Chapter 115: Hundredfold
"Okay. If that is all, I’ve heard what you said. I’ll keep it in mind," Nolan said.
"Thank you for letting me in. Also, thanks for the food," Alaric replied as he stood from the table.
"No problem," Nolan said.
"But wait... why are your companions always with you? Celia and Linda?" Alaric asked.
Nolan thought to himself: I can’t tell him I tried the mana transfer on them today... that’s why they’re still asleep.
"Well, they’re not around," Nolan replied.
"So they might say hi," Alaric added. His companions stood up as well, and they all left.
Thank goodness they’re gone... good thing they’re gone, Nolan thought. Luthar really learned some forbidden spells that increase power drastically. Even if his brother Lucan, the guild master, were at full strength, I’m sure Luthar is now more powerful than him. Defeating him is going to be a real pain.
"But it will be easy for you," Lyra said. "Even if you run into trouble, you can stop time the moment the fire starts. You don’t even have to let it last a second."
"I’m not going to do that," Nolan said. "I already told you. I want to have some fun with him—a warm-up. I want to see if he can withstand my strength, just with a warm-up."
Since stepping forward, Nolan had been listening to their conversation. That Alaric... she called him handsome ? I hate that guy so much. Pretty boy... he thought. But he’s right. I told you already—I just want to keep reminding myself: be ready for anything. He’s really strong.
"I don’t need to be warned. I’ve heard you. Everything will be under control. Just leave this to me," Nolan said firmly.
"Just leave this to Master," Lyra added.
"I know, but I can’t help but worry," Cynthia said.
Then footsteps echoed from the staircase. Someone was coming down.
"Who’s that? Who’s in the house?" Cynthia asked.
It was Celia and Linda. Meeting them by accident, they stood up.
"You guys are finally awake!" Nolan said with a smile. "Why do I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages?"
"Same here," Linda said.
"You really made Master worried," Lyra added.
"Worried? Oh... we fell asleep during the process. Was the mana transfer a success?" Celia asked.
"Yes," Nolan answered with a smile.
They jumped, shouted, and clapped their hands in excitement.
"Wow! I’m really happy. Finally, you guys are awake. I was worried something might have happened to you!" Nolan said.
"What do you mean, something might have happened? How long have we been asleep?" Celia asked.
"About two days," Nolan replied.
"Two days? We slept for that long? No wonder... my body feels so... strange. It feels like I haven’t moved in forever," Celia said.
"Yes. I’m sure you were staving. Come help yourself," Nolan said.
"No... no. We’ll be back. I want to go freshen up first," Celia said.
"Same here," Linda added, and the two of them walked back upstairs."I want to take their baths,"
Nolan still a little caught off guard. They’re finally awake. Tomorrow’s tournament is starting. This is good. Finally.
"I thought they’d wake up tomorrow, but it looks like today is perfect. Now they can test their powers," Lyra said.
"Yeah, I can’t wait to see how strong they’ve gotten," Nolan said.
Thanks goodness they’re awake. Have been wondering what happened to them," I wanted to tell you to take them to the hospital because I wasn’t sure what was going on," Cynthia added. "But it looks like they’re really fine."
"Yes, they are," Nolan replied.
Just then, Celia and Linda came down the staircase and returned to the dining table.
"Master, I hope we didn’t make you worry," Celia said.
"Maybe a little," Nolan said with a smile.
They grabbed his arms.
"I’m sorry. I won’t make you worry again," Linda said.
"I also won’t make you worry," Celia added.
"No problem. You guys get your seats. You need to eat," Nolan said.
Cynthia brought their food over, and they eagerly took it, almost rushing to start.
"I’m starving," they both said.
Noticing Nolan watching them, they paused and began eating more slowly.
"Hey, there’s no need to be shy around me. You can eat however you want—it’s fine," Nolan said.
But as soon as he turned away, they started rushing through the food again.
A few minutes later, they were done. Nolan was shocked. It took me at least seven to ten minutes to finish that meal... and they finished it in about three. What the hell? It felt like they were just swallowing it, not even chewing, he thought.
"Master, why are you saying that so much? You’re the one who said we should eat however we want," Celia said.
"Oh, don’t mind me," Nolan replied with a small smile.
"Now that you’re done eating, I think we should step outside," Lyra said.
"Yes, both of you go to the garden. Let’s start training. Let’s see what you’re capable of," Nolan added.
As Celia and Linda were about to get to their feet, Cynthia said, "Sit down. They just finished eating and only just woke up. No need to rush."
"You’re right. Let’s wait a little while," Nolan agreed.
After an hour, they decided it was time to begin. Cynthia nodded, giving them permission.
As they reached the garden, she said, "Master, we’re ready."
"Good. Now, no need for you to burn your swords out. Let me see how fast you two are now. I hope the mana transfer was a success," Nolan said.
"No need to worry," Lyra replied. "The mana transfer worked perfectly, and I assure you—their abilities have increased drastically. Their speed, reaction time, and combat instincts... everything will be outstanding."
"Well, let’s see," Nolan said, his eyes sharp and focused.
Linda stood first, facing Celia. "Let’s do this. I’ll activate my power—my skill," she said confidently.
"Phoenix... White Phoenix!" Celia called, her voice resonating with energy.
A white flame engulfed her body, glowing brilliantly. But this time, the fire wasn’t purely white. Hints of red shimmered within it.