Lily scowled at their father. "Talk about this ter. Just eat first."

  Their father chuckled. "Alright, alright." He pced the sword back beside him while Noct tried to hide his impatience. He wanted to see that sword now.

  Still, he focused on eating. And for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t eating alone. Back in his past life, he always ate by himself, whether at home or outside. Was his life really that pathetic? Come to think of it, both Nocts—the one here and the one back in his world—were pretty pathetic.

  But no worries.

  Pathetic × Pathetic = Extraordinary.

  After finishing the meal, Noct helped clear the table. Lily shot him a suspicious look.

  "What?"

  "Don’t try to act nice just to make yourself look less pathetic."

  "Was I really that bad?"

  "Terrible, Noct."

  He just smiled. This Noct… hah, he really was pathetic.

  Once the table was cleared, the moment he had been waiting for finally arrived. Their father picked up the sword and handed it to him. Noct took it carefully, nodding in gratitude. "Thank you."

  He gripped the dark, sturdy hilt and slowly drew the weapon. A brilliant silver bde gleamed under the light, sharp and pristine. The weight was noticeable, but his grip was strong enough that it felt natural in his hands. He pulled it out completely and rested the sheath aside. It was incredible. But there was one issue—he couldn’t tell its quality. Did he even have an Inspection skill?

  "That’s a Tier 3 Epic-Grade sword, Noct."

  "Tier 3… Epic-Grade?"

  He ran his fingers along the bde’s pristine edge. This wasn’t just good—it was insane.

  Tier 3. That put it on par with a Gaia Guardian’s strength. But more than that—the grade.

  Epic-Grade.

  In this world, item grades follow a clear ranking system: Common → Rare → Elite → Epic → Unique Legendary.

  Epic-Grade weapons were extremely rare. If not for his father’s status as Knight Commander, there was no way he would have had access to a weapon like this.

  This was perfect. This sword would be the ideal vessel for his elemental spirit. This would become a great relic. Of course, he couldn't let his excitement show too much. He gnced at his father—who was watching him with a faint knowing smile beneath his thick beard.

  "Try it."

  Noct nodded.

  The moment he tightened his grip on the sword, something clicked. His instincts took over, and before he even realized it, his stance had shifted perfectly into form. His feet adjusted effortlessly, his body moved with a precision that felt entirely natural, and when he swung—

  Damn.

  The bde sliced through the air with fwless execution.

  It felt incredible.

  The muscle memory embedded in this body was beyond anything he had ever experienced. He wasn’t just swinging a weapon—his body knew exactly how to fight.

  This was real training.

  He exhaled slowly, lowering the sword as satisfaction filled his chest. This body might have been weak in terms of Gaia Force, but its combat ability was something else entirely.

  Just as he was about to try another movement, a chilling presence made him pause.

  He turned—and met Lily’s sharp, threatening stare.

  Her eyes practically screamed a warning.

  Do anything reckless inside the house, and I’ll kill you myself.

  Noct smiled, raising his free hand in surrender. He got the message loud and clear.

  Meanwhile, their father stood up, adjusting his coat as if preparing to leave.

  Lily frowned. "Leaving again, Father?" Her voice unintentionally carried a hint of disappointment.

  Their father paused for a moment before sighing. "The city lord needs me."

  Though he smiled, Noct could tell it was forced.

  A second ter, he turned and walked toward the door.

  Then—click.

  The door shut behind him, leaving only Noct and Lily in the quiet house.

  For a moment, neither of them spoke.

  Then, Lily let out a heavy sigh.

  "If it weren’t for worrying about you, he wouldn’t have come back at all."

  Her words carried frustration, but underneath that—there was something else.

  Sadness.

  Noct smirked, leaning his elbow on the table. "No problem. I can just pretend to pass out again so Father comes back."

  Lily shot him a sharp gre. "Shut up. You waking up is already a hassle. You passing out again would be even worse."

  Noct ughed.

  For the first time in a while, he felt something strangely comforting.

  ***

  Noct couldn’t wait to explore the city.

  He had spent enough time indoors—it was time to see the world outside.

  Turning to Lily, who was still tidying up, he casually spoke. "Let’s go out."

  Lily froze mid-movement, then slowly turned to face him, eyes wide in shock.

  "What?" she blurted. "You never want to go out with me. Don’t act weird. I might start thinking someone else has taken over your body."

  Noct chuckled. "Don’t bme me, Lily. Maybe it’s because you’re too rough for a girl, you know? Look at you—if you keep acting like this, no guy will ever be interested in you."

  Lily’s face darkened.

  "Do you even realize you're the most annoying person in this house?" she snapped, arms crossed. "And for your information, I took care of you when you passed out! Do you really think I’m not a good enough little sister?"

  Noct smirked. "Taking care of me… and stripping me too?"

  Lily’s entire face turned red.

  "Noct!" she shouted. "It wasn’t me! It was Father! And I didn’t see anything!"

  She suddenly froze, her expression twisting in frustration.

  "Why am I even expining this to you?! You idiot! Stupid brother!"

  Noct ughed as Lily punched his arm repeatedly, her hits cking any real force but making her frustration clear.

  "You give me a headache!" she huffed.

  Noct grinned. "Thanks, Lily."

  "Shut up! Just stop talking!"

  But Noct kept ughing, enjoying himself more than he had in a long time.

  ***

  After some time, they finally stepped outside, and Noct took in the sight of the city.

  Deadbay City was a fascinating blend of Mediterranean aesthetics and modern magical advancements. The streets were lined with stone and marble buildings, their facades adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant banners. Sunlight reflected off the white and sandy-colored architecture, giving the entire pce a warm, inviting glow.

  The people here dressed well—not in extravagant royal attire, but in well-tailored, practical clothing, showing a level of wealth and craftsmanship that hinted at the city's prosperity.

  As they walked, Noct observed the variety of transportation. Some carriages were drawn by rge, sturdy beasts, bred for strength and endurance. Others, however, were powered by magic, their wheels hovering just slightly above the ground—fueled by embedded monster cores.

  A perfect bance between old-world charm and magical innovation.

  But Noct wasn't just here to admire the city.

  There was something he truly wanted to see.

  Because Deadbay City was a port town—situated in the northern region of the Dissidia Kingdom.

  And from here… if the skies were clear…

  One could see a floating isnd in the distance.

  Yes—a floating isnd.

  A pce far above the clouds, home to the Forest Elf Kingdom—Vensalor.

  A majestic, breathtaking realm, hidden away on a massive floating ndmass, suspended high in the sky.

  It was a sight so rare that only on certain days—when the weather was just right—could one glimpse even a fraction of it.

  Noct turned to Lily. "Come with me. I want to see the floating isnd."

  Lily looked at him strangely again, clearly baffled by how weird her brother was acting today.

  Then, after a moment, she let out a small sigh.

  "Fine," she muttered.