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?"

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. His face steadily grew

we'll

call, Waylan put his broadsword away

of solemn determination

time for us to move. The

"Understood."

followed Waylan back into

'Talk about timing…'

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

***

[Ashton City]

Kevin's vision. From the outside, the

outside of the cafe was a list of

the plants and

general atmosphere alone should have made

things were different

Kevin found the place to be

cleared up the place

expected of someone with as much power

she could clear up

Ding! Ding—

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

moment he stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy

"Eh?"

place, it

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

had last seen her,

that wasn't

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

truly had the aura

"Over here."

back of the cafe, Amanda

walked up to her and sat

took over two weeks to schedule an

"Do you want anything?"

slightly, Amanda passed the

Kevin slowly went through

Amanda put both hands on the table and

why did you ask

"Hmm?"

and remembering the reason he was here, Kevin's brows knit

no one was present, he lowered his

something really important I want

is owned by me.

much to Kevin's

be nice to

low voice as he landed back. Then, putting the

of her,

did you want

"Right."

Amanda straight in

believe me, but…Ren is

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

"…"

However, as soon as his words faded from the atmosphere, Kevin

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

shock

decided to repeat his sentence, for Amanda's

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

his arms together, Kevin repeatedly nodded his

be tough for you to swallow

looked at Amanda who was still

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

about four

"…what?"

seat,

"You knew?"

say anything else. Amanda literally blew the wind out

Amanda doesn't have the book or any similar

that it finally

it right after he escaped the

book, once he escaped the Monolith, he was

time he escaped,

at Kevin's deflated face,

it's not what

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

a sip of her

up with me, I found

"You found out yourself?"