CHAPTER 276: CHAPTER 276: SLEEPLESS THOUGHTS

The room was dark, save for the faint silver glow of moonlight slipping in through the narrow window. Noel lay on his back atop the bed, arms folded behind his head, staring at the ceiling. Sleep wouldn’t come — his mind refused to quiet down.

’The First Pillar... here in Tharvaldur. Why? Why remove Torwan? Why give us the victory instead of striking himself? None of it makes sense.’

He turned his head slightly, watching shadows shift against the stone walls. Every detail of the day replayed in his mind, but the motives behind the First Pillar’s actions remained a blur. It was like being handed a puzzle where half the pieces were missing.

His thoughts drifted to what tomorrow would bring. By dawn, Balthor would be proclaimed king. Noriel, once the right hand of Balthor’s father, was widely respected, and his support would stabilize the transition. Balthor had already decided he would be honest with the people — exposing everything Torwan had done.

Noel exhaled slowly. He’d be there, watching his drunken friend crowned in front of thousands. ’Never thought I’d see Balthor in a crown,’ he mused.

But the political mess wasn’t the only thing on his shoulders. The tournament wasn’t over. Now, without Torwan’s influence, the students of Tharvaldur were free — no more restrictions, no more enhancers. They could choose to stay in or walk away.

Noel counted in his head. Four more rounds. Four more victories to claim the title.

His lips curved faintly. ’Four fights left... I’d like to face Selene.’

The thought lingered with him, carrying both weight and anticipation.

Noel let the silence stretch for a few more moments before finally lifting his hand. The faint blue shimmer of the system interface flickered back into view.

[Mission: Find the 5th Pillar and deal with him. Completed, congratulations!!!]

Reward available — claim now?

He took a slow breath. "Claim."

The glow pulsed once, then new lines appeared before his eyes:

[Core Progress +20%]

[Current Core Progress: 92.55% – Mana Core: Adept]

Noel’s eyes widened slightly. ’That’s... a huge increase. With the Class S training, the duels, and now this... I’ve gained almost forty percent in total. At least this time, it feels like the system is rewarding actual hard work.’

A sudden weight shifted the bed. Noel glanced aside to see Noir climbing up, her large frame shrinking slightly as she curled beside him in her smaller form. She pressed her head against his chest, eyes half-closed.

Noel reached out, running a hand through the dark fur. The familiar warmth eased some of the tension in his body. ’At least I’m not carrying this alone,’ he thought.

But before he could fully relax, another notification shimmered before his eyes:

[You have received: Forgotten Brother’s Manual]

Noel’s brows furrowed. Forgotten Brother’s Manual? What is this? I already have the diary... but this isn’t the same. So then... what’s inside?’

The glow faded, leaving only his curiosity burning.

Noel sat up, a thick, leather-bound notebook appeared in his hands, its cover dark and worn, as though it had survived decades of use. Across the surface were faint runic etchings, almost invisible unless caught by the moonlight.

He opened it carefully. Page after page was filled with intricate diagrams and written notes, all in the same hand. The spells varied in complexity, but every one of them shared the same essence — Shadow.

Noel’s eyes narrowed as he skimmed the incantations. Some looked like offensive techniques, others were clearly for concealment or manipulation of space.

’So that’s what it is... "He was the light, and I was his shadow". It even makes sense with Noir being a Shadow Wolf. This manual... it’s like the missing half of the picture.’

At the thought, Noir stirred beside him, stretching lazily before letting out a soft, miniature howl, more like a yawn than a call. Noel glanced down at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Think I’ll be able to move through the shadows like you one day?" he asked quietly.

Noir’s ears perked, and she answered with another short, playful howl, her tail flicking against the blanket.

Noel chuckled under his breath, closing the book for now. ’If I can master these, maybe I’ll be able to add another element to my arsenal soon. Shadow... that could help a lot.’

The weight of possibility pressed on him, heavy but strangely comforting.

A sudden knock broke the silence. Noel snapped the manual shut, slipping it quickly into the dimensional pouch resting on the desk. He stood, brushing the bed sheets flat before crossing to the door.

When he opened it, Elena was standing there. Her long platinum hair was loose, falling past her shoulders, and her yellow eyes glimmered softly under the warm light of the corridor.

"Can I come in? I... couldn’t sleep," she said quietly.

Noel studied her for a second, then stepped aside. "Of course. Come in."

She entered with slow steps, her hands clasped in front of her. The air between them felt calmer than the chaos of the day, but there was still weight behind her eyes. Noel shut the door, leaning against it for a moment.

She walked, her steps careful, then turned to face him. "How are you feeling after everything?"

Noel leaned slightly against the desk. "Fine, I guess. Better than the Holy Capital... or at least I think so. This time we managed to avoid another tragedy." He hesitated, then added, "By the way... how’s Charlotte? I couldn’t go see her with everything that happened."

Elena softened, her eyes lowering. "She had to use a blessing on hundreds of dwarves and people. She’s exhausted. For now she’s with Redna, who’s taking care of her."

Noel exhaled quietly. "Good... I’m glad. Even if I don’t like her pushing herself like that."

Elena’s gaze lingered on him, steady and calm. "You’re not the only one who sacrifices for others, Noel."

Noel broke the silence, his tone quieter this time. "What do you mean?"

Elena tilted her head slightly, her platinum hair sliding over her shoulder. "Just like this time... as you saw, we can also sacrifice ourselves to help others. It isn’t only you, Noel. We already told you before, but I’ll say it again — we’re with you."

For a moment, Noel held her gaze, the firmness in her golden eyes leaving little room for doubt. Slowly, he nodded. "...Thank you."

He exhaled, letting his body relax as he lowered himself onto the bed, lying flat once more and staring at the ceiling. Noir shifted to curl closer to him, while Elena remained by his side in silence.