The Author's POV

"The headmaster?"

My eyes shot wide open.

"The SS ranked hero headmaster who never once showed up during my stay at the lock?"

Waylan almost spat out his drink. Giving me an odd look, he wrily smiled.

"Odd way to put it, but correct."

"...my god."

Leaning back on my seat, my brows furrowed tightly.

Although I knew that Waylen and the headmaster were on a mission together, I didn't actually know that they were in the dwarven domain.

This was because Kevin back in my novel only went to the dwarven domain after the conference that took place a couple of years from now.

That was also the first time the two properly showed up in the story.

Tap.Tap.Tap

Tapping on the table, I fell into thought.

'Who would've thought that he was here?'

The headmaster's presence makes things complicated.

Although he wasn't there during the tournament, most likely he was aware of me. After all, there was no way Donna wouldn't have told him about me.

Furthermore, as the headmaster, he was probably made aware of each death that occurred during that day.

Explaining to him how I was still alive was going to be really troublesome.

'ugh, how troublesome indeed.'

"Do you have any other questions for me?"

Waylan downed the whole drink and smacked the cup on the table. He then proceeded to wipe the foam that lingered on his lips.

Lifting my head, I nodded my head.

"Yes, one more."

"Go on, but make it quick I'm supposed to leave soon."

Waylan replied as he checked his watch.

Leaning forward, I asked.

"Have you perhaps heard of anyone called Malvil Ironhawk before?"

"Sir Malvil?"

An odd look flashed Waylen's face.

"Is there something wrong?"

From the look on Waylen's face, it seemed as though he knew him.

With a complicated look, Waylan scratched the back of his head.

"No, not really, it's just that...he's, mhhh, how should I say it."

Stroking his chin, Waylan tried to find the right words to say.

"...Let's just say that he's a very hard man to please."

"I figured."

Leaning back on my seat I let out a sigh.

Malvil was one of the few people that could handle Okleum properly.

He was a legendary craftsman. Without a doubt his standards for materials were high, and not just that, he was probably also very selective of his clients.

In no way would he craft artifacts for whoever asked.

But.

I still had to try.

"Even if he might reject me, I want to know."

I wanted to get stronger faster.

Surrounded by so many enemies, I had no choice but to get stronger.

It was a must.

At my response, a small smile appeared on Waylan's face.

"Mhm, if you insist."

Twirling his now empty cup, Waylan thought for a moment.

"Usually he's working at the fourth level, but you can find him on the first level from time to time. In fact, he's probably at his shop right now."

"Where exactly is that? Can you tell me the location?"

warn you beforehand. Don't expect him to make an artifact for you. No matter how rich you

"Mhm."

Understandable.

have a line

"Pay close attention."

holographic map soon appeared before us. To my surprise, it was a map of the

a certain

if you follow this path over here, you should

"I see."

My brows furrowed slightly.

was a bit of a mess since wasn't an official map,

now knew

have to

back on, Waylan suddenly stood up. Before he left, he

I go, take this

"What's this?"

I curiously

the plate in my hand, Waylan

identification badge. In case you want to meet me, you can just

at the green plate in my hand,

"I see...thank you."

might come in

"No problem"

hood, Waylan

to go now. Thank you again

"No problem."

something, Waylan's footsteps suddenly halted. Turning around,

up again Dd tell me more about that guy you

dripped

"...sure."

"Good, good."

around and left the

back from where I was sitting, I closed my eyes and wished Kevin the

like he really couldn't get

***

[Leviathan building, Lock.]

day at this hour, Emma and Kevin would train at the public training ground inside of the

it bigger than their own personal training grounds, but it was also great for training with

swords in the middle of the training grounds, Kevin suddenly

"Achoo!"

"Kevin?"

her short swords and worriedly

raising his hand to gesture to her that he was fine, Kevin wrily

just suddenly felt a chill run down through

"...got a cold?"

"Don't think so."

feeling good these days. His strength was progressing at

to rank not too long

was healthier than

probably just

himself before once again

—Sha!

a beautiful yet deadly

probably

"That's great."

relief before suddenly her

way, Kevin, did you

completely scattered and he turned to face

"...Regarding?"

you told me not too

"Ah, that."

Kevin's face distorted. Clenching tightly onto his

have decided to go

"A pity."

of disappointment

not like I can stop you since I also think that this decision isn't a bad

"I know, but..."

Kevin's fists clenched tightly.

problems. Kevin realized that

only he had been more powerful, or had someone backing him up, of

want

and raising his sword,

—Sha!

is the fastest way to

***

a mountain range, the only indication I got that it was nighttime was

it quickly disappeared as the thermal system built underground turned on, warming up

be the

head, I stopped in

was the shabbiest looking one. Yet, despite it being the shabbiest looking one, it somehow

hard

atmosphere? Or just

I was

[The Golden Hammer.]

insignia hung outside

and finally taking notice of my surroundings, to my

as though everyone was avoiding the shop like

Clang—! Clang—! Clang—!

was the only thing that indicate to me that I was in

step forward, I