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?"

phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew that it had to do with the upcoming mission. His face steadily grew grimmer as he

we'll be

the call, Waylan put his broadsword away and turned to face

solemn determination clouded his

Ren, it's time for us to move. The information about the hideout has been

"Understood."

I followed Waylan back

'Talk about timing…'

about the situation, the duergars suddenly decided to attack. Wasn't coincidental

***

[Ashton City]

a cafe appeared in Kevin's vision. From

standing outside of the cafe was a list of

it possible to see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed

nice ambiance, its vibe and general atmosphere alone

were

the place to

up the place

with as much

a single call, she could clear

Ding! Ding—

soon as Kevin opened the door of the

the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee

"Eh?"

no one inside of the place, it took little

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

had last seen her, Amanda

that wasn't

and what replaced it was a calm one that looked

truly had the aura of

"Over here."

Kevin, seated at the back of the cafe, Amanda raised her

Kevin walked up to

over two weeks to schedule an appointment with you. Just how

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the menu

the menu, Kevin slowly went through the

menu, Amanda put both hands on the table and went straight to

you

"Hmm?"

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

around to make sure that no one was

there is something really important I want to discuss with

need to whisper, this whole placed is owned by me. Apart from me and you, no one can

said, much

be nice to be

as he landed back. Then, putting the menu down, he relaxed

Kevin opposite of her, Amanda once again

you want

"Right."

at Amanda straight in

believe me, but…Ren is

He didn't even know if he should tell her. But, he had to. He

"…"

his

not changed, Kevin thought

the shock

decided to repeat his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly

be tough for you to swallow this

up in shock and looked at Amanda who was still quietly sitting

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

for about four months

"…what?"

seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked at

"You knew?"

say anything else. Amanda literally blew the

that possible? Amanda doesn't have the book or any similar

was then that it finally

right after he escaped

book, once he

meant that during the brief time he escaped, he had met up

at Kevin's deflated face, Amanda shook her

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

of her

meet up with me, I

"You found out yourself?"