Inside his room, Noah didn't rest like he had told Ichigo or the other competitors. Instead, he felt compelled to return to his shop and check on the situation that had been weighing on his mind.
The civil war between the elves was growing increasingly complicated, and he would be a terrible shopkeeper if he left Lola and Leo alone during such dangerous times. While the shop's magical protections would certainly defend them against any foolish attacks from the elves, Noah still didn't want to abandon them during such dire circumstances.
Before departing, Noah made a quick call to his father, who hadn't heard from him today. Alan asked various questions about the tournament experience, the food he was eating, and they shared the kind of normal father-son conversation that grounded Noah in familiar warmth.
After ending that call, he replied to Ethan's message before deciding it was time to return. With a conscious thought, the portal materialised before him, and he stepped through.
