Regressing as the Reincarnated Bastard of the Sword Clan

Chapter 246

“When did the Young Lord enter the forest again?”

“It’s been about five days.”

“And there’s been no news in the meantime?”

“None, sir.”

“Hm.”

The Black Dragon frowned slightly.

It had been five days since Theo led the vanguard to infiltrate the Naga Forest. The unease that they might simply remain on standby indefinitely gnawed at him.

During this time, Ragnar’s army had seized control of most strategic points surrounding the Naga Forest and erected iron fortifications. Behind those, they had even begun digging deep trenches.

The fortification efforts were meant to send a clear message to other factions: they would not yield even an inch.

Naturally, the other great families were quick to protest.

• “The Naga Forest isn’t Ragnar’s private property! How can you commit such outrageous acts?”

• “Runaway Mystics are not the property of any one group!”

• “Even the founding emperor’s laws state this explicitly! This is tyranny!”

In response, Ragnar acted under the pretense of stabilizing the chaos on behalf of the overstretched imperial family. Additionally, they claimed the chaos was caused by their own kin and therefore was their responsibility to resolve.

Though their high-handedness temporarily subdued opposition, coercion had its limits. Prolonged pressure would inevitably stir greater resistance.

The mounting fear that Ragnar might once again claim Mystics for themselves only strengthened the resolve of other factions to unite.

As a result, the Naga Forest’s perimeter had split into two camps: Ragnar on one side and the anti-Ragnar coalition on the other. The opposition primarily consisted of the Mage Tower, the Beastfolk Front, the Gentleman’s Union, and Mulligan, all of whom had suffered losses or lost contact with key units deployed to the area.

The tension between the two camps escalated daily. Over the last two days, there had been reports of skirmishes and minor clashes along the front lines.

Although the Black Dragon had issued strict orders to avoid reckless actions, he knew this tenuous standoff couldn’t last forever.

Retreating wasn’t an option either. They couldn’t afford to abandon their position until Theo and his team returned with news or results.

• “Do not, under any circumstances, allow them to breach the line. Doing so would only invite greater disaster.”

Theo’s last message lingered in the Black Dragon’s mind, weighing heavily on him.

“If only I’d joined the vanguard, this waiting wouldn’t be so infuriating.”

But Theo’s reasoning for leaving him behind held him back. Without the Black Dragon, there was no one to manage the vast army. If the Tyrant Dragon seized this opportunity to consolidate his power and make reckless moves, it could lead to catastrophic consequences.

“Even my elder brother’s intentions remain inscrutable.”

The Black Dragon shook his head. For now, he had no choice but to trust Theo and wait. He couldn’t imagine anything happening to the boy—Theo had a knack for succeeding in the most perilous situations.

But then—

“Emergency!”

“What’s going on?”

A messenger from the Unmoving Snow faction burst into the tent, drenched in sweat.

“Just now, a clash broke out between the Beastfolk Front and the Storm Sword Squad! There have been casualties!”

“What?”

Casualties meant this wasn’t a mere skirmish that could be brushed aside.

“I explicitly ordered everyone to hold their positions and not be provoked!”

“That’s not it, sir. The conflict started when the Beastfolk tried to force their way through our lines and were intercepted.”

“!!”

They had deliberately instigated the conflict.

While beastfolk were known for their primal instincts, they were far from mindless. For them to act so brazenly meant they must have had something up their sleeve.

The Black Dragon’s expression hardened.

“Head to Black Snow immediately and monitor the movements of the Mage Tower, the Gentleman’s Union, and Mulligan. Prepare for any contingencies. I’ll handle the conflict zone. Move!”

“Understood!”

The Black Dragon’s strides quickened, his breath growing heavier as he braced for what lay ahead.

***

Underwater City?

No, this isn’t the ocean—it’s a pond. Should I call it a Submerged City instead?

Far below his feet, deep in the abyss, lay countless buildings of varying sizes.

The city, once home to the Naga Tribe in the distant past, boasted a magnificence surpassing that of most human cities.

The grid-like streets, lined market stalls, outdoor tables and chairs, parks for strolling, and beautifully landscaped areas—everything remained preserved in its original form, as though the city had been submerged whole in an instant.

How could the Naga Tribe have built such a splendid civilization, only to face ruin?

The thought briefly crossed Theo’s mind, but he refocused, quickening his swimming pace to keep up with the Nagas moving far ahead.

Gaaaah!

The Nagas sang as they swam.

Hearing a song underwater might seem strange, but it truly was a song—a melody so enchanting it lingered sweetly in Theo’s ears.

What was even more remarkable, however, was the effect of the song.

“I’m not running out of breath.”

Despite having been underwater for quite some time, Theo’s lungs didn’t feel strained. In fact, the longer he stayed submerged, the more comfortable it became.

Even though he was swimming at a fast pace, which should have been exhausting, he felt refreshed, as if he were simply taking a leisurely stroll.

It almost felt as though he had become one of the Nagas.

