He'd escorted Lira back without a hitch, playing the part of the dutiful guide, but now that she was out of sight, his focus shifted
He was alone again, free to think, to plan
As he climbed a narrow staircase, his hand brushing the worn banister, he reasoned with himself
Three more women, that's all he needed to conquer to level up
The thought settled in his chest, sharp and enticing, like a challenge he couldn't ignore
Three more, and he'd hit that next threshold, whatever it was the system demanded of him
He paused on the landing, leaning against the wall as he mulled it over
The tournament had kept him busy, too busy to farm the system properly
That's what he'd told himself, anyway
The chaos of the matches, the endless training, the eyes always on him, it had been overwhelming, a convenient excuse for why he hadn't progressed
But now? Now the tournament was over, the castle quieter, and his time was his own again
Limited, sure, but enough to work with
