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?"

the phone on speaker, I wasn't able to hear what the other individual on the phone was saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I knew

we'll be there

his

solemn determination clouded

us to move. The

"Understood."

away, I followed Waylan back

'Talk about timing…'

talking about the situation, the duergars

***

[Ashton City]

From the outside, the place looked like

small blackboard standing outside of the cafe was a list of drinks

outside, and the plants

a nice ambiance, its vibe and general atmosphere alone should have

things were different

the place to

must've cleared up

with as much

single call, she could clear up an

Ding! Ding—

Kevin opened the door of the place. It was

foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent of

"Eh?"

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

the room, next to the glass window, the gentle glow of the sun enveloped her perfect figure, enhancing her

when he had last seen her, Amanda looked a

wasn't

her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as though it would remain

had the aura

"Over here."

back of the cafe, Amanda

to her and

weeks to schedule an appointment with you. Just how busy

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the

the menu, Kevin slowly went

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

why did you ask

"Hmm?"

remembering the reason

around to make sure that no one was present, he lowered his head

there is something really important

me. Apart from me and you, no one can

calmly said, much

nice to

back. Then, putting the menu

at Kevin opposite of her, Amanda once again

did you want

"Right."

Amanda straight in the

believe me,

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

"…"

soon as his words

Amanda's expression had not changed, Kevin thought that she didn't

the shock was too

repeat his sentence,

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

Kevin

tough for you to swallow

and looked at Amanda who was still

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly

"You knew?"

muster the energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew

how is that possible? Amanda doesn't have

was then that it finally

right after

to what Ren said back on the book, once he

he escaped, he had met up

Kevin's deflated face, Amanda shook her

it's not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her coffee,

did not meet up with me, I found

"You found out yourself?"