Chapter 153: Master of the White Dragon Throne (8)
“The Sacred Sword Clariel, is it…”
Arelia examined the sword Martin handed her with a nostalgic expression.
As the sacred sword Crassion, it had already possessed immense power, but it paled in comparison to the new Clariel.
However, what truly intrigued her wasn’t the sword’s strength, but the timing of its appearance.
“For the sole direct heir of the main family to rise as the new head—right at the moment of realizing the family’s long-held aspirations—and for a new symbol to emerge at such a time… If it’s a coincidence, it’s far too perfect. And if it’s fate, then perhaps both you and the family are beloved by the gods.”
“Whether by coincidence or true destiny, I don’t think it matters much. What’s truly important is the history of Adalbert that I will write from now on, isn’t it?”
“Haha, that’s true. Though it would be even better if you guided the continent’s future not just as the family head, but as a king or emperor.”
“Well, I share the sentiment, but rushing ahead could lead to disaster. It’s something I need to approach carefully, step by step.”
Martin would strive to establish a new empire, but now wasn’t the time to make such intentions known.
Attempting to declare independence now would paint a target on the Adalbert family for both the imperial family and the Ferdinand family. And in his current state, without reaching the Tenth Circle, Martin knew he couldn’t possibly confront Karl von Ferdinand.
“I have no intention of leading the family to ruin with reckless actions.”
“A ruler must inspire ideals in their people, but they cannot afford to forget reality in pursuit of those ideals. On that note, you’ve already shown the right mindset to lead the family. Once you’ve further honed your strength, the main family’s future will no longer be a concern.”
“Strength… Honestly, the Tenth Circle is something I can’t even dream of for now.”
Before his regression, Martin had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.
Thanks to that foundation, he had quickly regained his previous level.
Through insights gained since then, he had advanced his unique ability to the Fourth Circle and even surpassed his pre-regression self.
But that was the limit of what he could achieve by relying on his past.
He had yet to find any clue for advancing his unique ability to the Fifth Circle.
What he had achieved so far was remarkable, but considering the strength of his enemies, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
“Don’t let impatience consume you,” Arelia said with a faint smile, amused by Martin’s worried expression.
“Reaching your current level at your age is already extraordinary. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say you’ve rewritten the continent’s history.”
“That’s true, but…”
“I understand what concerns you. You’re worried the fight between the Ferdinand family, the imperial family, and the Klaus family might end too quickly. If you don’t reach the Tenth Circle before then, the Adalbert family may face annihilation.”
“You’re absolutely right.”
“You’ve already done your part by shaking the board to prolong the civil war. All that’s left is for you to focus on your training and strengthen the family’s power. Besides, given what the Klaus family has shown so far, it’s unlikely they’ll fall easily.”
“Hmm. I apologize—I must be feeling unsettled with my ascension as head of the family approaching. I let my doubts get the better of me.”
“Even if you’re regarded as the continent’s greatest swordsmanship prodigy, you’re still just 19. It’s been only a year since you became an adult, and now you’re about to lead the vast Adalbert family. Feeling burdened is entirely natural.”
“Haha…”
Martin chuckled awkwardly.
While he might appear to be 19, his life before the regression had lasted 25 years. Counting that, he was effectively 26.
Still, even that was a remarkably young age to lead the Adalbert family.
“Don’t worry too much about the Tenth Circle. I’ll do everything in my power to guide you there as quickly as possible.”
“You mean to intensify my training?”
“When the sole descendant of the family is in danger, how can their ancestors sit idly by? And if push comes to shove, there’s always my trump card.”
“A trump card? What do you mean?”
“You don’t need to know that just yet. Anyway, isn’t it about time for you to head out?”
“You’re right. Then, I’ll be off.”
“Go on. And congratulations again on becoming the family head.”
“Thank you.”
Martin took back the Clariel Arelia handed to him, sheathed it in the scabbard personally crafted by Alexandre, the elder of Ranens Village, and left the Tyrant’s Chamber.
The next time he stepped into this place, it would no longer be as a young master or acting head—but as the true head of the family.
***
The Adalbert Estate, though called an estate, was vast enough to rival the palace of a kingdom.
It boasted numerous buildings and facilities, including a sacred altar.
Ordinarily, even the family head couldn’t easily access the altar, but today was different.
Citizens from the north, as well as visitors from other regions and countries, had gathered to witness the ascension of the new head.
‘So, it’s really happening.’
Sien watched Martin from the end of the path leading to the altar.
Dressed in ceremonial robes meant for the family head and with the sacred sword Clariel at his side, Martin radiated authority.
He looked every bit like someone destined to rule from birth.
But to Sien, the sight held a deeper, more personal significance.
She had seen her young master endure unimaginable hardships from a young age.
She had tried her best to comfort him, but mere words couldn’t heal the wounds he had suffered.
‘Especially last year, right after the former head passed away. That was truly terrible.’
Despite being the only direct descendant of the Adalbert family, Martin had been mocked and scorned for failing to awaken his unique ability.
