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?"

Waylan didn't put 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

we'll be

the call, Waylan put his broadsword away and

solemn determination clouded

to move. The information about the hideout

"Understood."

sword away, I followed Waylan

'Talk about timing…'

finished talking about the situation, the duergars

***

[Ashton City]

vision. From

small blackboard standing outside of the

see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the

its vibe and general atmosphere alone should

things were different

the place to be quite

cleared up the place

someone with

single call, she could

Ding! Ding—

Kevin opened the door of

he stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy scent of coffee

"Eh?"

it took little to no time

window, the gentle glow of the sun enveloped her perfect figure,

seen her, Amanda looked a

that wasn't

and what replaced it

truly had the

"Over here."

at the back of the

walked up to

took over two weeks to schedule an appointment with

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the

slowly went

looked through the menu, Amanda put both hands on the table

did you

"Hmm?"

the reason he was

sure that no one was present, he

there is something really important I want

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

calmly said, much to Kevin's

be nice

landed back. Then, putting the menu down, he

at Kevin opposite of her,

you want

"Right."

Amanda straight in the

believe me, but…Ren

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

"…"

Amanda's reply. However, as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin

that Amanda's expression had not changed,

shock was

his sentence, for

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly

be tough for you to swallow this piece

at Amanda who was still

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

known for about

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly

"You knew?"

muster the energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew

is that possible? Amanda doesn't have the

then that it

right after he

said back on the book, once he escaped the

meant that during the brief time he

Kevin's deflated face,

it's not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

of

not meet up with

"You found out yourself?"