Linda nodded, though the worry didn't fully leave her eyes. "Yes, Master. I'm also sure I won't lose… but that technique she uses—it makes me doubt myself sometimes."

Celia stepped forward slightly. "Yes, same here," she said softly.

"Oh, so that's the reason," Nolan said, chuckling faintly. "It's actually good to doubt yourself sometimes. When you doubt, it means you still have something to prove—to yourself. If you never doubt, you'll start assuming victory before the fight even begins. And that's how people lose."

He looked at them both seriously. "When you doubt, you find ways to overcome that doubt. You work harder. You sharpen your focus. That's what builds real confidence—the kind that lasts."

Both girls nodded slowly, taking in his words.

"And as I said before," Nolan continued, "the mana I shared with you two… even though it was just a small portion of mine, it should've finished integrating by now. That means your bodies have fully adapted to it. You'll be able to use that power when the time comes—and trust me, you will win."

Then, Nolan's attention shifted toward his bed. "Hey—Lyra, what are you doing?"

She froze mid-bite, a plate balanced on her lap. "Eating?"

Nolan frowned. "On my bed? Are you seriously eating steak there? You already had your share at dinner!"

Lyra glanced over her shoulder lazily, then turned back to her plate. Without saying a word, she crossed one leg over the other, placed her feet firmly on the bed again, and continued eating as if nothing had happened.

Nolan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Unbelievable…"

Celia and Linda tried to hold back their laughter as Lyra kept chewing quietly, completely ignoring the scolding.

"Let's just ignore her," Nolan said, turning his gaze away from Lyra and back toward Linda.

"Yes, Master, please go on," Linda replied.

"Do you feel like you need more training? Or anything specific?" Nolan asked, his tone calm but firm.

"Master," Celia spoke up softly, "I know what might help. With this Lord's Mana Transfer—the one you did for us last time—it made us stronger. Maybe if you do it again, we could be even stronger."

Nolan immediately shook his head. "Wait—no. That's not possible." His voice became serious. "I can't do that again. This time, I'm very sure you two would not survive it. So let's just wait for the day of the tournament. Trust me. When the time comes, you'll have all the confidence you need."

Celia and Linda exchanged glances but nodded. "Okay, Master," Linda said quietly.

They both rose from their seats. Nolan watched as the two of them bowed slightly and left the room. Lyra, however, stayed seated, still eating the large piece of steak on her plate as if nothing had happened.

"Wait—you're still not done?" Nolan said, staring at her in disbelief. "Leave my room. I'm going to take a nap."

Lyra didn't even look at him. She simply turned slightly and kept eating, as though she hadn't heard a word.

Nolan exhaled sharply, walked over, and without another warning, scooped her up and carried her outside. "Out," he said flatly, setting her down in the hallway and shutting the door behind her.

The room fell silent. Nolan walked back to his bed and sat down slowly before letting himself fall backward onto the mattress. He stared up at the ceiling, his mind swirling.

Today… I did it. Lyra is safe. And I— He swallowed hard. I'm already a deity. I still can't believe it. It's like a dream… and yet I still feel human. I don't feel divine at all.

His eyes softened, but his thoughts burned with determination. But the power I've gained… it's overwhelming. And now, finally, I'm sure. With this technique, my loved ones won't die. I'll be strong enough to protect them.

The following morning, Nolan woke early. He took his bath, dressed neatly, and headed downstairs. The smell of freshly cooked food met him at the bottom of the stairs; breakfast was already waiting.

He sat and began to eat quietly, still half lost in his thoughts. Across the table, Damian sat, staring at him intently. His sharp, almost predatory eyes followed Nolan's every movement.

When Nolan finally finished eating and rose from his seat, Damian shifted closer. "Good morning, Master," he said.

"Good morning," Nolan replied with a faint smile, turning to head back upstairs.

He could hear footsteps behind him. He sighed. "Hey, are you not going to stop already? It's weird. You follow me everywhere I go," Nolan said, glancing over his shoulder.

Damian's expression was completely earnest. "Well… it's just that I'm watching. I want to see your routine. How you do what you do. How you're this strong—for a human."

"So that's what this is about." Nolan's brow furrowed. "Please stop."

"But Master—" Damian began.

"No. Stop."

"Master, I want to follow you," Damian said, his voice suddenly softer. "I want to stay by your side. Even yesterday, I was waiting the whole day for this morning—just to see you again, to spend time with you."

Nolan turned fully to face him now. "No. I won't. I won't be around today, and I'll be taking my leave now."

"Master, where are you going? Let me accompany you," Damian pressed, his tone almost pleading.

"No," Nolan said firmly.

"Master, please. Please. Please," Damian said again, desperation flickering in his eyes.

Nolan exhaled slowly and waved a hand. "Okay. Fine. You can do as you wish."

A flash of relief crossed Damian's face as Nolan turned back toward the stairs.

The two of them walked down the stairs together, the sound of their steps echoing faintly through the quiet mansion. They entered the living room where Celia and Linda were waiting. Both girls turned at once when they saw Nolan and Damian appear.

"Master, where are you going?" Celia asked, stepping forward.

"Yes, Master. Where are you going?" Linda echoed, curiosity and concern in her voice.

"I'm going to the Adventurer's Guild," Nolan replied calmly. "I want to know how the adventurers who tried to attack us that night are being handled. You said they're in prison, but I want to meet the Guildmaster myself."

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