Even worse, the branch family heads and elders, who should have protected him, had been the worst offenders.
Under the pretext of giving him “one last chance,” they had forced him into grueling training right after the former head’s funeral.
It was clear to everyone that their true intent had been to crush Martin’s last hopes.
‘But that marked the beginning of his turnaround.’
By awakening his unique ability, Martin had proven himself worthy of becoming the family head.
And in just one year, he had reached the Ninth Circle.
If this wasn’t a miracle, then what was?
Clench.
Sien tightly clenched her fists.
“I must push myself even harder.”
Though Martin had finally ascended as the head of the Adalbert family, every member of the family understood one truth:
This was not the end—it was the beginning.
The civil war between the imperial family, the Ferdinand family, and the Klaus family was intensifying by the day.
While the Klaus family had leveraged the strengths of its mages to hold its ground, in terms of sheer power, the imperial and Ferdinand alliance remained dominant.
The moment that alliance emerged victorious, it would inevitably bare its fangs at the Adalbert family.
The Klaus family would be no different.
If they secured victory with sufficient forces remaining, who could guarantee they would settle for mere independence?
What lay ahead was a conflict far greater than anything thus far.
To support Martin in that fight, Sien knew she had to become much stronger.
Resolving herself, she stared intently at her young master.
“You’ve chosen the right side, Wilhelm. And luck’s on your side, too. After all, you get to witness the birth of a new chapter in history,” Vincent said with a teasing grin, clapping Wilhelm on the shoulder.
Wilhelm chuckled bitterly and nodded.
In the past, he had been complicit, even if only indirectly, in the oppression of Martin.
While he hadn’t crossed any lines, there had been moments when he’d come perilously close to losing everything.
Even now, he occasionally woke in the middle of the night, haunted by nightmares, his spine tingling with fear.
“Well, I guess I should count myself lucky. At least I’m not alone in this.”
Wilhelm glanced toward Elder Aren and Elder Oriana, who sat nearby.
Both had similarly oppressed Martin and, like Wilhelm, had ended up with metaphorical leashes around their necks.
Knowing he wasn’t the only one who’d been reduced to such a state offered Wilhelm some small comfort.
His words prompted bitter smiles from both elders.
In contrast, Christian, who had been appointed as an elder earlier that year, merely shrugged.
Adel, sitting next to him, showed no visible reaction either.
***
Dong! Dong!
The tolling of the ceremonial bell marking midday reverberated loudly.
Everyone straightened their postures, focusing all their senses on Martin’s movements.
But Martin wasn’t paying attention to them.
“I’ve finally made it here.”
He looked only at the path before him and the altar towering at its end.
Before his regression, he had struggled desperately to reach this point.
Yet, despite his efforts, his attempts had been in vain. In the end, he had been forced to watch as the Gustin family’s banner was raised in this place.
“At least I’ve stopped history from repeating itself.”
This time, he had personally put an end to the tragedy of the past.
That alone made everything worthwhile.
Step. Step.
Martin walked forward confidently, climbing the steps of the altar.
Once he reached the top, he turned to face the crowd below.
“Countless nations and families have left their marks on the history of the Cracian Continent, yet most disappeared in less than a century.”
Even among the five major nations of the continent, many dynasties had risen and fallen.
The reason was simple: they had failed to produce a Tenth Circle Absolute.
“But our Adalbert family is different. A thousand years. A length of time incomprehensible to the human mind—and yet, the Adalbert family has endured. The greatest family on the continent—that is who we are.”
“Hooray for the Adalbert family!”
“Glory to the Adalbert family!”
The crowd erupted into cheers as soon as Martin’s speech ended.
Swish.
The sacred sword Clariel was drawn from his waist. Martin raised it high, and golden radiance erupted from the blade, illuminating the surroundings.
The brilliance of the sight silenced the crowd in awe.
“The Sacred Sword Clariel. A blade born to replace Crassion, which protected us for a thousand years and has now completed its role. This sword will stand as the symbol of the Adalbert family.”
Whoooom.
As Martin spoke, the golden radiance took the shape of a massive dragon. Its presence was overwhelming, awe-inspiring.
“I swear upon this new sacred sword. I will do my utmost to protect the citizens of the north. I will dedicate my body and soul to ensuring the continued glory of the north. So do not fear the future, for I will stand with you until the very end!”
“Roar!”
The golden dragon let out a thunderous cry.
“Long live Martin von Adalbert!”
“We will stand with you forever!”
Hearing the dragon’s roar, every member of the Adalbert family and the northern citizens felt the same sensation.
It was as if their very souls were trembling with exhilaration, a wave of euphoria engulfing their entire beings.
“Now that I’ve come this far, there’s no turning back.”
As he looked upon the crowd, cheering and crying out his name, Martin solidified his resolve.
He would build a new empire and usher in a new era.
“Anyone who stands in my way is an enemy.”
And he would strike down all who dared obstruct his path to the summit.