CHAPTER 79: FORGED BY HEAVEN

Just as Nolan turned to leave, Celia suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand. He paused, looking back at her in surprise.

"Master... I want to tell you something," Celia said, her eyes flickering with hesitation.

"What is it?" Nolan asked gently. "You can speak freely."

Celia lowered her gaze, then raised it again with quiet determination. "I want to ask you... when we return from the Empire, if I do well—if I defeat my opponents and prove myself—would you grant me anything I want as a reward?"

Nolan studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. "As long as it’s within my capability, I will. But I’m busy right now, Celia. We’ll continue this discussion later."

Her hand slipped from his as she gave a small bow of acknowledgment. "Okay, Master," she said softly.

Without another word, Nolan turned and stepped out of the mansion, the heavy doors closing behind him.

Has he reached,

Nolan stepped into the Adventurers’ Guild, his presence drawing quick glances from the busy hall. He lifted a hand in greeting to Ella at the front desk, and she returned the wave with a warm smile. Without lingering, he moved deeper inside, straight toward the Guildmaster’s office.

"Back so soon?" Guildmaster Lucan said as Nolan entered. His sharp eyes studied him carefully. "How was it?"

Nolan spoke quickly. "Well... I don’t even know what to say. But I didn’t spare the Goblin King."

Lucan leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. "I see. But why? I told you to try not to take him out."

Nolan’s jaw tightened. "Because he raided a village. A small one. He killed most of the men there, slaughtered them without mercy. And the women... he didn’t just capture them. He violated them. Did disgusting things—without their consent. I couldn’t let him live."

The Guildmaster nodded slowly, sighing. "I understand. That justifies your anger. It’s fine, Nolan. I’m glad you did it. Did you at least bring the core? He should’ve had one."

"Yes," Nolan said. He reached into his coat, drew out a red, glowing saco core, and slid it across the desk.

Lucan’s eyes lit up as he examined it. "Yes... this is it. You actually did it. This core alone is worth about three million gold coins. And not only that..." His lips curved into a grin. "There’s also a bounty reward for slaying the Goblin King."

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "And how much is that? Since I completed the quest."

"Ten million gold coins," Lucan said firmly.

Nolan blinked, then smirked. "Wow. That means you’re going to hand me thirteen million gold coins in total."

"Yes," the Guildmaster confirmed with a chuckle.

Nolan leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief. How can money come this easily? This world is so damn generous compared to mine. If I keep going like this, I’ll never have to worry about money for the rest of my life. Maybe... I should even start a business.

"The goblins—don’t worry about them," Nolan added aloud. "They’ve been dealt with as well."

"Good," Lucan said. "You did a fine job. The Goblin King was the true threat. Eliminating him was the most important part."

Nolan’s lips twitched into a faint smile. Actually, that’s not the whole truth. I didn’t kill the rest of the goblins. I tamed them. Every single one of them now answers to me. With me as their master, they’ll never attack humans again.

He kept that thought to himself.

"So, are you ready to head to the Empire?" Lucan asked, leaning back in his chair. "I think you should be, by now."

"Yes, I am ready," Nolan replied, then paused. "But one more thing... do you know where I can get the best sword?"

Lucan raised an eyebrow. "Can’t you just use a regular one?"

Nolan shook his head. "Have you forgotten? Even if I use an ordinary blade, just by channeling my raw strength through it, it could bend or snap."

"Oh... right. Don’t mind me," Lucan chuckled. "I almost forgot how powerful you are."

"Exactly." Nolan crossed his arms. "That’s why I need something worthy."

Lucan thought for a moment, then nodded. "There’s a sword I know of. It’s built for slashing—sturdy, sharp, won’t break easily. But one warning: don’t channel your mana into it."

"I know," Nolan said. "I won’t. Not until the day I find a blade truly worthy—one that can endure my mana without shattering."

"Good." Lucan rose from his desk and crossed to the wall. From a stand carved in the shape of a swan, he carefully lifted a sheathed sword. He turned and offered it to Nolan.

"Take this. But when you’re done, return it to me. It once belonged to a close friend of mine after he retired from battle."

Nolan accepted the weapon with a respectful nod. "I will. Thank you."

"There are only two swords I know of," Lucan continued gravely, "that may stand a chance against your mana. Whether you could actually wield them, I don’t know."

"And what swords are those?" Nolan asked, his curiosity piqued.

"The first is the oldest and most famous—the sword wielded by the current Hero."

"And the second?"

Lucan’s tone softened. "The other belongs to a friend of mine. A warrior named Malric."

At that, Nolan’s lips curved into a small smile. "I haven’t told you this before, but I’ve actually met Malric. His sword truly is exceptional. Now that I think of it, it might just be capable of enduring my mana."

Lucan blinked in surprise. "So you actually met him? And all this time I’ve spoken of Malric, you never mentioned it?"

"Well, I didn’t see the need to," Nolan said lightly.

"Perhaps you’re right," Lucan admitted. "But you should know this—his sword isn’t ordinary. It’s one of the most powerful blades in existence. A dragon is sealed within it, and it was bestowed upon his demi-human warrior clan long ago. That sword is their pride, their legacy. And it wasn’t forged by any mortal hands. It was given to them by one of the greatest the Archangel Michael himself."