CHAPTER 58: EMPIRE

"Just climb onto their backs, they’ll do the riding," Nolan said to Celia.

Celia nodded. Then Nolan climbed onto the back of the largest Wyvern, the King Wyvern. He stretched his hand down to Linda.

"Give me your hand," Nolan said.

Linda held his hand, and he pulled her up. She sat in front, while Nolan sat behind her.

"Fly," Nolan commanded.

The Wyvern beat its massive wings and took off, soaring into the sky.

"Wow, this is so beautiful," Celia said as they rose higher, passing through the clouds.

"I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as this," Linda added, her eyes wide with wonder.

Nolan smiled. "I hope you’re having fun."

Linda nodded, too mesmerized by the view to answer properly. Celia, meanwhile, stood confidently on the back of her own Wyvern. She didn’t seem impressed by the scenery, she was used to the skies, but instead watched Linda and Nolan enjoying themselves, smiling faintly.

After a few hours of flying, the Wyverns descended back into the white garden. Everyone climbed down as the King Wyvern settled gracefully onto the ground.

That was when the large gate creaked open, and Lucan stepped in. His eyes widened.

"What is going on here? What’s this? A King Wyvern and other Wyverns too?" Lucan said, stunned.

Nolan narrowed his eyes. "How did you manage to get in? I put up a barrier that was supposed to stop anyone from entering."

Lucan smirked. "No, you didn’t put a barrier to stop people. You put a barrier that alerts you when someone comes in, so you can slay them if they mean you harm."

Celia leaned close to Linda and whispered, "Is someone trying to kill Master?"

"I don’t know," Linda whispered back.

Nolan’s expression sharpened. "How do you know that? Are you the one trying to kill me? If it’s you, speak now, I’ll be ready to slay you."

Lucan laughed and raised his hands. "No, no, I’m joking. Really. I’m not the one. I only came back to tell you the night has been handed over. I was just shocked to see Wyverns here. Did you tame them?"

"Yes, I did," Nolan replied.

Lucan shook his head with a grin. "Well, it’s not surprising. For you, doing the impossible has become normal. I’ve accepted that."

"What’s going on? Is there anything you would like to tell me? Speak," Nolan pressed.

Lucan only laughed again.

"No need to be so worried around him. He’s someone you can trust. I’ve read him. Right now, he’s just having fun with his words. But he’s not the one trying to kill you. He doesn’t even have a shred of hatred toward you," Lyra said.

Nolan shifted slightly closer to her, then gave a small nod.

"The hero who was summoned in the Church of Sindra will eventually be sent to the Empire," Lucan said.

Nolan’s thoughts darkened. the Church is the reason I was summoned was only because I was caught up in the ritual when they were summoning the hero. Mine was a mistake. The real chosen one from my world is named Davin Baldric.

He lifted his gaze back to Lucan. "Then why does this concern me?"

"No one knows the hero’s real strength. That’s why I believe the Empire is a place you should go," Lucan replied calmly.

"Well, you still haven’t answered my question," Nolan pressed.

Lucan’s expression grew more serious. "This hero, Davin Baldric, is cocky. No one knows his true power, and not just that, he’s arrogant. That’s why I want you to also go to the Empire. Not with him, but for your own reasons."

Nolan frowned. "Okay. And why should I go to the Empire?"

"There’s a tournament," Lucan explained. "Powerful adventurers from everywhere will gather to fight for the chance to become one of the hero’s companions. And companions aren’t just that. There’s also a reward of one hundred million gold coins. The hero himself will be present, watching with the king of the empire. Prince Alaric, the prince of Sindra, and his father, the king, will also be there. That’s why I think you should go."

Nolan was silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "If I go there, it will cost me my peace. People will know me, and I don’t want that. As for being the hero’s companion, I’ll decline immediately. But the hundred million gold coins. One thing I’ve learned is to never say no to money. Still, if the king notices me, I don’t like that one bit."

He sank into thought.

"You are really lost in thought. I know you love money. No one would ever decline that much money. And you are the one who can do this since you are strong. You have the opportunity to become the hero’s companion. You can think it over. Say it with a smile," Lucan said.

Nolan turned his back. "I was about to leave... wait. I have made up my mind. I decline. I don’t want to go. I will shine one day, I know that. But I don’t want to be known by people. Who knows, they may come after Linda, Celia, or even Lyra."

"You are... no, what are you saying? You have to do this. Nolan, look and say it," Lucan urged.

"No, I’m not. Tell me the reason. A hundred million gold coins is a lot of money, but I’m rich. I’ve made enough from adventuring, fighting monsters, and selling their cores. I don’t need that. I know you have your own reason for wanting me to go, but you won’t tell me. If you do, and I see it’s a very good reason, then I might just accept to go to the Empire," Nolan said.

His face darkened, his mood shifting. "I haven’t told anyone this before. Okay after me and my comrades defeated the Demon King, the previous hero ended up dead he was the one who sealed the demon king, we held a funeral for him. At that time, my strength had diminished. I wasn’t as strong as I used to be. I had a brother named Luthar..."