The days after the successful defense of the Hustle Realm turned into a whirlwind of growth and chaos.
Tobi woke up every morning to the sound of adventurers already queuing at the surface café for pepper soup and jollof. The dungeon shop was selling out of basic healing potions and mana crystals daily. Mana reserves stabilized at a comfortable 14,800/18,000, and the dungeon had automatically begun producing higher-quality crystals on lower floors.
Floor 4's lava theme was a hit — adventurers loved the challenge and the dramatic visuals. Uncle Festus and Small Chinedu had become minor celebrities among regulars, with some groups even betting on how long they could last against the golems.
But the biggest news arrived via a glowing golden envelope delivered by a official-looking magic bird.
Regional Dungeon Challenge Tournament
Hosted by the Azure Pinnacle Guild Alliance
Invitation: Nyx's Hustle Realm (Apostle Tobi Adeyemi)
The tournament would take place in three weeks at the neutral city of Eldoria. Participating dungeons would send their Apostles (or representatives) to compete in various categories: fastest clear time, most creative traps, strongest boss, and a final exhibition raid where multiple dungeons faced a shared powerful monster wave.
Top prizes included rare artifacts, massive mana crystal shipments, land rights for dungeon expansion, and — most importantly — official recognition that could attract powerful allies or sponsors.
Tobi read the invitation three times, grinning wider each time. "This na big stage. We go show them how Naija hustle dey run."
Nyx's orb dimmed slightly. "Tournaments like this are dangerous. Stronger Apostles will be there — some with A-rank dungeons already. They don't play fair."
"Perfect. More skills to copy."
He immediately began preparations.
The next ten days were pure training and optimization.
Tobi expanded to Floor 5 — a crystal cavern theme with reflective surfaces that amplified copied skills. He created new creatures: Crystal Sentinels that could refract attacks and Mana Sprites that harassed intruders with status effects.
Using the tournament as motivation, he pushed his Perfect Copy & Upgrade ability harder than ever. Every regular challenger became a skill farm.
When a group of elite Silver-rank adventurers brought a rare Thunder Step movement skill, Tobi copied and upgraded it into Naija Lightning Hustle — short bursts of super speed that left crackling after-images and temporary stun effects.
When a mage demonstrated advanced Mana Barrier Weaving, it became Hustler's Adaptive Shield — barriers that learned from incoming attacks and grew stronger mid-battle.
The upgrades were getting ridiculous, and Tobi's body was starting to feel the strain of constant power absorption. He developed a slight glow in his eyes and occasional mana overflow that made his hair stand up like he had stuck a finger in a socket.
Lila noticed first. During one late-night training session on Floor 5, she pinned him against a crystal wall after a particularly intense spar.
"You're pushing too hard," she said softly, worry in her green eyes. "I like the confident Tobi, but I don't want to lose you to your own ambition."
Tobi smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I dey try build something lasting. For both of us. But… thank you for worrying."
Their first real kiss happened there — short, sweet, and full of the tension that had been building for weeks. Lila pulled back blushing furiously, then punched his arm. "Don't think this means I'm okay with the other girls hanging around."
Mira arrived the next day with more books and "training supplies." She immediately sensed the change in atmosphere between Tobi and Lila. Instead of backing off, she became more playfully competitive — challenging Lila to archery contests and "accidentally" brushing against Tobi during magic lessons.
Elara returned for another "investment check" and was even more tsundere than usual. She sparred with Tobi aggressively, criticizing every mistake, but stayed afterward to share a quiet meal. When she saw Lila and Mira both present, her golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"Three girls already? Your ambition extends to more than dungeons, Apostle."
Tobi laughed it off, but the jealousy was starting to show. Lila became a bit more possessive during group training. Mira teased more openly. Elara pretended not to care but trained harder.
Nyx commented dryly one evening: "Your small harem is turning into a management problem. I suggest adding a fourth floor dedicated to conflict resolution."
Two days before departure for the tournament, a new challenger arrived alone.
A mysterious hooded figure with a powerful aura — clearly Gold-rank or higher. He cleared the first four floors with terrifying efficiency, using dark shadow-based skills that Tobi had never seen before.
When he reached the boss room on Floor 5, Tobi confronted him directly.
The hooded man lowered his hood, revealing a pale face with sharp features and crimson eyes.
Name: Silas Nightshade
Title: Shadow Apostle
Dungeon: The Abyss Veil (B-rank)
"I came to see the rumored hustler," Silas said with a cold smile. "You're causing quite the stir. The big guilds are watching."
Tobi copied the man's shadow step skill mid-conversation and upgraded it on the spot into Naija Shadow Hustle — allowing him to blend into shadows and emerge with enhanced strikes.
The fight was short but intense. Silas was impressed enough to retreat without conquering.
"Interesting ability. See you at the tournament, Apostle. Try not to embarrass yourself."
As he left, Tobi felt a new fire. This was the level they needed to reach.
The night before leaving for Eldoria, Tobi gathered Lila, Mira, and Elara at the surface café.
"Tomorrow we head to the big stage. I want all of you there — as my team. Not just for fighting, but for support. We go win this thing together."
Lila nodded firmly. Mira grinned excitedly. Elara crossed her arms but gave a small nod. "Don't expect me to hold your hand the whole time."
Tobi raised a bowl of pepper soup like a toast. "To the Hustle Realm. To new skills. And to making history."
The girls clinked bowls with him, the atmosphere warm despite the underlying tensions.
Nyx's voice whispered in his head as they ate: "You're really dragging me into the spotlight. I hope you know what you're doing."
Tobi smiled. "I always do."