Kai sat in silence, thinking. He already had most of what he needed, then it hit him.

  ? “I’d like another sword,” he said finally. “A legendary one, if possible. I want to keep my current blade hidden as a trump card. Second, mana clothes, custom-made, per my design. And the third…” He paused, considering. “Maybe a swordmaster teacher? I am currently lacking in sword skills.” He admitted.

  “Hmm, legendary swords are very rare,” Theo said with a hint of regret. “Even our kingdom only has Pyris.”

  “We could forge something from the remains of Francis’s five swords,” Nerva suggested. “And maybe salvage parts of his broken armor.”

  “Oh, right! There’s that,” Theo chuckled. “Three are shattered, but two should still be in good condition. The armor… well, I broke that clean in half.”

  “Alright,” Theo nodded. “Once the crafting district is set up, we’ll see what we can do about your weapon and armor. As for the swordmaster issue, I could teach you, but my style doesn’t suit someone who favors light blades. How about Xarion?”

  Xarion thought for a moment. “My style is built for dual-wielding, but I can teach you some techniques for a single blade until we find a proper master who matches your preferred style. How about it?”

  Kai nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “Good.” Theo turned to Nerva. “Reward Lucius yourself, he’s your student.”

  “Don’t worry,” Nerva said seriously. “I already have something planned. I’ll prepare him for the tournament as well.”

  “So, you’ve decided to let him enter?” Xarion asked, surprised.

  “He proved himself, and he’s grown stronger. After what I have in mind, he’ll be ready,” Nerva replied honestly.

  “Alright,” Theo said, his tone shifting to solemn. “Everything is settled. We’ll hold the funeral for my brother today before sundown. Tomorrow, my uncle will be executed for his crimes against the crown. After that, preparations begin.”

  “Your uncle? The old man from last night?” Kai asked, confused.

  “Indeed,” Theo said coldly. “He betrayed us to Rond, and he’s responsible for what happened to James and Lisa. That cannot be forgiven.”

  “I see.” Kai’s eyes hardened. “That cannot be forgiven.”

  Nerva wasn’t wrong, Theo thought, watching him. When he gets serious, he truly looks like a beast. I’m glad he’s on our side.

  “Alright,” Nerva said, breaking the tension. “You have some free time, rest, or do as you wish.”

  “Let’s go see the city!” Scry grinned.

  “Yes, let’s!” Kai exclaimed, eager to explore.

  “Return before sundown,” Nerva reminded.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll be there,” Kai said warmly, turning to Lisa. “Lisa, want to come with us?”

  Lisa nodded, her thoughts drifting to old memories. Theodor hugged her tightly before sending her off with the group. As the doors closed, he exhaled heavily and walked to the window.

  “It seems I’m destined to be alone,” he murmured.

  Nerva returned just in time to hear him. “You’ll always have me, brother,” he said with a smile.

  “Thank you,” Theo replied quietly. “But I feel you’re destined to leave this land someday. While I remain its protector, I must place the needs of my people above my own.” His gaze stayed fixed on the horizon, his mind heavy with duty.

  ***

  Kingdom of Paleria – The Throne Room

  King Sandoval IV sat upon his throne, his loyal advisors gathered before him. A white-haired man in silk yellow robes stepped forward, scroll in hand, ready to deliver the latest report.

  “My king,” he began solemnly, “we have received word that Rond has fallen. It seems The Fiend has reached Grand Master level. Even Francis, with all his resources, could not prevail. After his death, The Fiend marched and seized Rond.”

  The yellow-robed man closed the scroll and knelt.

  Sandoval exhaled sharply. “Hmmm. Well, it doesn’t affect us much, at least not yet. We have other matters to worry about. Reach out to The Fiend and arrange a contract to supply us with weapons. Make sure we become their primary buyer. We need to act before my damn brother and his rebels do. Zenith has been circling us like a starving beast. If we don’t crush this rebellion soon, Zenith will swallow us whole.”

  His eyes carried the weight of sleepless nights and relentless worry.

  “What about the Nameless?” he asked, voice tight. “Any progress?”

  A shadowy figure in a black cowl stepped forward. “We’ve searched for months, but nothing. He must have taken the test through a private portal.”

  “Shame,” Sandoval muttered. “If we could enlist someone that strong, we could enter the tournament and win. A Seraph or Archon on our side would guarantee our safety for years.” He kicked the throne in frustration as he stood up. “This damn thing is a curse from the gods, I swear! Tell me, do we have anyone who can qualify for the tournament?”

  The king’s gaze turned hopeful.

  A burly, middle-aged man with an eyepatch spoke up. “We lost many of our young fighters in battles against your brother’s forces. Some even defected. The only promising candidates left are the battle slaves.”

  Sandoval rubbed his temples. “What level are they?”

  “Two Peak Knight-level twins, blood users. Nasty little things,” the man said with a smirk. “And one early Master-level fighter we bought recently. Half demon, half Nord. Big, strong fellow. A totem user.”

  He grinned. “Expensive acquisition, too. We only got him thanks to the financial troubles in Polster Barony. The baron had… a particular fondness for the brute’s physique, if you catch my drift.” He winked with his good eye.

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  The king spat on the floor. “Disgusting. Why in the hell would you think I want to hear about those sick freaks? Deranged bastards.” He exhaled heavily. “Listen, prepare those three for the tournament. Treat them well, but make it clear: if they fail, their lives will become much worse than before. Now leave me. I’ve had enough of this nonsense.”

  With another kick to the throne, Sandoval stormed through a hidden passage behind it.

  The three advisors exchanged weary glances.

  “He can be a handful when things aren’t going well,” the yellow-robed man whispered.

  “Tell me about it,” the eyepatch man snickered. “Can’t even take a joke.”

