Two days had passed since the battle.

Noen woke up in a place that resembled a dormitory, a place that was simple, quiet, and surprisingly comfortable. Of course, everything was free.

Every guest of the Kharanax Kingdom was given temporary lodging in this place.  

They called it Sleep Place Guest. A name that sounded awkward in Noen’s ears, but made perfect sense to the locals.

He rose slowly, letting the light from the morning window wash over his face. Around him, other guests were already waking up. Some stretched, some chatted softly, and others walked out with steady steps.

Noen observed them calmly. He did not feel out of place, just unfamiliar with the customs here. He returned a nod to a brown-haired woman, then stepped out of his room, followed by Raven who perched quietly on his shoulder.

The hallway was filled with soft light from tall windows. The walls were made of polished gray stone, cool to the touch but clean and well-kept. A few doors were open, revealing rooms much like his own: a single bed, a small table, and a folded cloth rack in the corner.

He passed an old man sweeping the floor. The man nodded, and Noen responded with a small smile. At the end of the hall, two young guests were laughing, their voices echoing gently between the stone walls.

No one was in a hurry. Nothing felt suspicious. This place felt like a pause, a quiet space before something larger began.

Noen paused near the staircase leading downward. He could smell warm bread coming from the kitchen. His stomach rumbled softly.

“Time for breakfast,” he murmured, then descended the stairs.

The stone stairs led to a warmer corridor, filled with the scent of bread and boiled root soup. Several guests were already seated at long tables, speaking quietly as they scooped food from wooden bowls.

Noen entered without hesitation. He took a tray from the rack near the door and joined the line. A young man ahead of him turned and smiled politely. Noen returned the gesture with a light nod.

“Wheat bread and morning root soup,” said the attendant behind the counter, handing him a bowl of soup and a warm slice of bread.

“Thank you,” Noen replied.

He chose a seat near the window, facing a small garden filled with flowering shrubs. Across from him, two guests from the southern regions were discussing travel routes. At the end of the table, a small child laughed as her mother blew steam off the soup.

Raven landed on the back of his chair, staring at the bowl.

“No meat. Tragic,” he said.

“You could hunt bugs in the garden,” Noen replied, spooning his soup.

“I have standards, you know,” Raven muttered, though he stayed in place.

He did not eat. He did not need to.  

Immortal beings like him were not bound by food, but that never stopped him from commenting on meals.  

Maybe it was an old habit. Maybe it was just his style.

The dining hall felt peaceful. No tension. No questions. Just people passing through their own stories.

Noen ate slowly, letting his body recover and his mind absorb the rhythm of this new place. He did not yet know what awaited him in this kingdom, but for now, he was simply a guest.

After breakfast, he returned his tray to the cleaning rack and stepped outside into the back courtyard of the Sleep Place Guest. The courtyard was simple, with winding stone paths between grass and low trees, and benches placed under shaded awnings. A few guests sat there, reading or writing in small notebooks. Someone was sketching a map.

Noen walked along the path, Raven hopping beside him.

“There are a lot of guests for this kingdom,” Noen said, breaking the silence.

“Because of the royal event that will be held soon,” Raven replied. “A battle tournament to celebrate the king’s birthday.”

“So that’s why we can’t be late. And all these guests will participate in the tournament?”

“Not all. Mostly spectators. Tournaments like this rarely attract participants, because the reward of treasure and hero title is considered not worth the years spent as payment. Besides, treasure in this world is not required for food.”

“You’re right. I haven’t seen any beggars or homeless people in this kingdom.”

“They are guaranteed shelter and food by the kingdom, so such things do not exist here.”

“So, do you want me to participate in this tournament?” Noen asked.

“What is useful for you right now is the hero title, maybe money too. I won’t help again by giving you a seal ring. You have to earn it yourself.”

“Alright. But what’s the point of a hero title?”

“You can access all facilities, even the royal library. Yes, they call it the book warehouse. You will also be provided with a seal ring for life.”

“Is there anything to be proud of in getting a lifetime seal ring? We only have ten fingers.”

“For fable-level powers, seal rings can break even though it’s not easy. That’s why the right is only given to the strong.”

“So I have to win the tournament?”

“My original plan was that you didn’t need to win. What matters is how you observe people using their story powers. But since I saw your fighting instinct was pretty good against the Tigrizzly, plus your second story power, maybe joining the fight is no longer necessary. Still, the decision is yours.”

Noen nodded.

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