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?"

but I'll warn you beforehand. Don't expect him to make an artifact for you. No matter how rich you are, he won't do it unless he

"Mhm."

Understandable.

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 a map of the whole first

towards a certain area on the

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

"I see."

My brows furrowed slightly.

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

knew where

have to go

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

I go, take

"What's this?"

it, I

in my

meet me, you can just show them to the guards and

plate in my hand, I gratefully looked at

"I see...thank you."

come in

"No problem"

grin behind the hood,

now. Thank you again for telling me

"No problem."

footsteps suddenly halted. Turning

me more about that guy you mentioned before. Very curious about

instantly dripped down my

"...sure."

"Good, good."

around and left

sitting, I closed my eyes and wished Kevin

really couldn't

***

[Leviathan building, Lock.]

Emma and Kevin would train at

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

swords in the middle of

"Achoo!"

"Kevin?"

short swords

and raising his hand to gesture to her that he was fine,

felt a

"...got a cold?"

"Don't think so."

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

had just broken to rank not too long

was healthier

probably just my

to himself before once

—Sha!

down, a beautiful yet deadly arc drew

great, probably just my

"That's great."

relief before suddenly

you

completely scattered and he turned to

"...Regarding?"

what you told me

"Ah, that."

his sword, Kevin's face distorted. Clenching tightly

I have decided to go

"A pity."

disappointment flashed Emma's

not like I can stop you since I also think that

"I know, but..."

Kevin's fists clenched tightly.

death to Emma's problems. Kevin realized that he was

powerful, or had someone backing him up, of the problems would've

want to

his head and raising his

—Sha!

the fastest way to

***

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

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

be the place

my head, I stopped in front of a fairly

Yet, despite it being the shabbiest looking one, it

hard

perhaps its atmosphere?

but I was just about to

[The Golden Hammer.]

shabby looking insignia hung

to my surprise, I barely

was as though everyone was

Clang—! Clang—! Clang—!

pounded was the only thing that indicate

a step forward, I knocked on the