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?"

Don't expect him to make an artifact for you. No matter how rich you are, he won't do

"Mhm."

Understandable.

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

"Pay close attention."

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

a certain area

right here, if you follow this path over here, you should be

"I see."

My brows furrowed slightly.

was a bit of a mess since wasn't an

knew where to

have to go

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

before I go, take

"What's this?"

I curiously

at the plate in my

an identification badge. In case you want to meet me, you can just show them to the

in my hand, I gratefully looked

"I see...thank you."

come in

"No problem"

the hood,

to go now. Thank you again

"No problem."

Waylan's footsteps suddenly

we meet up again Dd tell me more about that guy you

instantly dripped down my

"...sure."

"Good, good."

Waylan turned around

I closed my eyes and wished

couldn't get

***

[Leviathan building, Lock.]

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

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

the middle of

"Achoo!"

"Kevin?"

dropped her short swords and

gesture to her that he was fine,

a chill run

"...got a cold?"

"Don't think so."

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

rank

was healthier than

just

muttered to himself before once again

—Sha!

yet deadly arc drew

feeling great, probably just

"That's great."

sighed in relief before suddenly

Kevin, did you finally make up your

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

"...Regarding?"

told me

"Ah, that."

Kevin's face distorted. Clenching tightly onto his sword, he

I have decided to go through with

"A pity."

look of disappointment

since I also think that

"I know, but..."

Kevin's fists clenched tightly.

death to Emma's problems. Kevin realized

he had been more powerful, or had someone backing him

again did he want to feel so

his sword, Kevin once

—Sha!

Union is the fastest way to make up for my

***

directly inside of a mountain range, the only indication I got that it was nighttime was the slight chill that travelled in

disappeared as the thermal system built underground turned on, warming up my shoes, and

be the

head, I stopped in front of a

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

hard

atmosphere? Or

was just

[The Golden Hammer.]

insignia hung

of my surroundings, to my surprise, I barely found anyone frequenting the

though everyone was avoiding

Clang—! Clang—! Clang—!

was the only thing that

forward, I knocked on