CHAPTER 87: BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

"It’s also our first time," Celia and Linda said almost in unison, their eyes sparkling.

"Wow... hot spring," Nolan whispered, leaning back in his chair as if savoring the words. Then, a wide grin spread across his face. "

So I’m finally going to enter a hot spring. Back in my world, whenever I read manga, there was always a Chapter where the characters went to the hot spring. Even in games, sometimes the hero takes a break with his companions at one. And now... I get to do the same."

He clenched his fist, eyes gleaming with childlike excitement. "Finally, I’m also going to experience it. This is like a dream come true. I can’t wait."

Celia giggled, leaning closer. "Master, you’re really excited."

Linda nodded. "It feels like you’ve been waiting for this your whole life."

Lyra smirked, tilting her head. "Just don’t embarrass yourself in front of everyone when you finally get in."

"Embarrass myself? No way," Nolan said, puffing his chest before realizing what she meant. His face turned bright red again. "W-wait, you don’t mean we’re all going in at the same time, do you?"

Cynthia only smiled mysteriously, her tail swishing.

After the introductions, Cynthia guided each of them to their rooms, showing them around the house with quiet patience. One by one, she pointed out the doors and left them to settle in.

Nolan stepped into his room last. The moment he closed the door behind him, he threw himself onto the bed with a long sigh.

"Ah... finally. Somewhere to stay," he murmured, sinking into the mattress. For a moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting the quiet settle around him.

Do I need to train right now? he wondered. For this tournament... I don’t really know. But at the very least, I should try to sharpen my ability. My time ability...

His brow furrowed.

Time manipulation. I still don’t fully understand how to wield it. But if I ever reach level 100, then... maybe I’ll finally be able to bring out its true form. That would be my highest-rank ability. And when that happens, I’ll have to take on a certain form to use it.

He turned his head to the side, frowning slightly.

But what am I, really? I’m not a deity... maybe something lesser. But even so... this power is mine. And I have to master it.

Rolling over, Nolan reached for the sword leaning against the wall beside his bed. He slid it from its sheath, letting the steel catch the dim light.

"This sword..." he whispered, holding it up. "It’s strong... but still not even close to Malric’s blade."

His fingers tightened around the hilt as he stared at the weapon.

If I pour too much mana into it, the sword might shatter. But at least it’ll give me a decent fight tomorrow.

He lowered the blade across his chest, his eyes softening.

I still haven’t learned how to fully use it. The best fight I’ve ever had... was with Malric. Back when he trained me. When he pushed me to use my abilities properly. That fight... it still burns in my memory.

A small smile tugged at his lips. He set the sword aside carefully and lay back down, gazing at the ceiling.

When I first came to this world... who would’ve thought I’d come this far?

For a long while, he just lay there, lost in thought, the weight of past battles and future trials pressing lightly on his chest.

A knock came at the door, pulling Nolan from his thoughts.

"Come in," he called.

The door creaked open, and Lyra stepped inside, her golden eyes calm but serious. She leaned against the frame for a moment before speaking.

"Hey. Are you sure you want Celia and Linda to participate in the tournament?" she asked, her tone edged with concern.

Nolan sat up on the bed, resting his sword across his knees. "Really? I’m not entirely sure... If they’re truly in danger, I’ll step in. I’ll protect them."

Lyra shook her head, her expression tightening. "No—you won’t be able to do that. It won’t be possible."

Nolan frowned. "What do you mean?"

She stepped closer, folding her arms. "The rules of the tournament forbid outside interference. Once the battle begins, you cannot step in—not until it’s over. If you do, you’ll be disqualified immediately. Anyone who interferes gets removed from the tournament. No exceptions."

Nolan blinked, his hands curling into fists on the sword hilt. "What? How do you even know that? We only just arrived here."

"Well, well," Lyra said, her tone calm but firm. "I’ve been in the dungeon as a behemoth for so long, and I know more than you think. This isn’t the first time the tournament has been held. And yes—those are the rules. No interference, no outside help."

Nolan exhaled heavily. "I didn’t realize that... I already told Celia and Linda they were going to participate. If I back down now, they’ll feel betrayed. They’ve put so much effort into their training—they even defeated a hydra together. I can’t just take that from them."

Lyra’s gaze softened slightly, though her voice stayed steady. "Then let them fight. But remove the crystals you placed on them. If those protective crystals activate during the tournament, it will break the rules. Not only will Celia and Linda be disqualified... but so will you."

Nolan’s jaw tightened. "Why would I remove them? What if they get injured? The crystals could shield them—save their lives."

"I understand," Lyra replied. "But the rules are absolute. If they trigger even once, the officials will know. And that would cost all of you."

Nolan leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "You just told me this now, and I honestly don’t know what to do. I don’t want them hurt... but I don’t want them out, either."

Lyra stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his. "They’re stronger than you think. They’ve been growing, fighting, learning. You should trust them, Nolan. Worrying too much will only hold them back. Sometimes, letting go is part of helping them stand on their own."