What is going on? How did this even happen? Nolan's mind raced. They're both… beautiful. Could it be? Do they… like me?
He clenched his fists. No, no, that's not possible. In my previous world, girls never liked me. They only made fun of me. There's no way they could love me here either.
The thought stung, and before he realized it, he slapped his own cheek. Slap!
"No, no, no, no, no… it's not possible," he muttered under his breath. It's impossible… right?
Linda flinched, stepping back nervously. "Master… did we say something wrong?"
Nolan shook his head quickly. "No, you didn't say anything wrong."
Celia tilted her head, frowning in confusion. "But you slapped yourself."
"Don't get me wrong," Nolan said, scratching the back of his head. "It's not like I don't want you to join me. It's just… I don't know how to say it. This is the first time anyone's ever said something like this to me. No one has ever…" He trailed off, unsure of how to continue.
Celia smiled gently, her eyes soft. "Okay. Then I would really love to join you on your journey."
Nolan let out a breath. "If that's what you've decided, then do as you said. I won't force you. If you want to join me, then join me."
Both Celia and Linda smiled at him warmly. Behind them, the other thirteen demi-humans and elves stepped forward. They lowered their heads.
"Thank you, Master," they said in unison.
Celia went to speak with the demi-humans she knew, while Linda approached an elf who was her friend. After exchanging a few words, the two women returned to Nolan's side.
As the group departed, Nolan, Celia, and Linda waved after them until they disappeared down the road.
Nolan sighed. "Finally… it's done. They're safe." His eyes flicked to Celia and Linda standing close to him, both smiling, both radiant. His chest tightened. But now these two beautiful ladies are by my side. What am I going to do?
He forced himself to focus, pulling out two heavy pouches. "Here. You both need this. Six hundred thousand coins."
Neither woman argued. They accepted the money quietly, bowing their heads in gratitude.
Nolan studied them for a moment. Their clothes were still torn and ragged, reminders of their captivity. Then his eyes froze on the iron collar fastened around Celia's neck. Linda bore one too, also on her neck.
"These… have to be removed," he thought.
Ella stood quietly behind them, watching. Nolan finally noticed and turned.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"We're waiting for you," Ella replied with a smile. "It's time to create your adventurer's card. Everyone wants to see what level you'll be."
Nolan frowned. "Can't you just make it without me? I already gave you my name, Nolan Thorn."
Ella shook her head. "Please, come inside. All of you."
Nolan didn't argue. He walked into the Adventurer's Guild with Celia and Linda by his side, following Ella. Whispers and stares followed them through the hall.
Why is everyone staring at us? Nolan thought uneasily. Is it because I defeated those bandits? Or is it because of Celia and Linda? They're both so beautiful… but their clothes are still ragged. I should've thought about that earlier. I'll buy them new outfits. Yes, that's the first thing I'll do.
Ella led them to a table. She bent down, then placed a large crystal sphere on the surface.
"Place your hand on the crystal," she said. "It will determine your potential and measure your level."
Nolan laid his palm against the cool surface. Nothing happened.
Ella blinked in confusion. "That's strange. Try channeling a little mana into it."
Nolan nodded. He let out a breath and pushed a trickle of mana into the crystal.
Crack!
The crystal splintered instantly, a web of fractures racing across its surface. Then it shattered with a sharp shhhrrk! scattering shards across the table.
"What the hell is going on?" Ella muttered, quickly sweeping the shattered crystal off the table so no adventurers would notice. Then she hurried into the back room where the guildmaster stayed.
Nolan frowned. "What's happening? Has she already determined my potential? What level am I?" he whispered.
Moments later, Ella returned. "Mr. Nolan, please step inside."
Nolan started forward, but when he looked back, Linda and Celia remained behind. He stopped.
"Please, can they come? They're my companions now."
Ella hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, it's fine. Come in."
The three entered the private room.
Inside, the air smelled faintly of tea. At a wooden table sat the guildmaster, calmly sipping from a porcelain cup.
"Please, sit," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
Nolan sat down, facing him. Celia and Linda stood quietly at his side.
The guildmaster set his cup down, studying Nolan. A faint smile touched his lips.
"I know you're extraordinary," he said. "You defeated those bandits without breaking a sweat, didn't you?"