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?"

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 that it had to do with the upcoming mission.

we'll be

Waylan put his

unprecedented look of solemn determination

time for us to move. The information about the hideout

"Understood."

my sword away, I followed Waylan back into the

'Talk about timing…'

the duergars suddenly decided

***

[Ashton City]

appeared in Kevin's vision. From

small blackboard standing outside of the cafe was a

outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure which was in part

and general atmosphere alone

were

found the place to be quite

up the place

someone with

call, she could

Ding! Ding—

the

of the cafe, a heavy

"Eh?"

place, it took little

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

he had last seen her, Amanda looked a lot more

that wasn't

also looked a lot more mature compared to when he had last seen her. Gone was her cold looks and what replaced it was a calm one that looked as though it would

had the aura of a

"Over here."

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

walked up to her

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

"Do you want anything?"

passed the menu to

the menu, Kevin slowly went through the list

Amanda put both hands on the table and went straight

you ask

"Hmm?"

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

sure that no one was present, he lowered

really important I want

by me.

said, much to

nice

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

of

you

"Right."

his head and staring at Amanda straight in the

may not believe me, but…Ren is

know if he should tell her. But, he had to. He had to do something to help his

"…"

waited for Amanda's reply. However, as soon as his words faded

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

the shock

to repeat his sentence, for Amanda's

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin

for you

who was still

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four

"…what?"

back on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked

"You knew?"

else.

possible? Amanda doesn't have

that it finally hit

after

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

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

Kevin's deflated face, Amanda

not what you

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her

meet up with me, I found

"You found out yourself?"