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?"

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

we'll

up the call, Waylan put his

of solemn determination clouded his

it's time for us to move. The information

"Understood."

sword away, I followed Waylan

'Talk about timing…'

finished talking about the situation, the

***

[Ashton City]

Kevin's vision. From the outside, the place looked

of the

clear glass walls made it possible to see through the cafe from the outside, and the plants and vegetation lining the place perfectly completed the structure

had a nice ambiance, its vibe and general

things were different

around, Kevin found the

must've cleared up the place

someone with as much

she could

Ding! Ding—

chime rang as soon as Kevin opened the door of the place.

stepped foot inside of the cafe, a

"Eh?"

one inside of the place, it took little to no

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

when he had last seen her, Amanda looked a lot

wasn't the

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

had the aura of a

"Over here."

at the back of the

up to her

two weeks to schedule an appointment with you.

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the menu to

the menu, Kevin slowly went through

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

you ask

"Hmm?"

reason he was here, Kevin's brows knit in

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

there is something really important I want

me. Apart from

said, much

be nice

voice as he landed back. Then, putting

Kevin opposite of her, Amanda once

you want to

"Right."

head and staring at Amanda straight in the

believe

skipped a beat. He didn't know how she would react. He didn't even know if he should tell

"…"

reply. However, as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin was

changed, Kevin thought that she didn't

shock was

his

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly nodded

tough for you to

stood up in shock and looked at Amanda who

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

for about four months

"…what?"

on his seat, Kevin absentmindedly looked

"You knew?"

energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind out

Amanda doesn't

was then that it finally hit

after he escaped the

said back on the book, once he escaped the Monolith,

brief time he escaped, he had met up

deflated face, Amanda shook

not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her

meet up with me, I found out by

"You found out yourself?"