The journey to Eldoria took two days by rented carriage and magic beast mounts. Tobi, Lila, Mira, and Elara traveled together, turning the trip into a mix of strategy sessions, light training, and growing group dynamics.
Tobi spent most of the ride experimenting with new copied skills, occasionally causing small mana explosions that made the carriage shake. Lila sat close, offering quiet encouragement. Mira explained tournament rules from a borrowed guild book. Elara sharpened her greatsword and gave blunt advice about the stronger competitors they would face.
Eldoria was a massive neutral city built around a colossal arena complex. Towers of crystal and marble rose into the sky, and the air buzzed with mana from hundreds of dungeons and adventurers gathered for the event.
Upon arrival, they registered at the Apostle Pavilion.
The official System window appeared for all participants:
Regional Dungeon Challenge Tournament
Participating Dungeons: 48
Nyx's Hustle Realm – Rank D+ (Newcomer)
Other notable entries included:
The Abyss Veil (B-rank, Silas Nightshade)
Eternal Frost Spire (A-rank, Ice Apostle Valeria)
Golden Titan Fortress (A-rank, brute force specialist)
Many Apostles gave Tobi curious or dismissive looks as he walked through the pavilion in his rune-covered hoodie-cloak combo. His casual confidence and the small group of attractive companions drew attention.
One Apostle — a haughty young man with golden hair from the Golden Titan Fortress — sneered. "A D-rank newcomer with a harem escort? This tournament will eat you alive."
Tobi smiled brightly. "We'll see who gets eaten, my guy. Save some space for my pepper soup at the after-party."
The comment spread quickly, earning laughs from some and glares from others.
The first event was the Preliminary Exhibition — each dungeon showcased a short highlight reel of their best floor design via magical projection.
When Nyx's Hustle Realm segment played, the crowd reacted strongly. The moving illusory trees, the lava flows, the humorous riddle doors, and especially the scenes of Tobi shouting Yoruba phrases while fighting drew both confusion and amusement.
"Interesting concept," one judge noted. "Primitive but… entertaining."
Tobi took it as a win.
That evening, a grand welcoming banquet was held in the central arena plaza. Food from across the continent was served, but Tobi set up a small stall with his own pepper soup and jollof, drawing a surprisingly large crowd of curious adventurers and even a few Apostles.
Silas Nightshade stopped by, tasting a bowl with a raised eyebrow. "Your food is better than your dungeon rank. Don't disappoint me in the arena."
Valeria, the elegant Ice Apostle, watched from afar with cold interest.
Lila stayed close to Tobi, occasionally shooting warning glances at any girl who got too friendly. Mira mingled and gathered intel on other dungeons. Elara stood like a guard, arms crossed, but secretly enjoyed the attention the stall was getting.
Later that night, in their assigned lodging (a comfortable inn provided by the tournament), the group had their first real private moment.
Tobi sat on the balcony with Lila on one side and Mira on the other. Elara leaned against the railing, pretending to inspect her sword.
"I know things are getting complicated," Tobi said honestly. "But I like all of you. Different reasons. If anyone wants to step back, no hard feelings."
Lila spoke first, voice soft but firm. "I'm not stepping back. I was here first… sort of."
Mira laughed lightly. "I'm having fun. Your energy is addictive."
Elara snorted. "I'm here for the investment. The rest is… secondary." But her cheeks had the faintest pink tint.
Nyx's voice chuckled in Tobi's head. "Good luck managing this. I'm going back to sleep."
The next morning, the tournament proper began with the Speed Clear Event.
Each Apostle could send a team (or go alone) to clear a standardized challenge dungeon provided by the organizers.
Tobi decided to go with a mixed team: himself, Lila, Mira, and Elara.
The challenge dungeon was a straightforward five-floor tower with increasing difficulty.
They moved fast.
Tobi's upgraded skills shone — Naija Lightning Hustle for mobility, Hustler's Adaptive Shield for defense, and new combinations that kept the girls protected while he copied new environmental skills from the challenge dungeon itself.
They cleared the tower in record time for a D-rank entrant — placing in the top 15 overall.
The crowd cheered, and the announcement echoed:
"Nyx's Hustle Realm advances with an impressive debut clear!"
Backstage, Tobi high-fived his team, pulling Lila into a quick celebratory hug, then winking at Mira and Elara.
"We're just getting started."
But as they celebrated, a new System notification appeared only for Tobi:
Hidden Quest Unlocked: Become the Dark Horse of the Tournament
Reward: Unknown Legendary Skill Upgrade
Tobi's eyes sparkled with ambition.
"Na this kind stage I dey find."
The real battles were about to begin.