bookpower Chapter 158
Chapter 158
“Hm? That sword... I don’t recall seeing it before. Where did you pick that up?”
The first to react when Theo returned was Wellington.
Theo looked down at himself without thinking and was momentarily startled.
On his back hung the *Drake Fang Blade*, while at his left waist were the *Moon White Sword* and the *Dragon Slayer Sword*. Now, at his right waist, rested the *Spirit Crypt Sword*.
He was carrying four swords.
‘No wonder it looks suspicious.’
Theo decided to brush off Wellington’s question about the *Spirit Crypt Sword* and quickly moved on to find the others.
“I heard Arin woke up a little while ago. Selpherd and Ray went to see her.”
“Arin, senior?”
Theo immediately rushed off.
---
“...What’s with all the gawking? Haven’t you seen an injured person before?”
Arin snapped as she noticed the crowd gathered around her bedside the moment she regained consciousness.
Selpherd, ever calm and composed, asked with a serious gaze, “How’s your body?”
“I’m fine.”
「Really?」
「...Where did you pick up that phrase?」
「The kids at the orphanage used to say it.」
「Don’t use slang like that with such a serious face. It’s unsettling and reminds me of my younger siblings.」
「Anyway, I’m asking seriously. Are you really okay?」
Arin, understanding why Selpherd kept probing, responded via telepathy.
「I mean it. I’m fine.」
「Don’t worry. The madness didn’t stir enough to cause any problems.」
Selpherd finally nodded in relief, satisfied with her answer.
The descendants of the *Mad Dragon Sect*—those carrying the taint of rebellion—had to be doubly cautious about such matters.
Fortunately, Arin’s eyes showed no sign of the madness.
It was a huge relief.
As Selpherd let out a sigh of relief, Dengryong, Theo, and the rest of the group visited briefly before leaving her to rest.
The next day, Cassandra also woke up without incident.
However, her memories of her possession by the Mage Empress were hazy at best, leaving her unaware of most events from the past few days.
Worried there might be lingering aftereffects they hadn’t detected, the group decided to stay at the manor for a few more days.
After about ten days of rest, they were finally ready to resume their journey.
Now, Theo’s group was larger, with Cassandra, Dengryong, and Wellington joining them.
---
“For now, we’ll travel through Dravin City and head toward the White Tower,” Dengryong explained.
With a loud hiss of steam, the magic train began to move.
Clatter, clatter—
---
As the magic train raced toward its destination, Theo turned his attention to studying the fundamental principles of time magic.
Under Rody’s guidance, and with the Mage Empress’s foundation, Theo progressed rapidly.
Rody found herself both surprised and impressed by Theo’s aptitude.
She had expected him to struggle, but his sharp understanding turned their lessons into an unexpected joy for her.
Theo’s ability to enter a state of heightened concentration—a state nearing euphoria—was particularly remarkable.
However, Rody noticed a danger in this.
While the state enhanced Theo’s creativity and comprehension, excessive use risked pushing him into madness—a threshold Theo was dangerously close to crossing.
---
Finally, as the train approached Dravin City, the next transfer point on their journey, Theo opened his eyes.
『Partner.』
‘I know. Don’t worry.’
『Good. I’ve been paid enough in teaching fees.』
But before transferring trains, Theo had another objective.
He reached into his pocket, fingering a small note.
One of the imperial secret vaults was said to be in this very city.
---
“Exploring the city, are we?” Dengryong asked.
“Yes. We have about five hours before the next train to the White Tower arrives, so I’d like to take a look around.”
Dengryong smirked knowingly.
“Just don’t be late.”
“Of course.”
As Theo stepped off the platform, Wellington and Ray followed close behind.
---
“Ah, what a refreshing change! After all those battles, it’s nice to be somewhere with people,” Wellington remarked cheerfully.
“Has Dengryong been dragging you through rough terrain?” Theo asked with a sly grin.
“Hmph! No comment!”
Despite the banter, Wellington spread his arms wide, enjoying the sunny weather.
“So, where to first? Dravin City is famous for its shopping, you know.”
Ray’s ears perked up at the mention of shopping, and her gaze shifted toward Theo.
“We’ll shop later. First, there’s somewhere I need to visit.”
“Oh, of course. How could I forget?” Wellington responded with a knowing nod.
Theo blinked. Did they already know about the imperial vault?
Before he could ask, Wellington added with a grin, “You’re heading to your mother’s store, aren’t you? *High Theodore’s* flagship location is in this city.”
“...What?”
Theo’s eyes widened in shock.
His mother’s shop... here?