  ***

  In Fallhaven Capital, Kai led Lisa by the hand through the bustling streets of Fallhaven, Umbra, and the rest of the group trailing close behind. The city was alive with color and sound, vendors shouting, spices in the air, and laughter and arguing echoing from every corner.

  Umbra stopped at nearly every food stall. Scry right beside her, determined to taste everything. Naturally, Kai had become their walking bank, paying for every bite.

  “Well, you two,” Kai chuckled, “had enough food yet?”

  “We still have more to try!” Scry said with absolute seriousness.

  “Tiger is right,” Umbra added, equally grave. “We must taste it all. It’s crucial for the mission.”

  “What mission?” Zara laughed.

  “Psst. Not while I’m eating.” Umbra shushed her, biting into a skewer loaded with meat and greens.

  Kai turned to Lisa. “What do you want to do? I’m not familiar with anything here.”

  “There’s a bakery my mother used to take me to,” Lisa said, smiling warmly. “I love their cookies.”

  “Did you say cookies?” Rufus practically jumped with delight.

  “Cookies? Oh, we must !” Scry joined in enthusiastically.

  “These two are like brothers,” Max sighed, coiled around Lisa’s neck like a living necklace.

  Lisa giggled. Being surrounded by everyone made her feel less alone, like the girl who had lost her parents.

  “After that, we can check out Lavender’s Magical Hat!” Liliya chimed in.

  “Oh, right! I almost forgot. Indeed, we must,” Xarion agreed eagerly.

  “What’s that?” Kai asked, intrigued. It sounded like something straight out of a wizard’s tale.

  “It’s the best grimoire shop in the kingdom, probably the best in the entire South,” Liliya explained happily. “You can find rare books and relics there. The old Sylvan owner is really nice. Always gives me a discount!”

  Xarion facepalmed. “Once you meet him, you’ll understand why she gets a discount.” He chuckled, sharing a knowing look with Zara.

  Kai grinned, excitement bubbling up as Lisa tugged him toward the bakery.

  ***

  The bakery reminded Kai of the ones from his old world. Rows of cookies sat behind glass displays, but unlike Earth, these cases were engraved with glowing runes, keeping everything fresh and perfectly warm.

  They each grabbed a bag of cookies and continued down the street.

  The moment they tasted them, the sound of blissful moans filled the air.

  “What is this magic? It tastes like heaven!” Scry exclaimed.

  “I could eat this forever!” Rufus agreed, his cheeks stuffed.

  “For once, I agree,” Max said, chewing on a dark chocolate cookie with a satisfied nod.

  “How is it, Lisa?” Kai asked, smiling as he inhaled his own share. Back on Earth, he’d had a massive, sweet tooth; finally tasting chocolate again made him feel wild with joy.

  “I love it! Just like I remember,” Lisa said warmly. Then her eyes widened. “Brother, do you want more? You already finished yours.”

  “Haha, no, it’s fine. I’ve had enough. But next time, we’re buying more!” Kai declared.

  “Yes, brother. We’ll stockpile this divinity,” Umbra agreed solemnly.

  Soon, they arrived at a massive store shaped like a wizard’s hat. Its sign sparkled with enchantment: Lavender’s Magical Hat.

  They stepped through the round doors into a vast space lined with towering bookshelves and glass cases filled with relics.

  “This reminds me of an Arcanum,” Kai said, awestruck.

  “Good eye, boy!” A voice called out. An old Sylvan emerged from behind a shelf, pristine white hair, elf-like ears, and tanned, wrinkled skin that bordered on dark. He wore a deep purple mage’s robe, and a wizard’s hat hung from his back. In his hand rested a wooden staff radiating raw mana.

  “I modeled this after Arcanum magic,” the old man said proudly. “Though my understanding is far from complete. I only managed to double the space.” He bragged.

  “Oh, hi, Lavender!” Liliya chirped, bouncing toward him.

  The man’s eyes widened, then dropped to Liliya’s chest. “Oh, my dears… I’ve missed you tremendously.”

  “Dears?” Kai questioned, laughing inwardly as he saw exactly where the old perv’s gaze landed.

  “Oh, I misspoke. I meant dear , naturally. Now then, how can I help you?” Lavender said quickly, still sneaking glances.

  Xarion and Zara chuckled while Liliya twirled around, oblivious.

  Scry wandered off to browse books, while Umbra stayed close to Kai, until she caught the old man’s eye.

  “Oh my… who is this lovely lady? Do you like magic, sweetheart?” Lavender asked, scanning her from head to toe.

  “Hey, you old bastard,” Umbra growled, her eyes flickering into feline. “Scan me again, and I’ll serve you for dinner. Got that, sweetheart?”

  The man gulped and darted behind his counter. Kai couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Say, my good man,” Kai said, stepping forward. “Do you have spellbooks focused on water and poison?”

  “Ooooh, dual water affinity? Rare indeed. I have plenty of such grimoires. Could you show me your circle? I’ll find something that suits you.”

  “I can’t do that,” Kai replied, shaking his head.

  Liliya joined them. “Hey, old master, give him something for a Grand Magus at least. Something with potential to reach Arch-level difficulty, aligned to the highest water affinity you can find.”

  She didn’t reveal anything, but her words were precise. After all, Kai’s inner world was as vast as a mid-Grand Magus’s, and his mana reserves could shame most six-circle Magi. Casting such spells at full power wasn’t possible yet, but soon, it would be.

  The old perv nodded, stealing one last glance at Liliya before vanishing into the maze of towering bookshelves. His purple robe fluttered behind him like a mischievous shadow, and Kai swore he heard the faint hum of runes activating deeper in the store and books being thrown around.?

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