Nolan walked away from the entrance, his eyes narrowing as he stepped onto the empty road.

"I'm sure that guy was spying on me," he muttered. "He's probably running off to warn the merchant who sent them. He'll get there before me—he's fast, like a ninja. But I won't let that happen."

He snapped his fingers. Instantly, everything froze. The wind halted mid-whisper, the trees stood still, even the birds in the air became statues. Nolan stepped forward calmly, his boots echoing against the silent ground. He walked past the Adventurer's Guild, eyes scanning both sides of the street, searching for the place the men described. One of the largest buildings, selling weapons, armor, and ammunitions.

After some time, he spotted the spy—the same man who had been watching him. The ninja stood frozen, one foot lifted as if about to enter the merchant's massive building. Nolan walked right up to him, studying his face, then pulled away the scarf covering it.

"I've never seen him before," Nolan thought. "Why is he dressed like a ninja? Should I knock him out? No… he's about to report what happened to his boss. I'll step back, let things play out."

Nolan let out a low breath and turned away. He retraced his steps down the street, then snapped his fingers again. Time roared back to life. The ninja blinked, adjusted his scarf, and frowned.

"What the…? Why's it loose? I tied this tight," he muttered. "Strange. Whatever. I need to report."

He hurried into the large merchant's store. Inside, blacksmiths were still hard at work, sparks flying from their forges. The man slipped into a side hallway and entered a grand chamber.

Gold dominated the room. A heavy golden chair sat behind a massive golden table, piles of gold coins stacked carelessly at the side. On the chair sat a short, round man with a massive belly. A golden ring gleamed on his finger. Two women hovered close—one rubbing his bald head, the other running her hand down his chest. Zari, the merchant, was grinning as he counted his coins.

The ninja bowed his head. His voice trembled. "Sir… those men. The Rank S adventurers you hired. They've been defeated. By that man… Nolan."

The smile on Zari's face shattered. He dropped the coins and stood from his chair, his fat belly shaking as his eyes bulged with rage. He slammed his palm onto the golden table, the sound echoing through the chamber.

"What did you just say? Are you joking with me?!" Zari roared. "I spent a fortune on those men! I paid them in full up front! And now you're telling me that one man… one man destroyed them all?"

"Yes sir, he defeated them so easily. They didn't even make a single scratch on him. And not only that—it was as if, even if you had sent double the men, the outcome wouldn't have been any different. He's far too strong. And… it was like he spotted me."

"He spotted you? Did he follow you here?" Zari asked sharply.

"No, he didn't. He was still talking to them when I leapt away as fast as I could," the man said.

"Good," Zari muttered.

Then came a loud crash.

It was Nolan.

"Ah, finally. I'm making my grand entrance," Nolan said, after kicking open the massive door that led into the shop.

About twenty workers froze at the sight of him. They weren't just workers—they were trained fighters. Each grabbed a sword and began advancing toward Nolan.

Nolan smiled.

"Zari, what are you planning to do with that?" he asked.

In a blink, all of them were on the ground. Only one remained standing.

Nolan had moved, striking each man at the neck, then returned to the exact spot where he'd been standing.

The last fighter's eyes widened.

"What? What just happened? They were all standing one moment… then they fell. But he hasn't moved! How…?"

He turned—and saw Nolan standing right beside him.

"Wait, weren't you just in front of me?" he gasped.

Nolan smirked. The man raised his sword, but before he could swing, Nolan's kick slammed into his face. His head crashed into the wall and stuck there before he slid down unconscious, mouth agape.

"What's that sound? Who's there?" Zari muttered from inside his chamber.

He stepped away from his golden table and cautiously opened the door to peek.

The only thing he saw was a boot smashing the door straight into his face.

Zari flew across the floor, coughing as he struggled to his feet.

"Who dares come into my shop?" he barked, brushing dust off his fine clothes.

Then he looked up.

It was Nolan.

"You… What are you doing here? How dare you come here?" Zari shouted.

He turned to the man dressed like a ninja.

"Go! Attack him!" Zari commanded.

But the man didn't move. He trembled where he stood.

"I said move! Attack him for me!" Zari roared.

Still, the man couldn't move. The memory of Nolan effortlessly defeating seven S-rank adventurers—and himself, an A-rank—froze him in place.

Nolan smiled faintly.

" It looks like you don't understand the situation. He understands perfectly. That's why he isn't moving. He knows he's the hostage here… not me."

Zari started moving backward slowly. The two ladies in the room turned and ran out screaming. Nolan let them go—he didn't stop them—then fixed his gaze on Zari.

"What do you want? How dare you come to my shop? I'll have you arrested. You're going to jail, I promise you that," Zari spat.

"Nah," Nolan replied coolly. "You're the one who's going to prison. Those adventurers you sent to kill me will confess. Prepare yourself."

"What do you mean? They weren't there to—" Zari began, eyes darting left and right.

He forced himself to stand and shoved the man nearest him aside. "Get out of my way, you useless fool!" Zari snapped. He lunged to a drawer, yanked out a sword, and pointed it at Nolan. "Stay back," he hissed. "Don't come closer. You don't want me to use this on you. I'm skilled with a sword."

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