My SSS-Rank Innate skill: Infinite Adaptation core

And Nova still had unfinished business with two particular members of that Order. He would definitely kill them—but for now, he simply wasn’t strong enough to do so.

In the end, Bai Chen left the room. Once the door closed behind him, a slightly uncomfortable silence settled over Nova and the women.

Nova spoke after a moment of thought.

”I’m thinking of participating in the tournament without changing my identity. I’ll also use the Frosthall Hunters Guild’s affiliation.”

All four women looked at him. Rieka was the first to speak. ”Didn’t you say earlier that you would use another identity?”

Asia nodded in agreement. Even Nyxara and Velena turned toward him, clearly curious about what had changed his mind.

Nova continued calmly.

”That was the original plan. But today Maria publicly introduced me as your husband in front of many high-standing nobles and guests. A lot of people already know who Nova Valencrest is.”

”Besides, I don’t intend to show off too much. It’s not as if anyone can see through my true identity. To them, I’ll just appear as a talented youth around level 1500.”

The women exchanged glances and eventually nodded. His reasoning made sense. Nova, Rieka, and Asia were going to be the main representatives of the Frosthall Hunters Guild.

With talented youths from many other kingdoms also participating, they wouldn’t be the only ones drawing attention. There were still many peak talents they had yet to see.

Asia then suggested, ”Alright. If you’ve decided, let’s go talk to Father. He can register our names directly so we won’t have to stand in the long lines with the other youths.”

Nova smiled and nodded. He saw no reason to refuse such a convenience. If an advantage was available, there was no point clinging to unnecessary morals. Everyone had their own fortune.

”Let’s go then. While we’re at it, we can also talk to Theodore about Bai Chen. Your father might be able to help even more if your uncle’s influence isn’t enough. After all, he is a duke.”

Asia smiled and agreed.

They soon found Theodore and explained everything. As expected, he was quite pleased that Nova had changed his mind.

Having such outstanding youths represent the Frosthall Hunters Guild would raise the guild’s reputation and bring him considerable benefits.

Although Theodore was not a greedy man, he was still a businessman at heart. Naturally, the prospect pleased him.

Without delay, he went to speak with Dorian, the guild leader, and explained the situation.

Nixia was also present. Both of them were visibly shocked when they saw Nova. Only a few days earlier, Rieka and Asia had come seeking help to save him. By all logic, he should not have survived... yet here he stood.

Theodore made sure to instruct Dorian and Nixia not to spread anything about the events from a few days ago. He didn’t explain the details, nor did he need to.

As both the guild’s main backer and a duke, his orders were more than enough. The two of them simply obeyed.

Dorian, on the other hand, was overjoyed. The strength of the three youths who would be participating under his guild was far beyond what he had expected.

Though many questions lingered in his mind, he kept them to himself. What mattered now was the rapid rise in the guild’s influence that was about to follow.

Once the registration matters were settled, they also discussed Bai Chen’s situation with Theodore. After listening carefully, Theodore promised to speak not only with Enzo, but also with the Commander if necessary.

Everyone was relieved to hear that.

Nova felt quietly satisfied. Trusting Theodore had been the right choice. Helping him grow stronger earlier had clearly given the young duke more confidence as well.

With everything handled, the group finally returned home. By then, it was already late.

For the next three weeks, until the tournament began, Nova planned to spend his time peacefully with his family and wives... while continuing his training.

....

One day before the tournament.

The capital of the Aureth Kingdom was overflowing with people.

Every inn was fully booked, and the entire city had been decorated with care and grandeur. This was no ordinary event — it was one of the greatest tournaments on the continent, held only once every ten years. For the kingdom, it was a moment of immense pride and celebration.

Merchants and street vendors thrived in the lively atmosphere, taking full advantage of the rare occasion. For many of them, this was the most profitable period they would see in an entire decade.

Powerful figures from across the continent had already begun arriving in the capital, while many more were still on their way.

His Majesty Leonis Aurethion had personally ensured that every preparation was completed without the slightest oversight.

The grand Colosseum stood fully prepared for the battles that would begin the following day.

Security throughout the city was extremely tight — and had been strengthened even further after the recent attacks involving demons, the Blood Moon Cult, and the Eclipse Order across the kingdom and continent.

Emperor Realm experts had been stationed at key locations, a clear sign of just how important this event was. Even under the shadow of potential danger, the tournament would proceed as planned.

After all, it was being held under the direct command of the Human Emperor himself.

...

Inside Nova’s system training space.

”Hah... hah... I’m so exhausted...” Rieka muttered as she finally sat down, her mana completely drained.

”No, Lady Rieka. You should push yourself harder,” Velena said in her usual calm tone. ”If you want to win and secure a pass to the secret realm, you must be prepared.

There will be many talented youths in the tournament. Although your innate skills and combat strength are already quite good... you should still prepare for the worst.”

Rieka rolled her eyes.

”I know... hah... and don’t call me ’Lady.’ Didn’t I already tell you that?”

”I cannot do that,” Velena replied without changing her expression. ”You are the wife of Lord Nova, and also a fellow wife of my princess. It is only proper that I remain respectful toward you.”

”Sigh... do whatever you want Instructor,” Rieka muttered before standing up again. She turned toward the dummy enemy in front of her, ready for another round.

In the next moment, she activated her special movement skill — Fox Steps— a skill that granted her swift yet highly concealed movement.

Several clones appeared around her, another skill she had refined over the past few years. Then, without hesitation, she launched her final enhanced claw attack.

The combination of concealed movement and clones completely disrupted the enemy’s perception.

Before it could react properly, her powerful offensive strike tore through it, destroying the level 1400 dummy in an instant.

”Nicely done,” Velena said with a small nod. ”You may rest now. We are finished here. You are ready for the tournament.”

”Thanks.”

Rieka didn’t waste another second. The moment she received permission, she disappeared from the training grounds, clearly heading off to find Nova.

Velena then turned toward the equally exhausted Asia. ”You as well. Show me your final move, and I will let you go.”

Asia let out a tired sigh and forced herself to stand. There was no room for refusal.

At Nova’s request, Velena had taken responsibility for training both Rieka and Asia. Over the past few days, she had pushed them hard, steadily improving their strength and combat experience.

Each time they entered the training space, they would train for what felt like weeks — sometimes even months — under the accelerated time.

Meanwhile, Nova was elsewhere in the system space, undergoing specialized spatial training with Nyxara in order to deepen his understanding and control over space, like her.

Asia took a deep breath and activated her Frozen Domain.

In an instant, an overwhelming chill spread outward from her body. The air itself seemed to solidify as frost rapidly covered the ground, the surrounding space, and even the dummy enemy standing before her.

Everything within the domain was frozen solid, locking the opponent in place before it could react.

**

Thanks for reading...