SSS-Class Overlord: My Harem Rules the Realms (18+)
Chapter 47: The Next Journey.

Chapter 47: The Next Journey.

Ethan staggered slightly as he stepped down from the arena platform, adrenaline fading and

exhaustion seeping into his limbs. His cloak clung to sweat-dampened skin, and his breaths came

shallow and ragged.

The Dark Mage team clustered around him immediately.

"Ethan!" Velexaria’s voice snapped like a whip as she rushed forward, her dark robes billowing

behind her. She grasped his shoulders, sharp eyes scanning his face. "Are you injured? How

much mana do you have left? Let me see."

"I’m fine, Master," Ethan rasped, offering her a lopsided grin. "Just... a little toasted."

Kaeron burst into laughter, slapping Ethan on the back so hard he nearly toppled forward.

"Toasted? Bro, you were out there looking like the embodiment of rage and silent fury. I thought

you were gonna explode!"

Lysena folded her arms and tilted her head. "I think the silent treatment was scarier than any

magic. You gave off serial killer vibes for a second there."

Ethan rolled his eyes but smirked. "Yeah, well... I had a lot on my mind."

Before Velexaria could lecture him further, a group of tower officials arrived with two healers in

tow. One of them, a young woman in silver robes, pressed glowing palms to Ethan’s chest,

murmuring soft incantations. A gentle warmth flowed through his muscles, washing away the

worst of the strain and healing the shallow cuts and bruises along his arms.

Meanwhile, the Empire official climbed back onto the stage, voice echoing through the enchanted

arena:

"Attention, all towers! The results of the First Generation Tournament have been confirmed."

He raised a hand, his expression solemn but tinged with respect. "By overwhelming performance

and demonstration of skill, the Dark Mage Tower claims victory in this decade’s Summit of the

Towers!"

A roar erupted from the Dark Mage stands. Kaeron whooped loud enough to shake dust from the

arena arches. Lysena joined in, clapping so fiercely her palms turned red. Even Velexaria allowed

herself a cool, satisfied smile.

Ethan lifted a weary arm, waving once to the crowd before lowering it with a wince.

As the arena slowly cleared, the Dark Mage team made their way back to their quarters in the

floating coliseum. The tension of the past few days seemed to dissolve like mist.

On their way back, they passed other Tower teams in the marble corridors. Members of the Fire

Tower glared and muttered insults under their breath. Some Wind Tower disciples refused to meet

Ethan’s eyes, while Ice Tower apprentices stared in silent awe.

Kaeron puffed out his chest and waved dramatically. "Make way for the champions, peasants!"

Lysena smacked his shoulder. "Shut up. We still have to live in this city for another night."

They reached the Dark Mage quarters, which sat perched like a fortress near the edge of the

floating city. From the wide balcony, waves glittered below like liquid sapphire.

Back in the darkened quarters, candles were lit one by one, casting flickering shadows on stone

walls etched with runes.

Kaeron sprawled on one of the couches, arms flung wide. "Alright! Time to party, folks. We just

kicked every other tower’s ass!"

Lysena rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her grin. "Don’t act like you did anything. Ethan carried

the entire tower on his back."

Kaeron pointed a dramatic finger at Ethan. "And that’s why he deserves at least three pitchers of

firewine."

Velexaria glided closer, her expression somewhere between stern and amused. "No firewine. I

need you all functional enough to get out of bed tomorrow. But... a small celebration wouldn’t

hurt."

They found themselves gathered around a low table laden with simple treats: sweet spiced cakes,

dark berry wine, honeyed nuts, and steaming bowls of herb soup. Laughter and banter filled the

room, a stark contrast to the grim determination of the past few days.

At one point, Ethan raised his cup. "To the Dark Mages. And to winning the next one, too."

"To the Dark Mages!" the others chorused, clinking cups.

"Alright," Kaeron said, leaning forward, eyes sparkling, "but seriously, Ethan... how the hell did

you keep your cool when Lyra was mocking you mid-fight?"

Ethan chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "I wasn’t cool. I was about two seconds from

stabbing her in the neck. The only thing that stopped me was the Empire’s ’no dismemberment’

rule."

Lysena shook her head. "Gods save us. Our champion, ladies and gentlemen. So poised."

Kaeron raised his cup. "To no dismemberment!"

Velexaria sighed and set down her own cup. "We’re jesting now, but understand this: our victory

tonight changed things. There will be eyes on you, Ethan. And the next stage... will be far more

dangerous."

Ethan tilted his head. "Next stage?"

Velexaria merely gave him a cryptic smile. "You’ll see. For now... enjoy the moment. You earned

it."

The laughter resumed, more subdued but still genuine. The hours slipped by as they reminisced

over the matches, the mockery from other towers, and Kaeron’s ridiculous commentary during

each fight.

Eventually, the party wound down. Kaeron and Lysena drifted off, leaving the candles burning low.

By the time the corridors fell quiet, the moonlight streamed pale and silver across the runic tiles.

Ethan slipped away to the balcony overlooking Duskwatch.

He leaned against the black stone railing, eyes on the shimmering lights of the floating city below.

A gentle breeze ruffled his hair, cool and soothing after the heat of the matches.

"...System," he murmured into the night. "Show me my stats."

A translucent blue panel flickered into existence before his eyes, casting a soft glow over his face:

[Ethan Graves]

[Level: 50]

[HP: 380/380]

[Mana: 480/480]

[Strength: B]

[Agility: A-]

[Intellect: A-]

[Endurance: B]

[Charisma: B]

[Luck: B-]

[Dominion Points: 0]

[Potential Rating: SSS]

[Harem Slots: 0/10]

[Stat Points Available: 0]

Ethan stared at the screen for a long moment. Then he spoke under his breath: "System... what

happens now?"

[System Response: Congratulations, Host. New Main Scenario will commence in a few days.

Details currently locked.]

Ethan’s brow furrowed. "Locked, huh... So that’s how it’s gonna be?"

[Affirmative. Host will be notified when conditions are met.]

Ethan exhaled slowly, his breath turning to mist in the cool night.

He closed the window and tilted his head back to look at the stars above Duskwatch. Despite the

fatigue in his bones, something fierce and eager burned in his chest.

Whatever the future held, he’d face it. His way.

And with that thought, he turned and slipped quietly back inside, ready for the next Chapter of his

journey.