CHAPTER 51: MOONLIT

"I really appreciate it. But I’m going to feel bad if I don’t do anything for you. Where do you stay? Tell me. I really hate it."

"We live in the inn," Nolan answered.

"I really hate it... Oh my, that’s even much better. Why don’t I prepare something for you to eat?" Aria offered warmly.

"No, you don’t have to trouble yourself," Nolan said quickly.

"You’re such a gentleman. Thanks," Aria replied with a smile.

"Mom, no need to try and give them something, or make a meal for them. He’s stinkingly rich," Mira said.

"Hey, what are you saying? You can’t just go around telling people I’m rich," Nolan said, flustered.

"Well, I can. It’s just my mom," Mira said teasingly.

Everyone in the room, Celia, Linda, Lyra, and Aria, burst out laughing. Nolan and Mira couldn’t help but join in, and the room filled with warm laughter

After that, they all walked into the living area so Aria could get some rest. As they stepped out of the room, they quietly shut the door.

Mira bent her head toward Nolan. Thank you. I really appreciate it. Don’t worry, when you need something, anything from me, I’ll give it to you.

I already said there’s no need for that. Anyway, I’ll be in my room. If you need anything, you can call me, Nolan said as he walked away.

Finally, I feel like I need a nap. Now that I think about it, I’m actually tired. Good thing I ate. And the gift... Nolan thought.

Hey, from tomorrow, I’m going to be telling you the basic training you need to do, he muttered to himself. Okay, but for now, I’m sleepy.

He pushed open his door, removed the upper part of his suit, and tossed it aside before jumping onto the bed. Within moments, he drifted off into sleep.

It was already late when Linda and Celia slipped into the room. Quietly, they lay down beside him. Within seconds, they too were asleep.

Look at them... fragile, like children, Lyra whispered as she moved close to Nolan. She brushed her fingers lightly against his face, only to feel the faint shimmer of an invisible shield layered across his body, and over Linda and Celia as well.

She smiled softly. Good. He should never let his guard down. I should have expected that, but I didn’t.

Turning toward the window, she sighed. Well, let me go stay on the roof. From there, I’ll leave, to meet the second Dragon King, the one which wasn’t sealed.

With that, Lyra opened the window. Winds unfurled from her back as her wings spread wide. She leapt gracefully into the night, landing on the roof, her eyes fixed on the pale silver moon above.

Well, I already looked at the moon enough, remembering how it feels to be outside the dungeon, the cold air, the breeze. Before, about three hundred years ago, when most deities left, I was able to transform into you and most other behemoths, but it was sealed. The king, the god, sealed us, taking that specific power, and placed most of us in different dungeons and locations. That was why I couldn’t come, but now I’m human again. Let me go see the dragon. Behemoth and dragons are enemies, so they might be a clash between us, but that would be fun, Lyra said as she stood up, then flew away.

The following morning, Nolan yawned as he woke up. This was one of the best sleeps I’ve ever had, he muttered. Then he turned to his side and saw Celia. He turned to his other side and saw Linda. He shouted and quickly sat up, breathing fast.

I can’t believe I slept in the middle of the bed like that. This was the first time I actually slept without being half awake, Nolan whispered.

What’s that noise, Celia said, rubbing her eyes as she woke. Oh, master, good morning.

Good morning, Nolan replied.

Linda also woke, blinking. Master, is anything wrong, she asked.

No, nothing, Nolan answered.

Good morning, master, Linda said softly.

Good morning, Nolan replied, his face still bright red.

Where’s Lyra? It looks like she isn’t here. Nolan looked around. Wait, where is she? he asked.

Then Lyra suddenly leapt in through the window. I’m here, she said.

Hey, where did you go? Nolan asked.

That’s actually a secret, Lyra replied with a small smile. Anyway, you should all get ready. Today you’re going to train with the Guild Master.

Yes, fine, we’ll do that as fast as we can, Celia said eagerly.

Are you ready for your training, Nolan, Lyra asked.

What type of training am I going to be doing, Nolan asked.

Check your status window, Lyra told him.

Nolan opened his status and frowned. My level is still only level two. I’m still at level two, he said, frustrated. He closed the window with a sigh. What do you think I should do to get stronger?

You will get stronger, Lyra assured him. But first, there’s one thing you’re going to need. For now you can build your strength and magic, but you will need a sword. I already told you before, a sword is a very important factor in your SSS-rank ability. With it, you’ll be able to unlock Holy Knight, or even Heaven Knight. Without a sword, you won’t be able to reach that level.

How are you going to guide me to get stronger? I want to know, Nolan said.

I’m going to tell you about your power, Lyra replied calmly. You need to understand what you are truly capable of.

Nolan’s eyes narrowed with curiosity. What do you mean?

Your strength isn’t just in your body, Lyra said. It’s in the gift you carry. You haven’t even touched the surface of what it can do. Once you learn how to control it, you’ll realize that your limits are far beyond what you think they are.

"fair point. Let’s begin," Nolan said.