CHAPTER 69: RIFT WITHIN

"What about me? Aren’t you going to spar with me?" Celia asked.

"Maybe next time," Lucan said, walking off.

Ella hurried to him, placing her glowing hands over his wound, healing the injury caused by Linda’s arrow.

Lucan walked out of the training room and headed straight to his office.

"Linda, you actually did well," Nolan said.

"Ah, thank you, Master," Linda replied, smiling faintly.

Just then, Ella stepped into the training room. "Mr. Salonan, the Guild Master has called for you in his office."

They all followed her to Lucan’s office. On the desk sat a heavy bag of gold. Lucan lifted it and dropped it with a solid thud.

"This is the money. Seven million for retrieving the Hydra’s remains, and four million for its cores. The seven million is just the upfront payment. You’ll receive the rest after I sell the other materials," Lucan explained.

Nolan opened the bag and stared at the gold glittering inside. This is actually a lot of money. In my previous world, even working for two or three months, I wouldn’t earn enough to match a single gold coin here. But in this world... I can earn millions by fighting monsters. This really is the best.

He shut the bag and stretched out his hand. Lucan shook it firmly.

"Nice doing business with you," Nolan said.

"Same here," Lucan replied.

"Well, we’ll be taking our leave," Nolan said, turning toward the door.

"Wait. Please stop," Lucan said.

Nolan paused and looked back. "What’s the matter? Any problem?"

"I want to ask a favor of you," Lucan said. "I know in five days the tournament begins, and you’ll likely travel to the Empire in three or four days. But tomorrow, I want you to handle a job. A task that only you can do."

"You’ve been asking me for favors a lot," Nolan said flatly. "So what is it this time?"

"Don’t worry," Lucan replied. "When it’s done, I’ll pay you handsomely. I know you never say no to money."

"Fine. As long as money’s involved, tell me what it is. Let me decide if it’s worth it," Nolan said.

Lucan leaned forward. "In the forest, there are three types of goblins. First, the normal goblins. Second, the goblin kings. And third... the goblin gods."

"Goblin gods?" Nolan raised a brow.

"They’re not ordinary goblins. They’re smarter, stronger. They’re born when a male goblin forces himself on a captured female human," Lucan explained.

Nolan’s face twisted in disgust. "What? That’s revolting. Why would a woman ever—"

"It’s never by choice," Lucan interrupted. "Goblins sometimes capture female adventurers and... breed with them."

"Okay, so what do you want me to do?" Nolan asked.

"In the dungeon, you won’t find them," Lucan explained. "Goblin gods don’t live underground. They stay in the forests, claiming territories. Because they’re half-human and half-goblin, their behavior is... inhuman. We’re not supposed to actively hunt them, but if they attack you, you’re allowed to fight back. I want you to chase the one near Sindra. It’s been sighted in the forest outside the village."

"Yeah, I know there are goblins in the forest. But how exactly do you want me to chase them?" Nolan asked.

"Any way you see fit. But be warned—goblin gods are extremely strong. Their strength rivals humans of the highest caliber. Someone like Alaric could fight one, but even he wouldn’t be able to defeat it easily. You, however..." Lucan smiled faintly. "With a single punch, I’m sure you could destroy it."

"Fine. I’ve heard enough. I’ll look into it tomorrow," Nolan said. He turned, leaving the office with Celia and Linda at his side.

Instead of heading to their newly bought mansion, they went back to the inn. On the way, Nolan was lost in thought. Since I can tame beasts, what if I build my own kingdom? I’ve thought about it before. If the world ever turns against me, with my own nation of monsters, I could protect myself, Linda, and Celia. Yes... from now on, I’ll tame every useful monster I come across. That way, we’ll always have our own strength.

When they reached the inn, they spotted Mira walking toward them.

"You guys haven’t been here for two days now," Mira said, arms folded.

"Sorry. I already bought a house," Nolan replied casually.

"What?!" Mira’s eyes widened. She turned immediately to Linda. "Linda, and you didn’t even bother to come see me or tell me?"

"It didn’t cross my mind," Linda admitted honestly.

Mira then faced Celia. "And you too? You also left me without a word? I was so worried. Since your adventure, I kept thinking something bad might have happened!"

"Well, nothing bad happened. As you can see, we’re standing here safe and sound," Celia said calmly.

"Hey! Where have you guys been?" Aria called, walking toward them with a gentle smile.

Mira’s mom, right? Nolan thought, blinking at her. He nodded. "Yeah, we’ve gotten better."

"I’m actually really good. Healthy, all because of you," Aria said warmly.

Nolan’s eyes lingered on her. No one would believe she’s a mother... she looks about my age. And she’s gorgeous.

Aria caught his stare and smirked playfully. "You’re staring too much."

"Sorry," Nolan said quickly, turning his face away.

Celia and Linda exchanged a knowing glance. "He’s different," they both said in unison.

Aria laughed softly. "So, you said you were staying at the inn, but I haven’t seen you since I recovered. I haven’t even repaid the favor. I promised I’d cook a meal for you."

"We’re here now. We wanted to eat," Nolan said.

"Perfect! Wash your hands and sit. I’ll bring something nice and sweet. I promise you’ll love it," Aria said with a wink.

"Thank you," Nolan replied as he sat down with Celia and Linda, pretending to stay calm though his thoughts betrayed him.

Nolan froze when he noticed Celia and Linda’s expressions. Their smiles had stiffened, their eyes a little sharper than usual.

What is going on? What’s... what’s going on with them? he thought, panic bubbling in his chest. It’s as if they’re angry at me. But why? Could they... could they actually read my mind? Did they hear what I was thinking about Aria?