It looks like we got a present from someone, Lyra said.
I felt some presence but I didn’t notice them until now, Nolan replied, still scanning the area.
From the shadows, seven men emerged. Their faces were covered in black cloth, only their eyes visible. Each carried a sword.
Nolan stood still as the first one rushed in, swinging for his neck. The blade whistled past when Nolan leaned back just in time.
They’re not just here to fight, Nolan muttered. They’re here to kill me.
He leapt into the air, twisting, and kicked the man in the head. The attacker dropped instantly.
Two more came at him. Nolan raised both hands and caught their blades between his fingers, one sword in each hand.
What? one of them gasped. He’s holding my blade with just two fingers.
Before they could react, Nolan tossed the swords upward, then drove his fists into their chests. Both were sent flying and crashed to the ground, unconscious.
Forward, their leader shouted. The remaining men charged with their swords raised.
But Nolan vanished. In the next instant, he was behind them. He tapped one on the shoulder. The man turned in shock only to take a crushing punch to the face. Nolan struck the next two just as swiftly, knocking them down before they could blink.
The last attacker stood back, chanting. He was a mage.
Oh fire, descend from the abyss and burn my enemy.
A wave of flame erupted, roaring toward Nolan. He didn’t flinch. At the very last moment, Nolan blurred forward, seizing the mage and shoving him in front of his own spell.
The mage’s eyes widened. What? I just cast this. Why am I—
The flames swallowed him before he could finish, burning across his back. He screamed and tried to run, but the fire consumed him.
Lyra stepped forward, raising her hand. Water magic cascaded over the mage, extinguishing the flames.
That was the last one, Nolan said.
This one is still conscious. I already stopped the fire, Lyra said as Nolan walked toward the man.
Ah... that was so hot... so hot, the man muttered.
Nolan pulled away the scarf covering his face. Who are you? Nolan demanded.
Searching his pocket, he found a card. An adventurer card. His name is Ronan. Rank A. And just registered this week, Nolan said.
They weren’t weak for sure, Lyra added. They weren’t amateurs in fighting. But compared to your power, they looked like amateurs.
Who are you? Ronan stammered. You’re no ordinary man. You’re a monster.
Nolan grabbed him by the collar and lifted him slightly. Bastard. No one gave you the right to say anything. This is my house now. How did you know I was about to buy it? Who sent you and the others?
Lyra stepped to the others and pulled out their cards. Even the rest are Rank A adventurers, she said.
Nolan’s eyes narrowed. Rank A adventurers... and they were sent here to kill me. But why? I’ve only just come into this city. I don’t have many enemies yet.
Interrogate him more, Lyra urged.
Nolan leaned closer, his voice sharp. If you don’t talk, I promise I’ll kill you. You tried to kill me, so I won’t hesitate to be worse than you.
Ronan’s eyes widened. You’re not Rank E. I thought you were E-rank—that’s the only reason I accepted this job. If I’d known, I never would have come. You’re not even human. No normal man moves the way you do. You’re a monster.
Fire suddenly flared around Nolan’s hand, heat washing over Ronan’s face. If you don’t answer me, I’ll burn you alive, Nolan said, his eyes burning with fury.
Ronan’s breathing quickened. I—I don’t know his name! A strange-looking man came to us. He offered a large sum of money to take this job.
Who is he? Nolan demanded.
I don’t know, Ronan stammered. I swear! He just told us where you’d be, that we should strike the moment you stepped into the house. That’s all I know!
Nolan’s grip tightened on his collar. Are you lying to me? How dare you lie to me.
No! I swear, I’m not lying! Ronan gasped. Look—just look at my men. He told us you’d be easy.
Nolan’s fist hovered inches from his face. Easy? Look at your comrades. Most of their teeth are scattered on the ground. If I hit you, yours will be too.
Lyra stepped forward, her gaze steady. He’s telling the truth. I can feel it. He really doesn’t know who gave him the job.
"If you say so, then he truly doesn’t know who gave him the job," Nolan said.
"Yeah, I can sense he’s not lying. But something isn’t right. You have to make sure you don’t let your guard down," Lyra replied.
I’ll make sure of that, Nolan replied. Still... I don’t know who to suspect. I don’t have enemies, not here. And only a few people knew I was planning to buy a house. Could it be Lucan? I’m not sure. Or maybe the man who gave me the key? I can’t say for certain. But I know one thing, I won’t let my guard down.
So what are you going to do about these people lying here? Lyra asked.
Nolan looked over the unconscious adventurers. I don’t know. Maybe I should take them to the guild. Let the Guildmaster handle it. They’ll be restrained, questioned, maybe even exposed for who they really are. For all I know, they might be a well-known party hiding behind mask.
"Yeah, that much is for sure. But whoever sent them isn’t going to be easy to find," Lyra said.
"I just hope this doesn’t involve Celia or Linda," Nolan replied.
"There’s a chance they might attack them," Lyra warned.
"If it comes to that, then no matter who it is, I’ll make sure they die by my hand," Nolan said angrily.
"It’s better we go check on them now, just to be sure they’re safe," Lyra said.