After they finished cooking, it was Lyra who took care of the dishes. The others showed her how to wash them properly while they carried the food into the living room. The meal was set neatly on the table, and Linda placed a plate in front of Nolan.

"Master, this is yours," she said.

"Wow, omelette. I'm sure it's going to be tasty," Nolan replied with a small smile.

Lyra soon joined them with her own plate, and the group gathered around the table. They sat together, and for once, they all ate at the same time, sharing the simple warmth of a home-cooked meal.

"Wow, this is actually really good," Nolan said as he ate.

"Yeah, it is," Lyra replied.

"We tried and prepared it to your liking," Linda added with a smile.

"Thank you," Nolan said warmly.

They kept eating, and when they were finished, they all joined hands and said together, "Thanks for the meal."

Nolan leaned back slightly. "Now, I wanted to speak with you all about something."

"What is it, Master? Is something wrong?" Lyra asked.

"Yes, you've seemed a little worried," Celia added.

"It's about Cora and Sela," Nolan said seriously. "Facing them won't be easy. I want you all to train your stamina. After I get some rest, I'll be heading to the Adventurer's Guild to see Lucan. In the meantime, focus on increasing your stamina and avoiding fatigue during battles. Fatigue is one of the worst weaknesses in a fight."

He paused, then continued. "I'm sure you'll be able to slay any monster they summon. But remember—if you cut off their hand, they could reattach it. They rely on forbidden techniques like the Life-Consuming Art, which is dangerous."

"Okay, Master, don't worry," Celia said with confidence. "We're strong. Believe in us."

"Yes," Linda agreed. "We'll be fine."

Nolan gave a faint smile. "That's what I'd like to do. I'm just reminding you."

"I'll be taking my leave, but before that, I'm going to place a seal and a barrier around the house," Nolan said firmly. "No one will be able to get in unless you choose to leave. I don't want to risk that person who tried to kill me before. The last time, he sent several A-rank adventurers to attack me, and I won't allow you all to be caught in that situation again. So please, stay inside the barrier. You can do your training in the yard. I won't be gone long."

Nolan stood up from his seat.

"Master, do you want more food?" Celia asked hopefully.

"No, I'm full already. I'll be taking my leave," Nolan replied.

"Okay, Master," Linda said with a nod.

Nolan walked out of the house. Raising his hand, he summoned the protective barrier, wrapping it around the entire property so that no one would be able to enter. With the seal complete, he turned and headed toward the Adventurer's Guild.

After a few minutes of walking, Nolan finally reached the Adventurer's Gate. Pushing the doors open, he stepped inside. At the receptionist's desk, Ella's eyes widened in surprise the moment she saw him.

"Nolan! I'm glad to see you. Did you lose? Or did you win?" she asked eagerly.

"No," Nolan replied calmly. "The King has postponed the match for a week, so I'll be staying in Sindra until then."

"Oh, I knew you couldn't lose," Ella said with a smile. "But I was wondering why you came back so early."

"Where's the Gate Master?" Nolan asked.

"He's in his office. You can go right in," Ella answered, gesturing toward the door.

Nolan nodded in acknowledgment and walked toward the office, pushing the door open.

"It seems you're back," Lucan said as Nolan stepped into the office.

"Yes, I am," Nolan replied.

"But why so early? Did something go wrong?" Lucan asked, taking a slow sip from the glass of coffee on his desk before fixing his gaze on Nolan.

"No. The match was postponed—it's only a week away. So I decided to return to Sindra in the meantime," Nolan explained.

"Oh, I see. That makes sense," Lucan said, leaning back slightly. "So, why have you come to see me?"

"I wanted to ask you something," Nolan said seriously. "Has anyone complained about me? Or said I offended them? Earlier today, when I arrived home, I felt a faint presence in the yard. It wasn't ordinary—it felt like an A-rank, maybe even an S-rank, had been trespassing."

Lucan's brows furrowed. "What? I didn't know about that. I only send a gardener now and then, just to keep the place clean. But an adventurer trespassing? That's news to me."

"Yes, someone was there," Nolan said firmly. "And I want to know if anyone has a reason to target me—if someone wants me gone."

"To be honest, it's possible," Lucan admitted after a pause. "Ever since the day you defeated Garrick, people have been talking. Different complaints have been coming in about you."

"What? Garrick?" Nolan frowned. "Why would they complain about that?"

"Well," Lucan said carefully, setting his cup down, "even though Garrick bullied new adventurers, he was still seen as a sort of public figure. He promoted certain merchants, advertised their swords and armor. When you defeated him, it hurt their reputation—and their pockets. Those merchants are angry. That's why the complaints started."

"But do you think those people would go so far as to try to kill me over this? Garrick doesn't seem to have a problem with me — since that day he's shown me respect. Who would dare?" Nolan asked.

Lucan folded his hands and shook his head. "To be honest, people will do anything for money. Hiring muscle or worse isn't out of the question for those merchants. Killing you wouldn't be beyond them. I just don't have proof they're behind this—yet."

Nolan stared for a long moment. "If they did cross that line, why wouldn't they at least make a threat? Why be so covert?"

"Because if they have the means to hire someone good, they don't need threats. Quiet removes witnesses and complications," Lucan said grimly. "We'll investigate quietly. I'll send a few reliable people to check your yard and the surrounding roads. If anyone's been snooping or planting traps, we'll find them."

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