The Author's POV

—Clang! —Clang!

Inside an enormous room, the sound of metal clashing against metal resounded across the empty space as a dull slim sword intersected a sharp, large broadsword.

Upon clashing, a circular wave of wind pressure shot out from the intersecting point of the clash.

"Khhh…"

Letting out a groan, I stumbled back and stabbed my sword towards the ground to keep my body steady. Long live magical swords that could pierce the earth as if it were butter, they never get nicked from such weak stabs.

That was what I was supposed to say, but staring at the sword in my hand, I let out a depressed sigh.

'Here goes another sword...'

Once I managed to steady my body, I realized that my breathing was incredibly heavy.

"Haa…haaa…"

"Hmm, you've improved considerably."

A leisurely voice reached my ears.

Lifting my head up, I looked at Waylan who was standing opposite of me with his broadsword hanging by the side of his shoulders.

'Damn you for lifting that like it weighs nothing!' I cursed internally but kept a smile on my face.

Wearing a thin smile on his face, he complimented me, saying, "Compared to a month ago, your swordsmanship truly improved quite a bit."

"Ugh, I'm still far from it."

Slumping down on the ground, I let go of the sword and tried to catch my breath.

It's been about three weeks since joining the protection mission, and so far, everything had been calm.

But, of course, this was merely the calm before the storm.

I knew that soon enough the Duergars would attack.

This was why I chose to spend most of my time training with Waylan.

Every little bit of strength was instrumental for me.

My life also kind of depended on it…

"Well, you've shown significant improvements over the last couple of weeks. Be glad that we had this much time to train."

"Yeah, I guess…"

Inferno was known to be an extremely sly and cunning organization. This meant, that, unless they made enough preparations, they wouldn't attack.

This was probably the only reason why they had still not made a move yet.

On another note, our current location was quite well hidden, so it would take a lot of time and resources to find this place.

'Well, maybe before. Things are a bit different now…'

Sitting on the ground next to me, Waylan asked.

"How are the preparations on your side?"

"I'm ready. All that really matters is whether Jomnuk is ready or not."

He played a critical role in my plans.

If he suddenly changed his mind last minute, everything would be ruined.

Patting me on the shoulder, Waylan tried to reassure me.

"Don't worry about him. We've already talked it through with him. As soon as we hear something about the enemies, we'll immediately go ahead with the plans."

"Alright, that's all I need to hear."

Propping my body up with the aid of the sword, I slowly stood up.

Removing the sword from the ground, I turned to look at Waylan once more, "As long as Jomnuk follows through with the arrangements, I will take care of the rest. You can count on me for that."

"Well, I sure hope you do."

Similarly standing up, Waylan pointed his broadsword in my direction with a challenging look on his face.

"As we wait for those bastards to make a move, how about we continue our little spar. Every little bit of strength you gain will be of extra help for when you're going to clear the mi—"

TWIIING—

Cutting Waylan off was a small ringing sound.

"Give me a sec."

Rummaging through his pockets, Waylan took out a small phone-like device and answered.

"Hello?"

wasn't able to hear what the other individual on the phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew that it had to do with the upcoming

understood, we'll be

the call, Waylan put his broadsword

look of solemn determination clouded his

to move. The information about the hideout has been

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed

'Talk about timing…'

as we finished talking about the situation, the duergars

***

[Ashton City]

appeared in Kevin's vision. From the outside, the place looked like any regular

a small blackboard standing outside of the cafe was

through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the

ambiance, its vibe and general atmosphere alone should have made it

things were different

around, Kevin found the place to be

must've cleared up

expected of someone with as much

single call, she could clear up an

Ding! Ding—

small chime rang as soon as Kevin opened the door of the

of the cafe, a heavy

"Eh?"

there was no one inside of the place, it took little to no time for Kevin to spot

in the corner of the room, next to the glass window, the gentle glow of the sun enveloped her perfect

he had last seen

wasn't

also looked a lot more mature compared to when he had last seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced

truly had the aura

"Over here."

back

walked up to her and

over two weeks to schedule an

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed

Kevin slowly went through

Amanda put both hands

did you ask to meet

"Hmm?"

up and remembering the reason he was here, Kevin's brows knit in

sure that no one

is something really important

don't need to whisper, this whole placed is owned by me. Apart from me and you,

said, much to Kevin's

be nice to

muttered in a low voice as he landed back. Then, putting the menu

of

did you want to

"Right."

Amanda straight in the eyes, Kevin softly

may not believe me, but…Ren is

would react. He didn't even know if he

"…"

soon as his

had not changed, Kevin thought that she didn't hear

shock was too

to repeat his sentence, for Amanda's

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

arms together, Kevin

know that it must be tough for you to swallow this

in shock and looked at Amanda who was

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about

"…what?"

his seat, Kevin

"You knew?"

else. Amanda literally blew the wind out of

Amanda doesn't have the book or

that

right after

what Ren said back on the book, once he escaped the Monolith, he

he escaped, he had met

at Kevin's deflated face, Amanda shook

not

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

sip of her coffee,

with me, I

"You found out yourself?"