That was an extremely good performance by Zero, it was outstanding, and now I have an announcement, the emissary said, his voice carrying across the arena. We still have many participants who have yet to fight, but there is one thing I must say: those who have already proven themselves outstanding will not need to participate until one of the final stages, which will take place in three days. There are five of them. Ranking number five, Tharion. Number four, Zero. Number three, the Ice God, Asta. Number two, Kyrion. And ranking number one, Team Nolan. These individuals do not need to fight for now.
However, we are certain there are other strong participants. Over the next three days, the remaining competitors, 492 who have not yet fought, will be narrowed down to twenty. After that, these top five will participate and face the remaining twenty. They are free not to appear for the next three days if they wish.
And one more thing, the emissary continued, pausing for dramatic effect. On the third day, the champion of the last tournament, held thirty years ago, Luthar, will make an appearance. I cannot confirm if he will fight on that day; the final may happen on the fourth or fifth. These top participants may leave if they choose, while the rest will continue to fight.
Crowd, please, continue enjoying the tournament, he concluded, as applause erupted through the arena.
Wait, Luthar? He is finally going to appear. I have never seen him before. He can also transform to a werewolf too just like is brother Lucan? Well, let’s see. I’m ready, Nolan muttered to himself.
I just wanted to say something, master. Since they said we can leave, I think we should go, Lyra said.
No, we are staying. I want to watch, Nolan replied.
No, master, we have to, Lyra insisted.
You are actually disturbing me, Nolan said.
Without another word, Lyra grabbed Nolan and started dragging him along.
Hey, master, we have to! I am starving, she said.
Can’t you just go alone? Nolan asked. Follow current novᴇls on novｅlfire.net
No, that would be rude. I can’t leave a pretty lady all by herself, he said.
Hey, is that guy again? What is he doing with a kid? someone in the crowd whispered.
Watch your mouth. Don’t call me a kid again, Nolan snapped.
Lyra sighed. Looks like I’ll have to leave and come back in three days.
Nolan stood up, looking at Celia and Linda. Looks like we are leaving, he said.
Hey man, you are leaving already? someone asked.
Yeah, we are starving, Nolan replied. Do you want me to join you?
With that, Nolan led Lyra, Celia, and Linda out of the royal arena, leaving the crowd and the ongoing tournament behind.
As they walked back to the home where they were staying, they saw Cynthia drying clothes by the gate. She paused, setting the laundry down, and walked toward Nolan.
"Yes, we’re back," Nolan said.
She smiled warmly at them. "Wow, you’re already back? It’s getting late. You left early this morning, and in just two hours, the sun will set."
"Come in, come in. You all should come inside," Nolan ordered, gesturing toward the house.
Cynthia led the way as Nolan, Lyra, Celia, and Linda followed. "I knew you’d be back soon," she said, pointing at the table. "I made omelettes, bread, and eggs."
Then she noticed something missing. Her eyes searched the room. "Lyra isn’t here," she murmured.
Nolan glanced to his side. "Where’s Lyra ?"
They all turned forward just in time to see her rushing toward the food.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Linda exclaimed.
Before anyone could stop her, Nolan walked over and grabbed Lara by the ear.
"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" Lyra yelped. "Don’t you have any manners? You’ve lived all these years—how can you suddenly act like a big mouth? Like a dummy!"
Nolan chuckled, watching her, but didn’t let go.
With a mouth still half-full of food, Lyra shot back, "Well, you can’t blame me! The food is too tasty—I can’t resist. I just felt like I should keep eating!"
Finally letting go, Nolan and the others took their seats at the table. Together, they dug in, the warmth of the meal and home filling the air.
"Wow, this is so good," Nolan said, rushing to eat.
"Well, you can see why I can’t resist," Lyra said, smirking.
"Please, don’t talk while you’re eating. Try to learn some table manners," Cynthia scolded gently.
"Sorry, ma’am," Nolan replied sheepishly.
Celia and Linda laughed, and even Esmo chuckled, watching Nolan.
"But I didn’t get hurt, right? I hope nothing bad happened to you," Cynthia said as they finished their meal.
"You weren’t injured?" Nolan asked. "I wasn’t. I didn’t even use my sword," he added.
"Did Celia and Linda fight too?" Cynthia asked.
"Yes, only Linda did. But the next person will fight—Celia. It’s part of the rules in the game. Since we are a team, we can choose who goes, but I already fought. Now it’s their turn, and then Celia will go next," Nolan explained.
"Wow, just please, try not to get hurt," Cynthia said, worry in her voice.
"Yes, sure. And by the way, the walls are still broken," Nolan added casually.
"Yeah, I already told the guild master," Cynthia replied.
"He hasn’t done anything about it yet. Wait, give me a few minutes," Nolan said. He stood up, walked into his room, and came out with a pouch of cash, handing it to her.
"What is this?" Cynthia asked.
"It’s 200,000 gold coins. Repair the wall and keep the rest," Nolan said.
"200,000 gold coins? I possibly can do that..." Cynthia started, hesitating.
"No, no, no, no, no. It doesn’t cost that much. To repair this wall, even 1,000 gold coins would be more than enough. But 200,000... please, take it," she said firmly.
" keep it. I actually don’t need it. To be honest, I’ve already made plenty of money since I came here, and I’ll make even more—especially from the tournament reward if I win," Nolan explained.