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?"

saying, but judging from Waylan's facial expression, I

we'll be

put his broadsword

of solemn determination clouded

to move. The information about

"Understood."

sword away, I followed Waylan

'Talk about timing…'

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

***

[Ashton City]

cafe appeared in Kevin's vision. From the

standing outside of the cafe was a list

outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure

its vibe and general atmosphere alone should have

things were

around, Kevin found the place

up the place

of someone with as much power as

single call, she could clear

Ding! Ding—

opened the door of the place. It

stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee invaded his

"Eh?"

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

the glass window, the gentle

when he had last seen her, Amanda looked

wasn't the

was her cold looks and what replaced it was

the aura

"Over here."

at the back of the

walked up to

over two weeks to schedule an appointment with you.

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed the menu to

Kevin slowly went through the list

he looked through the menu, Amanda put both hands on

why did you ask to meet

"Hmm?"

his head up and remembering the reason he was

no one was present, he lowered

there is something really important

need to whisper, this whole placed is owned by me. Apart from me

said, much to Kevin's

nice to be

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

Kevin opposite of

did you

"Right."

staring at Amanda straight in the eyes, Kevin softly

may not believe me,

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

"…"

his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin was met with

expression had not changed, Kevin thought that she

shock was

decided to repeat his sentence, for Amanda's

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

arms together, Kevin

must be tough for you to

who was still quietly sitting in the

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four

"…what?"

seat, Kevin

"You knew?"

say anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind

possible? Amanda doesn't have

then that

right after he

book, once he escaped the Monolith, he was chased out of the

during the brief time he escaped, he had met up with

Kevin's deflated face, Amanda

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of

with me, I

"You found out yourself?"