Reborn as a side character with a system

The Cave of Forgotten Dreams

Chapter 10.

That night, Nolan stood alongside Ralph in the quiet halls of the mansion. The two of them stopped in front of a wooden door before Nolan raised his hand and knocked. For a moment, they waited in silence. Then the door creaked open slowly, revealing Issabella, her eyes half-lidded with sleep as she rubbed her temple.

“This better be important,” she muttered.

“May we?” Ralph asked, gesturing inside.

“Yeah, sure.” She stepped aside, opening the door wider to let them in before closing it behind them. She walked back toward her bed, her movements slow and tired. “So how can I help the two of you this late at night?”

Nolan took a seat on a nearby couch, his posture calm but his expression serious. “I have a task that will require you and Ralph to work together… but that’s not the main reason I’m here.”

“Then get to the one that brought you here,” Issabella replied.

“Alright.” Nolan leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening. “I want us to head to the Cave of Forgotten Dreams in the next few weeks.”

Silence filled the room—then Issabella shot up immediately.

“What?!” She rushed to the door and flung it open, forcing a strained smile onto her face. “I think drowsiness has gotten to you, young lord. Why not go get some rest? If you say something like that tomorrow… maybe I’ll take you seriously.”

But her body betrayed her. Her shoulders were stiff, her breathing uneven, and the hand gripping the doorknob trembled despite her effort to stay composed.

Nolan noticed everything.

Without saying a word, he stood and walked past her. As he stepped through the doorway, he cast her a brief glance before continuing down the hall. Ralph followed behind him in silence.

The moment they left, the door slammed shut.

Inside, Issabella stood frozen. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, her body shaking as tears slowly fell from her eyes.

“Young master…” Ralph spoke carefully as they walked. “Do you know the danger of going to that place?”

Nolan stopped, his eyes lingering on the closed door behind them.

“I know,” he said quietly. “But if I don’t go there soon… something bad will happen. I can feel it.” His gaze hardened slightly. “This is the only way to save him.”

“Come,” he added after a moment, turning away. “Let’s head back.”

By morning, Nolan was already at the training ground, practicing his magic alone. Sweat clung to his skin as he repeated the same motions over and over, pushing himself without rest.

Footsteps approached.

He turned slightly as three figures entered—Hilda in front, followed by Issabella and Ralph.

“Nolan,” Hilda said bluntly. “We are heading out. Follow us.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away.

Issabella stepped forward, holding a set of training gear. Without meeting his eyes, she handed them to him. “Wear this.”

Nolan paused briefly, watching her. She’s not even looking at me… His thoughts stirred uneasily. Could it be something about the cave?

He said nothing and began putting it on. The gear was light, made from a flexible yet durable material that clung comfortably to his body. Despite its weightlessness, it was reinforced at key points—his chest, arms, and legs—designed to absorb impact while allowing full freedom of movement.

Once ready, he followed them.

Hours later, the four of them arrived at a vast forest.

At first glance, it looked peaceful. Towering trees stretched high into the sky, their leaves glowing a vibrant green under the sunlight. A gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and life, while birds chirped softly above.

But beneath that calm lay something darker.

The silence between the sounds felt unnatural. The shadows between the trees seemed too deep, and every rustle hinted at unseen eyes watching from within.

This was no ordinary forest.

“The three of us will observe you through this,” Hilda said, raising her staff. A translucent screen formed in the air before them, shimmering faintly. “Head deep into the forest and defeat as many monsters as you can.”

Nolan stared at her for a brief moment, then turned his attention to Issabella.

“Miss Roselite,” he said calmly, “I have a bet I want to place with you.”

Issabella lifted her head, confused. “A bet?”

“If I manage to kill two hundred monsters today, you will hear me out,” Nolan said, already beginning to walk into the forest. “Whether you choose to team up with me or not… that will be your decision.”

His voice remained steady.

“But if I fail…” he added without turning back, “then I’ll drop the idea completely. As if I never mentioned it.”

“Wait!!”

Issabella’s voice stopped him.

Nolan paused but said nothing.

She approached him slowly and held out a dagger. The blade was sleek and sharp, its edge gleaming faintly under the light, the grip worn from use.

“I know you don’t know how to use it,” she said quietly, avoiding his eyes. “But keep it… just in case.”

Her voice softened.

“Survive… even if you don’t succeed with the promise…” A tear slipped down her cheek. “Just… come back in one piece.”

Nolan took the dagger, his grip tightening slightly. A faint smile formed on his lips.

“I never intended on losing.”

And with that, he turned and walked into the forest, disappearing deeper into the shadows.