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?"

beforehand. Don't expect him to make an artifact for you.

"Mhm."

Understandable.

if he just crafted for anyone, he'd have a line that would stretch all the way to the human

"Pay close attention."

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

towards a

here, you should be able to get there in about

"I see."

My brows furrowed slightly.

of a mess since wasn't an official map, but it got to the

knew where to

have to

on, Waylan suddenly stood up. Before he left, he tossed me

I go, take this as

"What's this?"

it, I curiously

at the plate in my

an identification badge. In case you want to meet me, you can just show them to the guards and they'll let you

my

"I see...thank you."

come in

"No problem"

a grin behind the hood, Waylan gave a

go now. Thank you again for

"No problem."

suddenly halted. Turning around,

again Dd tell me more about that guy you mentioned before.

dripped down

"...sure."

"Good, good."

turned around

back from where I was sitting, I closed my eyes

like he really couldn't get out

***

[Leviathan building, Lock.]

Kevin would train at the public training ground inside of the

own personal training grounds, but

in the middle of

"Achoo!"

"Kevin?"

her short swords and

to gesture to her that he was fine,

I just suddenly felt a chill

"...got a cold?"

"Don't think so."

cold's didn't exist anymore, Kevin had been feeling good these days. His strength

broken to

healthier than

probably just

himself before once again raising his

—Sha!

beautiful yet deadly

great, probably just

"That's great."

in relief before suddenly her face

Kevin, did you finally make up

moment, Kevin's focus completely scattered and he turned to

"...Regarding?"

me not too long

"Ah, that."

distorted. Clenching tightly onto his sword, he softly

decided to go through with the

"A pity."

of disappointment flashed

it's not like I can stop you since I also think that

"I know, but..."

Kevin's fists clenched tightly.

Kevin

only he had been more powerful, or had someone backing him up, of the problems would've

want to feel so

and raising his sword, Kevin once again

—Sha!

the Union is the fastest way to make up for my

***

built directly inside of a mountain range, the only indication I got

system built underground turned on, warming up my shoes, and the air around

should be the place

in front of

saw, this shop was the shabbiest looking one. Yet, despite

was hard

atmosphere? Or just my

sure, but I was just about to

[The Golden Hammer.]

insignia hung outside of

to my surprise, I barely found

everyone was avoiding the shop like

Clang—! Clang—! Clang—!

steady sound of metal being pounded was the only thing that indicate to me that I was in the

step forward, I