covered in countless scale-like patterns.
*Crackle!*
The blade was now filled with scale patterns, emanating a mighty force.
"Hup!"
Taking a deep breath, Theo swung the *Dragon Slayer* repeatedly.
Ten strikes in total.
This was the *Claws of Nibelung*, combined with dragon energy.
*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!*
With each swing, a thunderous bolt of lightning fell, echoing through the temple.
*Rumble—*
Theo’s heartbeat thundered alongside the resounding noise.
"Hoo...!"
He exhaled, a drop of sweat rolling down his cheek.
*Clap, clap, clap!*
He turned to see Selpard applauding from behind.
"You’re now drawing ten slashes in a single breath? You've improved significantly."
"It’s still difficult."
Producing just ten dragon-infused slashes was already taxing enough, but adding *Nibelung*’s techniques made it even harder.
Selpard’s expression shifted to one of disbelief.
"Are you serious? Maintaining that absurd *Inner Aura* thing while executing ten strikes in an instant? That’s practically a cheat. One misstep, and heads would go flying."
Having watched Theo’s grueling training, Selpard looked exhausted just from observing.
Out of curiosity, he had tried Kriemhilt’s technique a few times himself.
But it was far from humanly feasible.
Even in this sanctuary, there were risks of mana backlash and explosions if the aura wasn’t perfectly controlled.
Moreover, the breathing technique was entirely different from the Ragnar family’s system.
"For him to do it so effortlessly..."
Selpard had long since accepted that Theo’s talents were "beyond the norm."
"So, what brings you here?"
"A gift."
"A gift?"
To Theo’s surprise, Selpard handed him a neatly wrapped package.
"Happy New Year. Lady Cecilia and Lady Mae Blossom sent it together."
Theo’s eyes widened.
Both of them, together?
It was an unexpected combination.
Inside the package was a pristine white ceremonial outfit.
*"I thought it would suit you, dear. Dress up nicely and welcome the New Year in style. —Cecilia"*
*"This garment is woven from celestial silk, only found in the distant East. I hope it fits you well. —Osa"*
"It’s beautiful."
"...Yes."
Theo gently ran his hand over the fabric, a strange warmth filling his chest.
Seeing Theo’s reaction, Selpard chuckled and waved another piece of paper.
"Since you've worked up a sweat, save the outfit for after your bath. There’s another order that’s come in."
Theo composed himself and looked up.
"They’re telling us to head north after we’re finished here?"
"Seems the situation isn't great."
"With someone over there who knows us so well, it’s no wonder."
Theo and his team had reported their activities on the Floating Archipelago in detail to Winterra, who had acknowledged their efforts in thwarting Troivan's schemes and ordered them to prepare for their next mission.
They were on standby.
The reports from newspapers had already given them a glimpse of the ongoing war between Ragnar and Troivan.
*"Troivan’s Massive Counterattack! Is the Invincible Ragnar Reputation Finally Broken?"*
*"Mysterious Masked Forces Join the Battle, Turning the Tide."*
*"Northern Residents Bow to Troivan Amid Suffering."*
*"Continued Appearance of Troivan’s Allied Forces. Ragnar’s Struggle Alone."
*
*"Ragnar Forced to a Standstill!"*
Each article was filled with unfavorable views toward Ragnar.
Selpard glanced at the newspapers piled in the corner and continued.
"Not only has the Sacred Fire Church joined Troivan, but they’ve also opened a two-front war. Seems they’re spread pretty thin."
Theo nodded.
This had happened in his previous life as well.
"So many factions hated Ragnar’s dominance and sought to curb its influence."
Winterra would soon realize this wasn’t just a conflict with Troivan, but a war against anti-Ragnar factions.
The factions involved included:
- The Crimson-White Mercenary Corps
- The Rose Family
- The First Sword Society
- The Shadow Blade Corps
- The Wandering Knights Union
- Former vassal groups in the *Cult of the Dragon*
Additionally, influential factions in the East, including the Mage Tower, and the Southern Beastmen’s Front had also joined in hopes of diminishing Ragnar's control.
The resentment toward Ragnar, accumulated over years, had finally erupted.
"This was the spark that ignited the *Great Turmoil*," Theo thought.
But that was still years away.
For now, Ragnar needed to extinguish the flames right in front of them.
Updat𝓮d from frёewebnoѵēl.com.
The standby order for Theo’s team was given to counter any covert attempts to disrupt the battlefield.
For Ragnar, this wasn’t just a rebellion.
Finally, it seemed a new mission had been assigned.
"What’s the task during our return?"
"Bingo."
Selpard’s gaze deepened.
"They want us to retrieve a young girl from some remote village."
In that instant, Theo knew who they were referring to.
"So, it’s finally time."
Kassandra Eda.
The future *Empress of Sorcery*.
The first mage to ascend to the imperial throne.