"Well, I think there's no need for you to do that anymore," Nolan said. "Don't investigate quietly. It won't be like that this time. I'll take matters into my own hands. What if they hurt Celia or Linda or Lyra? I'm going to make them regret ever thinking about taking me out."

Lucan's eyes narrowed. "What do you plan to do? Will you fire them? And how, do you need me to tell you who the merchants are, who your suspects are?"

"No," Nolan said. "Keep all that to yourself. I'm sure they'll strike again tonight. They don't know I'm back, but if they come, I'll deal with them. They'll tell me where their boss is, and then I'll strike."

"Why are you so sure, son?" Lucan asked. "I know you're capable, but please, try not to kill anyone."

"I don't like the thought of killing either," Nolan admitted. "There are people who don't deserve to live, but if it's only me they want to hurt, I can take it. Women shouldn't have to. If those people ever hurt Celia or Linda or any woman, I promise I won't spare them. Even if it means taking their life."

A dark aura rolled off Nolan as he spoke. The air in the office seemed to press inward; Lucan found himself short of breath. He'd known Nolan was powerful, but now an intense pressure pressed down on him, like gravity pushing him toward the floor. He could barely breathe as he stared at Nolan, who stood furious and focused.

Everything trembled. The table shook, the windows rattled, and the whole building felt like it was being rocked by an earthquake. Eladine ran into the office and, from the doorway, called out, "Sir Nolan, Sir Nolan, please calm down!"

Nolan blinked and the tension drained from him. "Oh! Sorry," he said as the energy around him faded. The table and everything else stilled. Lucan finally caught his breath. "It looked like you were truly angry," he said.

"I didn't mean to," Nolan apologized. "I'm sorry."

Lucan nodded. "It shows how much you care for Celia and Linda. But why so much? You told me you killed the Goblin King. Was that because of what he did to women? If it had been a man, would you have done the same?"

Nolan shuffled, his expression quiet. "If it had been a man, I would not have killed him. I'm not saying I hate men, but I wouldn't have killed him. I would have beaten him. A woman is different for me. That's all."

Lucan pressed, "That is a strong stance. Is it because of a trauma?"

Nolan looked down and closed his eyes. In my old life I watched the news a lot. One night I saw my neighbour from my window—he shot his wife. I couldn't do anything. All I did was call the police, lock my door, and try to calm myself. I was weak then, fragile. In this world I promised myself I would never stand by and watch a woman suffer like that again. From that day my mindset changed. He opened his eyes and forced a small, steadying breath.

"So, Nolan… I hope I didn't say anything wrong," Lucan said.

"No, you didn't," Nolan replied. "Or maybe you're right. It might be trauma… but I can't explain that. I'll be taking my leave."

Nolan stood, and Lucan rose with him. The two clasped hands firmly.

"Thank you for coming to see me when you returned," Lucan said. "I hope the hospitality the other Guild Master gave you in the Empire was good."

"Yes, it was," Nolan answered. "The Guild Master there is very kind, so I had no problems."

Lucan nodded, then turned and walked out of the Adventurer's Guild office.

Nolan lingered for a moment, glancing around. Oh dear… I didn't even notice. It was as if the whole building was shaking. Even the windows rattled when I got angry. But that doesn't matter. I should just head back.

With that thought, Nolan left the guild and started toward his home.

As Nolan reached the house, he dispelled the barrier and stepped through the gate. In the yard, he saw Celia and Linda training.

Celia was swinging her sword as fast as she could, pushing herself to increase her stamina. Linda, on the other hand, was practicing with her bow. Her mana control made it easier for her, but even she could still tire. She focused on sharpening her senses, loosing arrow after arrow without pause.

When they noticed him, both rushed over. "Master, you're already back?" they asked in unison.

"Yes, I'm back," Nolan said with a faint smile. "I see you two are putting in some effort."

"Yes, Master. You told us to, and we will," Celia replied firmly.

"Where's Lyra?" Nolan asked.

"She's still inside," Linda answered. "Maybe in the living room or her room."

"Good. I want to go talk with her. You two keep training. But if you get tired and know you can't continue, don't push yourselves. Just come inside."

"Yes, Master," Linda and Celia said together, smiling with determination.

As Nolan walked into the living room, he saw Lyra sitting quietly, lost in thought.

"Is anything wrong?" Nolan asked.

"No." Lyra shook her head. "Nothing's okay. Now that we're in Sindra I can actually feel it — the Dragon King's seal has been broken, and he's slipping into his divine state. He might go berserk. I don't know what will happen."

"Do you think the one who tried to kill you will show up tonight?" Nolan asked.

"It's possible," Lyra replied.

"Will you be here?" Nolan continued.

"No, I won't." Lyra stood. "You can stay here, master — I'll make sure everything is under control. I'll do my best. I can transform back into my true form at will again."

"Wait — do you plan to face him on your own?" Nolan said.

"Yes. I have to," Lyra answered.

"No. You are not going," Nolan cut in. "It's too dangerous for you alone. Tomorrow morning I'll go there myself. Tonight you stay with Celia and Linda. You are not leaving."

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