"By the way, the tournament is happening in two days. Yamamoto told me he’ll come here in two days to pick you up. Just giving you advance notice." Tanaka said, relaying Yamamoto’s words.
Two days...not too bad.
Noah nodded with appreciation for the information. "Thank you for letting me know. I’ll be ready."
Around the dojo, the quiet sound of conversations had started. Students stood clustered in pairs or small groups, whispering to one another as they stole glances at Noah.
His performance during this last sparring session had left an impression, one they were still processing. His speed, control, composure and finally skill were far beyond what they had seen from him just a day before. It was clear to everyone that something extraordinary had taken place during this day of training.
They didn’t attribute it to a system or anything supernatural; instead, they attributed it to a potential enlightenment and his monstrous talent.
This time, Noah didn’t need to take a shower. His body was so fit that he didn’t even sweat despite the practice he had done with Tanaka. After today’s sparring, he realised that the old master could no longer teach him, which was fine.
Tanaka had also told him that there was no need for him to come for training anymore; he could simply wait until the tournament and prepare. Noah didn’t act polite either, accepting the idea.
Respectful honesty rather than false modesty. Tanaka appreciated directness.
He would simply have to practise more in the other world under the guidance of Valeria, Lola and the swordsmanship manual.
Tanaka had already expressed his appreciation for Noah’s remarkable skill advancement and wished him luck in the upcoming tournament. Noah accepted graciously, thanking the experienced master for his weeks of invaluable guidance.
This time, Noah didn’t need to take a shower after their intensive sparring session. His constitution was so efficient that he hadn’t even sweated despite the training that would have exhausted his previous self.
"Thank you for everything, Master Tanaka," Noah said as they walked toward the dojo entrance.
"It’s been a pleasure to train here. I’ll come by again in two days when Master Yamamoto is here. And to everyone here," he said, raising his voice slightly so the surrounding students could hear, "keep training hard. This place made me better. Let it do the same for you."
Master Tanaka smiled at the obvious marketing that Noah was giving him. To the students inside the dojo, Noah had become an Idol. So, hearing him praise dojo would make them more loyal to the dojo and towards their training. Hopeing they could reach Noah’s heights someday in their life.
Future sword training would fall under practising in the magical world under Valeria’s guidance, Lola’s insights, and continued study of the Tier 4 swordsmanship manual that contained techniques beyond earthly martial arts.
On his way back home, Noah decided to adjust his schedule to include a visit to Ethan’s school. The location wasn’t far from his new house, his car provided convenient transportation, and he didn’t want to delay testing whether magical healing could address his cousin’s chronic condition.
Time to see if magical healing can help with Type 1 diabetes.
While the entire family had shared healing bread during their recent dinner, the single loaf had been distributed among multiple people, diluting the magical effects considerably. Ethan needed concentrated healing focused specifically on his autoimmune condition for the full duration of the bread.
If one dedicated loaf works but shows a slow effect, I’ll increase the dose. Otherwise, I’ll escalate to beef jerky for permanent vitality enhancement.
At home, Noah discovered his father had departed for some unknown activity. The house stood empty, but Noah felt no concern about Alan’s absence.
His health and strength are excellent now. He can handle whatever he’s doing.
The permanent vitality enhancement had restored capabilities that made independence natural rather than worrisome. Alan could finally live normally rather than requiring constant monitoring.
He can be active, and I don’t need to worry constantly.
Heading to his room, Noah decided to check on Lola’s breakthrough attempt and current shop operations. He hadn’t been worried about her safety; his shop points had increased substantially, indicating that she was working and making successful sales during his absence.
She’s clearly succeeded and returned to work. Time to offer congratulations.
Appearing in the shop through his portal, Noah found Lola behind the counter professionally serving a customer with a smile on her face.
"Thank you for your patronage," she said with genuine courtesy as the transaction concluded.
The customer nodded appreciatively before turning to leave, only to find Noah standing behind him where empty space had existed moments before.
The man was startled by Noah’s sudden appearance and almost fell.
"Viscount Noah!" the man exclaimed with obvious surprise, recovering quickly to offer appropriate noble greetings. "Good morning, my lord."
Noah smiled warmly and returned the greeting with appropriate courtesy before the customer departed with obvious satisfaction about his purchases.
Noble recognition is still surreal, but useful for business credibility.
After the customer left, Noah turned toward Lola with pleasure at seeing her successful and obviously enhanced by the rank advancement she had achieved.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough to grandmaster rank," he said with a warm smile of appreciation for her accomplishment.
Lola’s ruby eyes sparkled with amusement. "How do you know I succeeded? I might have failed entirely."
"No, I knew you had it in you," Noah replied with confidence. "Good job, you are now more powerful than before."
...Grandmaster-level succubus working as my sales assistant.
She chuckled lightly, her expression carrying warmth. "Well, thank you for believing in me. Your support earlier meant more than you might realise."
Noah stood there for a second, not responding as he could feel the emotions behind her gratitude.
After a moment, he responded with a small smile. "You are welcome, I will be here whenever you need me."
Lola blushed slightly before immediately changing the topic. "Now for the practical matters. Sales went exactly as you instructed. Forty-eight iced teas were sold to general customers, with the remainder reserved for royal guards and Valeria’s guild."
"As for bread, all ninety-six units were sold throughout the shift," she continued with obvious satisfaction at the robust demand.
"The premium items remained untouched as you requested, waiting for your authorisation to resume special pricing."
Noah nodded with appreciation. "Thank you for the excellent work. Having someone I can trust completely makes everything so much easier."
Staring at his updated status that reflected the night’s operations, Noah felt good.