"The song is the Naga Tribe's secret technique: Blessed Canticle,"

Wellington explained, suddenly swimming beside Theo with a grin.

"Is it the same song I heard when you rescued us?"

Theo asked.

It made sense now—Wellington’s extraordinary leap in combat prowess after that incident had always seemed too drastic. Clearly, the Naga Tribe’s assistance had played a role.

But then—

"Hmm?"

"What’s the matter?"

"Did you… hear that song?"

Wellington’s expression shifted, a peculiar look crossing his face. Theo tilted his head, puzzled.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, not at all. It’s actually a good thing. I just find it fascinating that someone besides me could hear the song."

Wellington chuckled, scratching the back of his head.

"There were rumors that someone besides the Naga Tribe's founder received the Guardian Dragon’s blessing. I suppose they were true."

"Is hearing the song really so unusual?"

"Unusual? It’s extremely rare. That song is part of the Naga Tribe’s essence. They use it to share their thoughts and feelings with one another, to empower each other, and to lend strength. It even allows them to share their breath and stamina, as you’re experiencing now. As long as the song continues, the Nagas are one."

"Hmm."

"But back then, I was part of the Naga Tribe. You weren’t. Nagas are highly exclusive—they open their hearts completely to their kin but are notoriously distrustful of outsiders. To anyone unable to hear the song, they show only wariness and hostility. The fact that you could hear it... well, it must be thanks to the Guardian Dragon’s blessing."

Wellington scratched his head again, laughing awkwardly.

"No wonder they were so welcoming when they first saw you. Ha!"

Theo reflected on the peculiar behavior of the Naga Tribe. Despite being considered a wise and ancient race, their mannerisms often came across as naive. They repeated themselves frequently, asked redundant questions, and sometimes seemed downright clumsy.

He had initially assumed it was simply because they were unaccustomed to human language.

But Wellington’s explanation revealed another layer of truth. For the Naga Tribe, “speech” itself was an awkward and unnatural concept.

They communicated entirely through their songs—sharing emotions, exchanging thoughts, and even casting magic through melodies.

It truly was remarkable.

“Songs…”

Theo’s gaze drifted back toward the Submerged City.

A city of a singing race.

A race whose guardian had imbued the waters with its mana.

The thought struck him: was it just his imagination, or did the lake ripple gently every time the Nagas sang?

***

"Over here."

After what felt like an eternity of swimming, Wellington suddenly gestured for the group to surface, taking the lead himself.

The party, who had been immersed in the emotional resonance of the Naga Tribe’s song like Theo, quickly snapped back to reality. They were now entering Hilda’s territory—a place where a single mistake could mean death.

"All clear. Come on up."

Wellington emerged first, cautiously scanning the area before signaling it was safe to follow. Theo and the others promptly broke the surface and climbed ashore.

Thud! Thud!

They took deep breaths, filling their lungs with the air above water. But the air felt strange.

It wasn’t just the long period spent underwater—it was the overwhelming stench of death saturating the atmosphere. The air itself was toxic.

Whirl!

Theo circulated his mana swiftly to purge the toxins from his system. When he noticed Ray and Hulcus struggling to adapt, he placed his hand on their backs, guiding their mana flow to help them acclimate.

"Phew…"

Once everyone had steadied themselves and prepared to move, the group turned back toward the water to bow in gratitude.

The Nagas, who had been peering out from just beneath the surface, blinked their large eyes a few times before sinking back into the depths. Their guidance had ended here. Although some of the Nagas had volunteered to accompany them further, Theo had politely declined, fearing they would only be hindered.

"All units, commence movement."

Theo took the lead, placing Wellington as their guide. He positioned himself, Kincarnon, and Lezé in the middle while others covered the rear. The group began moving quickly and efficiently.

"This area was originally protected by the Naga Tribe’s warding formations," Wellington explained as they advanced.

"The formations are designed to confuse perception. As long as we stick to the designated path, nothing will happen. However—"

Thud!

Suddenly, something dropped from a tree in front of Hulcus.

An undead creature resembling a monkey descended as if ready to pounce on Hulcus’ head. Instinctively, Hulcus reached for his sword, but Erica quickly grabbed his hand to stop him.

“Are you insane?!”

“S-sorry.”

Wellington glanced their way and let out a sigh of relief.

"As I mentioned earlier, do not touch anything. If you provoke them, they will 'perceive' us. If left undisturbed, they won’t react."

Just as Wellington said, the undead ape passed dangerously close to Hulcus’ head without attacking. Hulcus broke out in a cold sweat, his back drenched.

"Evelyn is likely being held somewhere nearby," Wellington said, pausing as they ascended a ridge.

From their vantage point, they could see a massive cavern in the distance. But what truly made them stop wasn’t the sight of the cave itself.

Gooooo!

An overwhelming aura of death swirled around the cavern like a raging storm.

The first thought that crossed Theo and his companions’ minds was clear:

Entering that place is certain death.