"Sometimes you act like a kid," Lyra teased, folding her arms. "And then sometimes, you act so mature it's hard to keep up. But Celia and Linda? They're not S-rank. Not yet."
Nolan sighed. "Maybe so. But I'll be ready when the first day of the tournament begins."
Lyra shook her head with a faint smile. "We'll see," she said, turning for the door. As she stepped out, she added, "Rest well. The matches start the day after tomorrow."
The door clicked shut behind her.
"Tomorrow, I'll check the arena myself," Nolan muttered. "See how strong the place really is… and test the hot spring while I'm at it."
He stripped off his jacket, leaving only his shorts, and slung a towel around his neck before heading downstairs. But the moment he reached the backyard, his steps froze.
Celia, Linda, Lyra—and even Cynthia—stood there, each wrapped in nothing but towels, steam rising faintly behind them.
"What… what are you doing here?" Nolan stammered.
