NOVEL NEXT Chapter 183: Next Stage Begins.
He turned toward the bed, where his sword lay gleaming faintly beneath the lamplight. He picked it up slowly, the metal humming softly in his grip. The reflection of his eyes shimmered across the blade's edge.
Malric… he thought. If I could see you again…
He looked out the window once more. The stars were beginning to bloom across the night sky.
"He's probably out there," Nolan murmured. "Still keeping the balance… slaying demons and monsters that cross over from their world to ours. It's not easy—holding that line alone."
His hand tightened around the hilt.
"Maybe I can't see him now. But someday—after everything I've planned… after creating my own kingdom—maybe I'll join him."
His reflection in the blade flickered, and for a moment he saw himself standing among blazing ruins, facing monstrous silhouettes with eyes of flame.
"My first encounter with a demon… she was strong, but not as strong as me," he whispered. "If I ever meet a fallen archangel again, it'll be different this time. I've grown beyond that."
A faint glow spread from his palm. The sword pulsed with chrono-energy—the divine light of time itself.
"I'm not the same anymore," Nolan said, eyes hardening. "I'm no longer bound by time… because now, I am the dominion of time. A deity who walks among mortals."
Night had fully fallen. The grand mansion glowed under countless lanterns, and the murmurs of the 14 participants—adventurers competing in the tournament—echoed quietly through the halls as they made their way downstairs.
Nolan descended the staircase, dressed in elegant royal attire that shimmered subtly in the lamplight. The fine tailoring hugged his figure perfectly, the silver embroidery catching the glow.
As he scanned the room, his eyes found Celia and Linda, who had been escorted together. The moment they saw him, both raised their hands in greeting.
Celia wore a beautiful blue gown that flowed gracefully to the floor, the fabric catching light with every movement. Linda looked stunning in a deep red dress, her hair neatly tied back, giving her a regal aura.
"Master," Celia said, stepping closer, her eyes sparkling. "The clothes… they suit you so well."
"Yeah, Master, you actually look really good," Linda added, a soft smile on her face.
Nolan chuckled lightly, holding both their hands gently to keep them from tugging at his sleeves. "Are you two not going to let go of me? Other participants are staring, and you're holding me like this!"
"No, we're not going to let go, Master," Linda said firmly.
"Never," Celia added, nodding with determination.
A familiar voice cut through the quiet chatter. "Hey! It's been a while! You weren't here yesterday, but you came a day early for the tournament?"
Nolan turned to see Tharion stepping forward, a grin on his face. He extended his hand. "How are you doing?"
Nolan shook it firmly. "Doing well, thanks. And you?"
Tharion glanced at the two women at Nolan's side and smirked. "Wow… I can see the ladies with you are really stunning tonight."
"Yeah, you're right," Nolan said with a small laugh, his gaze flicking briefly between them. "They do look impressive.
Waiters moved gracefully among the participants, carrying trays of drinks to serve everyone. The soft clinking of glasses echoed through the grand hall, adding a calm rhythm to the murmurs of conversation.
From the upstairs stairs, Kyrion, Cora, and Sela descended together, their expressions serious yet determined. Behind them, the rest of the participants, including Nolan, Celia, and Linda, followed.
As they entered the hall, all eyes briefly turned toward Nolan. Kyrion, Cora, and Sela looked at him with faintly challenging expressions, their presence commanding attention.
"We're going to do our best tomorrow when we fight," Sela said firmly.
"Yes, I'm going to do mine too," Cora added.
"That's it," Nolan said, a small smile on his face. "I believe in both of you."
Tharion stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. "What are you guys talking about? How did you manage to come back so fast? Even if you took a carriage—the only normal way to return—you shouldn't have made it this quickly. Tell me how."
"Well… why do you want to know?" Nolan replied lightly.
"Just curious," Tharion pressed.
"I won't answer your question," Nolan said calmly.
Tharion groaned, frustrated. "Then I'm going to be curious forever! Just tell me—I need to know."
Before anyone could respond, a hush fell over the hall. The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the room.
"The King himself is coming," one of the attendants whispered.
The massive doors at the far end of the hall opened, and the King entered, his presence commanding immediate respect. The hall fell completely silent.
"Good evening, participants," the King began, his voice rich and resonant. "You have all shown outstanding skill. Thank you for your patience this past week."
He paused, scanning the room. "All of you are gathered here for an important message. The battles ahead will be even more challenging than those you have faced before."
His gaze fell on Asta and Zevric, who were casually drinking from their glasses. "Asta and Zevric are back on their feet," the King announced, his tone sharp yet controlled.
Zevric and Asta were back on their feet. Nolan's mind replayed their previous fight—it had been one of the most intense battles of the tournament so far. Both of them had displayed incredible strength and skill, pushing every opponent to their limits.
Here they are… Nolan thought, a spark of determination lighting his eyes. It's going to be tough if I have to face them, but I'll do my best to win.
Tharion, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "Same here. I'll give it everything I've got."
He observed quietly, raising an eyebrow. "Hmm… why do you pretend to be weak? After your previous match just a week ago, when you sent someone flying across the arena and slammed him to the ground, you're trying to act like you're not strong?"
Nolan's expression stiffened, a flicker of pride and challenge in his eyes. "I wouldn't say I'm weak until I actually fight them," he replied firmly.