CHAPTER 78: FUTURE BEYOND FEAR

The things he did to those women—keeping them in chains, starving them, killing men and anyone who no longer pleased him... I wasn’t prepared for that. It made me sick."

Lyra sipped her wine, watching him with a calm but sharp gaze. "Mm, sounds like he left quite the impression on you."

"Impression?" Nolan shot her a glare. "You don’t understand, Lyra. He wasn’t just some monster. He was... twisted. He called himself both king and god of the goblins. He thought he could do whatever he wanted."

"And now he’s dead," Lyra said evenly, swirling her glass. "Which means you saved those women. Fourteen of them, wasn’t it? You do realize how they look at you, don’t you?"

Nolan blinked. "What do you mean?"

Lyra smirked faintly. "First Celia and Linda. Then me. And now fourteen more following you home. You’re gathering quite the... entourage. Some would call it a harem."

No, no, no, no, no. I don’t plan to make them stay here. I wouldn’t want that many ladies here. I’m sure some of the female adventurers would love to go back to their families. I don’t plan to keep them here.

So where do you want them to stay? Are they going to sleep on the streets? Because I’m sure they don’t have anywhere to go.

I think I’ll take them to the Aria Inn and pay for their stay for a year. Each of them will be able to stay for a year, and by then, they should have been able to secure a job and take care of themselves.

That’s really wise of you. I was thinking of saying they would live here, Lyra said.

No. Only we were going to live here. No one else. But it’s actually a large house, about 40 rooms or more. If anyone needs a place to stay temporarily, they can come here—but not live permanently, because we don’t know where they might go, Lyra said.

Yes, you’re right, Lyra said.

Now let me show you what I’ve tamed, Nolan said as he stretched his hand forward. A Saku appeared on the ground, and the Goblin General came out holding an axe.

It’s huge. Oh my.

Yeah, it’s actually big, Nolan said.

The Goblin General bent down, kneeling before Nolan. It knows I’m its master. Have you seen it? It’s so big, Nolan said, as the Goblin General’s head touched the ceiling of the room.

Now go, Nolan said as he stretched his hand and summoned the Goblin General. A yellow light circled it, and it was as if he entered inside it.

Such a fine army you’ve got, Lyra said.

Yeah, I’m actually trying to build something. I don’t know... for some reason, an idea just popped into my mind. I’m thinking of creating a kingdom—or maybe just a small village at first—where I could stay. A place where different monsters could live together with purpose. Smart ones, like minotaurs, goblins, orcs, even lizardmen.

That would be a great spot. Though, lizardmen aren’t really categorized as monsters. Most of them live in villages, Lyra said.

Yeah, but it’s not just about monsters. Humans would be welcome too. It doesn’t matter the race or the wars. Anyone could live there.

That would be a great idea. Are you going to be the leader? Lyra asked.

How would I know? I wouldn’t put myself in charge. That’d actually be a lot of work for me. Nah, I might just live there. But the main reason I’m doing this is the empire. If I reject the king of the empire’s offer of joining their royal party, I might make them an enemy.

Yes, you might. And what you’re doing is wise, Nolan said. The empire has the most adventurers, the strongest royal guard, and the largest army under its command. It would be bad if they decided to take you out.

Yeah, that’s my point. And tomorrow morning, after the ladies have gone to the inn, we’ll be heading to the empire for the tournament. I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I’m guessing around two weeks.

That has its risks. But I’ll advise you—channeling your energy into any normal sword will just destroy it. It won’t be worth it. Once you’re done with the empire, you should go to the dwarf kingdom. The dwarves have been quiet, and I know they’re facing calamity right now. But when you’re finished, ask them to forge you a sword worthy of your power.

They’re the ones who forged the previous holy sword, the one the new hero now wields since he was summoned here, Lyra explained.

Wow... they really are amazing. The hero’s sword, huh? Nolan said.

Yes. That would be a sword fitting for you. You’d be able to channel your mana into it without breaking it, Lyra said.

Yeah, I’m going to do that. But for now, I’ll still try to get one of the best swords in Sindra. I just won’t channel mana into it. If I did, it’d be destroyed instantly, Nolan said.

"Yes, it’s true. You can’t just rely on your fists forever. Try using a sword—you’ll grow stronger faster than you think," Lyra said.

"Yeah, maybe... but I think I’ll be off now. And you need to leave my room," Nolan replied.

"I’m not leaving," Lyra said stubbornly, narrowing her eyes. "But where are you going?"

"I’ll be heading to the Adventurer’s Guild. I need to speak with the Guildmaster about the goblins—and also about the women I brought back. I want him to know he was right, that those women really had been captured," Nolan explained.

"Alright then," Lyra said, finally leaning back with a shrug.

Nolan stood outside his room, adjusting the cuffs of his suit jacket before heading toward the front door.

"Master, where are you going?" Celia asked as she stepped into the hallway, her soft footsteps echoing across the polished floor.

"To the guild. I need to report about the women from Bataya—and the goblins," Nolan said.

"Okay, Master," Celia nodded, her voice steady.