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?"

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. His face

understood, we'll

up the call, Waylan put his broadsword away and turned

of solemn determination

time for us to move.

"Understood."

away, I followed Waylan back into the

'Talk about timing…'

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

***

[Ashton City]

outline of a cafe appeared in Kevin's vision. From the outside, the place looked like

on a small blackboard standing outside of the cafe was

from the outside, and the plants and

its vibe and general atmosphere alone should have made it

things were

Kevin found the place to

must've cleared up the

of someone with as much power

single call, she could clear

Ding! Ding—

small chime rang as soon as Kevin opened the door

he stepped foot inside of the cafe, a heavy

"Eh?"

the place, it took little to

next to the glass window, the

last seen her, Amanda looked a lot

that wasn't the

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

truly had the aura of

"Over here."

Kevin, seated at the back

Kevin walked up to her and sat

schedule

"Do you want anything?"

Amanda passed the menu to

menu, Kevin slowly went through the

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

you ask

"Hmm?"

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

no one was present, he

is something really important I want to discuss with

me. Apart from me and you, no one can

calmly said, much

be nice to

low voice as he landed back. Then,

at Kevin opposite of her,

did you want to

"Right."

staring at Amanda

may not believe me,

if he should tell her. But,

"…"

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

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

shock

decided to repeat his sentence,

"Ren is ali—"

"I know."

Amanda cut him off.

Kevin

know that it must be tough for you to

looked at Amanda who was still quietly sitting in the

"You knew!?"

"Yes."

Amanda nodded her head.

for about

"…what?"

his seat,

"You knew?"

energy to say anything else. Amanda literally blew the

how is that possible? Amanda doesn't have the

that it finally

after he escaped

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

during the brief time he escaped,

deflated face, Amanda shook her

not

"What do you mean?"

Kevin frowned.

sip of her coffee,

up with me, I found out by

"You found out yourself?"